Podcasts about o god

SCRIPTURE- Psalm 63:3-4"I look to you in the sanctuary to see your power and glory. For your love is better than life; my lips shall ever praise you!”REFLECTION- Sr. M. KarolynMUSIC- ADVENT WORD OF THE DAY- Write - Compose a short note of gratitude / kindness  / love / friendship…whatever you want to call it and send it to someone special in your life. NOT a text, no email. Write a note, lick the stamp and send it.O ANTIPHON- Latin: O Emmanuel, Rex et Legifer foster, exspectatio gentium, et salvator earum; veni ad salvandum nos, Domine Deus noster.- English: O Performed by Video: 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.

Advent invites us to slow down, quiet our hearts, and prepare for the coming of Christ.In this guided Christian meditation, you’ll reflect on Scripture and rest in God’s love as you anticipate the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Be Still: Advent Meditations for Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love helps you create space in this busy season to experience the presence of Christ and the peace, hope, joy, and love He brings. Download your FREE Advent Guide here. This week, we focus on love—the great love of God that sent Jesus to us.God’s love is deep, unfailing, and unearned. It’s a love that reaches beyond what we can comprehend and invites us to love Him in return—and to love others with that same grace. Our passage today, Psalm 36:5–9, reminds us that God’s love reaches to the heavens and that in His light we see light. As you meditate, you’ll be invited to rest in that love—to remember that it is constant, abundant, and freely given. Take a few quiet moments to breathe deeply and let His love settle into your heart. Helpful Links:Download your FREE Be Still Advent guide here.This journal includes:• All the Scriptures for this series• Weekly reflection prompts• Space to record what God is revealing to you Find out more information and purchase the Guided Retreat at https://www.jodieniznik.com/guided-retreat Additional links: You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Meditation Scripture: Psalm 36:5–9 (NIV) 5 Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens,your faithfulness to the skies.6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,your justice like the great deep.You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.8 They feast on the abundance of your house;you give them drink from your river of delights.9 For with you is the fountain of life;in your light we see light. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com      OT Expectation  Psalm 36:7 (The Hebrew word for expectancy) 7 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.   **Covenant Culture** The phrase *“LOVING KINDNESS/steadfast love”* translates the Hebrew word **ḥesed**, which refers to **covenant loyalty**, not mere affection. In ancient Israel, ḥesed described God's faithful commitment to His people despite their failures.   UNDER YOUR WINGS * **Intimacy** – closeness, not distant protection * **Nurture** – like a mother bird covering her young * **Divine Presence** – God is actively involved, not passively watching Protection   **Key connection:**   * Psalm 36 describes what God *is* * Jesus reveals what God *does* * Humanity's problem is not access, but **unwillingness - LACK OF TRUST/ OR EXPECTANCY to come under His covering**  

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 139, a deeply personal prayer that invites God to search, know, and lead the human heart. Together, they walk through David's words that proclaim God's complete knowledge of us, His constant presence, and His intimate role as Creator—knitting us together even in the hidden darkness of the womb. The conversation explores the tension within the psalm: the impossibility of hiding from God, paired with the profound comfort of knowing we are never lost or abandoned by Him. Curtis frames Psalm 139 as a prayer of discipleship—an ongoing posture of surrender where God examines, corrects, and shapes us into who we were created to be. Sally highlights the imagery of darkness and seclusion, showing how places we often fear or avoid are revealed as spaces where God is already at work, guiding and sustaining us. The episode also wrestles honestly with the psalm's challenging verses about enemies and hatred, noting how David ultimately turns his anxious and conflicted thoughts back over to God. Rather than resolving tension through human strength or intellect, Psalm 139 models bringing fear, anger, and uncertainty before the Lord and trusting Him to lead the way forward. As the episode closes, Curtis and Sally emphasize that spiritual growth is a continuous process—one marked by testing, failure, and grace—and that true resolution and peace come not from endlessly replaying our worries, but from submitting them to God in prayer. This episode invites listeners to make David's closing words their own: "Search me, O God… and lead me along the path of everlasting life."

Sunday, 21 December 2025   Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” Matthew 15:12   “Then His disciples, having come near, they said to Him, ‘You have known that the Pharisees, having heard the saying, they stumbled!'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that it isn't what goes into the mouth that defiles a man. Rather, what comes out of his mouth is what does. Having said that, it next says, “Then His disciples, having come near.”   Jesus spoke to the scribes and Pharisees, probably without the others grouped around them. Room was allowed for Jesus to engage in the conversation without interruption, but still close enough that the disciples could hear and learn.   Once the conversation with them was finished, Jesus called to the crowd, and with an implicit rebuke to these leaders, told the people His words about what defiles a man and what doesn't. After He said this, the disciples, probably seeing the leaders go off in a huff, came to Jesus to personally address Him. Once with Him, “they said to Him, ‘You have known.'”   This is not a question, as translations imply. The verb is a perfect participle without any form of negation to indicate a question is being proposed. The participle signifies a completed action with a state that continues into the present. More likely, it is an exclamation, “You have known!”   They were completely surprised that Jesus said what He said, knowing it would elicit a negative response. He was aware of what would happen, and He continued in that state, knowing they were miffed. That is explained in their next words, “that the Pharisees, having heard the saying, they stumbled!”   The word translated as stumbled is rightly paraphrased as “offended.” They took offense at Jesus' rebuke concerning transgressing God's commandment. They were offended at His continued rebuke of them for being hypocrites by placing tradition above that commandment. They were offended at His citation of Isaiah, which pointed directly at their hypocrisy, even suggesting that Isaiah was referring specifically to them.   And if they heard His words to the crowd, they would have been offended at what He said to them as well. He had taken their tradition and spoken against it to the general public, taunting them with His wisdom that was superior to their poor, self-centered customs.   Life application: Jesus came on a mission. It was to fulfill the Mosaic Covenant and introduce a New Covenant in its place. However, as long as the Old Covenant was in effect, He defended it while still implying that something better was to be found in Him.   There is nothing contradictory in this. The words of the covenant, along with their associated penalties for disobedience, were written down. Obedience was not optional. However, within the Mosaic code, which included the later writings, Jeremiah prophesied a day when God would cut a New Covenant with Israel.   Jeremiah never said, “This is great! Now we are no longer under this covenant, and we are free from the curses and the punishment.” Instead, he acknowledged Israel's transgressions and accepted that their punishment was just and deserved.   Jesus, likewise, conveyed this same truth to Israe l. They would remain bound to the Mosaic code until they came to Him. Knowing they wouldn't, He prophesied of all the disasters that would come upon them.   If those disasters came upon them, which were according to the Mosaic Covenant, then that means, by default, that they are still, even to this day, bound to that law. Unfortunately, because the Mosaic law is fulfilled by Jesus, it is no longer what God accepts in order to be right with Him.   They will build a temple. The rites and sacrifices associated with it will take place. And not one iota of what they do will be accepted by God. Rather, this will only continue to keep them from any possible right relationship with Him. Until they realize this, forsaking the law by coming to Christ, they will continue to suffer terrible times.   Jesus is the key to understanding all of Scripture and the entire history of the Jewish people. Pray for them as they continue to rebel against Him through their rejection of Jesus. It is right that we do so.   Lord God, we lift up the nation of Israel to You. Along with all the other lost souls in the world, they need Jesus. We pray that many will come to know Him before the rapture. After that day, hard choices will need to be made by them. Open their eyes to the glory of Jesus our Lord, O God. Amen.

