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Word for Today:Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God's promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac.‭‭Reflection:When God asks you to give Him that one thing that you value most in your life, will you obey?

Key Scripture: James 2:8 (NLT)
"It is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Today in our focus on placing our confidence in God, we'll look at the Book of Hebrews. Again, we see the promises of God that offers us an eternal hope we can fully rely upon. We don't trust in a story or a fairy tale but in a Person who delivered a plan for all humankind.Listen to Hebrews 6:16-20 …Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. (NLT) It's tough for us to believe the concept of never changing your mind, right?It's hard for us to imagine the idea of it being impossible to lie, isn't it?But doesn't the hope of a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls sound amazing?All made possible by Jesus who went first to lead us into a relationship with the Father.Listen once again to today's passage in The Message Bible … When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they'll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up. When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can't break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post … Of the Scriptures we have read this week, including this powerful passage today, what have you heard that assures and reassures you that God is 100% confidence-worthy?Why would placing all your confidence in God and God alone be the best decision you could ever make?What do you need to do to do, or let go of, to place all your trust in Him?Let's pray together: “Father, thank You that You will not and cannot break Your promises. Thank You that You are truth and therefore cannot and will not lie. Thank You that your hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for my soul. As above, so below.”

1 view Mar 31, 20251 view • Mar 31, 2025Theme: As we wrap up our study of the life of Jacob, we'll take a closer look at the grace of God and how His grace and mercy can help us in the most difficult times of our lives.Key Verses: Hebrews 11:21 (NLT) It was by faith that Jacob, when he was old and dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons and bowed in worship as he leaned on his staff.Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49410285

March 23 2025 Sunday Your Words Matter / Week 07 / T. Stacy Hayes #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. Isaiah 53:5  Healing… Matthew 18:19  Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34  God is no respecter of persons ”For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.“ Ephesians 2:10 KJV ”For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.“ Ephesians 2:10 NLT ”For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].“ Ephesians 2:10 AMPC ”but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.“ Ephesians 2:13 KJV ”But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.“ Ephesians 2:13 NLT ”But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were [so] far away, through (by, in) the blood of Christ have been brought near.“ Ephesians 2:13 AMPC ”that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:“ Ephesians 3:6 KJV ”And this is God's plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God's children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.“ Ephesians 3:6 NLT ”[It is this:] that the Gentiles are now to be fellow heirs [with the Jews], members of the same body and joint partakers [sharing] in the same divine promise in Christ through [their acceptance of] the glad tidings (the Gospel).“ Ephesians 3:6 AMPC ”Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.“ Philippians 3:13-14 KJV ”No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.“ Philippians 3:13-14 NLT ”I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.“ Philippians 3:13-14 AMPC ”whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:“ Colossians 1:28 KJV ”So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.“ Colossians 1:28 NLT ”Him we preach and proclaim, warning and admonishing everyone and instructing everyone in all wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) in Christ (the Anointed One).“ Colossians 1:28 AMPC Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… Romans 10:17  Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16  God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2  Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1  No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…  Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19  God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20  Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 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… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8  We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com 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

Suffering & God's Response Pt. 3 Why Am I Suffering? By Louie Marsh, 3-23-2025   Last slide – Don't know what he died of.   1) God ALLOWS  us to experience the consequences of Free Will.   “15And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”” (Joshua 24:15, ESV)   2) Why doesn't God DESTROY evil & suffering?   · The Argument Against God.   ¨ If a good, eternal and all-powerful God exists, He could annihilate evil at will, and thus end all pain and suffering. ¨ A Being who had the power to do this, is cruel and unjust not to exercise this power and thus end all evil and its consequences. ¨ Theism (the belief in one God – Christianity is Theistic) affirms the all-powerful, loving God we have just described; Who never the less does not annihilate evil. ¨ Therefore: He is cruel and unjust, or He does not exist!   · What's Wrong with the Argument? ¨ It places a restriction on the nature of God, something you can NEVER do!   “35all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”” (Daniel 4:35, ESV)   ¨ It presupposes that our reasoning processes are equal or superior to God's, and that our solution must be the right one!       "My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the Lord. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)   ¨ It doesn't work when you try and apply it practically.   Tell Dr. Walter Martin Story of being on the radio with an atheist challenging him to do this as a philosophical experiment.   3) How Then Should I Respond to Suffering?   · I need to ACCEPT that suffering will happen to me and mine.   18  “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19  If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. John 15:18-19 (ESV)   · I need to REMEMBER that God is active in my suffering.   20  As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Genesis 50:20 (ESV)   · I need to EMBRACE suffering as part of my spiritual growth.   8  Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ …10  that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, Philippians 3:8, 10 (ESV)      

“Mephibosheth bowed respectfully and exclaimed, ‘Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?’” (2 Samuel 9:8 NLT) It would be an understatement to say David had a complicated relationship with King Saul and his family. David was the anointed successor to Saul. As far as Saul was concerned, that made David his enemy. In fact, he tried to kill David several times. Yet David married Saul’s daughter Michal. And Saul’s son Jonathan was David’s best friend. Jonathan tried to intervene on David’s behalf with his father. But when he realized how deeply Saul hated David, Jonathan urged his friend to flee. But before the two friends parted, Jonathan asked David to show kindness to his descendants when David became king. Some time later, Jonathan died with his father on a battlefield. History teaches us that the first thing many people do when they rise to power is eliminate any potential rivals. But David chose a different approach. It’s not that he was unaware of the political landscape. Saul and Jonathan may have been dead, but Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth was still alive. He might have challenged David for the throne of Israel. Keep in mind, too, that Mephibosheth was Saul’s grandson. David could have gotten a little payback by making him run for his life the way Saul made David run for his life. Instead, he invited Mephibosheth to his palace. “Don’t be afraid!” David said. “I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table!” (2 Samuel 9:7 NLT). This wasn’t an empty promise. Four verses later, we find these words: “And from that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly at David’s table, like one of the king’s own sons” (nlt). David was part of the most exclusive genealogy in human history—the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Yet his attitude was inclusive. He showed loving generosity to someone who had done nothing to earn it. He showed grace to someone who might otherwise have been his enemy. And in this story, we find a beautiful picture of God and His mercy. Mephibosheth had nothing. He deserved nothing. He could repay nothing. In fact, he was hiding from the king. That’s us. We have nothing to offer God. We’ve done nothing to deserve His favor or forgiveness. Sometimes we even try to hide from Him. And what does He do? He seeks us out. He adopts us and invites us to eat at His table. He makes us part of His royal family. This is the relationship God wants with you. That’s why it’s essential that you get to know Him for yourself. He loves you. He has a plan for your life that’s better than your plan for yourself. But you need to come to Him. Mephibosheth could have refused David’s offer. He might have said, “I’m not going to that palace. I’m not going to sit at his table. I don’t want any of it. I want to stay here in Lo-Debar and watch the tumbleweeds blow by.” Instead, he made a wise decision that changed his life. You can do the same, right now, simply by embracing what the Lord is offering you. Your life will never be the same. Reflection question: How has God shown mercy to you? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

March 09 2025 Sunday Your Words Matter / Week 05 / T. Stacy Hayes #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. Isaiah 53:5  Healing… Matthew 18:19  Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34  God is no respecter of persons ”Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.“ 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV ”This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!“ 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT ”Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!“ 2 Corinthians 5:17 AMPC ”to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.“ 2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV ”For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.“ 2 Corinthians 5:19 NLT ”It was God [personally present] in Christ, reconciling and restoring the world to favor with Himself, not counting up and holding against [men] their trespasses [but cancelling them], and committing to us the message of reconciliation (of the restoration to favor).“ 2 Corinthians 5:19 AMPC ”and that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:“ Galatians 2:4 KJV ”Even that question came up only because of some so-called believers there—false ones, really—who were secretly brought in. They sneaked in to spy on us and take away the freedom we have in Christ Jesus. They wanted to enslave us and force us to follow their Jewish regulations. Galatians 2:4 NLT ”[My precaution was] because of false brethren who had been secretly smuggled in [to the Christian brotherhood]; they had slipped in to spy on our liberty and the freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might again bring us into bondage [under the Law of Moses].“ Galatians 2:4 AMPC ”For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.“ Galatians 3:26 KJV ”For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.“ Galatians 3:26 NLT ”For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith.“ Galatians 3:26 AMPC ”There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.“ Galatians 3:28 KJV ”There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.“ Galatians 3:28 NLT ”There is [now no distinction] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.“ Galatians 3:28 AMPC Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… Romans 10:17  Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16  God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2  Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1  No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…  Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19  God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20  Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 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… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8  We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com 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

“Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?  When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” “No, we don't know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. … From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” (John 14:1-7 NLT) It's so encouraging that Jesus began with stating the reality of this world—we live so much of the time with troubled hearts. So that is why Jesus tells us to trust God and Him. He goes on to talk about Heaven, about how there is a place for us if we choose it, and then assuring us that He is the Way. Not a way or one of the many ways, but the Way.Let me ask you … when you hear this, do you really believe it? Do you believe there is actually a place in Heaven for you?Have you ever been to Paris? Or Rome? Or London? Or Tokyo? How do you know for certain this are real places that exist? Well, you believe the map, you believe the pictures you see, the articles you read, TV shows, movies, and anyone who has been there to tell you about those cities.But who just told you He had a real place in eternity prepared for you? Jesus. Well, if we can believe maps, and articles, and people about physical places here, isn't it safe to believe God about what He tells us, since He made it all, earth and Heaven?And I leave you with this question: How can you help your kids see Heaven as a real place?Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, hearing that You have a place for me in Heaven is surreal, but yet I know it's real. Please grow my faith to believe that heavenly city exists just as much as where I live right now. I want to get excited about eternity as it becomes more and more real to me. As above, so below.”

25.051 | DEAL HONESTLY | Proverbs 20:14 | God's Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon God's Word for Today5 Mar, 2025“Bad, bad,” says the buyer, but when he goes away, then he boasts.-Prov 20:14 ESVDEAL HONESTLY “The buyer haggles over the price, saying, 'It's worthless,'then brags about getting a bargain!” [NLT} It's possible for someone to bargain for a low price, only to brag later about what a great deal they got. Or, for a seller to "talk up" something so a buyer spends more on it than they need to. This practice can become dishonest. Deception and lies in business are forms of theft, are they not? Some buyers or sellers overtly deceive a potential transaction. Instead of making a fair-yet-profitable deal, they trick for personal gain. It's cheating as much as are false weights or rigged scale (Prov 20:10, 23). Both stealing and lying violate God's ten commandments, which are "You shall not steal" and "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Ex 20:14,6).The apostle Paul also points out the evil of stealing and lying. He states: "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor." [Eph 4:25] The apostle implores, "Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands." [Eph 4;28] Even in Col 3:9, he commands, "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices."Watch in YouTube: https://youtu.be/lPuuvKVODmgListen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday

Welcome to Day 2576 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Treason & Translation – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2576 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2576 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today is the 45th lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church. The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God's redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it's also a book that seems strange to us. While God's Word was written for us, it wasn't written to us. Today's lesson is: “Treason & Translation.” *A famous Italian proverb declares atraduttore, traditore,” which means, “translator, traitor.” Those who assume this is true are unaware of how difficult it is to produce a translation. Every translator invariably discards the original text's meaning at some point. A committee of scholars assembled to produce a translation typically adopts an overarching philosophy of translation. In simplest terms, there are two. The first is called “formal equivalence,” which seeks to account for virtually every word in the original text by producing its English counterpart in translation. This is a “word-for-word” or “literal” translation. The second is called “dynamic equivalence.” This approach seeks to capture the thought of the original verse in context, and then re-create that thought using whatever English words are most precise. This is a “thought-for-thought” translation. However, adopting this approach does not mean all translators will apply it equally. There is also a matter of interpretation. When the biblical text allows more than one translation due to ambiguity in the context, grammar, or word usage, a translator needs to make their own decision—which can lead to controversy. First Corinthians 7:1 is illustrative of the potential hazard. ESV "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman." NASB "It is good for a man not to touch a woman." NIV "It is good for a man not to marry." NLT "It is good to live a celibate life.” The most “word-for-word” of these translations is that of the NASB, which captures the literal reading of the Greek words in the verse, particularly the verb "touch" (TTOLO, haptomai). Other translations move away from the ambiguous "touch" to "have sexual relations with" (ESV). The most controversial renderings are the NIV ("It is good for a man not to marry") and the NLT ("It is good to live a...

““I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.”‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬It's only God that gives peace that last so receive it today. Peace is not the amount of things you have, but the presence ofGod in your life!!

