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• Join me in Greece on a special trip with my listeners! We will explore, make memories, eat great food, see biblical and historical sites & encounter Jesus. Take this 2 minute survey to help me start planning it: https://my.trovatrip.com/public/l/survey/jenilee-samuel---------------------------------------Let's be honest: reading your Bible shouldn't feel overwhelming—but sometimes it does.In this episode, I'm joined by Philip Nation, VP and Publisher at Thomas Nelson Bibles, and we're answering 7 of the most common questions you've asked about Bible reading—questions that real women (like you!) are wrestling with.If you've ever wondered:“Which Bible translation is right for me?”“Why do I feel dry or disconnected when I read?”“Is it okay that I only read a few verses?”“How do I help my kids engage with the Bible too?”…then this episode is for you.You'll hear practical strategies, fresh encouragement, and zero shame. Whether you're juggling babies, running a business, or rebuilding your spiritual life—this episode will help you make Bible time simple, sacred, and actually enjoyable.About Today's Guest:Philip Nation is the Vice President and Publisher of Thomas Nelson Bibles. He's a pastor, professor, and author with a passion for making Scripture easy to understand and accessible for everyday life. He's also a husband, father, and grandfather who understands the pressures of real life and the beauty of grace. Learn more at www.thomasnelsonbibles.com.7 Listener Questions We Answered in This Episode:Which Bible translation is best for me?What should I read when I feel spiritually dry?How can I fit Bible time into my busy schedule?What tools can help me understand what I'm reading?How do I make Bible reading feel more enjoyable—not just another task?What do I do when I feel guilty about not reading enough?7. How can I bring the Bible into my parenting naturally?Was this helpful for you?
The Israelites had turned away from the Lord, doing evil in His sight. Then the Midianites invaded Israel. They were cruel to the Israelites, leaving them no food, taking their cattle, goats and sheep. When the Israelites were close to starvation, they turned to their God, Jehovah, for help. So the Lord said to Gideon, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I Am sending you!” God is Jehovah M'Kaddesh, the Lord God Almighty Who Sanctifies. “I am the Lord, who makes you holy.” Exodus 31:13 NLT #kids, #storiesforkids, #biblestoriesforkids, #bedtimestoriesforkids, #christiankids, #jehovahm'kaddesh, #thelordwhosanctifies, #thelordgodalmighty, #fishbytesforkids, #fishbytes4kids, #ronandcarriewebb, #roncarriewebb
So Much More: Creating Space for God (Lectio Divina and Scripture Meditation)
What if you truly believed your body was a wonder? In this Scripture meditation on Psalm 139:13–18, we slow down and reflect on the intentional care God took in creating you. Using the Lectio Divina method, this peaceful and prayerful practice invites you to marvel at the intricate design of your body and the depth of God’s love for you. For many of us, our relationship with our bodies is complicated—whether because of how they look, how they’re aging, or how they’re affected by illness or pain. But these verses remind us of a deeper truth:You are wonderfully made.You are deeply loved.And God is still with you. In this guided Christian meditation, you’ll be invited to:• Thank God for the wonder of your physical body• Reflect on what it means to be created with care and purpose• Rest in the assurance that you are fully known and fully loved Download your FREE companion journal for the Fully Known, Fully Loved series hereThis journal includes:• All the Scriptures for this series• Weekly reflection prompts• Space to record what God is revealing to you Here are some additional helpful links: You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Entire Meditation Text:Psalm 139:13–18 (NLT)13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my bodyand knit me together in my mother’s womb.14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.16 You saw me before I was born.Every day of my life was recorded in your book.Every moment was laid outbefore a single day had passed.17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.They cannot be numbered!18 I can’t even count them;they outnumber the grains of sand!And when I wake up,you are still with me! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
"The best way you could possibly operate in your spiritual gift is to just care." Although sounding simplistic, Pastor Jon Chasteen closes out our "Godly Gifts" sermon season with a profound message on caring and what that looks like practically in our daily lives. We pray this message would help you to understand the simple power of just caring about the people around you, and inspire that care to be motivational as you operate in your spiritual gifts! Scripture references: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (NLT) 1 Corinthians 12:11 (NLT) 1 Corinthians 12:22-27 (NLT) Connect With Us: To learn more about Victory Church and to get connected, visit us at https://victory.church/ Worship Gathering Times: To see locations & worship gathering times, visit https://victory.church/locations/ Prayer: We believe in praying big prayers to a big God and expecting big results. If you're in need of prayer, our team would be honored to pray with you. You can reach us for prayer at https://victory.church/prayer Giving: At Victory, we steward God's resources well and with radical generosity. If you'd like to give toward the mission of Victory Church, visit https://victory.church/give/ Follow Us: OKC Campus: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorychurchokc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victorychurchok Edmond Campus: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoryedmond/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victory.churchEDM Grapevine (Texas) Campus: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorychurchgrapevine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089341962919
July 20, 2025 Ezekiel 21:27 Destruction! Destruction! I will surely destroy the kingdom. And it will not be restored until the one appears who has the right to judge it. Then I will hand it over to him. Romans 12:4-5 NLT 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. Proverbs 14:4 NLT Without oxen a stable stays […]
“‘Don’t lay a hand on the boy!’ the angel said. ‘Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.’” (Genesis 22:12 NLT) The gripping story of Abraham and his beloved son Isaac gives us an unforgettable image of faith and sacrifice. Isaac was the son God promised to Abraham, a symbol of the covenant between Abraham and God. To say that Abraham had waited a long time for a son would be an understatement. When Isaac was born, Abraham was one hundred years old. His wife Sarah was ninety when she gave birth. Abraham was so delighted by his son that he named him Isaac, which means “laughter.” And laughter is what Isaac brought into the lives of Abraham and Sarah. Years later, the laughter turned into shock and fear when God said to Abraham, “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you” (Genesis 22:2 NLT). There was no greater sacrifice that God could have requested from Abraham. Isaac was the joy of Abraham’s life. Abraham did not question or hesitate. He took Isaac, who was a young man at the time, to the place of sacrifice. With no animal in sight to offer, Isaac asked, “Father . . . where is the sheep for the burnt offering?” (verse 7 NLT) Abraham prophetically replied, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering” (verse 8 NKJV). God indeed provided the sacrifice, as an angel cried out, “Don’t lay a hand on the boy! . . . Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son” (verse 12 NLT). At that moment, Abraham saw a ram caught in a thicket—a sacrifice he could offer to God in place of his son. The story of Abraham and Isaac is a foreshadowing of what would occur on the cross. God provided Himself a sacrifice. Unlike the story of Abraham and Isaac, God did not provide for Himself a sacrifice. He provided Himself as a sacrifice. God Himself became the sacrifice for our sins when He gave His only Son to die for us. If we ever start to get complacent in our Christian faith, one of the best things we can do is remind ourselves of the cost of our salvation and eternal life. God sacrificed that which was most precious to Him so that we might live. Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13 NLT). If you want to experience a personal revival, embrace the opportunities you have to sacrifice for the One who sacrificed so much for you. How can you give up your time, resources, skills, and comfort to carry out God’s work? Answering that question may change your spiritual perspective in a profound way. Reflection question: What will you sacrifice for the cause of Christ? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 18 2025 Friday Your Words Matter / Week 24 Alive Unto God #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word. That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. My Prayers For The World Ephesians 1:15-23 NLT 'Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God's people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 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 3:14-21 NLT 'When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.' Matthew 11:28 Find Rest In Jesus Christ Your Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30 100 Fold Return… Psalm 37:4 God will give you the desires of your heart… The Galations, having launched their Christian experience by faith, seem content to leave their voyage of faith and chart a new course based on works—a course Paul finds disturbing. His letter to the Galations is a vigorous attack against the gospel of works and a defense of the gospel of faith. Paul begins by setting forth his credentials as an apostle with a message from God: blessing comes from God on the basis of faith, not law. The law declares men guilty and imprisons them; faith sets men free to enjoy liberty in Christ. But liberty is not license. Freedom in Christ means freedom to produce the fruits of righteousness through a Spirit-led lifestyle Romans 6:11 Romans 10:9-10 Salvation… 1 John 1:9 Confess your sins God Will Cleanse You… Romans 13:8 Live in God's Love… Romans 8:16-17 Heirs of God and Joint Heirs with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Revelation 1:6 We are kings and priest in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Romans 10:13 Call On The Name Of Jesus And Make Him Lord today… The Biblical Definition Of Grace Is God's Unmerited Favor… Matthew 18:19-20 I will agree with you about your prayer request… Acts 10:34 God is not a respecter of persons. He loves and cares for us all the same… Romans 12:3 God has given us His Faith… Biblical Hope Is A Confident Expectation… Romans 5:5 God has given us His Love… 2 Corinthians 5:17 We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21 We are the Righteousness of God in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… God's Word Is True Above All Opinions… Romans 12:2 Renew your mind to what God's Word says… Believe God's Word Above All Opinion… Philippians 4:13 We can do all things through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Philippians 4:19 God will provide all your needs… Romans 10:17 Faith In God comes from hearing God's Word… Isaiah 54:17 No weapon will prosper against me… 1 John 4:4 Greater is He In All Of Us… 1 John 1:9 Confess your sins God Will Cleanse You… John 3:3 You Must Be Born Again… Luke 15:10 Heaven Rejoices Over One Person That Repents And Is Born Again… John 3:16 Believe On The Lord Jesus Christ Your Lord And Savior… 1 Peter 2:24 Healing… Mark 10:29-30 100 Fold Return… Luke 6:38 Give and it will be given unto you… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media Website https://the-prodigalson.com What God's Word Can Do In Your Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJWTZG_x2vE&t=3s Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 … Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured
“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18–20 NLT) One thing many believers and nonbelievers have in common is that both are very uptight about evangelism. Believers are uptight about evangelizing, and nonbelievers are uptight about being evangelized. Maybe you remember someone sharing the gospel with you when you really didn’t want to hear it. Or maybe you know what it’s like to share with someone who had no interest in what you were saying. If you’re new to the Christian faith, you may have recent memories of both scenarios. As intimidating or uncomfortable as sharing your faith may be, it’s something every believer has been called to do. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 10:14, “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” (NLT). There’s no arguing with his logic. Jesus left marching orders for everyone who follows Him: “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone” (Mark 16:15 NLT). In the original language, this verse could be translated to say, “I command you to go into all the world.” That’s why we call it the Great Commission and not the Great Suggestion. It’s an order from our Commander-in-Chief. If we’re faithful followers of Jesus, then we need to make the attempt. We need to do what we can to share His message. The when, where, and how are up to us (to a certain extent). Evangelism strategies are like fingerprints and snowflakes. No two are exactly alike. That’s because no two experiences with Jesus are exactly alike. In John 9, Jesus healed a man who had been born blind. When the Jewish religious leaders interrogated the man, hoping to get him to change his story, he said, “I know this: I was blind, and now I can see” (verse 25 NLT). That’s what evangelism is: telling others what we know about Jesus, what He’s done for us. It’s the logical next step after receiving Christ: telling others how to do it, too. When you start to tell others about Christ, you’ll discover something amazing: For every lock, there is a key. Your story, your experience, your specific approach to sharing the gospel may succeed where others have failed. You may be able to reach people whom others cannot. That’s why God wants to work through you. He wants to use your unique experience to reach others for Him. Will you be open to His guidance and direction? Will you be available? The opportunities are plentiful. But it’s up to you to seize them. Reflection question: How would you describe your approach to sharing your faith? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“The runners went from town to town throughout Ephraim and Manasseh and as far as the territory of Zebulun. But most of the people just laughed at the runners and made fun of them. However, some people from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem. At the same time, God's hand was on the people in the land of Judah, giving them all one heart to obey the orders of the king and his officials, who were following the word of the Lord. So a huge crowd assembled at Jerusalem in midspring to celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread.”- 2 Chronicles 30:10-13 NLT
July 17 2025 Thursday Your Words Matter / Week 24 Joy In God #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word. That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. My Prayers For The World Ephesians 1:15-23 NLT 'Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God's people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 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 3:14-21 NLT 'When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.' Matthew 11:28 Find Rest In Jesus Christ Your Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30 100 Fold Return… Psalm 37:4 God will give you the desires of your heart… The Galations, having launched their Christian experience by faith, seem content to leave their voyage of faith and chart a new course based on works—a course Paul finds disturbing. His letter to the Galations is a vigorous attack against the gospel of works and a defense of the gospel of faith. Paul begins by setting forth his credentials as an apostle with a message from God: blessing comes from God on the basis of faith, not law. The law declares men guilty and imprisons them; faith sets men free to enjoy liberty in Christ. But liberty is not license. Freedom in Christ means freedom to produce the fruits of righteousness through a Spirit-led lifestyle Romans 5:11 Romans 10:9-10 Salvation… 1 John 1:9 Confess your sins God Will Cleanse You… Romans 13:8 Live in God's Love… Romans 8:16-17 Heirs of God and Joint Heirs with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Revelation 1:6 We are kings and priest in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Romans 10:13 Call On The Name Of Jesus And Make Him Lord today… The Biblical Definition Of Grace Is God's Unmerited Favor… Matthew 18:19-20 I will agree with you about your prayer request… Acts 10:34 God is not a respecter of persons. He loves and cares for us all the same… Romans 12:3 God has given us His Faith… Biblical Hope Is A Confident Expectation… Romans 5:5 God has given us His Love… 2 Corinthians 5:17 We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21 We are the Righteousness of God in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… God's Word Is True Above All Opinions… Romans 12:2 Renew your mind to what God's Word says… Believe God's Word Above All Opinion… Philippians 4:13 We can do all things through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Philippians 4:19 God will provide all your needs… Romans 10:17 Faith In God comes from hearing God's Word… Isaiah 54:17 No weapon will prosper against me… 1 John 4:4 Greater is He In All Of Us… 1 John 1:9 Confess your sins God Will Cleanse You… John 3:3 You Must Be Born Again… Luke 15:10 Heaven Rejoices Over One Person That Repents And Is Born Again… John 3:16 Believe On The Lord Jesus Christ Your Lord And Savior… 1 Peter 2:24 Healing… Mark 10:29-30 100 Fold Return… Luke 6:38 Give and it will be given unto you… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media Website https://the-prodigalson.com What God's Word Can Do In Your Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJWTZG_x2vE&t=3s Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 … Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured
“On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: ‘Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!’ The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.” (Jonah 3:4–5 NLT) The Old Testament prophet Jonah very reluctantly went to the city of Nineveh to warn that God was going to judge its people in forty days. Jonah was reluctant because he understood God’s nature. He knew that if the Ninevites repented, God would forgive them and spare them His judgment. That’s not the outcome Jonah was rooting for. He hated the Ninevites and wanted to see them face God’s judgment. Jonah understood that he served a merciful and loving God. The fact that God was sending him to warn the Ninevites to repent instead of just judging them was evidence of His compassion and concern. Sure enough, Jonah’s worst-case scenario became a reality. The people of Nineveh repented from their sins and the king commanded his subjects to “pray earnestly to God” (Jonah 3:8 NLT). As a result, God lifted His judgment from the people of Nineveh. People in our culture today would have you believe that the God of the Bible is a vengeful deity who revels in His power to bring death and destruction on anyone who dares to disobey Him. Scripture itself paints a different picture. The God of the Bible is holy and just. Sin cannot exist in His presence. And He demands that all sin be punished. In Romans 6:23, the apostle Paul tells us that the punishment for sin is death. But the God of the Bible is also loving in a way that we cannot fully comprehend. He sent His Son to take the punishment we deserve for our sin and to die in our place. God sacrificed His Son so that anyone who believes in Him can escape judgment and have eternal life. In Ezekiel 33:11, God said, “I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live” (NLT). The apostle Peter, in talking about why Jesus hasn’t returned yet, said, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent” (2 Peter 3:9 NLT). Everyone has sinned, so everyone deserves God’s punishment. If you receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you receive eternal life in Heaven with Him because your punishment has already been taken by Him. If you reject Him, you will face God’s punishment yourself—that is, eternal separation from Him. God has gone to unimaginable lengths to save you from His punishment. The next step is yours. If you confess your sins, turn away from them, and trust in Jesus, you will never have to worry about God’s judgment. Instead, you’ll discover the depths of His mercy, grace, and love. Reflection question: How would you explain God’s holiness, justice, and love to someone who knows little about Him? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There comes a time when you read the scriptures that you are going to have more questions than answers. Does that mean you should be concerned? No. Here's why: what makes the Word of God interesting and such a mystery is that it will leave you with the opportunity to search for those answers. It will give you the opportunity to get on your knees and ask God for his to reveal things to you. Matthews 7:7 NLT says, Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” So if you don't receive an answer at first, give it time. This episode was inspired by a Bible study I had with a friend. Yes this could have easily been a Bible reflection solo or with friends but this conversation made me go back and revisit the text and learn something I might have missed with deeper insight. I love the practice of thinking deeply and that's exactly what this passage did for me so I share it with you today. The text was Matthew 2:1-2 inspired by Bible study. Hope you enjoy!