“For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth.” Psalm 26:3 NASB 95 Lovingkindness = “Checed” Favor, mercy, kindness, goodness “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds…“But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7 NASB 95 His lovingkindness brought salvation to us “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men…when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” His lovingkindness leads us to repentance “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, Titus 2:11-12 NASB 95 “Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.” Psalm 51:1 NASB 95 “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” Romans 2:4 NASB 95 His lovingkindness will lead us home looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, Titus 2:13 NASB 95 “Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 NASB 95

SCRIPTURE- Revelation 7:17"For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”REFLECTION- KyleMUSIC- O Come O Come Emmanuel by The Piano GuysADVENT WORD OF THE DAY- Laugh - Brighten the parts of the world you are in today by sharing a joke or funny meme with as many people as you can. Everyone is carrying a burden…lift it from them, if for just a moment.O ANTIPHON- Latin: O radix Jesse, qui stas in signum populorum, super quem continebunt reges os suum, quem gentes deprecabuntur: veni ad liberandum nos, jam noli tardare.- English: O Root of Jesse, you stand as a sign for the peoples, before you kings shall keep silence, all nations will seek you out: come to deliver your people and do not delay.Performed by the monks of the Saint John's Abbey Schola.Video: https://youtu.be/O75VBNAeMQg?si=mzbCkw4HGQjSy3vcPRAYER 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.

Jesus Followers Have the Important Gospel Communication Tool – Their Life in Christ Lets Others See Jesus in Them MESSAGE SUMMARY:  In 2 Corinthians 3:12-18, Paul writes a complex statement that tells you, as a follower of Jesus, about the most important tool that God gives you for communicating the Gospel -- God lets others see Jesus in you through your life in Christ! Therefore, by living in Christ, your life becomes the most compelling argument for the Gospel – an argument that far surpasses written or spoken words. Paul's 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 text reads: “Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”. Do others, from your life, see Jesus in you?     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 Inconsistencies. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Faithfulness. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Isiah 35:1-9; John 1:14; Isaiah 11:1-2; Psalms 44b:14-26. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Why We Do Christmas” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Every superhero has a _________. [Judges 13:5] You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and his hair must never be cut. For he will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. He will begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines.” You don't need to _________ strong to _________ strong. [Judges 15:16] NIV Then Samson said, "With a donkey's jawbone I have made donkeys of them. With a donkey's jawbone I have killed a thousand men." Every strong person has a _________. [Judges 16:15-17] Then Delilah pouted, “How can you tell me, ‘I love you,' when you don't share your secrets with me? You've made fun of me three times now, and you still haven't told me what makes you so strong!” [16] She tormented him with her nagging day after day until he was sick to death of it. [17] Finally, Samson shared his secret with her. “My hair has never been cut,” he confessed, “for I was dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as anyone else.” Samson was strong _________ but weak _________. [Judges 16:20-21] Then she cried out, “Samson! The Philistines have come to capture you!” When he woke up, he thought, “I will do as before and shake myself free.” But he didn't realize the Lord had left him. [21] So the Philistines captured him and gouged out his eyes. They took him to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze chains and forced to grind grain in the prison. Disobedience to God will result in losing your _________. Those things that _________ us can eventually _________ us. [Judges 16:22] But before long, his hair began to grow back. God can restore what was _________. [Judges 16:28] Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me just one more time. With one blow let me pay back the Philistines for the loss of my two eyes.” Never underestimate the _________ on the inside!

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-b34bbf79e3852b0973392a4081862f38{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-b34bbf79e3852b0973392a4081862f38 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-b34bbf79e3852b0973392a4081862f38 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 02 – December 19Psalm 139 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – December 19 Psalm 139 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/02-1219db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible Psalm 139 God's Attributes—Too Wonderful for Me! Heading For the choir director. By David. A psalm. God Is All-Knowing 1 Lord, you have investigated me, and you know. 2 You know when I sit down and when I get up. You understand my thoughts from far off. 3 You keep track of when I travel and when I stay, [1] and you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before there is a word on my tongue,     you, Lord, already know it completely. 5 You put a fence behind me and in front of me, and you have placed your hand on me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me. It is too high—I cannot grasp it. God Is Present Everywhere 7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your Presence? [2] 8 If I go up to heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in hell—there you are! 9 I rise on the wings of dawn. I settle on the far side of the sea. 10 Even there your hand guides me, and your right hand holds on to me. 11 And if I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light will become night around me,” 12 then even the darkness will not be too dark for you. The night will be as light as the day. Darkness and light are the same to you. God Is Powerful and Good 13 For you created my inner organs. [3] You wove me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and my soul knows that very well. 15 My bones were not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unfinished body. In your book all of them were written. Days were determined, before any of them existed. 17 Your thoughts to me are so precious, O God! How great is the sum of them! 18 If I would count them,     they would outnumber the grains of sand. I awake, and I am still with you. God Is Holy 19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God, so that bloody men would depart from me, 20 men who speak against you maliciously. Your adversaries misuse your name. 21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord, and detest those who rise up against you? 22 I absolutely hate them. To me they are enemies. 23 Investigate me, God, and know my heart. Test me and know my troubled thoughts. 24 See if there is any way in me that causes pain, and lead me in the way everlasting. Footnotes Psalm 139:3 Literally you winnow my path and my crouching down Psalm 139:7 Or presence. Presence can be a name for God or for the second person of the Trinity. Psalm 139:13 Literally kidneys. The kidneys were thought of as a center of emotion. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

The exile caused Israel to doubt their relationship with God. In particular, Psalm 89 wrestles with God's love and faithfulness towards the line of David, for it appeared as though God had forsaken His covenant with David and abandoned His promises.----------------------------Please follow us on these platforms:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JointhesearchPodcast: https://thesearch.buzzsprout.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jointhesearchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jointhesearchtodayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jointhesearchtoday

