POPULARITY
3 episodes with nlt to
2 episodes with nlt to
2 episodes with nlt to
2 episodes with nlt to
2 episodes with nlt to
2 episodes with nlt to
7 episodes with nlt to
3 episodes with nlt to
2 episodes with nlt to
In this powerful episode, Ashley Jones shares her incredible journey from witchcraft to finding freedom in Jesus Christ. Once deep in the occult, Ashley now boldly exposes the enemy's tactics and reveals how God rescued her from darkness.If you've ever wondered about the spiritual dangers of witchcraft, the reality of the supernatural, or how Jesus transforms lives—this episode is for you.
Pastor David Morrison Hebrews 4:12-16 (NLT)- There was a pattern in the Old Testament where God rescues His people, and they say that they would return to their past of worshipping other gods, and then they would be separated from God. It was a continuous cycle.- It seems ridiculous. The author of Hebrews says not to make the same mistake. Hebrews 3:12 (NLT)- When things get hard, who or what is the authority that we allow to shape our lives?- What God has healed me from I no longer am.- Here is why we don't turn back. It matters where we find our source and who is holding us accountable. Hebrews 4:12-13 (NLT)- To those tempted to turn back to something, the writer of Hebrews reminds us that only one can judge and see clearly.- If you are trying to return to a form of legalism, only one thing can expose your innermost thoughts and motivations—Jesus. It's not Moses, it's not the law, it's nothing else! Hebrews 4:14 (NLT)- Another translation says, Stand Firm.- What does it mean when it says that Jesus is the high priest?- We no longer need a high priest to offer sacrifice, instead we have a perfect one, Jesus who faced all the temptations of this world and never faltered.- So, the thing that influences your life and that you would normally look back on…stands the call to STAND FIRM.- Stand firm means no retreating. God is calling you to let the good things remain in the past, so that you can experience greater things. Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)- Come boldly to the throne.- This place held the ark of the covenant, called the holy of holies.- It was past the outer courts, and there was a place called the Holy Place, where offerings were given, a lamp with seven candles (a menorah), and a Holy of Holies…separated by a veil.- When Christ died, the veil that kept people from God's presence was torn. We no longer needed a human high priest because Jesus was the great high priest now! He would intercede with the Father on our behalf…and now we have an invitation to come boldly before the throne of God.Here is an invitation to press into God's presence in His most holy place, where the only light needed is His presence. This is a place where grace and mercy are found. But here is where I feel tension. It's like we know we can step into God's presence, but to do that, I need to let go of things in my life.
February 23 2025 Sunday Your Words Matter / Week 03 / 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 ”being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:“ Romans 3:24 KJV ”Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.“ Romans 3:24 NLT ”[All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,“ Romans 3:24 AMPC ”There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.“ Romans 8:1 KJV ”So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.“ Romans 8:1 NLT ”THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. [John 3:18.]“ Romans 8:1 AMPC ”For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.“ Romans 8:2 KJV ”And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freedoms you from the power of sin that leads to death.“ Romans 8:2 NLT ”For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.“ Romans 8:2 AMPC ”so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.“ Romans 12:5 KJV ”so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.“ Romans 12:5 NLTv ”So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another].“ Romans 12:5 AMPC ”unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:“ 1 Corinthians 1:2 KJV ”I am writing to God's church in Corinth, to you who have been called by God to be his own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.“ 1 Corinthians 1:2 NLT ”To the church (assembly) of God which is in Corinth, to those consecrated and purified and made holy in Christ Jesus, [who are] selected and called to be saints (God's people), together with all those who in any place call upon and give honor to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:“ 1 Corinthians 1:2 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
Sunday, November 3, 2024 Series: "These Three Things" Title: “Great Expectations” Scripture: Micah 6:6-8 By: Rev. Steve Price Bulletin https://trinitygnv.org/s/Sunday-Bulletin-11-03-24-93011AM.pdf Scripture https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Micah%206%3A6-8&version=NLT To support the ongoing ministries of Trinity, consider making a gift here: https://pushpay.com/g/trinitygnv?src=hpp For more information, go to https://trinitygnv.org/ Copyrighted content included in this webcast is used with license under one or more of the following: Christian Copyright Solutions WORSHIP cast Streaming License and PERFORM music License #7840 (to publicly perform and/or web stream any musical composition controlled by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC), CVLI (Christian Video Licensing International) #503915511, CVLI ScreenVue License #502477880, CCLI Church Streaming & Podcast License #CSPL016331, CCLI Church Copyright License #1022361, and/or CCLI Church Rehearsal License #CRL011587.
Today, Karen and I welcome Jenny Papapostolou of Love To The Nations to the show. In this episode, Jenny shares: The true definition of ministry and how we are all called to do our part. How God uses us in both small and big ways to build His Kingdom. Why we must always be ready, available, and obedient to God's call. "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." (Zechariah 4:10 NLT) To learn more about Jenny's ministry, click here. To purchase Jenny's book, "Sacred Smallness," click here.
May 05 2024 Sunday Week 01 / 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 ”being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:“ Romans 3:24 KJV ”Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.“ Romans 3:24 NLT ”[All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus, Romans 3:24 AMPC ”There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.“ Romans 8:1 KJV ”So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.“ Romans 8:1 NLT ”THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. [John 3:18.]“ Romans 8:1 AMPC ”For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.“ Romans 8:2 KJV ”And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.“ Romans 8:2 NLT ”For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.“ Romans 8:2 AMPC ”so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.“ Romans 12:5 KJV ”so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.“ Romans 12:5 NLT ”So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another].“ Romans 12:5 AMPC ”unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:“ 1 Corinthians 1:2 KJV ”I am writing to God's church in Corinth, to you who have been called by God to be his own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.“ 1 Corinthians 1:2 NLT ”To the church (assembly) of God which is in Corinth, to those consecrated and purified and made holy in Christ Jesus, [who are] selected and called to be saints (God's people), together with all those who in any place call upon and give honor to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:“ 1 Corinthians 1:2 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
Pastor Christian Vargas' sermon “FOLLOW THE LINE” These are the scriptures referenced: Amos 7:7-8 (NLT) To stay connected and to support this ministry click here: https://linktr.ee/hopeandanchorchurch utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=2f52e94b-6813-4e5b-8475-5cf1cf2f3fa5
Pastor Christian Vargas' sermon “THE DIVINE LINE WORK” These are the scriptures referenced: Amos 7:7-8 (NLT) To stay connected and to support this ministry click here:https://linktr.ee/hopeandanchorchurch?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=2f52e94b-6813-4e5b-8475-5cf1cf2f3fa5
The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 NLT For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NLT 'For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything. For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God's word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. And we are members of his body. As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:22-33 NLT CONNECTING WITH EACH OTHER WHAT ARE THE THREE PRACTICAL WAYS TO CONNECT WITH MY HUSBAND 1. HAVE FUN WITH ME “Come, my love, let us go out to the fields and spend the night among the wildflowers.” Song of Solomon 7:11 NLT 2. BE INTIMATE WITH ME “Come, my love, let us go out to the fields and spend the night among the wildflowers. Let us get up early and go to the vineyards to see if the grapevines have budded, if the blossoms have opened, and if the pomegranates have bloomed. There I will give you my love.” Song of Solomon 7:11-12 NLT “Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. She is a loving deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love.” Proverbs 5:18-19 NLT 3. RESPECT ME …and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:33 NLT WHAT ARE THE THREE PRACTICAL WAYS TO CONNECT WITH MY WIFE 1. GIVE ME NONSEXUAL ATTENTION You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 NLT To answer before listening— that is folly and shame. Proverbs 18:13 NIV 2. AFFIRM ME How beautiful are your sandaled feet, O queenly maiden. Your rounded thighs are like jewels, the work of a skilled craftsman. Your navel is perfectly formed like a goblet filled with mixed wine. Between your thighs lies a mound of wheat bordered with lilies. Your breasts are like two fawns, twin fawns of a gazelle. Your neck is as beautiful as an ivory tower. Your eyes are like the sparkling pools in Heshbon. Song of Solomon 7:1-4 NLT 'When a man finds a wife, he has found a treasure! For she is the gift of God to bring him joy and pleasure. Proverbs 18:22 TPT WHAT YOU FOCUS ON YOU BECOME PASSIONATE ABOUT! 3. BE THE SPIRITUAL LEADER IN OUR HOME. For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God's word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. Ephesians 5:25-28 NLT HOW DO WE GROW CLOSER TO EACH OTHER? “The most important commandment is this…you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” Mark 12:29-30 NLT YOU GROW CLOSER TO EACH OTHER WHEN YOU GROW CLOSER TO GOD PRAY TOGETHER EVERY DAY! “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”Matthew 6:33 NLT
Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT To win the world is to display the greatest love. God loved us so much that He gave! There is no greater love than to lay down your life for the well-being of others. The key to Joy is unconditional kindness to all people which is true compassion. The Great Commission is a command and the second judgment (1 Corinthians 3:12-15) is a reality. “We are not only going to be judged for what we have done. we are going to be judged by what we could have done.” -AW Tozer LOVELESSNESS RESULTS FROM SELF-LOVE When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. Matthew 9:36-37 NLT But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace.” Luke 19:41-42 NLT “Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, and he asked one of the servants what was going on. ‘Your brother is back,' he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.' “The older brother was angry and wouldn't go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, ‘All these years I've slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!' “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!” Luke 15:25-32 NLT “There are two kinds of Christians, spiritual and carnal. The experience of the two is vastly different. In the life of the spiritual Christian the power of the Lord Jesus is being lived out; sin does not have dominion because the indwelling Holy Spirit continually manifests the life of the Lord Jesus. The carnal Christian is a true believer, yet in him the self-life is dominant and sin still has the upper hand. Such a Christian is defeated and has not yet learned to let the spirit of God take control of his personality. The carnal life is one of continual defeat and struggle. There is neither peace nor power, Joy nor liberty. The spirit is bound and there is little evidence of the fruit of the spirit of God.” -Dwight Hervey Small 1. It is possible for one to assume the place and privileges of a son while refusing to love their brother. His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. Luke 15:31 NLT HUMILITY LEADS TO GRATITUDE, BUT PRIDE AND SELFISHNESS LEADS TO BITTERNESS But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. James 3:14-16 NLT 2. It is possible for one to serve the father Faithfully while not being in fellowship with Him. but he replied, ‘All these years I've slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Luke 15:29 NLT YOU HAVE TO KNOW THE WHY BEHIND THE WHAT IN YOUR SERVICE TO THE FATHER. 3. It is possible for one to be the heir of all his father's possessions yet to have less joy and Liberty than one who possesses nothing. Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, and he asked one of the servants what was going on. ‘Your brother is back,' he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.' The older brother was angry and wouldn't go in. Luke 15:25-28 NLT IF YOU DO NOT SHARE IN THE FATHER'S BURDENS YOU CANNOT SHARE IN THE FATHER'S JOY. So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. Luke 15:20 NLT For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. John 6:38 NLT 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 IF YOU STAY HOLY AND HUMBLE YOU ARE ON A HEAD-ON COLLISION FOR GREATNESS. YOU CAN'T BE HUMBLE AND SELF-CENTERED AT THE SAME TIME YOU CAN'T BE HUMBLE AND SELF-RIGHTEOUS AT THE SAME TIME YOU CAN'T BE HUMBLE AND FULL OF SELF-PITY AT THE SAME TIME
Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT To belong is to be loved and to give love. Your identity is shaped when a community brings you in and validates that you belong and when you validate for others that they belong. However, the greatest validation that brings peace, security, joy, and growth in our lives is when the community we belong to Echoes the Word of God and His design for our lives. “When we live outside of a healthy community, we not only lose others. We lose ourselves...Who we understand ourselves to be is dramatically affected for better or worse by those we hold closest to us. We only truly come to know ourselves in the context of others. The more isolated and disconnected we are, the more shattered and distorted our self-identity. We are not healthy when we are alone. We find ourselves as we connect to others.” Erwin McManus Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. Luke 6:38 NLT You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:36-37 NLT MATURITY SAYS, “I TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF MY LIFE AND FOR MY PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, MENTAL, AND SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING.” 4 THINGS THAT DESTROY RELATIONSHIPS 1. Selfishness destroys relationships 'What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don't they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can't get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it. ' James 4:1-2 NLT 'Selfishness only causes trouble. You are much better off to trust the LORD. ' Proverbs 28:25 GNB 2. Pride destroys relationships 'Pride leads to conflict… Proverbs 13:10 NLT 'Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.' Proverbs 16:18 NLT 'First pride, then the crash— the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.' Proverbs 16:18 MSG 3. Insecurity destroys relationships 'The fear of human opinion disables… Proverbs 29:25 MSG 4. Resentment destroys relationships 'Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.' Psalms 73:21-22 NLT 'Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. ' Hebrews 12:15 NLT 3 BENEFITS OF A LIFE-GIVING COMMUNITY 'How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.' Psalms 133:1-3 NLT 1. THERE IS AN ANOINTING IN OUR LIFE-GIVING RELATIONSHIPS For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Psalms 133:2 NLT The Christian needs another Christian who speaks God's word to him. He needs him again and again when he becomes uncertain and discouraged, for by himself he cannot help himself without belying the truth. He needs his brother man as a bearer and proclaimer of the Divine word of salvation. -Dietrich Bonhoeffer 2. THERE IS A HOPEFUL ANTICIPATION IN OUR LIFE-GIVING RELATIONSHIPS Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. Psalms 133:3 NLT 3. THERE IS A GLIMPSE OF HEAVEN IN OUR LIFE-GIVING RELATIONSHIPS And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting. Psalms 133:3 NLT On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.” For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord's death until he comes again. 1 Corinthians 11:24-26 NLT So let each individual first evaluate his own attitude and only then eat the bread and drink the cup. For continually eating and drinking with a wrong spirit will bring judgment upon yourself by not recognizing the body. This insensitivity is why many of you are weak, chronically ill, and some even dying. 1 Corinthians 11:28-30 TPT
God has chosen to limit the effectiveness of his church by the faithfulness of his people. The effectiveness of God's church is limited by the faithfulness of his people. It takes time for us to grow and learn how to work how he does and become effective workers alongside him but we believe one thing God wants to develop in you is a heart of generosity. An improper understanding of generosity places a lid on the efficacy of the church and it places a lid on the impact of your life.“It's not a coincidence that for every one time Jesus warns about building our lives on sex and romance, he warns ten times about money. Money has always been one of the most common saviors.”Timothy Keller - Jesus the KingYou must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”2 Corinthians 9:7-9 (NLT)To plug into our daily bible study, text "DLR" to 501-200-3122 and follow the link to sign up. For more information on how to get connected at New Life Church - Downtown Little Rock, follow us on Instagram @nlcdowntownlittlerock or visit our website at newlifechurch.tv
Message by Rev. Marisa Copeland on September 6, 2023 2 Samuel 6:12-22 (NLT) To support the ongoing ministries of Trinity, please make a gift here: https://pushpay.com/g/trinitygnv?src=hpp
Revelation 21:5-6 (NLT) - And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” 6 And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life.Isaiah 43:18-19 (NLT) - “But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. 19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.Isaiah 61:3 (NLT) - To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaksthat the Lord has planted for his own glory.
Matthew 13:12 (NLT) "To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them."
Lets share Good News together. To partner with us financially visit www.gospelchurch.co/give or text the word "FRESH" to 94000. Message Notes: 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. — Luke 2v51-52 (ESV) Luke 2 recap Pt. 1 - Jesus is born in Bethlehem (v1-7) Pt. 2 - Shepherds were found in the field (v8-20) Pt. 3 - Jesus is circumcised at 8 days (v21) Pt. 4 - Simeon & Anna encounter Jesus (v22-40) Pt. 5 - fast forward to 12-year old Jesus (v41-52) And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. — Luke 2v52 (ESV) INCREASE - advance, proceed or lengthen out by hammer (as a smith forges metal) 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. – Philippians 2v5-7 (NLT) To be God is to be infinite but in taking on humanity Jesus took on finiteness. To be God is to be eternal but in taking on humanity Jesus took on perishableness. To be God is to be spirit but in taking on humanity Jesus took on a body of flesh. To be God is to be all-present but in taking on humanity Jesus took on the limited presence of humanity. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. — Luke 2v52 (ESV) 2023 - THE YEAR OF INCREASE 2 “Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. 3 For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities. – Isaiah 54v2-3 (ESV) The year of increase: 1. Increase in our faith comes from decreasing our flesh 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. — Galatians 5v17-18 (NKJV) Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. – Proverbs 11v14 (ESV) John 3v25-28 (ESV) WITH THE BLESSING OF INCREASE COMES THE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY TO DECREASE He must increase, but I must decrease. — John 3v30 (ESV) 2. Increase in our family comes from decreasing our distractions Luke 2v43-45 (ESV) Distractions: Fellowship with darkness Worry/Anxiety Social media The need to be “right” Political mini-kingdoms After three days they found him in the temple… – Luke 2v46 (ESV)
Welcome to Daily SOAP from New Hope! Today's Reading: November 3, 2022 - Mark 7 - Read Here: https://www.bible.com/en-GB/bible/111/MRK.7.NLT To learn more about what those in the Methodist tradition call the "Wesleyan Quadrilateral" check out this video and blog post: https://www.wesleyan.org/the-wesleyan-quadrilateral Our staff and leadership employ what's called the “S.O.A.P. Method”. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. Each day, we read one or two chapters of Scripture and focus on one particular verse. We make some observations about how that verse touches us, discern how it applies to our lives, and offer a prayer related to what we have read. Donate via PayPal to support the podcasts and the Technical Arts Ministry of New Hope! https://goo.gl/o2a9oU Subscribe at: http://www.findnewhope.com/soap (813) 689-4161 keywords: devotional, bible study
Text: 1 Cor 9:19-23Summary: The timeless truth of the gospel is Gods answer to every generation. Because of the Gospel, we are all things to all men1. We surrender our rights for the good news. 1 Corinthians 9:19–23 (NLT) Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 20When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. 21When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. 22When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. 2. We live as stewards of the good news.1 Corinthians 4:1–2 (ESV)This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.Matthew 25:29 (NLT)To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.3. We are messengers proclaiming the good news. 2 Corinthians 4:5–6 (NLT)You see, we don't go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus' sake. 6For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20–21 (ESV)Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.Luke 4:18 (ESV)“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed . . . THIS IS ALL OF US!4. We completely rely on the power of the gospel Romans 1:16 (ESV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.Jonah 4:10–11 (ESV). And the Lord said, “You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. 11And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?”
