Podcasts about nlt god

As Christians, we do not have to fear death—because Jesus Christ defeated it. Easter was the death of death; it died when Christ rose! This Easter, hear Jesus as He says, “Don’t be afraid.” Notes: Focus verse - Matthew 28 #1 The world is full of fear. We live in a scary, frightening world.It’s an age of anxiety and global fears. There are personal fears too. Everyone has a fear of death. #2 Because Jesus rose from the dead, we no longer need to live in fear. Psalm 90:9 #3 The resurrection of Jesus replaces fear with faith. Read Matthew 28:1–10 The disciples were filled with fear and uncertainty after the crucifixion of Christ. Jesus came with the express purpose of dying on the cross and rising from the dead. Jesus is concealed in the Old Testament and revealed in the New Testament. Jesus told His disciples He would suffer and die and then He would rise again. Death does not have the last word—Easter does. Death died when Christ rose.Easter is the death of death. A Christian will never die spiritually. Jesus said, “You must be born again.”John 3:7 (NLT) God’s plans are better than yours. Turn your panic into prayer,your worry into worship,and your fear into faith. "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." So He said, "Come."Matthew 14:28–29 (NKJV) Faith gives way to fear. Trust gives way to worry. Peter sank because he was afraid and took his eyes off Jesus. When we are sinking, we need to call out to Jesus.Matthew 14:30 Death does not have the final word—Jesus does. A new day can dawn for you today: #1 Realize that you are a sinner. #2 Recognize that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sin. #3 Repent of your sin. #4 Receive Jesus Christ into your life. #5 Do it now. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is money your master? In this message Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how we can dethrone the almighty dollar. You may have seen the clip—recently a famous pastor went viral for harshly instructing his ushers to close the doors as he began to receive (take up) an offering at his meeting.  If you're skeptical: I get it. I don't want something from you, I want something for you. Here is why this topic is so important:Money is a master that's searching for servants.Matthew 6:24 NIV This false god wants to sit on the throne of your heart. Our finances reveal our faithfulness.Luke 16:10-12 NLTYou'll be good at what you practice. Be generous with what you have now. How to dethrone the almighty dollar:1. Choose generosity over greed. Greed assumes that what I have is mine. If a resource comes TO me, it must be FOR me. Generosity assumes everything is God's, and the resources I have received might not be FOR me, they might be THROUGH me.  Greed produces owners, generosity produces stewards.2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT God's desire is to be generous to you so that you will be generous to others. 2. Recognize your money problem.The world says you have money problems when you don't have money, but the Bible says you have money problems when money has you.1 Timothy 6:9-10 NLTHow do you know if you love money? If you're willing to set aside your beliefs to get it.1 Timothy 6:17 NLT God wants us to enjoy life, but he also wants to protect us from what will harm us. 3. Practice intentional giving.Give with purpose.2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Plant more seeds, reap more harvest. Plant no seed, reap no harvest. It's your choice. Give by percentage.Luke 21:1-3 Jesus was impressed with the percentage given, not the total. Why? Because different amounts of money matter differently to people. God notices sacrifice of the giver, not just the size of the gift. Give with a plan.1 Corinthians 16:2 Give to what feeds you and give to what moves you—or, pay for your meals and support what matters. If you don't plan to give, you'll forget to give. Give with perspective.1 Timothy 6:18-19 NLTInstead of accumulating more stuff, accumulate good works. How? When you give something away, you just stored it up in heaven. If you gather here, you store up here; if you give it here, you store up there.Heaven keeps better records than your bank. "We have unlimited resources."If someone asked you for $100 how would you react? If you recently inherited 100 million dollars, how would you react? Romans 8:32 "Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else?"If you have Jesus, you already have everything. Are you dethroning the almighty dollar?

“And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.” (1 Chronicles 28:9 NLT) God promised David that his kingdom would last forever. That was a reference to Jesus, who, centuries later, not only descended from David but also was closely identified with him. People called Him “Son of David.” God also promised that He would bless David’s son, who would also succeed him as king. It would be that son who finally built the temple that David wanted to build. That son would continue the lineage of David that would eventually produce Jesus. That son was Solomon, the second child born to David and Bathsheba. (Their first child died as a consequence of their adulterous affair.) God promised to bless Solomon and treat him as a son. According to 1 Kings 3, when Solomon became king, God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (NIV). Solomon asked for wisdom so that he could be the ruler God wanted him to be. God was so pleased with Solomon’s request that He gave him wisdom—and then threw in wealth and honor. God equipped David’s son to carry on his father’s legacy and make a name for himself. King Saul was dead. That meant David was the only living human who knew the challenges Solomon would face as king. And before he died, he offered Solomon some final words of advice. You don’t have to be next in line to the throne of Israel to benefit from David’s hard-earned wisdom. You can find his advice in 1 Chronicles 29 (and in the passage above). Here are three starting points. One, develop an intimate relationship with God. Knowing about God from stories in the Bible or other people’s perspectives isn’t the same as knowing Him personally. You develop an intimate relationship with God by spending time in His presence, praying, and listening. And by meditating on His Word, asking Him to reveal Himself through His promises and commands. And by prioritizing His will. Isn’t that what the Christian life is all about: a deep friendship with God? Two, serve God with a whole heart and a willing mind. The better you know God, the more you’ll want to serve Him. Serving God isn’t drudgery; it’s not a duty. It’s a delight and a privilege, no matter what form that service takes. Remember, God’s plan for you is better than your plan for yourself. Three, put the Lord first in your life, and everything else will find its proper balance. That’s the key to effective prayer: aligning yourself with God’s will. Jesus said in John 15:7, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” (NLT). He also said, “You are my friends if you do what I command” (John 15:14 nlt). He didn’t say, “You are my friends if you do the things that you personally agree with.” God has told us in His Word how to live. It is not for us to pick and choose sections of the Bible we like and toss the rest aside. If God tells you to do something, He says it for good reason, and you need to obey Him. If God says not to do something, He also says it for good reason. Even if you don’t understand it, obey Him. Reflection question: How can you tell when you’re putting the Lord first in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stasi is happy to welcome back Liz Wright — best-selling author, international speaker, and CEO and Founder of the International Mentoring Community — whose life is a beautiful testimony of profound transformation because of the love of Christ. Today's conversation is a divine invitation. Jesus is calling us into rest — not just as a moment of pause, but as a way of continually living in Him. Together, they unpack the power of trusting Jesus and the freedom that comes when we surrender and believe. May your heart be drawn closer to Him as you receive the rest He so freely gives!…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Psalm 62:1 (NIV) – Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV) – This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.'Hebrews 4:1-3 (NLT) – God's promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. For this good news – that God has prepared this rest – has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn't share the faith of those who listened to God. For only we who believe can enter his rest. As for the others, God said, “In my anger I took an oath: ‘They will never enter my place of rest,'” even though this rest has been ready since he made the world.Matthew 11:28 (NLT) – Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.2 Corinthians 3:17 (NLT) – For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.Ephesians 4:23-24 (NLT) – Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy.Philippians 4:19 (NLT) – And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.…..LIZ WRIGHTWebsite: https://lizwright.org/Website: https://www.jointheimc.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/lizwrightShow: https://www.god.tv/ministries/liz-wright/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizwrightministries/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizwrightministriesLIZ WRIGHT BIOLiz Wright's story is one of radical transformation. She was miraculously healed of Motor Neuron Transmission Disorder and delivered from the pain of traumatic life events. In a desperate situation, she had a physical visitation from Jesus Christ that turned her world upside down and everything she had believed to be true. She understands suffering and the power of the Cross to heal and restore. Liz is a living miracle!She walks a life of encounters with Jesus as a messenger to His Bride and is called to activate people into encounters and the experience of His love. Liz has done this for thousands across the globe through her ministry.Liz is host of the Charisma podcast Live Your Best Life with Liz Wright, presenter of the TV show Encountering God with Liz Wright, a best-selling author, international speaker, and CEO and Founder of the International Mentoring Community. Her passion is that you would become all that Jesus created you to be.…..Quote: Elisabeth Elliot – “Rest is a weapon given to us by God. The enemy hates it because he wants us stressed and occupied.”…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube: https://wahe.art/4jFlAXuSpotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

