Podcasts about o god

“Strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.” — Psalm 68:28 It is our wisdom, as well as our necessity, to beseech God continually to strengthen that which He has wrought in us. It is because of their neglect in this, that many Christians may blame themselves for those trials and afflictions of […]

SCRIPTURE- Psalm 91:11"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."REFLECTION- JustinMUSIC- NOTES- Gentle Reflections by Reflections Media- All Good Gifts from Broadway play, GodspellPRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

SCRIPTURE- Psalm 27:1"The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"REFLECTION- CherylMUSIC- "Holy Is His Name" John Michael Talbot Piano Cover by Peter Solecki- "The Tribute/Agnus Dei" by Michael W. SmithNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

❖ Today's Bible reading is Psalm 139: www.ESV.org/Psalm139 ❖ To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional: www.crossway.org/books/in-the-lord-i-take-refuge-hcj/ ❖ Browse other resources from Dane Ortlund: www.crossway.org/authors/dane-c-ortlund/

SCRIPTURE- Jude 1:20-21"But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.”REFLECTION- Fr. CarlMUSIC- Autumn Intro by VanzoNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

For Jesus Followers, Who Would Follow Him – “whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” MESSAGE SUMMARY: You need to submit our life preferences to the God. By submitting your life preferences to the Lord, He can help you to understand the life path that your preferences will lead. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9:24, tells us that our Life Preferences need an overarching focus: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.". Life preferences are not, necessarily, sins; but they can close doors in your life. In Matthew 10:37-39, Jesus provides a context from which we can assess life preference choices: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Father, I confess that when difficulties and trials come into my life, large or small, I mostly grumble and complain. I realize the trials James talks about are not necessarily “walls,” but they are difficult to bear, nonetheless. Fill me with such a vision of a transformed life, O God, that I might actually consider it “pure joy” when you bring trials my way. I believe, Lord. Help my unbelief. In Jesus' name, amen.  Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 94). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, My citizenship is in Heaven. (Philippians 3:20f). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 10:37-39; 1 Corinthians 9:12-27; James 3:13-18; Psalms 135:12-21. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “My Grace is Sufficient”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

SCRIPTURE- Psalm 147:3"[God] heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds."REFLECTION- KyleMUSIC- "As the Deer" by David Im- "Peace Prayer" by The O'Neill Brothers GroupNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

SCRIPTURE- Ephesians 3:17-19"[I pray] that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. "REFLECTION- JenMUSIC- "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow" by David Nevue- "Love One Another" by Bob DuffordNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10 "The whole range of human miseries, from restlessness and estrangement through shame and guilt… to the agonies of daytime television—all of them tell us that things in human life are not as they ought to be." – Cornelius Plantinga + The default mode of humanity is dead, defiant, and doomed "Behold my heart, O God, behold my heart which you had pity upon in the bottom of the abyss. Now let my heart tell you what it was seeking there, that I should be gratuitously evil, having no inducement to evil but the evil itself. It was foul, and I loved it. I loved the evil in me—not that for which I was committing the evil, but the evil itself." – Augustine of Hippo "The thought is overwhelming, that soon this body of mine must be a carnival for worms; that in and out of these places, where my eyes are glistening, foul things, the offspring of loathsomeness, shall crawl; that this body must be stretched in still, cold, abject, passive, death. It must then become a noxious, nauseous thing, cast out even by those that loved me, who will say, 'Bury my dead out of my sight.' Now, endeavour, as well as you can, to get the idea of a dead corpse, and when you have so done, please to understand that that is the metaphor employed in my text, to set forth the condition of your soul by nature." – Charles Spurgeon + Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Romans 5:12; 17 + Partner with God in Kingdom Expansion

When Jesus said it was better that He go away so the Spirit could come, He was pointing to a life-changing truth — the Holy Spirit isn't an optional extra in faith; He's the very presence of God at work in us.In this message, Pastor Aaron unpacks John 16 to reveal how the Holy Spirit convicts, guides, speaks, and glorifies Jesus. Through stories, Scripture, and imagery — from the dance of the Trinity to the metamorphosis of a butterfly — we're invited to see how God's Spirit transforms us from the inside out.Whether you've misunderstood the Holy Spirit as distant or mysterious, this teaching offers clarity and hope: 

As I write these lines on Veterans Day, a time of remembrance, many warm thoughts come to mind. I can also remember past Veterans Day when we experience a blizzard, as we had yesterday. On this Veterans Day, I would like to share these prayerful thoughts with the readers of this Warm Thoughts column as together, we pay tribute to all those who served their beloved country. Thanks from the Heart. "They served and fought and died so that we might be safe and free. Grant them, O Lord, eternal peace and give them the victory. And in these days of unrest filled with grave uncertainty, let's not forget the price they paid to keep our country free. And so on this year's Veterans Day, we offer up a prayer - May the people of all nations be united in thy care. And grant us understanding and teach us how to live, so that we may lose our selfish pride and learn to love and give. And keep us ever mindful of the fighting men who sleep in Arlington and foreign lands, so we may ever keep the light of freedom burning in their honor through the years and hear their cry for peace on earth resounding in our ears. Forgive us our transgressions and O God, be with us yet, lest, in our pride and arrogance we heedlessly forget. From "Someone who cares." Those of us who've never served can't truly understand the sacrifice that you made protecting life and land. You were called from homes and jobs you never turn around. You did more than was asked of you in air, on sea, on ground. You gave for us in freedom's name. Till now, the time has come for us to give you in return a thank you, everyone. Yes, thank you from the heart. Let freedom ring! Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea, written by Dr Luetta G WernerPublished in the Marion Record, November 19th 1998.Download the Found Photo Freebie and cherish your memories of the past.Enjoy flipping through the Vintage Photo Book on your coffee table.I hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! Please follow along on this journey by going to visualbenedictions.com or following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast,Spotify,Stitcher, and Overcast. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! I'd greatly appreciate it.Till next time,Trina

