Podcasts about o israel fear

April 25, 2025 - Equipped 2025 - Day 2 - 1:30PM Session   Bud leads a bible study reflecting on Isaiah. As an inspired profit of God, Isaiah would be aware of coming savior and the potential eternal punishment for those who have rejected God.   Isaiah 40-45 - God's People Are Comforted 40 “Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Says your God. 2 “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, That her warfare is ended, That her iniquity is pardoned; For she has received from the Lord's hand Double for all her sins.” 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be exalted And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough places smooth; 5 The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, And all flesh shall see it together; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” 6 The voice said, “Cry out!” And he said, “What shall I cry?” “All flesh is grass, And all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades, Because the breath of the Lord blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” 9 O Zion, You who bring good tidings, Get up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, You who bring good tidings, Lift up your voice with strength, Lift it up, be not afraid; Say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!” 10 Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, And His arm shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him. 11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young. 12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, Measured heaven with a span And calculated the dust of the earth in a measure? Weighed the mountains in scales And the hills in a balance? 13 Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, Or as His counselor has taught Him? 14 With whom did He take counsel, and who instructed Him, And taught Him in the path of justice? Who taught Him knowledge, And showed Him the way of understanding? 15 Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket, And are counted as the small dust on the scales; Look, He lifts up the isles as a very little thing. 16 And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, Nor its beasts sufficient for a burnt offering. 17 All nations before Him are as nothing, And they are counted by Him less than nothing and worthless. 18 To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare to Him? 19 The workman molds an image, The goldsmith overspreads it with gold, And the silversmith casts silver chains. 20 Whoever is too impoverished for such a contribution Chooses a tree that will not rot; He seeks for himself a skillful workman To prepare a carved image that will not totter. 21 Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? 22 It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. 23 He brings the princes to nothing; He makes the judges of the earth useless. 24 Scarcely shall they be planted, Scarcely shall they be sown, Scarcely shall their stock take root in the earth, When He will also blow on them, And they will wither, And the whirlwind will take them away like stubble. 25 “To whom then will you liken Me, Or to whom shall I be equal?” says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, By the greatness of His might And the strength of His power; Not one is missing. 27 Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: “My way is hidden from the Lord, And my just claim is passed over by my God”? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Israel Assured of God's Help 41 “Keep silence before Me, O coastlands, And let the people renew their strength! Let them come near, then let them speak; Let us come near together for judgment. 2 “Who raised up one from the east? Who in righteousness called him to His feet? Who gave the nations before him, And made him rule over kings? Who gave them as the dust to his sword, As driven stubble to his bow? 3 Who pursued them, and passed safely By the way that he had not gone with his feet? 4 Who has performed and done it, Calling the generations from the beginning? ‘I, the Lord, am the first; And with the last I am He.' ” 5 The coastlands saw it and feared, The ends of the earth were afraid; They drew near and came. 6 Everyone helped his neighbor, And said to his brother, “Be of good courage!” 7 So the craftsman encouraged the goldsmith; He who smooths with the hammer inspired him who strikes the anvil, Saying, “It is ready for the soldering”; Then he fastened it with pegs, That it might not totter. 8 “But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, The descendants of Abraham My friend. 9 You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its farthest regions, And said to you, ‘You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away: 10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' 11 “Behold, all those who were incensed against you Shall be ashamed and disgraced; They shall be as nothing, And those who strive with you shall perish. 12 You shall seek them and not find them— Those who contended with you. Those who war against you Shall be as nothing, As a nonexistent thing. 13 For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.' 14 “Fear not, you worm Jacob, You men of Israel! I will help you,” says the Lord And your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. 