“How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” (James 4:14 NLT) It’s been said that inside every old person is a young person wondering what in the world just happened. Life is a fast-moving ride. And if you’re not aware of just how quickly it moves, there’s a lot you might miss. The Bible makes the same point in much more eloquent terms. In Job 9:25–26, Job says, “My life passes more swiftly than a runner. It flees away without a glimpse of happiness. It disappears like a swift papyrus boat, like an eagle swooping down on its prey” (NLT). And David says in Psalm 39:4–7, “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath. We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you” (NLT). We’re all rushing headlong to what lies beyond this life. And that’s a scary thought to some. Actor William Shatner, of Star Trek fame, once said, “I’m so not ready to die. It petrifies me. I go alone. I go to a place I don’t know. It might be painful. It might be the end. My thought is that it’s the end. I become nameless, and I spent a lifetime being known.” Someone needs to tell William Shatner that there’s a God in Heaven who loves him, and that he can know where he’s going after he dies. He can go to Heaven if he puts his faith in Jesus Christ, and he can live long and prosper. In the meantime, we must make the most of our brief stay in this world. In the passage above, James asks, “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow?” What he’s really asking is, “What kind of life are you living? What are you doing with this precious gift called life right now?” If you want to get more specific, you could change the question to “What are you doing with the precious gift of your marriage?” Or with your family or other loved ones. Time is passing quickly for them, too. One of the best strategies for living life well is found in Proverbs 3:6: “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” God knows every possible path that’s laid out before you. He knows where each decision will take you. He knows the routes that will lead to fulfillment, joy, growth, and maturity. And He knows the dead-ends. If you trust in Him and ask Him to guide you according to His will, He will help you make the most of your brief time in this world. Life is short. Live it well. — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would it be like to stand in the presence of God’s holiness? Would you feel welcomed—or fear being obliterated by His glory? In this Scripture Meditation, we’ll explore Isaiah’s breathtaking vision of God’s holiness in Isaiah 6. It’s a scene of unmatched majesty—God seated on a lofty throne, the train of His robe filling the temple, and angelic beings declaring, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies!” Isaiah’s response reflects what many of us might feel: an awareness of our sin in the presence of a perfect and holy God. But instead of condemning Isaiah, God showed him grace. A burning coal touched Isaiah’s lips, and his sin was completely removed. Through Jesus, we, too, are forgiven and welcomed into God’s holy presence. And just as Isaiah responded to God’s holiness with worship and obedience, we are invited to step boldly into God’s plans for us. In this meditation, you’ll be invited to: Imagine yourself in this heavenly scene, joining the angels in worship. Reflect on how God’s holiness shapes your view of Him and your life. Respond to God’s invitation to live with greater reverence for His holiness. As you meditate on God’s holiness, may you be filled with awe, drawn closer to His heart, and inspired to say as Isaiah did, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” Here are some helpful links: Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a Scripture Meditation Journal here. You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik 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. The entire meditation text is as follows: Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-4, NLT It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. 2 Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” 4 Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” (John 13:14–15 NLT) It was one thing for Mary to wash Jesus’ feet in John 12. But when Jesus washes His disciples’ feet in John 13, He blurs the lines between servant and master. He makes us rethink what it means to be great. Washing feet was the job of the lowliest servants. It was unpleasant, for one thing. People walked great distances in Jesus’ day. In sandals. On dirty roads. That were used by animals too. And when they reached their destinations, their feet were not a pretty sight. Or smell. It was humiliating as well. To wash someone’s feet, you had to kneel before that person. You had to assume a posture of a servant. You had to get your hands dirty. So it was the perfect way for Jesus to show His disciples what it means to follow Him. One of the disciples’ favorite pastimes was arguing about which of them would be the greatest in God’s kingdom (see Matthew 18:1; Mark 10:35–45; Luke 22:24–27). By performing such a lowly task, Jesus communicated to them (and to everyone who follows Him), “This is what greatness really looks like. If you want to be My disciple, no act of service is beneath you. You can’t feed My sheep and feed your ego at the same time. The greatest in My kingdom are the quickest to humble themselves.” He wants His followers to be recognizable by our sacrificial love. This is especially important for people who want to be leaders. The most effective leaders are also the humblest servants. Jesus’ humble act of service is even more amazing when you consider that one of the men whose feet He washed was about to betray Him and another was about to deny even knowing Him. Jesus wasn’t blindsided by Judas Iscariot’s betrayal. He knew what was in His disciple’s heart. Judas’ treachery was part of God’s plan. And when Jesus announced that one of them would betray Him, Simon Peter was quick to show his “bold” discipleship. He motioned for John to ask Jesus who the traitor was. Maybe he figured it was up to him to stop the betrayal. When Jesus told the group that He would be with them only a little while longer, they misunderstood. They thought He was going on a journey without them. Again, Peter had the boldest reaction. “‘But why can’t I come now, Lord?’ he asked. ‘I’m ready to die for you’” (verse 37 NLT). He must have been stunned by Jesus’ reply: “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me” (verse 38 NLT). Discipleship involves more than bold words. It involves standing up when you really, really want to lay low. Refusing to abandon your convictions, even when people are ridiculing them. Coming alongside people others reject. Knowing what’s right and risking humiliation to defend it. Being willing to sacrifice whatever is important to you for Jesus’ sake. — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15 NLT) It is mind-boggling to think that the Creator of the universe became an embryo. He who created the solar system chose to become an infant. The Almighty appeared on Earth as a helpless human being, unable to do anything more than wiggle and make noises. Jesus didn’t arrive with His full faculties intact. He was a baby who cried and needed His diaper changed. That is the mystery of the Incarnation—that God would allow Himself to live within the limitations of a human body. There wasn’t a moment when Jesus suddenly became God or ceased to be God. First John 1:1 tells us, “We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life” (NLT). Jesus was God before Bethlehem. He was God in the manger. He was God as a young man. And He was God during His earthly ministry. He also was God as He hung on the cross, and He was God when He rose from the dead. Jesus came to live among us. As the prophet Isaiah wrote, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (9:6 NLT). At Christmas we celebrate the arrival of God’s Son on Earth. But it also was a departure from Heaven. Jesus came and walked among us, enduring the limitations of a human body. He experienced the things we experience. Jesus knew what it was like to be hungry and thirsty. And like anyone else, He got tired and had to sleep. While He had the ability to perform miracles—and He did so–He never performed a miracle for His own benefit. Also, Jesus knew what it was like to be lonely. Imagine how He felt when His disciples deserted Him. When He hung on the cross and all the sin of the world was placed upon Him, at that moment He was the loneliest man who ever lived. He knew what it was like for His friends to betray Him. And He knew what it was like for someone to lie about Him. Jesus experienced all those things. That is why the Bible says of Him, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15 NLT). When we go to God, we’re not talking to some distant celestial being who has no idea of what it’s like to live on Planet Earth. We’re talking about God who became a man. He knows exactly what we’re going through. Therefore, He can help us in our time of need. It is hard for us to imagine both deity and humanity in one person. Yet when Jesus came to Earth and walked among us, that is who He was. — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lord will not reject his people; he will not abandon his special possession. (Psalm 94:14 NLT) It's a strange thing to feel alone when you share a planet with more than eight billion people. Yet we all feel alone on occasion—Christians and non-Christians alike. We convince ourselves that we're living a solitary existence, that no one notices us or cares about what we do or feel. Psalm 94:14 reminds us that we are, in fact, not alone: “The Lord will not reject his people; he will not abandon his special possession” (NLT). Whatever you're facing, you're not alone. God is with you. He walks beside you through your valley. He accompanies you through your storm. The problem is that distractions can keep us from sensing God's presence. That's why He says in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God!” (NLT). Embrace quiet. When the prophet Elijah felt all alone and feared for his life, God made His presence known to Elijah with the “sound of a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12). That was all Elijah needed to realize he wasn't alone. God also makes His presence known through His Word. So if you feel alone, spend some time reading, meditating on, and memorizing Scripture. Start with passages such Deuteronomy 31:6; Philippians 4:6–7; and 1 Peter 5:7. Pray about the things you read. Ask God to help you sense His nearness. Prayer is important because we have an enemy who thrives on our weaknesses. The apostle Peter wrote, “Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT). Like a lion on the prowl, our enemy targets solitary prey. He exploits our feelings of loneliness and tries to create distance between us and God. But God has a plan to defeat our enemy. God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18 NLT). Peter wrote, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10 NLT). Those two verses are not unrelated. To lovingly serve other people, we must look away from our own needs and focus on the needs of others. In doing so, we make a connection with the people we serve. And often we make connections with other people who serve. The author of Hebrews wrote, “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” (10:25 NLT). He's talking about fellowship, one of God's most underrated gifts to us. Fellowship—the gathering together of the people of God—is an antidote to aloneness. Just as serving with others prevents isolation and creates connections, so does worshipping God with others. Your fellow church members share many of your core values and priorities. The more you get involved in your church, the stronger those connections become. So, if you find yourself struggling with feelings of loneliness, draw closer to God and His people. — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Ephesians 1:7 NLT He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. Our confession of sin—one time—triggers God's faithfulness, forgiveness, cleansing, removal of sin, kindness, grace, and freedom. What an amazing deal for us once we simply get honest with God about what we have done. If you struggle with forgiving yourself for any past mistakes and sins, maybe it's time to visualize a funeral for them. Confess, place them under the blood of Christ, and ask for forgiveness one final time. Commit to this being the last time you will bring it up. Just like when a funeral is over, you need to walk away once you've said your goodbyes. But now instead of mourning and grief, you say hello to freedom and forgiveness. What is a specific sin you are willing to confess and bury today? Listen once again to God's promises and the finality of what happens once we confess: But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. (1 John 1:9 NLT) He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. —Psalm 103:12 NLT He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. (Ephesians 1:7 NLT) It is time to say a final goodbye to something God wants to see you let go of… that you know you need to let go of. As you can see, He has made your forgiveness and freedom available to you right now. How does it feel to know that God not only forgives your sins, but He forgets they even happened. What does it look like to accept you are living with a new reality, a clean slate. Let's commit this to Him: “Father, I want today to say a final goodbye to the things that have held me back from receiving all You have for me. Today, I hand these things over You. Thank You now for Your faithfulness, forgiveness, cleansing, removal of sin, kindness, grace, and freedom. As above, so below.”

Pastor David Morrison Matthew 5:38-48 (NLT) This passage can be broken down into two parts: - Revenge - Love for Enemies What does it mean to turn the other cheek? What does Jesus mean when He says this? What does going the extra mile mean? How do I pray for my enemies? How can I be perfect? What is Jesus up to here? Leviticus 24:17-22 (NLT) - This law intended to keep revenge from spiraling out of control. - Things escalate quickly. Matthew 5:38-39 (NLT) - He is speaking to people who have been oppressed. - Jesus' words here in their minds discounted Him from being Messiah. Certainly, if He was the Messiah, He would lead us in revolt against our oppressors. Jesus points to nonviolent resistance instead. Matthew 5:39-41 (NLT) - Some have used this as an excuse to allow for abuse. This is not what Jesus is advocating here. - Turn the other cheek is a call to remind the world that, you may insult me but that doesn't change who I am! You aren't better than me! Now look at carrying stuff an extra mile. - It is a call to not recover your dignity through revenge or violent or hateful means, but by having compassion and knowing who you are! Matthew 5:43-48 (NLT) - It's one thing to turn the other cheek and to go the extra mile. This is where the rubber meets the road. - I want you to love your enemies. I want you to pray for them! Let's talk about perfect for a moment. - Perfection is a call to be whole, complete, or better translated fulfilling its purpose. - It's a call to walk in purpose, to realize who you are created to be! Jesus knew the cross that would stand before Him, where His closest friends would betray Him, He would be struck in the face repeatedly, and He would be led to a cross, and from that position, exposed and suffering, He would pray for God to forgive His murderers. Jesus isn't asking you to do anything He hasn't done. Jesus is inviting you into a whole life, a life of purpose. He is inviting you to become like Him!