Text: 1 Cor 9:19-23 Summary: The timeless truth of the gospel is Gods answer to every generation. Because of the Gospel, we are all things to all men 1. We surrender our rights for the good news. 1 Corinthians 9:19–23 (NLT) Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 20When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. 21When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. 22When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. 2. We live as stewards of the good news. 1 Corinthians 4:1–2 (ESV)This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. Matthew 25:29 (NLT)To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 3. We are messengers proclaiming the good news. 2 Corinthians 4:5–6 (NLT)You see, we don't go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus' sake. 6For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20–21 (ESV)Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Luke 4:18 (ESV)“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed . . . THIS IS ALL OF US! 4. We completely rely on the power of the gospel Romans 1:16 (ESV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Jonah 4:10–11 (ESV). And the Lord said, “You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. 11And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?”
Taming your tongue will improve your relationships and your life #3. If your mind should go blank*, don't forget to turn off the sound. Blank*is when= you go into the flesh when you just vent, become ugly, angry, abusive, negative, destroy, and hurt people with your Tongue By Pastor George Lehman Begin to speak to yourself. Ask yourself, “How am I doing with my tongue? Do I need to change?” With a look of satisfaction on her face a woman said to John Wesley: “My talent is to speak my mind.” John Wesley said: “Woman, God would not care a bit if you buried that talent.” James 1:26 (LB) - Anyone who says he is a Christian but doesn't control his sharp tongue is just fooling himself, and his religion isn't worth much. (What is your religion worth) The clever people have worked out: In 1 week the tongue speaks enough to fill a 500 page book. In a lifetime = 3 000 volumes = 1, 5 million pages. Jesus understood the problem and says in: Matthew 12:36-37 (Amp) - 36But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, non-working) word they speak. 37For by your words you will be justified and acquitted and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced. Clearly Jesus is saying we are going to be very accountable for the way we use our tongues. Proverbs 10:19 (Amp) - Where there is much talk there will be no end to sin, but he who keeps his mouth shut does wisely. No one ever got into trouble for what they never say. Let's continue to consider some more aspects of taming our tongue: #5 The slandering[laster/kwaadpraat] tongue. Slanderers make malicious, false or even true statements about others. The intention is to damage their reputation, character or good name. The truth is, given certain circumstances, anyone can be tempted to slander (run someone down). Rare is the person who can weigh the faults of others without putting their thumbs on the scales. You'll never move up if you're continually running somebody down. Proverbs 10:18 (NLT) - To hide hatred is to be a liar; to slander is to be a fool*. *Fool – someone who disregards God's word. One thing is that slanderers don't have a place in heaven: Psalm 15:1-3 (Amp) - Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman. Some people are so insecure and easily threatened, they need to run others down to make themselves look better in the eyes of others. Resorting to slander is clear evidence that this person is not secure in God's promises. Think about a time when you made slanderous remarks about someone: What was your motivation for doing it? Why did you feel the need to blacken another's character? When we attempt to slander others by running them down with our tongue, we sow evil seeds for which we will surely reap the consequences. I therefore remind you: Proverbs 13:3 (Amp) - He who guards his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. #6 The gossiping tongue. The difference between a slander & gossip. GOSSIP SLANDER DEFINITION Gossip refers to idle talk or rumor, especially about personal or private affairs of others Slander refers to the act of spreading rumors or lies about a person to cause damage purposely PURPOSE May not be to cause hard deliberately Done with intention of harming one's reputation DAMAGE Merely involves talking about someone who is not there and is not as damaging as slander Damages one's reputation and good name PUNISHMENT Not punished by law Punishable by law Proverbs 18:8 (Amp) - The words of a gossip are like ‘choice morsels'; they go down to a man's inmost parts. Do you sometimes engage in idle and malicious talk about the personal affairs of another person? Gossip is like a delectable ‘choice morsel' that we find impossible to resist. It's like a chocolate you can't say ‘no' to it when it's being offered. I'm certain every one of us has been guilty of this pastime; as a bearer or a hearer at one time or another. The downside of such behaviour is that it lowers your sense of self-worth, because when you gossip, you tend to realise you're not walking in integrity. You see, a true child of God feels best about himself when he does things that are pleasing to God. Gossip does not usually start with the intention of harming someone; whereas Slander is a deliberate attempt to harm someone's reputation. What's the solution? How do you stop gossiping? Catch yourself before you indulge. Ask yourself why you are being a bearer of such news. Do you need to be the centre of attraction? Do you feel superior to know something bad/negative about somebody that the hearer doesn't know? Why make your ears a dustbin by receiving gossip? It's been my experience that people who are serious about growing spiritually, spend time with God in prayer are less likely to waste time gossiping about the affairs of others. It is very difficult to gossip about someone you love and care about. Here's a warning: Proverbs 20:19 (NLT) - A gossip tells secrets, so don't hang around with someone who talks too much. As I said before: Nobody ever got into trouble for something they never said. If you're serious about being OBEDIENT to God and eliminating from your life… A lying tongue A hasty tongue A divisive tongue An argumentative tongue A slandering tongue and A gossiping tongue … you need to get a positive, effective action plan in place. Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you when you get out of line. Psalm 141:3 (Amp) - Set a guard O Lord over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. A great idea: Maybe get a friend who you will be accountable to. Make an effort to only speak that which is positive; that which builds up; encourages and motivates. Romans 14:12-13 (Amp) - And so each of us shall give an account of himself [give an answer in reference to judgment] to God. Then let us no more criticize and blame and pass judgment on one another, but rather decide and endeavor never to put a stumbling block or an obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother. -o0o-
June 19, 2022 | Jamie Grinwis | Downtown Christian Church (DCC) Jamie kicks off a two-part message called, "All Praise." The intent of this message is to put a focus on a praise-postured lifestyle. "Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!" Psalm 150:6 NLT —— To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://secure.subsplash.com/ui/access/JXR4NG/#/ Empowering a movement of passionate Jesus-followers... This is the vision of Downtown Christian Church (DCC) based in Grand Rapids, MI —— Stay Connected - Prayer: Prayer@dccgr.org Website: www.achurchinthecity.org DCC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DowntownChristianChurch DCC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dccgr/ DCC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/downtownchristianchurch Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3fzURfq Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3A7VmGQ
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. (Selah) Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. (Selah) Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. (Selah) Psalm 32:1-7 (NLT) To many Christians, the message of the Old Testament is that sin equals judgement and the wrath of God. And the New Testament then equals grace and forgiveness of sins. How do you view the God of the Old Testament? He is the same God who gave up His only Son, Jesus, so that we could be fully redeemed and forgiven. Yet, we as Christians often live as though this were not true. We ruminate on the things we've done wrong, quarrel with others because we know better than them. Some days, weeks, and even seasons, whether we always realize it or not, we seem to marinate in our own sinfulness. The psalmist did this too. He talks about how his body wasted away, his strength was sapped, and God's hand was heavy on him when he held his sin too closely to his heart and refused to confess it. That's because we are not meant to do this life alone. The Lord is a secret hiding place for us. Not a place to wile away from the world and to avoid and put off and ignore the sin within us. No, God is the place where we can bring everything within us, knowing that He is our Shelter, our Protection, our Covering, and He holds the wisdom that we need for this life. As we come to God more and more with all the sinful, broken and hurting places within us, the Lord will surround us with songs of deliverance. Not only our own deliverance, but that of believers around us that have also been set free through the forgiveness, grace, and compassion of God. God will never move in one life without impacting lives all around. Just like the expanding riffles, after dropping a stone into the water. That means that there is a role for the Christian community here as well. The forgiven psalmist ends this poem by calling the community to rejoice. For one sinner has found forgiveness! This is a counter-cultural notion in a culture that celebrates not forgiveness, but rather Schadenfreude. That is, enjoying the punishment of others. When someone is forgiven, we often label them as “having gotten away” with something. But this psalm reminds us that we have a role to play when someone is forgiven. We are to take joy in the new life of the one who was pardoned, and, in this way, we welcome back a fellow believer who had been lost. Don't be like the horse or mule of verse 9 which must be controlled by bit and bridle. When we bring ourselves willingly before God, He instructs us and teaches us and slowly transforms and molds us more and more into His own image-bearers. And what greater joy in the world is there than that?! In three locations in Psalm 32 there is the word “Selah.” It means to pause or reflect on what has just come before it. Selah positions us to hear God's voice and to be in His presence. It is found after verses 4, 5, and 7. Often in times of pausing, God gives us a revelation that transforms something inside of us, bringing us closer to Him. I encourage you today, to read back through Psalm 32 and to pause after these verses and to reflect on their meaning for you in your own life and the life of your Christian community.