“At sundown he arrived at a good place to set up camp and stopped there for the night. Jacob found a stone to rest his head against and lay down to sleep. As he slept, he dreamed of a stairway that reached from the earth up to heaven. And he saw the angels of God going up and down the stairway.” (Genesis 28:11–12 NLT) God promised Abraham that He would make a great nation from Abraham’s descendants. Step one of the promised nation-building was giving Abraham and his wife Sarah a son, which God did when Abraham was one hundred years old. The son’s name was Isaac. When Isaac was a young man, he married a woman named Rebekah. When Isaac was sixty years old, Rebekah gave birth to twin boys. They named them Esau and Jacob. Esau was born first. In the culture of that day, the firstborn son was given special privileges, known as the birthright. The birthright included a leadership role in the family, the right to make judicial decisions, a double portion of the father’s inheritance, and a special blessing from the father. One day Esau returned from hunting, famished. Jacob was cooking a bean stew. He offered to give his brother a bowl of stew in exchange for Esau’s birthright. Esau agreed, which showed how little he cared about his birthright. Later, Jacob posed as his brother to trick his nearly blind father into giving Jacob his special blessing. The blessing gave Jacob divine protection. Whoever cursed him would be cursed by God, and whoever blessed him would receive God’s blessings. Esau was devastated—and furious—when he learned what his brother had done. He plotted to kill Jacob after their father died. To protect Jacob, Rebekah sent him away until Esau cooled off. While Jacob was on the run, he spent a night in a land named Luz. There, he had a dream in which he saw a stairway that extended from the earth all the way to Heaven. He saw angels going up and down the stairway. God spoke to him from the top of the stairway. He reaffirmed His covenant with Abraham and reminded Jacob that the land where he slept belonged to him and his descendants. What Jacob didn’t realize is that God had given him a glimpse of Jesus’ future work. Sin separated humans from God. There was no passageway between earth and Heaven, no hope for eternal life. But Jesus’ sacrifice changed that. He became the stairway to Heaven, the only way to eternal life. Jesus identified Himself with Jacob’s dream when He said, “I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth” (John 1:51 NLT). In Genesis 32:9–16, Jacob prayed as he was on his way to make amends with Esau. He acknowledged the God of Abraham and Isaac as the true God. He confessed his own unworthiness. He brought his petition to the Lord. But it would have been better if he had said, “Lord, what should I do now?” Instead, he prayed and made his plans. In other words, he decided what he was going to do and then asked God to bless it. Is that not like us? We make our plan and then ask God to bless it. But that is not really praying about a matter. Instead, we should pray along the lines of “Lord, give me wisdom from Your Word and from godly people who will guide me scripturally. Help me do the right thing.” But Jacob did not do that. He wanted what was right, but he went about it in the wrong way. God helps those who can’t help themselves. This is what Jacob needed to realize. Let’s learn to seek out God’s will rather than bypass it. Reflection question: How do you feel about the claim that there are many different paths that lead to God? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Beatitudes, Pt. 1 | February 16, 2025Pastor Wes MorrisMatthew 5:3-12 (NIV) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.Matthew 5:3 (NIV) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.✓ Spiritual Brokenness - A deep awareness of our need for God.Matthew 5:3 (NLT) God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.We will never depend on something we don't think we need.✓ True fulfillment isn't found through self-sufficiency but in surrender.✓ When we acknowledge our need for God, we open our hearts to His power.Psalm 73:26 (NIV) My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.Psalm 73:26 (MSG) You're all I want in heaven! You're all I want on earth! When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, God is rock-firm and faithfulBROKEN AND BLESSEDII Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT) Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. I. FIND PURPOSE IN THE PAIN.I Peter 5:10-11 (MSG) Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.II. FIND INTIMACY WITH GOD.We enjoy God on the mountaintops, but we get to know Him intimately in the valleys. - Rick WarrenPsalm 51:17 (NLT) The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.Psalm 23:4 (NIV) Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. III. FIND HEALING IN SURRENDER.Matthew 11:28-29 (NLT) Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. God cannot heal what we refuse to surrender.

Ever wondered why there are so many imposters and hypocrites in churches? What should we do about it? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares insights both this topic from a story that Jesus told.  Why did Jesus use parables?Matthew 13:12-13a Jesus didn't use parables to make everything clear, but to make everyone think. Jesus' parables reveal people's hearts—they penetrate some hearts and they harden others. With His use of parables, Jesus isn't hiding truth FROM people; He's hiding it FOR people, in hopes that it draws them closer to Him. Questions to ask when reading a parable:1. Who does each character represent? 2. What is the surprise twist in the story? 3. What are the kingdom lessons behind each story?  Today's parable: The Wheat and the WeedsMatthew 13:24-30  The weeds in the story, are also called tares, but they're known today as darnel weed, often called false wheat. Jesus' explanationMatthew 13:36-43  3 Questions to ask:Who does each character represent?Jesus – FarmerThe field – the worldWheat – people who follow JesusWeeds – the people who don't follow JesusThe farmer's enemy – the devilThe harvest – the end of the worldThe harvesters – the angels What is the twist in the story?The farmer waited until harvest to sort the wheat from the weeds.28-30 God is playing the long game. God's justice is coming eventually, but God's mercy is here currently. What are the kingdom lessons in the story?1. It is often difficult to distinguish between believers and unbelievers, especially at the earliest stages of growth. We must be slow to declare which is which.Jude 1:22-23 NLT God is long-suffering towards those you find insufferable.This is why we don't throw people away when they make a mistake, when they struggle with sin, or when they're taking longer to "get it" than we think they should.Our father is a farmer and growing people takes time. 2. God is not calling you to be a holy weed eater.We have not been instructed to go in guns blazing, clearing out and cleaning up all we see wrong in someone's life. Why? Because sometimes, you look like a weed too.Galatians 6:1 NIV Christians shouldn't be passive against evil, but we're called to be patient with people.John 3:17 NLT If God didn't send Jesus into the world to judge the world, I doubt He sent you to judge it. 3. God's judgement is real, but not yet revealed.Romans 2:5 Some of you are too excited about the prospect of people going to hell. Others of you aren't concerned enough about people going to hell.Be angry at injustice, but trust the wisdom of the Lord of the harvest and share God's grace with others while we can.   Are you learning the lessons found in the parable of the wheat and the weeds?

Pastor David MorrisonJeremiah 29:10-14 (NLT)- The Israelites, the people this text is written for, had lived in rebellion against God and found themselves without a permanent home.- God says I have not forgotten you. I still believe in you and have plans for your future-good ones!This is the foundation for the Scripture I am sharing. It is a form of love that God can only fully show His creation.Ephesians 1:4-14 (NLT)- Before time began, God loved us so much that He chose us through the work of Christ to be in a relationship with Him. For this to happen, we had to be blameless and holy because God is a blameless and holy God.2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)- God has chosen all people. God has chosen you because He loves you.GOD CHOSE ME.- Anyone who says they don't want to be chosen has just been picked last so many times that they have stopped caring, in self-preservation mode.- God chooses me and you, even though I sin and make a mess.- This is the gospel: God chooses you despite all the terrible things you have done and will do, not to benefit Himself but to bring you into a relationship with Him!Not only does God choose us to be in a relationship with Him, but He also chooses us to spend eternity in heaven, not hell. That would be enough!I'm reminded of the story of the prodigal son who ran from his father, spent his money, sinned, and came home on his knees. My father forgives me; I am no longer worthy of being a son but a servant.GOD CHOSE TO ADOPT ME.- When it says God chose us, He chose me to be His child, adopted into His family with the same rights and inheritance as a biological one.- This means that when I am in Christ, I am a child of God.- Just as God calls Jesus son, He calls you son and daughter!Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)- As a child of God - He is proud of you. He will fight for you. Everything that He has is available to you. When someone crosses a child of God, they must deal with the dad.- Because of God's great love, you are chosen, not only chosen but also adopted into the family of God! And it gets better!Ephesians 1:11 (NLT)GOD CHOSE TO GIVE ME A NEW INHERITANCE.- I'm talking about a new spiritual inheritance.- When you step into a relationship with Christ...you are trading away the inheritance of this world for something greater.You see, what I inherited from this world is addiction, its brokenness, its loneliness, its oppression, it's hell. But that chain can be broken when you are a child of God. That which has terrorized your family is no longer yours to pass down to your children by default.Due to His immense love, God has chosen you, desires to adopt you, and has prepared a new inheritance for you.Ephesians 1:13-14 (NLT)DO I CHOOSE HIM?

Proverbs 2, King Solomon speaks to our personal bandwidth, mental, spiritual, and physical balance. My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. (vv. 1-11 NLT) Was there a sentence or phrase or maybe even a certain word that jumped out at you as I read? That is often how God speaks to us through His Word. He will pull out a specific message for you for this moment, for this day. If so, focus on that throughout your day. With this in mind listen to the passage again From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. (vv. 1-11 NLT) God promises of Wisdom. Understanding. Insight. Knowledge. Common sense. Integrity. Justice. Protection. All promises from God when we seek Him. This ancient promise is yours. “Wisdom will enter your heart. Knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.” Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want Your wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and insight. I submit my schedule, my time and energy to You, to teach me the way to live, how to live, with You and for You. As above, so below.”

Your Kingdom Come, Pt. 3 | January 19, 2025Pastor Wes Morris Matthew 20:1-16 (NLT) “For the Kingdom of Heaven is like the landowner who went out early one morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay the normal daily wage and sent them out to work.“At nine o'clock in the morning he was passing through the marketplace and saw some people standing around doing nothing. So he hired them, telling them he would pay them whatever was right at the end of the day. So they went to work in the vineyard. At noon and again at three o'clock he did the same thing.“At five o'clock that afternoon he was in town again and saw some more people standing around. He asked them, ‘Why haven't you been working today?'“They replied, ‘Because no one hired us.'  The landowner told them, ‘Then go out and join the others in my vineyard.'“That evening he told the foreman to call the workers in and pay them, beginning with the last workers first. When those hired at five o'clock were paid, each received a full day's wage. When those hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more. But they, too, were paid a day's wage. "When they received their pay, they protested to the owner, ‘Those people worked only one hour, and yet you've paid them just as much as you paid us who worked all day in the scorching heat.'“He answered one of them, ‘Friend, I haven't been unfair! Didn't you agree to work all day for the usual wage? Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?'“So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.”✓ We are here because of the mercy and grace of Jesus.Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.✓ God will choose anyone at any time.✓ Envy begins when I resent God's goodness in the lives of others, and ignore God's goodness in my own.✓ God's blessings aren't contingent on our work, but on His goodness.Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.WHEN LIFE DOESN'T SEEM FAIR I. DEVELOP A HEART OF GRATITUDE. Philippians 4:11-13 (MSG) I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.II. DON'T ALLOW COMPARISON TO STEAL YOUR JOY. Philippians 2:5-6 (NLT) You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.III. TRUST THAT GOD'S PLAN IS BEST FOR MY LIFE.Proverbs 19:21 (GNT) People may plan all kinds of things, but the Lord's will is going to be done.