Pastor Mark Fuller When you're not sure what God's will is; listen to the world's counsel, then do the opposite. Matthew 5:9-10 (NLT) - Peacemaking is hard, unappreciated, and often seemingly unproductive work. But Jesus says it is what identifies us as God's kids. Keys to Peacemaking: - Be at Peace with God and Yourself - Job 22:21 (NLT) - Listen More Than You Talk - James 1:19 (NLT) - It's hard to be a good listener because of how emotionally charged issues have become. We feel threatened when we encounter opposing views or ways of thinking that we don't agree with. By holding space for someone else's ideas, even when they differ from your own, you'll begin building bridges to the path of peace rather than burning them down. - Be Genuinely Interested In Other People - Philippians 2:4 (NLT) - Become interested in other people's ideas, even ideas you strongly disagree with. Seek to understand their positions so well that you can repeat them concisely and convincingly. You don't have to agree with people for them to feel heard. The peacemaker understands this and uses it to help them build relationships and trust. - Don't Be Afraid of Conflict - Conflict is not a bad thing. Responding to conflict in the right way can produce great unity. When we try to avoid conflict at all costs, we only exacerbate the problem. So many conflicts are caused by unsuccessful attempts at preventing conflict. Conflict is not an obstacle to peace, it's the wrong kind of conflict that can lead to damaged relationships. - Ephesians 4:14-15 (NLT) - If you want to be a peacemaker, you must be willing to state your position clearly and unambiguously and allow others to do the same. - Even if you endure the discomfort from conflict in the short term, you can ultimately create conditions that will lay the foundation for peace. - Respond Rather Than React - When we're reactive, we're in a state of constant fight or flight mode. Responding means creating the space within ourselves that removes the false immediacy of needing to say or do something right now. When we decide how to respond, we choose how we want to show up in the world in a way that is empowering and builds up everyone involved. - Stay Humble and Teachable - James 4:6 (NLT) - Peacemaking is hard work. You will always find opportunities to mess up. And others will too. Knowing this ahead of time can allow you to be more understanding and forgiving when something goes wrong. - Matthew 5:10 (NLT) - Jesus knew that in this fallen world, persecution would be the response when we work to make peace. This fallen world system often crucifies peacemakers. - If you've felt wronged, stepped on, or worse, don't wait for others to apologize. Choose an attitude of preemptive forgiveness. Forgive others. Forgive yourself. Ask for forgiveness. We all need constant and copious amounts of God's grace. The good news is, that it is in abundant supply because of Christ's sacrifice on our behalf. - Be at Peace with God and Yourself - Moved from resignation, to acceptance, and now beginning to discover the peace that from embracing this season. That is when the blessing came, and I am discovering fruitfulness in this challenging season. - Job 22:21 (NLT) - Submitting to God means to surrender. It's one of our main values here at the Naz. It means surrendering your rights and control over your life. - The world identifies surrender with words like defeat, failure, and bondage. But this is the amazing reality about Jesus' upside-down kingdom. - When you surrender to Him, you discover just the opposite: victory, purpose, and freedom. I'm talking about a glad surrender, not a resignation type of surrender. It is a confident “embracing" of His permissive will, whatever it brings because you are convinced of His goodness and love. That's the place of real peace. And that's the place of real blessing.

The Tongue We would use God's wisdom to govern the words spoken from the tongue. BIBLE FORD KISS THE Luke 6:45  //  For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Proverbs 4:23  //  Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Matthew 15:11 (NLT)  //  “It's not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.” 4 Powers of the Tongue The Power to Condemn James 3:1-2  //  Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, and able to keep their whole body in check. Matthew 12:36-37  //  But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” The tongue has condemning power The solution: consider it an honor to teach doing it with reverence and respect. The Power to Control James 3:2-5  //  When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. The tongue has controlling power. The solution: learn to shut our mouths. Proverbs 13:3 (NLT)  //  Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. “even a fish wouldn't get into trouble if he kept his mouth shut.” The Power to Corrupt James 3:5-8  //  Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. The tongue has corrupting power The solution: Let the Lord guard your mouth Psalm 141:3  //  Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. The Power to Contradict James 3:9-12  //  With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. The tongue has contradicting power The solution: Use my words to praise, encourage, lift, inspire, advise, guide, love, comfort, bless, and affirm. Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? “Heavenly Father, today, allow me to say some worthwhile stuff. But I ask that you nudge me when I've said enough. Amen."

June 02 2024 Sunday Week 05 / Your Place In Him / T. Stacy Hayes #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. Isaiah 53:5  Healing… Matthew 18:19  Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34  God is no respecter of persons… The Biggest Desire In The World Today Is The Desire For Freedom ”For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.“ Ephesians 2:10 KJV ”For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.“ Ephesians 2:10 NLT ”For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].“ Ephesians 2:10 AMPC ”but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.“ Ephesians 2:13 KJV ”But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.“ Ephesians 2:13 NLT ”But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were [so] far away, through (by, in) the blood of Christ have been brought near.“ Ephesians 2:13 AMPC ”that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:“ Ephesians 3:6 KJV ”And this is God's plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God's children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.“ Ephesians 3:6 NLT ”[It is this:] that the Gentiles are now to be fellow heirs [with the Jews], members of the same body and joint partakers [sharing] in the same divine promise in Christ through [their acceptance of] the glad tidings (the Gospel).“ Ephesians 3:6 AMPC ”Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.“ Philippians 3:13-14 KJV ”No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.“ Philippians 3:13-14 NLT ”I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.“ Philippians 3:13-14 AMPC ”whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:“ Colossians 1:28 KJV ”So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.“ Colossians 1:28 NLT ”Him we preach and proclaim, warning and admonishing everyone and instructing everyone in all wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) in Christ (the Anointed One).“ Colossians 1:28 AMPC Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… Romans 10:17  Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16  God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2  Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1  No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…  Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19  God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20  Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 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… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8  We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com 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

May 19 2024 Sunday Week 03 / Your Place In Him / T. Stacy Hayes #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. Isaiah 53:5  Healing… Matthew 18:19  Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34  God is no respecter of persons… The Biggest Desire In The World Today Is The Desire For Freedom ”Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV ”This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT ”Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!“ 2 Corinthians 5:17 AMPC ”to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.“ 2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV ”For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.“ 2 Corinthians 5:19 NLT ”It was God [personally present] in Christ, reconciling and restoring the world to favor with Himself, not counting up and holding against [men] their trespasses [but cancelling them], and committing to us the message of reconciliation (of the restoration to favor).“ 2 Corinthians 5:19 AMPC ”and that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:“ Galatians 2:4 KJV ”Even that question came up only because of some so-called believers there—false ones, really—who were secretly brought in. They sneaked in to spy on us and take away the freedom we have in Christ Jesus. They wanted to enslave us and force us to follow their Jewish regulations.“ Galatians 2:4 NLT ”[My precaution was] because of false brethren who had been secretly smuggled in [to the Christian brotherhood]; they had slipped in to spy on our liberty and the freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might again bring us into bondage [under the Law of Moses].“ Galatians 2:4 AMPC ”For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.“ Galatians 3:26 KJV ”For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.“ Galatians 3:26 NLT ”For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith.“ Galatians 3:26 AMPC ”There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.“ Galatians 3:28 KJV ”There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.“ Galatians 3:28 NLT ”There is [now no distinction] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.“ Galatians 3:28 AMPC Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… Romans 10:17  Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16  God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2  Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1  No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…  Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19  God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20  Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 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… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8  We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com 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

