Podcasts about nlt

Fun stories about real kids like you whose parents help them learn how to do things God's Way! “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ #bedtimestoriesforkids, #storiesforchristiankids, #biblelessonsforkids, #christiancharacter, #letthechildrencometoJesus, #plantgoodseeds, #doingthingsgodsway, #letyourlightshine, #christiankids, #walkwithjesus, #beeattitudes, #fishbytesforkids, #fishbytes4kids, #fishbitesforkids, #fishbites4kids, #ronandcarriewebb, #roncarriewebb

In this guided Scripture meditation on Psalm 56:8–11, you’ll be invited to rest in the truth that God sees your sorrow, hears your cries, and is on your side. Life doesn’t always feel that way—especially when we’re walking through grief, longing, or fear. But Psalm 56 reminds us that every tear you cry is noticed, collected, and remembered by the God who loves you. And not only does He see you—He is with you. Through the practice of Lectio Divina, we’ll reflect on this short but powerful Psalm of trust, written by David in the middle of deep distress. You’ll be guided to: Reflect on what sorrow or unmet longing you’re holding today Remember that God has not forgotten you—He holds your tears and your future Rest in the truth that you are fully known and fully loved This is a quiet space to be honest with God—and let Him gently meet you in it. Download your FREE companion journal for the Fully Known, Fully Loved series hereThis journal includes:• All the Scriptures for this series• Weekly reflection prompts• Space to record what God is revealing to you Here are some additional helpful links: You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Today’s Meditation Passage:Psalm 56:8–11, NLT 8 You keep track of all my sorrows.You have collected all my tears in your bottle.You have recorded each one in your book.9 My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help.This I know: God is on my side!10 I praise God for what he has promised;Yes, I praise the LORD for what he has promised.11 I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?What can mere mortals do to me? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does divine protection really look like? In this moving devotional, Alexis A. Goring reflects on Psalm 121:7 and explores how God, like a loving parent, shields us from dangers—both seen and unseen. Using relatable stories and Scripture, she reminds us that God's boundaries are not restrictions, but rescue. If you’ve ever struggled with trusting God’s direction or wondered why certain paths are blocked, this episode will reassure you of His loving guidance and constant care. Highlights (What You’ll Learn) Why trusting God’s wisdom protects us from spiritual harm (Proverbs 14:12, Isaiah 46:10) How God acts as our ultimate protector—even when we ignore His warnings (Psalm 91, 1 Corinthians 10:13) What it means to follow a “Good Good Father” who disciplines out of love (Hebrews 12:6) The difference between spiritual restrictions and divine rescue Practical encouragement to seek God’s guidance before making life decisions (Philippians 4:7, Psalm 139:16)

“Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.” (2 Corinthians 2:11 NLT) Last month, we focused on the topic of revival, beginning or re-energizing a personal relationship with Christ. But we need to be aware that revival never goes unopposed. If the devil sees the embers of a spiritual awakening or renewal, he will do everything he can to douse them. So, in the next few weeks, we’re going to look at ways to protect ourselves from his attacks. The first thing we need to know about our enemy is that he tends to use the same tactics over and over again. I suppose he operates by the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” He has used the same techniques and plans since the Garden of Eden, and they have worked with great effect to bring down countless people. Therefore, he just keeps bringing them back, generation after generation. That’s the bad news. The good news is that we know how to plan for them. That’s why the apostle Paul wrote, “Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes” (2 Corinthians 2:11 NLT). The devil’s strategies are no mystery to people who study Scripture. The apostle Peter wrote, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT). Paul wrote, “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14 NLT). And Jesus Himself said, “He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44 NLT). Because he’s a master of disguise and a skilled liar, we must always be on guard. One of his go-to moves is to catch you off guard with a temptation that exploits a vulnerable area of your life. He’ll make the temptation as enticing as possible while downplaying its harmful potential. He’ll whisper things like, “Trust me on this. Stop resisting and give in to your desires. Live a little. Quit thinking about the consequences. You can get away with it. Who’s it going to hurt?” So, you take the bait and give in to temptation. And that’s when the devil shouts, “What a hypocrite! Do you think God would ever hear your prayers after what you’ve done? And don’t even bother showing your face in church again!” Sadly, many people fall for his routine and allow their guilt and shame to separate them from God, His Word, and His people—the things they need most. Just remember, no matter what you’ve done, no matter what temptation you’ve given in to, no matter what sin you’ve committed, God is always ready to forgive you if you’ll turn away from your sin and return to Him. Don’t let the devil isolate you from God’s Word and God’s people, because that’s exactly what he’s trying to do. Don’t let the devil outsmart you. Reflection question: What tactics does the devil use to tempt you? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“‘Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world,’ they shouted, ‘and now they are here disturbing our city, too.’” (Acts 17:6 NLT) The Christian life is more than just saying a prayer, walking down an aisle, and receiving “fire insurance,” as it were. The Christian life is meant to be dynamic. It’s meant to be exciting. It’s meant to have a radical effect on the way you live, because Jesus Christ not only wants to be your Savior, but He also wants to be your Lord. He not only wants to be your friend, but He also wants to be your God. In Acts 17, we see just how dynamic Christianity can be. When Paul and Silas arrived in Thessalonica, their reputations preceded them. The Jewish religious leaders had heard of the impact the two missionaries had had on other cities, and they determined (too late) not to let them have the same impact in Thessalonica. Their call to arms is the perfect description of dynamic Christianity. “‘Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world,’ they shouted, ‘and now they are here disturbing our city, too’” (verse 6 NLT). Christianity isn’t a quiet belief system that we keep compartmentalized and bring out only on Sundays and holidays. Christianity shakes people to the core. It upends social norms. It doesn’t settle for the status quo. Christianity is a very real threat to darkness and evil. It changes the world one life at a time. That’s the Christian experience that God desires for us. But I’m afraid that many people today are settling for a substandard Christian experience. They’re failing to receive all that God has for them. They’re failing to make the impact that He intends for them. They’re failing to carry out the Great Commission that fueled the spiritual intensity of the earliest Christians. How did a handful of ordinary people living in the first century turn their world, as they knew it, upside down? They did it without television, without social media, without megachurches, and without all the resources that we think are so important today in reaching the goal of world evangelism. How is it that they were able to do it? I think you could sum it up in one word: discipleship. They were disciples of Jesus Christ—not fair-weather followers, but true disciples. They weren’t living an anemic, watered-down, ineffective version of the Christian life. They were living the Christian life as it was meant to be lived—as Christ Himself offered it. If we want to impact our culture today, then we, too, must be disciples. On the road to discipleship, there are many inviting detours that lead to dead ends. There are many rugged, difficult paths. There are many lonely stretches. It’s tempting to take an easier route, one that isn’t so narrow and challenging. It’s easy to lose our way and become wanderers. If that’s happened to you, now is the time to return. The world is waiting to be changed. And you’re just the person God can use to change it. Reflection question: How can you make an impact as a disciple of Christ? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable.” (1 Samuel 3:19 NLT) In certain jobs, workers designate their hours of availability. That is, the times they can be scheduled to work. Employers consult these hours of availability to draw up weekly shifts and to determine whom to call to cover shifts for workers who are sick or on vacation or to lend support during times of heavy demand. Needless to say, workers who have a lot of availability are usually popular with their managers. The same principle applies to the Christian life, with a few important distinctions. First, the Christian life is more than a job; it’s an identity. It’s the single most important priority in our lives. If you’re new to the Christian faith, or if you’ve neglected your faith in the past, you need to understand that, as your faith goes, so goes your life. And that brings us to the second important distinction. If you’re a disciple of Christ, you don’t get to choose your hours of availability. Committing your life to the Lord means always being available to be used by Him. Our prayer should be, “Lord, You can use me whether it’s my day off or not. I may be out surfing or on the golf course or out snowboarding, but I want You to call upon me. I am available to represent You. Please call on me.” Availability pleases the Lord. The Old Testament tells the story of Samuel, a boy who served in the tabernacle. One night, the Lord called to him, “Samuel! Samuel!” Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10 NLT). Samuel was ready to do anything the Lord instructed. He made it clear that he was available to serve. Nine verses later, we see the result of Samuel’s availability. “As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable” (1 Samuel 3:19 NLT). God does amazing things in the lives of those who make themselves available to Him. God doesn’t choose spiritual giants; He makes spiritual giants of people who give themselves to His service. David was a shepherd whose own father couldn’t picture him as a king. Gideon thought so little of himself that he asked God to perform two different miracles just to prove that there was no mistake. But they made themselves available to God. And God took it from there. It’s been said that ninety percent of success in life is showing up. In the Christian life, the percentage is one hundred percent. If you’re a Christian, the Holy Spirit dwells within you, guiding and directing you. So “showing up” in the Christian life is a matter of following His prompting, prioritizing God’s will, obeying the commands of Scripture, and living in a way that honors Christ. If you make yourself available to God in those ways, He will use you in ways you can’t imagine. Are you available to be used by God? If so, let Him know. And then listen for His call. Reflection question: How can you make yourself available to the Lord? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Standing Firm Under Pressure"Acts 26:4-8Live from Cloverhill ChurchPastor Nate ClarkeJuly 27, 2025Have you heard the NEWS about the future of Oasis Church?https://www.oasischurch.online/futureKIDS SPACE with EXPANDED MOTHER'S ROOM!Along with over 2000 sq ft of dedicated play and classroom spaces for babies, kids, and youth, we just expanded our Mother's Room — a quiet, private space for Mother's to care for their babies and still be able to watch the worship and sermon on Sunday mornings. https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/reel/C8FqHIipr3u/WHY DID WE CHANGE OUR VISION STATEMENT? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0WFhtL7h3IHow should Christians think about voting and politics? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak82aD16r04SERMON NOTES:- Acts 26:4-8 (NLT translation)- Standing Firm Under Pressure - Where Paul faced pressure from in Acts 23-26:    - Ananias the high priest    - Pharisees & Sadducees     - Crowds of people    - Jews    - Laywer Tertullus    - Governor Felix    - Festus    - King Agrippa- Pressure = the external conflict you face because the message of the cross runs contrary to the message of the world.- John 15:20- Matthew 5:10-11- 2 Corinthians 12:10- 2 Timothy 3:12- You should not look to be in conflict, but you must be willing to be in conflict- If you're facing conflict, make sure it's from faithfulness, not your foolishness.- 1 Corinthians 1:18- When facing pressure, stand firm on your story (Acts 26:9-18)- Acts 4:20- When facing pressure, stand firm on God's story (Acts 26:8)- Acts 26:8- “Does not our preaching contain too much of our own opinions and convictions and too little of Jesus Christ?” Dietrich Bonhoeffer- When facing pressure, stand firm on God's words (Acts 26:22)- Acts 26:22- “Scripture is like a lion. Who ever heard of defending a lion? Just turn it loose; it will defend itself.” Charles SpurgeonOasis Church exists to Worship God, Equip the believers, and Reach the lost.We are led by Pastor Nate Clarke and are located in Richmond, VA.Stay Connected:Website: https://oasischurch.online Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisChurchRVA/