June 12, 2022 | Jamie Grinwis | Downtown Christian Church (DCC) This Sunday, Jamie kicks off a two part message called, "All Praise." The intent of this message is to put a focus on a praise postured life style. Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord! - Psalm 150:6 NLT —— To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://secure.subsplash.com/ui/access/JXR4NG/#/ Empowering a movement of passionate Jesus-followers... This is the vision of Downtown Christian Church (DCC) based in Grand Rapids, MI —— Stay Connected - Prayer: Prayer@dccgr.org Website: www.achurchinthecity.org DCC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DowntownChristianChurch DCC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dccgr/ DCC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/downtownchristianchurch Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3fzURfq Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3A7VmGQ
Here's the thing, seeing what God is saying is the only way we embrace our new lives, our spiritual lives. Revelation (spiritual seeing) is what empowers us to rise above the fears, failures, disappointments, circumstances, excuses, and become the person God created us to be. To experience some of His supernatural.Or like the apostle Paul says, “we walk in the spirit instead of the flesh.” But unfortunately, to often we miss the supernatural because we're looking for the spectacular. And I realize the religious world, the unbelieving world, not to mention, we have a real enemy that constantly try pulling us from God's world. So we constantly have talks like this because at the end of the day, everything about God and His Kingdom come down to this one truth; we have to believe what the book says. It's the only way into His world. Remember Paul's instructions from 2 Corinthians, We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. Being able to see the unseen reshapes our thinking, which ultimately shapes our living. We've got to see things from His perspective. John 1:12-13,NLT- To all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. I can tell you from my own battles, embracing the reality that I'm a son of God, created like Him, called to follow His lead is something my humanity is constantly unwilling to accept. None the less, if any of His word is truth, all of it has to be truth. You talk about seeing what He's saying, leave here today with this reality settled in your thinking, I'M CREATED LIKE HIM 1 Corinthians 15:48-49,NKJV- As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly.And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. When Jesus told us to repent for the Kingdom of heaven has come, He's telling us to change; change our thinking, believing, our doing. That means taking enough time with Jesus and His word that it begins shaping our expectation for God to do certain things in our lives. And a major key in this reality is seeing ourselves like Him, as eternal people. It's important we keep this reality out in front of us. Think about this, Peter tells us a day with the Lord is like one thousand years. From that perspective, a year is only a couple minutes.And that's how Paul can tells us not to be moved by the things we see. He understood, the more we focus on the unseen the more spiritual transformation we're going to experience. But here's the deal, you ever read something God said, but file it away as one of those un-understandable's? Because you don't see what He's saying. Revelation (spiritual seeing) according to Isaiah 28, comes to every believer, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little. And I know we get consumed with this life, the cares of this world, the desire for other things, not to mention the enemy doing everything possible to keep us distracted. So when we find ourselves distracted, maybe rebellious, failing more times than we care to admit. We have to know that El-Roi The God who sees, sees our end from our beginning is still here, never leaving us or forsaking us. Remember Paul's revelation, “It's only by the grace of God that I am what I am.” Romans 7:18-25,NLT- And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can't.19, I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.20, But if I do what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.21, I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.22, I love God's law with all my heart.23, But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.24, Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?25, Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. And this is why sometimes a simple talk like this is all we need to redirect our thinking. Our focus. To be open to a fresh approach to a little Holy Spirit inspired living. To understand, just like Paul that it's only by the grace of God that any of us, on any given day can stand in His presence. Sometimes right in the middle of us giving into the same trap that gets us every time. You know the one… you start seeing what He's saying!! Philippians 1:6,AMP- I am convinced of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ, right up to the time of His return, developing that good work and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you. Since Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God, one of the first thing He addressed society about was that we would have to change our thinking and our actions. Colossians 1:15-16,NLT- Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth.He made the things we can see and the things we can't see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the UNSEEN WORLD. Everything was created through Him and for Him. Make no mistake, God absolutely expects us to embrace the fact that in our new lives in Christ, we've been made like Him, to function like Him.But here's the kicker, because of free will, when it comes to the unseen, His divine secrets, His Kingdom, God has reserved it's truths for those who seek Him. Hebrews says, God rewards those who sincerely seek him. Jesus himself said, "if you seek me you will find me." We have to remember, one of the first things Jesus told His followers was that they had to change the way they think and what they do. And not out of some religious obligation, but out of a revelation of their new life in Him. Staying open to reality that the Kingdom of God is in every born-again believer will change our approach completely concerning His church. Lets make sure we keep this out in front if us, the church is people, discovering, believing, embracing the reality that we belong to a different world, called to this one, for our windows of opportunity. And one of the greatest revelations every believer needs to be aware of is the fact that whenever, wherever we show up, Gods kingdom shows up. The company you work for is exposed to the kingdom of Heaven every day you show up. And every believer willing to embrace the grace God has given you will be the ones He uses to demonstrate His kingdom through. Those willing seek and follow Him are the ones He's leading right where He needs them. Something religion will never see is the reality that Jesus is the only one that makes us worthy of our new, God created kingdom. And this is why He tells us to resist the devil. Here's something every believer needs to stay aware of as we take steps of faith to follow Jesus, one of the enemy's most crippling powers is condemnation. But according to Romans 8, there is none for those of us who re in Christ, who walk according to the Sprit. This is why we have to be able to see what He's saying. His word has the power to bypass intelligence and speak directly to the heart of a human. This why Jesus told us in Matthew, "SEEK FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness." Here's the thing, His kingdom is a spiritual kingdom. It exists in the spirit. So if you're going to seek it first, that's where you're going to have to do your seeking. Think about this for a second, when Jesus told us that all our provisions would be taken care as long as we seek God's kingdom first; If I'm understanding Jesus correctly, all our provisions will come out of our new kingdom. I honestly don't thing we give our new lives in Christ, especially kingdom living the consideration it demands, Primarily because of religious, church traditions. And I'm convinced this is why Jesus told society that we must change how we think and what we do. And I get it, all this spiritual stuff is different, weird, doesn't make sense, but God's ways, His word, is not of this world. So it's going to be different. So until we leave this world, God still needs believers willing to demonstrate His kingdom to this world Jesus died for. This is why we can never underestimate the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom. It literally is the power of God unto salvation. That's why He told His closest followers; "the ability to understand the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven have been given to you." Then He simply said, the kingdom of Heaven is like a seed a man sowed.You see what I'm saying
In this New Years message, Pastor Zach Maddox shares important principles in prayer. Our prayer is that this message encourages you to spend time with God in prayer. Notes: Theme: How do we pray? Life Change Goal: Our prayer is that this message encourages you to spend time with God in prayer. Text: Matthew 18:1-4 (ESV) To pray, we must become like a child. Matthew 11:28 (NLT) John 1:46-7 (NLT) To pray, we must learn to talk with our heavenly Father. To pray, we must spend time with our heavenly Father. Luke 5:16 (ESV) John 5:19 (NLT) John 8:28 (NLT) Conclusion: To pray, we must become like little children who spend time with and talk with our heavenly Father. In response to this message I will… I will share part of this message with... Discussion Questions: Start Talking. Find a conversation starter for your group. What did you do for New Year's Eve? Start Thinking. Ask a question to get your group thinking. What are some New Year's resolutions you have made? Start Sharing. Choose a couple of questions to create openness. What are some hurdles you have faced when trying to pray? When and where do you have a concentrated time for prayer? What can we pray with you about this week?