“Do not be like your ancestors and relatives who abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and became an object of derision, as you yourselves can see.” - 2 Chronicles 30:7 NLT“Do not be stubborn, as they were, but submit yourselves to the Lord. Come to his Temple, which he has set apart as holy forever. Worship the Lord your God so that his fierce anger will turn away from you.”- 2 Chronicles 30:8 NLT
Welcome to Day 2674 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2674 – New Testament Orientation – “The General Letters of the New Testament” Putnam Church Message – 07/13/2025 Sermon Series: New Testament Orientation Message 11: “The General Letters of the New Testament” Last week, we explored the "Christ, the Fulfillment of the Law" Core Verse: Galatians 2:16 (NLT) "Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God by faith in Christ and not by obeying the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law." This week is the eleventh of 12 messages in our New Testament Orientation Series, and we will learn: "The General Letters of the New Testament:” 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NLT) 9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests,[a] a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God's people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God's mercy.”[b] Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, we approach Your presence today with hearts full of anticipation. As we open the “General Letters” of the New Testament, we pray that Your Spirit would illuminate these precious words. May we, like the early believers, grasp our true identity as Your chosen people, a holy nation, called out of darkness into Your marvelous light. Grant us wisdom to understand these messages forged in the crucible of early Christian life, and empower us to live out the living hope that is ours in Jesus Christ. Amen. Introduction: Voices from the Scattered Flock This is our eleventh lesson in this New Testament Orientation series! We're nearing the completion of our journey, and today we turn our attention to a collection of profound letters often called the "General Letters" or "Catholic Epistles." Unlike Paul's letters, which were typically addressed to specific churches or individuals, these are often broader in their intended audience, offering vital guidance to scattered communities of believers—both Jews and Gentiles—living throughout the Roman world. Our core verses from 1 Peter 2:9-10 beautifully capture the essence of what these letters emphasize: "But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 'Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God's people. Once you received no mercy;...
“I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4 NLT) Jesus said, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20 NLT). That’s known as the Great Commission. Chances are, you made your decision to follow Christ because of God’s working through a person (or persons) who took Jesus’ words to heart. You can make a difference in other people’s lives by taking His words to heart as well. When you do, you’ll find that some “nations”—or people—are harder to reach than others. Some of the hardest people to reach are those who are satisfied in life. They may not see their real spiritual condition because they have everything else in order. That’s why I think it’s a mistake when we share the gospel merely to appeal to unhappy, lonely, empty individuals. The reality is that not everyone is unhappy, empty, or lonely at every given moment. Many people have frequent bursts of happiness. Their lives are often going well. So if we say to them, “Jesus can help you be happy,” they’re likely to reply, “I don’t need Him. I’m already happy.” And if we say, “Jesus can take away your emptiness,” they’re likely to say, “There’s nothing for Him to take away. I don’t really feel any emptiness.” When we talk to other people about Christ, we need to recognize that there’s more at stake than mere happiness. So we must go beyond that message to the deepest need of all. That is, the need for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus did not die on the cross to make us happy. He died to save us from sin and death. Look at the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 above. Or in Romans 5:8: “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (NLT). Or the apostle John’s words in 1 John 2:2: “He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world” (NLT). And, of course, in John 3:16: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (NLT). The need for salvation and eternal life is true of every person at every moment in time. There is no unbeliever who doesn’t need to hear the gospel message. The more powerfully you make that message resonate with someone, the greater impact it will have. Learning to make the gospel resonate is one of the keys to spiritual growth. Reflection question: How can you talk to someone about Christ in a way that meets a very real need in that person’s life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength [NLT]
Hate evil and love what is good; turn your courts into true halls of justice. Perhaps even yet the Lord God of Heaven's Armies will have mercy on the remnant of his people. (Amos 5:15 NLT).--Chapter Time Stamps:00:00 Intro00:17 Chapter 103:24 Chapter 206:26 Chapter 309:09 Chapter 411:59 Chapter 516:54 Chapter 619:40 Chapter 722:55 Chapter 825:34 Chapter 928:46 Outro--contact@parableministries.comhttps://www.parableministries.comhttps://www.instagram.com/parable_ministries/--Music created by Chad HoffmanArtwork created by Anthony Kuenzi--Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.New Living Translation, NLT, and the New Living Translation logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Ministries.TYNDALE, New Living Translation, NLT, the New Living Translation logo, and Tyndale's Quill logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Publishers.
