Podcasts about nlt acts

Bible Reading: Psalm 51:1-2, 7-10; 103:8-12"Give me my red sweater, you jerk!" shouted Brynn as she chased her twin sister down the stairs. "You're always taking my things!""This isn't yours, dummy. It's mine," replied Savannah. "Yours is in the wash!" She ran around the kitchen table, holding the sweater tightly. Their brother Reese grinned at them. "Want to hear what you sound like?" He pushed a button on his phone, and a moment later the twins heard their own voices yelling at each other. "Isn't technology great?" said Reese. "Wait till Mom hears this." "Oh, come on, Reese! Don't play that for Mom," said Brynn.But it was too late. Their mom came to see what all the commotion was about, and Reese pressed play."Mom! Make Reese delete that," Savannah pleaded."You don't like to hear it, do you?" said Mom. "Well, neither do we.""Tell you what," said Reese. "If you'll say nice things to each other for the next few minutes, I'll delete it. So, come on! Who will be the first to say something nice?" The girls scowled, but they did as their brother told them. Soon they were all laughing as the twins tried to outdo each other in saying nice things, complimenting everything from their nail polish to their piano playing."Okay, okay," said Reese. "You kept your side of the bargain. I'll delete it." "You know, girls," said Mom, "Reese deleted your mean, angry words from his phone, but don't forget that God already heard them. He hears every word we say--He even knows our thoughts." "Yeah!" said Reese. "And you can't erase that, can you?" "Actually, the Bible says that when God forgives us for the wrong things we've done, it's like our sins have been deleted," said Mom. "Jesus took the punishment for our sins so that they could be erased. Because of Jesus, we can be honest with God about the wrong things we've done. He already knows about them and has already forgiven us." Mom looked at the girls. "And we can tell those we've wronged that we're sorry too and trust God to help us treat others with love and kindness." Both girls turned toward each other. "I'm sorry," they said. A smile crept across Brynn's face. "Maybe Reese should record this instead." "Way ahead of you!" Reese exclaimed, holding up his phone.–Beverly KennistonHow About You?Would you like a wrong thing you've said or done to be erased? Do you want God to forgive your mistakes and never think of them again? Confess your sin to God and trust in the work of Jesus on the cross. Because Jesus died for your sins, God will always forgive and delete every wrong in your life. Trust Him to erase your sin and help you replace hurtful words and actions with kind ones.Today's Key Verse:Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. (NLT) (Acts 3:19)Today's Key Thought:Let Jesus erase your sin

Bible Reading: Isaiah 40:28-31"I hate homework," groaned Rosa as she jabbed the sharp tip of her pencil at a long division problem.Sebastian lifted his nose out of his science book. "I don't mind doing science homework. These magnets are cool! Watch this." He took a nail and rubbed it across a magnet several times. Then he held the nail close to a pin. "See? It picked up the pin just like a real magnet!" "Wow!" exclaimed Rosa. "Why does it do that?""Some magnetism got rubbed off onto the nail," explained Sebastian."Can I try?" asked Rosa. She took the nail and held it over a paper clip, giggling as it sprang up toward the nail. Next, she took a clip from her hair and held the nail over that. This time, nothing happened."The nail loses its power to attract things quickly if it isn't rubbed against the magnet again," said Sebastian. "That's why it didn't pick up that clip. To keep it working, it has to be rubbed against the magnet over and over."Rosa returned the nail to her brother and went back to her math while he continued to tinker with the magnet. "This nail is just like a Christian," he said.Rosa gave him a confused look. "What are you talking about?""Well, look! This magnet is like God, and the nail is like us," said Sebastian. "When we get saved, God brings us close to Him." Sebastian illustrated by rubbing the nail against the magnet. "The nail gets power from the magnet, and we receive power from God to love others like Jesus and attract people to Him."Rosa nodded. "As we let the Holy Spirit's power guide us in how to live, people will see the love of God in our lives and want what we have--we'll be magnetic Christians. But if we focus on our own selfish desires instead of what God wants, then we're like a plain old nail again." She grinned at her brother. "Hey, you're pretty smart to think of that. I'm impressed!"Sebastian grinned too. "Good! Keep thinking like that. Even though my teacher at church used a magnet like this for an illustration in class last week, that doesn't mean I wouldn't have thought of it myself." He laughed as Rosa threw an eraser in his direction.–Ellen C. OrrHow About You?Did you know that you can be like a magnet that attracts others to Jesus? If you know Him as your Savior, you have the Holy Spirit in you. He gives you the power to live a life that points others to Jesus and His love for us. Trust God to help you focus on the desires He puts in your heart, like following Jesus and showing His love to others, so you can be a magnetic Christian.Today's Key Verse:You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere. (NLT) (Acts 1:8)Today's Key Thought:Be a magnetic Christian

In this week's message, Pastor Matt explores the transformative power of submission and how it leads to true freedom in Christ. Are you ready to embrace this life-changing discipline?Join us as we delve into the spiritual discipline of submission, understanding its importance in our walk with Jesus, and learning practical steps to cultivate a life of surrender to God. Through the story of Ananias and Saul, discover how submission can lead to a deeper connection with God and a more fulfilling life.Key Points:Understanding the concept of submission and its importance in our spiritual journey.Practical steps to cultivate a life of submission: Attuning your ears to Jesus, embracing faith over fear, and becoming an instrument of God's grace.Insights from the story of Ananias and Saul and the transformative power of submission.The paradox of finding true life and freedom through self-denial and following Jesus.

Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1; Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Corinthians 12:9When Millie got home from her first day of vacation Bible school, she found Dad watering the garden out back. "Hi," Dad said. "How was VBS?" He put down the hose and poured Millie a glass of lemonade on the patio."A missionary couple spoke to us about their work in another country," said Millie. "They told us that church services are held in secret in people's homes. Christians have to be careful how and where they tell people about Jesus because they could get in trouble for teaching God's Word in public."Millie stopped to catch her breath and sip the icy lemonade. "They also showed us pictures of where they live and people they know. And they said they're eager to go back. They love what they do.""You sound pretty excited about it," said Dad.Millie hesitated. "It was interesting to hear what it's like to work in a foreign country and not be afraid to tell others about Jesus. But what if God calls me to be a missionary? It sounds like hard work, and sometimes it's even dangerous. I don't know if I could ever do it."Dad was quiet for a moment, then he said, "Run inside and get your softball and mitt."Millie was puzzled but did as Dad asked. Dad took the mitt and propped it against the side of the house. Then he tossed the ball into the mitt. When the ball rolled out onto the patio, Dad sighed and shook his head. "This mitt is no good."Millie laughed. "The mitt can't catch a ball by itself, Dad! My hand has to be inside it."Dad grinned and nodded. "You can't be a missionary by yourself either--you need the Holy Spirit to help you. Just like you give the mitt power and direction when your hand is inside it, He's the one who makes you able to share the love of Jesus with others. Jesus has given all Christians the task of telling others about Him, not just those He calls to be missionaries in other countries, and it can be scary no matter where you are. But whether He leads you to be a missionary far away or just here at home, you can trust Him to give you the power you need to share Jesus wherever you are."–Ruth AndrewsHow About You?What happens if you don't put batteries in a remote or turn on a lamp without plugging in the cord? Without a power source, those things won't work. God is your power source for doing what He calls you to do--He won't ask you to do something and then leave you on your own. He calls all Christians to tell others about Jesus, and you can count on His power and strength to help you do that no matter where you are.Today's Key Verse:You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere. (NLT) (Acts 1:8)Today's Key Thought:God gives you power to do His will

Ephesians 5:18Romans 8:14Zechariah *:12 (NLT)Acts 4:16, 3:38-39, 1:8, 8:12-17Praying in tongues is the Church's greatest asset.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 43:10-12Jacob rolled a piece of paper into a ball, took aim, and flicked it toward Cody in the row ahead. It hit its mark, but by the time Cody looked around, Jacob was staring straight ahead. Next to him, Mateo snickered.Jacob was glad Mateo had come to church with him today. Usually he declined, saying church stuff didn't make sense to him, but Jacob had convinced him that today's special guest, a missionary from Africa, would be interesting.Something the missionary said caught Jacob's attention--but he didn't understand a word of it. Mr. Mensah spoke in one of Africa's tribal languages. "How many of you understood what I said?" he asked a moment later. When no one raised a hand, Mr. Mensah asked his son to translate as he spoke in the foreign language again. His son repeated his words in English, so this time all the kids understood."In Africa, we translate the Bible into languages of several different tribes so the people can read and listen to it in their own tongue," said Mr. Mensah. "But people still need to learn what it means, so we translate God's message to them in another way too--through our lives. We not only tell them what it means to know Jesus--we show them by letting His love be seen in everything we do. We help them with their work, treat them fairly, share with them, help them solve problems, and are kind to them." Mr. Mensah looked around the group. "Maybe you have friends who aren't Christians." Out of the corner of his eye, Jacob looked at Mateo. "How can you translate to them what it means to know Jesus?" asked Mr. Mensah.Cody raised his hand. "By sharing our stuff.""By forgiving them when they say something mean," someone else suggested."By bringing them to church," Jacob said, sitting up a little straighter. But he felt his face go red when he heard someone else say, "By sitting quietly so they can pay attention and hear the message."Mr. Mensah nodded. "Good! Let's ask God to help us all be good translators of His Word so others can know who He is and what He's done for them."- Hazel W. MarettHow About You?Are you a Bible translator? Do your actions reflect the message God gives us in His Word--that Jesus loves us and gave His life so our sins could be forgiven? Or do people get a different message? You don't need to learn another language to translate God's Word. When you treat others with love and do what you can to help them hear and understand the good news of Jesus, you're translating God's message. Today's Key Verse:You will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere…to the ends of the earth. (NLT) (Acts 1:8)Today's Key Thought:Share God's message in how you live