My heart is steadfast, O God. My heart is steadfast. I will sing and I will make music (Psalm 57:7). Amen.It was a quiet, idyllic evening outside of Bethlehem. Shepherds were gently caring for their sheep. The bright stars were twinkling in the dark sky.Ugh. I don't think so. That's the way our Christmas cards portray the scene. But let's set aside our western sentimentality and romanticism to paint the real scene for first century shepherds in Palestine.Shepherds were among the lowest of the social classes. They didn't own the flocks. The owners were asleep in their comfortable Bethlehem beds. Shepherds were minimum wage earners. Their work kept them continually dirty and smelly. That's because they were continually in contact with dirty and smelly sheep. They had to deal with wounds, injuries, insects, predators, and manure. Their work made shepherds perpetually ceremonially unclean. So, they were treated as outsiders.Shepherds were also considered dishonest. There was the ongoing temptation for shepherds to make a little more money on the side. For the shepherds to tell the owners that a sheep had been lost, stolen or eaten. Then to sell the wool or the sheep. So, it was forbidden to buy wool, milk or a lamb from a shepherd on the assumption that this was stolen property. Shepherds had a reputation – either deserved or undeserved – of being dishonest. They were on the lowest rung of society – along with tax collectors and prostitutes.The birth announcement of the Son of God doesn't come to kings or queens, emperors or high priests. The proclamation of the Savior of the world doesn't come to the religious, political or social elite. This announcement comes to lowly shepherds out in their fields at night. This is a proclamation that is given to the lowest of society. It's meant for people like us!The announcement of the arrival of the Good Shepherd is first given to shepherds. The proclamation of the Lamb of God is heard first by literal little lambs. The King of all creation comes among the lowliest of all creation – shepherds and sheep.This was no ordinary birth, because this was no ordinary baby. He was certainly a very real baby – a crying, hungry baby that wanted his mother's milk and later needed his diaper changed. This was no ordinary baby because he was at the same time Mary's Son and God's Son. He was God incarnate – divinity wrapped in humanity. He is God in the flesh, the Savior, Christ the Lord, who was born to live perfectly, die innocently, and rise gloriously to remove sin from everyone – from Bethlehem shepherds to Roman emperors.From the millions of the angelic host, one angel is given the unique privilege in history to make an announcement to humanity. "Do not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all people: Today in the town of David, a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger" (Luke 2:10-12).This angel had every right to say, "Listen up, you bums! If only you had been better and done better, God wouldn't have had to do such a drastic thing. He has given his only begotten Son to you, gift-wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a feeding trough for cattle. You'd better appreciate it!" The angel had every right to say that … but he didn't.Instead, he announced the gospel – the good news – of the long-awaited Savior first promised to Adam and Eve, then to Abraham and Sarah, then to King David and later to King Ahaz. The fulfillment of that promise was here. This is a message of joy – not happiness. There's a difference. Happiness is based on inner feelings and our response to outward actions. Happiness is a temporary, external feeling. Joy is a deeper, lasting state of contentment that is unaffected by feelings or circumstances.This good news is meant for all people. We know from experience how vicious middle school, high school, college, and the military can be. Girls can be mean, spiteful, and exclusive. Guys can be combative and hurtful when they're attempting to be humorous. It's hard to fit in. It can feel like nobody wants you in their little friend group. It can be lonely when you're excluded from the cool kids' table.The message of the Savior is for all people – the rich and powerful, the lowly and poor, the cool kids and jocks, the nerds and geeks, the extroverts, introverts, and outcasts.The angel gives directions to the shepherds on how to find this newborn Christ and Lord. This baby will be found in Bethlehem, the town of David. He'll be lying in a manger, because there was no room for the holy family in the Bethlehem inn. He'll be wrapped in swaddling cloths, kept warm and snuggly."Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude from the heavenly army, praising God" (Luke 2:13). After thousands of years of waiting, "suddenly" the wait for the Messiah is over. After the angel Gabriel announced to Mary and then to Joseph about the birth of the Christ, suddenly he's here. After announcing that the shepherds didn't need to be afraid of this lone angel, suddenly the sky above the Bethlehem pastures explodes with glory from a multitude of God's heavenly army. God had chosen his best angelic messenger to appear to the shepherds. Then he chose his best singers to be in the angelic choir. They belted out, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward mankind" (Luke 2:14).This song in Latin is Gloria in Excelsis, meaning "Glory in the highest." We sing this song on Sunday mornings after the confession and absolution. We confess our sins to God, then we hear the pastor announce that our sins have been forgiven by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus the Christ. This announcement of Jesus' forgiveness establishes peace in our hearts, that then produces praise on our lips.We join with those in the worship service, as well as the heavenly choir of saints and angels, to praise our Triune God. Just as the angels praised Jesus at his birth, so we praise Jesus as the Son of God, the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep, and the Lamb of God who shed his blood on the altar of the cross. Martin Luther said of the Gloria in Excelsis that we sing in worship, "It did not grow, nor was it made, but it came from heaven."Gloria in Excelsis. Glory to God in the highest. Glory to the God who is on high, exalted above the world, the ruler over all that exists. Glory to the God who gives his greatest gift of his Son to an undeserving world. Glory to the God who places himself under his own law to save his lawless children. Glory to the God who will one day endure his own wrath to rescue his rebellious children from God's righteous wrath. Glory to the God whom the universe cannot contain, yet he had contained himself within the womb of Mary for nine months. Glory to the God who left his eternal seat on his golden throne, surrounded by saints and angels to born in time and laid in a manger surrounded by Saint Mary and Saint Joseph."On earth peace, good will toward mankind." This is a world in desperate need of peace. The past few days are evidence of this. Islamic terrorists killed 15 people at a Hanukkah Festival in Australia. Two people were murdered and nine more injured at a mass shooting at Brown University. Princess Bride director, Rob Reiner and his wife were stabbed to death in their home, apparently by their son.Jesus comes to bring peace. It is a peace that the world cannot bring. His peace stops this kind of violence when hearts are converted by the Holy Spirit. This is a peace of sins forgiven, heaven won, and reconciliation with the glorious Triune God. Peace enjoyed in this world wherever the Spirit teaches hearts to trust the Father's goodwill revealed in the person of Mary's Son.Is it any wonder such a large delegation of heaven's army would join this Christmas choir? Is it any wonder as Christmas 2025 dawns – with all this year's perplexing problems – that this message of glory to God and peace on earth still needs to be sounded to comfort our own hearts? It is any wonder that the rest of this weary world needs to hear and sing the Gloria in Excelsis? God's goodwill through this infant is an invitation that was first given to shepherds. That means this announcement is meant for everyone.Remember, this was a one-time performance by the angelic choir. The angel army has no second concert planned.Instead, God has called his baptized saints to be his new heralds. We Lutherans are especially called to sing. We'll be singing nine hymns on Christmas Eve and five more hymns on Christmas Day. We sing the Gloria in Excelsis in our Sunday morning liturgies. We saintly singers are privileged to repeat the refrain again and again, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward mankind." Amen.Be exalted above the heavens, O God. Let your glory be over all the earth (Psalm 57:11)View this sermon (with video and/or audio recording) on our website: https://www.casperwels.com/sermons/gloria-in-excelsis-the-song-of-the-angels/

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.