ALC Recommends: Wednesday night of Revival (focus on prayer and missions)“At the king's command, runners were sent throughout Israel and Judah. They carried letters that said: “O people of Israel, return to the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, so that he will return to the few of us who have survived the conquest of the Assyrian kings.”- 2 Chronicles 30:6 NLT
So Much More: Creating Space for God (Lectio Divina and Scripture Meditation)
When was the last time you felt far from God? In this Scripture meditation on Psalm 139:7–12, we pause to remember the comforting truth: there is nowhere we can go to escape God’s presence. Using the Lectio Divina method, we’ll reflect on the assurance that—even in the darkest seasons—God is near. Whether you’re walking through silence, struggling with doubt, or simply longing for a reminder that you’re not alone, this episode offers a quiet invitation to rest in God’s nearness. In this guided Christian meditation, you’ll be invited to:• Reflect on a time when God felt distant—and how He might’ve been nearer than you knew• Acknowledge your present need for His presence and strength• Rest in the promise that even darkness is not dark to God Download your FREE companion journal for the Fully Known, Fully Loved series hereThis journal includes:• All the Scriptures for this series• Weekly reflection prompts• Space to record what God is revealing to you Here are some additional helpful links: You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Entire Meditation Text:Psalm 139:7–12 (NLT)7 I can never escape from your Spirit!I can never get away from your presence!8 If I go up to heaven, you are there;if I go down to the grave, you are there.9 If I ride the wings of the morning,if I dwell by the farthest oceans,10 even there your hand will guide me,and your strength will support me.11 I could ask the darkness to hide meand the light around me to become night—12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.To you the night shines as bright as day.Darkness and light are the same to you. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
We're wrapping up our series in Galatians by looking at what grace looks like in real life—especially when someone falls short. From restoring others gently to boasting only in the cross, this final chapter gives us a powerful picture of what it means to live out grace in community.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --
We're wrapping up our series in Galatians by looking at what grace looks like in real life—especially when someone falls short. From restoring others gently to boasting only in the cross, this final chapter gives us a powerful picture of what it means to live out grace in community.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --
“The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults.” - Proverbs 18:23 NLT
Pastor Jonathan Laurie shares lessons from the story of Jonah, a reluctant evangelist who ran from God’s calling. Notes: Focus verse - Jonah 2 Matthew 23:25–27 (NKJV)“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. “Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.” Jonah 4:3 (NLT)“Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.” #1 God Appoints Circumstances to Bring Us Back Sometimes we think God is punishing us. God paid Jesus back for our sin. Jonah was a historical, biblical character.2 Kings 14:25 Matthew 12:40 (NKJV)“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” God appoints circumstances and storms.Not to pay us back, but to bring us back. #2 God Still Sees in the DarkJonah 2:1 (NLT) Read: Jonah 2:1–9 (NLT) While Jonah sat in darkness inside the great fish, he prayed.God heard and delivered Jonah out of his fishy prison. Psalm 139:11–12 (NLT)I could ask the darkness to hide meand the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.To you the night shines as bright as day.Darkness and light are the same to you. Israel worshipped one God — the true Creator. Romans 12:1 (NKJV)I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Read: Jonah 2:10 –3:5 (NKJV) #3 Saved From and Saved For God rescued Jonah from darkness so Jonah could reach others in darkness. 2 Corinthians 5:18–20 (NLT) Mark 16:15–16 (NLT)And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Romans 10:14 (NLT)But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? Learn more about this year's Harvest Crusade! --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pastor Jonathan Laurie shares lessons from the story of Jonah, a reluctant evangelist who ran from God’s calling. Notes: Focus verse - Jonah 2 Matthew 23:25–27 (NKJV)“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. “Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.” Jonah 4:3 (NLT)“Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.” #1 God Appoints Circumstances to Bring Us Back Sometimes we think God is punishing us. God paid Jesus back for our sin. Jonah was a historical, biblical character.2 Kings 14:25 Matthew 12:40 (NKJV)“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” God appoints circumstances and storms.Not to pay us back, but to bring us back. #2 God Still Sees in the DarkJonah 2:1 (NLT) Read: Jonah 2:1–9 (NLT) While Jonah sat in darkness inside the great fish, he prayed.God heard and delivered Jonah out of his fishy prison. Psalm 139:11–12 (NLT)I could ask the darkness to hide meand the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.To you the night shines as bright as day.Darkness and light are the same to you. Israel worshipped one God — the true Creator. Romans 12:1 (NKJV)I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Read: Jonah 2:10 –3:5 (NKJV) #3 Saved From and Saved For God rescued Jonah from darkness so Jonah could reach others in darkness. 2 Corinthians 5:18–20 (NLT) Mark 16:15–16 (NLT)And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Romans 10:14 (NLT)But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? Learn more about this year's Harvest Crusade! --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bible Reading: Romans 6:5-11Evan and James were hunting for wild edible mushrooms with their family. "Got one!" Evan yelled. "Wow, that one's a whopper!" James said. "Just make sure you know it's the right type," Dad warned. "You know the rule: One hundred percent sure, then take the treasure." They mushroom-hunted for a couple hours, driven by the hope of mushroom soup. "My mouth is already watering for mom's delicious soup!" Evan said. "Yeah!" James replied. "Mom is probably the best cook in town!" "I don't know about that," Mom said. "There are lots of good cooks out there." "Well, you're still a really good cook!" Evan and James said in unison, making the whole family laugh.After heading home, the two boys stood outside the kitchen, breathing in the wonderful smells. When the soup was done, the boys raced to be the first to the table. After giving thanks, they gulped it down. "This soup could be called new life soup," Dad said. "The mushrooms in it grow on dead wood. Though the tree has died, the mushrooms come alive by feeding on the nutrients in the wood. They're an example of death leading to new life.""Wow!" Evan said. "I didn't know that mushrooms grow on dead things.""I know of something else that has new life too," Mom said. "Can you guys guess what it is?" "A caterpillar turning into a butterfly?" James guessed. "Snakes getting new skin?" Evan added. "Good guesses, but I was thinking of something else," Mom replied. "Me!""You?" James asked. "How do you have new life?" "You two can have it too!" said Mom. "It comes from Jesus, our Savior. The Bible says every one of us is a sinner. When we confess our sins and trust Jesus to save us, our old, sinful self dies, and He gives us new life with Him!""Wow!" James said. "That's even cooler than mushrooms growing on dead logs." "Yeah," Evan agreed. "I want to ask Jesus to give me new life right now!" "Me too!" James said. Mom smiled at them and said, "Let's read some verses together and pray." –Elijah GollHow About You?Are you excited when you fix a broken toy? Are you happy when you make an old thing new again? Let God make you new too! Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead to give us new life. When we trust Him as our Savior, He frees us from sin and gives us a new life with Him. Begin your new life today by trusting in Him! (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page or go to www.keysforkids.org/goodnews.)Today's Key Verse:Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (NLT) (2 Corinthians 5:17)Today's Key Thought:Jesus gives us new life
Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com Raffling off some cool gear You can bid on some cool guy art Great food Meet some cool men who love God Learn some great new skills and get to know Jesus more. As I get older the best most enjoyable times in my life is not what I do, or what I say or where I go… it is simply sitting and watching…. And that is where we are gong today. My favorite times right now are simply sitting around the table with all my kids, and all my grandkids and just watching and listening. They don't do anything for me, they don't wait on me, they don't talk about how cool I am or what a awesome Papa I am… they actually almost ignored me… but they are in my presence and I am in theirs and its so refreshing. The enemy doesn't need to try to stop you if you're willing to live a life without intent. If you're a take it as it comes, Christian, trust me it will be taken from you. And you will never realize your God-given potential. But there is a difference between living without intent and just resting in God. How many times I have had conversations with people who say they are in a dry spot. They are getting nothing out of their quiet times. I don't want to minimize this.. because I have been in some pretty dry times.. but what I have learned the past few years in my time with God and in my dry times with God is so simple it is profound. I don't need to feel God to be in his presence and even more shocking, he wants to be in my presence even I don't pray to him or read his word… If I simply just sit and reflect on who he is and what he has done for me while practicing being in his presence he is happy. I have never had my boys when they were little, come into my presence and want to just sit on my lap or hang on my arm or just snuggle and I got mad becasue they didn't talk to me, they didn't do something for me… - it was simply enough for me to just have them in my presence. And I would hate it if they felt like I was not enjoying that time simply because I did not say anything. My quiet time is not about getting anything from God, but rather it is simply about spending time in his presence. In Luke 10:38 When Mary sat at Jesus feet, Martha got mad. Martha told Jesus there are things to do, there is a list that needs to be filled and taken care of and Mary is just sitting there at your feet… she is doing nothing but sitting in your presence… Martha was busy doing, Mary was busy waiting. Jesus gently rebukes Martha that Mary has got it right. I love the way the NLT says it - Mary discovered what was right. Again, she said nothing, she did nothing, she wasn't even supposed to be sitting at Jesus feet… but Jesus said “she is waiting in my presence and she's got it right. Next time you feel down, dry - as if God is not in the same room… maybe just wait… don't read more, don't pray more, just wait in his presence. It can be the sweetest most rewarding time of all.