Welcome to Day 2534 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2534 – Fourth Week of Advent – Living in Love, Daily and Christmas Eve Service - Living in Christ, Daily Putnam Church Message – 12/22/2024 Living in Love, Daily Last week was the third Sunday of Advent, and our focus was “Living in joy, Daily. We learned that we need to carry the joy of Jesus with us, reflecting His light and love to a world that desperately needs it. Let's celebrate the incredible gift of joy we have in knowing Christ, the One who brings “good news of great joy for all people.” This week is the Fourth Sunday of Advent: “The Candle of Love” in a message titled “Living in Love, Daily.” As mentioned previously, during the weeks of Advent, I want to slow life down a bit so we can truly take time to reflect on the purpose of the Advent season. I will also tie in some Christmas traditions in each message so we can reflect on the meaning of some traditions we practice during this blessed time. Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we gather on this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we come with grateful hearts to reflect on the love You have shown us through the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for loving us unconditionally, even when we were unworthy. Open our hearts today to receive Your love afresh, and help us to live in that love daily, extending it to others. May Your Spirit guide us as we seek to grow in our understanding of what it means to truly live in love. In Jesus's name, we pray. Amen. Introduction: Love as the Heart of Christmas On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we come to one of the Christmas story's most profound and central themes: Love. We have lit the fourth Advent candle, representing love. We remember that love is at the heart of the Christmas season. It's a time when we celebrate God's love coming down to us through the birth of Jesus Christ. The Apostle John describes this love beautifully in 1 John 4:9-10 (NLT): “God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” As we dive into this message today, let's explore the love God showed by sending His Son. We'll unpack what it means for us and look at how this love, revealed at Christmas, can change our lives if we embrace it. Problem Statement: The Search for Love We live in a world that is desperate for love. People search for it in so many places—relationships, careers, achievements, social media. But often, the love we find is temporary, conditional, or transactional. Many of us have felt the sting of love lost or love that wasn't what we hoped it would be. In this world, love can be fickle. It can be something given only when we perform or meet specific standards. But the love we're talking about today, the love of Christmas, is entirely different. Illustration: The Unbreakable Thread (Red Ribbon) Imagine a red thread that stretches across time and space, unbroken and unyielding. No matter how tangled, stretched, or pulled it gets, it never snaps. This thread represents God's love for us—constant, unchanging, and enduring. Romans 8:38-39 (NLT)

Because Life is Short… “So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” Ephesians 5:15-16 (NLT) “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NLT) “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14 (NIV) “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” Psalm 39:4-5 (NLT) Life at its longest point is short. “I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,, I strain to reach the end of the end of the race and receive the prize of God…” Philippians 3:13 NLT Here's What Lasts Forever: God- Isaiah 40:28 God's Son- Hebrews 13:8 God's Word- Isaiah 40:8 God's Faithfulness- Psalm 117:2 God's Kingdom- Psalm 145:13 God's Kindness- Isaiah 54:8 God's Love- Jeremiah 31:3 Salvation- Isaiah 51:6; 1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 Peter 1:4 Heaven- Psalm 23:6 Here's What Doesn't Last Forever: Our Accomplishments- 1 Corinthians 3:15 Everything on Earth- Zepheniah 1:18 WHAT DOES GOD WANT ACCOMPLISHED ON PLANET EARTH? God wants all people, in all places, at all times to come to know and experience His love for them in Jesus Christ. And our response is to love Him back and demonstrate that love through obedience. “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT “God showed us how much He loved us by sending His only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” 1 John 4:9, 10 NLT “Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love has been brought to full expression through us.” 1 John 4: 11, 12 NLT What Do We Sacrifice to God So the World Can Come to Know and Experience God's Love? First, Give God Your Influence. Second, Give God Your Affluence. You let His work be the focus of your life. And when great focus and great sacrifice are combined, then the world will be changed. “And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then, finally, the end will come.” Matthew 24:14 NLT

What is the greatest gift that you could receive from God? What is it that you really want? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares about the greatest gift: God's presence. This Christmas, God doesn't just want to give you what you think you want, but what you really want.Not only does God want you to know who He is. He wants to be with you. You were created for communion with God. Matthew 1:23 NIV Immanuel" (which means "God with us").When it came time for the announcement, God did something very strange and announced the birth of Jesus to two unlikely groups:1. Shepherds.Luke 2:8-10 NLT Why shepherds? 1) Because God came for everyone, not just the wealthy and educated and 2) they were willing to share the news.Luke 2:17 NLT God speaks to those who will share. If you feel like God isn't speaking to you like He used to, ask yourself what have I done with what God has already said? 2. Wisemen.Matthew 2:1-2 NLT Why magi? 1) They helped verify the birth of the messiah through objective observers and fulfillment of prophecy. 2) Because God came for everyone, not just the Jews.There is only one path to God – Jesus. But Jesus will travel many paths to find his lost children. Jesus spoke the language of astrology to reach out the pagan wisemen. Can you find God through astrology? No. But God can find you there.  How can we receive the gift of God's presence? 1) Invitation.Habakkuk 2:14 NLT For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord.Awareness is the key to experiencing God's presence. Revelation 3:20 NLT [Laodecia] "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."Imagine waiting on a guest to arrive that you hadn't invited.2) Preparation.You can create a favorable environment for your guest so they'll stick around, and they'll want to come back. Scripture talks about grieving the Holy Spirit and quenching the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30-32 ESV; 1 Thessalonians 5:19 ESV If you want the Holy Spirit hang out at your place, you've got to clean it up. Proverbs 1:7 "Fear" in Hebrew includes the idea of wonder, amazement, mystery, astonishment, gratitude, admiration, and even worship. If you'll fear God everywhere you go, you'll see God everywhere you go.How do you walk around with something important? By keeping it in mind with every step you take. 3) Habitation. John 15:4 Abide = remain in, dwell, stay with. Not visitation, but habitation. Make living in God's presence a lifestyle.  God entrusts us with the measure of His presence that we are willing to diligently guard.  Are you walking in the gift of God's presence?

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf. (Micah 5:2 NLT) God could have directed Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem in many ways, but He chose to do it through a Roman emperor's decree. Because Mary and Joseph both traced their ancestry back to King David, they went to the boyhood town of David, which was Bethlehem. Joseph and Mary were in Nazareth, but God needed them in Bethlehem. Micah had prophesied, “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf” (Micah 5:2 NLT). Thus, God had a plan. We read in Luke's Gospel, “At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. . . . And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home… He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child” (2:1, 4–5 NLT). This reminds us that ultimately, God is in control. World figures come and go. Dictators come and go. Kings, queens, prime ministers, and presidents come and go. But God moves people the way He wants to move them. Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king's heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases” (NLT). Billy Graham once quoted, “Jesus is the hinge on which the door of history swings, the point at which eternity intersects with time, the Savior who redeems time by drawing all things to himself.” Mary and Joseph made their way to Bethlehem. It was a difficult and dangerous journey, and when they finally arrived, they looked for a place to stay. But there was no room for them, which was indicative of the treatment Jesus received when He walked this earth. Essentially Jesus was homeless. Yes, He would stay in the homes of people, but He also slept out under the stars on the Mount of Olives. We find this interesting verse in Luke: “Every day Jesus went to the Temple to teach, and each evening he returned to spend the night on the Mount of Olives” (21:37 NLT). The One who created Heaven and Earth, the One who said, “There is more than enough room in my Father's home” (John 14:2 NLT), left His home in Heaven so that we, too, could have a home there. It was all part of God's plan for our Savior to be born in the humblest of settings. At the same time, the innkeeper missed out on an opportunity. The same thing can happen to us. We can be so busy shopping for Christmas and talking about Christmas that we can't seem to find time to go to church or even take a moment to pray. Jesus was born so that we could be born again. He left his home in Heaven to make a home in our hearts. We need to make room for Jesus, not only during this Christmas season but all year long. — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas at Bay Chapel Pt. 2 | December 8, 2024Pastor Wes Morris Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV) Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.√ The battle for peace begins in our minds. Philippians 4:8 (NIV) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding... √ Peace isn't the absence of problems, it's the presence of Jesus. Philippians 4:9 (NIV) And the God of peace will be with you.Psalm 23:4 (GNT) Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me.John 14:27 (NLT) I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. THE PROMISE OF PEACE I. WALK IN THE WAYS OF GOD. Philippians 4:8 (NIV) Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.Proverbs 16:7 (NLT) When people's lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.II. SUBMIT TO THE WILL OF GOD.Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Sar: Lord, chief, general, the one in charge.Shalom: Rest, tranquility, wholeness, contentment.  I Peter 5:6-7 (NLT) So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.III. OPERATE IN THE POWER OF GOD.Psalm 46:1-2 (NLT) God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.Psalm 29:11 (GNT) The Lord gives strength to his people and blesses them with peace.Next Steps: Click here to join the Advent reading plan.

