Podcasts about niv therefore

Blockbuster Sunday | September 28, 2025Pastor Wes Morris Matthew 7:24–27 (NIV) Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.BUILT DIFFERENT: FAMILIESI.  WE WALK BY FAITH.Hebrews 11:8 (NIV) By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.Hebrews 10:39 (NIV) But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.  - Elisabeth ElliotII.  WE SEE GOD IN EVERY SITUATION.Habakkuk 3:17–18 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.III.  WE DON'T GIVE UP. Galatians 6:9 (NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.Group Discussion Questions + PracticeOpening QuestionWhat's one of your favorite Christian/Worship songs or artists from when you first started following Jesus?”1. We Walk by FaithIn the first scene, David leaves everything behind in Australia. What's one time you had to take a step of faith without knowing how it would turn out?What fears usually hold us back from walking by faith as individuals or families?How can we build rhythms in our homes that keep us rooted in faith?2. We See God in Every SituationThanksgiving scene: David feels like a failure, but he sees his daughter's gift and God's blessing. Why is it so hard to see God in our struggles?Read Habakkuk 3:17–18. How does this passage challenge your perspective on gratitude and worship?What's one situation in your life right now where you need to intentionally look for God's hand at work?3. We Don't Give Up“Burn the ships” scene: The family chooses perseverance. What's an area where you've been tempted to give up, but God is calling you to press on?Read Galatians 6:9. How do we encourage each other not to grow weary in doing good?What practices or habits help families (or friendships) keep going when life gets hard?Practice Next StepsGratitude Challenge: Each day, write down one place you see God's hand at work in both the highs and the lows.Encouragement Partner: Commit to checking in with a friend this week to pray specifically for perseverance in one area of life.Movie Info:Copyright holder: Lions Gate Entertainment Inc.Year of copyright: 2024Distributor: LionsgateProduction companies: Kingdom Story Company and Candy Rock Entertainment also have production credits for the film. 

Jesus doesn't say, try not to worry. He says, Don't.In this week's episode, Susie and Angie sit down for one last conversation in our current season to explore what Jesus meant in Matthew 6:34 when He told us not to be anxious about tomorrow. Together, we unpack the meaning behind the word “worry,” discover the freedom that comes from contentment, and share the ways God is gently helping us trust Him with the future one day at a time.If you've ever struggled to stay grounded in the present or felt pulled apart by imagined future threats, this conversation is for you. You'll hear biblical encouragement, personal stories, and honest reflections on how worry distracts us from the peace and provision Jesus offers right now.This episode also marks a turning point as we prepare to shift into a new season of the podcast. Don't miss this tender send-off and powerful reminder that God's care is steady, even when everything else feels uncertain. Matthew 6:34 (NIV)Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. https://livesteadyon.com/https://susiecrosby.com/ https://www.logos.com/https://enduringword.com/https://www.wordhippo.com/https://www.biblegateway.com/https://www.blueletterbible.org/Rudolf Bultmann, “Μεριμνάω, Προμεριμνάω, Μέριμνα, Ἀμέριμνος,” in Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, ed. Gerhard Kittel, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964–), 589.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), 29.William Barclay, The Gospel of Matthew, Third Ed., The New Daily Study Bible (Edinburgh: Saint Andrew Press, 2001)The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Php 4:6–7. Theme music:Glimmer by Andy Ellison

Never short sell an immeasurably more God.Never underestimate the power of a simple prayer offered on behalf of a complex situation.Never dismiss the impact of obedience (disobedience).Never be afraid of the repercussions of telling the truth in love. One of those repercussions is freedom.When in the dark always ask for more of God. You need Him more than answers, advice or direction.Change always requires change.A desire for change is common, actual change is elusive. Spiritual change always has spiritual opposition. Newton's Law of Motion #1 An object at rest will stay at rest, and an object in motion will stay in motion with the same speed and in the same direction, unless acted upon by a net external force. Application: People tend to stay in the same spiritual and physical spot until the pain of staying exceeds the “pain” required in changing. On the positive side, spiritual momentum is also difficult to stop.Newton's Law of Motion #2 The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. Application: Surrender/Repentance is a powerful force and spiritual change requires it.Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement: he is a rebel who must lay down his arms. C.S. Lewis.Newton's Law of Motion #3 For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Application: We pose the greatest threat to Satan's kingdom when we gain spiritual strength, a spiritual family and spiritual momentum. Salvation is the act of freedom and life. Sotiera & Sozo = Deliverance, rescue, freedom, wholeness. Acts 4:8-13 (NIV) 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.'(Psalm 118:22) 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.Salvation being found in no one else other than Jesus, is a non-starter in a relative truth culture. Salvation is the most inclusive offer known to mankind. Salvation has no racial, gender, political, economic or geographic or educational qualifications. BUT salvation has only one gate – Jesus. Sin is a separator, Jesus is a connector. John 3:16 (NIV) 16 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. Part of Satan's deception around salvation is, you don't deserve this and you will be rejected.Justification is a legal action of setting right. Romans 10:9,10 (NIV) 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.With our repentance, surrender and confession, we are cleansed (saved) of all of our sins and the sin barrier between us and God is gone – this is a loving fatherly act. God now declares us justified – in right legal standing, penalty of our sin paid, free! This is His Just Judge “side” of God. Love can't exist without challenge. Salvation = Changed Relationship Justification = Changed StatusSanctification is the act of setting apart. The Hebrew root for sanctification means “set apart” and “brightness”. The difference between salvation, justification and sanctification is we play a more integrated role in our sanctification. While God does all three, sanctification is an ongoing process that requires our cooperation and continual surrender. Sanctification is an ongoing process of change. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 (NIV) As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.“how to live” points to an ongoing process. “more and more” is an ongoing advancement. Romans 7 & 8 deserves a slow readSalvation = Changed Relationship. Justification = Changed Status. Sanctification = Changed LivingRomans 12:1-2 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.The Process of Change…Respond in offering yourself in worship. Offer your whole selfThe more you hold onto yourself, the less you can hold onto God.Stop the conforming. Stopping Starves. Starved things die. Reject cultures attempt to squeeze you into their mold.Start the transforming. The fuel of spiritual transformation is spiritual mind renewal. The Word challenges and changes your thinking. The Truth of God's word is the only force strong enough for transformation. The best case for change is to hear/see and offer testimonies of change. Revelation 12:11(NIV) They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Let's celebrate some triumphing with some testimony. John 11:43b-44 (NIV) 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”To exit death, you have to respond to Jesus' call to life. Once alive, ditch the dead stuff. Undeniable life comes with unavoidable backlash. Life QuestionsIs Jesus calling you out of a grave, today? Come forth!What dead stuff do you need to ditch? Ask for help and participate in stripping off the dead stuff that doesn't match the living God.Don't be afraid to live the life of Christ in dead circles. Everybody needs this life.

In this sermon, Dion van Breda wraps up the preaching series on the Book of Habbakuk, with the encouragement that when we know what God has done before, we can trust Him while we wait for Him to act in our present circumstances.1 Corinthians 12: 7 - 10 (NIV)Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Send us a textPurpose & Global MissionMatthew 28:19–20 Daily Prayer – Global Mission, Discipleship, Purpose, Great Commission & God's Calling @267 Daily Devotional PodcastMatthew 28:19–20 (NIV) – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”SHOW NOTES Are you searching for daily prayer about your purpose and mission in life? Do you long to walk in the Great Commission? This is the Daily Christian Devotional Podcast with Reverend Ben Cooper, recorded live in London, England, reaching believers worldwide on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Buzzsprout.Today's devotion reflects on Matthew 28:19–20, the call to make disciples of all nations. Reverend Ben Cooper prays for clarity of calling, boldness in witness, and obedience to God's mission.This devotion reminds us that every believer carries the mission of Christ.10 PRAYER POINTS – PURPOSE & GLOBAL MISSIONPrayer for clarity of calling.Prayer for boldness in witness.Prayer for obedience to the Great Commission.Prayer for courage in mission.Prayer for discipleship in nations.Prayer for faith to step into purpose.Prayer for unity in global mission.Prayer for favor in ministry.Prayer for guidance in God's plan.Prayer for perseverance in calling.LIFE APPLICATION Each day, pray Matthew 28:19–20. Ask God to reveal your part in His global mission.CALL TO ACTION If this devotion challenged you, subscribe and share the Daily Christian Devotional Podcast. Support the mission: RB Christian Radio. Daily Christian Devotional Podcast, Daily Prayer Devotion, Reverend Ben Cooper, Matthew 28:19–20 Great Commission, Prayer for Global Mission, Bible Verses about God's Purpose, Daily Christian Devotional London England, Prayer for Clarity of Calling, Prayer for Discipleship in Nations, Spotify Christian Devotional Podcast, Apple Christian Prayer Podcast, Global Christian DevotionSupport the showThank you for listening! For more inspiring content, visit our main site at RBChristianRadio.net. Explore our ministry services and celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net. If you'd like to support our work, you can now Buy Me a Coffee and help us keep spreading the word. Every bit makes a difference! God bless and see you in the next episode.