SCRIPTURE- Luke 2:10-11"The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all  people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.'”REFLECTION- Mary EllynMUSIC- ADVENT WORD OF THE DAY- Clean - Not your room—your mind and spirit. Refrain from using any social media or phone apps (other than The God Minute, of course!) and give that attention to Jesus in the quiet. Just for today.O ANTIPHON- Latin: O Sapientia, quae ex ore Altissimi prodisti, attingens a fine usque ad finem, fortiter suaviter disponensque omnia: veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae.- English: O Holy Wisdom, you came forth from the mouth of the Most High, and  reaching from end to end, you order all things with gentle strength: come and teach us the way of prudence.Performed by the monks of the Saint John's Abbey ScholaVideo: https://youtu.be/oRPNRHQL17E?si=0Hlr_SfAUMikxk4MPRAYER 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.

“But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.” (Galatians 4:4–5 NLT) When we think of Christmas, we think of the arrival of Jesus: “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NLT). In reality, it was also a departure. For us, a Child was born. But for God the Father, a Son was given. Twice in Galatians 4:4–5, God talks about sending Jesus to us (NLT). In Heaven, the time had come for the departure of God’s Son. We even have a record in Hebrews 10 of Jesus’ farewell words to the Father. He said, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer. You were not pleased with burnt offerings or other offerings for sin. Then I said, ‘Look, I have come to do your will, O God—as is written about me in the Scriptures’” (Hebrews 10:5–7 NLT). It’s impossible for us to comprehend the sacrifice, the break in intimacy, involved in God’s sending of His Son. We see that intimacy between Father and Son throughout Jesus’ public ministry. Luke 6:12 says, “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God” (NIV). Jesus prioritized His relationship with His Father above all else. We see that intimacy in Matthew 26:39. As the time of His sacrifice approached, Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (NIV). Jesus knew what was coming. And in Mark 15:34, we see the unimaginable agony of Jesus’ sacrifice as He cried out in a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (NIV). God placed the sins of the world on His Son. And in that moment, Jesus was banished from His Father’s presence because sin cannot coexist with God. Jesus suffered the separation from God that we deserve. Jesus also made an unimaginable sacrifice at His birth. He went from the throne of Heaven to a feeding trough. He went from the presence of angels to a stable of animals. He who was larger than the universe became an embryo. The apostle Paul summed it up well: “You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9 NLT). No one who has ever lived has even remotely affected human history the way Jesus Christ has. He has been opposed, censored, banned, and criticized by every generation since His birth. Yet His influence continues unabated. There has never been anyone like Jesus because Jesus was not just a good man. He was the God-Man who came and walked this earth because of the sacrifice of His Father. And that’s what we celebrate at Christmas. Reflection question: Where do you see evidence of Jesus’ impact on our culture today? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" 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.

(This podcast was previously published on February 16, 2021)   Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...    When a woman called me wanting to talk about her mother's second marriage, God said to me:  "Just focus on what the scriptures say."   God showed me it is not needful to talk about the circumstances of the divorce and remarriage.   When a man in our church group filed for divorce in the USA courts, I asked him if his wife was committing fornication, and he said she was not committing fornication.   The only scriptural reason for a man to divorce his wife is because she is committing fornication. (Matthew 5:32)   After reviewing this scripture, he withdrew the divorce papers from the court system.   Matthew 5:32  Jesus says:   But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.   - If a faithful wife remarries after divorce she commits adultery.   - If a man divorces a faithful wife, he will be the cause of her adultery if she remarries.   - The man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.   It is important to compare scripture with scripture.   I Corinthians 7:10-11   And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband:  and let not the husband put away his wife.   39  The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.   *****   Mark 10   2  And the Pharisees came to Him, and asked Him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting Him.   3 And HE answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?   4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.   5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.   6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.   7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;   8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.   9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.   10 And in the house His disciples asked Him again of the same matter.   11 And HE saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.   12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.   ***   Psalm 51:10   Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.   ***   At the time of sexual intercourse two become one flesh, even if a man has sex with a prostitute.   I Corinthians 6   15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.   16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith HE, shall be one flesh.   17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.   18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.   ***   Romans 7:1-3  Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?  For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.  So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.   ***   I Corinthians 7   12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.   13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.   14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.   15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.   16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?   17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.   ***   Matthew 5   27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:   28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.   29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.   30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.  

SCRIPTURE- Psalm 122:1-2"I rejoiced when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD.' And now our feet are standing within your gates, Jerusalem.”REFLECTION- Sr. KathleenMUSIC- "On Jordan's Bank" from The Hymn Channel- "Gather Us In" by Marty Haugen ADVENT WORD OF THE DAY - Share - Gather stuff from your closet(s) that are never worn and share them with those in need by dropping them off at the Society of SVDP Thrift Shop or Goodwill.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.

Monday, 15 December 2025   then he need not honor his father or mother.' Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Matthew 15:6   “And no, not he should honor his father or his mother. And you invalidated God's commandment through your tradition” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus began explaining the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees in regard to the issue of tending to one's parents as commanded by the law. He continues that, saying, “And no, not he should honor his father or his mother.”   By the leaders' granting the people to take their gifts and dedicate them in this fashion, a practice that was derived from tradition, they created a rift in people's proper adherence to God's prescription. That is stated by Jesus with the words, “And you invalidated God's commandment through your tradition.”   The word akuroó, to invalidate, is first seen here. It will be used in the comparable passage in Mark 7:13 and then only again in Galatians 3 concerning the surety of the covenant of promise given to Abraham that is not invalidated by the temporary Law of Moses –   “And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul [akuroó] the covenant that was confirmed before by Godin Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. 18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.” Galatians 3:17, 18   These leaders were essentially saying, “Isn't it more important to give your gifts to God than to keep them around, taking up space, cluttering up your lives and your homes?” They knew full well that by convincing people they were doing a service to God that they would rush to give. Never mind that these leaders would be on the receiving end of such gifts in one way or another and that the parents would be left unattended to in their old age.   The perverse nature of the doctrine is laid bare by Jesus, shaming the people for their greed, dishonesty, and outright hypocrisy. God doesn't need their gifts. Rather, what He wants from His people is obedience to His prescriptions.   “Hear, O My people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you; I am God, your God! 8 I will not rebuke you for your sacrifices Or your burnt offerings, Which are continually before Me. 9 I will not take a bull from your house, Nor goats out of your folds. 10 For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know all the birds of the mountains, And the wild beasts of the field are Mine. 12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you; For the world is Mine, and all its fullness. 13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls, Or drink the blood of goats? 14 Offer to God thanksgiving, And pay your vows to the Most High. 15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalm 50:7-15   Life application: Do you ever hear preachers or teachers making an appeal for donations that includes catchphrases like seed offering, increase, multiply, tithe, tithing, tithes, pleasing to God, firstfruits, opening the storehouses of heaven, and so on?   If you hear these things, be sure not to give to such people. If you are giving to receive in return, you are giving for the wrong reason. If you are giving because someone told you that you are going to make God happy by giving them money, you are giving for the wrong reason.   God is happy with your faith, praise, and thanksgiving. He doesn't need your money, even if His people do. If His people do, and you are able to give, then do so without expecting anything in return. Be cheerful in your giving, or don't give. Giving grudgingly will not lead to future rewards.   Glorious Lord God, we come before You to praise You for who You are, to thank You for Your grace and tender mercies, and to glorify You for the salvation You have granted to us through simple belief in the full, final, finished, and forever work of Jesus Christ. We believe and we thank You. All praises to You, O God. Amen.