Revelation 12:11 says that “they triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” In today's episode, Stasi is joined by her dear friend Cyndi Fudickar, who bravely shares her story of brokenness, healing, and God's unshakable faithfulness—a conversation that will deeply resonate with each of us. Stasi and Cyndi explore the power of testimony—how our valleys and mountaintops can reveal God's heart and ignite hope in others. Friends, we hope this conversation encourages you with the truth that you are seen, cherished, and chosen by the One who meets you right where we are, with love that never fails. Listen in, be blessed, and feel His presence afresh today.…..SHOW NOTES:…..REGISTER — Ablaze: Setting Hearts on Fire for Jesus   wildatheart.org/ablazeAblaze is an exclusive six-week online journey, beginning Tuesday, January 14, 2025For more information or to register, visit wildatheart.org/ablaze…..VERSES: Revelation 12:11 (NLT) — They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.John 15:14–17 (NLT) — You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.Ephesians 1:5-6 (NLT) — God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.2 Thessalonians 1:2 (NLT) —  May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.John 15:15 (NIV) —  I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.…..RESOURCES:Song: The God Who Sees by Kathie Lee Gifford and Nicole C. Mullenhttps://spoti.fi/3YRNMOyWild at Heart App: https://wildatheart.org/appWild at Heart Prayers: https://wildatheart.org/prayPause App:  https://www.pauseapp.com/Lectio 365: https://wahe.art/3Ckq7xGFind a Captivating Retreat near you: https://wahe.art/48LnpNFJohn Ortberg quote – "Everyone has a story. your story is important. Your story matters to god, and no one gets the story they want.”…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

In today's episode, Ash Couchman and guest Matilda Hosanee dive into Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT): “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” Together, Ash and Matilda reflect on the pure gift of God's grace and the freedom in knowing salvation isn't something we can earn through effort—it's given freely by God's love. If you've ever felt weighed down by trying to “measure up,” this conversation is a powerful reminder that God's grace is a gift, not a reward, and it's always available when we choose to receive it. Get Connected: Follow us on Instagram: Everyday Joy Podcast Join the Facebook Group: Everyday Joy Podcast Community Got something to share? Email us at everydayjoy@positivemedia.com.au Listen on TheLight: The Light This episode is all about freedom and the beauty of God's grace—don't miss it!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)God, the Master, created you to be His Masterpiece. You are perfectly designed to do His good work.

 Wisdom, Pt. 6 | October 6, 2024Pastor Wes Morris Proverbs 19:11 (NIV) A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense.Proverbs 19:11 (MSG) Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.Matthew 5:11-12 (NLT) God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. ✓ A Hard HeartProverbs 18:19 (TLB) It is harder to win back the friendship of an offended brother than to capture a fortified city. His anger shuts you out like iron bars.Jeremiah 17:9-10 (NLT) The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives.✓ Selective Memory✓ A Victim MentalityHELP, I'M OFFENDED I. CHOOSE TO OVERLOOK THE OFFENSE.Proverbs 10:12 (CEV) Hatred stirs up trouble; love overlooks the wrongs that others do.Love looks past the behavior and has compassion for the pain in their life.  II. KEEP MY HEART FREE FROM UNFORGIVENESS.Colossians 3:13 (NLT) You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.Romans 12:17-20 (NIV) Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. III. CHOOSE TO LOVE, EVEN WHEN IT HURTS.John 13:1 (NIV) It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.I Corinthians 13:7-8 (ESV) Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. 

Pastor Sam BarberGenesis 11:1-9 (NLT)- What is the Tower of Babel about? - This is an essential story for your survival in 2024. We live in a divided world. - There are two popular ideologies to address this division: - Unity - Diversity The lack of moral absolutes dooms these propositions. - Unity seems promising, except we don't know what to unify over. - Diversity seems like a solution, except without a moral absolute, diversity becomes conflict, competition, one against the other. The thing that wrecks both the pursuit of unity and diversity is the same - selfish desire. The Bible reminds us that sin is essentially an unchecked selfish desire. Genesis 11:1-4 (NLT)- When we come together for our purposes, and God is marginalized or forgotten, what happens is destruction. Unity was championed, God was removed, and destruction reigned.- The Tower of Babel is the biblical account of unity devoid of God.Genesis 11: 5-7 (NLT)- God knows what breaks us, and God wants us to avoid that.- What breaks us, God calls sin and begs us to avoid it.- So, God scatters them to preserve them for their good.- So, we remain scattered, diverse, selfish, and hopeless.Acts 2:1-12 (NLT)- At the Tower of Babel, the people tried to unify without God.- In Jerusalem, the people gather to honor God and He blesses them in a never-before-seen way!- Perfect unity in perfect diversity is only possible through the work of God, the Holy Spirit.We see it playing out all around us right now. - All our efforts to “fix the world” are failing. There is only one “fix”: the power of God, poured out in His spirit, on people like us who make up the church. Our broken and scattered world needs to experience the love of a unified church. It begins with you:- A Unified and Spirit-filled church has Spirit-filled people. - The prayer of consecration will get you ready for God's work. It continues with this church: - As you surrender and live with God in control of your life, you change the trajectory of this church. - This church is this community's best hope for healing. Any one of us here, every one of us here, can surrender our lives to Jesus and be filled with His Spirit. When we do, we bring hope to a divided world.

Pastor David MorrisonGenesis 6:22 (NLT)- It took about 120 years to build this boat. People live to be much older in those times.- Seven days before the flood, Noah and his family entered the Ark with a pair of every type of animal.Genesis 7:15-16 (NLT)- It rained for 40 days and nights, and the water rose to cover the highest mountain. And they covered the earth for 150 days.Genesis 8:1 (NLT)- Throughout the Bible, we find examples of God's presence described as a dove. For example, during creation, the dove hovered over the waters in preparation for the new creation. - Over a year on the Ark, Noah and His Family and the Animals lived!Genesis 8:15-17 (NLT)- Noah made a sacrifice to the Lord. God made a covenant with Noah that He would never again destroy the earth like this and placed a rainbow in the sky.The story of Noah and the Ark is one of many stories that point towards a need to fix the problem of sin and evil in the world. 1 Peter 3:18-22 (NLT)- Many people will say, "How could God allow all those to be killed by the flood?" This Scripture seems to provide evidence that Christ provided a chance for redemption. The flood wasn't the end of their story.Come on, y'all, the story of God's plan for redemption is all over the story of Noah and the Ark!- Not even a flood can destroy sin.- God uses one righteous man to save the human line.- The method of this salvation is carried on pieces of wood fashioned together.- The Dove hovers over the waters as creation is restored. Genesis 7:13-16 (NLT)- God closed the door on the Ark, this giant floating boat - so that nothing or no one could enter it. They waited over 300 days for the destruction process to be complete and for the water to recede.Genesis 8:15-18 (NLT)- We know that when Jesus was crucified on the cross, He was placed in a tomb, and a giant stone was rolled in front of it so that no one could enter or exit. But the efforts of the most muscular men could not stop what God was doing.Luke 24:5b-6a (NLT)- That stone that sought to trap the body of Jesus, one final effort by the enemy to defeat the Son of God, and one final effort from the power of sin to remain in control, was broken when that stone was rolled away!Noah didn't stay in the Ark. There was a brand-new world in front of him and a command to go, subdue, and fill the earth. Noah could have stayed in his safe Ark… He could have stayed in the boat and used it as his shelter… But that's not what he was created for! Sometimes, we try to follow Jesus and want to be saved, but with an open door, we try to stay in the tomb and pretend we are dead still.That's not what you are created for! If Jesus has saved you, He hasn't just saved you for eternity. Jesus is calling us to step out of the BOAT...Step out of the boat!Leave the safety and comfort of the past behind. Your life has a calling. God has a purpose for it. That won't be accomplished by waiting. After His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples to go into all the world and preach the good news. They can do this because the same Holy Spirit that hovered over creation and Christ at His baptism dwells in us when we are in Christ. This call to step out of the boat begins with accepting God's free gift of salvation and continues when we say, “I surrender to you."Will you step out of the boat today? Today is your day to leave the past behind and start walking like you have been forgiven.