15 “Behold, I will make you into a new threshing sledge with sharp teeth; You shall thresh the mountains and beat them small, And make the hills like chaff. 16 You shall winnow them, the wind shall carry them away, And the whirlwind shall scatter them; You shall rejoice in the Lord, And glory in the Holy One of Israel. 17 “The poor and needy seek water, but there is none, Their tongues fail for thirst. I, the Lord, will hear them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. 18 I will open rivers in desolate heights, And fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, And the dry land springs of water. 19 I will plant in the wilderness the cedar and the acacia tree, The myrtle and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the cypress tree and the pine And the box tree together, 20 That they may see and know, And consider and understand together, That the hand of the Lord has done this, And the Holy One of Israel has created it. The Futility of Idols 21 “Present your case,” says the Lord. “Bring forth your strong reasons,” says the King of Jacob. 22 “Let them bring forth and show us what will happen; Let them show the former things, what they were, That we may consider them, And know the latter end of them; Or declare to us things to come. 23 Show the things that are to come hereafter, That we may know that you are gods; Yes, do good or do evil, That we may be dismayed and see it together. 24 Indeed you are nothing, And your work is nothing; He who chooses you is an abomination. 25 “I have raised up one from the north, And he shall come; From the rising of the sun he shall call on My name; And he shall come against princes as though mortar, As the potter treads clay. 26 Who has declared from the beginning, that we may know? And former times, that we may say, ‘He is righteous'? Surely there is no one who shows, Surely there is no one who declares, Surely there is no one who hears your words. 27 The first time I said to Zion, ‘Look, there they are!' And I will give to Jerusalem one who brings good tidings. 28 For I looked, and there was no man; I looked among them, but there was no counselor, Who, when I asked of them, could answer a word. 29 Indeed they are all worthless; Their works are nothing; Their molded images are wind and confusion. The Servant of the Lord 42 “Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. 2 He will not cry out, nor raise His voice, Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth. 4 He will not fail nor be discouraged, Till He has established justice in the earth; And the coastlands shall wait for His law.” 5 Thus says God the Lord, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, And spirit to those who walk on it: 6 “I, the Lord, have called You in righteousness, And will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, As a light to the Gentiles, 7 To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the prison, Those who sit in darkness from the prison house. 8 I am the Lord, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images. 9 Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare; Before they spring forth I tell you of them.” Praise to the Lord 10 Sing to the Lord a new song, And His praise from the ends of the earth, You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, You coastlands and you inhabitants of them! 11 Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voice, The villages that Kedar inhabits. Let the inhabitants of Sela sing, Let them shout from the top of the mountains. 12 Let them give glory to the Lord, And declare His praise in the coastlands. 13 The Lord shall go forth like a mighty man; He shall stir up His zeal like a man of war. He shall cry out, yes, shout aloud; He shall prevail against His enemies. Promise of the Lord's Help 14 “I have held My peace a long time, I have been still and restrained Myself. Now I will cry like a woman in labor, I will pant and gasp at once. 15 I will lay waste the mountains and hills, And dry up all their vegetation; I will make the rivers coastlands, And I will dry up the pools. 16 I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them. 17 They shall be turned back, They shall be greatly ashamed, Who trust in carved images, Who say to the molded images, ‘You are our gods.' 18 “Hear, you deaf; And look, you blind, that you may see. 19 Who is blind but My servant, Or deaf as My messenger whom I send? Who is blind as he who is perfect, And blind as the Lord's servant? 20 Seeing many things, but you do not observe; Opening the ears, but he does not hear.” Israel's Obstinate Disobedience 21 The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness' sake; He will exalt the law and make it honorable. 22 But this is a people robbed and plundered; All of them are snared in holes, And they are hidden in prison houses; They are for prey, and no one delivers; For plunder, and no one says, “Restore!” 23 Who among you will give ear to this? Who will listen and hear for the time to come? 24 Who gave Jacob for plunder, and Israel to the robbers? Was it not the Lord, He against whom we have sinned? For they would not walk in His ways, Nor were they obedient to His law. 25 Therefore He has poured on him the fury of His anger And the strength of battle; It has set him on fire all around, Yet he did not know; And it burned him, Yet he did not take it to heart. The Redeemer of Israel 43 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. 