Help us, O God

Evening lessons: Psalms 109; Isaiah 57; Luke 16.  Hold not your tongue, O God of my praise, for the mouth of the ungodly, the mouth of the deceitful is opened upon me.

Psalm 16:1a, 11b - "Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. In your presence there is fullness of Joy."

In this message, Pastor Nathan walks us through the raw honesty of Habakkuk and the broken repentance of King David, showing how real faith engages God even when life doesn't make sense. Habakkuk boldly brings his questions and complaints before the Lord, reminding us that God is not threatened by our honesty. Rather than abandoning faith, Habakkuk learns to remember God's past faithfulness and declares, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,” teaching us that joy is rooted in who God is—not in circumstances.Turning to Psalm 51, Pastor Nathan highlights the difference between remorse and true repentance. While remorse focuses on guilt and regret, repentance seeks heart transformation. David's prayer, “Create in me a clean heart, O God,”reveals that restored joy flows from humility, surrender, and trust in God's mercy. This sermon calls us to move beyond surface-level faith and rediscover the deep, unshakable joy found in repentance and satisfaction in the God of our salvation.For more on LifePoint Church go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lifepointaz.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our merch store ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lifepointaz-shop.fourthwall.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find all our links in one easy spot ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/lifepointaz ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/lifepointaz ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lifepointchurchaz/

In Psalm 40:6–8, David speaks of a servant who delights to do God's will, not merely offering sacrifices but giving wholehearted obedience. Yet David himself could never fully live up to those words. In Hebrews 10, the Holy Spirit reveals their true fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The One who entered the world saying, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” This sermon traces the movement from Psalm 40 to Hebrews 10, showing how Christ came not only to die for our sins, but to live the perfectly obedient life we could never live. Through His active obedience and His once-for-all sacrificial death, Jesus provides everything God requires for our salvation. Christmas, then, is the beginning of Christ's mission of obedience. Obedience that leads from the cradle to the cross, and from the cross to a finished work that secures forgiveness, righteousness, and peace with God for all who trust in Him.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about Project23 and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is Judges 16:28-31: "Then Samson called to the Lord and said, 'O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.' And Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and he leaned his weight against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other. And Samson said, 'Let me die with the Philistines.' Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life. Then his brothers and all his family came down and took him and brought him up and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of Manoah his father. He had judged Israel twenty years." — Judges 16:28-31 Samson's life was a rollercoaster of wasted potential—flashes of power, but riddled with pride, lust, and compromise. He fought enemies, but mostly on his own terms. Until now. In his final moments, blind and humbled, Samson prayed: "O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once." Then, the text says, "he bowed with all his strength." That line changes everything. Samson finally used all his strength in God's way. For the first time, his power wasn't about proving himself, chasing pleasure, or showing off. It was about surrender. With his final act, Samson lived out the calling God gave him from the beginning—to deliver Israel from the Philistines. This is what surrender looks like: using all you have, not for yourself, but for God. And ironically, it was in death that Samson accomplished more than in life. His final words and final act remind us that true strength is never self-made—it's God-given, and it's God-directed. Our culture teaches us to spend our strength proving ourselves, building platforms, or chasing tolerance and applause. But in God's economy, your greatest strength shows up when you bow. Your calling is fulfilled when your strength is finally surrendered to His purpose. And Samson's story points us forward to Christ. Jesus, too, stretched out His arms, surrendered His life, and in what looked like defeat, He fulfilled His mission. In surrender came victory—once for all. ASK THIS: Where have you been using your strength for yourself instead of God? How does Samson's final act of surrender redefine what true strength looks like? What would it mean for you to "bow with all your strength" today? How can your surrender fulfill the calling God placed on your life? DO THIS: Pray for the courage to bow low and surrender it to Him. Write down one way you will use your strength for God's purpose this week. PRAY THIS: Lord, may I not waste the strength You've given me. Teach me to bow with all my strength—not for myself, but for You. May my final words and daily actions echo a surrender to Your purpose. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me."

Morning lessons: Psalms 108, 110; Ecclesiasticus 50; Revelation 6.  O God, my heart is fixed, my heart is firmly fixed; I will sing and give praise with the best that I have.

SCRIPTURE- Romans 14:17-19"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of food and drink, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the holy Spirit; whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by others. Let us then pursue what leads to peace and to building up one another.”REFLECTION- JustinADVENT WORD OF THE DAY - Invite - Reach out to someone and invite them to something good — to pray, to worship, or simply to share a meal. Faith grows stronger when it's shared.MUSIC- "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" by The Piano Guys- "Let Us Break Break Together" by Music-Themes Group- "My Lighthouse" by Rend CollectiveNOTES-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.

_________ holds people back more than anything else. [1 Samuel 21:10-15] So David escaped from Saul and went to King Achish of Gath. [11] But the officers of Achish were unhappy about his being there. “Isn't this David, the king of the land?” they asked. “Isn't he the one the people honor with dances, singing, ‘Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands'?” [12] David heard these comments and was very afraid of what King Achish of Gath might do to him. [13] So he pretended to be insane, scratching on doors and drooling down his beard. [14] Finally, King Achish said to his men, “Must you bring me a madman? [15] We already have enough of them around here! Why should I let someone like this be my guest?” [Psalm 56:1-4] For the choir director: A psalm of David, regarding the time the Philistines seized him in Gath. To be sung to the tune “Dove on Distant Oaks.” 1 O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long. [2] I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, and many are boldly attacking me. [3] But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. [4] I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? Faith is a conscious decision in spite of the _____________. [Psalm 27:1-3] The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? [2] When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. [3] Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. Don't trust in your _______________, trust in God. [Psalm 23:1-4] The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. [2] He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. [3] He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. [4] Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. The only way ______ of the valley is ______________ the valley. The antidote to fear is not courage, it's _________ in God. [Psalm 34:1] I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. _______ and worry cannot be simultaneously in your mouth. [2 Timothy 1:7] YLT for God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind; I will trust God to ___________ me.