For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you (NLT) Acts 18 : 10

Welcome to Passionate Life Church! Today, Pastor Andrew continues his series on the importance of living according to scripture. We are so glad you are here! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ World vs Word part 6    5th reason why we can trust the Bible.    "Historically Validated"   1. Dead Sea Scrolls Discovered in 1947 in the ruins of Qumran. Found 950 documents and 220 Biblical scrolls.   2. Burnt scroll of Leviticus found 1970. Why is it important? Discovered that it was written in 50-100 AC. Show pic.    3. Discoveries at the Temple Mount 2015-2017. Old pottery, arrowheads, colonial seal that dates to David's conquest of the city, and Solomon's Colonnade. John 10:23 NLT    Acts 5:12 NLT    4. Jabal Cattle Cult: Is their proof people lived before the flood?  Genesis 4:19-20 NIV   5. Pontius Pilate's ring and stone    6. The seals of King Hezekiah and Isaiah 2700 years old. Show pic.  2 Kings 20:1-6 NIV    7. Gideon's Jug 3100 years old. "Jerub-Baal" Judges 6:31-32 NIV   8. 3000 year old Canaanite false god temple found in a city called Lachish show pic.  2 Chronicles 25:27 NIV   9. Discoveries on Mount Ebal    The Covenant Renewed at Mount Ebal and an altar is built.     Joshua 8:30-31 NIV    The altar/cultic structure on Mt. Ebal. An earlier, circular altar was discovered beneath at the exact geometric center.  They discovered a small, folded lead curse tablet (called a defixio) approximately the size of a folded business card.     Deuteronomy 27:13-14 NIV    You are cursed by the god YHW, cursed.  You will die, cursed—cursed, you will surely die.  Cursed you are by YHW—cursed.    10. Sodom and Gomorrah  Genesis 18:20 NLT    Genesis 19:24-25 NLT   Luke 17:28-30 NLT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thanks for listening! If you were positively impacted by this message, please leave us a comment! Be sure to like and subscribe to our channel to stay connected to this house. Join us every Sunday at 9:00am or 10:30am Spotify: http://bit.ly/passionatelifechurch Facebook:   / passionatelifechurch   Instagram:   / passionate.life.church   10393 W Alamo Pl Littleton, CO 80127 Need Prayer? Contact us at passionatelifechurch@gmail.com — ► Subscribe to our channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL88... — Passionate People. Multicultural Environment. Atmosphere to Experience God. You will feel Loved, Refreshed, and empowered. Loved: We have an atmosphere of acceptance and an environment that creates a “come as you are” message. Everyone will feel loved! Refreshed: We serve a God of the Fresh Start! No matter where you've been or what you've done, God wants to refresh you today and every day. Empowered: God wants to grow you into everything He's called you to be and do. We want to give you all of the tools you will need in order to empower you to live a life fully devoted to Jesus Christ. We are non-denominational & believe that the Bible is truth and fully written by God through man. Need Prayer? Contact us at passionatelifechurch@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionatelifechurch/message

Deconstruction - Week 3Is There Only One Way?There's something about the exclusive claims of Jesus—“I am THE way, THE truth, and THE life…”—that gets under people's skin. For those of us who get hung up on the exclusivity of the Christian faith, Chase Gardner spends week 3 pointing to the radical inclusivity we may have overlooked.—Message Notes: How can Christianity be exclusive while also being about radical inclusion?  After Peter and John heal a man lame from birth in the Name of Jesus Christ, they are confronted by religious leaders.Acts 4:1-3 (NLT)Acts 4:5-6 (NLT)Acts 4:7-22 (NLT)Christians preach about Jesus not because they are smarter or more intelligent but because they have to share how Jesus saved them.Acts 4:13 (NLT)Acts 4:20 (NLT)Being a Christian doesn't mean someone is morally better than anyone else. Acts 3:12 (NLT)Jesus taught us that, unlike every other religion in the world, there is no set of actions humans can do to reach God.There's one solution (Jesus) because there's one problem (sin) in this world.—Helpful Links:For additional series resources, go to https://gethope.net/deconstruction/#moreIf you're new to Hope or looking to get connected, click here: https://gethope.net/next/If you've just made a decision to follow Christ, we'd love to connect with you here! https://touchpoint.gethope.net/OnlineReg/2048If you'd like to receive regular updates on what's happening around Hope, subscribe to our newsletter here: https://gethope.net/enews/Subscribe to Family Conversations for weekly prompts and resources: https://touchpoint.gethope.net/OnePageReg/2451To support this ministry financially to help us continue to love people where they are and encourage them to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, click here: https://gethope.net/give/Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/2XBbBxqStay Connected with Hope:Website: https://gethope.net/Hope Community Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gethopecommunitychurchHope Community Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get_hope/Hope Community Church Twitter: https://twitter.com/get_hopeHope Community Church YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/HopeCommunityChurchSubscribe to Our Podcast - Hope In Real Life YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HopeInRealLifeHope In Real Life Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eifzI0r9uY8rUaBMGs7q1Hope In Real Life Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-in-real-life-with-jason-gore/id1691710678?uo=4

God desires to bring healing into our lives. Sometimes the healing we need is physical, but perhaps even more often, it's spiritual and emotional. We may need healing from painful situations that have happened to us, or from the effects of our own sinful choices. Understanding God's desire and power to heal will help us reveal the parts of our hearts that need it. Check out this Scripture Playlist to learn how God can bringing healing into our lives. Show Notes Psalm 147:3 MEV Proverbs 4:20-22 NLT James 5:16 NLT Malachi 4:2 NLT Romans 8:3-4 MSG Luke 5:17 NLT Luke 7:21 CEV Isaiah 57:18-19 ERV Psalm 107:17-21 NLT Jeremiah 3:22 NLT Psalm 146:7-8 CEV Hosea 14:4 NLT Acts 10:38 NLT Mark 1:40-41 NLT Proverbs 12:18 NLT Jeremiah 30:17 AMP Matthew 13:15 NLT Proverbs 3:5-8 GW Isaiah 53:4-5 NLT Isaiah 58:8 CEV Psalm 103:2-4 NLT

A psychologist named Carol Dweck coined the terms “fixed mindset” and “growth mindset” in 2006. Having a “fixed mindset” means we think things like “This is just how I am," “I've never been good at this,” or “I'm not cut out for this.” A growth mindset says, “I don't know how to do this yet, but I can learn.” Having a growth mindset is tied to improved mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. So it's no surprise then that it's also essential to our relationship with God. The idea of having a growth mindset is all over the Bible; God works through everything to help us become who he destined us to be. We don't have to feel stuck or defined by how we've lived so far. Instead, we can embrace that everything in our lives—the good, the bad, and the ugly—is part of the process of becoming who we are meant to be. Listen to this episode of Scripture Playlist to start seeing everything in your life with a mindset of continual spiritual growth and learning. Show Notes: Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset Article: https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/growth-mindset-vs-fixed-mindset#:~:text=Someone%20with%20a%20growth%20mindset,stable%20and%20unchangeable%20over%20time The Influence of Growth Mindset on the Mental Health and Life Events of College Students Article: https://ggie.berkeley.edu/student-well-being/growth-mindset-for-students/#:~:text=Much%20of%20the%20research%20on,for%20different%20subgroups%20of%20students). ‘Growth Mindset' Linked to Higher Test Scores, Student Well-Being in Global Study Article: https://www.edweek.org/leadership/growth-mindset-linked-to-higher-test-scores-student-well-being-in-global-study/2021/04 Philippians 1:9 NLT James 1:2-4 NLT Philippians 1:6 NLT Philippians 3:12 ERV 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 NLT Acts 20:32 GW 1 Corinthians 10:23 GW Romans 1:11 NLT Romans 15:2 ERV Ephesians 1:16-17 NLT Romans 12:2 NIrV Colossians 1:28 CEV Colossians 3:8-10 ERV 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ERV Colossians 4:12 ERV 2 Peter 1:5-9 CEV Acts 9:31 CEV 2 Timothy 1:6-7 ERV 1 Timothy 4:15-16 Voice Colossians 2:6-7 NIrV 2 Peter 3:18 CEV Ephesians 4:13-16 NLT 2 Corinthians 13:11 NLT