Jonah 3:6-10 ESV6 The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 And he issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water, 8 but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. 9 Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.” 10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it. • • •1. Repentance begins by recognizing our sin. • • •Jonah 3:6-7 ESV6 The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 And he issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water, • • •Psalm 51:1-2 ESV1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! • • •Luke 5:32 ESV32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” • • •2. Repentance requires we actively turn from our sin to God. • • •Jonah 3:8-9 ESV8 but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. 9 Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.” • • •Acts 26:20 ESV20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. • • •3. Repentance leads us to the mercy of God. • • •Jonah 3:10 ESV10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it. • • •Jeremiah 18:7-8 ESV7 If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, 8 and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it. • • •Luke 15:17-24 ESV17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”' 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate. • • •Application:God's merciful actions demonstrate the great value that He places on all people.

Psalm 67 - Speaker: DV - To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm. A Song. May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Selah Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; let all the ends of the earth fear him!

Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost The Collect O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Old Testament Job 19:23-27a Job said, "O that my words were written down! O that they were inscribed in a book! O that with an iron pen and with lead they were engraved on a rock forever! For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth; and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see on my side, and my eyes shall behold, and not another." The Psalm Psalm 17:1-9 Exaudi, Domine 1 Hear my plea of innocence, O Lord; give heed to my cry; * listen to my prayer, which does not come from lying lips. 2 Let my vindication come forth from your presence; * let your eyes be fixed on justice. 3 Weigh my heart, summon me by night, * melt me down; you will find no impurity in me. 4 I give no offense with my mouth as others do; * I have heeded the words of your lips. 5 My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law; * in your paths my feet shall not stumble. 6 I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; * incline your ear to me and hear my words. 7 Show me your marvelous loving-kindness, * O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand from those who rise up against them. 8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; * hide me under the shadow of your wings, 9 From the wicked who assault me, * from my deadly enemies who surround me. The Epistle 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here. Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God. Do you not remember that I told you these things when I was still with you? But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word. The Gospel Luke 20:27-38 Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and asked him a question, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; then the second and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her." Jesus said to them, "Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive." Artwork: Road to North Beach by Lorraine Almeida (used with permission).  

Upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God

Preached on Sunday the 9th of November, 2025.‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭8‬:‭22‬-‭30‬ ‭“Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven, and said, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart; you have kept with your servant David my father what you declared to him. You spoke with your mouth, and with your hand have fulfilled it this day. Now therefore, O Lord, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father what you have promised him, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.' Now therefore, O God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you have spoken to your servant David my father. “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you this day, that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, ‘My name shall be there,' that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place. And listen to the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.”Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Job 31-32; Galatians 5-6 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! On this November 7th, 2024 episode, Hunter guides us through day 311 of our journey in Scripture. Today, we read from Job 31 and 32, hearing Job's heartfelt protest of innocence and Elihu's passionate reply. Then we dive into Galatians chapters 5 and 6, where Paul calls us to freedom in Christ and reminds us that what truly matters is becoming a new creation, living by the principle of the cross and expressing our faith through love. Join Hunter as he reflects on what it means to be transformed by God's love, leads us in prayer, and encourages us to live out this truth in daily life—building our lives on Jesus and remembering that we are deeply loved. Settle in as we open our hearts to God's Word and let His grace transform us together. TODAY'S DEVOTION: It's a matter of principle. For followers of Jesus, there is a motivating principle that surpasses all others—the cross. In today's reading, we're reminded by Paul that it is not religious piety, not personal aspirations, achievements, or even politics, that form the foundation of our life. These things may have their place, they may serve the world in certain ways, but they are not what we are called to live by, or live for. Paul declares, "May I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." The cross stands as the central principle—the banner under which we live. Because of the cross, our interest in the fleeting things of this world has been crucified, and the world's interest in us has died. What matters most is whether we have been transformed into a new creation in Christ. This new creation was made possible at the cross, where the Creator was undone for us, so that something new could be born through him in us. It is now his life that expresses itself in love through us, and this, Paul tells us, is what really counts. "May God's peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle," Paul writes. "They are the new people of God." This is the principle: from the cross, through his new people, God moves out into the world, making all things new. As God's new creation, you are invited to build your life on him, to live in the joy, the strength, and the wisdom that Jesus won for you on the cross. So let's make this our prayer: to let this principle govern our lives, our families, our communities. Let the transforming love of Christ, shown at the cross, become the foundation of all that we do. May it shape our heart, our mind, our relationships, and our purpose. This is my prayer for my own soul, for my family, for my wife, my daughters, my son—and for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Let's continue now in a time of prayer. You can read along with these prayers in the show notes of today's podcast, or feel free to meditate on these words that are being spoken over you, your family, and our world. And now let us pray: Lord God Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day. Preserve us with your mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. **O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you. And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