When we were children it was easier to believe and imagine that the improbable and impossible could happen. Then life happened. And for many of us: “then this year happened.”A primary theme of scripture is a demonstration of God's commitment to redeem, restore, and renew the things in our lives that have been hurt, damaged, and broken. The promise of a new day awaits. I've accepted Jesus • https://willamette.cc/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next! Get Baptized • https://willamette.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step! Find Community • https://willamette.cc/community • Growth happens best in community. Community Life starts this week! I'm New • https://willamette.cc/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow! Sermon Notes - September 19th, 2021It's A New Day - Brian Becker Psalm 126 (MSG)It seemed like a dream, too good to be true when God returned Zion's exiles. We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune. Psalm 126 (MSG)We were the talk of the nations—“God was wonderful to them!” God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people. Psalm 126 (MSG) And now, God, do it again—bring rains to our drought-stricken livesSo those who planted their crops in despair will shout “Yes!” at the harvest, So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing. It's time to…Part 1: Believe AgainPart 2: Laugh AgainPart 3: Sing AgainPart 4: Pray AgainPart 5: Dream Again Psalm 126:1-2 (MSG)It seemed like a dream, too good to be true when God returned Zion's exiles. We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune. Lamentations 1:1-2 (NLT)Jerusalem, once so full of people, is now deserted. She who was once great among the nations now sits alone like a widow. Once the queen of all the earth, she is now a slave. She sobs through the night; tears stream down her cheeks. Among all her lovers, there is no one left to comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her and become her enemies. Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NLT)In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. Returning from “exile” isn't about God returning to people, but about people returning to God.Jeremiah 29:14 (NLT)I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” I will listen…I will be found…I will end your captivity…I will restore your fortunes…I will gather you out of the nations…I will bring you home again… “I can't.”---“You can.” “I was wrong.”---“You are right.” “I am broken.”---“You are whole.” “I am a sinner.”---“You are the Savior.” If we half-heartedly follow, we will whole-heartedly fail. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT)The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Isaiah 61:1 (NLT)The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed…. Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. Isaiah 61:4 (NLT)They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago. They will revive them, though they have been deserted for many generations. Jesus died the death that we were already dying so that he could give us the life we could never live on our own!
( Ephesians 6:15) Imagine going to work, school, dinner, outing or wherever you want to go, all beautifully dressed up but without shoes... Can you imagine it? Piece of the armour that God made available for us is “feet shod with readiness to preach the Gospel of peace. We must be ready - alert to preach the Word in and out of season. I had an opportunity to explain the Word of God to one of my learners recently when he abruptly asked me “Ms, is pornography a sin?” I had an option to be mute and continue my my teaching however, I told him it is a sin and gave more explanation with couple of scriptural verses of how watching porns could corrupts the mind and God's child wants to keep himself pure. Our feet should be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. I love the way NLT describes it- “For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.” Ephesians 6:15 NLT To be fully prepared means to be ready... “and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace.” Ephesians 6:15 GNT Easy translation “Be prepared to tell people the good news about peace with God. That will be like shoes on your feet.” Remember -“...take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” Ephesians 6:13-18 KJV --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/abimbola-arawande/message
Ghost StoriesWeek 3 – GuideIn church, we speak about God and Jesus all the time, but we tend to avoid the subject of the Holy Spirit. By evading the topic, we miss out on an amazing gift God has given to us as Christians. The Holy Spirit acts as our teacher, advocate, and guide.The Holy Spirit is given to us as Christians as a gift, and He acts as our guide.John 16:13 (NLT) The Holy Spirit will guide us.God's will is a relationship with Him, and His Spirit helps us to know that will. Romans 8:14 (NLT)There are a few essentials the Holy Spirit offers us to know God's will for our lives.1. To know God's will, we need God's Presence.Ephesians 5:18 (NLT)Acts 2:4 (NLT)Acts 4:31 (NLT)To be guided by the Spirit, we need His constant Presence in our lives.Prayer: “God, fill me.”2. To know God's will, we need God's Purpose.Ministry is using whatever God has given us to serve Him and the needs of others.Ephesians 4:12 (NLT)1 Corinthians 12:7,11 (NLT) Prayer: “God, show me.”3. To know God's will, we need God's Plan.Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)John 16:13 (NLT)God shows His plan in four ways:a. When the request is not right, God says, “No”.Acts 16:6-8 (NLT)b. When the timing is not right, God says, “Slow”.c. When the request and timing are right, but you're not right, God says, “Grow”.d. When the request is right and the timing's right and you're right, then God says, “Go”.Acts 19:21 (NLT)Prayer: “God, use me.”4. To know God's will, we need God's Power.Acts 1:8 (NLT)Prayer: “God, empower me.”
In the classic Aussie movie, The Castle, whenever Darryl Kerrigan receives a valued gift, he declares: “This is going straight to the pool room!” Along with trophies and photos of special moments, he was setting that item apart from everyday use. I remember as a child, we had a glass display cabinet with my mum's china cups, saucers and side plates. We were not allowed to use them. When mum had a dear friend or close relative visiting, she would get out the china tea set. We kids never drank or ate from them. They were set apart for a special purpose – and brought out to honour special guests. I wonder what precious items have you've set apart as special? It might be something sentimental, perhaps an heirloom. Or it might be the prized item in a collection. Or it could be something you've made or restored. Paul writes: “God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes” (Eph 1:4 NLT) To be “made holy” is to be set apart from what is common and unclean, from the sin and evil that defiles us. To be “made holy” by God is to become his precious possession. Because of what Jesus has done for us, God has set you and me apart for a special purpose. Our calling is to live out our new identity in “holy living”. This does not mean isolating in a “glass display cabinet”, church building, or holy huddle. Instead, we pray and look for ways to bring the presence of Jesus into every encounter. That way, others can come to know Jesus – and also share in God's blessings. Sure there are things we cannot participate in as followers of Jesus. But that doesn't mean we stop connecting with people and looking for ways to listen, encourage, help or bless them. This Sunday we are going to unpack God's bagful of blessings that are ours “in Christ”. If your relationship with God needs a “shot in the arm”, come along and be reminded of who you are in Christ, whose you are in Christ, the purpose God has for you in Christ, and the destiny that is yours in Christ. Joy in Jesus! Pr Rolly Stahl
In the classic Aussie movie, The Castle, whenever Darryl Kerrigan receives a valued gift, he declares: “This is going straight to the pool room!” Along with trophies and photos of special moments, he was setting that item apart from everyday use. I remember as a child, we had a glass display cabinet with my mum's china cups, saucers and side plates. We were not allowed to use them. When mum had a dear friend or close relative visiting, she would get out the china tea set. We kids never drank or ate from them. They were set apart for a special purpose – and brought out to honour special guests. I wonder what precious items have you've set apart as special? It might be something sentimental, perhaps an heirloom. Or it might be the prized item in a collection. Or it could be something you've made or restored. Paul writes: “God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes” (Eph 1:4 NLT) To be “made holy” is to be set apart from what is common and unclean, from the sin and evil that defiles us. To be “made holy” by God is to become his precious possession. Because of what Jesus has done for us, God has set you and me apart for a special purpose. Our calling is to live out our new identity in “holy living”. This does not mean isolating in a “glass display cabinet”, church building, or holy huddle. Instead, we pray and look for ways to bring the presence of Jesus into every encounter. That way, others can come to know Jesus – and also share in God's blessings. Sure there are things we cannot participate in as followers of Jesus. But that doesn't mean we stop connecting with people and looking for ways to listen, encourage, help or bless them. This Sunday we are going to unpack God's bagful of blessings that are ours “in Christ”. If your relationship with God needs a “shot in the arm”, come along and be reminded of who you are in Christ, whose you are in Christ, the purpose God has for you in Christ, and the destiny that is yours in Christ. Joy in Jesus! Pr Rolly Stahl
Living a Life of Integrity in an Ungodly Culture “The blessing of our integrity will outlive us and guide others in the right path long after we are dancing on streets of gold. The impact and influence are eternal.” - Dr. Russ Frase, Fight for integrity Daniel 6:1-3 (ESV)“It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom; and over them three high officials, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss. Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.” Living a Life of Integrity in an Ungodly Culture 1. Integrity positions you for an increase of influence. “Because an excellent spirit was in him.” 2 Samuel 22:26 (NLT)“To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity.” 2. Integrity positions you to be attacked by an ungodly culture. Daniel 6:4a (NIV)“At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs.” John 15:18-20 (NIV)“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” Daniel 6:4b (NIV)“They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.” 3. Integrity can cause evil men and women to try to entrap you. Daniel 6:5-9 (NIV)“Finally these men said, ‘We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.' So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: ‘May King Darius live forever! The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions' den. Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.' So King Darius put the decree in writing.” Matthew 5:11 (NIV)“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” 4. A life of integrity remains faithful to God no matter what. Daniel 6:10-12 (NIV)“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: ‘Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions' den?'” 1 Peter 2:11-12 (NIV)“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” Steps to help you live a life of integrity: 1. Be brutally honest about your current status of integrity. 2. Take full responsibility for the areas you lack integrity. 3. Remember, integrity is impossible without a life anchored to God and His Word. Psalm 119:105 (NIV)“Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
READ: Isaiah 40:25-26 NLT “To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. “Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing.” I have never studied astronomy but I find the scale of the universe totally mind boggling. Light travels at 186,282 miles per second. That’s fast! But to go on any significant journey into space we will need to travel at that speed. So let’s get going. In one minute we will have travelled over 11 million miles and by the end of the day we will have covered 16,000 million miles. You would probably be ready for a cup of tea by that point but we must keep going. After a year we will have travelled nearly 6 million, million miles. That’s good going but we mustn’t take a break because we have more than three more years to go before we reach the nearest stars. No doubt we would feel a great sense of achievement to have got that far, but don’t get too cocky because we would need to keep going for another 20,000 years at the same speed to reach the edge of our galaxy. But even when we get there we need to realize that the journey has only just begun because there are more than 2 million, million other galaxies. Wow! I love the fact that we talk of the God of the Universe as being our friend and I believe he wants us to do so. But when we gaze at the universe we need to be clear that we are talking about a very special friend and one who we can only approach with total humility, worship and adoration. As we worship God let’s lift our eyes. Let’s look to the sun, the moon and the stars and gasp in absolute amazement that this great God is willing to enter into a relationship with you and me. QUESTION: When you think of the vastness of the universe what is your response? PRAYER: Loving God we praise you for your amazing creation. Forgive us that we so easily take it for granted and please help us to use it increasingly as the springboard for our worship. Amen.