14b Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. 15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.—2 Corinthians 2:14b-15, NLT
Every day you are writing your story. You are the author; the world is your audience. Write the plot that you want printed. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares the story of Adam and Eve. Adam & Eve - Genesis 3:1-6 Temptation is a progression: Desire, Doubt, Deception, DisobedienceDesire: The devil doesn't fight our desires—he hijacks them by exploiting our sinful nature.Romans 8:6 Desire isn't the problem—desire management is. Deal with your desires. Doubt: Satan asked, "Did God really say..." then he proceeded to misquote God. James 1:16-17 If the devil can shake your trust in God's goodness, he can sell you sin as a solution. Don't fall for it. Deception: Satan often lies to us through partial truths that make bad things look good to us.Ephesians 6:11 ESV Disobedience.We've all disobeyed, but there's good news—you can overcome temptation!1 Corinthians 10:13 Genesis 3:8-13 2. Hiding never brings healing.When confronted with your own sin, you may cover yourself with the fig leaves of excuses, blame, isolation, or judgmentalism.Hebrews 4:13 NLT You can't hide from God—He heard you think it before you did it!You can't heal what you won't reveal, so go to God when you mess up. Genesis 3:14-19 3. Sin brings a curse with it, but Jesus reverses the curse.The curses for women:1. The process of childbirth is harder.2. You will desire man: Women will have a cursed-fueled tendency to get their self-worth from what men think. 3. He will rule over you:Sin has corrupted both the willing submission of the wife and the loving headship of the husband. The curses for men:1. The ground will be cursed.Romans 8:20-22 Natural disasters are not an act of God; they're the curse of sin!2. Work will be harder.Men will have a curse-fueled tendency to get their self-worth from their job. You can win at work and still lose in the living room if you confuse the two.3. Death. The good news is Jesus reverses the curse of sin.Romans 5:17-18 NLT Genesis 3: 20-24Then the man—Adam—named his wife Eve, 3. When God says no, it's for a good reason.God immediately began working on their redemption and the first things he had to do was say no. Adam and Eve's removal from the garden was mercy, not punishment.Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT God's "no" is protecting you, not punishing you. Adam and Eve proved we can ruin a garden in a single bite. Jesus proved He can grow a garden even out of our worst mistakes. Drop the fig leaves, come out of hiding, and meet the God who still walks in the cool of the evening calling, 'Where are you?' Are you learning the lessons from Adam & Eve's story?
And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29-32 NLTIt is Holy Spirit who empowers our believing, obeying, and proclaiming the truth of Jesus! The whole congregation of believers was united as one, one heart, one mind! They didn't even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, “That's mine; you can't have it.” They shared everything. Acts 4:32 MSG They began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.' But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. Luke 22:24-27 NLTThe apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of Jesus, and grace was on all of them. Acts 4:33 MSGFor he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:13-14 NLT Anytime someone really chooses the light and life God calls them to the world around them will be changed! For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles. Acts 4:36-37 NLTA characteristic we are meant to model from the life of Christ is His submission to the will of God. But a man named Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, conniving in this with him, sold a piece of land, secretly kept part of the price for himself, and then brought the rest to the apostles and made an offering of it. Peter said, “Ananias, how did Satan get you to lie to the Holy Spirit and secretly keep back part of the price of the field? Before you sold it, it was all yours, and after you sold it, the money was yours to do with as you wished. So what got into you to pull a trick like this? You didn't lie to men but to God.” Ananias, when he heard those words, fell down dead. That put the fear of God into everyone who heard of it. The younger men went right to work and wrapped him up, then carried him out and buried him. Not more than three hours later, his wife, knowing nothing of what had happened, came in. Peter said, “Tell me, were you given this price for your field?” “Yes,” she said, “that price.” Peter responded, “What's going on here that you connived to conspire against the Spirit of the Master? The men who buried your husband are at the door, and you're next.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than she also fell down, dead. When the young men returned they found her body. They carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Acts 5:1-10 MSGDeception is always wrong, and motive always matters to God and will be rightly rewarded by Him.By this time the whole church and, in fact, everyone who heard of these things had a healthy respect for God. They knew God was not to be trifled with. Through the work of the apostles, many God-signs were set up among the people, many wonderful things done. They all met regularly and in remarkable harmony on the Temple porch named after Solomon. But even though people admired them a lot, outsiders were wary about joining them. On the other hand, those who put their trust in the Master were added right and left, men and women both. Acts 5:11-14 MSGOne last takeaway and a poem will go here…
Ever wondered about what exactly happened to Jesus when He died? What happened in those days before He resurrected? This week in our series on the Apostles Creed, we hone in on the phrase, “He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again.” If you believe in God and/or have been a believer you may or may not have given much thought to what happens when you die. That is what this week's sermon is all about, specifically looking at the in-between of Christ's journey from death to resurrection. Featuring a great deal of Scriptural references, join us for this week's sermon on The Apostles Creed.Things to consider as you listen:If we believe that God wastes nothing, then Christ's time in the grave was significant.Christ had the full human experience, bearing the weight of our sin, even in death.In death, the soul separates from the body. In resurrection, the soul in reunited with the body.THEORY #1 (1 Peter 3:18-22 NLT, NRSV, 1 Peter 4:5-6 NRSV) Christ preached the Good News in the place of the dead offering one last chance to repent.THEORY #2 (Ephesians 4:8-9 NRSV, Philippians 2:9-11 NRSV, Revelation 1:17-18 NRSV) Christ preached the Good News in the place of the dead declaring victory over evil on its home turf.Christ's death was the beginning of our eternal victory.
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” (Deuteronomy 30:19–20 NLT) One of the great blessings of being a Christian is that God gives us second chances. He knows that we’re not perfect. He knows that we’re prone to giving in to temptation, allowing our emotions to get the better of us, and acting in ways that cause people to question our commitment to Christ. Even so, He gives us the opportunity to put our sin behind us—even when we’ve failed miserably. God allows us to turn things around dramatically and start anew. But when it comes to second chances, we have a choice in the matter as well. God stands willing to forgive, but we must approach Him. So when we sin, we have two ways to address it. We can confess it to God, ask His forgiveness, turn away from it, and experience the joy of His forgiveness. Or we can try to conceal our sin, refuse to admit guilt, and experience the consequences and repercussions of our wrongdoing. In the book of Deuteronomy, God posed a challenge to His people. He said, “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life” (30:19–20 NLT). It’s amazing that some of those people, after hearing God’s challenge, consciously chose death. And it’s even more amazing that people today still choose death. You see, choosing death is essentially what we do when we choose to go against God and His Word. Jesus said of His followers, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NLT). That’s the life you chose when you received Jesus as Savior and Lord. But the key to enjoying a rich and satisfying life is obedience. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 28:13, “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy” (NLT). You can’t cover your sin. You can’t run from it. There is only one way to get rid of your sin and obtain true life. It’s at the cross of Jesus Christ. The choice is yours. Choose life. Reflection question: What would turning from a specific sin look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. [NLT]