SCRIPTURE- 1 Peter 1:22"Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart."REFLECTION- GaryMUSIC- Gather Your people by Sunday Night ChoirNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

Psalm 132Canticle: Revelation 11Reading: 1 Peter 3Intercessions: Hear us, O God our refuge.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

SCRIPTURE- 1 John 4:19"We love because he first loved us."REFLECTION- Fr. JasonMUSIC- "Through the Arbor" by Kevin Kern- "I Will Praise You, Lord, In the Assembly" (Psalm 22) by Paul Inwood- "Grace" by David TolkNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

Today's meditation is Psalm 15. The privilege of dwelling with God is experienced when our hearts are aligned with right thinking and a posture of humility toward others. Daily we choose what we will say to and about others, how we will respond when rumors fly and to what end will we fulfill our promises? Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. (Ps. 51:10, NLT)Daylight Meditations is a daily podcast from CFO North America. Please visit CFONorthAmerica.org to learn more about our retreats, and online courses. If you are encouraged by this podcast, please consider supporting us. Contributors: Michelle DeChant, Nancy Holland, and Adam Maddock

If God is sovereign and what He has spoken is going to come to pass, then how should we pray? While it would be futile to pray that we would never experience suffering or difficulty as God's purpose unfolds, Jesus does give clear instruction: pray for mercy as well as for limits on the wickedness in our time. When our prayers are also coupled with clear biblical vision aligned with the word of Christ, we can pray confidently for effective gospel advance, our hearts ready and mobile to partner in the promise of a great harvest.

SCRIPTURE- Romans 12:12"Rejoice in hope; be patient in tribulation; be constant in prayer”REFLECTION- Sr. CarolMUSIC- NOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

SCRIPTURE- James 1:22"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."REFLECTION- JeffMUSIC- "A Walk in the Forest" by Brian Crain- "Embers" by Helen Jane LongNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

“Then Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people selling animals for sacrifices. He said to them, ‘The Scriptures declare, “My Temple will be a house of prayer,” but you have turned it into a den of thieves.’” (Luke 19:45–46 NLT) In our next set of devotions, we’re going to look at ways to “tune up” our spiritual lives—ways to strengthen and mature our relationship with the Lord. And we’re going to start with some early spring cleaning. My wife, Cathe, and I are polar opposites when it comes to cleaning. My approach can be summed up by the procrastinator’s motto: Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow. Cathe’s approach is to constantly clean and organize so that over time, little messes don’t become big ones. Obviously, her approach is the better one. In Luke 19 we find the story of Jesus’ cleaning the house of God as He went into the temple and drove out the moneychangers. These temple merchants were taking advantage of people and keeping them from God, and this angered Jesus. This is the second time in Scripture that Jesus cleaned the temple. In John 2:13–17, we read that He used a whip to drive out the moneychangers. Little messes turn into big messes, so Jesus arrived to clean house again. I believe there is a parallel to our own lives. When we come to Christ initially, we ask for His forgiveness, and He pardons us of all our wrongdoing. In fact, we are told in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (NLT). What a wonderful thing it is to realize that God has forgiven us of all our sin. We are cleansed. But as time passes, sometimes some of our old sins find their way back into our lives. Maybe they start small. But they don’t stay that way. They begin to grow and take up bigger and bigger parts of our life until they become a serious problem. The longer we wait to address them, the harder the cleanup is. That’s why we must frequently examine our lives and deal with what we find instead of trying to excuse it. We must ask God to make us aware of things we may not see. We must also find accountability partners who will lovingly confront us when they see things in our lives that go against our Christian faith. The apostle Paul wrote, “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5 NLT). The psalmist wrote, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Psalm 139:23–24 NLT). Does your temple need cleansing? Are there some things in your life that shouldn’t be there? Are there some vices, some bad habits that have found their way back into your life? If so, deal with them now. Don’t let little messes turn into big ones. Reflection question: What are some little messes that you need to clean up in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raised in Los Angeles by Korean immigrant parents, Jean Park spent years chasing the markers of success her family valued, only to find herself empty in the process. When she encountered Christ, God redirected her ambitions toward the deeper work of healing and restoration. Leaving corporate America for the field of psychology, Jean discovered a calling that wove together her gifts, story, and faith into an integrated purpose rooted in generosity and grace.   Now a therapist, coach, and co-founder of the Abide Gathering, Jean helps others—especially within Asian communities—experience freedom from generational patterns that keep them striving instead of giving. Through her work, she shows how inner healing can open hearts to live generously, not from duty but from wholeness, and how alignment with God's design brings peace, clarity, and joy in stewardship.   This conversation offers clear, hope-filled guidance for those seeking to live and give from a place of healed purpose and wholehearted trust.   Major Topics Include: Gaining perspective on your purpose Letting your life story speak to your calling Discerning when to persevere and when to pivot Jean's healing journey Perspective through healing invisible wounds The gift of being triggered How generosity facilitates healing The long game of heart transformation Tips for discovering your integrated purpose QUOTES TO REMEMBER “I felt the Holy Spirit say to me, ‘You need to wake up!'” “God wastes nothing.” “Are you running from something or towards something?” “Oftentimes, our wounds are things we can't see, and we don't know how much they are hindering the flow of what God wants to do in and through us.” “If we are invited to face these wounds, I believe it's a gift from God, pointing us to things that have been keeping us stuck.” “When we heal our wounds, then we are able to freely live into the flow and the way that God has created us to live.” “The thing about heart transformation is that God is in the long game. He is not in the ‘quick behavior transformation' game, and that's the beauty and kindness of who He is.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Julie Wilson, President of Women Doing Well (see our past interview here) Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer Secure Coaching Abide Gathering Young Life Global Cities We Want More The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Matt 6:19-21 | Lay Up Treasures in Heaven   “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.   Psalm 139 | Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