Luke 19:10 (NLT) “The Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”Luke 15:7 (NLT) 7 There is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!Luke 15:10 (NLT) There is joy in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents.”Luke 15:22-32 (NLT) 22  “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23  And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24  for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.' So the party began. 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, 26  and he asked one of the servants what was going on. 27  ‘Your brother is back,' he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.' 32  We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!'” The party is Life in the SpiritAt every party, you find….1. Preparation1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NLT) 9 “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 10  But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets.2. PeopleEphesians 1:5 (NLT) God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 3. Pleasure “If following Jesus is not joyful, then you are doing it wrong.”Psalm 36:7-8 (NIV) 7 How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. 8  They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.Psalm 16:11 (NKJV) In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.4. PresentsActs 1:4-5 (NIV) 4 “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” A. A PersonB. Power “He doesn't release us from responsibilities; he empowers us to fulfill them.”Acts 1:8 (NLT) You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere...C. Proclamation of our identity.Romans 8:15-16 (NLT) You received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16  For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. James 1:18 (NLT) He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.____Luke 11:9-13 (NIV) 9  “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 11  “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12  Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13  If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”www.overflowdfw.comSupport the show

Jason Not Josh @iamjasonburns Not @iamjoshburns Exodus 6:6-7  //  Therefore, say to the Israelites: “I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. The Cup of Sanctification – Salvation. The Cup of Deliverance – Freedom. The Cup of Redemption – Restoration. The Cup of Praise – Fulfillment. How do you get the Egypt out of you? Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)  //  God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Philippians 2:12-13 (NLT)  //  Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Body, Soul, & Spirit Body - The Physical Soul - The mind, will, and emotions Spirit - The part of us that is like God. Victory over sin. Sin: What I do to myself. Romans 7:21-25  //  So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! Healing from wounds. Wounds: What others did to me. Ephesians 4:26-27 (NLT)  //  And “don't sin by letting anger control you.” Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Authority over the enemy. Ephesians 6:10-12  //  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. The Cup of Deliverance Romans 8:1-2 (NLT)  //  So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:5-6 (NLT)  //  Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Right relationships are the key. Proverbs 28:13  //  He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. 1 John 1:9  //  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. James 5:16  //  Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. Water baptism. Join the Church. Access groups.

Pastor Dale BensonJudges 6-8 (NLT)- God needs a judge. The Hebrew term “shofet,” translated into English as “judge,” is closer to “ruler,” a kind of military leader or deliverer from potential or actual defeat. Enters Gideon. Can God Use Me?- It is not about my pedigree or my posture.- It is not about my strength or my status. - It's not about my possessions or position. Judges 6:12 (NLT)- Faith: Not in myself, but in the God who created me in His image.Judges 6:14 (NLT)- We learn that there are over 135,000 in the army coming against them.- 32,000 Gathered - Too Many- Minus those who were afraid (22,000)- 10,000 left - Too many- 300 drank from their hands. 9,700 drank like dogs.- God chose the 300 but kept the provisions of the 9,700 along with their shofars. - Empty Vessels: No Provisions. Save a “torch” or “lamp.”I don't know what you're facing. You may not feel qualified or prepared. God doesn't need your qualifications; He needs your obedience.There are times when:- It is okay to question.- God gives you specific answers.- God gives you general directions and lets you fill in the details.- God asks you to empty yourself, leaving only an empty clay vessel that He can fill with more than you could ever imagine. In the breaking, true glory, power, and light can shine.Empty jars with a torch in each jar.- It is not about my pedigree or your posture but about the God who created you in His image.- It is not about my strength or status but the power of the almighty God who created the universe.- It is not about my possessions or position but about the One who desires to fill you and has called you His child and mighty hero!2 Corinthians 4:6-10 (NLT)

There has to be more! 2 Peter 1:4  //  He has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. Promise: an offer with a guaranteed result. Hebrews 6:17 (MSG)  //  When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can't break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. When life doesn't make sense, hold onto the promises of God. I need to know God's promises. Fear Psalm 27:1  //  The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? Feeling Overwhelmed 1 John 4:4  //  The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. Financial Stress Philippians 4:19  //  And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Healing 1 Peter 2:24  //  “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” I need to understand God's promises. Numbers 23:19 (NLT)  //  God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? Every promise has a premise. Exodus 6:6-7  //  Therefore, say to the Israelites: “I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. Exodus 6:6-7  //  I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.  “I will bring you out.” God promises us Salvation. Titus 3:3-8  //  At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. “I will free you.” God promises us Deliverance. Romans 7:25-8:2  //  So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. “I will redeem you.” God promises us Restoration. Ephesians 1:11-12 (MSG)  //  It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. “I will take you as my own people.” God promises us Fulfillment. John 10:10  //  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Know God. Find Freedom. Discover Purpose. Make A Difference.

Today, Stasi invites us to journey with her as she unpacks one of her favorite psalms, Psalm 103, which reminds us of all the ways God has moved in our lives and continues to do so. This beautiful psalm instructs our souls to praise the Lord by reminding us of the splendor, majesty, and goodness of God. Turning our hearts' attention to our holy God naturally evokes worship from our inmost being. Stasi concludes with a guided time together, focusing on quieting our souls to praise God for the abundant blessings and love he showers upon us.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Psalm 103 — In its entiretyExodus 3:14 (NLT)  — God replied to Moses, “I am who I am. Say this to the people of Israel: I am has sent me to you.”Proverbs 11:30 (NLT)  — The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends.Psalm 16:9-10 (NLT)  — No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.Ezekiel 18:4 (ASV)  — Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.Acts 2:41 (NLT)  — Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.Revelation 18:13 (ASV)  — and cinnamon, and spice, and incense, and ointment, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and cattle, and sheep; and merchandise of horses and chariots and slaves; and souls of men.Jeremiah 38:16 (NIV)  — But King Zedekiah swore this oath secretly to Jeremiah: “As surely as the Lord lives, who has given us breath, I will neither kill you nor hand you over to those who want to kill you.”2 Peter 2:14 (ASV)  — having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; enticing unstedfast souls; having a heart exercised in covetousness; children of cursing;James 1:21 (NLT)  — So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.Leviticus 17:11 (NLT)  — for the life of the body is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the Lord. It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible.1 Peter 1:22 (NLT)  — You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.1 Peter 2:25 (NLT)  — Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.Matthew 11:29 (NLT)  — Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.Acts 13:35–37 (NLT)  — Another psalm explains it more fully: ‘You will not allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.' This is not a reference to David, for after David had done the will of God in his own generation, he died and was buried with his ancestors, and his body decayed. No, it was a reference to someone else—someone whom God raised and whose body did not decay.Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)  — For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.John 14:1 (NLT)  — Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.1 Corinthians 2:16 (NLT)  — For, “Who can know the Lord's thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.Colossians 3:2 (NLT)  — Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.Philippians 4:8 (NLT)  — And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.Romans 8:11 (NLT)  — The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.Leviticus 26:11-12 (KJV)  — And I set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.Proverbs 9:10 (NLT)  — Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.1 John 4:18 (NLT)  — Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.…..RESOURCES:The Treasury of David – Psalm 103 by Charles H. Spurgeon: https://wahe.art/3VPIrWxGuided Time Background Music: Breakthrough from the album Soaking in His Presence, by William Augustohttps://wahe.art/4bl5XPI…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

Pastor Dale Benson Matthew 6:1-4 (NLT) - In The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus assumes His audience is giving, praying, and fasting. The issue is not whether we give. Jesus is more interested in how and why we give, pray, and fast. - Do you give to be noticed? Is your giving an act of worship to God, or a way to get recognized for your good deeds? Malachi 3:10 (NLT) - God is not concerned about your money. He is concerned about your soul. Enough about generosity, let's move on to our possessions. - Do you own your possessions, or do your possessions own you? - “Lord you aren't adequately supplying what I think my needs are, so I am going to put my trust in Visa." - Do you worry about food? - It is one thing to trust God with the excess. It is an entirely different thing to trust God when both the cupboards and the bank account are bare. - Do I trust God with the first of what I have, or do I give Him the leftovers? Proverbs 22:7 (NLT) What do the rich and the poor have in common? God is the maker of them both. Proverbs 9:10 (NLT) Matthew 6:31-34 (NLT)

Pastor Dale Benson Matthew 5:7 (NLT) - This is not a verse about Karma. This is not a sort of "what goes around comes around." "The Universe always pays you back." These sentiments are not what this verse is articulating. - This verse is a pithy saying that points to a much larger teaching by Jesus. Matthew 18:21-35 (NLT) Matthew 6:14 (NLT) - God's mercy to us is undeserved. We do not show mercy to others because they deserve it. If they deserved it, it would not be mercy. You have been shown great mercy. God has made forgiveness available to you for everything you have ever done. I am afraid that at times we have taken some verses in the Bible and made them the be-all/end-all of a short, easy way to have all your sins forgiven and receive salvation. These verses do seem to say that God expects something out of us. For mercy and forgiveness from Him, He expects us to show mercy and forgiveness to others. I am not saying this is easy, I am saying it is expected. I am telling you that the One who has died for all your sins is asking you, in return, to demonstrate your understanding of the mercy that has been extended to you by extending that mercy to others. Matthew 5:8 (NLT) - There is a difference between purity of filth and purity of heart. - This is not talking about a clean, white heart that has not been stained by anything. Purity of heart in this context is talking about a heart that is wholly set on God. Purity of Heart is to will one thing. - Soren Kierkegaard Romans 12:1-2 (NLT) - Transformation can happen in an instant. It can happen over time. In this Romans passage is a "renewal." Not like renewing your membership at The YMCA or renewing your Netflix subscription. It is more like a cleansing or purifying type of transformation. CALL TO THE ALTAR - To Begin the process of forgiveness and showing mercy. - Who do you need to show mercy? Begin by committing to show that mercy to them. - To pursue a pure heart... To seek God first with everything in you. - Commit to non-conformation to this world - Commit to Transformation through the renewing of your mind.