“The Lord told Gideon, ‘With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home.’” (Judges 7:7 NLT) Gideon was the person God chose to lead the Israelites against the Midianites. Gideon had a fairly large army of 32,000 soldiers. But it paled in comparison to the forces of the Midianites and their allies, who were so numerous that Judges 7:12 describes them as a “swarm of locusts” (NLT). Even so, God told Gideon that his army was too big. God knew that if the Israelites defeated the Midianites, they would chalk it up to their superior military skills. And God wanted to leave no doubt as to who deserved credit for the victory. He told Gideon to call his men together and say, “Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain and go home” (Judges 7:3 NLT). Gideon obeyed the Lord, and 22,000 of his soldiers said, “We’re out of here.” That left 10,000, still too many. God thinned the ranks once more, this time based on the way the soldiers drank water from a stream. Gideon was left with 300 men. They routed the Midianites and their allies. If you’re new to the Christian faith, or if you’ve recently recommitted yourself to the Lord, you’ll find an important takeaway in Gideon’s story. There will be times when you feel hopelessly outnumbered. Godlessness seems to surround us. Social media has made it easier for enemies of the Christian faith to mock, accuse, and humiliate believers. I remember how my life changed when I became a follower of Jesus Christ. I was harassed and mocked by friends whom I had known for many years. I recognized immediately that if I followed Christ, I would lose some so-called friends, and it would not always be easy. You may experience similar reactions from family members, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances. Your job is to stay faithful through it all. To study and apply God’s truths in Scripture. To live in a way that honors Christ. To resist temptation. To confess and turn from your sin. To communicate continuously with the Lord in prayer. To worship Him. And to tell others about Him. If you prioritize those things and commit yourself to spiritual battle, you won’t have to worry about the size of the opposition. God will take care of the numbers. On the night Jesus was arrested, He warned His disciples that all of them would desert Him before the night was over. That came as a shock to Peter, who declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you” (Matthew 26:33 NLT). That’s a warrior’s mentality. In the short term, Peter was unable to back up his claim. A few hours later, he denied even knowing Jesus on three separate occasions. In the long term, however, Peter was a force to be reckoned with. After Jesus restored him to ministry, Peter helped establish the church and spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire—all in the face of overwhelming opposition. If you’re willing to echo Peter’s words and to endure in your faith no matter how overwhelming the opposition seems, you’re in for the greatest adventure imaginable in serving the Lord. God is looking for men and women to enlist in His army for His divine Delta Force. Reflection question: What kind of opposition do you face in your faith? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Father, I can't believe you chose me. With all my faults and all the times I go my own way, I'm amazed You call me Your beloved child. Knowing I bring pleasure to You just by being me is one of the great joys of my life.Amen!Blessings,Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know | Ephesians 1:5 NLT