"Can wealth ever truly satisfy the soul? Solomon says no — “He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10) In this sermon, we consider what Scripture teaches about the deceitfulness of riches and the emptiness of living for wealth.Jesus said, “You cannot serve God and money.” Many think they can serve both, but Solomon shows us the folly of such a life: wealth cannot satisfy when you gain it, and it brings sorrow when you lose it. It promises peace but produces anxiety, darkness, and despair.True satisfaction comes only from serving God — the fountain of living waters — not from chasing what cannot fill the heart. As Augustine wrote, “You have made us for Yourself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in You.”In this sermon, you'll learn:Why the love of money is incompatible with serving GodHow the pursuit of wealth leads to vanity and anxietyWhy losing wealth is devastating to those who live for itHow true contentment is found in glorifying and enjoying GodWhat it means to use wealth rightly — as a tool for God's glory

Sunday, 2 November 2025   So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.” Matthew 13:57   “And they stumbled in Him. And Jesus, He said to them, ‘A prophet, he is not dishonored if not in his fatherland and in his house.'” (CG).   In the previous verse, the questions about Jesus continued as the people asked about His sisters, wondering how He had obtained His wisdom and mighty working abilities. Because of their confusion, it next says, “And they stumbled in Him.”   The meaning is that they were tripped up. Their mental disconnect would not allow them proper understanding of how someone so common and who was a seemingly normal child among them had grown into such a mighty intellect with the ability to accomplish such great things.   Their assumption, though faulty, is not uncommon. To them, humble beginnings equated to a humble existence henceforth. Instead of looking at Jesus as a prodigy, they probably looked to Him more as a charlatan or an underhanded opportunist. However, Matthew records Jesus' response to them, “And Jesus, He said to them, ‘A prophet, he is not dishonored.'”   A new word, atimos, is seen. It is derived from the negative particle a and the word timé, value. Thus, it extends to honor, esteem, dignity, etc. Jesus' beginning words of His response indicate that prophets are normally honored for their prophetic ability.   They stood with kings, were esteemed by the people, and were sought out by all classes of people in times of need. However, there was often a notable exception. Jesus continues with, “if not in his fatherland and in his house.”   A prophet who only became a prophet later in life by the call of the Lord could expect to be ignored by those he grew up with and who once interacted with him regularly. People would not understand how someone they knew and hung around with, just a common Joe, could somehow have a special connection to God.   This is the intent of Jesus' words, which were probably a proverbial expression concerning such things.   Life application: As noted above, the reasoning of the people is commonly faulty. There are innumerable ways people can suddenly excel who seemed to have no special background, potential, or abilities.   For example, from time to time, someone may get bumped on the head and suddenly have the ability to do incredible feats in math, memory, invention, etc. A prophet or preacher may have a sudden calling on his life that changes the entire course of his existence.   In the case of the latter, faith in God demands that people take stock of such a thing and consider it. Of course, the chances are good that a person is making a false claim about such a religious encounter, but the only way to get to the bottom of that would be to test him, observe his conduct, and check with others who may have intimate knowledge of the situation.   However, others may be in on the scam as well. Joseph Smith claimed he had received the Book of Mormon from the angel Moroni. Brigham Young supported him in his false teaching and helped perpetuate and grow Mormonism. So one has to be careful with such things.   There is a great example of the thought presented here right in Scripture –   “And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.” Acts 9:26, 27   Paul resided in Jerusalem. People there knew of his conduct toward those in the church. After his conversion, his change was a hard sell to those who previously knew him. This is to be expected. However, there is a point when such things need to be accepted as true and valid, like Paul's conversion, or forever rejected, like Joseph Smith's false claims.   The evidence behind the claims should be sufficient to make such a determination. Pay attention to such things as you interact with others. Your initial assessment may be wrong. Likewise, your lurking suspicions may be borne out when a false narrative is exposed. Be wise and discerning, and as John admonishes, “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1).   O God, we pray for Your hand of protection to surround us from false teachers. At the same time, we pray for discerning minds that can identify them so that we are not led astray by them. There are so many who claim they know the “mysteries” of how things work by You when in fact, they are just making stuff up. Help us to see the truth and keep far from such people. Amen.  