In this episode of Captivated, Stasi Eldredge invites writer, speaker, and mother of eight Bethany Kimsey for a conversation on what it means to be a “Warrior Mom.” Stasi and Bethany share about the transformative power of prayer, highlighted through Bethany's creation of a year-long prayer journal designed for mothers (but totally transferable to others) to help them intentionally pray for their children. Through personal stories and biblical insights, this episode will encourage you to engage in a deeper prayer life, recognizing your unique and powerful role in the lives of those you care about.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Colossians 4:2 (NLT) — Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.Psalm 37:5 (NLT) — Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.Matthew 11:28–29 (NLT) — Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Isaiah 55:11 (NLT) — It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) — Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.Titus 2:4 (NLT) — These older women must train the younger women to…Genesis 2:18 (NLT) — Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. …”Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) — For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.Ephesians 2:5 (NLT) — that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!)Romans 5:17 (NLT) —  For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.…..BETHANY KIMSEYPodcast: The Warrior Mama  https://wahe.art/3UyI6FJWebsite: bethanykimsey.comInstagram: @bethanykimsey A Warrior Mama's Prayer Journal  https://wahe.art/4afZrJwBETHANY KIMSEY BIOAs a writer, speaker, and encourager of mothers, Bethany wants to see a generation of Grace Filled Warriors stand together and walk triumphantly behind the One who sets them free from performance, doubt, and fear. She helps weary mothers win the battle against worry and fatigue as they understand their identity in Christ and rest in the hope of the Gospel in community with other mothers.…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

Today in our focus on placing our confidence in God, we'll look at the Book of Hebrews. Again, we see the promises of God that offers us an eternal hope we can fully rely upon. We don't trust in a story or a fairy tale but in a Person who delivered a plan for all humankind. Listen to Hebrews 6:16-20 … Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. (NLT) It's tough for us to believe the concept of never changing your mind, right? It's hard for us to imagine the idea of it being impossible to lie, isn't it? But doesn't the hope of a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls sound amazing? All made possible by Jesus who went first to lead us into a relationship with the Father. Listen once again to today's passage in The Message Bible … When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they'll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up. When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can't break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post … Of the Scriptures we have read this week, including this powerful passage today, what have you heard that assures and reassures you that God is 100% confidence-worthy? Why would placing all your confidence in God and God alone be the best decision you could ever make? What do you need to do to do, or let go of, to place all your trust in Him? Let's pray together: “Father, thank You that You will not and cannot break Your promises. Thank You that You are truth and therefore cannot and will not lie. Thank You that your hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for my soul. As above, so below.”

"It Is Finished!"John 19:30; John 20:11-18Part 7 of 7 in ON THE CROSS Series: 7 things Jesus said on the crossPastor Nate ClarkeMarch 31, 2024Join us for our next series on the life of David: Anointing & Adversity, starting Sunday, April 7, 2024.Learn about this year's Kingdom Builders project to secure land for the future of Oasis Church:https://www.oasischurch.online/kingdom-buildershttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGL-Xr4I4_cSERMON NOTES: - John 19:30- John 20:11-18- It Is Finished!- It is finished: the fulfillment of the law- Matthew 5:17- Hebrews 4:15- Luke 22:37- Luke 24:25-27- It is finished: the disarming of the devil- 1 John 3:8- Luke 4:18- Colossians 2:15- Romans 6:17-18 - 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 NLT- It is finished: the saving of sinners- Isaiah 53:11- Hebrews 2:10 NLT- Hebrews 7:27 NLT- Ephesians 2:4-6 NLT- Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT- “Has he finished his work for me? Then I must get to work for him, and I must persevere until I finish my work, too; not to save myself, for that is all done, but because I am saved.” —Charles SpurgeonOasis Church exists to help people see Jesus more clearly.We are led by Pastor Nate Clarke and are located in Richmond, VA.Stay Connected:Website: https://oasischurch.online Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisChurchRVA/

Romans 4:24-25,NLT- It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in Him, the One who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and He was RAISED TO LIFE to make us right with God

We've been on a long journey through the gospel of Mark. We started this in January of 2023. Throughout Mark's gospel, he has been building a case that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. He opened his gospel with this declaration and has spent the last 16 chapters stacking up the evidence. Today we're looking at this question: What would it take to convince you that Jesus is the Son of God? --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 --We've seen testimonies:Mark 1:11 And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”Mark 1:24 (NLT) “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”Mark 8:29 (NLT) Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.”We've seen teachings: Mark 2:17 (NLT) “Healthy people don't need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”Mark 7:15 (NLT) “It's not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”Mark 10:15 (NLT) “I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”We've seen his miracles: Physical miraclescleansing the lepergiving sight to the blindHealing the lameResuscitating LazarusNature miracles:Feeding the multitudes… twice! Walking on water Calming the stormEven a spiritual miracle:casting out evil spirits TRANS: But there's one miracle that stands out above them all. It's the final and most important piece of evidence to point us to the true identity of Jesus. Today we're looking at the incredible resurrection of Jesus.The resurrection is the climax of Mark's gospel. Without the resurrection, there is no good news. Jesus's death would simply be the most tragic case of injustice in history, with not an ounce of goodness to it. It was the resurrection that changed the minds of his disciples. It was an encounter with the risen Christ that changed them from cowardly, sniveling men who deserted him and were always arguing about who would be the greatest… to brave, faith-filled men who unashamedly proclaimed Mark 1:1 – that Jesus is the Son of God. NOTE: As we dig into Mark 16, we're going to go through verse 8. If you're reading in your Bible, you'll likely have a footnote that says the “earliest manuscripts stop at verse 8.” I want to talk about that for just a moment. I want to share with you why this strengthens my confidence in the accuracy, historicity, and authority of God's Word. I'm going to give you some reasons why we're choosing to stop at verse 8 today and why many Bibles still include verse 9-20. Earliest manuscripts we have...

We've been on a long journey through the gospel of Mark. We started this in January of 2023. Throughout Mark's gospel, he has been building a case that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. He opened his gospel with this declaration and has spent the last 16 chapters stacking up the evidence. Today we're looking at this question: What would it take to convince you that Jesus is the Son of God? --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 --We've seen testimonies:Mark 1:11 And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”Mark 1:24 (NLT) “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”Mark 8:29 (NLT) Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.”We've seen teachings: Mark 2:17 (NLT) “Healthy people don't need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”Mark 7:15 (NLT) “It's not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”Mark 10:15 (NLT) “I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”We've seen his miracles: Physical miraclescleansing the lepergiving sight to the blindHealing the lameResuscitating LazarusNature miracles:Feeding the multitudes… twice! Walking on water Calming the stormEven a spiritual miracle:casting out evil spirits TRANS: But there's one miracle that stands out above them all. It's the final and most important piece of evidence to point us to the true identity of Jesus. Today we're looking at the incredible resurrection of Jesus.The resurrection is the climax of Mark's gospel. Without the resurrection, there is no good news. Jesus's death would simply be the most tragic case of injustice in history, with not an ounce of goodness to it. It was the resurrection that changed the minds of his disciples. It was an encounter with the risen Christ that changed them from cowardly, sniveling men who deserted him and were always arguing about who would be the greatest… to brave, faith-filled men who unashamedly proclaimed Mark 1:1 – that Jesus is the Son of God. NOTE: As we dig into Mark 16, we're going to go through verse 8. If you're reading in your Bible, you'll likely have a footnote that says the “earliest manuscripts stop at verse 8.” I want to talk about that for just a moment. I want to share with you why this strengthens my confidence in the accuracy, historicity, and authority of God's Word. I'm going to give you some reasons why we're choosing to stop at verse 8 today and why many Bibles still include verse 9-20. Earliest manuscripts we have...

“Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?  When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” “No, we don't know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. … From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” (John 14:1-7 NLT) It's so encouraging that Jesus began with stating the reality of this world—we live so much of the time with troubled hearts. So that is why Jesus tells us to trust God and Him. He goes on to talk about Heaven, about how there is a place for us if we choose it, and then assuring us that He is the Way. Not a way or one of the many ways, but the Way. Let me ask you … when you hear this, do you really believe it? Do you believe there is actually a place in Heaven for you? Have you ever been to Paris? Or Rome? Or London? Or Tokyo? How do you know for certain this are real places that exist? Well, you believe the map, you believe the pictures you see, the articles you read, TV shows, movies, and anyone who has been there to tell you about those cities. But who just told you He had a real place in eternity prepared for you? Jesus. Well, if we can believe maps, and articles, and people about physical places here, isn't it safe to believe God about what He tells us, since He made it all, earth and Heaven? And I leave you with this question: How can you help your kids see Heaven as a real place? Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, hearing that You have a place for me in Heaven is surreal, but yet I know it's real. Please grow my faith to believe that heavenly city exists just as much as where I live right now. I want to get excited about eternity as it becomes more and more real to me. As above, so below.”

Are you walking through a moment in your life that you feel utterly powerless? Is it hard to trust God? Do you feel surrounded by thoughts or people that attack your character? Perhaps, the situation has you feeling trapped and cornered. How do we battle feeling stuck, in a rut, or hard to trust God at the moment? I get it! Life is difficult to hold onto the shield of faith. Therefore, let me give you a bit of encouragement that will stir your heart and help you take the next step with Godly confidence! The Bible says in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not (do not depend on) on your understanding. (6) Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take (make your paths straight)." (NLT) It's so easy to read this and get hung up on the "Trust the Lord" part and forget how hard it is to not lean on our understanding! It's a struggle is real! But if we read above in verses 1-4 in Proverbs, it reminds us that we have fatherly advice to forget the commands and teachings of the Lord, which the Bible reveals to us. We can be reminded in Psalm 139 how fully known by God we are and anything we try to hide from Him, He already knows. I don't know what struggles you are facing today, this past month, week, or year, but if you are feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders and you have no room to move.... then THIS message WILL encourage you! You do not battle alone. God is powerful when we feel powerless. BE ENCOURAGED! So grab your cup of coffee, get on your walk or run, or wherever you are today ---- BE ENCOURAGED! Jackie Resources mentioned in today's episode. - Song by Michael W. Smith "Surrounded by You": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBl84oZxnJ4 - Read Psalm 139, Ephesians 1:5, Ephesians 6:10-20, and Proverbs 3:1-6 Learn more about the Host, Jackie Brindle by clicking the link below. https://linktr.ee/jackiebrindle Check out the link above to download your FREE Psalms 150-day challenge journal page! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beinspiredandmore/support

Have you ever heard that owls are wise? On this episode, we are meeting some very smart birds and learning how their brains are designed. But is being smart the same thing as being wise? Here's our trail map:How does an owl's brain work?Meet three other very smart birdsWhat is the difference between being smart and being wise?How can we be wise?Resources Mentioned and used for Research:Get Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Free Smart Birds Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo25Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClubSmart Bird Research from What It's Like To Be A Bird by Sibley.: https://www.amazon.com/What-Its-Like-Bird-Singing-What/dp/0307957896 (Like many science and nature books, I don't agree with everything this book says about how birds came to be, but it does share fascinating information about the design and behavior of these wonderful creatures God made)Clark's Nutcracker information: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Clarks_Nutcracker/overviewOwl whistle story from What an Owl Knows: The New Science of the World's Most Enigmatic Birds by Jennifer Ackerman Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6 (NLT)“There are four things on earth that are small, but they are very wise: Ants are not very strong, but they store up food in the summer. Rock badgers are not very powerful, but they can live among the rocks. Locusts have no king, but they all go forward in formation. Lizards can be caught in the hand, but they are found even in kings' palaces.” Proverbs 30:24-28 (NCV)“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5 (NLT)“It is better to get wisdom than gold, and to choose understanding rather than silver!” Proverbs 16:16 (NCV)Prayer from Ephesians 1:16-17 (NCV): “I always remember you in my prayers, asking the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you will know him better.”Terms Learned in This Episode:Nocturnal: An animal that is active mostly at nightNeocortex: The area of a human brain where thoughts, ideas, emotions, senses, and self-awareness are processed.Pallium: An area of a bird's brain that acts similar to a neocortex. This is where birds process information in their brains.Neuron: Nerve cells that send information all over our bodies and back to our brains. A master communication system in our bodies.Hippocampus: An area in the pallium where a bird thinks about location, direction, where they are, and where other things are.Scatter hoarding: When a bird finds food, such as seeds, and stashes it away, or hides it, in many different places.Knowledge: Gathering facts. It is learning by gaining new understanding and through...

Today we cover the “scandalous” incident of Jesus' anointing just before his final Passover meal. The story ends with Judas' reaction to a few hard sayings of Jesus.Mary anoints Jesus with an extravagant gesture. This hints at our first hard saying: “You can't serve God and money.” Mark 14:1-3The response of some of the disciples exposes their ignorance – or unwillingness to accept – the true identity of Jesus. This uncovers a second hard saying of Jesus: “I am God.” Mark 14:4-7Jesus responds by revealing the true meaning of this double anointing. It was about his burial, and ultimately about his third hard saying: “I am the only way to heaven.” Mark 14:8-9This is the turning point for Judas. The hard teachings of Jesus had finally pushed him over the edge. Mark 14:10-11--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 --Back to our study of Mark! Open up your Bibles to Mark 14:1-11. Today we cover the “scandalous” incident of Jesus' anointing just before his final Passover meal. Spoiler alert: The story ends with Judas' reaction to a few hard sayings of Jesus.But first… Last year we covered the first 13 chapters. This year we're finishing the book (16 chapters in all) as we head toward Easter. Let's review:(1) The Gospel of Mark is the shortest gospel, probably written around 55 AD. It's an “action” gospel, with vivid descriptions and fewer teachings than the other gospels.(2) Mark wrote this account to show the world who Jesus is and what he has done. The central theme of Mark is outlined in the first verse of the book. Mark 1:1 (NLT) This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.(3) We've seen Jesus perform miracles, reveal mysteries, and go toe-to-toe with the religious establishment. We left off in Mark 13, where Jesus finished his Olivet discourse and his discussion of the End Times. Here's the last verse we covered: Mark 13:37 (NLT) “I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!” He never gave an answer to the timing of the End, but he did give insight into how we should live in light of it. Q. Are you ready for Jesus to come back? (See Biblical Eschatology series for more on this)This isn't unrelated to what we'll be talking about today…Trans: Today we turn to chapter 14. We'll cover the first 11 verses. And here's the question we'll be exploring along the way:Q. How do you handle the hard sayings of Jesus?“You can't serve God and money.” - Jesus view on finances (practical)“I am God.” - Jesus' view on his divinity (theological)“I am the only way to heaven.” - Jesus' view on salvation (practical and theological)Let's get to the text:Mark 14:1-2 (NLT) It was now two days before Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The leading priests and the teachers of religious...

Today we'll talk about how to overcome your shameful past to experience the freedom we can have in Christ. We'll look at David's example in the story of Bathsheba and Uriah. 2 Samuel 11:1-4--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 --Intro: We're talking about resilience:Resilience is harnessing difficult emotions to build your faith.Today's difficult emotion: Shame (guilt, condemnation)Defining ShameI know what you're thinking: shame is always bad, never good But not so fast! Think of shamelessness: “The world delights in bold sinners who flout God's Word and expect no punishment whatsoever. Our culture celebrates the skillful cold-blooded assassin, bold thief, self-righteous vigilante, foul-mouthed recording artist, creative rebel, blasphemous stand-up comedian, naked actress, fornicating "glamour couple," self-worshiping athlete, occultic mystic, and the like. Perhaps the clearest example in our day has been the movement of homosexuality from something almost universally seen as shameful to something that ought to be delighted in. The gay rights movement is seeking not merely tolerance of what God calls sinful, but society-wide celebration.” - Ligonier “Our Shameless World”Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT ”It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.“ ‭‭‬‬Romans 1:24 (NLT) So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other's bodies.Romans 1:27 (NLT) And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.Romans 1:32 (NLT) They know God's justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.So we see the progression: sinning with a sense of shame → sinning without a sense of shame → encouraging others to do itDoes this not describe today's culture!?Shame (Oxford): a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior.Can you see how this can be bad… or good?Bad: Shamelessness, one end of the spectrumThis is where the enemy wants you; what sin?Google doesn't even know the word! (dictating sermons)Also bad: Shamefulness is on the other end, stuck in itThis is just as helpful for the enemySelf-loathing, depression, anxiety, etc.Can't handle the guilt, so eventually you stop pursuingThis is NOT resilientFor many, eventually leads to shamelessnessOr you try to deal with the burden on our own:So you try to “work off” your shame by being a