The past few weeks have been very, good, hard, motivating, hurtful, joyful and inspiring. In other words, “Normal... with a bit of an edge". Matthew 6:24 - 7:14 NLT - “…God cares more about you…” “NOW” matters! Jesus said, “Why are you worrying about what you wear or what you are going to eat? God clothes the lillies of the field and He cares more about you…”, but we worry anyway.  This is about seeing what is around you in this exact moment. The more we spend time with God now, the more we are secure and at peace with God taking care of us now... and in the future. When we are driven, because we have a calling that God has placed in us, that is different than worrying about what we do not understand. More time spent with God, takes care of the past, the present, and the future. More dependence on God every moment of every day gives us a drive that we cannot create without him.  “For we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” - Romans 8:28 NLT _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Pastor Bailey Medley Today our message is called "Most Likely To" and we're going to be looking at an individual in scripture that arguably was least likely to succeed, but God ended up using him to reshape perspectives on potential. 1 Samuel 16:6-13 (NLT) - Potential is not determined by our current position, but rather based on His promise. - Because we have the benefit of knowing the full story today - we know what is coming, but I imagine David very much was feeling about his life, the way we do ours - like reading a book for the first time. Taking it page by page. - Here we aren't surprised by the fact that David is anointed. But I imagine he very much was. Samuel 16:7 (NLT) - God sees David, even when he isn't in the room - and invites him in. God sees David and sees potential, but also invites him into His purpose. - We treat potential like it's a limited resource. Like it's a competition for a senior superlative - we want to be the one to win it. To be seen as being ahead and heaven forbid behind. POSITIONS MAY BE LIMITED, POTENTIAL IS NOT A RESOURCE THAT NEEDS TO BE RATIONED OR RESERVED Your worthiness and capacity to be used in the Kingdom of God at work here and now has nothing to do with your capabilities or being ahead-but rather has everything to do with the God in whose image you were created. POTENTIAL ISN'T THE DESTINATION - IT'S JUST A PART OF THE PROCESS So often we think of this being a big part of his story - when we think of David - this is the one in our back pocket. I was even talking to one of my brothers about today and he asked what we would be talking about. I said David and his response was "Like David and Goliath?” 1 Samuel 17:34–40 (NLT) - I think a lot of us would understand him taking the “this is not the job description” approach. But he leaned into the potential, not because he thought “I got this,“ but because of God‘s faithfulness in his life. He walked out to cross that valley, knowing that the people didn't believe he could do it – because they said so to his face! "It's easier to listen to what other people say than what God has already spoken over us." 1 Samuel 17:12-15 (NLT) - We read of Goliath tormenting an army of men, including the siblings of strength and stature. And yet David arrives humbly without any fanfare. He is again described simply, as the youngest son of Jesse and as a shepherd of his father's flocks. David shuttled back and forth between Jesse's flocks and the battlefront to carry supplies and messages. - He is meant to be king - ruling over God's people, and yet we find him watching over sheep. He is meant to command a kingdom and yet we find him as a messenger and a biblical door dasher to his brothers. He is meant to be anointed to have potential, and yet he seems to have taken a step backward and it seems wasted. OUR CURRENT POSITION DOESN'T DISQUALIFY US FROM HIS PROMISE/POTENTIAL - IT MIGHT JUST BE IN INVITATION TO PREPARATION. And I like to think that David - being the beginning of "the man after God's own heart" - knew this because he didn't discount the field. He is intentional with the things that don't seem "royal", and God uses the experience to be a part of leading him toward his potential. But we must remember there is no - Experiencing solace from beautiful music without intentional practice. - There is no leading a nation without first understanding how to guide a flock. - There is no defeating Goliath for the Living God without first taking on a bear for the sake of a lamb. - There is no stepping into what God has for the throne without being faithful in the field. We remember David not because of his early potential but because of his faithfulness in the process. We are called to embody the same thing. YOUR POTENTIAL IS NOT LIMITED TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW or even where you can picture yourself being, BUT RATHER BASED ON HIS PROMISE and WHERE He is calling you to be.

So how do you live out your faith when culture shifts? Daniel 1:7 The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. 1. Culture wants to CHANGE your IDENTITY. DANIEL-“God is my judge” Belteshazzar- “Lady, protect the King” HANANIAH- “Yahweh has been gracious” Shadrach- “I am fearful of God” MISHAEL- “Who is what God is?” Meshach- “I am despised, contemptible and humiliated.” AZARIAH- “Yahweh has helped” Abednego- “Servant of Nebo” When culture shifts, you have to know WHO YOU ARE. Daniel 1:8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. 2. Culture wants you to COMPROMISE your STANDARDS. When culture shifts, we must REAFFIRM our CONVICTIONS. Daniel 1:9-10 Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel,   but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.” Daniel 1:11-14 Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah,   “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. 3. Culture will always CREATE a CONFRONTATION. When culture shifts, we must respond the RIGHT WAY. John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. TRUTH: God's standard. John 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. GRACE: God's favor. Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Without truth, we are CORRUPT. Without grace, we are all CONDEMNED. Without truth, we become WORLDLY. Without grace, we would become JUDGMENTAL. Truth without grace is MEAN. Grace without truth is MEANINGLESS. Truth and grace is good MEDICINE. Grace INVITES us to be free. Truth SETS us free. John 8:3-11 NLT   As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd.   “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery.   The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”   They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger.   They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”   Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.   When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman.   Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?”   “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coastalchurch/message

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord's favor has come. ” He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you've just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” Luke 4:18-21 NLT   For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23 NLT   'But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 NLT   The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News… Luke 4:18 NLT   For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT   Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NLT   …to bring Good News to the poor. Luke 4:18 NLT   “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 ESV   HUMAN NATURE IS SELF-RELIANCE, BUT A DISCIPLES NATURE MUST BE SURRENDER   'He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.' John 3:30 NLT   He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released… Luke 4:18 NLT   I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent. Luke 5:32 NLT   “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 ESV   For the wages of sin is death… Romans 6:23 NLT   'For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. ' 2 Corinthians 7:10 ESV   that the blind will see… Luke 4:18 NLT   “We are all under the same mental calamity; we have all forgotten our names. We have all forgotten what we really are.” G.K. Chesterton   Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. Ecclesiastes 1:8-9 NLT   When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased. Luke 3:21-22 NIV   IDENTITY - YOU ARE MY SON AFFECTION - WHOM I LOVE AFFIRMATION - WITH YOU I AM WELL PLEASED the oppressed will be set free… Luke 4:18 NLT   God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:5-7 NLT   So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. John 8:36 NLT   and that the time of the Lord's favor has come. Luke 4:19 NLT   “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6 ESV   He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT   GOD IS EAGER TO SATISFY ALL THE SPIRITUAL CRAVING OF HIS CHILDREN BUT ONLY IN JESUS ARE WE FILLED AND SATISFIED!

Pastor Jon Verwey, Pam McSherry, and Kevin Canham 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. — Genesis 1:1 (NLT) …God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! — Genesis 1:31 (NLT) …One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit […]

2 Corinthians 13:14 Message “The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.” 3 GIFTS IN SCRIPTURE  ETERNAL LIFE. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  The HOLY SPIRIT. Acts 1:4-5 “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”  SPIRITUAL gifts. Romans 12:6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. 1 Corinthians 12:1 Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 1 Corinthians 12:11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. 1 Corinthians 14:23-25 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? Gifts From A Friend 1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts… 1. His gifts are UNIQUE. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 2. His gifts are NEEDED. 1 Corinthians 12:27 NLT Now all of you together are Christ's body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it. 3. His gifts are FULFILLING. John 15:8, 11 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 4. His gifts touch OTHER PEOPLE'S lives. 1 Peter 4:10 NLT God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you.” A spiritual gift is a SPECIAL SUPERNATURAL ABILITY that God gives to each of His children, so that together they can ADVANCE HIS PURPOSES in this world. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coastalchurch/message

NOTES: Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” “Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he's calling you!” Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road. Mark 10:46–52 (NLT)     God is not LIMITED by our LIMITATIONS. SEEK the God who SEES YOU BOTTOM LINE: DESPERATION is a doorway to FAITH. CHALLENGE: Make space to hear the question, “What do you want me to do for you?”