This powerful message invites us into a transformative understanding of gratitude that goes far beyond polite thank-yous. At its heart is the revelation that gratitude is faith expressed as an emotion—a profound spiritual posture that recognizes God as the ultimate source of all blessings. Drawing from Psalm 67, we discover that our praise actually unlocks our harvest: 'Let the people praise thee, O God... then the earth shall yield her increase.' This isn't just poetic language; it's a divine principle showing that our breakthrough might be waiting on our praise. The message challenges us to worship God not just for what He does, but for who He is—His holiness, His faithfulness, His unchanging nature. We're reminded that worship wasn't given for God's benefit (He has angels constantly praising Him), but for ours—it redirects our attention from overwhelming problems to an overwhelming God. The concept of an 'anyway praise' emerges as particularly powerful: praising God when circumstances are difficult, when nothing makes sense, when we'd rather complain. This is when our worship becomes most potent, punching through spiritual resistance and declaring that our God is bigger than our circumstances. The practical challenge is simple yet profound: express gratitude to someone who has impacted our life, recognizing that gratitude opens doors in relationships and in the spiritual realm. Welcome to Relevant Church Live, the online campus of Relevant Church located in Daytona Beach, Florida. We pray that through this service you find your place, reveal your purpose, and unlock your potential! We pray this message blesses you and gives you the strength you need to do and be all that God has called you to do and be! Leave a comment below letting us know how this message impacted you today, we'd love to chat with you! #RelevantChurch #SoThankful #Gratitude #Thanks #PastorChrisSarno #OnlineChurch #RelevantChurchDaytonaBeach #Church #ChurchOnline #RelevantChurchFlorida -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ways to Give: Text to Give: Text your amount to 888-364-4483 Online Giving: Visit our website http://www.relevantfl.org/giving to give via debit, credit, or ACH Mail It In: Send gift Via USPS to 920 Beville Rd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay Connected: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @RelevantChurch Relevant Church Website: https://www.relevantfl.org/ Relevant Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevant_fl/ Relevant Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RelevantFL Relevant Church TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relevant_fl Relevant Church App: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1615804850?fbclid=IwAR3aHqo_6kr8Tzd_JK6xihjfJkVk6j7-iqITDj1u1wFicDLn6g6C29gL3LY Rkidz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rkidzfl Relevant Youth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevantflyouth/ Relevant Church Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6nUtPIkecEehfstUWWPIVU?si=QBMEtu85SyuU3FxRM1X7lg&nd=1 Pastor Chris Sarno's Website: https://www.chrissarno.tv/ Chris Sarno App: http://www.chrissarno.tv/app -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripture References: Psalms 67:3-6 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Romans 12:1-2 Psalm 100:1-4 Psalm 29:2 Matthew 14:19 Luke 9:16 1 Samuel 30:6 Luke 19:40 Romans 8:28 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, November 2nd 2025 Pastor Chris Sarno Relevant Church So Thankful | Week 1 | Sunday, November 2nd 2025 | Pastor Chris Sarno | Relevant Church

The Interior Life – Maintenance of the Inner Man -- Part 8: The Body; Giving Life to the Spirit Soul MESSAGE SUMMARY: It is important to understand the Spirit in our inner beings. The Spirit is that part of us which enables us to commune with the Lord – it is that part of us in which the Holy Spirit indwells when we become a Christian and through which God speaks to us. Without Jesus, we are not fully alive because, without Jesus one has a dead Spirit. The Spirit, body and soul are all interconnected; and neglecting one adversely effects the other two. The Psalmist defines this interconnection in Psalms 63:1: “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.". If our bodies are out of sorts, our Spirits and Souls can be adversely impacted. To optimize the effect of our bodies on our Souls and Spirits, we need to consider: 1) an eating plan that helps us live; 2) exercise so that we can be all that we can be for the Lord; 3) adequate sleep and rest; and 4) righteousness. Paul tells about God's perspective of our bodies in 1 Corinthians 6:19 20 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.". If we want to maintain our interior life, we must maintain our earth suits; this body that God has given us. Don't ignore the power of prayer to help in keeping our body, Soul, and Spirit interconnected and in positive rhythm. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24: “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it."   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.  Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV):  Scripture Reference (ESV): Psalms 104:14; Psalms 145:15-16; 1 Corinthians 9:26; Psalms 127:2; Proverbs 20:13; Ecclesiastes 5:12; Romans 7:22-25; Proverbs 4:21; Proverbs 14:30; 1 Corinthians 6:13-20. (Click the blue below to read the full Bible text for these scripture references in BOLD.). A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Should Fear, Respect, and Praise God's Power, Sovereignty, and Holiness; but in Life's Trials They Should “fear not for I {Jesus} am with you always””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