What happens when you invite God to search your heart? This Scripture meditation on Psalm 139:19–24 is a gentle space to pause, listen, and open yourself to God's loving guidance. Using the Lectio Divina method, we’ll reflect on David’s vulnerable prayer and ask God to show us what in our lives isn’t aligned with His heart. If you’re carrying anxious thoughts or wrestling with something that feels hard to name, this episode offers an opportunity to reflect honestly with God—trusting that you are fully known and still deeply loved. In this guided meditation, you’ll be invited to:• Reflect on what God may be revealing in your heart• Consider where your life might need realignment with His will• Rest in the truth that God sees you, knows you, and gently leads you Download your FREE companion journal for the Fully Known, Fully Loved series hereThis journal includes:• All the Scriptures for this series• Weekly reflection prompts• Space to record what God is revealing to you Here are some additional helpful links: You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Entire Meditation Text:Psalm 139:19–24 (NLT)19 O God, if only you would destroy the wicked!Get out of my life, you murderers!20 They blaspheme you;your enemies misuse your name.21 O LORD, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you?Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you?22 Yes, I hate them with total hatred,for your enemies are my enemies.23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;test me and know my anxious thoughts.24 Point out anything in me that offends you,and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.” (Psalm 119:9 NLT) Nothing scares the devil more than a passion for Christ. So if you’ve recently made the decision to receive Christ as Savior and Lord, or if you’ve recently experienced a personal revival in your relationship with Him, you can expect to be targeted by your spiritual enemy. The devil will do everything in his power to stop Christians from growing and thriving in our faith. He wants to keep us from living abundant, fulfilling, difference-making, holy lives. He will set traps for us. He will try to trip us up with temptations that exploit our weaknesses. He’s crafty that way. So what are Christians to do? Can we effectively resist temptation? Or can we only heed the advice of Oscar Wilde, who said, “The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.” Is that the only way to get rid of temptation? The answer is no. How can we be spiritually productive in the face of his opposition? How can we live holy lives when he’s so determined to keep us from doing so? The Bible gives us the key in Psalm 119:9: “How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word” (NLT). If we want to live a holy life, we must obey the Word of God. We must get God’s Word into our hearts and minds. That way, when the devil sets his sights on us, we’ll be able to use God’s Word against him. Make no mistake: The Bible is a weapon as far as the devil is concerned. We see this in the story of Jesus’ temptation in Luke 4. After Jesus was baptized, He fasted for forty days in the desert wilderness. There, the devil appeared to Him to try to persuade Him to sin. Three times the devil tempted Jesus, and three times Jesus quoted God’s Word in response. And what did the devil do? “He left” (verse 13 NLT). Nothing in the devil’s arsenal was powerful enough to withstand God’s Word. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (NLT). After you give your life to Jesus, one of your next steps is to begin studying and memorizing God’s Word. Start with passages that give you comfort, strength, and reassurance, as well as passages that speak to areas in which you might be vulnerable—perhaps ones that deal with loneliness, temptation, or doubt. Run them through your mind again and again until reciting them becomes second nature to you. Once they’re securely hidden in your heart, you can draw on them immediately when you start to feel tempted, lonely, or spiritually vulnerable. You can stop the devil in his tracks by quoting God’s Word, just as Jesus did in the wilderness. The Bible is your best weapon against the devil. The more wisely and skillfully you wield it, the less of a chance he has against you. Reflection question: How can you make Bible memorization a regular part of your daily or weekly schedule? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the pain you're avoiding is the very thing God wants to heal?In this message, Healing the Wounds That Hold Us Back, Pastor Travis Hall unpacks the deep emotional and spiritual wounds that often shape the direction of our lives—and how God offers a path to healing, restoration, and freedom.

The LORD will work out his plans for my life. [NLT]

Catalyst Church of Carrollton: 5/4/2025 - “_______” “One day the group of prophets came to Elisha and told him, “As you can see, this place where we meet with you is too small. Let's go down to the Jordan River, where there are plenty of logs. There we can build a new place for us to meet.” “All right,” he told them, “go ahead.” “Please come with us,” someone suggested. “I will,” he said. So he went with them. When they arrived at the Jordan, they began cutting down trees. But as one of them was cutting a tree, his ax head fell into the river. “Oh, sir!” he cried. “It was a borrowed ax!” “Where did it fall?” the man of God asked. When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water at that spot. Then the ax head floated to the surface. “Grab it,” Elisha said. And the man reached out and grabbed it.” ‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT

Preacher: Jason Min Title: Wisdom for Anger Sermon Series: God's Wisdom for Everyday Life Scripture: Proverbs 14:29 (NLT), Proverbs 19:19 (NLT), Proverbs 22:24-25 (NIV), Proverbs 29:22 (NLT)

Matthew 6:24–34 (NLT) 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. 25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Safe Haven Podcast Time To Revive 2025 (7/27/2025)Rev. Dr. Ashley L. Dowden (Covenant UCC) is wrapping up our Time To Revive Revival with the message “A Heart Prepared For Revival” from Lamentations 3:40 NLT. Get ready for a great word from this mighty woman of God with this message designed for us on our journey!!! Podcast Theme: Time To Shine In 2025Sundays @ 7:30 PM CST on all Social Media Platforms, Including The Website: www.safehavenpodcast.orgSaturday Inspiration On The 2nd & 4th Saturdays @ 12:00 PM CST on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram & Safe Haven Podcast website.Donations Accepted via CashApp: $BrianPughsleySubscribe, Share & Listen

“Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.” (Romans 13:14 NLT) I like comfortable clothes. Most of the time you’ll find me wearing jeans because they’re comfortable. I don’t like starched shirts. When I send my shirts to the cleaners, I specify “no starch.” Unfortunately, for one of the cleaners we previously used, “no starch” meant “extra starch.” I would put on these shirts and could barely move in them because they were so stiff. That’s not the kind of clothing I want. I want clothes that move where I move. That concept applies to the words of the apostle Paul in Romans 13:14, “Clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ” (NLT). The phrase means to prioritize His views and His interests and to imitate Him in all things. But Paul makes it seem as natural as putting on a shirt. Just as your clothing goes with you wherever you go, so should Christ. Let Him be a part of every aspect of your life, from the time you wake up in the morning until the time you go to sleep at night. In time, people may start to recognize you for clothing yourself in Christ—that is, living in a way that brings honor and glory to Him—just as they might recognize you for wearing a favorite shirt all the time. When they see that your faith is genuine, that you “walk the walk,” they’ll likely be more receptive when you “talk the talk.” That’s not to say that clothing yourself with Jesus is easy. Nothing worthwhile ever is. The appeal of clothing yourself with yourself instead is strong. The temptation to prioritize your own interests is hard to resist. But when we give in to that temptation, we put ourselves on a collision course with God, fighting and resisting Him when we should be obeying Him. Instead of going where He wants us to go and doing what He wants us to do, we start pulling against Him at every turn. We become spiritual prodigals, intent on going our own way. We convince ourselves that no one knows what will bring us joy, happiness, fulfillment, and adventure in life better than we do. But that type of thinking is the result of misunderstanding God. We must never lose sight of the fact that He is our Creator. He designed us. He wired us. He knows what will give us a genuine sense of fulfillment, joy, and satisfaction. He knows what will challenge and stretch us, what will make us stronger and wiser. He gave us our spiritual gifts, so He knows how we can maximize their effectiveness. He knows the impact we can have on the people who cross our path. God knows everything about us and wants only the best for us. Why wouldn’t we make Him part of every aspect of our lives? Reflection question: What would clothing yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do we mean when we mention "the age of accountability"? That concept infers that children are not held accountable by God for their sins until they reach a certain age. Is the concept of an age of accountability biblical? Does the Bible define an “age of innocence”?In our Bible study today I would like to answer these three questions.1 - Where is the "age of accountability" mentioned in the Scripture?2 - Why do many Christians claim the age of accountability as 12-13 years old?3 - What happens to children who die before they are old enough to understand the Gospel?-------------------Key Scriptures for today's teaching: Matthew 18:1-6Other Scriptures in this teaching: Isaiah 7:14-15; Deuteronomy 1:37-39; 2 Samuel 12:19-23; Unless otherwise noted, most Scripture will be from the NLT, the New Living TranslationIf you prayed with Tiff, click here https://lostlamb.org/ and let him know! Be sure to watch the curated playlist “New Beginnings” - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsX8E19Azl58_FjxELPxjnsL8CAtmama4&si=Pj84Hm2dGX57OH4Z Thank you for watching, and subscribe for new content each week.Connect with Tiff Shuttlesworth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LostLambAssociation/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TIFFSHUTTLESWORTH/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/tiffshuttlesworLearn more about my ministry: https://lostlamb.org/ Learn more about my ministry in Canada: https://www.lostlamb.ca