Would you consider yourself a faithful person? The definition of faithfulness is lasting loyalty and trustworthiness in relationships. On this month's podcast episode of If You Really Knew Me Ben and Kim discuss how we can learn to model God's faithfulness in our relationships with others.  If You Really Knew Me can be found at We Are The Bridge dot org slash podcast, on The Bridge app, OR wherever you listen to podcasts.Bible Verses:    Psalm 89.8 (NIV) Who is like you, LORD God Almighty? You, LORD, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you. 1 John 1:9 (NLT) But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 Corinthians 1:9 (NLT) God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Philippians 1:6 (ESV) And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Proverbs 21:21 (AMP) “He who earnestly seeks righteousness and loyalty finds life, righteousness and honor.” Psalms 25:10 “The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.SONG ABOUT GOD'S Faithfulness: Same God - Elevation Worshiphttps://youtu.be/LawxIZE9ePE?si=z4FhAAgvvT4iaC7R Goodness of God - Jenn Johnsonhttps://youtu.be/n0FBb6hnwTo?si=hlVzksU75I40X0FF Firm Foundation (He Won't) - Cody Carneshttps://youtu.be/x9ndiD0_qNk?si=G6WVb2I5c_CPdU9Z Evidence - Josh Baldwin and Dante Bowehttps://youtu.be/TXuoHg9pSS8?si=yn-NJBxQXrddtx0b Faithfully - Toby Machttps://youtu.be/i5ts5uFsVis?si=2K93f_K9SFSBDLqpWould you like to have YOUR question answered and maybe even featured on a future episode? Submit your enneagram question toben@wearethebridge.orgIf you find this information helpful to you, SUBSCRIBE and journey with us.If you're not sure where to start but want to know more, refer to Ep 2 - The Enneagram ExplainedInfo credit: Beth McCord (Your Enneagram Coach)Hosts: Kim Willey and Ben SorrellsBen is a Certified Enneagram Coach through YEC and Beth McCordHelpful Links:Discover your Enneagram Type: Here's one that we like! YEC Enneagram Type AssessmentLearn about all 9 types: 9 Types OverviewIn-depth Enneagram Courses: YEC Enneagram Courses Please share If You Really Knew Me with a friend if you enjoyed this episode. If You Really Knew Me is still growing, and your positive review and 5-star rating would help.The Bridge Podcast Network is made possible by generous support from The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and Victoria's Restaurant on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware - Open 7 days a week, year-round - Learn more at https://boardwalkplaza.comFeedback, or Show Ideas? Send an email to podcast@wearethebridge.orgDownload The Bridge Mobile App to get the latest podcast episodes as soon as they are published!

 Nothing is Impossible // Hope is Possible                                                                                                Romans 8:11 (ESV)“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. “ Revelation 1:17b-18 (ESV)“…Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” Hope is possible.Joy is possible. Peace is possible.Hope  Greek = “Elpis” “Joyful and Confident Expectation” Christian Hope is Unique. “Our present behavior is determined by what we believe our ultimate future to be.” - Timothy Keller The Christian's Hope is Anchored in Certainty About God's Future and Character, demonstrated in Christ's Work and Affirmed Everyday by the Holy Spirit.  How Do We Get This Hope? Romans 5:1-5 (ESV)Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Invitation > Endurance > Character > Hope  Romans 15:4 (ESV)“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:13 (ESV)“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Hebrews 6:17-20 (NLT) “God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He 

Seven Days Pt. 3 | March 10th, 2024Pastor TJ Hankey Matthew 24:10 (NKJV) “And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.”Luke 17:1 (NLT) Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come…”Luke 17:1 (NKJV) Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come…” The life of the Offended Matthew 24:10 (NKJV) “And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.”Ephesians 4:26-27 (NLT) And “don't sin by letting anger control you.” Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.Matthew 24:11-12 (NKJV) “Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.”Matthew 7:15 (NLT) Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. The life of the Unoffended 1 Samuel 26:8-11 (NLT) “God has surely handed your enemy over to you this time!” Abishai whispered to David. “Let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I won't need to strike twice!” “No!” David said. “Don't kill him. For who can remain innocent after attacking the Lord's anointed one? Surely the Lord will strike Saul down someday, or he will die of old age or in battle. The Lord forbid that I should kill the one he has anointed! But take his spear and that jug of water beside his head, and then let's get out of here!” 1 Samuel 26:23-24 (NLT) “The Lord gives his own reward for doing good and for being loyal, and I refused to kill you even when the Lord placed you in my power, for you are the Lord's anointed one. Now may the Lord value my life, even as I have valued yours today. May he rescue me from all my troubles.” Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV) This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Ephesians 1:18-19 (NIV) I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Learn more about Easter at Bay Chapel: baychapel.com/easterGet started with Growth Track: baychapel.com/growthtrack

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT   Faith is what brings meaning to life. God has a sovereign purpose in all things. That as God's children we must trust that Jesus is who He says He is, salvation is real, the Word of God is true, and that nothing can separate us from the love of God!   Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 NLT   FEAR IS CONQUERED BY FAITH AND FAITH IS FUELED BY TRUST   One day the widow of a member of the group of prophets came to Elisha and cried out, “My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared the Lord. But now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves.” 2 Kings 4:1 NLT   1. GOD CARES ABOUT YOUR SITUATION   'The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.' Psalms 34:17-18 NLT   “What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked. 2 Kings 4:2 NLT   Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things. Psalms 81:10 NLT   But no, my people wouldn't listen. Israel did not want me around. Psalms 81:11 NLT   2. YOUR MINDSET MATTERS   “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” 2 Kings 4:2 NLT   “Nothing at all...” she replied. 2 Kings 4:2 NLT   “Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,” she replied. 2 Kings 4:2 NLT   3. WE DO THE GIVING AND GOD DOES THE MULTIPLYING   And Elisha said, “Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors. Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting each one aside when it is filled.” So she did as she was told. Her sons kept bringing jars to her, and she filled one after another. Soon every container was full to the brim! “Bring me another jar,” she said to one of her sons. “There aren't any more!” he told her. And then the olive oil stopped flowing. When she told the man of God what had happened, he said to her, “Now sell the olive oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on what is left over.” 2 Kings 4:3-7 NLT   4. WHEN WE STOP GIVING GOD STOPS PROVIDING   “Bring me another jar,” she said to one of her sons. “There aren't any more!” he told her. And then the olive oil stopped flowing. 2 Kings 4:6 NLT   WHAT ARE THE PROVISIONS OF GOD?   1.HE GIVES US UNCONDITIONAL FORGIVENESS AND RESTORATION   He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. Psalms 103:3 NLT   This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16 NLT   2. BY GIVING US AN INHERITANCE   He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. Psalms 103:4 NLT   No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT   We are Gods children But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12 NLT   We are heirs to God Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:7 NLT   God says we are royalty! But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. 1 Peter 2:9 NLT   We are Chosen, holy, and blameless Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. Ephesians 1:4 NLT   3. BY GIVING US TRUE FULFILLMENT   He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's! Psalms 103:5 NLT   He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you. Luke 22:19-20 NLT          

“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!' when you don't do what I say? I will show you what it's like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn't obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.” Luke 6:46-49 NLT   JESUS CAN'T BE LESS THAN WHO HE IS   Lord our God, other lords besides you have ruled over us, but your name alone do we honor. Isaiah 26:13 NIV   HOW DO WE DISPLAY LOYALTY TO GOD?   1. LIVE WITH A FULL SUBMISSION TO HIS AUTHORITY   But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 1 Peter 3:15 NIV   May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 NLT   Yet I want your will to be done, not mine. Matthew 26:39 NLT   2. WE RECOGNIZE HIS OWNERSHIP   This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. Acts 10:36 NLT   Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT   Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17 NLT   3. Unquestioning Obedience   So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!' when you don't do what I say? Luke 6:46 NLT   “If you love me, obey my commandments.” John 14:15 NLT   GOD CALLS US TO SERVICE TO HIM AND TO OTHERS   So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45 NLT   JESUS NEVER REDUCES HIS STANDARDS TO ATTRACT DISCIPLES   QUESTIONS TO EVALUATE OUR SERVANTHOOD   1. AM I GENEROUS WITH MY TIME?   And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:16 NLT   2. AM I GENEROUS WITH MY TALENTS?   Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. Romans 12:4-5 NLT   God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10 NLT   3. AM I GENEROUS WITH MY TREASURE?   “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens,  but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. Matthew 23:23 NLT   They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 2 Corinthians 8:2-3 NLT   4. AM I GENEROUS WITH MY TESTIMONY   And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. Revelation 12:11 NLT

The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, “Go down to the potter's shop, and I will speak to you there.” So I did as he told me and found the potter working at his wheel. But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over. Then the Lord gave me this message: “O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand.” Jeremiah 18:1-6 NLT 1. Jeremiah saw the potter Remember, I pray, that You have made me like clay. Job 10:9 NKJV In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 NLT In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. John 1:1-2 NLT 2. Jeremiah saw the wheel And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT 3. Jeremiah saw the clay Sin is simply when we resist God's Will. ​​In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets—some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing. 2 Timothy 2:20-21 MSG LIFE WILL NEVER MAKE SENSE UNLESS YOU LIVE A LIFE BIGGER THAN YOURSELF For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. 5:8-10 NIV 1. ASK YOURSELF “What should I STOP doing” Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them… Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise… Ephesians 5:11;15 NIV Behind your darkness is God's purpose for your life. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don't get sidetracked; your feet from following evil. Proverbs 4:25-27 NLT 2. ASK YOURSELF “What should I START doing” Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Ephesians 5:16-17 NIV Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. James 4:17 NLT “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” Matthew 6:34 MSG 3. ASK YOURSELF “What AM I WAITING FOR” I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 NLT People that procrastinate talk about a life of purpose. People who take initiative live a life of purpose. Why do you Matter? 1. You Matter to our Church God is looking for passionate disciples. I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the lord.” Psalms 122:1 NLT But the time is coming—indeed it's here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. John 4:23 NLT God is looking for compassionate disciples. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the lord will be saved.” But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” Romans 10:13-15 NLT 2. You Matter to our Community Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James 5:16 NLT Well our Church must become larger and smaller at the same time Small groups create 3 things we all need A place to Connect A place to Protect A place to Grow 3. You Matter to God There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other; But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it… 1 Corinthians 12:4-7;18 When you live beyond yourself the meaning of life comes into focus and life has purpose! But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. Acts 20:24 NLT

Proverbs 2, King Solomon speaks to our personal bandwidth, mental, spiritual, and physical balance. My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. (vv. 1-11 NLT) Was there a sentence or phrase or maybe even a certain word that jumped out at you as I read? That is often how God speaks to us through His Word. He will pull out a specific message for you for this moment, for this day. If so, focus on that throughout your day. With this in mind listen to the passage again From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. (vv. 1-11 NLT) God promises of Wisdom. Understanding. Insight. Knowledge. Common sense. Integrity. Justice. Protection. All promises from God when we seek Him. This ancient promise is yours. “Wisdom will enter your heart. Knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.” Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want Your wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and insight. I submit my schedule, my time and energy to You, to teach me the way to live, how to live, with You and for You. As above, so below.”