Daily Morning Prayer and the Litany (12/12/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 62-64; Isaiah 37; Acts 12; Metrical Psalm 31:1-41 Defend me, Lord, from shame, for still I trust in thee; As just and righteous is thy Name, from danger set me free. 2 Bow down thy gracious ear, and speedy succor send; Do thou my steadfast rock appear, to shelter and defend. 3 Since thou, when foes oppress, my rock and fortress art, To guide me forth from this distress thy wonted help impart. 4 Release me from the snare which they have closely laid, Since I, O God my strength, repair to thee alone for aid.If you find this ministry edifying, please consider making a one-time donation or becoming a regular contributor here: https://trinityconnersville.com/give/To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Daily Morning Prayer and the Litany (12/12/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 62-64; Isaiah 37; Acts 12; Metrical Psalm 31:1-41 Defend me, Lord, from shame, for still I trust in thee; As just and righteous is thy Name, from danger set me free. 2 Bow down thy gracious ear, and speedy succor send; Do thou my steadfast rock appear, to shelter and defend. 3 Since thou, when foes oppress, my rock and fortress art, To guide me forth from this distress thy wonted help impart. 4 Release me from the snare which they have closely laid, Since I, O God my strength, repair to thee alone for aid.If you find this ministry edifying, please consider making a one-time donation or becoming a regular contributor here: https://trinityconnersville.com/give/To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

SCRIPTURE- Isaiah 55:12"Yes, in joy you shall go forth, in peace you shall be brought home; Mountains and hills shall break out in song before you, all trees of the field shall clap their hands.”REFLECTION- CherylADVENT WORD OF THE DAY - Hope - When negativity tempts you, name one blessing instead. Hope is not denial of hardship; it's the courage to see grace hidden within it.MUSIC- Lo How a Rose Er Blooming by Narada Christmas- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Narada ChristmasNOTES-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- John 14:27"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”REFLECTION- SarahADVENT WORD OF THE DAY - Offer - Offer a gift today — not just material, but personal: a listening ear, a few minutes of your time, or a gesture of compassion. Giving expands the soul.MUSIC- NOTES-Click here to read "Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mother of the Americas" on the TGM blog.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- Luke 1: 28-30"And coming to her, he said, ‘Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.' But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.'”REFLECTION- GaryADVENT WORD OF THE DAY - Forgive - Bring to mind someone who has hurt you. Even if your heart isn't ready, say quietly, “Lord, I release them to Your mercy.” Forgiveness begins with willingness.MUSIC- "People Look East" by by Nichlas Schaal- "Immaculate Mary" 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.

“Thou, O God, hast prepared of Thy goodness for the poor.” — Psalm 68:10 All God's gifts are prepared gifts laid up in store for wants foreseen. He anticipates our needs; and out of the fulness which He has treasured up in Christ Jesus, He provides of His goodness for the poor. You may trust […]

FBC Missions Document: Why: Missions is the church's God-glorifying, Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered task of making disciples and planting churches among all the peoples of the earth. Psalm 67:1-7 God be merciful to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us, Selah. 2 That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. 3 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 4 Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, And govern the nations on earth. 5 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 6 Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us. 7 God shall bless us, And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him. Revelation 5:9 9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.” 11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!” John Piper: Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn't. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man. When this age is over and the countless millions of the redeemed fall on their faces before the throne of God, missions will be no more. It is a temporary necessity. But worship abides forever. Worship, therefore, is the fuel and goal of missions. It's the goal of missions because in missions we simply aim to bring the nations into the white hot enjoyment of God's glory. How: Missions at FBC is accomplished through sharing the gospel, supporting disciple-making, supplicating in prayer, supplying needs, and sending commissioned pastors and missionaries. Sharing the gospel. 2 Cor. 5:19-21 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Mt. 28:18-20 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Supporting Disciple-Making. Acts 15:36 36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Acts 14:21-22 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God I Thes. 3:1-10 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith,… 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. 6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? Acts 28:11-15 11 After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. 12 And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. 13 From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, 14 where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. 15 And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. 2 Tim. 1:15-18 15 This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; 17 but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. 18 The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus. Supplicating in Prayer. Luke 11:2 2 So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Eph. 6:18-20 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Supplying Resources. 2 Cor. 9:5-10 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 3 John v. 5 5 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth. Phil. 4:14 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Sending Commissioned Pastors and Missionaries. Rom. 15: 19-21 so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; 20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, 21 but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.” Acts 13:1-3 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

Second Sunday of Advent The Collect: Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Old Testament: Isaiah 11:1-10 1A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. 2The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. 3His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; 4but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. 5Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. 6The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. 7The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den. 9They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. 10On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious. Psalm: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 1 Give the King your justice, O God, *        and your righteousness to the King's Son; 2 That he may rule your people righteously *        and the poor with justice; 3 That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, *        and the little hills bring righteousness. 4 He shall defend the needy among the people; *        he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor. 5 He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, *        from one generation to another. 6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, *        like showers that water the earth. 7 In his time shall the righteous flourish; *        there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more. 18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, *        who alone does wondrous deeds! 19 And blessed be his glorious Name for ever! *        and may all the earth be filled with his glory.        Amen. Amen. Epistle: Romans 15:4-13 4For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. 5May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, "Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name"; 10and again he says, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people"; 11and again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him"; 12and again Isaiah says, "The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope." 13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12 1In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."3This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'" 4Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.5Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, 6and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 7But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8Bear fruit worthy of repentance. 9Do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 10Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11"I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."  

The Suffering of King David      David's fugitive years under Saul (1 Sam 22–24) were not wasted time but a period of divine training and refinement. Though anointed king by Samuel (1 Sam 16:13), David was not yet ready to rule. God enrolled him in the school of suffering, isolation, and rejection to develop the inner character necessary for kingship. In the cave of Adullam, David found himself surrounded not by Israel's elite but by society's outcasts, “everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented” (1 Sam 22:2). These men became his first followers, and God used them to teach David grace, compassion, and leadership under pressure. In the desert, David learned to live by divine viewpoint, to lean on God's sufficiency instead of human resources. His classroom was the wilderness; his lessons were hardship, endurance, and faith. Like Israel's desert testing, David's adversity exposed the contents of his soul and taught him to rest in God's perfect timing and immutable faithfulness (Deut 8:2).      During this season, David composed two psalms that record the anguish and growth of his soul (Psa 57; 142). Psalm 57 was written “when he fled from Saul in the cave” (Psa 57:1a), likely at Adullam (1 Sam 22:1). Here, David's faith triumphed over fear. Surrounded by danger, David prayed, “Be gracious to me, O God… for my soul takes refuge in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge until destruction passes by” (Psa 57:1b). Though hunted, he chose praise over panic, saying, “My heart is steadfast, O God… I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples” (Psa 57:7, 9). Adversity was used as a vehicle to expedite his growth, and David learned that security rests not in circumstances but in divine stability. Psalm 142, written later “when he was in the cave,” probably at En-gedi (1 Sam 24:1–3), reveals a soul exhausted by prolonged pressure. David wrote, “No one cares for my soul” (Psa 142:4), capturing the loneliness of exile and the silence of isolation. Yet even there, David refocused on the Lord, saying, “I cried out to You, O Lord; I said, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living'” (Psa 142:5). According to Ross, “The faithful must depend on the LORD completely when they are in grave difficulties because there is no one else who truly cares for them.”[1] When human support failed, divine grace sustained him. Through these psalms, we see David's soul pressed, purified, and reshaped into a man of faith.      The results of that refinement soon became evident. Twice David was providentially placed in a position to kill Saul, first in the cave at En-gedi (1 Sam 24:1–7) and later at the hill of Hachilah (1 Sam 26:7–11). Both times David restrained himself, refusing to violate divine authority. David said, “The Lord forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the Lord's anointed” (1 Sam 24:6). This statement reveals a soul stabilized by Bible doctrine and governed by reverence for God's sovereignty. David refused to advance through human manipulation or self-promotion. His patience demonstrated that he had learned to wait for the Lord's vindication, as he said to Saul, “May the Lord judge between you and me… but my hand shall not be against you” (1 Sam 24:12). His restraint was the strength of humility developed through divine viewpoint thinking and prolonged testing (faith in action).      These wilderness years, likely spanning seven to ten years, formed the core of David's divine preparation. Every deprivation was a test; every trial was a lesson in grace orientation, faith-rest, and obedience under pressure. When David finally ascended to the throne, he ruled as a man whose soul had been tempered by adversity. The Lord had fulfilled His purpose, confirming the principle He'd spoken to Israel, “He humbled you and let you be hungry… that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord” (Deut 8:3). Thus, David's wilderness experience was a means of spiritual sanctification. The very afflictions that threatened his life became the instruments of his spiritual growth. By waiting on the Lord and trusting His timing, David demonstrated genuine humility and teachability, which are marks of a man after God's own heart (1 Sam 13:14; Acts 13:22). The Suffering of Daniel      Daniel's story begins in the shadow of national tragedy. As a young man, likely in his mid-to-late teens, he was taken captive when Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem and carried many of Judah's nobility to Babylon (Dan 1:1–4). Torn from his homeland, stripped of freedom, and thrust into the heart of a pagan empire, Daniel entered a culture saturated with idolatry, sorcery, and political scheming. Babylon sought not only to enslave his body but to reprogram his mind, to erase his identity as a servant of the Lord and remake him into a loyal functionary of the empire. The king ordered that his name be changed, his education redirected, and his diet replaced with food from the royal table (Dan 1:5–7). Yet from the very beginning, “Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself” (Dan 1:8). Daniel was resolved to stand firm in his faith. He understood that his real allegiance was not to Babylon's king but to the God of heaven. In a foreign land, he refused to lose his spiritual identity. Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.   [1] Allen P. Ross, A Commentary on the Psalms (90–150), vol.3, 875.