“The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’ “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” (Matthew 25:20–21 NLT) As a young man, Alan Redpath was a successful accountant. One day, he was talking with a Christian friend who told him, “Alan, it is possible to have a saved soul and a wasted life.” Redpath couldn’t forget those words. He knew he was guilty of having a saved soul and a wasted life. He prayed, “Lord, I want Your will for me. I don’t want to waste my life. I dedicate it to You.” God redirected his course, and Redpath ultimately became an evangelist, pastor, author, president of a missions organization, and dean of a Bible school. He served the Lord faithfully until the end of his life. Do you see anything familiar in Alan Redpath’s story? Has it ever occurred to you that you might have a saved soul but a wasted life? In other words, you have the assurance of Heaven, but you’re wasting your life here on earth. You’re not serving Christ to the fullest. Every person’s life is filled with opportunities to serve the Lord. What we do with those opportunities is the difference between a successful life and a wasted life, as far as the Lord is concerned. Do we let the opportunities slip by? Or do we seize the day and serve the Lord to the fullest so that we can hear Him say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant”? If you desire to hear those words, then make a change in your life like Alan Redpath made. Take what God has given you and make the most of it. You might say to yourself, “But I don’t have much.” You have everything you need. You have God’s most precious gift, Jesus Christ. You have the Holy Spirit to empower you. You also need to remember that God has instilled in you certain gifts for His glory. The apostle Peter wrote, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen” (1 Peter 4:10–11 NLT). That means your life is valuable. Take what God has given you and dedicate it to His glory. Just watch what He will accomplish. Reflection question: What would serving Christ to the fullest look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Israelites had turned away from the Lord, doing evil in His sight. Then the Midianites invaded Israel. They were cruel to the Israelites, leaving them no food, taking their cattle, goats and sheep. When the Israelites were close to starvation, they turned to their God, Jehovah, for help.So the Lord said to Gideon, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I Am sending you!” God is Jehovah M'Kaddesh, the Lord God Almighty Who Sanctifies. “I am the Lord, who makes you holy.” Exodus‬ ‭31‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬#kids, #storiesforkids, #biblestoriesforkids, #bedtimestoriesforkids, #christiankids, #jehovahm'kaddesh, #thelordwhosanctifies, #thelordgodalmighty, #fishbytesforkids, #fishbytes4kids, #ronandcarriewebb, #roncarriewebb

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8 NLT) When you tell other people about what God has done for you, you’re sharing your testimony. Every Christian has a testimony. Some Christians have dramatic testimonies that involve being delivered from a life of drug addiction or crime or other sordid deeds. I like to hear how people came to Christ, but I don’t necessarily like to hear the gory details of their past. Other Christians have testimonies that aren’t quite as dramatic but are just as significant. Some people talk about how much they gave up for Jesus. They’ll say things like, “I gave up this and that for Jesus. I’ve made tremendous sacrifices for the Lord. I’ve done it all for Him!” But your testimony is not about what you gave up for Jesus. It’s about what He gave up for you. It’s always a good idea to stay out of the spotlight when you share your faith. Remember, Jesus is the One who has done the work. He is the One we are proclaiming. The book of Psalms contains several powerful testimonies that we can look to for inspiration. “Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me. For I cried out to him for help, praising him as I spoke. If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me” (Psalm 66:16–20 NLT). You’ll notice that every “I” and “me” the psalmist uses is in reference to receiving God’s grace. “I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words. I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign Lord. I will tell everyone that you alone are just. O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me” (Psalm 71:15–18 NLT). The psalmist recognized the urgency of his calling. He didn’t say, “Lord, let me practice for a while until I get good at it, and then I’ll start sharing my testimony.” Instead, he said, “Though I am not skilled with words, I will praise your mighty deeds.” He was willing to learn on the job. He knew that God could use his words, no matter how amateurishly he spoke them, to make a difference in other people’s lives. If you’ve received Christ as your Savior and Lord, you have a story to tell. It may not be a showstopper. And you may not feel entirely comfortable sharing it. But there are people whose lives will be changed forever because of it. God will make sure of that. Reflection question: What details would your testimony include? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.” (Acts 3:19 NLT) Spiritually speaking, there’s a vast difference between the words remorse and repentance. And it’s important that we understand this difference. People are sorry when their sin catches up with them. They feel remorse when they begin to reap what they sow. But remorse doesn’t necessarily mean that someone has repented. The apostle Paul wrote, “For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death” (2 Corinthians 7:10 NLT). If you are truly sorry, you will not only have remorse for your sins, but you will also repent and change your behavior. Too many people have a false assurance that they are Christians because they possess a sense of remorse for their sins, even though they never repent. But look at the words of Acts 3:19 again: “Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away” (NLT). The word repent means to change direction. But we have people today who theoretically come to Christ without ever changing their lifestyle. They have never repented. They will say, “I’m sorry for what I did,” and then keep sinning like nothing ever happened. What kind of sorrow is that? C.S. Lewis wisely observed, “Repentance is no fun at all. It’s something much harder than merely eating humble pie. It means unlearning the self-conceit and self-will that we have been training ourselves into for thousands of years.” Remorse is a great first step when it comes to sin, but it’s only the first step. If you stop there, you deny yourself the opportunity to live as God intends, in joyful fellowship with Him, in this life and the next. If you continue in your sin, your remorse is nothing more than a mask, a way of concealing what you’re actually doing. And the Bible warns against that. “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy” (Proverbs 28:13 NLT). Furthermore, if you stop at remorse, you’re disregarding God’s reaction to sin. And that’s a dangerous mistake. The apostle John wrote, “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 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. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts” (1 John 1:8–10 NLT). The stark contrast between remorse and repentance should be a warning to all believers. Let us never passively soak in the truth without any real intent to apply it. I plead with you today, if you are living in some form of habitual sin, for your own sake, repent and be converted. Reflection question: What would repentance look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week Pastor Chris will be bringing you a powerful word on whatever topic he is covering in the church but with a specific focus! PC dives into the word and brings you lots of scriptures about whatever topic it is to get you more biblical knowledge and understanding about what God is saying to you through his word! Welcome to Chris Sarno TV, an online campus of Relevant Church located in Daytona Beach, Florida. We pray that through this service you find your place, reveal your purpose, and unlock your potential! We pray this message blesses you and gives you the strength you need to do and be all that God has called you to do and be! Leave a comment below letting us know how this message impacted you today, we'd love to chat with you! #RelevantChurch #ChrisSarnoTV #PastorChrisSarno #OnlineChurch #ChurchOnline #RelevantChurchDaytonaBeach #Midweek #mdwk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ways to Give: Text to Give: Text your amount to 386-968-1103 Online Giving: Visit our website http://www.relevantfl.org/giving to give via debit, credit, or ACH Mail It In: Send gift Via USPS to 920 Beville Rd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay Connected: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @RelevantChurch Relevant Church Website: https://www.relevantfl.org/ Relevant Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevant_fl/ Relevant Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RelevantFL Relevant Church TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relevant_fl Relevant Church App: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1615804850?fbclid=IwAR3aHqo_6kr8Tzd_JK6xihjfJkVk6j7-iqITDj1u1wFicDLn6g6C29gL3LY Rkidz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rkidzfl Relevant Youth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevantflyouth/ Relevant Church Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6nUtPIkecEehfstUWWPIVU?si=QBMEtu85SyuU3FxRM1X7lg&nd=1 Pastor Chris Sarno's Website: https://www.chrissarno.tv/ Chris Sarno App: http://www.chrissarno.tv/app -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (TLB) John 16:13 (KJV) Titus 3:5 (NLT) 1 Corinthians 14:4 (KJV) Romans 8:26 (KJV) Jude 1:20 (KJV) Isaiah 28:11-12 (KJV) Galatians 5:26 (KJV) 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (KJV) Galatians 5:19-24 (TPT) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday, July 23rd 2025 Pastor Chris Sarno Relevant Church The Holy Spirit Is A Gift | Chris Sarno TV

Philippians 3:16 (NKJV), Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. NLT,  But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. AMP,  Only let us stay true to what we have already attained

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God” (Romans 8:14 NLT). The father-child relationship...