(Bilingual) このメッセージでは太助牧師が「祈りがすぐに答えられないのはなぜ?」について以下の2つのポイントから話します。ディスカッション用の質問はノートの最後に確認できます。In this message Ps Tasuke talks about ”Why Haven't My Prayers Been Answered Yet?” in these 2 points:Check the questions for discussion at the end of the note. マタイ7:7 JCB / Matthew 7:7 NIVルカ11:5-9 ERV / Luke 11:5-9 ERVルカ18:1-7 ERV / Luke 18:1-7 ERVマタイ15:21-28 新改訳2017 / Matthew 15:21-28 AMPローマ8:32 JCB / Romans 8:32 NLTガラテヤ6:9 JCB / Galatians 6:9 NLT1.あなたはどれくらい求めている?How eagerly are you seeking?2.信仰に強くあれ=諦めずに祈り求め続ける姿Strong in faith = Posture of Praying PersistentlyQUESTIONS(質問) : ・What stands out to you about the Canaanite woman's faith and how she kept asking Jesus for help?カナン人の女性が、イエスに助けを求め続けたストーリーから印象に残ったことはありますか?・Have you ever felt like God was silent or slow to answer your prayers? What did you do?神様が沈黙していたり、祈りにすぐ応えてくれないと感じたことはありますか?その時どうしましたか?・Why do you think Jesus praised the woman's faith as “great”?イエスがその女性の信仰を「立派な信仰」だと言ったのはなぜだと思いますか?・What does it look like to come to God boldly and persistently in your life?あなたの人生で「大胆に、諦めずに」神様に求めるとはどんな姿ですか?・How can we encourage each other to keep praying and not give up?お互いに「祈り続けること」、「諦めないこと」をどう励ませますか?Connect with us:Web: mylifehouse.comInstagram: instagram.com/lifehouseglobal/Facebook: facebook.com/lifehouseglobalVideo Messages: ビデオメッセージ: youtube.com/LifehouseTokyoOther Podcasts:Want to listen to our messages in other languages?Lifehouse Messages (English): https://lifehousemessages.captivate.fm/listenLifehouse Hong Kong (Cantonese & English): https://lifehousehongkong.captivate.fm/listen
Most of you are aware that Noah's ark is in the news again with the release of new discoveries in recent weeks. Major headlines around the world are covering this exciting new evidence.1 - What are the facts you need to know about Noah's Ark?2 - Is there valid evidence to support the discovery of Noah's Ark?3 - How is Noah's Ark connected to final prophecy?------------------Key Scriptures for today's teaching: Genesis 6:9-22Unless otherwise noted, most Scripture will be from the NLT, the New Living TranslationIf you prayed with Tiff, click here https://lostlamb.org/ and let him know! Be sure to watch the curated playlist “New Beginnings” - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsX8E19Azl58_FjxELPxjnsL8CAtmama4&si=Pj84Hm2dGX57OH4Z Thank you for watching, and subscribe for new content each week.Connect with Tiff Shuttlesworth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LostLambAssociation/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TIFFSHUTTLESWORTH/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/tiffshuttlesworLearn more about my ministry: https://lostlamb.org/ Learn more about my ministry in Canada: https://www.lostlamb.ca
“O Lord, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble?” (Psalm 10:1 NLT) A Sunday school teacher gave the kids in her class an assignment to write down any questions they had for God. Here are some of the questions, comments, and suggestions they came up with: Dear God, did You mean for the giraffe to look like that, or was it an accident? Dear God, I like the Lord’s Prayer best of all. Did You have to write it a lot, or did You get it right the first time? I have to write everything over and over again. Dear God, thank You for my baby brother You gave to us, but what I prayed for was a puppy. Dear God, how come You haven’t invented any new animals lately? We still have just the old ones. Dear God, I bet it is very hard for You to love everybody in the whole world. There are only four people in my family, and I just can’t do it. Dear God, in school we read that Thomas Edison made light, but in Sunday school, they said that You made it. I bet he stole Your idea. If you’re new to the Christian faith, you may have your own questions, comments, or suggestions for God. (And if you’ve been a Christian for most of your life, you probably still have questions, comments, or suggestions for God.) The questions may be tough. They may seem impolite. They may suggest a lack of faith on your part. Ask them anyway. That’s what the psalmists did. Look at Psalm 10:1 above. Those pointed questions are heartfelt cries. And God responds to our heartfelt cries—not with anger or punishment for questioning Him, but with compassion and understanding. He gives us wisdom and peace. He opens our eyes to spiritual truths we can’t see on our own. Few people in Scripture were closer to God than David, the shepherd who killed Goliath and later became king of Israel. First Samuel 13:14 describes David as “a man after God’s own heart.” Yet look what he wrote in Psalm 13:1–2: “O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand?” (NLT). He poured out his soul to God because he knew God would see his questions for what they were: genuine attempts to understand God and His will. The apostle James offered this advice: “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:5–6 NLT). God welcomes your questions because the more answers you receive, the stronger your faith will grow. Reflection question: What questions would you like to ask God? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Whoever attacks you will go down in defeat. [NLT]
Today, we close out Psalm 139 and our focus of how we were each created and designed to be a part of God's creation and community:(Psalm 139:17-18, 23-24 NLT)How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me! … Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Psalm 139:17-18, 23-24 NLT) As good parents, we think of our kids when they are not with us. We wonder what they're doing, if they are okay, and hope they know we love them. God as the perfect Father is always with us, but even still He keeps us on His mind. His love, grace, and care keep us on His path to a full life today and eternal life to come.Invite God into your thoughts, your heart. Give Him room to show You His love and keep You close to Him today.Take in these words once again, this time from the Message bible:Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful!God, I'll never comprehend them!I couldn't even begin to count them—any more than I could count the sand of the sea.Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you!And please, God, do away with wickedness for good! … Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life..How does it feel to know the God of the universe thought are about you right now? You are on His mind, right now.Let's make the psalmist's words our prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. As above, so below.”
Welcome back to the podcast! In this episode, we finish up 1 Thessalonians and learn about prayer!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --How to Pray for Just About Anyone1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 (NLT)One of the most practical and life-changing topics in the Christian life is prayer. In this section of Paul's letter to the Thessalonians, we get a front-row seat to how Paul prays for the people he loves—and how we can use this as a template to pray for just about anyone.Whether you're praying for:A friend going through trials,Someone you're discipling,Or even an enemy who has hurt you—Paul's words give us a timeless framework for how to pray with power, purpose, and perspective.1. Start by Thanking GodPaul begins by expressing gratitude:“How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God's presence.” (1 Thessalonians 3:9 NLT)Thankfulness is the foundation of prayer. Gratitude shifts your heart from bitterness to hope. This applies even when praying for someone difficult. Find something—anything—to be grateful for: a past good moment, their God-given potential, or how God is using the situation to grow your character.2. Pray for Your Impact on ThemPaul says, “Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith.” (1 Thessalonians 3:10 NLT)Often, our prayers are entirely focused on the other person. Paul teaches us to also pray about how God might use us in their lives. Whether it's a friend, a disciple, or even an enemy, ask:“God, how do You want to use me in their story?”Be open to opportunities to encourage, equip, or even lovingly challenge them. Sometimes a simple text or sharing a podcast link can make a difference.3. Pray for Relational RestorationPaul continues, “May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon.” (1 Thessalonians 3:11 NLT)Paul knew that Satan was actively trying to hinder their reunion. So he prayed for God to overcome the barriers. We should pray the same for any strained relationship in our lives, including enemies.Romans 12:18 (NLT) reminds us: “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”Sometimes reconciliation is beyond our control, but prayer invites God into the process.4. Pray for Their Love to OverflowPaul shifts to pray for the Thessalonians themselves:“May the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows.” (1 Thessalonians 3:12 NLT)We can ask God to help others grow in their love—not only for fellow believers but also for everyone, even those who are difficult. It's also a moment to pray for our own heart:“God, help me love them the way You love...