“Brain washing” #2 by Pastor George Lehman (This is not about being brain washed; but about washing our brain (soul) with the Word) Satan uses a vacant mind as a dumping ground. Put up a “no dumping” sign over your mind. The problem is our ‘no dumping' sign is covered with: worry, defeat, discouragement, anxiety and fear. Get a grip on your MIND and get a grip on your life. It's a known fact that you become what you think. Proverbs 23:7 (KJV) - “For as (a man) thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Predominant thoughts present present action.  An uncontrolled mind produces an uncontrolled life. Let me ask you, when last did you replace a negative, anxious, fearful or failure thought with God's positive truth from His Word? Both Paul and Peter gave some very clear instructions that will help you to get a grip on your mind and get a grip on your life. 1 Peter 1:13 (NIV) - Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. Notice where we must prepare; our mind (soul). Set your minds and keep them set. Spiritual Alertness: It means being spiritually alert and sober-minded, ready to resist temptation and stand firm in faith against the spiritual battles that we as believers face. Philippians 4:8 (Amp) - For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. These scriptures tell us that we are the WARDENS and Gatekeepers of our own minds – we decide what enters our minds. The question is - what kind of life do you want? The life you're living right now is what you have allowed into your mind. Let me tell you, if you want to experience the continual blessings, prosperity and victory that God has ordained for you then you need to monitor the thoughts you think (garbage in, garbage out). You need to let the Word of God get a good grip on your MIND. Once you let the Word grab hold of your thought patterns and you tune into the Holy Spirit, I promise you, your mind will begin to tune out the negative things that are destroying your faith. Set your minds and keep them set. Like a car radio, you set the program until it's tunes in then press memory and you'll keep it set on that station You cannot be on the same frequency of the Holy Spirit and the devil's lies, if you do then you'll process the supernatural, powerful things that God thinks about you and says about you.  Your seeking His face will be with (great expectation). Your thoughts will become His thoughts and His ways your ways. I guarantee you; you will walk and live in a new dynamic. John 14:12 (Amp) - I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father. 1 Corinthians 2:16 (Amp) - For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge?  But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart.           We can think God's thoughts concerning us instead of the enemy's proposals, which only suggest failure, sickness, defeat, poverty, weakness, fear, worry, anger, resentment, inferiority and so many other negative emotions. Here's a comforting thought – God has thought clearly about our victory and success. Isaiah 14:24 (Amp) – The Lord of hosts has sworn, saying, Surely, as I have thought and planned, so shall it come to pass, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand. He doesn't see you with problems or as a failure. He sees you in the completed fulfilled purposed position that He died for you to have and receive.   Psalm 139:17 (Amp) – How precious and weighty also are your thoughts to me, o God!!.  How vast is the sum of them?   Jeremiah 29:11 – I know the thoughts and plans I have for your life.   Isaiah 55:11 (NIV) - So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. We must wash our MINDS with some truths AND get a grip on your life. You'll always be more convinced by what you've discovered than by what others have found: Go from being dependent on others to being dependent on God. He is the source of direction.  Yet too many people base what they believe, do and say on what others believe, do and say. Revelation is only revelation when it's your revelation.  God is best known by revelation, not explanation. Obviously, God uses Pastors, Christian leaders, books, Christian TV, tapes and other ways to speak truth into our lives. The most important conviction in our lives cannot be reached on the word of another. “The Bible is so simple you have to have someone else help you misunderstand it,” says Charles Capps. Theologians are always trying to make the Bible a book without common sense.  God made it easy to find out for ourselves. If you don't decide to get a grip on your mind and get a grip on your life - no one can do it for you! At this point, let's look at things that will help you get a grip on your mind, because whatever is keeping your life unproductive – “originated in your MIND”. Can I encourage you, look at your life, look at your productivity and effectiveness. If what's in your life isn't good, in Jesus Name, don't approve it!, don't get comfortable with it! don't get satisfied with it! Change it. Just remember, you're the one – who has approved your poor prayer life and your lack of studying God's Word. Decide now to get a grip on your mind and you'll get a grip on your life. Be Brainwashed by Gods wonderful truths!!! When we win in our minds, we going to win in our lives!

“Brain washing” #1 By Pastor George Lehman   It is possible for a child of God to have a new life, and a new heart, but be without a new head. We are New Kingdom people with Old Kingdom thinking I'm not talking about being brainwashed to believe something you don't want to. Realizing where the war is Romans 7:21-25 (Amp) - 21So I find it to be a law (rule of action of my being) that when I want to do what is right and good, evil is ever present with me and I am subject to its insistent demands. 22For I endorse and delight in the Law of God in my inmost self [with my new nature].  23But I discern in my bodily members in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh] a different law (rule of action) at war against the law of my mind (my reason) and making me a prisoner to the law of sin that dwells in my bodily organs [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh].  24O unhappy and pitiable and wretched man that I am!  Who will release and deliver me from [the shackles of] this body of death?  25O thank God!  [He will!] through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One) our Lord!  So then indeed I, of myself with the mind and heart, serve the Law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. Thanks be to God it is possible.  Imagine 2 countries at war.  Bombs, rifle fire, lots of noise. The only problem is that the armies are fighting in 2 completely different areas.  How can anyone win over the other if they're not fighting at the same spot? So many spirit-filled believers go through life defeated – AND don't walk in their promised land (the fullness of God) because they don't know where the war is in their lives. So many Christians believe their failures and defeats come from: Bad luck - Bad timing - Bad family background and Any other negative circumstances. When actually they don't understand that their failures and defeats in life come as a result of “Losing the WAR in the MIND”. Some Christians don't even realize there is a war! Many think or say, “I am a Christian, but life is just this way”. Their life is a bit like going from victory to defeat – up and down life. I Can't be a good witness for Jesus.  An enthusiastic, effective life is for special people, “NOT ME”. Listen, there is a WAR, and we have an enemy. Revelation 12:9-12 (Amp) - 9And the huge dragon was cast down and out - that age-old serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, he who is the seducer (deceiver) of all humanity the world over; he was forced out and down to the earth, and his angels were flung out along with him.  10Then I heard a strong (loud) voice in heaven, saying, Now it has come - the salvation and the power and the kingdom (the dominion, the reign) of our God, and the power (the sovereignty, the authority) of His Christ (the Messiah); for the accuser of our brethren, he who keeps bringing before our God charges against them day and night, has been cast out!  11And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life even when faced with death [holding their lives cheap till they had to die for their witnessing].  12Therefore, be glad (exult), O heavens and you that dwell in them!  But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in fierce anger (fury), because he knows that he has [only] a short time [left]! The devil lost his fight in heaven and got kicked out onto earth.  The result is he's desperate to destroy the lives of God's highest creation. However, God sent Jesus to redeem mankind and empower us to defeat the devil. The Work is finished, Jesus is seated, all we need to do is embrace the truth and make it our own. John 10:10 (NIV) - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.(Abundant life) Luke 10:19 (NIV) - I have given you authority to trample snakes and scorpions, and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. Jesus gave us Authority over ALL of Satan's power.   So why are we still at WAR? Satan knows that Jesus came so we could have life and have it more abundantly.  You see, Satan came to steal, kill and destroy that which Jesus has already died for us to have and possess.  If he can steal, kill or destroy our concept and understanding of Jesus' finished work “in your thought life”, then he can steal, kill and destroy us. The only real weapon Satan can use against us is DECEPTION.  Deception begins in our minds, in our thought patterns Deceive = Make a person believe what is false, mislead purposefully. Did you know: - that the human mind processes around 650 000 thoughts every 24 hours. Some conscious and some sub-conscious. You need to realize this gives the spiritual principalities and the rulers of the darkness of this world, the enemy, about 650 000 opportunities to explode deceptive missiles of fear, doubt, confusion, frustration, anxiety, worry and any other negative device in your mental headquarters (fear=false evidence appearing real). If demons can deceive you into dwelling on these things they gain a tremendous amount of control over your life – it robs you of God's supernatural creative power your mind possesses. If we are going to win this WAR we need to fight in the right place.  We need to set up a strong word governed defence system. Almost like WALLS around a city giving 24 hour protection.   Proverbs 25:28 – Like a city whose walls are broken down, is a man who lacks self control. You need to have self-control as to what you allow into your mental headquarters. 1 Peter 1:13 (NIV) - Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. In order to be able to resist the enemy's attack against your MIND and THOUGHT life we need a good “Holy Ghost-Word-of-God brain washing” daily. Jesus said: John 15:3 (KJV) - Now you are clean through the WORD which I have spoken unto you. Our minds must be washed from whatever deceptive thoughts the enemy has planted in them.  Thoughts that want to take us off our God-ordained prosperous destiny. We really need a good BRAINWASHING. It's the continual hearing of the Word of God that causes the cleansing and renewing of your mind to take place. That's why coming to church and attending Home cells is of paramount importance, as a God ordained place of receiving THE WORD Ephesians 4:23 (Amp) - And be constantly* (without stopping) renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude]. This is how you win the battle in your mind. When you daily brainwash your mind with God's Word, you will be able to stand firm and resist whatever deceptive, negative thoughts the devil sends you regarding that issue you're struggling with.   Jesus said John 8:32 - And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. Ephesians 6:10-12 (Amp) - 10In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides.  11Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.  12For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. It's these spiritual forces that bombard your approximately 650 000 thoughts a day.  Wanting to create: confusion, havoc, fear, doubt, worry, anxiety, depression and all negative emotions available! They don't want you to fulfil your prosperous destiny. Jesus said, “as a man thinks, so is he”. Your Thoughts become your Actions and Your Actions become your Habits and Your Habits become your Character and Your Character becomes your Destiny If you don't like where you're headed (Destiny) change your thinking The first step to winning the WAR - position yourself for success and victory. Realize the war of the enemy is against your mind. Fight the enemy at the right battlefield. 1 Peter 4:1 (KJV) - Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, ARM yourselves likewise with the same MIND:  For He that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin. Philippians 2:5 - Let this MIND be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Jesus' greatest trial in His earthly ministry (about to die on the cross).  Jesus prepared His mind for action and He prayed.  Now you realize where the WAR is. The source of faith: It is told that the great preacher D.L. Moody said, “I prayed for faith and thought that some day it would come down and strike me like lightning But faith didn't seem to come. One day I read in Romans (Rom10:17 that “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” I had up to this time, closed my Bible and prayed for faith.  Now I opened my Bible and began to study, and faith has been growing ever since.” Make a quality decision to defend your mind with a good word “Brainwashing” on a daily basis. Don't be a victim when Jesus made you a victor. Discipline your mind with the anointed Word of God. God blesses His Word – not ours. AMEN