Bible Reading: Genesis 6:17-24"Can I go out and play now?" Dylan asked. "Can I go too?" asked Molly, Dylan's younger sister. Mom nodded, and the kids took their plates to the sink and then hurried out the door. Dylan went straight for his bike that he had thrown in the middle of the yard when his mom had called them in for dinner. Molly went to the driveway and continued working on her chalk drawing. They were not outside long when they heard the rumbling of thunder. Soon rain started to fall fast and hard. "Molly! Dylan!" Mom called. "Come inside before you get soaked!" Molly knew there was nothing she could do to save her chalk drawing, so she quickly gathered her chalk and ran into the house. Dylan, however, continued to ride his bike in the rain. "Dylan!" Mom called again. "It's not safe to be out there when there's lightning. You need to come in right now."Just then a huge bolt of lightning lit up the sky, followed by a loud clap of thunder. Dylan quickly threw down his bike and ran inside. "Wow, that was scary!" Dylan said, water dripping from his clothes. "You should have listened to me the first time I called," said Mom. "Go put on your pajamas and then come to the living room for devotions." This time Dylan was quick to do what he was told. "I thought tonight we would read about Noah's ark," Mom said, opening her Bible. "Dylan, when I was watching you out in the storm, it made me think of all those people long ago who ignored the warning that a huge storm was coming. But when God told Noah to build an ark so he and his family could be saved from the flood, Noah listened.""The storm outside isn't going to cause a flood like that, is it?" asked Molly. Mom smiled and shook her head. "No, but the story of Noah's ark reminds us that God is calling all sinners to come to Him and be saved from the storm of sin, and we need to listen to His call. We can only be saved by Jesus, who washes away our sin when we turn to Him for forgiveness." -Melissa YeagleHow About You?Have you listened to God's call? Have you trusted Jesus to forgive your sins and give you eternal life? He wants you to turn to Him and be saved. God loves you so much that He sent Jesus, His only Son, to die for you. Don't let anything stop you from listening to His call. Trust Him to save you today. (See "Have You Heard the Good News?" on page 102.)Today's Key Verse:Repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. (NLT) (Acts 3:19)Today's Key Thought:Listen to God's call

Welcome to Passionate Life Church! Today Pastor Andrew starts a new series, Living on Fire for God! We are so glad you are here! ----------------------------------------------------- Starting, sustaining, and building the fire “I set myself on fire and people come to watch me burn.” ― John Wesley Starting the fire of God is NOT about these three things: 1. Your personality. 2. You being perfect. 3. You being picked. Three things that help us start the fire of God. 1. Knowledge of how the fire is started. 2. Getting rid of relationships that are extinguishing the fire. 3. Overcoming excuses. "How do we start the fire?" "Allowing the Holy Spirit to start the spark." Matthew 3:11 NLT Acts 2:3-4 NLT  2 Timothy 1:6 NIV 1 Thessalonians 5:19 NIV "Why we need to be on fire for God?" Hebrews 12:28-29 NIV "Will you let that fire consume you?" ----------------------------------------------------- Thanks for listening! If you were positively impacted by this message, please leave us a comment! Be sure to like and subscribe to our channel to stay connected to this house. Join us every Sunday at 9:00am or 10:30am Spotify: http://bit.ly/passionatelifechurch Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/passionatelifechurch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionate.life.church/ 10393 W Alamo Pl Littleton, CO 80127 Need Prayer? Contact us at passionatelifechurch@gmail.com — ► Subscribe to our channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL88... — Passionate People. Multicultural Environment. Atmosphere to Experience God. You will feel Loved, Refreshed, & Empowered Loved: We have an atmosphere of acceptance and an environment that creates a “come as you are” message. Everyone will feel loved! Refreshed: We serve a God of the Fresh Start! No matter where you've been or what you've done, God wants to refresh you today and every day. Empowered: God wants to grow you into everything He's called you to be and do. We want to give you all of the tools you will need in order to empower you to live a life fully devoted to Jesus Christ. We are non-denominational & believe that the Bible is truth and fully written by God through man. Need Prayer? Contact us at passionatelifechurch@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passionatelifechurch/message

Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household. (NLT) Acts 16 : 31

For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you (NLT) Acts 18:10

Bible Reading: Acts 1:8; 16:1-5"Mom, look!" Max's older brother Bankston held up a paper. "I've got an application to help Mr. Brock at his store. Since he's new in town and doesn't know any of us very well, he's asking for references.""References?" echoed Max. "What are those?""Mr. Brock said I should list the names of a few people who know me well," Bankston explained. "I wonder who I can list as a reference.""How about the Chens?" suggested Mom. "And maybe the Pearsons."Bankston looked a little sheepish. "I don't know," he said uncertainly. "I saw Mrs. Chen trying to load a heavy box into her car in the mall parking lot the other day, but I didn't stop to help. I was in a hurry so I pretended I didn't see her, but I think she knew I did. So I'm not sure I should ask her.""You better not ask Mr. Pearson either," said Max. "He saw you push me when we were shoveling snow the other day."Bankston noticed his mom's frown. "I'm sorry about that, Max," he said. "I was wrong, and now I'm not sure who I'm going to ask to be a reference.""Well, I'll help you brainstorm after dinner," said Mom. "Let's put the application away for now--it's time to eat." After dinner, Mom took out her Bible and read from the book of Acts. "That was interesting," she said when she finished. "It seems that Paul wanted to take Timothy with him on a missionary journey because of the good things Christians were saying about him in the town where Timothy lived.""Good references would really be important for a trip like that!" said Max. "Paul knew Timothy would make a good missionary because he loved the people in his town and wanted them to know about Jesus."Mom nodded. "Timothy was able to show others God's love because he had the Holy Spirit living in him, and since we also trust in Jesus, we do too! The Holy Spirit works in our hearts so we can love others like Jesus does and tell people about Him. We don't need to go on a missionary trip to share the love of Jesus--we can do that through our words and actions every day." -Phyllis M. RobinsonHow About You?Do you know that the reason we can love others is because God loved us first? Do your words and actions reflect Jesus's love? Don't forget that you have the Holy Spirit, who fills you with God's love and is shaping you to be more like Jesus so others can see His love in your life. How can you show God's love to others today?Today's Key Verse:You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere. (NLT) (Acts 1:8)Today's Key Thought:Show others God's love

Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go! (NLT) Acts 1:11

Bible Reading:  Acts 9: 1-18 (NLT) Additional Bible Reading: Acts 8:1-3 (NLT) Acts 22:1-23 (NLT) Acts 26:1-23 (NLT) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/anchorformysoulpodcast/support

Bible Reading: John 20:31; 2 Timothy 3:16-17Friday was Maribel's favorite day of the week! Because on Fridays after school, Maribel and her mom went to the library to look for books. And today was no exception.As the library doors swooshed open, Maribel breathed in the familiar scent of book pages. She headed over to her favorite section--fiction--and began to take in each of the colorful spines lined along the shelves. Her mom didn't have a favorite section though. She would go up and down the different aisles, always ending her search with a pile of books about lots of different subjects."Mom," asked Maribel as they drove home, "how do they keep track of all the books at the library?""They use something called the Dewey Decimal system," Mom said. "There are numbered sections for different subjects and types of books. They have sections for books about history, science, art, travel--anything anyone would want to read about, really.""Wow!" said Maribel. "That's a lot of different types of books.""Yes," said Mom. "Did you know that there's a very special type of book that includes a whole library?""No way!" said Maribel. "What book is that?""It's the Bible," said Mom. "It's made up of many different types of books written by lots of different people who were empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Bible includes history, law, poetry, prophecy, songs, letters, and more!""That's so cool!" said Maribel. "How did people know what books to put in the Bible?""God is so creative," Mom said. "He guided the people who wrote the books of the Bible in a very special way called 'inspiration.' Then He guided other people in helping choose which books belonged in the Bible, His library. That's how we can know the Bible is true. God wrote it, using human people who trusted in Him and listened to Him. And the people who chose the books in the Bible knew the story of Jesus and listened to the Holy Spirit to figure out which books proclaimed that story well." "So, if the Bible is a library, then Jesus is the librarian?" asked Maribel."Yes," said Mom. "And we can trust Him to tell us His story." -Kandi ZellerHow About You?Did you know the Bible has different genres--books on different subjects with different styles of writing? The amazing thing about the Bible is that even though there are lots of different books, genres, and writers, it all tells the same story: Jesus died and rose again to beat sin and death! What questions do you have about the Bible? Talk with your parents, pastor, or another Christian adult about them today.Today's Key Verse:He [Jesus] is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name. (NLT) (Acts 10:43)Today's Key Thought:The Bible is a library

Teaching NotesOur world is being SHAKEN At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. (Hebrews 12:26-27) “…this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) If we keep our lives aligned to God's kingdom, we can live UNSHAKEABLE LIVES. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Ps. 16:8) Our Goal: 100% Involvement “Tell the people of Israel to bring me their sacred offerings. Accept the contributions from all whose hearts are moved to offer them. (Exodus 25:1-2 NLT) Acts 1 What God did in the 1st century he wants to do again in the 21st century But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39) But it didn't stop there. By the end of the book of Acts, just 29 short years, they had accomplished the mission. (Need map that highlights expansion - building) Jerusalem – 1:1 – 6:7 Judea & Samaria – 6:8-9:31 Syria – 9:32-12:24 Cypress & Galatia – 12:25-16:5 Macedonia, Achaia, Asia – 16:6-19:20 Rome – 19:21-28:31 Acts 29 We have the same Holy Spirit in us. Westside will keep the main thing, the main thing – the gospel! The church is the hope of the world Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereIf The Lord Builds the House- Hope DarstFirm Foundation-Cody CarnesToo Good to Not Believe- Brandon LakeThere Is A King- Elevation WorshipWFC SpeedwayRest On Us- Maverick City Firm Foundation- Cody CarnesO Praise The Name- Hillsong UnitedI Thank God- Maverick CityBe sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday's set!