Evening lessons: Psalms 94; Isaiah 50; Luke 12:1-24.  O Lord God to whom vengeance belongs, O God to whom vengeance belongs, show yourself.

ADVENT WORD OF THE DAY- Shine - Let joy be visible. Smile at strangers, greet others warmly, and carry yourself with the peace that comes from knowing you are loved by God.MUSIC- Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord from Godspell- Prepare the Way by Steph MacleodNOTES-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.

微信公众号：「听潮馆」（chaoyudushu)。主播：潮羽，365天每天更新一期。 文字版已在微信公众号【听潮馆】发布 。QQ：647519872 背景音乐：1.David Maxim Micic - Universe in a Crayon；2.ゴンチチ - What Child Is This？(Greensleeves)；3.Paul Cardall - We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet；4.中村由利子 - エターナル・フィ-ルド；5.Iver Kleive,Aage Kvalbein - Ved Rondane。

SCRIPTURE- John 4:13-14"Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”REFLECTION- JenADVENT WORD OF THE DAY - Trust - When anxiety stirs, close your eyes and breathe deeply. Whisper, “Jesus, I trust in You.” Hand over what you cannot control.MUSIC- "Lo! How a Rose E'er Blooming" String Quartet arr. by Roger Wallace- "The Bells of St. Mary's" by Pianissimo BrothersNOTES-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.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251204dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. Psalm 80:3 Restore Us, O God “Do you see me?” This silent question lingers behind many cries for help. In a world filled with overwhelming noise, loneliness, and struggle, people long to know that someone notices them. They want the comfort of knowing that someone genuinely cares. Psalm 80 gives voice to those who feel left behind and overlooked. They’ve wandered away from God. Surrounded by adversity, they are broken and lost. Still, they don’t give up. Instead of surrendering to despair and defeat, they cry out to God in prayer: “Restore us, O God! Make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” This prayer paints a beautiful picture—God’s face shining upon his people. Rather than shining with anger or disappointment, God's face radiates love, joy, and grace. When God’s face shines on you, it means that he does see you. And seeing you, he smiles upon you, sings over you, and rejoices to rescue and restore you. Yet, how can sinful people like us stand in the brilliance of God’s presence and live? On our own, we cannot. We have failed to imitate his love and have turned away from him. Like Israel, we experience the consequences—broken relationships, heavy hearts, and lingering guilt. Despite our sinfulness, Advent brings hope. The face of God has already shone on this world—in the face of Jesus Christ. He came into our darkness to bring light. He came, not to condemn but to restore. He carried our sin and shame and rose again to give us peace. Even when we feel lost or forgotten, God hears our prayers for restoration. Through Jesus, God truly sees you—and in seeing you, he forgives you, welcomes you, and rejoices over you. As you wait for Jesus to come again, you do not wait alone or in the dark. You wait enveloped in the warmth of God’s grace. Prayer: Lord, when I feel far from you, turn my heart back. Restore me by your mercy. Let your face shine on me through Jesus, my Savior. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Don’t just stand there; do something! How many times have you said that? We live in a world that honors activity, rewards busyness, and respects perpetual motion. Yet amid this performance-driven society, God often tells us to stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes (1 Samuel 12:16). I’ve been talking about how difficult it is for me to learn to stand still, to take my hands off, and to trust God. I have a feeling I’m not the only one with this problem! Standing still wouldn’t be so hard if I could see what God is doing while I’m standing still—if I could just stand on the sidelines and cheer while God is taking some action. Or if he would send me an email to update me daily on the progress he’s making on my behalf. It seems like as soon as I get still, he does, too, and I can’t see anything happening. Wow, that’s hard! Asaph seemed to have that same problem, as we read in his Psalm 83: O God, do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God, be not still. See how your enemies are astir, how your foes rear their heads. With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish (Psalm 83:1-3). Asaph is wondering if God has gone to sleep or forgotten him or been distracted. Or perhaps God can’t see what Asaph can see—all those enemies getting ready to attack. Don’t you sometimes wonder if God sees the whole picture? Why is he standing still with those enemies all around? It just doesn’t make sense to us. What we must learn is what Asaph learned—just because you can’t see God working doesn’t mean he isn’t doing something. When you’re standing still, you can trust he is working behind the scenes, usually out of your view, and often in ways you would never imagine. But you can believe his ways are perfect, and he has a good plan for you. Abraham had to stand still and see how God would make him a great nation when he was childless. Moses had to stand still and see how God was going to get them across the Red Sea. Joshua had to stand still and see how those walls were going to come down around Jericho. Esther had to stand still and see if she perished when she asked that her countrymen be spared. But God was working while they were standing still, and you can trust him to work for you, too—even while you’re standing still! Remember sometimes the rules change; it’s not “Don’t just stand there; do something.” But rather, “Don’t do something; just stand there!”