What does it mean to embody Christ, to be the living expression of his love in the world? In this inspiring episode, Stasi invites listeners to embrace our God-given design as image-bearers who carry his presence into our everyday moments. Through Scripture, story, and gentle guidance, Stasi shares how we reflect Jesus not by striving, but by receiving his love, blessing our lives, and living surrendered. Dear one, you matter, and your life reveals the heart of God.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Ephesians 1:18–19 (NIV) – I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV) – We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.John 14:12 (NIV) – Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.Romans 12:1 (NIV) – Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.1 John 1:9 (NIV) – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.Romans 8:1 (NIV) – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) – For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.John 13:35 (NIV) – By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) – And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.Philippians 2:13 (NIV) – For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.John 3:16 (NIV) – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.……..RESOURCES"Apocalypse People: The discipleship movement that will probably change the world" by Blaine Eldredge   ⁠https://wahe.art/4n7GhgC⁠The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World by John Mark Comer  ⁠https://bit.ly/4ne2jOX⁠Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did. by John Mark Comer  ⁠https://bit.ly/4jZThCi⁠Poem – Indwelt by A.S. Wilson:Not merely in the words you say,Not only in your deeds confessed,But in the most unconscious wayIs Christ expressed.Is it a beatific smile,A holy light upon your brow;Oh no, I felt His Presence whileYou laughed just now.For me ‘twas not the truth you taughtTo you so clear, to me still dimBut when you came to me you broughtA sense of Him.And from your eyes He beckons me,And from your heart His love is shed,Til I lose sight of you and seeThe Christ instead.…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode—Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube: ⁠https://wahe.art/4jFlAXu⁠Spotify Podcasts – ⁠https://spoti.fi/42SsOip⁠Apple Podcasts – ⁠https://apple.co/42E0oZ1⁠ Google Podcasts – ⁠http://wahe.art/3M81kxL⁠Amazon Music & Audible – ⁠https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

DIY—Your Faith | Week 1 | How to PrayThere are two types of people: those who DIY everything and those who DIY nothing.  Some of us take pride in doing everything ourselves—whether it's fixing a leaky faucet, repairing a car, or even tackling major home renovations. With countless YouTube tutorials at our fingertips, it seems like anything can be DIY'd.  Then there are those who hear the phrase “don't try this at home” and take it to heart, applying it to every aspect of life.  When it comes to faith, we often treat it the same way. Some of us try to figure it out all on our own, while others rely entirely on someone else—pastors, mentors, or teachers—to guide every step.  But here's the truth: God has already given us everything we need—the resources, wisdom, power, and the ultimate instruction manual, His Word—to DIY our faith. Our relationship with Jesus is personal, and we are called to take ownership of it.  Key Scriptures:  - James 1:22 (NIV) — Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.  - Matthew 7:24 (NIV) — Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  You are not called to figure it all out alone, but you are called to take action.  Over the next several weeks, we'll explore how to DIY our faith—how to pray, read the Bible, study Scripture, and apply its truths to our daily lives.  And the best news? We have the ultimate guide—the Holy Spirit—to lead us through it all.  Learn more at cccfamily.com

DIY—Your Faith | Week 1 | How to PrayThere are two types of people: those who DIY everything and those who DIY nothing.  Some of us take pride in doing everything ourselves—whether it's fixing a leaky faucet, repairing a car, or even tackling major home renovations. With countless YouTube tutorials at our fingertips, it seems like anything can be DIY'd.  Then there are those who hear the phrase “don't try this at home” and take it to heart, applying it to every aspect of life.  When it comes to faith, we often treat it the same way. Some of us try to figure it out all on our own, while others rely entirely on someone else—pastors, mentors, or teachers—to guide every step.  But here's the truth: God has already given us everything we need—the resources, wisdom, power, and the ultimate instruction manual, His Word—to DIY our faith. Our relationship with Jesus is personal, and we are called to take ownership of it.  Key Scriptures:  - James 1:22 (NIV) — Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.  - Matthew 7:24 (NIV) — Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  You are not called to figure it all out alone, but you are called to take action.  Over the next several weeks, we'll explore how to DIY our faith—how to pray, read the Bible, study Scripture, and apply its truths to our daily lives.  And the best news? We have the ultimate guide—the Holy Spirit—to lead us through it all.  Learn more at cccfamily.com

Text: James 5:13-20Theme: As we wrap up the book of James, we close as James does with a clear appeal to the importance and power of prayer. This week we'll look at what we can do to make sure prayer is the solid ground we sink our knees into.Memory Verse: James 5:16 (NIV) “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49468023

The battle you're facing isn't a surprise to God—and He's already equipped you with everything you need to stand firm.In this episode, Angie and Susie explore the meaning of God's full armor and how to wear every piece with confidence and purpose.Ephesians 6:13a (NIV)Therefore put on the full armor of God,https://livesteadyon.com/https://susiecrosby.com/https://www.logos.com/https://enduringword.com/https://www.wordhippo.com/https://www.biblegateway.com/https://www.blueletterbible.org/https://biblehub.com/greek/3833.htmVine, W. "Arms (Weapons), Armor, to Arm - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words." Blue Letter Bible. 24 Jun, 1996. Web. 18 Feb, 2025.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), 357.Max Turner, “Ephesians,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1243.David S. Dockery, “Ephesians,” in CSB Study Bible: Notes, ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017), 1879.Theme music:Glimmer by Andy EllisonLearn more about Susie Crosby's new children's book, "Where is Sheep 100?" here.Midroll Music: Lovely Creations by Dresden, The Flamingo

Getting up when knocked down#2 The power of perseverance By Pastor George Lehman   Hebrews 10:36(Amp) – “For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, (PERSEVERANCE) so that you perform and fully accomplish the will of God and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised. “Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.” - William Feather.   You are not giving up; you are getting up! Perseverance is not really needed when everything is great, when life is fine, no storms, all is okay, work, kids, husband/ wife, life couldn't be better BUT O' you had better hope that this quality called perseverance rises up in your life when times of Knockdowns, and heartache come We cannot talk about getting up when life knocks us down without talking about PERSEVERANCE. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Have you ever experienced so many problems and difficulties in your life that you didn't think you can go on? It's incredibly difficult to keep pressing on when everything and everyone seems to be encouraging you to quit. Unleashing the force called perseverance. When the daily routine of life wears on us and especially when the unexpected rises up to knock us down. Maybe you can relate to these scenarios. We all have our own knock=down stories to tell. We need perseverance to keep going. To persevere means: To persist in a state or undertaking in spite of counter influences, opposition or discouragement. Perseverance in the bible is interchangeable: steadfast and endurance (Staying power)   How is it that some people seem to overcome, not just survive but actually thrive? While others just collapse, even quit, under their steady pressure? Perseverance is about more than repeatedly telling yourself to work harder and keep trying. It is an attitude, an approach to life that can conquer seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It involves faith, patience and character. When perseverance is fully formed, it's one of the most powerful forces you can unleash. When life knocks you down, it's one of your most important weapons for fighting back. Perseverance does not simply ‘happen', it's a trait that must be cultivated. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (Amp) – And as for you, brethren, do not become weary or lose heart in doing right [but continue in well-doing without weakening]. You can develop and expand your ability to endure hard times by applying some of these strategies. #1 Look for joy. James 1:2-3 (NLT) – Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance (Perseverance) has a chance to grow. Psalm 119:143 (NLT) – As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. It is possible to find JOY in what you're going through. #2 Seek out friends, mentors and role models. Never forget, no matter how bad your circumstance, someone has been through this before. 1 Peter 5:9 (NIV) – Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. Find people who can give you godly advice, maybe someone who has gone through similar difficulties as yours. #3  Prepare to persevere. When you're fighting a tough battle over a long period of time, it pays to prepare. Romans 5:3-4 (Amp) – Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance (Perseverance).  And endurance (fortitude)Staanvastigheid develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. Spending at least 30 minutes each morning with uplifting worship, prayer and reading your bible will prepare you like nothing else will. Romans 12:12 (Amp) – Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.   #4 Turn doubts into motivation. Proverbs 17:20 (Msg) -”A bad motive can't achieve a good end: double-talk brings you double –trouble” Self-motivation means speaking Gods word positively and choosing to continue in faith until your breakthrough comes. NB! Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you did. #5 Its okay when you fail. It's tough to keep positive and keep going when every move you make feels like the wrong one. Continual defeat can wear down the most optimistic soul. If you're tired of failing, remember a simple truth “Successful people have more failure than anyone else.” The reason is people who persevere and grow through defeats (Knock-downs) are the ones who eventually succeed. #6 Allow God to grow your perseverance. Psalm 51:10 - Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, {and} steadfast spirit within me. In a mysterious way, our troubles allow us to discover and develop reservoirs of strength and perseverance that most don't realize they have. When you're trusting the Lord, He uses our struggles to expand our ability. Ecclesiastes 3:14 (Msg) – I've also concluded that whatever God does, that's the way it's going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God's done it and that's it. That's so we'll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear. Sometimes we need to be hurt in order to grow. We must fail in order to know. We must lose in order to gain. Some lessons are learned best through pain. No matter what has knocked you down never give up or quit. Let perseverance be your engine that keeps you going. In order to get from what was (the knock down) to what will be (your breakthrough).  You must go through what is (that's perseverance). Please don't forget Paul's encouragement: 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (Amp) – And as for you, brethren, do not become weary or lose heart in doing right {that's perseverance} [but continue in well-doing without weakening]