Acts Chapter 15 is Awesome!

It's been said that if you don't think about demons, the wont bother you... is this true?  And are demons even real?  In part 3 of Where the Hell is Heaven, Pastor Adam continues talking about the unseen realm.  Beginning his teaching in Acts 19, Pastor Adam preaches a powerful message - this week he challenges myths about DEMONS.  Listen to this episode with a notepad because you'll want to take notes when Pastor Adam breaks down the direct connection to our free will and God's will. Ultimately, it is alignment to Jesus that unlocks the power that comes through authority.  And ignorance to the things of the supernatural only make you susceptible to the enemy - we are called to live life with boldness knowing the power of our authority.Check out the full video message on YouTube, “Demons”  Want to dive in deeper to this message? Here's the scriptures mentioned to guide your study. Acts 19:8-20 (NLT)Acts 10:3-6 (NLT)Matthew 1:20 (NLT) |Acts 10:3-6 (NLT)Romans 8:9-11 (NLT)1 Timothy 4:1 (NLT)Leviticus 18:21 (NLT)Matthew 10:1(NLT)Luke 10:17 (NLT)

Do you ever feel spiritually beat up, like you're in a constant battle? The truth is, you are in a battle – for your soul. In this message, Chase Gardner teaches us about the obstacles that trip us up in life and reminds us that we have the authority to be the person God wants us to be. Message Notes:God can do more than we can imagine in our lives even when we fail and feel defeated.Acts 3:1-2 (NLT) A man, who was born lame, was left outside the temple to beg.Acts 3:3 (NLT) He asked Peter and John for money.Acts 3:4-6a (NLT) Peter told the man he didn't have any silver or gold.Acts 3:6b-8 (NLT) Peter told the man that he had something different to offer, and it was healing in the name of Jesus Christ.God doesn't deal in small change but new creation.Acts 3:9-10 (NLT) The people were astounded to see the man who was lame walking and praising God.The “right hand” is a common metaphor in the Bible for power and authority. Exodus 15:6 (NLT) Deuteronomy 33:2 (NLT) Luke 22:69 (NLT) Acts 3:16 (NLT) Luke 9:1-2 (NLT) Luke 10:17-20 (NLT) Through history, we see that God gave Adam and Eve the authority to rule the things of earth. Genesis 1:26 (KJB)They gave up that authority to Satan. Luke 4:6-7 (ESV)When Jesus rose from the grave, He won back that authority Adam and Eve had lost. Hebrews 2:14-15 (NLT) Colossians 2:14-15 (NLT)Through faith in Jesus, we have spiritual authority, but not physical authority, again. Hebrews 2:8 (ESV)The battles we have faced in our lives have already been won in Jesus. Romans 8:1-2 (NLT)Romans 6:14 (NLT)Colossians 1:13-14 (NLT)We can have freedom from our sin if we step forward into the belief that God has the power to defeat our sin. Are we willing to fight for our faith? To believe God can change us?            Isaiah 42:13 (NLT)            Psalm 18:31-32, 34-36, 39 (NLT)            Hebrews 12:12-13 (NLT)“I will refuse to be anything less than who God has created me to be.”---If you'd like to download your Battle Cry Card, click here: https://bit.ly/3apiJmWFor more information about our Hope Where You Are campaign, visit https://gethope.net/hwya/If you're new to Hope or looking to get connected, click here: https://gethope.net/next/ If you've just made a decision for Christ, please respond here: https://bit.ly/3aWvIZN To support this ministry financially to help us continue to love people where they are and encourage them to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, click here: https://gethope.net/give/ Subscribe to receive our latest messages: https://bit.ly/2XBbBxq Stay Connected with Hope:Website: https://gethope.net/Hope Community Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gethopecommunitychurchHope Community Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get_hope/ Hope Community Church Twitter: https://twitter.com/get_hopeHope Community Church YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/HopeCommunityChurch

If you look at the signs you will see. Notes: 1. Signs give information about what you're about to or could encounter. Luke 12:54-56 (TPT) 2. The end time church. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 (NKJV) 3. The falling away is happening in 2 ways. i. People love the world more than God – leave the church. ii. The church will still exist - but because of false doctrine/teachings it will be a “fallen away” church… led by a false prophet/leadership. 4. #1 reason it's difficult to spot a false prophet – Not understanding the bible. Galatians 1:6-10 (NLT) Acts 20:27-30 (NKJV) 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NKJV) Matthew 24:24 (NKJV) 5. The Prophesy of Joel for the end time church. Acts 2:17-21 (NKJV) John 16:33 (NKJV) 6. The end times is not just a series of events that we have no control over; instead, it should be a motivating factor in getting us involved with what God is preparing for these coming years. Need prayer? Send your prayer requests to: journeychurcheva.com/prayer To give to Journey: journeychurcheva.com/give To contact us: life@journeychurcheva.com

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses. (NLT) Acts 1:8

Message by Pastor Josiah Thomas Acts 2:22-24, 36-38 (NLT) There's a SOURCE Acts 2:22-24 (NLT) John 14:6 (NLT) John 3:16-17 (NLT) There's a STRUCTURE Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) Romans 10:9 (NLT) Acts 13:40-42 (NLT) Acts 15:7-11 (NLT)

Welcome to Day 1806 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom A Critic or a Doer – Daily Wisdom Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps. We are on Day 1806 of our Trek, and it's time to explore another nugget of wisdom, which includes an inspirational quote along with some wise words from Gramps for today's trek. Wisdom is the final frontier in gaining true knowledge. We are on a daily trek to create a legacy of wisdom, seek out discernment and insights, and boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Hello, my friend; this is Gramps. Thanks for coming along on today's trek as we increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2016%3A16&version=NLT (Proverbs 16:16)  How much better to get wisdom than gold, and sound judgment than silver!    If you apply the words you hear today, over time, it will help you become more healthy, wealthy, and wise as you continue your daily trek of life.  So let's jump right in with today's nugget: Today's quote is from Wayne Dyer, and it is: A non-doer is very often a critic — that is, someone who sits back and watches doers, and then waxes philosophically about how the doers are doing. It's easy to be a critic, but being a doer requires effort, risk, and change. A Critic or a Doer It is so easy to be a critic. That is why so many people are critical of others. However, it is quite another thing to withhold criticism and get off your backside and do something. Being critical of someone or something does not produce anything worthwhile unless you are also prepared to step up, lend a hand, and have a positive impact.  Being critical without assisting is like clouds and wind that do not bring rain to dry and arid soil.  So instead of being critical, be a doer.  Yes, it does require effort, risk, and change which will disrupt your life, but that is what we are called to do.  As Christ-followers, we are to help those in need. So let's look for ways to be a does every day.  The Apostle Paul left us this example as was recorded in the Acts of the Apostles https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2020%3A35&version=NLT (Acts 20:34-35) You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.' As you ponder this nugget of wisdom for yourself, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.' If you would like to listen to any of our past 1805 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.  I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player so that each day's trek will be downloaded automatically. If you would also like to receive our weekly newsletter called ‘Wisdom Notes,' please email me at guthrie@wisdom-trek.com. Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most of all, your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal. As we take this Trek together, let us always: Live Abundantly (Fully) Love Unconditionally Listen Intentionally Learn Continuously Lend to others Generously Lead with Integrity Leave a Living Legacy Each Day I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to 'Keep Moving Forward,' ‘Enjoy your Journey,' and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday'! See you Tomorrow for more daily wisdom!  

Ghost StoriesWeek 3 – GuideIn church, we speak about God and Jesus all the time, but we tend to avoid the subject of the Holy Spirit. By evading the topic, we miss out on an amazing gift God has given to us as Christians. The Holy Spirit acts as our teacher, advocate, and guide.The Holy Spirit is given to us as Christians as a gift, and He acts as our guide.John 16:13 (NLT)  The Holy Spirit will guide us.God's will is a relationship with Him, and His Spirit helps us to know that will.  Romans 8:14 (NLT)There are a few essentials the Holy Spirit offers us to know God's will for our lives.1. To know God's will, we need God's Presence.Ephesians 5:18 (NLT)Acts 2:4 (NLT)Acts 4:31 (NLT)To be guided by the Spirit, we need His constant Presence in our lives.Prayer: “God, fill me.”2.  To know God's will, we need God's Purpose.Ministry is using whatever God has given us to serve Him and the needs of others.Ephesians 4:12 (NLT)1 Corinthians 12:7,11 (NLT)  Prayer: “God, show me.”3.  To know God's will, we need God's Plan.Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)John 16:13 (NLT)God shows His plan in four ways:a.  When the request is not right, God says, “No”.Acts 16:6-8 (NLT)b.  When the timing is not right, God says, “Slow”.c.  When the request and timing are right, but you're not right, God says, “Grow”.d.  When the request is right and the timing's right and you're right, then God says, “Go”.Acts 19:21 (NLT)Prayer: “God, use me.”4.  To know God's will, we need God's Power.Acts 1:8 (NLT)Prayer: “God, empower me.”  