• Join me in Greece on a special trip with my listeners!  We will explore, make memories, eat great food, see biblical and historical sites & encounter Jesus.  Take this 2 minute survey to help me start planning it: https://my.trovatrip.com/public/l/survey/jenilee-samuel---------------------------------------Let's be honest: reading your Bible shouldn't feel overwhelming—but sometimes it does.In this episode, I'm joined by Philip Nation, VP and Publisher at Thomas Nelson Bibles, and we're answering 7 of the most common questions you've asked about Bible reading—questions that real women (like you!) are wrestling with.If you've ever wondered:“Which Bible translation is right for me?”“Why do I feel dry or disconnected when I read?”“Is it okay that I only read a few verses?”“How do I help my kids engage with the Bible too?”…then this episode is for you.You'll hear practical strategies, fresh encouragement, and zero shame. Whether you're juggling babies, running a business, or rebuilding your spiritual life—this episode will help you make Bible time simple, sacred, and actually enjoyable.About Today's Guest:Philip Nation is the Vice President and Publisher of Thomas Nelson Bibles. He's a pastor, professor, and author with a passion for making Scripture easy to understand and accessible for everyday life. He's also a husband, father, and grandfather who understands the pressures of real life and the beauty of grace. Learn more at www.thomasnelsonbibles.com.7 Listener Questions We Answered in This Episode:Which Bible translation is best for me?What should I read when I feel spiritually dry?How can I fit Bible time into my busy schedule?What tools can help me understand what I'm reading?How do I make Bible reading feel more enjoyable—not just another task?What do I do when I feel guilty about not reading enough?7. How can I bring the Bible into my parenting naturally?Was this helpful for you?

Welcome to Day 2679 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomDay 2679 – New Testament Orientation – “The Church, Salvation, and Eschatology: God's Unfolding Plan”Putnam Church Message – 07/20/2025Sermon Series: New Testament Orientation Message 12: “The Church, Salvation, and Eschatology: God's Unfolding Plan” Last week, we explored "The General Letters of the New Testament:” 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NLT) 9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests,[a] a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God's people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God's mercy.”[b]This week is the 12th and final message in our New Testament Orientation Series, and we will learn: The Church, Salvation, and Eschatology: God's Unfolding Plan” Ephesians 2:13-14 (NLT) "But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united us both into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us."Opening PrayerOur Loving and Sovereign God, as we reach the culmination of our journey through Your New Testament, we pause to reflect on the grand tapestry of Your plan for Your Church, for our salvation, and the culmination of all things. We pray that You would open our eyes to see these profound truths with the clarity and anticipation of the early believers. May we grasp the depth of Your reconciliation, the wonder of Your salvation, and the glorious hope of Your coming kingdom. Empower us, by Your Spirit, to live as Your unified people, eagerly awaiting the Day of Christ. Amen.Introduction: The Final Unveiling of God's Purpose We've journeyed from the Jewish roots of the Gospels, through the explosive growth in Acts, and explored the profound theology of Paul's letters and the General Epistles. Today, we bring it all together by considering three essential topics that define the conclusion of God's unfolding story: the Church, the nature of Salvation, and Eschatology—the doctrine of last things.Our core verses from Ephesians 2:13-14 serve as a magnificent summary of the radical new reality Jesus inaugurated: "But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united us both into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us." This passage speaks of a profound reconciliation, not just between humanity and God, but between the two great divisions of humanity: Jew and Gentile. This reconciliation defines the very nature of the Church.For the early...

“The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord.” (Acts 11:21 NLT) Christians often underestimate the raw, even explosive power that is inherent in the gospel message. The apostle Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile” (Romans 1:16 NLT). Keep in mind that Paul was a great intellectual. He was a master student and orator. When sharing the Good News about Christ, he could have called upon his ability to convince people. He could have called upon his powers of oration to bring his listeners around. Instead, Paul concentrated on the simple yet profound gospel message because he recognized its power. It’s the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes. The gospel message can impact anyone, regardless of background. It reaches the wealthy and poor, the educated and uneducated. It cuts through cultural barriers, racial barriers, economic barriers, and age barriers. The words of Acts 11:21 above testify to its impact. Everyone can grasp the gospel because God blesses it and plants it into the heart of the listener. Skeptics might argue that the message is hopelessly outdated, a relic from a different time and different culture. But these aren’t two-thousand-year-old words; they’re timeless words. Their truths are eternal. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says that God “has planted eternity in the human heart” (NLT). He’s given every person a soul-deep awareness that there is something more than this world—that something greater, something eternal is available to us. The gospel message brings that “something more” into focus. It shows us how we can have what our soul has been yearning for—even if we don’t exactly know what we were yearning for. The author of Hebrews wrote, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires” (Hebrews 4:12 NLT). The gospel message penetrates to the deepest part of our being. What’s interesting, though, is that not everyone feels the blade right away. So when you share your faith with someone, when you help them understand the gospel message, you may not get an immediate, joyful, hallelujah-my-life-has-been-changed-forever response. You may not get any response at all. You may even get a rejection. And while that may be disappointing in the moment, it’s far from the end of the story. When you share the Good News of Christ, you’re doing the vital work of piercing someone’s soul with God’s two-edged sword. You’re connecting to the eternity He planted in someone’s heart. You’re preparing someone to experience the power of the gospel message. You’re setting the stage for God to change the person’s life. You don’t need to add anything to the gospel. You don’t need to take anything away from it. You don’t need to apologize for it. You don’t need to offer any disclaimers about it. All you need to do is proclaim it and stand back and watch God work. Reflection question: When have you witnessed the power of the gospel, in your own life or in the life of someone you know? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.”Psalms 119:147 NLT

What does it really mean to follow Jesus?In the kickoff to our All in All series, we explore Jesus as Teacher (Rabbi)—the one who not only saves us but invites us to learn from Him and live like Him. In this message, we unpack what made Jesus' teaching so radically different from every other voice of His time, why He leads us into discovery rather than giving easy answers, and how we can imitate His example in everyday life.Featuring practical takeaways, relatable stories (yes, including The Karate Kid!), and a challenge to “wash feet” in our modern world, this episode will inspire you to lean in and become a student of Jesus again.Key Scriptures: John 3:1–15, John 13:13–15, Luke 6:40 (NLT).Listen if you want to:1-Understand Jesus' teaching style and authority.2-Learn why discipleship is about imitation, not just information.3-Discover how small acts of humility can reflect the heart of Christ.www.thejourneychurch.cc