Finding Jesus in Unexpected Places // Zacchaeus Luke 19:1-10 (NIV)“Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.' So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.' But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.' Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'” Ephesians 4:22-25 (NIV)You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Ephesians 4:28-5:1,2 (NIV)“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others upaccording to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Let us imitate Christ and have the mind of Christ.Ephesians 5:1 (NIV)“Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children.” Philippians 2:1-11 (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! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”    Keys to a Transformed Life          Deny Self         Matthew 16:24 (NIV)         “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves          and take up their cross and follow me.'”          Walk in the Light         Ephesians 5:8-10 (NIV)         “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” Cast Off Hindrances Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Fix Our Eyes on ChristHebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” 

The Vine | June 1, 2025Pastor Wes MorrisJohn 15:1-4 (NLT) I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.√ OUR FAITH FEELS DRY.√ WE CAN LOOK THE PART BUT WE'RE NOT LIVING THE LIFE.II Timothy 3:4-5 (TLB) They will betray their friends; they will be hotheaded, puffed up with pride, and prefer good times to worshiping God. They will go to church, yes, but they won't really believe anything they hear. Don't be taken in by people like that.√ WE SEARCH FOR SOMETHING THAT WILL SATISFY.Psalm 63:1 (NLT) O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. As God is exalted to the right place in our lives, a thousand problems are solved all at once. - A.W. Tozer THE VINEI. STAY CONNECTED. (ABIDING)John 15:4 (NLT) Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.Matthew 18:19 (NIV) 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.James 5:16 (NIV) Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.II. EMBRACE PAIN. (PRUNING)John 15:1-2 (NLT) I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.Romans 5:3 (NLT) We can rejoice when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. III. BE FRUITFUL. (PRODUCING)John 15:5 (NLT) Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.Galatians 5:22-23 (TLB) When the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.John 15:10-11 (NIV) If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Today, Stasi invites us to step into the healing of our past as we learn to see our stories through the eyes of Jesus—with kindness, not shame. Through reflections on forgiveness, restoration, and God's unwavering love, we'll discover that it's not our history that defines us—it's Jesus who does. He invites us to remember our stories with mercy and receive his healing in the places that still ache. Join us as we walk together into his presence, where true healing occurs.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: John 14:27 (NIV) – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.Ephesians 3:17 (NIV) – so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,Act 17:28 (NIV) – For in him we live and move and have our being.'As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.'Philippians 3:12 (NIV) – Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) – Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) – For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.Romans 8:1 (NIV) – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,Isaiah 61:1 (NIV) – The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,1 John 1:9 (NIV) – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.Psalm 103:12 (NIV) – as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.…..RESOURCESBecoming Myself: Embracing God's Dream of You by Stasi Eldredge (Chapters 2 and 3 in particular)  https://amzn.to/4hzdQULExperiencing the Depth of Jesus Christ by Madame Jeanne Guyon  https://amzn.to/3ZnXQ2zThe Sacred Romance by Brent Curtis and John Eldredge  https://amzn.to/41t7MHtExperience Jesus. Really: Finding Refuge, Strength, and Wonder through Everyday Encounters with God by John Eldredge  https://amzn.to/4jEwBZ7Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John and Stasi Eldredgehttps://wahe.art/3L9tLMc…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode—Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube: https://wahe.art/4jFlAXuSpotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

Finding Jesus in Unexpected Places // The Human Womb Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)“Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (God with us)” Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” Colossians 2:9 (NIV)“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” Colossians 1:15-22 (NIV)“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” Isaiah 40:12,15 (NLT)“Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? … For all the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket. They are nothing more than dust on the scales. He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand.” John 1:1-4 (NLT)“In the beginning, the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.”     Luke 1:30-39 (NIV)“But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacobʼs descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.' ‘How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?' The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.' ‘I am the Lordʼs servant,” Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her. At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea.” Luke 1:41-42 (NIV)“When Elizabeth heard Maryʼs greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!'” Luke 1:44-45 (NIV)“As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Hebrews 4:15-16 (AMP)“For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God's gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].”  John 1:14 (NIV)The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (MSG)“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son.” John 1:9-11 (NIV)“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” 

Back To Basics // Week 2 // The ChurchPastor JF Wilkerson1 Corinthians 12:12-14; 27 NIV 12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many…27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.1. The BodyRomans 12:4-5 NIV 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all 1. The Body2. The BuildingEphesians 2:18-22 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.1 Peter 2:1-5 NIV Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.Ephesians 4:25; 29-32 NIV 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body…29 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. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.1. The Body2. The Building 3. The BrideEphesians 5:25-27 NIV 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. James 1:19-20;22;26 NIV 19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires…22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says…26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.1. The Body 2. The Building 3. The Bride

Today, Stasi is joined by Emily Wilson Hussem—author, speaker, YouTuber, wife, and mother—to discuss Emily's new book, Sincerely, Stoneheart. Emily pulls back the curtain on the enemy's relentless schemes to attack our hearts. Satan attempts to fill us with fear and discouragement to keep us from stepping into the fullness of who we truly are in Christ. We each hold a unique beauty that God placed within us, and when we root ourselves in God, we can step boldly into the life we are created for.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Psalm 23:1 (NIV) – The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.Psalm 103:12 (NIV) – as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.Matthew 6:34 (NIV) – Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.2 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV) – in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.John 10:10 (NIV) – The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.John 8:32 (NIV) – Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.…..EMILY WILSON HUSSEMWebsite: https://emilywilsonministries.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/emilyywilsonnInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emwilss/Book: Sincerely, Stoneheart: Unmask the Enemy's Lies, Find the Truth That Sets You Free   https://amzn.to/4kl4nDhMarcam: A live action, educational and entertaining kids show for children ages 2 - 6  https://marcamshow.com/Emily Wilson Hussem Bio:Emily Wilson Hussem is a speaker, author, wife, and mother who shares her witness of faith at conferences and events across the globe. She shares on the topics of femininity, faith, dating, motherhood, and relationships, and her books, videos, and talks continue to inspire and encourage women of all ages. Emily lives in Southern California with her husband, Daniël, and their three glorious children, Zion, Jedidiah, and Pearl. …..RESOURCESThe Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis  https://amzn.to/3FumB5gCaptivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John and Stasi Eldredge  https://wahe.art/3L9tLMc…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube: https://wahe.art/4jFlAXuSpotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

Send us a textEpisode Title: How to Be Set Free from Our Human Nature

Flute 360 | Episode 322: “From Overwhelm to Focus – Doubling Down on What Truly Matters” (Part 4) After countless creative ideas and the constant challenge juggling everyday life, many modern flutists feel stuck—unable to bring their art to life and achieve both creative and financial fulfillment. In this empowering episode, Dr. Heidi Kay Begay shares her personal journey of cutting through the noise to focus on what truly matters. Whether you're juggling multiple projects, overwhelmed by endless ideas, or just unsure where to start, this episode is designed to guide you in transforming creative chaos into purposeful action. Main Points: Embracing Creativity Amid Overwhelm: Discover why having too many ideas is not a flaw—it's a sign of your vibrant creative spirit. Hear the story of my friend, and learn why a systematic approach is essential. Focusing in the Present: Understand the transformative power of “consume less, produce more.” Be inspired by the timeless wisdom of Matthew 6:34 (NIV): “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Prioritizing Projects and Saying “No”: Learn actionable techniques for choosing your top priority and saying “no” to distractions. Find out how focusing on one task at a time leads to real progress and fulfillment. Nourishing Your First Instrument — Yourself: Explore why taking care of your body is vital to sustaining creativity. Get practical advice on cutting down on stimulants and embracing whole foods. PICKS! -Book: John Doerr – “Measure What Matters” -Bonus Recipe: Spinach Wrap Ingredients: • 1/3 cup low-fat cottage cheese • A handful of organic spinach leaves • 2 small eggs Instructions: Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with Einstein Bros Everything Bagel Seasoning. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Fill with your favorite ingredients like turkey meat, tomatoes, mustard, mushrooms, and cheese. Just for You! Learn More About the Coaching Bundle Ready to bring your creativity to life? Purchase my exclusive coaching bundle before 4/30/25 to save $200 (calls can be scheduled in the spring or summer). Join the Flute 360's Accelerator Program Here! The next session is Saturday, 04/26/25 from 11 AM CT to 1 PM CT. TIER 1 for $37 TIER 2 for $67 TIER 3 for $97 Follow Heidi! Follow Flute 360 via TikTok! Follow Flute 360 via Instagram! Follow Flute 360 via Twitter! Follow Flute 360 via LinkedIn! Follow Flute 360 via Facebook! Subscribe to the Flute 360's YouTube Channel! Join the Flute 360 Newsletter! Join the Flute 360 Family's Facebook Private Group!