SHOW NOTES   In Podcast Episode 347, “Power, Pride, and the Plummet,” Kim discusses the humiliating fall of the puffed-up King Uzziah of the Southern Kingdom. As long as he feared the Lord and sought guidance from the Lord, he had a successful life, and the kingdom of Judah thrived. Yet, at some point, his eyes left the Lord and his purposes, and began to consider himself above respect for God and His law. May each of us learn from Uzziah's tragic end.   Our focal passage for this episode is 2 Chronicles 26:16-23, with 16 as the focal verse:   “But when he had become powerful, he also became proud, which led to his downfall. He sinned against the Lord his God by entering the sanctuary of the Lord's Temple and personally burning incense on the incense altar.”     WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE:   Humbly pray the prayer provided below and fully submit to the Spirit's leading.   PRAYER AGAINST PRIDE   Heavenly Father, You are the Lord Almighty, the One who resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). We come before You today, confessing that pride has crept into our hearts like a silent thief, stealing our dependence on You.   Forgive us, Lord, when we have thought too highly of ourselves, when we have sought our own glory instead of Yours. Like King Uzziah, we have sometimes trusted in our success, our strength, our wisdom— and forgotten that “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).   Break our hearts where pride has taken root. “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). Search us and reveal any arrogance, self-reliance, or desire to be seen by others. Help us to “humble ourselves under Your mighty power” (1 Peter 5:6), knowing that You alone are worthy of praise.   Teach us to walk in the fear of the Lord, for “true humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life” (Proverbs 22:4). Clothe us with humility, as You clothed Your Son, Jesus, who “humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).   May we never stand on the precipice of pride, but instead “boast only about the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31), and “take delight in honoring each other” (Romans 12:10).   Guard our hearts, our words, and our actions. Let “everything we do… bring glory to God” (1 Corinthians 10:31), and keep us low at the foot of the cross, where true greatness is found in serving, not in being served.   In the name of Jesus Christ, our humble King, we pray. Amen. (Grok, Oct. 31, 2025)     Additional Resources and Scriptures:   8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. (James 4:8-10) 16 There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, 18  a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, 19  a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family. (Proverbs 6:16-19) 18 Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18) 2 Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2) Isaiah 6:1-8 EMAIL — encouragingothersinlovingjesus@gmail.com X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM -  https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus     I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST.   RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III. xAI. (2025). Grok [Large language model]. https://x.ai/grok/chat      "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group:   Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus.   This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus.   In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives.   If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week.   Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!”   If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com.     National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline   988   https://988lifeline.org/   Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004.   Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay.     The HIDDEN Episodes:  If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/  

SCRIPTURE- John 6:44 - "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day."REFLECTION- SarahMUSIC- Extension by Oblivion- Concert Friday: Humble My Heart by Steph Macleod (Lyrics below)NOTES- Blog: What is All Saints' Day? Understanding the Catholic Feast and A Call to Holiness by Jackson JonesPRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.LYRICS TO CONCERT SONGHumble my heart Humble my heart Humble my heart Humble my heart  O, Lord you break the heart of sin You still the waves that rage within Rolling back the rising deep With gentle words of love you speak  When lost inside the silent pain When doubt comes slowly, creeping in When I'm sinking like a stone So sure that I am still alone  You humble my heart Humble my heart When fear keeps me far from an answer And I can't tell the light from the dark You come like the storm that you silenced  And humble my heart Your power and mercy reveals who You are  And humbles my heart  And even in the face of truth I doubt it all and fall far from you Still you reach beneath the waves And love so relentless heals my faith   It humbles my heart Humble my heart When fear keeps me far from an answer And I can't tell the light from the dark You come like the storm that you silenced  And humble my heart Your power and mercy reveals who You are   You wrap me in power and mercy of truth I'm lifted from shadows to stand here with you  I'm drenched in your kindness, your love and your grace As it pours from the heavens, You dwell in this place  Oh, you wrap me in power and mercy of truth I'm lifted from shadows to stand here with you  I'm drenched in your kindness, your love and your grace As it pours from the heavens, You dwell in this place  Oh, humble my heart Humble my heart Humble my heart Humble my heart  When fear keeps me far from an answer And I can't tell the light from the dark You come like the storm that you silenced  And humble my heart Your power and mercy reveals who You are  Your mercy reveals who you are Your mercy reveals who you are And humbles my heartWritten by Don Chaffer, Leslie Jordan & Steph Macleod

Jesus Followers Need to Acknowledge the Sufficiency of Jesus, Through Praise, Irrespective of Our Trials and Problems MESSAGE SUMMARY: Some of us and some of our acquaintances have gone through horrendous circumstances. Therefore, we ask, given these circumstances, how can we rejoice in the Lord? Paul tells us, in 2 Corinthians 12:10, that Jesus Followers need to acknowledge the sufficiency of Jesus, through praise and thanksgiving, irrespective of our trials and problems: “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.". To fulfill God's exhortation “to rejoice always”, you can rejoice “always” if you keep your eyes on Jesus. David tells us, in Psalm 30:4, to: “Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”. Paul instructs us for continuous thanksgiving in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Father, I confess that when difficulties and trials come into my life, large or small, I mostly grumble and complain. I realize the trials James talks about are not necessarily “walls,” but they are difficult to bear, nonetheless. Fill me with such a vision of a transformed life, O God, that I might actually consider it “pure joy” when you bring trials my way. I believe, Lord. Help my unbelief. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 94). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Procrastination. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Self-Control. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19; Psalms 95:1-11; 2 Corinthians 11:23-30; Psalms 71b:13-24. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “The Interior Life – Maintenance of the Inner Man -- Part 7: A Listening Spirit” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