Special Patreon Re-Release: Strategies to Overcome Perfectionism with Jill Savage Psalm 18:32 (NLT) “God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect.”   Jill Savage is an author and speaker who is passionate about encouraging families. She is the author or co-author of twelve books. Featured on Focus on the Family, Crosswalk.com, Family Life Today and Today's Christian Woman magazine, Jill is the founder of Hearts at Home, an organization that encouraged moms from 1994-2017. Jill and her husband, Mark, have five children, three who are married, two granddaughters and one grandson. They make their home in Normal, Illinois.  At The Savvy Sauce, we will only recommend resources we believe in! We also want you to be aware: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.   Jill's Website Books by Jill Savage: Living With Less So Your Family Has More No More Perfect Moms Professionalizing Motherhood Better Together by Jill Savage and Anne McClane  No More Perfect Marriages  by Mark and Jill Savage  No More Perfect Kids by Jill Savage and Dr. Kathy Koch  Need a Next Step? Try Mark & Jill's FREE 4 week e-challenge here!  Jill's book that released in August Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas   Thank You to Our Sponsor: WinShape Marriage   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website  Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast! Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”  Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”  Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”  John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”  Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“ Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“ Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Recognize the grace God has given you and the talent you were shaped for ⭐ Sometimes you're anointed for a position, but your talent isn't developed to place you there. In this episode, I'm going to show you the supernatural grace that's on your life and the pressure God's giving you to make you more talented. I promise to clear up all your confusion. A Message From Your Teacher “The difference between talent and grace is that talent is a skill set forged by grace, grace is God's mark on your life. When you know this, you know God's direction for your life and how to push through your challenges” - Jessica Toach Join the Tribe For God's Word for 2024! - myprophetictribe.com Scriptures Used in This Episode 1 Peter 4:10 NLT God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

Recognize the grace God has given you and the talent you were shaped for ⭐ Sometimes you're anointed for a position, but your talent isn't developed to place you there. In this episode, I'm going to show you the supernatural grace that's on your life and the pressure God's giving you to make you more talented. I promise to clear up all your confusion. A Message From Your Teacher “The difference between talent and grace is that talent is a skill set forged by grace, grace is God's mark on your life. When you know this, you know God's direction for your life and how to push through your challenges” - Jessica Toach Join the Tribe For God's Word for 2024! - myprophetictribe.com Scriptures Used in This Episode 1 Peter 4:10 NLT God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

What comes to your mind when you think of the word obligation? For me, I think of terms like chore, requirement, or an absence of choice. But, when it comes to my obligation to share the good news, I'm glad. Overjoyed even. It's a privilege and an honor to share what God has done for me, how He's set me free and who He is with others. Listen to today's episode, a psa of sorts, to uncover the wisdom from Acts 3 and remember one of the most important commands. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19 NIVScriptures from this episode:Acts 3:6Acts 3:16Acts 3:26IsaiahMatt: 28:19Galatians 5:14 NIVEphesians 2:8-9 (NLT)God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.Stay ConnectedSign up here so you never miss an episode: https://smcneil.ck.page/200b5104c2KeywordsActs 3, Peter and John, Christian playlist, Jason Nelson, KCJ, created for your glory, Semonna McNeil, obligation, praising God, temple, Beautiful gate, lame beggar, silver or gold, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, spreading the good news, sharing the good news, faith through Jesus, power source, Romans 5:8, spiritual gifts, love your neighbor, human interaction, serving as a sounding board, Isaiah 61:1, making disciples, Great Commission, testimonies, outreach, brokenhearted, captive, prisoners, obeying God's commands

What am I doing?! – Purpose   “Why am I here”   Purpose   Do you feel like you are living in the purpose God designed you to live in?   1.     You're blatantly living in sin   “don't let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to god, for your were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of god.” Romans 6:12-13 NLT   2.     You lack joy and excitement   3.     You don't feel much fulfillment in life   4.     You feel stuck 5.     You have no direction   A life of purpose brings focus   “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 NIV   We will find our purpose less in what we do and more in what we are willing to surrender Surrender leads to obedience and obedience fuels our purpose   “Its in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for…part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.” Ephesians 1:11 MSG   “Your will be done” Matthew 6:10   Who we are doesn't flow from what we do…what we do flows from who we are   “Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because joseph had been born to him in his old age. So one day Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph – a beautiful robe.” Genesis 37:3 NLT   “When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.” Genesis 37:4 NIV   “…listen to this dream, he said, “we were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine!” His brothers responded, “So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?” and they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them.” Genesis 37:6-8 NLT   “The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did. This pleased Potiphar, so he soon made joseph his personal attendant. He put him in charge of his entire household and everything he owned.” Genesis 39:2-4 NLT   “…now Joseph was well-built and handsome…” Genesis 39:6 NIV   “Come and sleep with me,” she demanded.” Genesis 39:7   “Look, he told her, “my master trusts me with everything in his entire household. No one here has more authority than I do. He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.” Genesis 39:8-9 NLT   “she grabbed him by his cloak demanding, “come on sleep with me!” joseph tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house. When she saw that she was holding his cloak and he had fled, she called out to her servants. Soon all the men came running. “Look!” she said “ my husband has brought this Hebrew slave here to make fools of us! He came into my room to rape me, but I screamed. When he heard me scream, he ran outside and got away, but he left his cloak behind with me.” Genesis 39:12-18 NLT   If you ever feel like “Nothing gold can stay” that's an indicator that you're living in YOUR will not HIS   “but the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden.” Genesis 39:21 NLT   “Before long, the warden put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and over everything that happened in the prison. The warden had no more worries, because Joseph took care of everything. The Lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed.” Genesis 39:22-23 NLT   God wants to use you in every situation you are in   “I had a dream last night, and no one here can tell me what it means. But I have heard that when you hear about a dream you can interpret it.”     “it is beyond my power to do this,” joseph replied. “but God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.” Genesis 41:15-16 NLT   “Therefore, pharaoh should find an intelligent and wise man and put him in charge of the entire land of Egypt. Then Pharaoh should appoint supervisors over the land and let them collect one fifth of the crops during the seven good years. Have them gather all the food produced in the good years that are just ahead and bring it to Pharaoh's storehouses. Store it away , and guard it so there will be food in the cities. That way there will be enough to eat when the seven years of famine come to the land of Egypt. Otherwise this famine will destroy the land.” Genesis 41:33-36 NLT Our purpose is not found in a thing that we do, but rather in the type of life that we live “He has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time..” 2 Timothy 1:9 NIV   1.     What will be the most important thing in my life?   Whatever is at the center of your life…is your God   Is Christ TRULY at the center of your life? 2.     What will be the character of my life?   We take who we are into eternity…not what we did   The Fruits of the Spirit -        Love -        Joy -        Peace -        Patience -        Kindness -        Goodness -        Faithfulness -        Gentleness -        Self Control   3.     What will be the contributions of my life?   “…I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last…” John 15:16 NIV 4.     What will be the communication of my life?

How do you live a Godly life when culture shifts? Daniel 1:1-6 // In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia and put in the treasure house of his god. 3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king's service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— 4 young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king's palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. 5 The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king's table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king's service. 6 Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. Culture changes. God doesn't. Daniel 1:7 // The chief official (Ashpenaz) gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. WHEN CULTURE SHIFTS: 1. It will try to rename you. Daniel: God is my judge Belteshazzar: Lady, protect the king Hannah: Yahweh has been so gracious Shadrach: I am fearful of God Mishael: Who is what God is? Meshach: I am despised, contemptible, and humiliated Asariah: Yahweh has helped Abednego: Servant of Nebo WHEN CULTURE SHIFTS: 2. We must know who we are. Daniel 1:8 // But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Culture will ask you to compromise your standards. Daniel 1:9-14 // Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel, 10 but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.” 11 Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” 14 So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. Culture will always create a confrontation. When culture shifts, we must respond the right way. GRACE & TRUTH John 1:14 // The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. TRUTH: God's standard GRACE: God's favor Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT // God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Without truth, we are corrupt Without grace, we are condemned Grace invites us to be free. Truth sets us free. 51% Truth without grace is mean. Grace without truth is meaningless. Grace and truth is medicine. John 8:1-11 NLT // Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, 2 but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. 3 As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. 4 “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” 6 They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. 9 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?”11 “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” Hold high God's truth. Freely give God's grace.

“For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God's word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. And we are members of his body.”‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭25‬-‭30‬ ‭NLT‬‬“God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.”‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬St Louis Family Church - SLFC.orgWho Is Jesus? FutureAndHope.org