The Israelites had turned away from the Lord, doing evil in His sight. Then the Midianites invaded Israel. They were cruel to the Israelites, leaving them no food, taking their cattle, goats and sheep. When the Israelites were close to starvation, they turned to their God, Jehovah, for help. So the Lord said to Gideon, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I Am sending you!” God is Jehovah M'Kaddesh, the Lord God Almighty Who Sanctifies. “I am the Lord, who makes you holy.” Exodus‬ ‭31‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ #kids, #storiesforkids, #biblestoriesforkids, #bedtimestoriesforkids, #christiankids, #jehovahm'kaddesh, #thelordwhosanctifies, #thelordgodalmighty, #fishbytesforkids, #fishbytes4kids, #ronandcarriewebb, #roncarriewebb

What if you truly believed your body was a wonder? In this Scripture meditation on Psalm 139:13–18, we slow down and reflect on the intentional care God took in creating you. Using the Lectio Divina method, this peaceful and prayerful practice invites you to marvel at the intricate design of your body and the depth of God’s love for you. For many of us, our relationship with our bodies is complicated—whether because of how they look, how they’re aging, or how they’re affected by illness or pain. But these verses remind us of a deeper truth:You are wonderfully made.You are deeply loved.And God is still with you. In this guided Christian meditation, you’ll be invited to:• Thank God for the wonder of your physical body• Reflect on what it means to be created with care and purpose• Rest in the assurance that you are fully known and fully loved Download your FREE companion journal for the Fully Known, Fully Loved series hereThis journal includes:• All the Scriptures for this series• Weekly reflection prompts• Space to record what God is revealing to you Here are some additional helpful links: You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Entire Meditation Text:Psalm 139:13–18 (NLT)13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my bodyand knit me together in my mother’s womb.14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.16 You saw me before I was born.Every day of my life was recorded in your book.Every moment was laid outbefore a single day had passed.17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.They cannot be numbered!18 I can’t even count them;they outnumber the grains of sand!And when I wake up,you are still with me! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.” (Ecclesiastes 2:11 NLT) Life is a choice. God makes that clear in Deuteronomy 30:19: “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” (NLT). We decide not only where we are going in this life but also where we will spend eternity. What road are you on today? Which way are you going? If you’re living for yourself, if you’re living for pleasure, if you’re living for happiness, you’re heading for a dead end. You’re never going to find what you’re looking for. No one knew this better than Solomon, the great king of Israel. He had almost limitless wealth, and he pursued earthly pleasures with reckless abandon. And when he was done, he had this to say about it all: “But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere” (Ecclesiastes 2:11 NLT). If you live for happiness or pleasure, those things will always be beyond your grasp. However, if you change your course and follow Jesus Christ, He will give you the absolute assurance of life beyond the grave, life in His presence, life in a place called Heaven, which is greater than anything you can imagine. As you walk with Christ, He will also give you a life here on earth that is full and rich, with true purpose and meaning. The alternative is a life without true purpose, where you reap the consequences of sin and one day face a certain judgment. I encourage you today to choose life. If you’ve already chosen life and received Christ as your Savior and Lord, you are perfectly positioned to help others make the same choice. You can do that by living the “rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NLT) that Jesus makes possible. Or, as the apostle Paul wrote, “Live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ” (Philippians 1:27 NLT). Let other people see Christ in you—in the way you treat others, in the things you prioritize, in the way you act and speak, and in the joy with which you approach each day. Help them see that the same kind of life is available to them. If you chose life in the past but have strayed from the right road, remember this: The Lord hasn’t abandoned you. He stands ready to forgive you. You can still experience the life He offers. Just as the prodigal son was welcomed by his father, you will be welcomed by your heavenly Father. All you have to do is turn away from your sin and ask Him to restore you. It’s never too late to get back on the right road. Reflection question: How do you know if you’re on the right road, spiritually speaking? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT  Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.Luke 9:23-24 NLT  Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.  If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.”

We achieve this victory through our faith. [NLT]

"The best way you could possibly operate in your spiritual gift is to just care." Although sounding simplistic, Pastor Jon Chasteen closes out our "Godly Gifts" sermon season with a profound message on caring and what that looks like practically in our daily lives. We pray this message would help you to understand the simple power of just caring about the people around you, and inspire that care to be motivational as you operate in your spiritual gifts! Scripture references: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (NLT) 1 Corinthians 12:11 (NLT) 1 Corinthians 12:22-27 (NLT) Connect With Us: To learn more about Victory Church and to get connected, visit us at https://victory.church/ Worship Gathering Times: To see locations & worship gathering times, visit https://victory.church/locations/ Prayer: We believe in praying big prayers to a big God and expecting big results. If you're in need of prayer, our team would be honored to pray with you. You can reach us for prayer at https://victory.church/prayer Giving: At Victory, we steward God's resources well and with radical generosity. If you'd like to give toward the mission of Victory Church, visit https://victory.church/give/ Follow Us: OKC Campus: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorychurchokc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victorychurchok Edmond Campus: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoryedmond/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victory.churchEDM Grapevine (Texas) Campus: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorychurchgrapevine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089341962919  

But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “ Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. Acts 5:17-21 ESVThe goodness of God is many times over, greater than any opposition a person of faith will ever face.  When the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.” Acts 5:21-23 ESV  Even when my situation seemingly remains the same, God can still change me and set me free. Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. Then someone arrived with startling news: “The men you put in jail are standing in the Temple, teaching the people!” Acts 5:25 MSGFreedom doesn't make you immune to attack, but it does make it difficult for temptation to target you.The chief and his police went and got them, but they handled them gently, fearful that the people would riot and turn on them. Bringing them back, they stood them before the High Council. - - The Chief Priest said, “Didn't we give you strict orders not to teach in Jesus' name? And here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are trying your best to blame us for the death of this man.” Peter and the apostles answered, “It's necessary to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:26-29 MSGDon't allow the hypocritical perspectives of others to move you off of believing and applying God's truth.The Spirit makes it clear that as time goes on, some are going to give up on the faith and chase after demonic illusions put forth by professional liars. These liars have lied so well and for so long that they've lost their capacity for truth. 1 Timothy 4:1-2 MSGConsistently rejecting God will cause you to lose the ability to discern truth, even when it's obvious.I insist, and God backs me up on this, that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd. They've refused for so long to deal with God that they've lost touch not only with God but with reality itself. They can't think straight anymore. Feeling no pain, they let themselves go in sexual obsession, addicted to every sort of perversion. Ephesians 4:17-19 MSGThe God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, the One you killed by hanging him on a cross. God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven. And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail.” Acts 5:30-32 MSGThe emboldened ability to embody and share the life changing message of Jesus has always followed faithfulness to His word and will. When they heard this, the high council was furious and decided to kill them. But one member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was an expert in religious law and respected by all the people, stood up and ordered that the men be sent outside the council chamber for a while. Then he said to his colleagues, “Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men! Some time ago there was that fellow Theudas, who pretended to be someone great. About 400 others joined him, but he was killed, and all his followers went their various ways. The whole movement came to nothing. After him, at the time of the census, there was Judas of Galilee. He got people to follow him, but he was killed, too, and all his followers were scattered. “So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!” The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go. The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.” Acts 5:33-42 NLTLife's most immutable reality is the truth and love of Jesus is and the never ending impact He has on those who hope in Him!