Dear Friends, Thank you or your valuable support. South Florida Bible College is honorably mentioned at minute 28:00.This week's report covers:US SUPREME COURT 2024-2025 TERMJAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE SEES THE HAND OF GOD IN THE COSMOSTHE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILLIRAN's NUCLEAR MATERIALSTHE TRUE LUXURIES OF LIFEA quick flyover of end times events chronologically. Number one, I think the next event on the prophetic calendar is the Rapture of the Church. Then, the Antichrist emerges on the scene and the Tribulation period begins. The Tribulation ends with the Second Coming of Christ, and then the Lord establishes the Millennium (the 1,000-year reign of Christ).Therefore, Jesus said, “So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near” (Luke 21:28 NLT). He did not say,“When you see these things begin to happen, freak out because we're all dead.” He said, “look up.” Bible prophecy isn't meant to scare us—it's meant to prepare us.Are You Ready? I don't know what will happen next, but here are two things you can do today. First, ask yourself, “Am I ready for the Lord's return?”Christ is coming again. This is a wake-up call to get right with God, walk closely with Him, and stay spiritually awake.Here's something else Jesus said, “In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself. . .” (John 14:2–3 NKJV) But then He says, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27 NKJV).AJA
“Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.” (Ephesians 1:11 NLT) When I was growing up, I moved a lot because my mom was married and divorced seven times. We lived all over the country. Because I was always switching schools, more people knew me by the title “new kid” than by my name. I can’t remember how many times I had to stand in front of a class of kids who all knew each other while the teacher introduced me. Few things are as humiliating and lonely as being put on display for everyone to inspect and judge. In high school, because I wasn’t the most athletically inclined kid, I was often the last person chosen for a team. “Who wants Laurie?” “I don’t want him; you take him.” I would get picked for first base—not to play first base, but to be first base, you see. I’m not telling you this so that you’ll feel sorry for me. I’m just pointing out that I know what it’s like to be isolated from others. I’ve felt the sting of not belonging or not being wanted. Maybe you’ve felt it, too. If you’ve recently made a decision to follow Christ, you may be feeling isolated and alone now. The apostle Paul wrote, “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT). That’s an amazing promise, but if the old life is all you know, you may be feeling like a new kid in front of the class. If so, there are a few things you need to know. First, you are very much wanted. As Paul makes clear in Ephesians 1:11 above, God has chosen you. He wants you on His team. Second, not only has God chosen you, but He also cares about your well-being. Psalm 33:18 says, “But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love” (NLT). Third, God will bring spiritual allies, friends, and mentors into your orbit. Hebrews 10:24–25 says, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (NLT). This is fellowship, one of God’s awesome gifts. Fellowship is much more than superficial conversations on Sunday mornings. God intends for believers to live in community with one another. That means investing yourself in the lives of others and allowing others to invest themselves in your life. Fellowship involves serving together, worshiping together, encouraging one another, challenging one another, holding one another accountable, and embracing your responsibilities to one another. Whether you’re celebrating, mourning, or simply enduring, you need never face a season of life alone. God makes sure of that. Reflection question: How can you become a spiritual ally to a fellow believer? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“But the Lord said to her, ‘My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.’” (Luke 10:41–42 NLT) If your aim is to experience genuine revival in your spiritual life, in addition to being an ambassador for Christ and a neighbor like Christ, you must also be a worshiper of Christ. That’s the third ministry role found in Luke 10. Some believers make the mistake of allowing their work for God to overshadow their worship of God. They convince themselves that what they say or do is indispensable to God’s kingdom. That their ministry is vital to the success of the Christian faith. That God needs them. Newsflash: God doesn’t need us. Another newsflash: Everything that believers do must emanate from our worship of God. Worship is the source of our power and effectiveness, so it must be our top priority. If it isn’t, we will not burn bright for Christ. We won’t feel a sense of revival. Instead, we’ll find ourselves burning out. We can’t give out what we don’t possess. We can’t take people any further than we’ve gone ourselves. We see this principle played out in the story of Jesus’ visit to the house of his friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Luke 10. Storm clouds were looming large in the life of the Lord. In fact, He was on His way to Jerusalem to be crucified. Before that happened, He wanted to talk about the coming changes with His friends. This was an important evening. Martha’s instinct was to prepare a good meal for Jesus—to stay busy doing things for Him. Mary, on the other hand, “sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught” (Luke 10:39 NLT). Martha saw obligation; Mary saw opportunity. The Creator of the universe, in human form, was sitting in her house, revealing life-changing spiritual truths. As far as Mary was concerned, washing dishes and setting the table could wait. Her priority was to spend as much time as possible in Jesus’ presence. Martha grew annoyed with Mary for not joining her in her busy work. She took her complaint to Jesus. “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me” (verse 40 NLT). Jesus helped her see where her priorities were out of order. “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her” (verses 41–42 NLT). There’s a time for work and a time for worship. Martha’s mistake was offering activity instead of adoration, perspiration instead of inspiration, and work instead of worship. She didn’t realize that Jesus preferred her company over her service in that situation. He wanted her fellowship and companionship more than He wanted a meal. There are countless ways to serve Jesus, but our worship must come first. That’s where our spiritual power and energy come from. That’s where revival begins. What we do with Christ is far more important than what we do for Christ. Reflection question: What can you do to revitalize your Christian worship? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our help is from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. [NLT]
Welcome to Day 2664 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2669 – New Testament Orientation – “Christ, The Fulfillment of the Law” Putnam Church Message – 07/06/2025 Sermon Series: New Testament Orientation Message 10: “Christ, the Fulfillment of the Law” Last week we explored “The Letters of Paul: God's Design for a New Humanity.” Core Verses: Romans 1:16-17 (NLT) “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ, for it is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, ‘It is by faith that a righteous person will live.'” This week is the tenth of 12 messages in our New Testament Orientation Series, and we will learn: "Christ, the Fulfillment of the Law" Core Verse: Galatians 2:16 (NLT) "Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God by faith in Christ and not by obeying the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law." Opening Prayer Our Gracious Heavenly Father, we stand before You today, humbled by the depth of Your wisdom and the mystery of Your ways. As we delve into the intricate relationship between Your holy Law and the glorious Person of Jesus Christ, we pray for clarity of mind and open hearts. May Your Holy Spirit guide us to understand how Christ perfectly fulfilled Your purposes, shattering the barriers that separated humanity from Your presence and from one another. Transform our understanding, deepen our devotion, and empower us to live in the freedom and righteousness He secured. In the mighty name of Jesus, our Living Torah, we pray. Amen. Introduction: The Enduring Question of the Law We've navigated the Gospels, explored the explosive growth of the early church in Acts, and journeyed through Paul's foundational letters. Today, we confront a topic that has puzzled, divided, and sometimes even hurt believers throughout history: the Law. For ancient Israelites, the Torah was a gift, a privilege, a source of joy and identity. As the psalmist declared, "Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long." (Psalm 119:97, NLT). So, if the Law was so good, what changed with the coming of Christ? Our core verse from Galatians 2:16 boldly states: "Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God by faith in Christ and not by obeying the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law." This statement, from a Jew who once fiercely kept the Law, demands our careful attention. How can something so celebrated in the Old Testament suddenly be portrayed in a way that suggests it cannot make one "right with God"? Today, we will explore three interconnected concepts that help us understand this profound shift: the "curse of the Law," the...
“‘Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?’ Jesus asked. The man replied, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Then Jesus said, ‘Yes, now go and do the same.’” (Luke 10:36–37 NLT) *Enjoying Pastor Greg's devotional podcast? Let us know what you think with this quick survey!* In our last devotion, we looked at one role of ministry that’s key to personal revival: being an ambassador for Christ. Today, we’re going to look at a second role of ministry, also from Luke 10: being a neighbor like Jesus. The great evangelist D. L. Moody once attended a conference on reaching the lost world. Soon, however, he grew frustrated with the proceedings because nothing was being accomplished. None of the attendees had come up with any viable strategies for reaching the lost. Moody, a man of action, decided to make a point. He instructed his song leader, Ira Sankey, to meet him at a certain street corner at 6 PM. At the appointed time, Moody placed a little box on the sidewalk and said to Sankey, “Get up there and start singing.” Sankey had an incredible voice, and soon a crowd gathered to listen to him. When he finished, Moody preached for a few moments. Then he said to the crowd, “I want you to go with me down to the civic auditorium, and I am going to tell you more.” The civic auditorium was where the conference was being held. The conference attendees had left for dinner. Moody led the crowd into the auditorium and started preaching. The place was full. When the attendees returned, Moody stopped preaching and said, “We have to close our meeting because our brothers are here at the conference to talk about how to reach the masses. So let’s all go.” He made his point. You guys can talk about it all day long, but this is how you do it. Moody’s emphasis on “doing” echoed Jesus’ message in the parable of the good Samaritan in Luke 10. In the parable, a Jewish man is robbed, beaten, and left for dead beside a road. Three travelers encounter the severely injured man. The first is a priest, probably coming from the temple. The second is a temple assistant. Both are well-respected in the religious community. Neither lift a finger to help. The third man is a Samaritan. In Jesus’ day, Jewish people hated Samaritans. They considered Samaritans to be a racially impure and inferior people. Yet it’s the Samaritan who stops to help the man. Not just to offer his thoughts and prayers, but to tend to his wounds, transport him to a nearby inn, and pay for weeks of care. Jesus concluded the parable with a pointed question: “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” (Luke 10:36 NLT). The answer is obvious, of course, but the lesson is lost on many people today. Being a neighbor like Jesus has nothing to do with geographic or social common ground. It has everything to do with getting involved in the lives of other people, meeting their needs, and showing them grace and mercy. Being a neighbor like Jesus means sacrificing our time, energy, and financial resources for the sake of others. Your neighborhood is as large as you choose to make it. Reflection question: What would being a neighbor like Jesus look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