SCRIPTURE- Deuteronomy 5:33"Walk in obedience to all that the Lord Your God has commanded you, so you may live and prosper"REFLECTION- Fr. RonMUSIC- "Murakami Someday" by Hiroco- "Ancient of Days" by David BauerwavNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

SCRIPTURE- Psalm 32:5"I acknowledge my sin to you, and did not cover up my inquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord; and you forgave the guilt of my sin.”REFLECTION- PeggyMUSIC- We Bought a Zoo by Jonzi- Just As I Am by David NevueNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

SCRIPTURE- Peter 5:10"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."REFLECTION- Fr. JimMUSIC- "Ode To Joy" by Music-Themes- "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" by David NevueNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

Evening lessons: Psalms 145; Isaiah 10; Mark 9:1-29.  I will magnify you, O God my King, and I will praise your Name forever and ever.

Luke 18:9-14Jesus addressed this parableto those who were convinced of their own righteousnessand despised everyone else."Two people went up to the temple area to pray;one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity --greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector.I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.'But the tax collector stood off at a distanceand would not even raise his eyes to heavenbut beat his breast and prayed,'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;for whoever exalts himself will be humbled,and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Luke 18:9-14Jesus addressed this parableto those who were convinced of their own righteousnessand despised everyone else."Two people went up to the temple area to pray;one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity --greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector.I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.'But the tax collector stood off at a distanceand would not even raise his eyes to heavenbut beat his breast and prayed,'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;for whoever exalts himself will be humbled,and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

SCRIPTURE- Daniel 1:17"To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning.  And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds."REFLECTION- KyleMUSIC- "Body in a Room" (Solo Piano) by Bing & Ruth- "Hope Is In You" (Aaron Shust Cello + Piano Cover) by Weapons of HopeNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

"O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed!" Psalm 84:8–9 

Jesus offers a parable, revealing an insight into a compelling and powerful prayer. (Lectionary #150) October 25, 2025 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Friends of the Rosary,Today, Sunday, the Day of the Lord, Christ Jesus tells us (Luke 18:9-14) of two righteous and unrighteous people: the Pharisee and the tax collector, who both pray in a very different manner.The tax collector, aware of his unworthiness, beats his breast and prays:'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'His failure led him to depend on and hope the Lord would rescue him.Christ explains,"I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;for whoever exalts himself will be humbled,and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."The point of our faith is to make us humble before God and to open us to the path of love.And for that, we have to pray with persistence and humility.We acknowledge our flaws and avoid elevating ourselves.  within us.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠October 26, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

John 8:3–6a NIV The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say? They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.John 8:6b–9 But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with His finger. When they kept questioning Him, He straightened up and said, ‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.' Again, He stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.John 8:10–11 Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?' ‘No one, sir,' she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,' Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.'1. Forgiveness — BELIEVE It1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.Psalm 51:1–4 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.   Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.   For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night.   Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.2 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation andleaves no regret, but worldly sorrow leads to death.Psalm 103:11–12 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.2. Forgiveness — EXTEND ItForgiveness means releasing your RIGHT to RETALIATE.Matthew 6:14–15 If you forgive others when they sin against you, your heavenlyFather will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.Romans 12:18–19 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace witheveryone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord.3. Forgiveness — ACCEPT ItRomans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.Psalm 32:5 Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover up my iniquity.I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,' and You forgave the guilt of my sin.”There's NOTHING you could do that would cause God not to FORGIVE your sin.John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.“Control the things you can control—and the things you can't, surrender them to God.”—Dr. Henry Cloud“We look most like animals when we kill.We look most like humans when we judge.But we look most like God when we forgive.”—Unknown