7 Biblical Practices To Guard Your Heart From Church Hurt 1. Don't expect the church to be perfect Ecclesiastes 7:20 Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins. (NLT) 2. Don't put pastors on a pedestal 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 13  Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. (NLT) Acts 10:25-26 As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. 26  But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!” (NLT) Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NASB) 3. Don’t put all your hope in people Psalm 62:5 Yes, my soul. Find rest in God, my hope comes from Him. (NIV) 4. Extend the same grace and mercy that you want to receive 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. (NIV) James 2:13   There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. (NLT) 5. Don't judge all churches by the actions of one church 6. Don't get caught up in the offenses of others Deuteronomy 19:15 One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. (NIV) 1 Timothy 5:19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. (NIV) 7. Do not give up on the church Hebrews 10:24–25   And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25  not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)

Welcome to Day 1713 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomA Good Scare – Daily WisdomWelcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps. We are on Day 1713 of our Trek, and it's time to explore another nugget of wisdom, which includes an inspirational quote along with some wise words from Gramps for today's trek. Wisdom is the final frontier in gaining true knowledge. We are on a daily trek to create a legacy of wisdom, seek out discernment and insights, and boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Hello, my friend; this is Gramps. Thanks for coming along on today's trek as we increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2016%3A16&version=NLT (Proverbs 16:16) How much better to get wisdom than gold, and sound judgment than silver!    If you apply the words you hear today, over time, it will help you become more healthy, wealthy, and wise as you continue your daily trek of life. So let's jump right in with today's nugget: Today's quote is from Edgar Watson Howe, and it is: A good scare is worth more to a man than good advice. A Good Scare Some people love horror movies and being scared. I am not one of those people. While I am not fearful of much in life, I don't particularly like vivid images seared into my mind, which may cause restless sleep. There are other scares in life, though, that may be beneficial. For example, think about a person who has not taken care of themselves physically, and due to their neglect, they become ill with emphysema, cancer, or a heart attack. This type of scare may be the same wake-up call that a person needs to start a lifestyle that will build up the body instead of destroying it. All the good advice given previously may fall on deaf ears, but the choice becomes clear when faced with the scare of their mortality.   Another example someone who does not drive safely and then has a severe accident but walks away untouched should scare a person into better driving habits. A third example is a man who neglects his wife and children then one day comes home to an empty house that should scare him into changing his ways. The result of the vacant home was because previous advice was not heeded. So, yes, it is true that a good scare is even more potent than good advice for many people.  Let us not be guilty of needing a good scare. Sometimes the fear that others experience acts like great advice to us. A good scare was true when Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Apostles about the amount of money they sold their land for, indicating they were giving it all to the church. As a lesson, both of them immediately dropped dead because of their lie. It made a significant impact on the early church. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+5%3A10-11&version=NLT (Acts 5:10-11) Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened. As you ponder this nugget of wisdom for yourself, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.' If you would like to listen to any of our past 1712 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player so that each day's trek will be downloaded automatically. If you have not done so, please consider giving us a five-star rating so that others will also join us in mining our nuggets of wisdom. Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most of all, your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal. As we take...

Message by Pastor Wes Davis of Newlife Church John 15:5 (NLT) The strongest connections come from MISSIONAL FRIENDSHIPS Acts 11:21 (NLT) Acts 11:25 (NLT) What are the benefits of missional friendships? 1- Mutual Encouragement Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT) 2- Shared Gifts 1 Peter 4:10 (NLT) 3- Wisdom for Life Proverbs 13:20 (NLT)

Jesus TodayAscended and Seated in HeavenPart 1 Milestones in the Earthly Life of Jesus Christ Birth Baptism Temptation Transfiguration Death Resurrection Ascension Questions? Why did Jesus ascend to heaven after his resurrection? Since Jesus was bodily raised from the dead, does He operate with a human body or is He just a spirit? When He ascended from earth to heaven, did his position change from what it was originally? What is the present ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ? What is in heaven now that was not there before Christ Ascension? Ascended Jesus Christ Left Earth Luke 24:50-53 (NLT) Acts 1: 6-11 (NLT) Importance of the Holy Spirit John 16: 7-11  But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don't, the Advocate won't come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment. 9 The world's sin is that it refuses to believe in me. 10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. 11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged. Jesus' last words: Acts 1: 8  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses Jesus Christ's Ascension & Return Acts 1:11 “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”. Gradual Visible Bodily Entered Jesus Christ Returned to Heaven Ephesians 1: 15-23 (NLT) Jesus' Redemptive Work is Approved Jesus Received his Rightful Throne Eph 1: 20-21 seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come Jesus has Dominion over All things Eph 1: 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church Seated Jesus Christ Enthroned in Heaven Hebrew 10:11-12 Hebrews 1 : 1-4 Hebrews 1 : 5-13 (NLT) Seated Sovereign Lord & Master Hebrews 1 Sustains All things - (vs 3) Sits at God's Right Hand (vs 3, 13) Has an excellent/greater name (vs 4) Is God (vs 8) Has an everlasting throne (vs 8) Created the heavens and earth; sustains and will fold them up (vs 9-12) Always the same and lives forever (vs 12) All His enemies are His footstool (vs 13) Angels are His servants (vs 14) JESUS Ascended & Seated in Heaven Ascended to Heaven (Acts 1) Sent the Holy Spirit Will Return as He Ascended Entered Heaven (Eph 1: 15-23) Redemptive Work Approved Received Rightful Throne Has Dominion over All things Seated in Heaven (Heb 1) Enthroned Sovereign Lord & Master

Pentecost Sunday Pastor Jon JacksonTurning Point Church Scottsburg, INActs 1:8 NKJV Luke 3:22 NKJV John 16:12-15 NLT John 14:26 NKJV John 14:15-17 NKJV The Holy Spirit gives us: 1. Power 2. Boldness 3. Truth 4. Speaks on the heart of Jesus 5. Discernment 6. Helper 7. Remembrance of the word of God8. Future events Acts 1:8 five witnesses 1. Me / Jesus 2. Jerusalem 3. Judea 4. Samaria 5. All the world What do you learn when you're waiting? Isaiah 40:31 NKJV Acts 2:1-8 NLT Acts 2:11-13 NLT Acts 2:17-21 NLTActs 2:47 NKJV

The more Peter and John experienced the power of Christ, the more they realized that Jesus was their Source, rather than their own efforts or accomplishments.He's your Source, too. As you pray for Christ's presence to ignite inside of You, rest in this truth: He is the One doing the work. Your part is to simply be open to what He wants to do in and through you.Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." (NLT)Acts 4:13, "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus." (ESV)Shake me, Father. Lead me to seek You before any other. Give me boldness and confidence beyond the natural. Rattle my doubts with belief. Tumble down my excuses as You ask me to step out in faith. Take my eyes off my own capabilities, and let me place my trust in Yours. Father, I often focus on who I am or what I have to offer, when all along You are all I need. Shake up my heart as I reach for You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Welcome to Day 1576 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomThe Great Reversal – Worldview WednesdayWelcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! Wisdom is the final frontier in gaining true knowledge. Our mission is to create a legacy of wisdom, seek out discernment and insights, and boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Hello, my friend; this is Gramps; thanks for coming along on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Today is Day 1576 of our Trek, and it is Worldview Wednesday. Creating a Biblical Worldview is essential to have a proper perspective on today's current events. To establish a Biblical Worldview, you must have a proper understanding of God and His Word. This week, we will continue reviewing the book from Dr. Michael S Heiser titled “Supernatural.” The book is an abbreviated version of his more comprehensive book, “The Unseen Realm.” I highly recommend both of these books. Creating a Biblical Worldview based on how the Old and New Testaments connect with God's overall plan for humanity is essential. This book review will help us understand what the Bible teaches about the unseen world, and why it matters. The Great Reversal Aside from stories about Jesus in the Gospels—such as accounts of his birth, death, and Sermon on the Mount—perhaps the most familiar passage in the New Testament is Acts 2, where the Holy Spirit rushes upon the followers of Jesus at the day of Pentecost. It marks the launch of the fledgling church and the beginning of global evangelism in the name of Jesus. As familiar as the passage is, there's a lot more going on in it than most realize. Acts 2 is designed to telegraph the campaign to reverse the post-Babel cosmic geography of the Old Testament. The nations other than Israel were under the dominion of lesser gods. What happened at Pentecost was a battle plan for infiltrating all the nations disinherited by God at Babel with the gospel of Jesus—an ancient spiritual war strategy. PentecostWhat Acts 2 describes as happening on the day of Pentecost was undoubtedly unusual. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2%3A1-8&version=NLT (Acts 2:1-8) : On the day of Pentecost, all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.  At that time, there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.  They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! Some of the things that take us into the supernatural worldview of the Old Testament in that remarkable passage aren't obvious in the English translation. The “rushing wind” associated with the arrival of the Spirit is a familiar description of the presence of God in the Old Testament (2 Kings 2:1, 11; Job 38:1; 40:6). Fire is also familiar in descriptions of God (Ezekiel 1:4; Isaiah 6:4, 6; Daniel 7:9; Exodus 3:2; 19:18; 20:18). It's clear from those references that God was present at the event and behind what was going on. His intention was to launch his campaign to take back the nations from the lesser gods he assigned to the nations (Deuteronomy 4:19–20; 32:8–9), but who became his enemies (Psalm. 82). God's tool for doing that was the words of the disciples—hence the imagery of tongues. God enabled the Jewish followers of Jesus to speak to the rest of the Jews gathered...