So Much More: Creating Space for God (Lectio Divina and Scripture Meditation)
What if God already knows your every thought—and still loves you? In this Scripture meditation on Psalm 139:1–4, we begin our Fully Known, Fully Loved series with a reflection on God’s deep, intimate knowledge of us. Using the Lectio Divina method, we’ll gently meditate on the reality that God knows every word before we speak it, every move before we make it—and none of that scares Him away. In a world obsessed with self-discovery, these verses remind us of something even more powerful:Before we try to figure ourselves out…God already knows.And His love is unwavering. In this guided Christian meditation, you’ll be invited to:• Reflect on what it means to be fully known by God• Consider how God sees and understands you with perfect love• Rest in the truth that His knowledge of you is not threatening—but comforting Download your FREE companion journal for the Fully Known, Fully Loved series here This journal includes:• All the Scriptures for this series• Weekly reflection prompts• Space to record what God is revealing to you Here are some additional helpful links: You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Entire Meditation Text:Psalm 139:1–6 (NLT)1 O LORD, you have examined my heartand know everything about me.2 You know when I sit down or stand up.You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.3 You see me when I traveland when I rest at home.You know everything I do.4 You know what I am going to sayeven before I say it, LORD.5 You go before me and follow me.You place your hand of blessing on my head.6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,too great for me to understand! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
“The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. These were his instructions to them: ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.’” (Luke 10:1–2 NLT) *Enjoying Pastor Greg's devotional podcast? Let us know what you think with this quick survey!* A spiritual revival often begins with a sense of dissatisfaction, a realization that something is missing in your life. Have you experienced that? Maybe you’ve wondered what to do with your life. Maybe you’re middle-aged or getting on a little bit in years. You’re looking at the course that your life is taking and asking, “Is this really where I want to go?” Maybe you’ve reached some of the goals you set for yourself. You’ve had a certain level of success, but still feel like your life is lacking some meaning and purpose. Maybe you’re a young person asking, “What am I going to do? What should I be spending my life on?” None of us wants to squander our lives in pursuit of nothing. We want to find purpose and meaning. We want to pursue something noble. But what does that mean? And how should that pursuit impact the way we live our lives? In terms of revival, we might ask how we can tap into something deeper, more vibrant in our Christian faith. The answers to these questions are found in Luke 10, which highlights three roles that every follower of Jesus Christ should fill. In today’s devotion, we’ll look at the first role: ambassador. Believers must be ambassadors for Christ. We must represent Him and His message to the world. We must live in a way that reflects Him so that when people look at us, they see Him. In Luke 10, we find Jesus at a crucial point in His life and ministry. His time in Galilee had come to an end, and He was beginning the slow journey to Jerusalem that would culminate in His crucifixion. To prepare the way, He selected 72 disciples to go ahead of Him to the areas He would be visiting. This was a critical opportunity, and He wanted His disciples to make the most of it. If you’ve made the decision to follow Jesus, you have critical opportunities, too. Opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus. Opportunities to talk about your own journey to faith. Opportunities to introduce others to the life-changing wisdom of God’s Word. You have no way of knowing where and when you’ll find “open doors”— people who are especially receptive to your message because of the circumstances of their lives. But you need to understand that open doors may not stay that way for long. You must be prepared to seize every opportunity. That’s what it means to be an ambassador for Christ. Look at Luke 10:2 again. Jesus didn’t say He needed spectators or critics; He said He needed workers, people willing to step out of their comfort zones and risk rejection for something infinitely more important than comfort and acceptance. Your work as an ambassador won’t go unnoticed. Proverbs 11:25 says, “Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (NLT). That’s how personal revival works. Reflection question: What would being an ambassador for Christ look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 instructs believers to pray without ceasing, but have you ever wondered if this type of continual prayer was possible and if so, how to do it? In today's episode, Christina explains what it means to pray without ceasing and three important ways you can start this life-changing type of prayer today. Resources Mentioned in This Podcast:Download Christina's Free 5 Day Prayer Guide to help you put into practice the powerful habit of prayer. Connect with Christina Paterson: https://www.belovedwomen.orgStudy the Bible with Christina and Beloved Women at https://www.belovedwomen.org/joinScriptures in the Podcast are from ESV, NLT, NIV. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Most of us see ourselves inadequately and God inaccurately. From Weakness to Warrior Judges 6:11-16 Then the angel of the Lord came and sat beneath the great tree at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash of the clan of Abiezer. Gideon son of Joash was threshing wheat at the bottom of a winepress to hide the grain from the Midianites. 12 The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” 13 “Sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn’t they say, ‘The Lord brought us up out of Egypt’? But now the Lord has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites.” 14 Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!” 15 “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” 16 The Lord said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.” (NLT) 2 Corinthians 12:9 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. (NLT) God knows who you really are Ephesians 2:10 “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.” (NLT) God calls us based on our potential, not our performance! God knows what you are facing Don't wait for a “perfect moment” to make a difference! Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (NIV) God knows what you can become 2 Corinthians 12:10 “When I am weak, then I am strong” (NIV) God calls you a WARRIOR even when you feel weak!! Our breakthroughs are oftentimes tied to our obedience. Your weakness is not your disqualification — it’s your invitation.
“Then he told John’s disciples, ‘Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.’ And he added, ‘God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.’” (Luke 7:22–23 NLT) *Enjoying Pastor Greg's devotional podcast? Let us know what you think with this quick survey!* John the Baptist was a forerunner of Jesus. He prepared people for Jesus’ arrival. He also confronted Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, for his immorality. That landed John in prison, where he began to struggle with his faith. Specifically, John began to doubt who Jesus was. Like many people of that time, John probably thought Jesus, the Messiah, was going to overthrow the Roman government and establish His kingdom immediately. When no such thing happened, John’s doubt got the better of him. He sent a message to Jesus, asking, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” (Luke 7:20 NLT). John’s faith didn’t falter because God had failed him. He doubted because he failed to understand God’s purpose and plan. Many believers today struggle for the same reason. Our faith falters not because God has been inconsistent or unfaithful, or because God has broken His promises. We experience lapses of faith because we have a false perception of what God is supposed to accomplish. Our expectations of Him are built on misconceptions and misguided thinking. We offer our prayers to Him and expect Him to answer with exact precision. And when God doesn’t come through like we asked Him to, we—like John—may start to doubt who God is. This is especially true if you’re experiencing—or want to experience—a rejuvenation in your relationship with Christ. If the devil starts to see spiritual embers catching fire in your life, he will do his best to extinguish them. One of his most effective strategies is to throw the cold water of doubt on them. John the Baptist made a spiritual mistake by not fully recognizing or understanding God’s will. But even in the depths of his doubt, he did something very, very wise: He looked to Jesus for an answer. He didn’t try to sugarcoat his struggle. He asked Jesus point-blank, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” (Luke 7:20 NLT). Look closely at Jesus’ reply in Luke 7:22–23 above. He wasn’t offended by John’s question. He didn’t condemn John for his lapse in faith. And He didn’t say, “Just believe—or else!” Instead, He pointed to verifiable evidence: “The blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life” (Luke 7:22 NLT). Jesus didn’t give John a reprimand for his doubt; He gave him the hope and assurance he needed. If you struggle with a lapse of faith as John the Baptist did, don’t despair. Rethink your expectations. Take your doubts straight to Jesus. Ask Him to help you understand His purpose and His plan. When you open your heart to His truth, you’ll find that it far exceeds your greatest hopes and dreams. Reflection question: In what areas and in what situations are you most vulnerable to spiritual doubts? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Silence the Storm WithinMegan J. Conner writes and speaks with raw honesty about the inner chaos that often begins before our feet even hit the floor. With candid vulnerability, she describes anxious thoughts that arrive uninvited and swirl like storms. But through Scripture—especially Psalm 131 and the calming of the storm in Luke 8—she reminds us of the One who speaks “Peace, be still” to our restless minds. Even in our spiraling thoughts, God is present. He doesn’t condemn us for the clamor; instead, He invites us into quiet, into trust, and into peace. Like a weaned child resting in safety, our souls can find calm in His embrace.