Jesus addressed this parableto those who were convinced of their own righteousnessand despised everyone else."Two people went up to the temple area to pray;one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity --greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector.I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.'But the tax collector stood off at a distanceand would not even raise his eyes to heavenbut beat his breast and prayed,'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;for whoever exalts himself will be humbled,and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Read Online“Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector.'” Luke 18:10–11What a sad prayer. Of course it wasn't even a prayer to God since the Pharisee “spoke this prayer to himself.” The prayer of the tax collector, however, was a perfect model for all prayer. We read that the tax collector “stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'” Which prayer more resembles your own prayer?To honestly answer that question, let's examine both prayers. First of all, the contrast of these two prayers is a contrast between humility and pride. The Pharisee was clearly full of pride. Pride blinds us from true self-knowledge. Saint Teresa of Ávila teaches us that the very first thing we must do on our journey to God is obtain self-knowledge through humility. Without that, we will never grow in holiness.The sin of pride is obvious in the prayer of the Pharisee and, therefore, his lack of true self-knowledge is also evident. Note that even his physical posture of standing depicts pride. Throughout the Scriptures, kneeling, or even falling prostrate, is the disposition of the humble. In addition to standing, the Pharisee's prayer was a list of his own goodness. He very well may have fasted twice a week and paid tithes on his whole income. But his prayer suggests that he did this by his own effort. He did not ascribe those acts to the grace and strength of God, which means they were not true acts of charity. His prayer suggests that he doesn't need God in order to do good. This is also seen in the fact that he asks nothing of God. Instead, he simply thanks God for how good he is through his own effort. The result is that God gives him nothing, since he asked for nothing.True prayer must begin with the humble recognition of our weakness and need for God. The tax collector expressed this humility by bowing his head to the ground, not even daring to look up to Heaven. This reveals he did not consider himself worthy of God's grace. Truth be told, he wasn't worthy of it. That's why God's grace is a mercy. It is all mercy in that He bestows that which we are not worthy to receive. And He only bestows it on those who know they are not worthy of it. The words spoken by the tax collector are the perfect model of prayer because his words depict these truths. As a sinner, he doesn't deserve mercy but begs for God's grace as an act of God's mercy.When you pray, how do you pray? What is the disposition of your heart and for what do you pray? Begin by considering the physical position in which you pray. Though we can pray standing, sitting, kneeling or even lying down, there is something very good about kneeling or even lying prostrate. It doesn't mean we have to do so the entire time we pray, but it is a good practice to kneel, bow your head or fall down prostrate before God at least for a moment each day. Do you do this? If not, consider making this a daily habit. When you pray, do you begin your prayer with humility? We begin the Mass by examining our conscience and confessing our sins. This is a good example of how to begin your prayer every time you pray. Humble yourself by calling to mind your sins and weaknesses. Confess them to God and acknowledge the fact that, because of your sins, you are unworthy of God's mercy. Humility like this will help you to see yourself as God sees you, and this will help you open yourself to the grace you need from God to grow in holiness.Reflect, today, upon the humility found in the prayer of this tax collector. As you do, look at your own practice of prayer and discern whether you imitate this tax collector's disposition and prayer. Try to commit to physically humbling yourself before our Lord every day. Kneel, bow your head, or fall down prostrate every day. When you do pray, beg for mercy as one who doesn't deserve anything from God. This is the humble truth on which all prayer must be based. The more you can humble yourself this way, the more God will lift you up and pour forth His mercy upon you. O God, be merciful to me, a sinner. I bow before You, most glorious and merciful God. I offer You my praise and gratitude for Your abundant mercy in my life. I am not worthy of You and Your grace, but You bestow it anyway. For that I thank You with profound gratitude and beg for the ongoing gift of Your grace. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe Stock: Featured, MainSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

SCRIPTURE- Exodus 15:2"The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise Him; my father's God, and I will extol Him.”REFLECTION- Sr. KaraMUSIC- "One Bread, One Body" by Instrumental Songs Music- "Interlude ft. Canea Quartett" by ABBOTT- " Walk On The Water" by Britt NicoleNOTES- All Souls Collage and Mass: click here to submit a name and photo of a loved one who has died in the last year.PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

SCRIPTURE- Isaiah 40:29"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."REFLECTION- KyleMUSIC- Echo by Yoshinori Takezawa- Dione by TeideNOTES- All Souls Collage and Mass: click here to submit a name and photo of a loved one who has died in the last year.PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

SCRIPTURE- Micah 7:18"Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love.”REFLECTION- Sr. KarolynMUSIC- Taste and See by St. Francis de Sales Parish Choir, Ajax, ON- near (instrumental) by Khamir MusicNOTES- All Souls Collage and Mass: click here to submit a name and photo of a loved one who has died in the last year.PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

Imagine being unjustly imprisoned for months, watching your family and people suffer, and asking the piercing question: "O God, where art thou?" The revelations given to Joseph Smith in the darkest dungeon of his life are some of the most beautiful and powerful in all scripture. Summary: In this profound episode, we explore the transcendent revelations of Doctrine and Covenants 121, 122, and 123, written from the confines of Liberty Jail. D&C 121: The Power of Righteousness. We delve into Joseph's heartfelt plea, "How long shall thy hand be stayed?" The Lord answers with a staggering lesson: authority and power are inseparably connected with the principles of righteousness. We analyze the fatal trap of "unrighteous dominion"—covering our sins, gratifying pride, and exercising compulsion—which instantly causes the heavens to withdraw. Crucially, we learn the six principles of Godly Influence: persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned, and kindness. This section is a master class in Christlike leadership. D&C 122: Eternal Perspective in Suffering. The Lord reassures Joseph: "My son, peace be unto thy soul." He validates every trial Joseph has faced, from false accusations to the "jaws of hell," and promises that "all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." This section confirms that the "Son of Man hath descended below them all," granting Him perfect knowledge to comfort us in our extremities. D&C 123: The Duty to Record. Finally, we discuss the duty to collect a "catalog of catastrophes" detailing the Saints' sufferings and abuses. This was not for vengeance, but to "leave the whole nation without excuse" and to help those who are "kept from the truth because they know not where to find it." The lesson culminates with the principle of total effort: "cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God." Call-to-Action: What principle from D&C 121 is helping you the most right now? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If this discussion brought peace to your soul, please like this video, subscribe to the channel, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 4:55 Divine Hiddenness 15:47 Hitting Rock Bottom 29:19 Damning the River & Praying for Rain 40:48 Unrighteous Dominion 54:25 Godly Influence 1:12:36 A Catalog of Catastrophes 1:26:08 Work and then Wait 1:35:19 One-Liners