Find our message notes, lyric sheets, Bible study and giving options at https://www.newlifecc.com/ Text "Update" to 30500 for more information. For prayer requests, praise, and new commitments: Text "Prayers" to 30500. Looking for ways to give or get help? Visit https://loveourneighbors.org/ Message Notes: Pray Like This Supreme in Everything “For yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Matthew 6:13b (NLT) 1. The Lord's Prayer ASSURES me that God hears my prayer. I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! Psalm 116:1-2 (NLT) I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! Isaiah 65:24 (NLT) And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. 1John 5:14-15 (NLT) 2. The Lord's Prayer HUMBLES me to a place of surrender. But I called on your name, Lord, from deep within the pit. You heard me when I cried, “Listen to my pleading! Hear my cry for help!” Yes, you came when I called; you told me, “Do not fear.” Lamentations 3:55-57 (NLT) To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure…You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. Psalms 18:25-32 (NIV) 3. The Lord's Prayer brings PEACE to my SOUL. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) Our Father, who art in Heaven Holy is Your name Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation… but deliver us from evil. For yours is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory forever… AMEN Now, may Christ dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17 (ESV) ----- Connect with us! → https://linktr.ee/newlifecc Thank you so much for joining us online today! We hope you have a great week!
Today's reading is based on Job 33:4 (NKJV), "The breath of the Almighty gives me life." Additional Scripture: Psalms 61:3-4 (NLT) To order a printed copy of this devotional, go to www.wordforyoutoday.com. Facebook Groups: Relentless Devotion, Relentless Living Website: www.relentlesslivingnow.com
Today's reading is based on Psalm 126:2 (NLT), "We were filled with laughter, and sang for joy." Additional scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 (NLT), John 15:11, Psalm 126:1-3 (NLT) To order a printed copy of this devotional, go to www.wordforyoutoday.com. Facebook Groups: Relentless Devotion, Relentless Living Website: www.relentlesslivingnow.com
Today's reading is based on Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV), "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Additional scripture: Philippians 1:3-5 (NLT) To order a printed copy of this devotional, go to www.wordforyoutoday.com. Facebook Groups: Relentless Devotion, Relentless Living Website: www.relentlesslivingnow.com
Today's reading is based on Psalm 8:6 (NIV), "You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet." Additional scripture: Genesis 1:26, 28 (NKJV), Psalm 139:17-18 (NLT) To order a printed copy of this devotional, go to www.wordforyoutoday.com. Facebook Groups: Relentless Devotion, Relentless Living Website: www.relentlesslivingnow.com
Today's reading is based on Proverbs 1:10, "If sinners entice you, do not consent" Join me for today's reading. Additional scripture references: Psalms 1:1 (NKJV), 119:63 (NLT) To order a printed copy of this devotional, go to www.wordforyoutoday.com. Facebook Groups: Relentless Devotion, RheaRelentless
Today's reading is based on Genesis 25:28, "Isaac loved Esau . . . but Rebekah loved Jacob." Join me for today's reading. Additional scripture references: Genesis 37:3 and 1 Timothy 5:21 (NLT) To order a printed copy of this devotional, go to www.wordforyoutoday.com. Facebook Groups: Relentless Devotion, RheaRelentless
Today's reading is based on 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV), "Everything we need." Join me for today's reading. Additional scripture references: Matthew 5:41, Habakkuk 2:3(NIV), Philippians 3:17 (NLT) To order a printed copy of this devotional, go to www.wordforyoutoday.com. Facebook Groups: Relentless Devotion, RheaRelentless
There is a scripture that the Holy Spirit often quickens to me when I am unsure what to do about a situation. I have some thoughts about the action I want I take - but often those actions are rooted in my own hurt and strong desire to see change. They are not necessarily the actions God wants me to take. That scripture is ... And he answered and said to me, “This is the word of Yahweh to Zerubbabel, saying, ‘Not by strength and not by power, but only by my Spirit,’ says Yahweh of hosts. Zechariah 4:6 LEB A recent example. Without getting too specific this week I was concerned about a situation and what it would mean for 2020. I didn't want a repeat of what had happened in 2019. I had a plan of action, but I wasn't entirely comfortable with it. Notice all the I's in those few sentences! That feeling of uncomfortableness made me stop and take a moment to speak with God, "God, please help me, I'm not sure if I should do this." And then this scripture came to mind, thank you Holy Spirit. So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. Zechariah 4:6 NIV "Not by might Nor by power But by my Spirit," says the Lord Almighty My next words to God were something like this, "Okay God, by your Spirit. I will do nothing. I'm going to trust that if You want this conversation to happen, then you will orchestrate it." And within an hour I found myself with an opportunity to speak to the exact person, able to say what I wanted to say, knowing that I was being heard, and that 2020 would have a different outcome to 2019. Thank you Jesus. This was not the first time that God has used this Scripture to remind me that His ways are different to mine, and always much better! But it's more than a reminder, every time it has been a call to action. Actually it has been a series of actions that involve me: surrendering my plans examining my heart regarding my motives for wanting to take that action, repenting when necessary waiting on the Lord to see what He was going to do being ready for what God would ask me to do In every instance of this happening God has worked in His mysterious ways, resolved the situation and brought about the change - all glory to Him. Perhaps I need to add this scripture to my daily prayer ... "Thank you for this day Jesus. Thank you for loving me. Help me today to remember that it is not by might, not by power, but by Your Spirit, that all things will work together for good. ....." In our world today we are surrounded by the narrative, "You can do it. You can make it happen. You are in control of your destiny." I disagree with these statements, from the perspective that they are all relying on us - you and me to make it happen. We are imperfect. We don't have all the answers. We don't know what is going to happen in the future. We don't know all the intricacies of people's emotions and motives. But God does. And when we surrender our life to Jesus, and change the narrative and acknowledge that He is the one that empowers us to do it; He is the one who makes it happen; and that Jesus is the one who offers us an eternal destiny, only then we will live a fulfilling life here on earth. A life where we are not forcing change, we are not living by our inadequate efforts alone, but instead day by day we are becoming more dependent on our Heavenly Father and His ways. We are growing the fruits of the Spirit and becoming the blessing to others that He has called us to be. Only by His Spirit. Then he said to me, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Zechariah 4:6 NLT To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au
1CHRONICLES 8:Hang on! We’re almost through with the names chapters! PROVERBS 17a:I must say that it is hard to choose just one verse to highlight in today’s reading: Pro. 17:9 NLT Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,but dwelling on it separates close friends. Re-reading EPHESIANS 6:I like the way our translation of the spiritual armor portion of this chapter helps the reader understand how the various parts of the armor are actually applied or ‘picked up’ and ‘worn’. So in the podcast for today I read verses 10-17 in an English translation of our plain Indonesian translation. PET: 10 As final instructions, you should each become strong because you keep on hoping completely in the Lord's amazing power, and also because you have become one with Him. 11 Just like a soldier wears his equipment for war, you must wear all the battle equipment that God gives us. In that way you can reject the devil's lies. 12 For we aren't fighting against people on this earth. But we fight against evil spirits and all the powers who rule those evil spirits. They're the ones who now control this dark world from the sky above. 13 That's why you need to use all the tools of war given by God, so that when the enemy comes to attack you, you won't run, but can oppose him and keep enduring until the war is over. 14 So stand firm. Hold on to the true teaching from God, because true teaching is like a belt that makes you ready to act. Live a righteous life, because a righteous life is like a metal vest that will protect you from the enemy's attacks. 15 And keep holding on to the Good News about Christ. That news helps you to feel calm in the protection of God. Continually hold on to that news, just like a soldier always wears strong boots, so that you stand firm in war. 16 Besides that, keep believing in the Lord. For your [fully believing/faith] is like a shield that protects you from all of the flaming arrows that the devil shoots at us. 17 Keep on being certain that God has saved you, because that is like your war helmet. And hold onto all of God's words like holding a sword, because His words have the power of the Holy Spirit. GNT Translation notes:Eph. 6:1 Children, it is your [duty as the Lord’s followers//Christian duty] to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. [The command,]4 Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them [bitter//angry]. Instead, raise them with [the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord//Christian discipline and instruction].16 At all times carry [belief in Christ//faith] as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One.23 [Dear brothers and sisters, my prayer is that//May] God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give [you peace, love and full belief//to all Christians peace and love with faith]. NLT Translation notes:Eph. 6:10 A[s my] final word: [PET: each one of you, be strong because you keep on hoping completely in the Lord's amazing power, and also because you are joined as one with Him.//NLT Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.]21-22 [PET: Our beloved brother, Tychicus, has brought this letter to you. He serves the Lord very faithfully as our brother who is joined as one with the Lord. I also sent him so that he could give you news about my situation and ministry, so that you can know about our situation and so that he can strengthen your hearts.//NLT To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.]