Bible Reading: Acts 12:1-10Ashley moved a flower to a new location in the yard and carefully packed dirt around it. She remembered how careful she and Mom had been when they had transplanted flowers earlier. Even so, not all of those had lived, so now they were trying again."I hope these flowers do well this time," said Mom. "Let's make sure they get water and plant food when they need it."Ashley nodded. "Ryan says he likes taking care of them, but if he's going to weed these, I hope he'll be more careful," she remarked glumly. "When we transplanted flowers before, it sure would have helped a lot if Ryan hadn't pulled some of them up, right along with the weeds.""It wasn't just Ryan," said Mom. "Some of the flowers would have died anyway. Some plants are harder than others to transplant successfully.""I guess so," said Ashley as she finished with the last plant.Ashley and her mom put their gardening tools away and then sat down on the porch steps. "They really are doing well, considering that they've had so many problems," said Mom.Ashley lifted an eyebrow. "These flowers?" she asked in surprise."No!" Mom laughed. "I mean our foster kids--Ryan and Ben." The two brothers had recently joined Ashley's family. "They actually are a lot like these transplants," Mom said thoughtfully. "It's hard for kids to be moved out of their own home and into someone else's. They need a lot of special care. You're being a big help, Ashley."Ashley brushed some dirt off her knees. "Sometimes I still don't know what to do for them though," she said."Just continue to make them feel at home and let them know we love them," Mom replied. "Remember that God is the only one who can make transplants bloom--whether they're kids or flowers. So most of all, be sure to pray every day for your foster brothers, and keep taking care of them and showing them God's love. He will use your prayers and your kindness to help Ryan and Ben grow where He's planted them.""Okay," said Ashley. "I will." Karen R. LocklearHow About You?Does someone you know seem to have a lot of problems? Do you wish you could help? You can! You can show them the love of Jesus by being patient with them and treating them with kindness. Above all, you can pray for them. God acts when His children pray. Learn today's Key Verse, and remember that God, who answered the church's prayers for Peter, also listens when you pray.Today's Key Verse:While Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him. (NLT) (Acts 12:5)Today's Key Thought:Pray and care for others

Creative Pastor Aaron shares a message about treating yourself to the gifts God has already given us. Scriptures referenced in this message: - 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 (NLT) - Acts 9:1-19 (NLT) - Joshua 6:1-5 (NLT) - 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NLT) - Matthew 5:8 (NIV) - Matthew 15:19 (NLT) - Psalm 24:3-4 (NLT) - Psalm 51:10 (NLT) - Luke 6:45 (NLT) - James 4:8 (NLT)

In this weeks powerful message, we continue with our “Family Values”. Today we dive into the value of “Servanthood is our Position”. When you serve God, serve God with your house and all that is in it. Don’t just serve God alone, serve Him with everything you have authority over; family, finances, body, mind, time, attitude. When serving, we have to serve with passion! Serving is not a threat, it is a thrill. It is not a task or mundane, it is extraordinary and an HONOR and a privilege. Serving God is an opportunity. It’s a chance for God to LOVE you, not God NEEDING you. God doesn’t need what you have to offer because what you have to offer is already His. He wants your HEART. Wherever you’re at this week, we pray you catch on to this value, and that it seriously enriches your life! Scripture References: Matthew 16:17-18 MSG Joshua 24:15 (NIV) Psalm 100:2 (NLT) Romans 12:10-11 (NLT) Acts 17:25 NIV 2 Corinthians 9:10 (NIV)

Psalms 139:1-12 (NLT) Genesis 39:2-3 (NLT) Genesis 39:20-23 (NLT) Genesis 41:38-40 (NLT) Acts 16:23-26 (NLT)

Click here for more information on DC Connect Groups! Proverbs 13:20 (NLT) Acts 2:46-47

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy Welcome to Day 1189 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Waiting Prayerfully– Meditation Monday Wisdom – the final frontier to true knowledge. Welcome to Wisdom-Trek where our mission is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1189 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You may utilize structured meditation practices. In my life, meditation includes reading and reflecting on God's Word and praying. It is a time, to renew my mind, refocus on what is most important, and make sure that I am nurturing my soul, mind, and body. As you come along with me on our trek each Meditation Monday, it is my hope and prayer that you too will experience a time for reflection and renewing of your mind. Do you have a problem with waiting patiently? I know that I do at times. It may stem from the fact that we have never learned to wait prayerfully. In today's meditation, let us consider… Waiting Prayerfully The Biblical writer Luke teaches us about the earliest believers waiting prayerfully in https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1:14&version=NLT (Acts 1:14,) “They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary, the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.” Mark uses the same Greek word here translated “constantly” to describe a boat floating in the water, constantly waiting on Jesus in https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+3%3A9&version=NLT (Mark 3:9)., “Jesus instructed his disciples to have a boat ready so the crowd would not crush him.” The boat was “constantly” in the presence of Christ for His use. So are the Upper Room disciples. One day passes. Then two. Then a week. For all, they know a hundred more will come and go. But they aren't leaving. They constantly persist in the presence of Christ. The followers were willing to do one thing: wait in the right place for power. We are many times so reluctant to do what the early disciples did. Who has time to wait? Waiting requires trusting in God. We don't really like trusting in anyone other than ourselves. We groan at such a thought. But waiting doesn't mean inactivity—rather it is being in a constant vigil waiting to do kingdom work. While waiting, we pray and trust. Waiting means watching for him. If you are waiting on a bus, you are watching for the bus. If you are waiting on God, you are watching for God, searching for God, hoping in God, trusting in God. Great promises come to those who do. We are reminded of this in one of my favorite verses https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+40%3A31&version=NLT (Isaiah [40:31]), But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. To those who still struggle, God says, “Wait on me.” And wait in the right place. Jesus doesn't tell us to stay in Jerusalem, but he does tell us to stay honest, stay faithful, stay true, and trust in Him. Do you desire power for your life? It will come as you pray. For ten days, the disciples prayed. Ten days of prayer plus a few minutes of preaching led to three thousand saved souls. Maybe it is that perhaps we invert the numbers. We are prone to pray for a few minutes and preach for ten days. Not the apostles. Like the boat waiting for Christ, they lingered in his presence. They never left...

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy Welcome to Day 1156 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Supernatural Infiltration – Worldview Wednesday Wisdom – the final frontier to true knowledge. Welcome to Wisdom-Trek where our mission is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is https://wisdom-trek.com/day-1156/ (Day 1156) of our trek, and it is Worldview Wednesday. Creating a Biblical Worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today's current events. To establish a Biblical Worldview, you must also have a proper understanding of God and His Word. On our Worldview Wednesday episodes we are in a series in which we are covering another detailed review of a book from one of today's most prominent Hebrew scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. We are taking a deep dive and will share Dr. Heiser’s insights into the question, which is also the title of his book “What Does God Want?” Supernatural Infiltration Remember in last week's lesson what happened in Acts 2 about the coming of the Spirit. The arrival of God's Spirit was the crucial element of a new covenant—a new set of promises God was giving to humanity. Many Christians don’t realize that this also meant God was launching a spiritual war to reclaim not only Jews who had rejected Jesus but also Gentiles, people from the nations he had rejected back at the Tower of Babel. God was in pursuit of his family, and it didn’t matter where his children lived. He wanted them and would find them. The passage I read last week in Acts 2 tells us the Spirit came with wind and fire. Let me again read https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2%3A2-3&version=NLT (Acts 2:2-3, )“Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.” Fire and “burning smoke” were common elements in visions of God’s presence in the Old Testament (Exodus [13:21]-22; Ezekiel 1:4, 13, 27). God at times, came in a “whirlwind” (Isaiah 6:4, 6; Ezekiel 1:4; Job 38:1; 40:6). Jews who heard Peter’s message and saw the coming of the Spirit with their own eyes knew the day of salvation had come. Think about what happened in this scene. Three thousand Jews, living abroad in the nations where their ancestors had been scattered, had come to Jerusalem for a religious feast day. They witnessed the coming of the Spirit and heard about Jesus, the Messiah, and what he had done. They believed in Jesus. They became Christ followers. What do you suppose they did next? They went home. Why does that matter? Because now the lost, divorced nations had three thousand evangelists planted in them. They were like secret agents, embedded in hostile territory held by other gods. They would be God’s initial means to multiply the size of his human family. They were the first wave. Their mission? The same one Jesus had given to his disciples: the Great Commission. Christians know the verses well as we find in https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A19-20&version=NLT (Matthew 28:19-20,) “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.” But again, something is missed. That's the Great Commission all right. But I skipped verse 18, the one that’s usually skipped when people talk about our mission to...