April 6th 2025Sunday 937!“What you believe about God is the most important thing about you.” A.W. Tozer “What you believe about the Church impacts her influence and your life.” C.W. WeirActs 2:42-47 (NIV) 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.Here is what I know about a growing church…Church growth is realized spiritual impact.When more people are spiritually impacted, more spiritually impactful people are needed.More spiritual impact creates a need for more organization, more resources and more space. The biggest challenge of a growing Church is maintaining unity of purpose/mission. More people can = a splintering of purpose, which in turn minimizes impact. Or more people can = immeasurably more impact. How do we achieve the latter? Immeasurably More ImpactMaintain Personal HumilityPhilippians 2:1-4 (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, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.Immeasurably More ImpactMaintain Personal HumilityIntegrate Giftings1 Corinthians 12. Don't compete for attention. Find your place to serve. Stick the landing.Immeasurably More ImpactMaintain Personal HumilityIntegrate GiftingsUnity of MissionFresh Starts is about an ever-developing relationship with GodGreat Friends is the community shaping, caring, supporting element of the Body of ChristReal Purpose encapsulates that we were built for spiritual influence in every arena in which we work and live.Casting a Big Sail Join ServTeam. Serving fills a hole in you and it fills a hole in others. Pray. Give. “What you believe about the Church impacts her influence and your life.” Dr. C.W. Weir

Immeasurably More // New Identity Ephesians 4:17-32 (NIV)“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  1.     In Christ, We Have a New Identity. Ephesians 4:22 (NIV)“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.” Ephesians 4:24 (NIV)“And to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Colossians 3:9-10 (NIV)“…You have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Romans 13:12, 14 (NIV)“…Let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”  Ephesians 4:1 (NIV)“…I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”  Matthew 6:8 (ESV)“Do not be like them…” Romans 12:2 (NIV)"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” 2.    In Christ We Should be Honest and Not Lie.  Ephesians 4:25 (NIV)“Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” Christians Are to Have Righteous Anger, Not Unrighteous. Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV)“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Psalm 4:4 (ESV)“Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.” Psalm 119:53 (ESV)“Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law.” Mark 3:5 (ESV)“And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart…” Christians Are to Work, Be Generous, and Not Steal. Ephesians 4:28 (NIV)“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.” Christians are to Replace Corrupt Talk with Edifying Talk. 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.” Ephesians 4:30 (NIV)“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”     Christians are to Replace Bitterness and Rage with Kindness and Forgiveness. Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

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!

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

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

TDA  The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com Garth Heckman        Romans 5 1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God (so things should be good now… we got peace - Right?) because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.     In 1983, Australia hosted its ultramarathon, a 573.7 mile foot race from Sydney to Melbourne. This is a race that takes days to run, and professionals from all over the world came to participate. Shortly before the race began, a 61-year-old farmer named Cliff Young, wearing overalls and goulashes over his boots, walked up to the registration table and requested a number to enter the race. The people at the registration table thought it was a joke—that somebody was setting them up—so they laughed. But Cliff Young said, "No, I'd really like to run." So they gave him a number and pinned it on his old overalls. Cliff Young walked over to the start of the race. All the other professional runners, who were decked out in all their running regalia, looked at him like he was crazy. The crowd snickered. They laughed even more when the gun went off and the race began, because all those professional runners had sculpted bodies and beautiful strides, but not Cliff Young. He didn't even run like a runner. Cliff Young ran with an awkward, goofy-looking shuffle. All through the crowd people were laughing, and finally, someone called out, "Get that old fool off the track!" Five days, 14 hours, and four minutes later, at 1:25 in the morning, Cliff Young shuffled across the finish line of the 573.7 mile ultramarathon. He had won the race. And he didn't win by a matter of minutes or even an hour or two. The second place runner was nine hours and 56 minutes behind him. Cliff Young had set a new world record for the ultramarathon. The press mobbed him wondering what kind of special running shoes he must have had, and they rummaged through his backpack wondering what he'd survived on—he'd lived primarily on pumpkin seeds and water—and then they discovered the secret to his success: - HE NEVER STOPPED RUNNING! Cliff Young had shuffled his way to victory without ever sleeping. The other runners would run for 18 hours straight, and then stop and sleep for three or four hours. He endured running five days, 14 hours, and four minutes at the age of 61.   Perseverance "And the perpetual impulse forward always falls back again     to gather new strength.  The fall is brutal, but we set out again." Albert Camus 1954   Query successful Try again without extensions  Here are some verses about perseverance in the Bible: Matthew 10:22 (NIV): "You will be hated by everyone because of my name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.” They will ask: WHY WOULD YOU PERSEVERE FOR CHRIST? - THEY WILL BE MAD, ASHAMED, CONVICTED   2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV): "Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with hardships, with persecutions, and with difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” PAUL STATES THESE HARDSHIPS BRING WEAKNESS AND THEN GOD TAKES OVER… LIFEGUARD WAITING TILL THE GUY GOES UNDER A 3RD TIME - JUST WAITING FOR THE FIGHT TO GET OUT OF HIM.   Hebrews 12:11 (NIV): "No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's always painful. But afterward, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace.” HARVEST - Perseverance while going through it seems like a lot of manure… the harvest is worth it.   James 1:2-4 (NIV): "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of various kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." TRIALS OF VARIOUS KINDS - GK GREATLY DIVERSE GROWING IN INTENSITY. I.E. HOW MUCH GREATER IS YOUR MARRIAGE GOING THROUGH THE TRIALS IN TODAYS WORLD THEN IN 1920? 

Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us THROW OFF everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us RUN with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. FOR THE JOY set before him he...

Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us THROW OFF everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us RUN with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. FOR THE JOY set before him he...

The Offering Of A Consecrated Life Romans 12:1 NIV “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” 1)Present Your Body As A Living Sacrifice 2)The Valuable Thing Given To Honor And Worship God 3)You Are Sacred 4)God Focused, Christ Centered, Spirit Led 5)It's Holy 6)It's Acceptable 7)It's Reasonable 8)It's Offering Time Pastor Dr. Naida M. Parson serves as Senior Pastor at New Antioch Christian Fellowship We are located at 2917 West Washington Las Vegas, NV 89107 Service time 9am Sundays To sow a seed in this ministry you can do so in our several ways Visit us at Newantioch.org (hit the donate tab) Cash app http://cash.app/$NEWACENTRAL Text giving : Text 'NEWACENTRAL' to 77977 Mail in : NACF 2917 West Washington Las Vegas, NV 89107 Social media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NACFCentral Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nacf_lasvegas/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@wearenewantioch

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

Description: As we step into a new year, Karen and Emily are here to help you start fresh. In this episode, they discuss practical tips for breaking bad habits, finding contentment in your current season, and making space for your own growth as a mom. If you're ready to embrace 2025 with renewed purpose and encouragement, you're in the right place.Episode Recap:2:30 - Jumping into the New Year, what are your New Year's resolutions? 9:02 - My childrens' bad moods put me in a bad mood! What can I do about this? 13:34 - How do I prioritize my spiritual growth with 3 under 3 in my home? 17:15 - How do I break the habit of having my 5 year old share the bed with us? 20:50 - I'm struggling with contentment because I want another child but my husband and I both feel like we can't afford another one, help! Scripture for Reflection:2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”Questions for Discussion:Does your child's behavior affect your own emotions? Practically speaking, how can you disconnect your emotions from your child's behavior?What strategies or tools have helped you find time for spiritual growth during a busy season of motherhood?Are there any bad habits you've developed when it comes to behavior or situations in your home (like the mom who was bed sharing longer than she wanted to)? What are they and are you ready to work to break them this year?Do you struggle with contentment? Maybe it's the size of your family or your financial situation…how can you practice contentment while trusting God with your family's future?Resources:Register for SOAR 2025 in the BOAW Moms app today [App Store] [Google Play]Grab a copy of Karen's devotional: Moments with God for Moms