1CHRONICLES 7:Yesterday we heard about Levite and priestly genealogies and their allotment of towns. The pace quickens as today we hear of six tribes. PROVERBS 16b:Today’s highlighted verse is this: 18 Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall. EPHESIANS 6:This is another chapter break that interrupts the flow. Yesterday we started a new topic with the words “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” We have heard about the husband-wife relationship under this, and now we hear of two more relationship pairs. GNT Translation notes:Eph. 6:1 Children, it is your [duty as the Lord’s followers//Christian duty] to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. [The command,]4 Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them [bitter//angry]. Instead, raise them with [the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord//Christian discipline and instruction]. 16 At all times carry [belief in Christ//faith] as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One.23 [Dear brothers and sisters, my prayer is that//May] God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give [you peace, love and full belief//to all Christians peace and love with faith]. NLT Translation notes:1Chr. 7:21 Zabad, Shuthelah, Ezer, and Elead. These [last] two were killed trying to steal livestock from the local farmers near Gath. ====Eph. 6:10 A[s my] final word: [PET: each one of you, be strong because you keep on hoping completely in the Lord's amazing power, and also because you are joined as one with Him.//NLT Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.] 21-22 [PET: Our beloved brother, Tychicus, has brought this letter to you. He serves the Lord very faithfully as our brother who is joined as one with the Lord. I also sent him so that he could give you news about my situation and ministry, so that you can know about our situation and so that he can strengthen your hearts.//NLT To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. 22I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.]
If your faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life's difficulties, you will continue to experience the untold blessings of God! True happiness comes as you pass the test with faith, and receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover of God! James 1:12 TPT There is a lot to consider in that scripture, but the question that keeps coming into my head this morning is "Am I a lover of God?" I know without a doubt that I am a lover of chocolate, especially smooth dark chocolate! I know what dark chocolate looks like and tastes like. And I know exactly where to find it in the supermarket aisle. But what about God? What does He look like? What is it like to taste his love? Where do you find him when you need him? What does God look like? I don't know. But I know what His love looks like ... the peace that comes in a situation that seems utterly hopeless; the thing that just happens and there is no other explanation other than God did it; the word of encouragement that comes when no-one else knew what was going on in your life - except God; and of course the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, opening the door for us to spend eternity with God. What is it like to taste God's love? For me it is like that ice cool refreshing drink you have on a sweltering day, that helps to bring relief from the heat. His love brings me to back to the place of knowing that no matter what is going on, healing and restoration is possible. Other times his love is like that smooth hot chocolate drink that brings comfort, when even a hot chocolate drink can't. It is a comfort that is more than momentary. It is deep and stays with us. Always His love is sweet, bringing a smile to my lips and often tears to my ears as I think on Who He is, the creator of the universe who sent His son Jesus to earth to show His unconditional love for me and you. A love that is far sweeter and smoother than chocolate. Drink deeply of the pleasures of this God. Experience for yourself the joyous mercies he gives to all who turn to hide themselves in him. Psalm 34:8 TPT Where do you find Him? God is here, with us, Emmanuel. “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23 NKJV God is everywhere. “Am I a God near at hand,” says the Lord, “And not a God afar off? Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?” says the Lord; “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the Lord. Jeremiah 23:23-24 NKJV God has gone before us. And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV If we look for God with all our heart, we will find him. He will answer our call. The bible tells us that in Jeremiah 29. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12-13 NKJV And because of what Jesus did, when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, God is directly accessible to each of us today .... And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:19-22 NKJV Just mentioning chocolate again ..... even though it is delicious and so accessible in our world, it doesn't offer the salvation and new life that Jesus does. So back to the original question that I was pondering, 'Am I a lover of God?' Knowing what Jesus has done for me, knowing the things I think, do and say each day that would not be pleasing to God and knowing that His forgiveness is readily available, knowing that Jesus is interceding for me, knowing that He won't leave me or forsake me, then the answer has to be yes. Could I be a better lover of God? The answer again is yes, and that comes through the daily walk with Christ, living more of His way and less of my way. Thank you Jesus for your grace. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 NLT To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au
Do you ever feel like you just don’t want to do Christmas? It’s alright. It happens from time to time. I created a video a few years ago on my own bah-humbugness. We all have these different factors at play during the holidays. But if we are honest with ourselves, that doesn’t come close to grinch levels. I don’t think any of us have ever plotted to wipe Christmas from the face of the earth. We can joke, make fun of each other…but when the Christmas Cookie crumbles, we all have a little bit of fun. Not Herod. He makes the grinch look like Clark Griswold. Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men[a] from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking,2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose,[b] and we have come to worship him.” 3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. 4 He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: 6 ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities[c] of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’[d]” 7 Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. 8 Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” 9 After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. The Escape to Egypt 13 After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 14 That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, 15 and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.”[e] 16 Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance.17 Herod’s brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: 18 “A cry was heard in Ramah— weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead.”[f] The Return to Nazareth 19 When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt.20 “Get up!” the angel said. “Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead.” 21 So Joseph got up and returned to the land of Israel with Jesus and his mother.22 But when he learned that the new ruler of Judea was Herod’s son Archelaus, he was afraid to go there. Then, after being warned in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee. 23 So the family went and lived in a town called Nazareth. This fulfilled what the prophets had said: “He will be called a Nazarene.” Matthew 2 (NLT) To say Herod was a little…., let’s just be nice and say extra. He had it out from Jesus from the very beginning. And in this story we learn about our own motivations and the way we have our own ideas of things. So let’s talk about not being a grinch, not wanting to bring others down, and not letting our eyes miss what God is doing around us this season.