Date: July 20, 2025Series: Poured Out - A Series on ActsTitle: Shaken by PrayerBig Idea: Prayer invites the Spirit of God to empower the church to boldly share the Gospel.Scripture: Acts 4:23-31 (NLT)Sermon Notes: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=S1wH2j88geGroups Questions: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=ryCAk218glRespond: http://thecreeksidechurch.org/discovercard

July 20, 2025 Ezekiel 21:27 Destruction! Destruction! I will surely destroy the kingdom. And it will not be restored until the one appears who has the right to judge it. Then I will hand it over to him. Romans 12:4-5 NLT 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. Proverbs 14:4 NLT Without oxen a stable stays […]

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT) During a visit to the Pacific Northwest several years ago, I met a man who told me he’d been heavily into alcohol and drugs. His marriage, he said, had been hanging by a thread. One day, he loaded a gun, planning to kill himself. Then he turned on the TV. There on the screen was a Harvest Crusade, where I was sharing a message called, “How to Get Right with God.” The man said, “God began to speak to me. When you led those people in prayer, I prayed and asked Jesus Christ to come into my life.” After he found Christ, the man realized he needed to reconcile with his father. So, he rode his motorcycle across the country to see his dad. That’s a long ride on a motorcycle. That sounds like a conversion to me. That sounds like a man who had met God, because there was a change in his life. That’s a familiar pattern in Scripture: have a personal encounter with the Lord and then find that your life is changed as a result. In 2 Kings 5, after the military commander Naaman was healed from his leprosy, he immediately rejected all idols and wanted to show his gratitude with a gift. In Acts 9, after Saul encountered Jesus on his way to arrest Christians, he changed the entire trajectory of his life. He became a leader of the people he had been persecuting. In Acts 16, after the Philippian jailer became a believer, he washed the backs of the prisoners he had previously whipped. And in Luke 19, after the tax collector Zacchaeus encountered Jesus, he vowed to give half his wealth to the poor and repay the people he’d cheated four times what he owed them. Let’s be clear: None of these people changed so that they could make themselves good enough for the Lord. They didn’t earn their salvation or righteousness with their good deeds. The change came after their encounter with the Lord, as a result of His impact on their life. The apostle Paul—the man known as Saul in Acts 9—wrote, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT). After you give your life to Christ, your next step is to foster this new person and embrace the changes that will occur in your life. The Holy Spirit, who takes up residence inside you when you receive Christ, will guide you in this step. He will remind you that certain attitudes, habits, and routines are part of your old life. He will help you adjust to the changes that Jesus initiates. He will help you enjoy the “rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NLT) that only Jesus offers. Reflection question: What has changed in your life since you became a believer? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

His enemies will not defeat him, nor will the wicked overpower him. [NLT]

“‘Don’t lay a hand on the boy!’ the angel said. ‘Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.’” (Genesis 22:12 NLT) The gripping story of Abraham and his beloved son Isaac gives us an unforgettable image of faith and sacrifice. Isaac was the son God promised to Abraham, a symbol of the covenant between Abraham and God. To say that Abraham had waited a long time for a son would be an understatement. When Isaac was born, Abraham was one hundred years old. His wife Sarah was ninety when she gave birth. Abraham was so delighted by his son that he named him Isaac, which means “laughter.” And laughter is what Isaac brought into the lives of Abraham and Sarah. Years later, the laughter turned into shock and fear when God said to Abraham, “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you” (Genesis 22:2 NLT). There was no greater sacrifice that God could have requested from Abraham. Isaac was the joy of Abraham’s life. Abraham did not question or hesitate. He took Isaac, who was a young man at the time, to the place of sacrifice. With no animal in sight to offer, Isaac asked, “Father . . . where is the sheep for the burnt offering?” (verse 7 NLT) Abraham prophetically replied, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering” (verse 8 NKJV). God indeed provided the sacrifice, as an angel cried out, “Don’t lay a hand on the boy! . . . Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son” (verse 12 NLT). At that moment, Abraham saw a ram caught in a thicket—a sacrifice he could offer to God in place of his son. The story of Abraham and Isaac is a foreshadowing of what would occur on the cross. God provided Himself a sacrifice. Unlike the story of Abraham and Isaac, God did not provide for Himself a sacrifice. He provided Himself as a sacrifice. God Himself became the sacrifice for our sins when He gave His only Son to die for us. If we ever start to get complacent in our Christian faith, one of the best things we can do is remind ourselves of the cost of our salvation and eternal life. God sacrificed that which was most precious to Him so that we might live. Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13 NLT). If you want to experience a personal revival, embrace the opportunities you have to sacrifice for the One who sacrificed so much for you. How can you give up your time, resources, skills, and comfort to carry out God’s work? Answering that question may change your spiritual perspective in a profound way. Reflection question: What will you sacrifice for the cause of Christ? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18–20 NLT) One thing many believers and nonbelievers have in common is that both are very uptight about evangelism. Believers are uptight about evangelizing, and nonbelievers are uptight about being evangelized. Maybe you remember someone sharing the gospel with you when you really didn’t want to hear it. Or maybe you know what it’s like to share with someone who had no interest in what you were saying. If you’re new to the Christian faith, you may have recent memories of both scenarios. As intimidating or uncomfortable as sharing your faith may be, it’s something every believer has been called to do. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 10:14, “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” (NLT). There’s no arguing with his logic. Jesus left marching orders for everyone who follows Him: “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone” (Mark 16:15 NLT). In the original language, this verse could be translated to say, “I command you to go into all the world.” That’s why we call it the Great Commission and not the Great Suggestion. It’s an order from our Commander-in-Chief. If we’re faithful followers of Jesus, then we need to make the attempt. We need to do what we can to share His message. The when, where, and how are up to us (to a certain extent). Evangelism strategies are like fingerprints and snowflakes. No two are exactly alike. That’s because no two experiences with Jesus are exactly alike. In John 9, Jesus healed a man who had been born blind. When the Jewish religious leaders interrogated the man, hoping to get him to change his story, he said, “I know this: I was blind, and now I can see” (verse 25 NLT). That’s what evangelism is: telling others what we know about Jesus, what He’s done for us. It’s the logical next step after receiving Christ: telling others how to do it, too. When you start to tell others about Christ, you’ll discover something amazing: For every lock, there is a key. Your story, your experience, your specific approach to sharing the gospel may succeed where others have failed. You may be able to reach people whom others cannot. That’s why God wants to work through you. He wants to use your unique experience to reach others for Him. Will you be open to His guidance and direction? Will you be available? The opportunities are plentiful. But it’s up to you to seize them. Reflection question: How would you describe your approach to sharing your faith? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: ‘Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!’ The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.” (Jonah 3:4–5 NLT) The Old Testament prophet Jonah very reluctantly went to the city of Nineveh to warn that God was going to judge its people in forty days. Jonah was reluctant because he understood God’s nature. He knew that if the Ninevites repented, God would forgive them and spare them His judgment. That’s not the outcome Jonah was rooting for. He hated the Ninevites and wanted to see them face God’s judgment. Jonah understood that he served a merciful and loving God. The fact that God was sending him to warn the Ninevites to repent instead of just judging them was evidence of His compassion and concern. Sure enough, Jonah’s worst-case scenario became a reality. The people of Nineveh repented from their sins and the king commanded his subjects to “pray earnestly to God” (Jonah 3:8 NLT). As a result, God lifted His judgment from the people of Nineveh. People in our culture today would have you believe that the God of the Bible is a vengeful deity who revels in His power to bring death and destruction on anyone who dares to disobey Him. Scripture itself paints a different picture. The God of the Bible is holy and just. Sin cannot exist in His presence. And He demands that all sin be punished. In Romans 6:23, the apostle Paul tells us that the punishment for sin is death. But the God of the Bible is also loving in a way that we cannot fully comprehend. He sent His Son to take the punishment we deserve for our sin and to die in our place. God sacrificed His Son so that anyone who believes in Him can escape judgment and have eternal life. In Ezekiel 33:11, God said, “I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live” (NLT). The apostle Peter, in talking about why Jesus hasn’t returned yet, said, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent” (2 Peter 3:9 NLT). Everyone has sinned, so everyone deserves God’s punishment. If you receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you receive eternal life in Heaven with Him because your punishment has already been taken by Him. If you reject Him, you will face God’s punishment yourself—that is, eternal separation from Him. God has gone to unimaginable lengths to save you from His punishment. The next step is yours. If you confess your sins, turn away from them, and trust in Jesus, you will never have to worry about God’s judgment. Instead, you’ll discover the depths of His mercy, grace, and love. Reflection question: How would you explain God’s holiness, justice, and love to someone who knows little about Him? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There comes a time when you read the scriptures that you are going to have more questions than answers. Does that mean you should be concerned? No. Here's why: what makes the Word of God interesting and such a mystery is that it will leave you with the opportunity to search for those answers. It will give you the opportunity to get on your knees and ask God for his to reveal things to you. Matthews 7:7 NLT says, Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” So if you don't receive an answer at first, give it time. This episode was inspired by a Bible study I had with a friend. Yes this could have easily been a Bible reflection solo or with friends but this conversation made me go back and revisit the text and learn something I might have missed with deeper insight. I love the practice of thinking deeply and that's exactly what this passage did for me so I share it with you today. The text was Matthew 2:1-2 inspired by Bible study. Hope you enjoy!