Today we'll talk about how to overcome your shameful past to experience the freedom we can have in Christ. We'll look at David's example in the story of Bathsheba and Uriah. 2 Samuel 11:1-4--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 --Intro: We're talking about resilience:Resilience is harnessing difficult emotions to build your faith.Today's difficult emotion: Shame (guilt, condemnation)Defining ShameI know what you're thinking: shame is always bad, never good But not so fast! Think of shamelessness: “The world delights in bold sinners who flout God's Word and expect no punishment whatsoever. Our culture celebrates the skillful cold-blooded assassin, bold thief, self-righteous vigilante, foul-mouthed recording artist, creative rebel, blasphemous stand-up comedian, naked actress, fornicating "glamour couple," self-worshiping athlete, occultic mystic, and the like. Perhaps the clearest example in our day has been the movement of homosexuality from something almost universally seen as shameful to something that ought to be delighted in. The gay rights movement is seeking not merely tolerance of what God calls sinful, but society-wide celebration.” - Ligonier “Our Shameless World”Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT ”It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.“ ‭‭‬‬Romans 1:24 (NLT) So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other's bodies.Romans 1:27 (NLT) And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.Romans 1:32 (NLT) They know God's justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.So we see the progression: sinning with a sense of shame → sinning without a sense of shame → encouraging others to do itDoes this not describe today's culture!?Shame (Oxford): a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior.Can you see how this can be bad… or good?Bad: Shamelessness, one end of the spectrumThis is where the enemy wants you; what sin?Google doesn't even know the word! (dictating sermons)Also bad: Shamefulness is on the other end, stuck in itThis is just as helpful for the enemySelf-loathing, depression, anxiety, etc.Can't handle the guilt, so eventually you stop pursuingThis is NOT resilientFor many, eventually leads to shamelessnessOr you try to deal with the burden on our own:So you try to “work off” your shame by being a

Discover your unique character and prophetic grace TODAY. God permits you to specialize in your field. Here are 4 signs to help you discover and connect with your audience. I want to bring you to peace and show you that there's nothing wrong with you, you just need to find your grace. A Message From Your Prophetic Teacher As fivefold ministers, we have this pressure put on us. We're expected to be perfect, anointed in everything we do, and an expert in everything. But I want you to focus on what makes unique in the Body of Christ - Jessica Toach Join the Tribe! - myprophetictribe.com Become an Author - MyApostolicMentor.Com Scriptures Used in This Message ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “It's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.”

Discover Your Unique Character and Prophetic Grace TODAY God permits you to specialize in your field. Here are 4 signs to help you discover and connect with your audience. I want to bring you to peace and show you that there's nothing wrong with you. You just need to find your grace. A Message From Your Prophetic Teacher "As fivefold ministers, we have this pressure put on us. We're expected to be perfect, anointed in everything we do, and an expert in everything. But, I want you to focus on what makes you unique in the body of Christ." - Jessica Toach Join the Tribe! - myprophetictribe.com Become an Author - MyApostolicMentor.Com Scriptures Used in This Message ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭(NLT):‬‬ “It's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.”

I've finally done it! I've gotten my act together on these monthly editions print releases. They are limited-edition fine art prints that will be released monthly. I started with an initial release of four photographs and I'm also including the release for November in this set as well, so that's a total of five photographic prints. Check out the details about these prints https://brentbergherm.com/galleries/monthly-edition-collectibles/ Email me: brent@thegreatoutdoorsphotographypodcast.com Join the email list for announcements, updates and sometimes new product announcements: https://brentbergherm.com/notifications/ Main Topic: Monthly Editions Print Releases See the pics on the episode post on the website: https://brentbergherm.com/episode/161 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cM5e616cRnM   ______________________ A dose of inspiration: “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” —Colossians 2:6 NLT “It is better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times." —Asian Proverb

Show Notes:Point #1 - Friendship DefinedProverbs 18:24 NIV1. What does a good friendship look like?“Trust is at the heart of intimacy with friends“ - from podcast2. How does trust, or the breaking of trust, strengthen/weaken your connection with others?3. Physical presence is desired with the people we are closest to, but is it necessary for the relationship to continue?James 1:2-4 ESVPoint #2 - Developing a Friendship with GodPsalm 73:28 NLT“It's not just knowing His word, it's applying it to our lives,. It's crucial to understanding our relationship with God” - from podcast4. If you never follow through with your commitments, or take action on the requests that someone in your life asks of you, how will that impact that relationship? Can you see how that relates to applying God's word in your life, and the development or your relationship with Him?John 15:7 ESV“Intimacy with God is not just knowing scripture… It's knowing Him” - from podcastAll relationships are built by, 1-spending time with that person, 2-getting to know them through conversation, 3-sharing experiences with them5. How do the 3 things listed above relate to: Reading the Word, Prayer, and Worship“Worship, in it's best definition, is how we live our lives” - from podcastPoint #3 - God is Always Present, Always Steady, Always For UsProverbs 18:10 NASB6. When you are in trouble, when you need help, when you are scared, do you feel safe running to God? If not, why?Nehemiah 8:10 NIVPsalm 23:5 NIVPsalm 23:4 ESV“You have to know and believe it in your self first” - from podcastProverbs 3:5 NIVThank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org for more information.If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram

Ephesians 1:7 NLT  He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.  Our confession of sin—one time—triggers God's faithfulness, forgiveness, cleansing, removal of sin, kindness, grace, and freedom. What an amazing deal for us once we simply get honest with God about what we have done.  If you struggle with forgiving yourself for any past mistakes and sins, maybe it's time to visualize a funeral for them.  Confess, place them under the blood of Christ, and ask for forgiveness one final time.  Commit to this being the last time you will bring it up. Just like when a funeral is over, you need to walk away once you've said your goodbyes. But now instead of mourning and grief, you say hello to freedom and forgiveness.  What is a specific sin you are willing to confess and bury today?  Listen once again to God's promises and the finality of what happens once we confess:  But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. (1 John 1:9 NLT)  He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalm 103:12 NLT  He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. (Ephesians 1:7 NLT)  It is time to say a final goodbye to something God wants to see you let go of… that you know you need to let go of.  As you can see, He has made your forgiveness and freedom available to you right now.  How does it feel to know that God not only forgives your sins, but He forgets they even happened. What does it look like to accept you are living with a new reality, a clean slate.  Let's commit this to Him: “Father, I want today to say a final goodbye to the things that have held me back from receiving all You have for me. Today, I hand these things over You. Thank You now for Your faithfulness, forgiveness, cleansing, removal of sin, kindness, grace, and freedom. As above, so below.” 

Summer at Bay Chapel | July 2, 2023Pastor Wes MorrisBay Chapel is a life-giving church in the New Tampa community. We meet Sundays at 10:00 am and you are welcome to come anytime in person or online. Find out more at baychapel.com —---Subscribe to receive our latest messages. ——Stay Connected, ask for prayer and find out more.http://www.baychapel.com/connect——Bay Chapel exists to help people ‘Find God and Find Life' through a relationship with Jesus Christ. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: http://www.baychapel.com/giveMessage Notes:Isaiah 6:1-8 (NLT) It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple.Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew.They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke. Then I said, “It's all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”√  Before God told Isaiah what to do, He showed him who He was.√  Isaiah's response to God's glory was a heart of repentance.II Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.√  God cleansed Isaiah and then He called him.I. SEE GOD'S POWER AT WORK.Isaiah 6:1 (NLT) ...I saw the Lord.Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV) Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.II. STEP OUTSIDE OF MY COMFORT ZONE.Genesis 12:1 (NIV) The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you.”II Corinthians 5:14-15 (TLB)  He died for all so that all who live—having received eternal life from him—might live no longer for themselves, to please themselves, but to spend their lives pleasing Christ who died and rose again for them.III. SURRENDER MY WILL.Isaiah 6:8 (NLT) Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”

Big Idea: Trusting God allows me to receive what He wants to give me. Hebrews 11:8-10 (NLT) – It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would… The post ʻOhana Sunday: “Faith” appeared first on New Hope Legacy.