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy Welcome to Day 1151 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom God Pursues His Family – Worldview Wednesday Wisdom – the final frontier to true knowledge. Welcome to Wisdom-Trek where our mission is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is https://wisdom-trek.com/day-1151/ (Day 1151) of our trek, and it is Worldview Wednesday. Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today's current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, you must also have a proper understanding of God and His Word. On our Worldview Wednesday episodes, we are in a series in which we are covering another detailed review of a book from one of today's most prominent Hebrew scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. We are taking a deep dive and will share Dr. Heiser’s insights into the question, which is also the title of his book “What Does God Want?” God Pursues His Family As was mentioned from Dr. Heiser in last week's episode (Day 1146), the coming of the Holy Spirit was the fulfillment of the new covenant described by Jeremiah and Ezekiel (Jeremiah [31:31]-34; Ezekiel [36:22]-28). The Spirit’s ministry in each believer makes victory over depravity possible. Think of it as a slap in the face to the supernatural fallen sons of God. But it’s an even more direct assault on another set of supernatural villains. The Spirit’s arrival to dwell within each Christ follower launched an infiltration campaign against the sons of God to whom God assigned the nations he divorced (Deuteronomy 32:8)—the supernatural beings who defected from serving God and became corrupt, abusing the people under their dominion (Psalm 82). Jesus knew all that. We habitually miss it in our reading of the New Testament books that come after the resurrection starting in the book of Acts to the end, the book of Revelation. · The Beginning of the End Jesus’s departure put the coming of the Spirit into motion (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7; Luke 24:49). While the resurrected Jesus was still on earth, he told his followers what was coming right around the corner in https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1%3A4-8&version=NLT (Acts 1:4-8), Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” If you keep reading the book of Acts, it doesn’t take long to figure out what Jesus was forecasting. Once he leaves (Acts 1:9-11) the Spirit arrives in (literally) a blaze of glory in the next chapter. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2%3A1-4&version=NLT (Acts 2:1-4) reads, On the day of Pentecost, all the believers were meeting together in one place.  Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.  And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy...

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy Welcome to Day 1081 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom God’s Tough Love – Wisdom Wednesday Wisdom – the final frontier to true knowledge. Welcome to Wisdom-Trek where our mission is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is https://wisdom-trek.com/day-1081/ (Day 1081) of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today's current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, you must also have a proper understanding of God's word. Especially in our western cultures, we do not fully understand the Scriptures from the mindset and culture of the authors. In order to help us all have a better understanding of some of the more obscure passages in God's word, we are investing Wisdom Wednesday reviewing a series of essays from one of today's most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. He has compiled these essays into a book titled I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible. There are times when we are dealing with our children, or those who are very close to us, where we have to show love in a firm and disciplined manner, called tough love. This is required because it is best for those whom we do love. In today's essay, we will explore passages that cover… God's Tough Love It's a common myth that God always brings us back to repentance. This myth is debunked in the first letter of John as John writes in https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+1%3A9&version=NLT (1 John 1:9,)“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.” We need to consider, though, that John also tells us that sometimes God never gives us another chance to confess our sins and be forgiven. In https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+5%3A16-17&version=NLT (1 John 5:16-17), the apostle gives us the other side of the sin-confession-forgiveness coin,“If you see a fellow believer sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it.  All wicked actions are sin, but not every sin leads to death.” Put simply, there are sins that Christians commit that don’t lead to death, but there are some that do. Is John talking about a divine law of cause and effect, where a specific sin irrevocably results in death? Not exactly. We can be certain that John has no specific sin in mind because he never names a sin in this passage. John is saying there may come a time when God has had enough of our sin, and then our time on earth is up. We cannot know when such a time might come, so we shouldn't be in the habit of sinning with impunity. John had actually seen this happen. In Acts 5:1-11, Luke relates the incident of Ananias and Sapphira who lied to Peter (and to God) about the proceeds from a piece of property they had sold. They were under no obligation to give any of it to the church but pretended that they had given all the money to the Lord’s work. When confronted by Peter, both of them collapsed and died on the spot. Luke writes, “Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened,” https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+5%3A11&version=NLT (Acts [5:11].) No kidding, can you imagine the impact? No doubt this incident left an imprint on John's mind. But John would have also known that there was Old Testament precedent for “sin unto...

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy Welcome to Day 1041 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Charlton Heston Had Company – Wisdom Wednesday Wisdom – the final frontier to true knowledge. Welcome to Wisdom-Trek where our mission is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is https://wisdom-trek.com/day-1041/ (Day 1041) of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today's current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, you must also have a proper understanding of God's Word. Especially in our western cultures, we do not fully understand the Scriptures from the mindset and culture of the authors. In order to help us all have a better understanding of some of the more obscure passages in God's Word, we are investing Wisdom Wednesday reviewing a series of essays from one of today's most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. He has compiled these essays into a book titled I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible. The Ten Commandments have had a huge impact on our world, and our culture. Do we really know all the details of how they came to be? In today's essay, we will explore a passage that shows… Charlton Heston Had Company When we hear “Moses Law,” we think of the story we heard in Sunday school or the scene from The Ten Commandments where Charlton Heston (a.k.a., Moses) gets the two tablets from God. But what if I told you Moses and God weren’t alone? It may come as a surprise, but the New Testament tells us in three places that the Law was delivered by angels, members of God’s divine council. Here are two of those passages: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+7%3A52-53&version=NLT (Acts 7:52-53) – Name one prophet your ancestors didn't persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One—the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. You deliberately disobeyed God's law, even though you received it from the hands of angels. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+2%3A1-2&version=NLT (Hebrews 2:1-2) – So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. I was pretty shocked the first time I saw these verses. And I certainly hadn’t heard about them in church. So what passage in the Old Testament were they quoting? That's the second jolt. There isn’t a clear reference to it, at least not in the Old Testament we use. The New Testament writers didn’t invent the idea, though. They got it from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+33%3A2-4+&version=NLT (Deuteronomy 33:2-4) in their Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament. The Septuagint more clearly connects angels to the Law than the traditional Hebrew text upon which our English translations are based. So they were using a translation. We can understand that. But we’re not done. It gets a bit stranger. The third New Testament passage that talks about the Law and angels is found in https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+3%3A19-20&version=NLT (Galatians 3:19- 20). And this time, it isn’t just a crowd of angels with Moses and God, Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised. God gave his law through angels to Moses, who was the

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy Welcome to Day 1011 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom The Great Wizard Meets Philip and Peter – Wisdom Wednesday Wisdom – the final frontier to true knowledge. Welcome to Wisdom-Trek where our mission is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is https://wisdom-trek.com/day-1011/ (Day 1011) of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today's current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, you must also have a proper understanding of God's word. Especially in our western cultures, we do not fully understand the Scriptures from the mindset and culture of the authors. In order to help us all have a better understanding of some of the more obscure passages in God's word, we are investing Wisdom Wednesday reviewing a series of essays from one of today's most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. He has compiled these essays into a book titled I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible. When we think about wizards, it brings to mind some of the fantasy novels with Merlin, Dumbledore, or other well-known tales about wizards. Today's essay will explore… The Great Wizard Meets Philip and Peter The book of Acts is a favorite of preachers, so you are likely familiar with the showdown in https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Act+8%3A9-24&version=NLT (Acts 8:9-24) between Peter and Simon “The Great Wizard” or “Sorcerer.” Luke tells us that Simon had practiced his magic in a city in Samaria. Listen to Luke's account in 8:9-11, “A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, amazing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great. Everyone, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as ‘the Great One—the Power of God.’ They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic.” Simon heard the gospel preached by Philip and became a believer in Christ, but later, after Peter's arrival, he tried to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit from Peter. His name consequently has not been remembered for any great deeds, but the word “simony” which is the buying or selling of ecclesiastical privileges, for example, pardons or benefices. But is that all there is to the story? Hardly. Don’t look away now or you'll miss what's behind the magic. Let's look at how a first-century audience would have comprehended the episode in its Samaritan setting. That Simon was referred to by the people of the Samaritan city’ as “the Great One—the Power of God” is significant. That title comes from the Samaritan Targum—an Aramaic translation of the Samaritan Hebrew Bible, known as the Samaritan Pentateuch. In the Samaritan Targum, the Hebrew word el (“God”) is translated hela (“power”). God is then called “great” (rab). Not surprisingly, “the Great One—the Power of God,” was used in Samaritan hymns and writings as a substitute for the divine name, much in the same way orthodox Jews say ka-shem (“the Name”) instead of pronouncing the divine name Yahweh. But how could the Samaritans speak of Simon as though he were God? Well, Simon was able to do amazing things. We aren’t told if what he was doing was something he picked up learning magical trickery or enablement from demonic power, but the effect was the same. Second, the plural of “power” (helin) was also used by Samaritans of angels. Like many Jews and Christians, Samaritans considered one particular angel—the one in whom Yahweh's name dwelled (Exodus [23:20]-23), as the embodied Yahweh, known to us as

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy Welcome to Day 1004 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Being Teachable – Meditation Monday Wisdom – the final frontier to true knowledge. Welcome to Wisdom-Trek where our mission is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before! Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is https://wisdom-trek.com/day-1004/ (Day 1004) of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You may utilize structured meditation practices. In my life meditation includes reading and reflecting on God's Word and praying. It is a time to renew my mind, refocus on what is most important, and make sure that I am nurturing my soul, mind, and body. As you come along with me on our trek each Meditation Monday, it is my hope and prayer that you too will experience a time for reflection and renewing of your mind.  It is amazing that our ability to rationalize is so strong that even if something is proven that we still do not change our beliefs. We must be willing to learn from those who are more mature in their faith and knowledge of God's Word. F our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on… Being Teachable Seeing is not always believing. Old beliefs, as well as old habits, die hard. For centuries people believed Aristotle’s opinion that the heavier an object, the faster it would fall to earth. I am not an engineer, but according to a report I read, in 1589 Galileo challenged Aristotle’s teaching. He invited learned professors to the base of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Galileo went to the top of the tower and at exactly the same moment pushed off a ten-pound and a one-pound weight. Both landed at the same instant, but the professors still wouldn’t believe what they saw. They insisted Aristotle was right. To move ahead in life and to grow—intellectually, emotionally and spiritually—it is important that we examine all our beliefs, test them, hold to the true, and discard the false. Admittedly, this is much easier said than done, but done it must be if we are to keep learning and growing. Unless we are open to and willing to change, we get set in our ways and cease to grow. We don’t read much about Apollos in the Bible, but he was a contemporary of the Apostle Paul. He was a very gifted and educated man “with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.” But he only knew about John the Baptist’s baptism. So when Priscilla and Aquila heard him speak, they explained the gospel message to him more completely. The end result was that Apollos was willing to listen, was teachable, and made the necessary changes in his beliefs and teaching. Let's read the short narrative about Apollos that is found in https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+18%3A24-28&version=NLT (Acts 18:24-28,) “Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+18&version=NLT#fen-NLT-27546h (h)] and with accuracy. However, he knew only about John's baptism.  When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately. Apollos had been thinking about going to Achaia, and the brothers and sisters in Ephesus encouraged him to go. They wrote to the believers in Achaia, asking them to welcome him. When...