Welcome to Day 2674 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2674 – New Testament Orientation – “The General Letters of the New Testament” Putnam Church Message – 07/13/2025 Sermon Series: New Testament Orientation Message 11: “The General Letters of the New Testament”   Last week, we explored the "Christ, the Fulfillment of the Law" Core Verse: Galatians 2:16 (NLT)  "Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God by faith in Christ and not by obeying the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law." This week is the eleventh of 12 messages in our New Testament Orientation Series, and we will learn: "The General Letters of the New Testament:” 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NLT)  9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests,[a] a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God's people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God's mercy.”[b] Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, we approach Your presence today with hearts full of anticipation. As we open the “General Letters” of the New Testament, we pray that Your Spirit would illuminate these precious words. May we, like the early believers, grasp our true identity as Your chosen people, a holy nation, called out of darkness into Your marvelous light. Grant us wisdom to understand these messages forged in the crucible of early Christian life, and empower us to live out the living hope that is ours in Jesus Christ. Amen. Introduction: Voices from the Scattered Flock This is our eleventh lesson in this New Testament Orientation series! We're nearing the completion of our journey, and today we turn our attention to a collection of profound letters often called the "General Letters" or "Catholic Epistles." Unlike Paul's letters, which were typically addressed to specific churches or individuals, these are often broader in their intended audience, offering vital guidance to scattered communities of believers—both Jews and Gentiles—living throughout the Roman world. Our core verses from 1 Peter 2:9-10 beautifully capture the essence of what these letters emphasize: "But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 'Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God's people. Once you received no mercy;...

“I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4 NLT) Jesus said, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20 NLT). That’s known as the Great Commission. Chances are, you made your decision to follow Christ because of God’s working through a person (or persons) who took Jesus’ words to heart. You can make a difference in other people’s lives by taking His words to heart as well. When you do, you’ll find that some “nations”—or people—are harder to reach than others. Some of the hardest people to reach are those who are satisfied in life. They may not see their real spiritual condition because they have everything else in order. That’s why I think it’s a mistake when we share the gospel merely to appeal to unhappy, lonely, empty individuals. The reality is that not everyone is unhappy, empty, or lonely at every given moment. Many people have frequent bursts of happiness. Their lives are often going well. So if we say to them, “Jesus can help you be happy,” they’re likely to reply, “I don’t need Him. I’m already happy.” And if we say, “Jesus can take away your emptiness,” they’re likely to say, “There’s nothing for Him to take away. I don’t really feel any emptiness.” When we talk to other people about Christ, we need to recognize that there’s more at stake than mere happiness. So we must go beyond that message to the deepest need of all. That is, the need for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus did not die on the cross to make us happy. He died to save us from sin and death. Look at the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 above. Or in Romans 5:8: “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (NLT). Or the apostle John’s words in 1 John 2:2: “He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world” (NLT). And, of course, in John 3:16: “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” (NLT). The need for salvation and eternal life is true of every person at every moment in time. There is no unbeliever who doesn’t need to hear the gospel message. The more powerfully you make that message resonate with someone, the greater impact it will have. Learning to make the gospel resonate is one of the keys to spiritual growth. Reflection question: How can you talk to someone about Christ in a way that meets a very real need in that person’s life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Jonathan Laurie shares lessons from the story of Jonah, a reluctant evangelist who ran from God’s calling. Notes: Focus verse - Jonah 2 Matthew 23:25–27 (NKJV)“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. “Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.” Jonah 4:3 (NLT)“Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.” #1 God Appoints Circumstances to Bring Us Back Sometimes we think God is punishing us. God paid Jesus back for our sin. Jonah was a historical, biblical character.2 Kings 14:25 Matthew 12:40 (NKJV)“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” God appoints circumstances and storms.Not to pay us back, but to bring us back. #2 God Still Sees in the DarkJonah 2:1 (NLT) Read: Jonah 2:1–9 (NLT) While Jonah sat in darkness inside the great fish, he prayed.God heard and delivered Jonah out of his fishy prison. Psalm 139:11–12 (NLT)I could ask the darkness to hide meand the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.To you the night shines as bright as day.Darkness and light are the same to you. Israel worshipped one God — the true Creator. Romans 12:1 (NKJV)I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Read: Jonah 2:10 –3:5 (NKJV) #3 Saved From and Saved For God rescued Jonah from darkness so Jonah could reach others in darkness. 2 Corinthians 5:18–20 (NLT) Mark 16:15–16 (NLT)And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Romans 10:14 (NLT)But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? Learn more about this year's Harvest Crusade! --- 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.

Pastor Jonathan Laurie shares lessons from the story of Jonah, a reluctant evangelist who ran from God’s calling. Notes: Focus verse - Jonah 2 Matthew 23:25–27 (NKJV)“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. “Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.” Jonah 4:3 (NLT)“Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.” #1 God Appoints Circumstances to Bring Us Back Sometimes we think God is punishing us. God paid Jesus back for our sin. Jonah was a historical, biblical character.2 Kings 14:25 Matthew 12:40 (NKJV)“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” God appoints circumstances and storms.Not to pay us back, but to bring us back. #2 God Still Sees in the DarkJonah 2:1 (NLT) Read: Jonah 2:1–9 (NLT) While Jonah sat in darkness inside the great fish, he prayed.God heard and delivered Jonah out of his fishy prison. Psalm 139:11–12 (NLT)I could ask the darkness to hide meand the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.To you the night shines as bright as day.Darkness and light are the same to you. Israel worshipped one God — the true Creator. Romans 12:1 (NKJV)I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Read: Jonah 2:10 –3:5 (NKJV) #3 Saved From and Saved For God rescued Jonah from darkness so Jonah could reach others in darkness. 2 Corinthians 5:18–20 (NLT) Mark 16:15–16 (NLT)And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Romans 10:14 (NLT)But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? Learn more about this year's Harvest Crusade! --- 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.