Pastor Angela shares a message on biblical remembrance. Deuteronomy 4:9 NIV Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Judges 2:10 NIV And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.  1 Corinthians 1:5-7 NIV For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 1 Corinthians 10:11 NLT These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.  Deuteronomy 4:9 NIV Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. To forget a person is to lose touch with the story of the relationship and all it meant in the past and should still mean now. - Christopher J. H. Wright “To be without a story is to live without any sort of script that might help us to know who we are and what we're about. We flail and meander. We frantically try on roles and identities to see if they fit… to see yourself in the story is to have a name, a backstory, a project - all of which serve as rails to run on, something stable and given we can count on.” - James K. A. Smith Romans 12:1-2 NIV Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

https://youtu.be/X-LfDHd1IHk?si=sp2Mo2gUE8fVpVTm Behold I have Become A New Creation RECEIVING SOMETHING NEW AND HOW IT WAS BETTER THAN THE OLD We had a wonderful Christmas in 1995. I shall never forget it. It is probably that one Christmas that was better than all the rest… PIVOT TO – WE UNDERSTAND THAT NEW IS BETTER THAN OLD… DID ANYONE GIVE SOMETHING OLD ON CHRISTMAS? DID ANYONE OPEN UP AN OLD PAIR OF SHOES… SHIRT… AN OLD USED UP GIFT CARD? WE UNDERSTAND THAT NEW IS BETTER NOW PIVOT TO GOD… GOD FEELS THE SAME WAY ABOUT NEW… Gen 1:1 and 3. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth…And God said, Let there be Light and there was Light. Now His easel was ready and Created everything new…and wonderful. Read Gen 1 “What do you notice here?” Does God create an OLD heaven and earth…? He speaks and creates a brand new world… life… purpose… Let's turn to the other creation story… an even better creation story… Therefore if any is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things are passed away, all things are become new. 2 Cor 5:17 Consider the NIV “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” HERE hits your present tense idea… Tie this back to Gen 1… but it is better… this is your story. …are become new. Present tense. Ever seeking newness. GOD CREATES NEW THINGS! GOD DOES NOT CREATE OLD THINGS. Father, we also should walk in the newness of life. Rom 6:4 We should serve in the newness of spirit. Rom 7:6 God is a spirit and those that worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. John 4:24 Life renewal comes with a newness, a freshness of the spirit. We value new things; not old things. Sure, antiques are wonderful, but they create museum pieces. God is always new; He is not ruled by days, hours, years nor even millennia. He wants to make things new for you every day, as well. He gives us a song in the night, in the middle of the trial… that is praise and thanksgiving. He brings a new song in our hearts for every day through the power of the Holy Ghost Every day new mercies are revealed unto us. GOD LOVES NEW… BUT DO WE PERHAPS TREAT HIM LIKE THAT SAME OLD GOD… GIVE HIM THE SAME OLD WORSHIP… SERVE HIM THE SAME OLD WAY… DEAD BORED OLD… PERHAPS WE NEED A RENEWAL… WE NEED A RENEWAL God loves us each and every day and He orchestrates great things for each of us according to our various needs. Yet, we are responsible for the newness in our lives, too. We walk in the newness. We refresh ourselves in the Holy Ghost through reading His Word and praising Him aloud for the things He is doing. Our praise team works very hard to bring exciting newness to our worship songs. They worship Christ before us, helping us to realize new ways to worship our King. We stand in honor to the Savior of our daily lives and we seek new ways to praise him; not because He requires it, but because we need to keep ourselves renewed in the Holy Ghost. God has asked men to praise Him in the dance and in clapping; in spiritual songs and active praise. When was the last time you said “Hallelujah” aloud in the presence of others? It should be frequent, because He is actively lifting our spirits and fulfilling our needs. If you try it: God will underscore it for you. He loves His children to do new things. Perform exploits! You may feel a little like a fish out of water; HE LOVES IT! New Worship The praise team works hard to bring vibrant songs to us, and to demonstrate through their own worship the ways we can offer up praises to the King. We stand in honor of the One who died for us and who is delivering and protecting us daily. He has told us He desires men to lift up holy hands to Him, to clap our hands in praise, to sing and dance before Him, but we may have allowed our spiritual praise to become stagnant, not fresh and almost unseen by others. Celebrate your life with joy and praise and freedom of movement. New Confidence Encourage yourselves in God. Lay down before God and all your losses,

Episode Summary: Our guest on this episode, Kathy Collard Miller, was raised by a very angry mother. The more Kathy tried to suppress her anger, the more it surfaced. Over time, Kathy found herself expressing her anger toward her husband and her daughter, and in her own words, abusing her daughter. Kathy shares her painful wounds in this episode, as well as the story of redemption and the beautiful sacred scars God has given her. Quotables from the episode: Sometimes when we talk about pain or wounds, that pain comes at the hand of another. Sometimes we have no explanation for why it happens (like a medical diagnosis), and sometimes we participate in choices that end up hurting us in the long run. Frequently our greatest areas of ministry come out of our greatest areas of pain. I have a unique story because not only was I wounded, but I wounded others in turn. As a child, I didn't know I had anger building up inside of me until in third grade I hit my best friend in the nose. To this day, I have no recollection what I was so angry about that would prompt me to be aggressive. As my friend ran away sobbing, I thought to myself, “See what happens when you get angry, Kathy? You'd better never get angry again!” Buried anger doesn't go anywhere except making a volcano. Also in the third grade, I was sexually harmed, although I didn't know that that was what it was called, but I thought it was my fault and that I should have prevented it. So the anger toward myself began to build. My mother was orphaned at the age of ten, resulting in her own anger issues toward me that built up inside of me. I didn't know it would be detrimental toward others later, but I've also found it to be something that God has used in amazing ways. I was never taught how to appropriately deal with my anger. As a little girl who tried to be perfect to prevent me from overreacting in anger, I then thought that God must be disappointed in me and that he was expecting me to be angry. Because of the messages I was taught when I was growing up, I pictured God in heaven with his arms crossed saying, “Kathy, when are you going to be perfect so I can love you?” After I became a Christian at 17, I married my husband, Larry. But all the anger that had built up in me started coming out toward him because his promise of being my perfect, Godly, prince charming didn't come true and left me totally disappointed. I interpreted that as there was something wrong with me. I began to believe I wasn't loved or cared for and that came out in bitterness, anger, criticism, never being happy, or never being thankful for what my husband did do. I began to displace my anger toward my husband on to my two-year-old daughter because when she misbehaved, I interpreted that as “I am a horrible mother.” In the end, I began to physically abuse her. I kept praying for an instantaneous deliverance of my anger and when God didn't do that, I believed God had given up on me, and I almost took my life. But God intervened. We have to feel it to heal it, meaning we have to acknowledge the pain. Then we have to choose to engage in the healing process. When we don't choose the path of healing, other things will happen and there will be consequences of that, until one day it comes out at a less opportune time and a less opportune way. Scripture talks about the importance of getting wise counsel. There is no shame in needing help. Seek out a trusted friend, a mentor, a counselor, a coach, or a pastor and get help.  Do not try to handle your pain alone. When people didn't follow through with what they said they were going to do, I concluded that I was worthless. My healing began when I got the courage to share my sin with the women in my Bible study that I led in my neighborhood. They began to hold me accountable, and they prayed for me. I started taking parenting classes and reading books and I read in the Bible Ephesians 4:26, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” I can be angry, but surrender whatever it is that I think I deserve that's causing my anger. God showed me that I was making my husband an idol because I was expecting him to be responsible for my happiness and contentment. That brought me to the place where I could acknowledge God was the only one who could fully meet my needs. And whether or not my husband ever changed, that was up to God. As God began to have me share my story, other women would come up to tell me that they struggled with the same thing but had never told anyone else. My relationship with my daughter and our family is healed. She has always supported my ministry sharing with others how I treated her. She loves God. I thought I had destroyed her, but God has redeemed us and brought about a sacred scar. There is always hope with the Lord. What the enemy intended for evil, God is using for good. There is healing when we share our story in safe places. We need to get wise, safe counsel so that we don't go back into the hiding. Satan loves secrets and he loves to cause us to hide and isolate. My journey of healing came little by little by little. When we have thoughts, we need to stop and ask, “Is this the truth according to scripture?” If it is, we allow it in. But if it is not, we need to reject it, and recite God's truth. If God can deliver a child abuser on the verge of suicide, God can help you! I was more concerned about Jesus's reputation than my own.  Scripture References: Ephesians 4:26 NIV “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” Genesis 50:20 NIV “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Revelation 12:11 NIV “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” James 5:16 NIV “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”   Recommended Resources:  Anger Management, Jesus Style by Kathy Collard Miller  No More Anger: Hope for An Out of Control Mom by Kathy Collard Miller 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 Kathy Collard Miller: Website / Facebook / Instagram / X   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: Kathy Collard Miller (www.KathyCollardMiller.com) is the author of over 60 books including women's Bible studies, a memoir, Christian living books and Bible commentaries. She is also a popular women's conference speaker who has shared in over 30 US states and 9 foreign countries. She has been married to Larry for 55 years, is the mother of two and grandmother of two and lives in Boise, Idaho.   Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

/> ### MESSAGE NOTESIn The Way | Complacency | Week 9 | November , 2024Teacher: Tim Mannin/> 1 Peter 1:1 (NIV) To God's elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces…Mark 12:28-31 (Message) “Which is most important of all the commandments?” Jesus said, “The first in importance is, ‘Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy."/> 1 Peter 4:1-3 (NIV) Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry./> GOD IS NOT LOOKING FOR PERFECT, HE'S LOOKING FOR PASSIONATEPREPARE YOUR PASSION IN PRIVATE SO GOD CAN USE YOU TO SLAY GIANTS IN PUBLIC./> 1 Peter 4:1-4 (NIV) Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you./> 1 Peter 4:5-7 (NIV) They will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. 7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray./> 1 Peter 4:8-11 (NIV) Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and power for ever and ever. Amen!/> WE ARE TIRED OF MEDIOCRE VERSIONS OF FAITH, SO WE ARE OVER THE TOP PASSIONATE ABOUT THE PURSUIT OF THE LIVING GOD./> Hebrews 12:1-3 (Message) Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves That will shoot adrenaline into your souls