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy Welcome to Day 976 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom My Guardian Angel – Wisdom Wednesday Today is https://wisdom-trek.com/day-976/ (Day 976) of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today's current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, you must also have a proper understanding of God's word. Especially in our western cultures, we do not fully understand the Scriptures from the mindset and culture of the authors. In order to help us all have a better understanding of some of the more obscure passages in God's word, we are investing Wisdom Wednesday reviewing a series of essays from one of today's most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. He has compiled these essays into a book titled I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible. Do we really have personal guardian angels? What does the Bible have to say? Today's essay will explore… My Guardian Angel “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.” These are familiar and fondly remembered words for those of us who make a holiday tradition of watching the classic film It's a Wonderful Life. The angel Clarence helps George Bailey discover the unseen but tremendous significance his mundane life played in the lives of others. It’s a heartwarming story, full of hope and encouragement. But what about its theology? Are guardian angels—like Clarence—really biblical? Jesus’ words in https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A10&version=NLT (Matthew 18:10) suggest the answer is yes, “Beware that you don't look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.” The passage affirms that children have angels who represent them before God. Where did Matthew get such an idea? In https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+5%3A1&version=NLT (Job 5:1,) angels are presented as mediators between God and people. Job’s friend Eliphaz challenges him, “Cry for help, but will anyone answer you? Which of the angels will help you?” Eliphaz presumes that angels would act as mediators between God and Job. This understanding was common in the biblical world. Ancient Mesopotamians, for example, believed that humans had “personal gods” who could appeal for them before the assembly of gods. We no longer need a mediator. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus now intercedes on our behalf before God as found in https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+2%3A5&version=NLT (1 Timothy 2:5), “There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.”  But the New Testament still describes angels as having an immediate ministry to believers, as demonstrated by https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+1%3A14&version=NLT (Hebrews 1:14), “Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.” Also, the narrative in Acts 12 shows us a continued connection between angels and people. After an angel frees Peter from prison and execution, Peter goes to the house of his fellow believers (Acts 12:6- 10). Those inside don’t believe the servant girl's report that he is at the door. They reply in https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+12%3A15&version=NLT (Acts 12:15,) “‘You're out of your mind!’ they said. When she insisted, they decided, ‘It must be his angel.'” This statement testifies to the early Christian belief that humans had angels who acted as a kind of celestial double, attached to a person for their welfare. The concept of angelic guardianship and activity in our lives is something we have often left to the imagination. Apparently, Hollywood gets some biblical things right. God’s...

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy Welcome to Day 972 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Customer Service – Humor Unplugged Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is https://wisdom-trek.com/day-972/ (Day 972) of our trek, and it is time for our 3-minute mini-trek called Humor Unplugged. Our Thursday podcast will provide a short and clean funny story to help you lighten up and live a rich and satisfying life – something to cheer you and provide a bit a levity in your life. We are told in  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+15:30&version=NLT (Proverbs 15:30), “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.” We are also encouraged in https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+17:22&version=NLT (Proverbs 17:22,) “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.” Consider this your vitamin supplement of cheer for today. So let's jump right in with today's funny, which is titled… Customer Service John enters the department store in search of some new clothing. After browsing for nearly 30 minutes without anyone even offering to assist him, John located Sam, the manager and asked, “Excuse me, sir, but are you looking to hire any help at present?” Sam, a bit annoyed at the unsolicited request promptly replied, “No, we already have all the staff we need.” To which John countered, “Then would you mind getting someone to assist me?” I think we can all relate to this experience, and I hope that it brought a smile to you today. That's a wrap for today's Humor Unplugged. If you enjoy these short stories, let me know, and we will continue to bring a bit of cheer to your week. For our Thursday Thought, remember to always be ready to help those who in need as https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+20:35&version=NLT (Acts 20:35) reminds, “And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” As you enjoy these nuggets of humor, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along https://wisdom-trek.com/day-973/ (tomorrow) for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.If you would like to listen to any of our past 971 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at https://wisdom-trek.com (Wisdom-Trek.com). I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on Apple Podcast or Google Play so each day will be downloaded to you automatically. Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day. As we take this trek together, let us always: Live Abundantly (Fully) Love Unconditionally Listen Intentionally Learn Continuously Lend to others Generously Lead with Integrity Leave a Living Legacy Each Day I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for https://wisdom-trek.com/day-973/ (Philosophy Friday)!

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy Welcome to Day 964 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Facing Your Giants! – Meditation Monday Thank you for joining us today for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is https://wisdom-trek.com/day-964/ (Day 964) of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You may utilize structured meditation practices. In my life meditation includes reading and reflecting on God's Word and praying. It is a time to renew my mind, refocus on what is most important, and make sure that I am nurturing my soul, mind, and body. As you come along with me on our trek each Meditation Monday, it is my hope and prayer that you too will experience a time for reflection and renewing of your mind.  There are many giant obstacles and problems that come into our lives. It is our natural inclination to turn and run, to avoid the problems. While it may be advisable to pause and prepare, most obstacles do not go away if we ignore them. In our Meditation Monday today, I want us to reflect on… Facing Your Giants! David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven's Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel!” https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Sam+17%3A45-46&version=NLT (1 Samuel [17:45]-46) David sees what others don’t and refuses to see what others do. All eyes, except David’s, fall on the brutal, hate-breathing hulk. All eyes, except David’s, are set on the Giant of the Philistines. All journals, but David’s, describe day after day in the land of the Neanderthal. The people know his taunts, demands, size, and strut. They have focused solely on Goliath. David sees the armies of God. And because he does, David hurries and runs toward the army to meet the Philistine as found https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Sam+17%3A48&version=NLT (1 Samuel 17:48), “As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him.” You might say that David knew how to get ahead of his giant. When was the last time you did the same? How long since you ran toward your challenge? We tend to retreat, duck behind a desk of work, or crawl into a nightclub of distraction or a bed of forbidden love. For a moment, a day, or a year, we feel safe, insulated, anesthetized, but then the work runs out, the liquor wears off, or the lover leaves, we hear Goliath again. Booming. Bombastic. Try a different approach. Rush your giant with a God-saturated soul. Giant of divorce? You aren’t entering my home! Giant of depression? It may take a lifetime, but you won’t conquer me! Giant of alcohol, bigotry, child abuse, insecurity…You’re going down! How long since you loaded your sling and took a swing at your giant? Too long, you say? Then David is your model. God called him as is mentioned in https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+13%3A22&version=NLT (Acts 13:22,) “But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.” He gave this designation to no one else, not Abraham or Moses or Joseph. He called Paul an apostle, John his beloved, but neither was tagged a man after God’s own heart. One might read David’s story and wonder what God saw in him. The fellow fell as often as he stood, stumbled as often as he...

In this week's message, Pastor Hurmon delves into how we can discover what God wants us to do. For God is sitting at the intersection of our decisions, and beckons us to choose wisely. Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV) Hebrews 11:25-26(NLT) Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV) Romans 3:23 (NLT) Acts 7:23-25 (NLT) Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NLT)

Reach the Lost Disciple the Found Empower the Called 1 Timothy 4:14 (NLT) Acts 15:35 (AMP) Acts 15:32 (AMP)

Everyone's faith has a starting point. Learn how to take the next step in your journey by exploring who Jesus is and how your faith experience can shape your destination. Scripture 1 Corinthians 15:2-9 (NLT) Isaiah 53:4-6 (NLT) John 20:25-28 (NLT) Acts 1:14 (NLT)

Title: Appearances Exodus 3:1-8 (NLT) Exodus 3:12 (NLT) Acts 2:1-4 (NLT) Exodus 19:1-10 (NLT) Write this down: When you appear before God, He will always reveal Himself to you. Heb. 4:16 (NLT) 5 Mountains We Must Climb to Appear Before God: 1) The Mountain of Time -Mark 1:35-“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” 2) The Mountain of Distraction 3) The Mountain of Complacency -“Sinking is better than sitting.”-Mark Batterson -Complacency is rooted in fear and apathy. At its core, it is a lack of faith that what God is calling us to do is possible or even worth doing. 4) The Mountain of Pride i. James 4:6 (NLT)-“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 5) The Mountain of Shame -“Worship is forgetting what’s wrong with you and remembering what’s right with God.”-Mark Batterson

NLT Acts 3:1-11, Acts 4:18-20, Acts 4:5-7, Acts 4:8-9, Acts 4:10, Acts 4:11-12