(Luke 21:34 NIV) “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. √ The FIGHT trap. (Proverbs 28:4 NLT) To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them. […]
Forgiveness = to cease to feel resentment against an offender or to grant relief from payment of (RELIEF for you) Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 (NLT) Surround yourself with Yes people Completely isolate yourself and don't let anyone in An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars. Proverbs 18:19 (NLT) To ignore it/and or indulge in something to numb the pain “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I Am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) Acknowledge that you need to forgive The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalms 23:1-6 (NIV) Accept forgiveness For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. Romans 3:23-25 (NLT)
1CHRONICLES 7:Yesterday we heard about Levite and priestly genealogies and their allotment of towns. The pace quickens as today we hear of six tribes. PROVERBS 16b:Today’s highlighted verse is this: 18 Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall. EPHESIANS 6:This is another chapter break that interrupts the flow. Yesterday we started a new topic with the words “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” We have heard about the husband-wife relationship under this, and now we hear of two more relationship pairs. GNT Translation notes:Eph. 6:1 Children, it is your [duty as the Lord’s followers//Christian duty] to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. [The command,]4 Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them [bitter//angry]. Instead, raise them with [the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord//Christian discipline and instruction]. 16 At all times carry [belief in Christ//faith] as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One.23 [Dear brothers and sisters, my prayer is that//May] God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give [you peace, love and full belief//to all Christians peace and love with faith]. NLT Translation notes:1Chr. 7:21 Zabad, Shuthelah, Ezer, and Elead. These [last] two were killed trying to steal livestock from the local farmers near Gath. ====Eph. 6:10 A[s my] final word: [PET: each one of you, be strong because you keep on hoping completely in the Lord's amazing power, and also because you are joined as one with Him.//NLT Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.] 21-22 [PET: Our beloved brother, Tychicus, has brought this letter to you. He serves the Lord very faithfully as our brother who is joined as one with the Lord. I also sent him so that he could give you news about my situation and ministry, so that you can know about our situation and so that he can strengthen your hearts.//NLT To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. 22I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.]
Speaker: Mark Shook Title: Led By God “The Lord is MY Shepherd, I have everything I need. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the right paths for his name’s sake” Psalm 23:1-3 “Only those people who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s children.” Romans 8:14 CEV 5 STOPS: I MUST STOP BEING LED . . . 1. _________________________ 2. _________________________ Example from Paul: Acts 27:10,13-15 3. _________________________ “You may feel you’re on the right road and still end up dead.” Proverbs 14:12 CEV “We’ve all strayed away like sheep! We have left God’s paths to follow our own.” Isaiah 53:6 LB 5 STEPS TO GETTING GUIDANCE 1. I must __________________ be led! “My God, I want to do what you want. Your teachings are in my heart.” Psalm 40:8 NCV 2. I must be willing to __________________ God says. “Do what God wants and chooses it will know if what I teach comes from God.” John 7:17 TEV 3. I must look to __________________. “Your Word is a lamp to guide me, and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 “Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by any evil.” Psalm 119:133 NLT God’s _____________ is found in God’s _________________. God’s will _______________ God’s Word! “God guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” Psalm 25:9 NIV “Your road led by a pathway through the sea — a pathway no one knew was there!” Psalm 77:19 NLT To view previous messages visit cof.tv/resources
Whether you are a parent or not, you have the ability to positively impact future generations by speaking and praying the Word of God over children, daily. "Parenting: God's Design" by Pastor Bryan and Leah Carle was recorded on Sunday, July 15, 2018, during service at The Anchor Church in Rockport, Maine. Scriptures used in this sermon include: Matthew 7:9-11 (NLT) Matthew 6:25-32 (NLT) Psalm 32:8(AMP) Proverbs 3:12(NLT) Psalm 127:3-5(NLT) Deuteronomy 6:4-7(NLT) Proverbs 29:15, 17(NLT) Hebrews 12:5-10(MESSAGE) Ephesians 6:4(NLT) Proverbs 22:6(NKJV) Psalm 139:13-16(NLT) To listen to this series on "God's Design" and many more great sermon series, be sure to visit our website at https://www.theanchor.me.
In this episode we commiserate with all our friends and listeners who’ve struggled through Easter this year. In the process, we take a hard look at what Easter means to us, the doubts we have, and what we wish Easter meant to more people, especially the broken. We talk about our religious upbringing and Jesusy stuff in an exploratory, not preachy way, but the topic is what it is, if you need to avoid it. Support Glimmering PodcastLinks:I’m Bored with Easter – FeistyThoughts — Every year Easter is about individual sin. But I need an Easter that is big enough for our collective sin and brokenness, big enough for our systemic and institutionalized brokenness. I need an Easter that goes beyond the personal. The things that overwhelm my heart and soul right now have less to do with my personal wretchedness, than the brokenness of the systems I’m embedded in, participate in, and that impact me and the communities I love.Find Me Tomorrow? — Jesus-on-that-cross. I don’t know how to connect with you. I feel the loss of the old ways, the steady in my tracks normal ways of doing these religious days. I believe you to be real, but all that gives me is a numb sort of peace, today.Isaiah 61 NLT - To all who mourn — The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.[a] 2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,[b] and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. 3 To all who mourn in Israel,[c] he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.Jars of Clay - Oh My God LyricsOh My God (20th Anniversary Edition) by Jars Of Clay on Amazon Music - Amazon.com — Oh My God (20th Anniversary Edition)
There is battle cry within all of us that goes unheard, unsaid, and unannounced at times. However, this battle cry serves as the motivation, the cadence in our soul that keeps us focused, fixed, and faced in the right direction seeking to live a life of significance! The question is what is it that motivation? “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (ESV) “Alive, I'm Christ's messenger; dead, I'm his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can't lose” (The Message) “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better” (NLT) “To me the only important thing about living is Christ, and dying would be profit for me” (New Century Version)
Pastor Scott Applegate “Let love be your highest goal…” 1 Corinthians 14:1 NLT To seek love as my highest goal: 1.I need to view love as a choice and an
Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, NLT) This is in contrast to the other leaders of the people in the past who were bad leaders/shepherds (Ezekiel 34:2-4). However, while many people like to be comforted by the words of Psalm 23, the blessings outlined in it are conditional. Just like the sheep follow their shepherd, so too those who want the blessings from the Good Shepherd must follow him. Just like in Jesus' time, so too today sheep respond to the voice of their shepherd. One person recounts: “...seeing many flocks mingled at a watering place. When one shepherd was ready to leave he simply walked away, making a certain sound. Immediately, his sheep separated themselves from the others and followed him. His sheep followed him because they knew his voice.” (Herschel H. Hobbs, My Favorite Illustrations (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1990), 157.) The blessings of Psalm 23 are clear and comforting. But in order to experience them, we need to be followers of Jesus: “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me,” (John 10:14, NLT) To have that relationship with the Good Shepherd, to start to follow him, we need to place our trust in him for forgiveness of sins, and for eternal life. Jesus gave up his life for us, and we ought to believe and trust in him. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, NLT) “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NLT)
Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, NLT) This is in contrast to the other leaders of the people in the past who were bad leaders/shepherds (Ezekiel 34:2-4). However, while many people like to be comforted by the words of Psalm 23, the blessings outlined in it are conditional. Just like the sheep follow their shepherd, so too those who want the blessings from the Good Shepherd must follow him. Just like in Jesus' time, so too today sheep respond to the voice of their shepherd. One person recounts: “...seeing many flocks mingled at a watering place. When one shepherd was ready to leave he simply walked away, making a certain sound. Immediately, his sheep separated themselves from the others and followed him. His sheep followed him because they knew his voice.” (Herschel H. Hobbs, My Favorite Illustrations (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1990), 157.) The blessings of Psalm 23 are clear and comforting. But in order to experience them, we need to be followers of Jesus: “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me,” (John 10:14, NLT) To have that relationship with the Good Shepherd, to start to follow him, we need to place our trust in him for forgiveness of sins, and for eternal life. Jesus gave up his life for us, and we ought to believe and trust in him. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, NLT) “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NLT)
Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, NLT) This is in contrast to the other leaders of the people in the past who were bad leaders/shepherds (Ezekiel 34:2-4). However, while many people like to be comforted by the words of Psalm 23, the blessings outlined in it are conditional. Just like the sheep follow their shepherd, so too those who want the blessings from the Good Shepherd must follow him. Just like in Jesus' time, so too today sheep respond to the voice of their shepherd. One person recounts: “...seeing many flocks mingled at a watering place. When one shepherd was ready to leave he simply walked away, making a certain sound. Immediately, his sheep separated themselves from the others and followed him. His sheep followed him because they knew his voice.” (Herschel H. Hobbs, My Favorite Illustrations (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1990), 157.) The blessings of Psalm 23 are clear and comforting. But in order to experience them, we need to be followers of Jesus: “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me,” (John 10:14, NLT) To have that relationship with the Good Shepherd, to start to follow him, we need to place our trust in him for forgiveness of sins, and for eternal life. Jesus gave up his life for us, and we ought to believe and trust in him. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, NLT) “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NLT)
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