In this episode you and I discuss the power and importance of Kindness as shared by Paul in Colossians 3:12, NIV:"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."As part of this episode, you'll discover five ways you and I can engage in acts and words of kindness every day.---Host: Stephen Carter - Website: https://StressReliefRadio.com - Email: CarterMethod@gmail.com---Technical information:Recorded and initial edits with Twisted Wave. Additional edits with Audacity (click removal), Hush, Levelator, with final edits and rendering in Hindenburg Pro. Microphone: SE DynaCaster DCM8.---Key words:God, Jesus, Bible, prayer, Saint Paul, 

Episode Summary:  In this episode, author, speaker, and mother, Jodi Howe, shares the painful wounds she has gone through as she has parented a child with gender identity issues. She shares the wisdom that God has granted her in how to remain true to the gospel of Jesus Christ, but still love her daughter.   Quotables from the episode: Often God uses our most painful experiences to minister to others. The ultimate way to glorify the Lord is to turn our pain into power. My testimonies come from experience with anxiety, divorce, and having a transgender child. But He equips, He leads, He walks alongside us, and I'm at the point now where I'm speaking from a healed scar, not a wound. I've gone through years of learning, growing, messing up, and trying to stay close to my faith in Christ and love my daughter through this. The thorn in my flesh came about ten years ago when my daughter told me she doesn't like the skin that she is in and wants to transition into a male. I firmly believe that God does not mistakes and that the gender you are born in is the gender you are to live in. But that doesn't mean that our children and the culture they live in don't feel lost in who they are. In the course of a decade, not much has changed in her decision, but what has changed is how I approach it as a mom who is adamantly and passionately in love with Jesus Christ and is adamantly and passionately in love with my child. The Lord has shown me that I need to be open to what an agape love looks like, not just the love a mother to a child, but His love as spelled out in First Corinthians. God has shown me such incredible growth in this process. Gender identity issues is not being born in the wrong skin. This is actual societal pressure, infused by the internet, put upon lonely hearts and minds that are struggling just to get by at the times when they are the most vulnerable and the affirmations by doctors, therapists, teachers and educators who say if you want to be a duck, and act like a duck, we're going to help you be a duck. Satan, through society, is really putting a stronghold on those vulnerabilities. But the good news is, God is prevailing through it as I knew He would, in my life, in my family's life, and in my child's life. You grow in Christ as fast as you are intentional about growing. I have been intentional from the day I accepted Jesus into my heart that I was going to build a life and a foundation on who He is, on His foundation. I am going to build my life around Him. These children are told that if your parents won't let you be who you want to be, you need to threaten suicide or even attempt it so they will get on your bandwagon of transitional change in your body. 90% of transgender men and women are coming from a traumatic circumstance. It's crucial to thoroughly vet the mental health therapists you go to for therapy. We don't have agree or like the choices of our children. But when God says “love the Lord with all your strength, heart and soul, and love thy neighbor,” when we appreciate how much he loved us to send Jesus to die for our sins, we don't get to love haphazardly—it is a full love of acceptance. What it has shown me is that I can love her alongside the struggles and the choices she has made. It has softened my heart to not feel as much shame, to not feel as much resentment, to not worry what people think of me…when I go to bed at night, I only care what God thinks of me. I believe that our omniscient God is going to be able to weave this into something beautiful. I know the Lord would want me to have a relationship with my child no matter what. I adore my child, and she is going to see how I, her mother who loves the Lord, is going to honor her. So there is going to be a lot of pressure on me to keep my Godly heart in check, and I'm willing to do it for the sake of my child, and most importantly, to glorify the Lord. You can stay a beautiful believer in Jesus Christ, believe that the gospels are real, and you can still love your LBGT family member but you can't do it without God. God will show you. He will equip you, He will provide for you, and He will comfort your heart when it's at the lowest of lows. He will speak to you, and He will give you the words to say that will speak love. We need to go to God and ask Him how to navigate this world. The only hill to die on is the one that Jesus tells me to die on, and so far, He has told me to keep going. Are we loving God's people to life? Jesus keeps the door open, and I think He's asking us to do the same thing. We often can't help what happens to us, but we can take it to the Lord and we can trust that He's weaving it and working it out for good. I'm trying very hard that regardless of what comes before me, before I react I pray; before I speak I pray. I take it to the Lord. Stop leaning on the world. It's going to disappoint you. It's going to hurt you. Take it to the Lord first and ask Him how he wants you to handle the situation with integrity as a friend, as a coworker, as a parent, as a child…we need to do what God tells us to do, but we have to be willing to listen first.  Wisdom from the Lord will never steer us wrong. That doesn't mean it will always be comfortable, but it will not mislead.  God doesn't care as much about our comfort as he cares about our character. When you walk with Christ, His favor is upon you. And when we walk in His favor, that makes us more attractive to those around us. Scripture References: Matthew 13:6 NIV “But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.” Romans 12:1-2 NIV “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. But do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.   Recommended Resources:  The Air That I Breathe: Hope and Healing from Anxiety (22 Day and Night Devotions) by Jodi Howe 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 Jodi Howe: Website 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: Jodi Howe is an engaging stage performer, author, and award-winning podcaster known for her heartfelt messages and magnetic energy. She hosts "The Air That I Breathe," podcast and released a book of the same name last year, both inspired by her passion for sharing messages of hope through the gospel of Jesus. Based in Cary, North Carolina, Jodi inspires through her writing, music, and dedication to her family.   Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

When your kids are little, the challenges of day-to-day parenting often pit one spouse against another. Today Karen and Emily are answering questions from weary moms. They discuss practical ways you can connect with your spouse, strategies for handling the stress that comes with parenting young children, and remind us of the importance of prioritizing our husband's needs during this season of life. Episode Recap:4:50 BIG announcement coming later this month - get the app to be the first to know 10:45 How do we find time to connect as spouses with 3 little kids at home? 15:05: Help! My 3 yr old twins are pitting us against one another! 17:14 Our marriage is struggling! We need help. 22:20 Ask your spouse: what is one way I can love you better this month? 25:20 I want to move back to where my family lives. What do you think we should do?Scripture for Reflection:Mark 10:9 (NIV): “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”Questions for Discussion:How do you currently prioritize connection with your spouse while raising young children? What practical strategies have worked for you, and where do you feel there's room for improvement?How do you and your spouse handle conflict when your children (especially young ones) try to pit you against one another? Do you feel like you have a united front, or is this something you struggle with?What's one way you could better support your husband's needs during this busy season of life? Have you asked him how you can show love to him in the coming weeks?When making major family decisions, such as moving or changing jobs, how do you and your spouse communicate and weigh each other's opinions? What steps do you take to ensure that both of your voices are heard?Resources:Download the BOAW Moms app for FREE [App Store] [Google Play]Watch the Parenting Together curriculum in the app! [App Store] [Google Play]

Matthew 28:16-19 NIV 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”THE BODYMatthew 28:19 NIV   Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,Ephesians 3:4-6 NIV 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.THE BODYTHE BLESSINGGalatians 3:5-9 NIV 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? 7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.Galatians 3:26-29 NIV 26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.THE BODYTHE BLESSINGTHE BEAUTYI Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ NIV Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.Romans 12:4-5;9-10;15-16 NIV4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another.

In the final episode of our Radical Discipleship series, we explore the transformative practice of encountering and embodying the Trinity. Stasi shares how intimately knowing God—through creation, our senses, and stillness—allows us to rest in His goodness and be saturated by His love. This awareness leads to trust, worship, and ultimately embodying Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, we are invited to be filled with Jesus and live out His love. Stasi closes with a powerful time of prayer to help us encounter our King. Friends, we hope this series has inspired you to discover the many ways we can truly know, worship, love, and live intimately with God and partner with him, so that he spills over into every aspect of our lives.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Psalm 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.”John 13:35 (NIV) — By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) — And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate[a] the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.Matthew 7:24–27 (NIV) — “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”…..RESOURCES:Part 1 – Radical Discipleship: Prayer and Scripture  https://wahe.art/3XD0hNwPart 2 – Radical Discipleship: Worship and Fasting  https://wahe.art/3TBVOs2ABLAZE: Stasi's new 6-week online bible study. Coming January 2025. More information coming soon at WildatHeart.orgBLAINE ELDREDGE: BlaineEldredge.comSubstack: The Paradise King  https://wahe.art/4d6VkB5Post shared from Apocalypse People – I: Embodied Faith  https://wahe.art/4ed5i4Y“We do not speak great things but we live them.”BOOKS:The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives by Dallas Willard  https://amzn.to/3XGFjgMExperiencing the Depth of Jesus Christ by Madame Jeanne Guyon  https://amzn.to/3ZnXQ2zQUOTES:Bishop Kallistos Ware from The Orthodox Way (NY: SVS, 2002), pp.11-23  https://amzn.to/3XokchJ“... . Here then are the two least misleading ways of speaking about the God who surpasses our understanding. He is personal. And he is love. And these are basically two ways of saying the same thing. Our way of entry into the mystery of God is through personal love..”Madame Jeanne Guyon from Experiencing the Depth of Jesus Christ  https://amzn.to/3ZnXQ2z“When you are quiet before God, simply allow yourself time to enjoy his presence and be filled full in your spirit. Hearing is a passive rather than active procedure. Rest, rest, rest in God's love. Simply listen and be attentive to God. These passive actions will permit God to communicate his love to you. When your spirit is centered on God, all activities he initiates will be full of peace and natural and so spontaneous that it will appear to you that there has hardly been any activity at all.”Eric Gilmour from Opening the Divine Treasure Chest: Your Pathway into God's Presence   https://amzn.to/3Tnm7SI“Quietness in the absence of external noise. Stillness is the absence of internal noise.”John Mark Comer from Practicing the Way – Vision Series Episode 1   https://wahe.art/4dZEHZj“If we are going to be disciples, we have to orient our lives around three goals. (1) Be with Jesus (2) become like Jesus, and (3) Do as Jesus did.”  Background Music: Surrendering to the Presence from the album Soaking in His Presence, by William Augusto  https://spoti.fi/3XK9ZNY…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