“For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 NLT “It is finished.” Jesus from the cross (John 19:30) “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and… Read More »It Is Finished but We are not

Today, our Scripture is 2 Corinthians 13:5 … Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. (NLT) It's so easy for us to judge others, isn't it? Someone does something or says something we don't like or disagree with and we call their integrity, intelligence, or intentions into question. Even though we all know the Bible tells us not to judge, and that God is the only Judge, we just can't seem to help ourselves. But Paul told the believers at Corinth to examine themselves on the authenticity of their faith. Not others. Themselves. Why? Well, if we know we need test ourselves, we aren't busy looking at other people. Accountability works best when everyone involved chooses to cooperate. Listen once again to today's verse in The Message Bible … Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don't drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it. The times we all likely grew the most in knowledge was when we were in school. Why? Because we were constantly having to take tests to prove what we knew. If you decided to take Paul up on His challenge on a regular basis, don't you suspect you might become more aware of your personal and spiritual growth? So, how can you “Test yourself to make sure you are solid in the faith and not drifting along taking everything for granted, and giving yourself regular checkups”? Let's pray together: “Father, teach me to be aware of my own growth and not so concerned with others growth—or lack of it. Teach me to take inventory of You in my life. Guide me, show me how I can grow in You to test out my faith and do something about it. As above, so below.”

My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:20-23 NLT   SPIRITUALLY OUR HEARTS REVEAL THE HEALTH OF OUR LIVES.   Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 NLT   The lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 NLT   FOUR BLOCKAGES OF THE HEART   1. SELFISHNESS   Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23 NLT   BLOCKAGE CAN OCCUR WHEN WE WANT TO DO WHAT IS BEST FOR OURSELVES RATHER THAN WHAT IS BEST FOR GOD!   He (JESUS) chose to share the oppression of God's people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. Hebrews 11:25 NLT   But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:14-16 NIV   2. BITTERNESS   It is impossible that no offenses should come… Luke 17:1 NKJV   A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel. Proverbs 18:19 NIV   3. REJECTION   The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21 NLT   4. EVIL THOUGHTS   For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.” Mark 7:21-23 NLT   THE HEART GOD DESIRES FOR US A Heart for HIM   For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NLT   As they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed, and they will fall to their knees and worship God, declaring, “God is truly here among you.” 1 Corinthians 14:25 NLT A Heart for others Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:8-9 NLT It is easy to justify not loving others God's love is for everyone God's love is made visible through action This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10 NLT Love is not love unless it is felt and seen   ACTION STEPS And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. Ezekiel 36:26-27 NLT INVITE THE HOLY SPIRIT TO SHOW 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. Psalms 139:23-24 NLT   INVITE THE HOLY SPIRIT TO CHANGE ME   Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Psalms 51:10 NLT INVITE THE HOLY SPIRIT TO FILL ME   Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

Today in our focus on placing our confidence in God, we'll look at the Book of Hebrews. Again, we see the promises of God that offers us an eternal hope we can fully rely upon. We don't trust in a story or a fairy tale but in a Person who delivered a plan for all humankind. Listen to Hebrews 6:16-20 … Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. (NLT) It's tough for us to believe the concept of never changing your mind, right? It's hard for us to imagine the idea of it being impossible to lie, isn't it? But doesn't the hope of a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls sound amazing? All made possible by Jesus who went first to lead us into a relationship with the Father. Listen once again to today's passage in The Message Bible … When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they'll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up. When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can't break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post … Of the Scriptures we have read this week, including this powerful passage today, what have you heard that assures and reassures you that God is 100% confidence-worthy? Why would placing all your confidence in God and God alone be the best decision you could ever make? What do you need to do to do, or let go of, to place all your trust in Him? Let's pray together: “Father, thank You that You will not and cannot break Your promises. Thank You that You are truth and therefore cannot and will not lie. Thank You that your hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for my soul. As above, so below.”

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents' sins?”  “It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.”  Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man's eyes. He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam” (Siloam means “sent”). So the man went and washed and came back seeing!  His neighbors and others who knew him as a blind beggar asked each other, “Isn't this the man who used to sit and beg?” Some said he was, and others said, “No, he just looks like him!”  But the beggar kept saying, “Yes, I am the same one!”  They asked, “Who healed you? What happened?”  He told them, “The man they call Jesus made mud and spread it over my eyes and told me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash yourself.' So I went and washed, and now I can see!” John 9:1–11 (NLT) It's NEVER too LATE when Jesus is involved. Following Jesus may feel WEIRD. BOTTOM LINE: One step of OBEDIENCE can change your LIFE. THE CHALLENGE: Take ONE step.

The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. John 15:19 NLT   "It is impossible to please all men; there will always be those who criticize you, no matter what you do. So focus on doing what is right, and let the rest go." Epictetus   Makarios: Joy which has its secret within itself, that joy which is serene and untouchable, and self-contained that joy which is completely independent of all the chances and changes of life.    THE FOUR SOCIAL QUALITIES THAT ARE BLESSED   Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Matthew 5:7 ESV   1. COMPASSIONATE IN SPIRIT: O the bliss of the merciful!   'Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.' Hebrews 2:17-18 NLT   'For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. ' Romans 3:23 NLT   'Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord… Romans 7:24-25 NLT   A LACK OF MERCY AND COMPASSION IS EVIDENCE OF SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS   “Tolerant with others. Strict with yourself.” Marcus Aurelius   Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord . Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:19-21 NLT   Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don't need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.' For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Matthew 9:10-13 NLT   Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 ESV   2. PURE HEART. PURE VISION: O bliss of the Sincere!   '“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence! You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish and then the outside will become clean, too.' Matthew 23:25-26 NLT     '“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”' Matthew 22:36-40 NLT   Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 WHAT YOU TRAIN FOR YOU BECOME! INTENTIONAL WITH PRAYER INTENTIONAL WITH BIBLE READING INTENTIONAL WITH COMMUNITY Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 ESV   3. STRIVING FOR PEACE: O the bliss of those who create harmony!   'Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ' Romans 12:17-18 NLT   PUBLIC CRITICISMS NEVER CHANGE ANYONE.  HOWEVER, PRIVATE CONVERSATIONS IN LOVE DO.   Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 ESV   'And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.' Romans 8:17 NLT   ...by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. ' Colossians 1:20 NIV   Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 ESV   4. UNSWERVING LOYALTY: O the bliss of the sufferer for Christ!   Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:43-44 NLT   “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11-12 NIV   THE TRUTH IS THAT YOUR LOYALTY IS ROOTED IN YOUR TRUST LEVEL OF GOD AND THAT DETERMINES YOUR VICTORY!   'They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. ' Revelation 12:11 NIV

“Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” “No, we don't know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. … From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” (John 14:1-7 NLT) It's so encouraging that Jesus began with stating the reality of this world—we live so much of the time with troubled hearts. So that is why Jesus tells us to trust God and Him. He goes on to talk about Heaven, about how there is a place for us if we choose it, and then assuring us that He is the Way. Not a way or one of the many ways, but the Way. Let me ask you … when you hear this, do you really believe it? Do you believe there is actually a place in Heaven for you? Have you ever been to Paris? Or Rome? Or London? Or Tokyo? How do you know for certain this are real places that exist? Well, you believe the map, you believe the pictures you see, the articles you read, TV shows, movies, and anyone who has been there to tell you about those cities. But who just told you He had a real place in eternity prepared for you? Jesus. Well, if we can believe maps, and articles, and people about physical places here, isn't it safe to believe God about what He tells us, since He made it all, earth and Heaven? And I leave you with this question: How can you help your kids see Heaven as a real place? Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, hearing that You have a place for me in Heaven is surreal, but yet I know it's real. Please grow my faith to believe that heavenly city exists just as much as where I live right now. I want to get excited about eternity as it becomes more and more real to me. As above, so below.”