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251204dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. Psalm 80:3 Restore Us, O God “Do you see me?” This silent question lingers behind many cries for help. In a world filled with overwhelming noise, loneliness, and struggle, people long to know that someone notices them. They want the comfort of knowing that someone genuinely cares. Psalm 80 gives voice to those who feel left behind and overlooked. They’ve wandered away from God. Surrounded by adversity, they are broken and lost. Still, they don’t give up. Instead of surrendering to despair and defeat, they cry out to God in prayer: “Restore us, O God! Make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” This prayer paints a beautiful picture—God’s face shining upon his people. Rather than shining with anger or disappointment, God's face radiates love, joy, and grace. When God’s face shines on you, it means that he does see you. And seeing you, he smiles upon you, sings over you, and rejoices to rescue and restore you. Yet, how can sinful people like us stand in the brilliance of God’s presence and live? On our own, we cannot. We have failed to imitate his love and have turned away from him. Like Israel, we experience the consequences—broken relationships, heavy hearts, and lingering guilt. Despite our sinfulness, Advent brings hope. The face of God has already shone on this world—in the face of Jesus Christ. He came into our darkness to bring light. He came, not to condemn but to restore. He carried our sin and shame and rose again to give us peace. Even when we feel lost or forgotten, God hears our prayers for restoration. Through Jesus, God truly sees you—and in seeing you, he forgives you, welcomes you, and rejoices over you. As you wait for Jesus to come again, you do not wait alone or in the dark. You wait enveloped in the warmth of God’s grace. Prayer: Lord, when I feel far from you, turn my heart back. Restore me by your mercy. Let your face shine on me through Jesus, my Savior. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

SCRIPTURE - Isaiah 40:31"They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles' wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.”REFLECTION - Fr. JasonADVENT WORD OF THE DAY - Bless - Speak a word of encouragement or gratitude to every person you encounter. Let your words be a small echo of God's own blessing upon them.MUSIC - NOTES -PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God,into Your hands I surrender my life.Pour out Your Spirit upon methat I may love You perfectly,and serve You faithfullyuntil my soul rests in You.

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Week One: Awakening the Listening Heart DAY 3 – Desire “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so longs my soul for thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the ... Read more The post Day 3 – Desire – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

SCRIPTURE- Psalm 62:6-7"My soul, be at rest in God alone, from whom comes my hope. God alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not fall."REFLECTION- Sr. CarolADVENT WORD OF THE DAY- Serve - Do one quiet act of kindness for someone today — hold a door, make a call, write a note — and do it without seeking recognition. Hidden love is powerful love.MUSIC- "My Soul in Stillness Waits" by Marty Haugen- "God Of All Possibilities" by Dunsin Oyekan  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.

We pray you are filled with joy as we step into this month of celebrating Jesus - God born among us and changing our human story forever. We have so much to rejoice in and to give thanks for. The holiday season is often filled with gatherings, celebrations and yummy food, and we pray that in the midst of it all, you are able to enjoy the richness of life that we have in Christ! Psalm 23:5 (TPT) says, “You become my delicious feast.” David knew God deeply—he loved Him, followed Him, and trusted Him. He didn't just worship God from a distance; he experienced God through His daily provision. We want to be like David—learning to feast on who God is. Because when we do, God forms a joy in us that no circumstance can steal.“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.” —Psalm 36:7–9 NIVWhat better way to celebrate Jesus than to take time today to feast on who God is? His love is extravagant, His peace is abundant, and He is fully accessible to all who come to Him.Feasting starts with small choices:Pausing to thank HimOpening your BibleTurning your affection toward HimBreathing in His presenceTelling Him the Truth about your heartLetting Him meet you where you actually areFor more info, you can go to our website, check us out on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. If you would like to support STUDIO financially, you can do so here.Have a great week!

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Romans 5-8 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, where we gather together each day to journey through the Scriptures and warm our hearts by the fires of God's love. On this very first day of December, your host Hunter invites you to reflect on how far we've come this year as we near the completion of reading the entire Bible together. In today's episode, Hunter guides us through Romans chapters 5 to 8, exploring profound truths about grace, hope, and freedom found in Christ. We'll be reminded that our faith isn't about tallying pages read, but about encountering Jesus—the very heart and purpose of God's Word. Together, we'll consider the depth of our human need, the purpose of the law, and the unparalleled gift of God's inseparable love. Take a moment to breathe, pray, and remember: you are loved. Join us as we continue this journey, encourage one another, and let God's joy be our strength. TODAY'S DEVOTION: We are so far from home. All of humanity is lost. It was lost in the garden—lost to the self, lost to sin, lost because of Satan, lost because of a lie. We are so very lost, far more lost than we ever knew. That is why God has given us the law. Sin is so deceptive that it minimizes our plight. We are blind to how lost we are, but the law opens our eyes and shows us just how far from home we truly are. God gave us his word to open our eyes, to prepare us to see and understand the living Word—the Logos, the incarnate Son of God. He is the telos—the point, the purpose, the complete exposition of who God is and who we are in God. Humanity wasn't made for the law. The law was made for us. Humanity was made for God. The law isn't the point—God is the point. Our life in God is what Jesus has come to demonstrate and to make possible for everyone. My prayer is that I will see the blessing of the law, its intent and purpose, and that I will let the law point me to the one I was made for: Jesus. He is the telos. He is the purpose and the point. He has come to reveal himself to you and to the whole world, that we might be set free, that we might be found, that we might come home. May God open our eyes to see him. That's the prayer I have for my own soul. That's the prayer I have for my family: my wife, my daughters, and my son. And that's the prayer I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: And now let us pray. Lord of heaven and earth, you have awakened us in your mercy once more. Still our anxious minds, quiet our striving hearts, and help us to rest in the knowledge that we are held by you. May we walk in step with your spirit today—not ahead, not behind, but beside you in trust and love through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O God of all peoples, you formed every soul in your image and breathed life into every heart. Open the eyes of the nations, soften hearts grown cold, and teach us to live as neighbors and friends. Let your spirit move in power, renew the face of the earth, and usher in your reign of peace. Amen. And now, Lord, let me be a bearer of your peace. Where voices divide, let me speak grace. Where fear takes root, let me plant trust. Where the world rushes on, let me walk with you. May I seek not to climb, but to kneel; not to win, but to love; not to grasp, but to give. For it is in emptying that we are filled, in surrender that we are strengthened, and in union with you that we find our truest joy. Amen. 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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. 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 1:3-4"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you”REFLECTION- JeffADVENT WORD OF THE DAY- Listen - Begin this morning with five minutes of complete silence. Set aside your phone, your to-do list, and simply whisper, “Lord, what do You want me to hear today?” Let His still voice guide your steps.MUSIC- "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by Michael WhalenNOTES-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.

Pr. Will Weedon, Host of The Word of the Lord Endures Forever The Word of the Lord Endures Forever Celebrating the Saints Thank, Praise, Serve and Obey See My Savior's Hands We Praise You O God The post The Hymn “We Praise You O God, Our Redeemer Creator” – Pr. Will Weedon, 11/27/25 (3312, Encore) first appeared on Issues, Etc..