It is OKAY to not be OKAY. “We were never designed for the sedentary, indoor, socially isolated, fast-food laden, sleep deprived, frenzied pace of modern life.”—Stephen Ilardi-The Depression Cure Lamentations 3:17-20 NIV I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is.   So I say, “My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord.”   I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall.   I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. 2 Corinthians 1:8 NIV We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. I Kings 19:1-4 NLT When Ahab got home, he told Jezebel everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed all the prophets of Baal.   So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: “May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.”   Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” FAULTY THINKING Philippians 4:8-9 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. ISOLATION Ecclesiastes 4:12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Led by FEELINGS John 8:32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” COMPARISON Galatians 1:10 Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant. Kings 19:5-9 Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again.   Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God.   There he came to a cave, where he spent the night. But the Lord said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Some practical things for us to learn today about God is saying: 1. Get healthy PHYSICALLY. 2. Pour my HEART out to God. Matthew 11:28-29 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 3. Experience the POWER and PRESENCE of God. Psalm 46:10a “Be still, and know that I am God! 4. Let God give me a NEW PURPOSE and DIRECTION for my life. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

I'm so glad you've joined me at the intersection of faith and true crime here at The Unlovely Truth. Does your church or ministry struggle with physical, emotional, or spiritual safety issues? I'm your host, church safety advocate Lori Morrison and I'm so glad you've joined me today. Our churches need to be the safest places in our communities, so our mission on this podcast is to find actionable steps to improve every aspect of safety in our houses of worship and beyond. We will investigate The Unlovley Truth about real crime news stories happening in real churches. I've got new cases to explore today, so let's dive right in.    Highlights from this episode include:   Calling out bullying in disguise Are you managing your volunteers well enough? Leadership team does the right thing Phillipians 2:1-4 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.   Rather than meaning we all have to think alike the way a high-control leader might want his followers to do, we are to simply act like Jesus. Well, simple in theory, oh-so-hard in practice. It takes a very intentional mindset that says we are willing to be uncomfortable if that makes it better for someone else.    It's hard to speak out when there may be physical, emotional, or spiritual safety issues in our church. But things won't get better until we are willing to get uncomfortable and talk about them, do something about them. Are you ready to do that?   Let me know what you think of this episode! Send me an email a lori@theunlovelytruth.com or message me on social media. I love it when people are willing to have hard, but impactful conversations that strengthen physical, emotional, and spiritual safety at the intersection of faith and true crime.   Visit my website to access more episodes. If you would like to contact me about booking me as a speaker, or ask about my consulting services, please email me at lori@theunlovelytruth.com.    Ways you can support the work of The Unlovely Truth:   Share the episode   Buy Me a Coffee   Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn    Check out my Amazon Author Page to find resources on personal safety, and safety training for churches.    Read more about today's cases:   Church discipline, or bullying?   Really, really bad volunteer   Church network...or cult?  

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

Today's episode is the first of a three-part series on Radical Discipleship, in which Stasi shares practices of grace that root us in the love of God. In Part One, Stasi invites us to align with God through prayer and marinating our hearts in the Scriptures. She explores Wild at Heart's Daily Prayer as an example of a guided prayer to start each day. Aligning with God through prayer is both a sacred privilege and a necessary honor. The beauty of it lies in the fact that it's a two-way conversation—God deeply desires to hear from us, and He also longs for us to hear from Him. As we quiet ourselves in His presence, we are able to receive more of Him and take hold of everything He has accomplished for us. Friends, these daily practices aren't about obligation; they're about rooting ourselves deeply in the Truth so that we are able to follow hard, stand strong, and partner with Him in bringing His Kingdom.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Proverbs 3:5 (NLT) — Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.Psalm 91 — In its entiretyPsalm 23:1 (NLT) — The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.James 1:5 (NIV) —  If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) — No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.John 17:21 (NIV) — I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) — Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.Song of Song 8:5 (NLT) — Who is this sweeping in from the desert, leaning on her lover?Romans 8:34 (NIV) — Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.1 John 2:1 (NLT) — My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.Hebrews 7:25 (NLT) — Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.Psalm 19:7–11 (NIV) — The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. (8) The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. (9) Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. (10) They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. (11) They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.John 3:16 (NLT) — For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.1 John 1:9 (NLT) — But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.Psalm 62:5–6 (NLT) — Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) — But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.Romans 15:13 (NLT) — I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.Romans 15:4 (NIV) — For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) — 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.2 Corinthians 4:16–18 (NIV) — Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. (17) For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (18) So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.Ephesians 1:18–19 (NIV) —  pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. …Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) — Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.1 Peter 1:3–4 (NIV) — Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.Revelation 21:4–5 (NLT) — He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” Philipians 1:6 (NIV) — …that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.…..RESOURCES:Wild at Heart App: https://wildatheart.org/appWild at Heart Prayers: https://wildatheart.org/prayDaily Prayer: https://wahe.art/4e1NSIgSt Patrick's Breastplate: https://wahe.art/3Xo4DrvMoving Mountains: Praying with Passion, Confidence, and Authority by John Eldredge  https://amzn.to/4dDPesS…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

In today's episode of Captivated, Stasi shares from a Women at the Well teaching about cultivating a deep relationship with God through consistent prayer and worship, so that in moments of need, our faith is strengthened by this connection with him. By aligning our thoughts with Christ and surrendering to his process, he transforms us from the inside out into Christ's likeness. Stasi encourages us to lay our lives before God daily, arranging our days so we experience deep contentment, joy, and confidence in his faithful love.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) — So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord – who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.Genesis 1:28 (NIV) — God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”Proverbs 23:7 (KJV) —  For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.Matthew 17:1-7 (NLT) — (here, verses 1–3) After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) — Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.Romans 12:1-2 (The Message) — …Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.Ephesians 4:23 (NIV) — Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.Ephesians 4:24 (NIV) — Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy.Ephesians 5:1 (NIV) — Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.Ephesians 5:15 (NIV) — So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise.Ezekiel 37: Valley of the Dry Bones story…..RESOURCES:Women at the Well: https://wahe.art/3ywqKT3Women at the Well (this teaching): https://wahe.art/3WDSgpEEpic: The Larger Story | https://wahe.art/3yjOAl5Song: Come Lord Jesus (Live) by Jeremy RiddleWorship Playlist | Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3XFQ5nJ…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

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

What happens when we die? It's a question as old as time—and the answer's right in the Bible. And today, pastor and author Max Lucado addresses this spiritual question and helps ease any fears we have relating to the afterlife. Notes: What happens when we die? “In slavery by their fear of death.”Hebrews 2:15 NIV “We want you to be quite certain, brothers, about those who have died, to make sure that you do not grieve about them, like the other people who have no hope.”1 Thessalonians 4:13 TJB Where do we go when we die? “Remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.”Luke 23:42 NCV “I tell you the truth, today, you will be with Me in paradise.”Luke 23:43 NCV “I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don't know—only God knows. Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell.”2 Corinthians 12:2–4 NLT “I tell you the truth, today, you will be with Me in paradise.”Luke 23:43 NCV “We … would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”2 Corinthians 5:8 NIV “…Heaven open and the Son of Man standing at God's right side.”Acts 7:56 NCV “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”Acts 7:59 NCV “Thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly [being joined by] the spirits of the righteous made perfect.”Hebrews 12:22–23 NIV “Carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom.”Luke 16:22 NKJV “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements and how inscrutable His ways!”Romans 11:33 ESV “When Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”1 John 3:2 NIV “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”Hebrews 12:1 NLT “Since we are surrounded … let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”Hebrews 12:1 NLT --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when we die? It's a question as old as time—and the answer's right in the Bible. And today, pastor and author Max Lucado addresses this spiritual question and helps ease any fears we have relating to the afterlife. Notes: What happens when we die? “In slavery by their fear of death.”Hebrews 2:15 NIV “We want you to be quite certain, brothers, about those who have died, to make sure that you do not grieve about them, like the other people who have no hope.”1 Thessalonians 4:13 TJB Where do we go when we die? “Remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.”Luke 23:42 NCV “I tell you the truth, today, you will be with Me in paradise.”Luke 23:43 NCV “I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don't know—only God knows. Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell.”2 Corinthians 12:2–4 NLT “I tell you the truth, today, you will be with Me in paradise.”Luke 23:43 NCV “We … would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”2 Corinthians 5:8 NIV “…Heaven open and the Son of Man standing at God's right side.”Acts 7:56 NCV “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”Acts 7:59 NCV “Thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly [being joined by] the spirits of the righteous made perfect.”Hebrews 12:22–23 NIV “Carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom.”Luke 16:22 NKJV “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements and how inscrutable His ways!”Romans 11:33 ESV “When Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”1 John 3:2 NIV “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”Hebrews 12:1 NLT “Since we are surrounded … let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”Hebrews 12:1 NLT --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.