4 Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life. 5 Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, And gather you from the west; 6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!' And to the south, ‘Do not keep them back!' Bring My sons from afar, And My daughters from the ends of the earth— 7 Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.” 8 Bring out the blind people who have eyes, And the deaf who have ears. 9 Let all the nations be gathered together, And let the people be assembled. Who among them can declare this, And show us former things? Let them bring out their witnesses, that they may be justified; Or let them hear and say, “It is truth.” 10 “You are My witnesses,” says the Lord, “And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me. 11 I, even I, am the Lord, And besides Me there is no savior. 12 I have declared and saved, I have proclaimed, And there was no foreign god among you; Therefore you are My witnesses,” Says the Lord, “that I am God. 13 Indeed before the day was, I am He; And there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?” 14 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “For your sake I will send to Babylon, And bring them all down as fugitives— The Chaldeans, who rejoice in their ships. 15 I am the Lord, your Holy One, The Creator of Israel, your King.” 16 Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea And a path through the mighty waters, 17 Who brings forth the chariot and horse, The army and the power (They shall lie down together, they shall not rise; They are extinguished, they are quenched like a wick): 18 “Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. 20 The beast of the field will honor Me, The jackals and the ostriches, Because I give waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My people, My chosen. 21 This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise. Pleading with Unfaithful Israel 22 “But you have not called upon Me, O Jacob; And you have been weary of Me, O Israel. 23 You have not brought Me the sheep for your burnt offerings, Nor have you honored Me with your sacrifices. I have not caused you to serve with grain offerings, Nor wearied you with incense. 24 You have bought Me no sweet cane with money, Nor have you satisfied Me with the fat of your sacrifices; But you have burdened Me with your sins, You have wearied Me with your iniquities. 25 “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins. 26 Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend together; State your case, that you may be acquitted. 27 Your first father sinned, And your mediators have transgressed against Me. 28 Therefore I will profane the princes of the sanctuary; I will give Jacob to the curse, And Israel to reproaches. God's Blessing on Israel 44 “Yet hear now, O Jacob My servant, And Israel whom I have chosen. 2 Thus says the Lord who made you And formed you from the womb, who will help you: ‘Fear not, O Jacob My servant; And you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring; 4 They will spring up among the grass Like willows by the watercourses.' 5 One will say, ‘I am the Lord's'; Another will call himself by the name of Jacob; Another will write with his hand, ‘The Lord's,' And name himself by the name of Israel. There Is No Other God 6 “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, And his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God. 7 And who can proclaim as I do? Then let him declare it and set it in order for Me, Since I appointed the ancient people. And the things that are coming and shall come, Let them show these to them. 8 Do not fear, nor be afraid; Have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one.' ” Idolatry Is Foolishness 9 Those who make an image, all of them are useless, And their precious things shall not profit; They are their own witnesses; They neither see nor know, that they may be ashamed. 10 Who would form a god or mold an image That profits him nothing? 11 Surely all his companions would be ashamed; And the workmen, they are mere men. Let them all be gathered together, Let them stand up; Yet they shall fear, They shall be ashamed together. 12 The blacksmith with the tongs works one in the coals, Fashions it with hammers, And works it with the strength of his arms. Even so, he is hungry, and his strength fails; He drinks no water and is faint. 13 The craftsman stretches out his rule, He marks one out with chalk; He fashions it with a plane, He marks it out with the compass, And makes it like the figure of a man, According to the beauty of a man, that it may remain in the house. 14 He cuts down cedars for himself, And takes the cypress and the oak; He secures it for himself among the trees of the forest. He plants a pine, and the rain nourishes it. 15 Then it shall be for a man to burn, For he will take some of it and warm himself; Yes, he kindles it and bakes bread; Indeed he makes a god and worships it; He makes it a carved image, and falls down to it. 16 He burns half of it in the fire; With this half he eats meat; He roasts a roast, and is satisfied. He even warms himself and says, “Ah! I am warm, I have seen the fire.” 17 And the rest of it he makes into a god, His carved image. He falls down before it and worships it, Prays to it and says, “Deliver me, for you are my god!” 18 They do not know nor understand; For He has shut their eyes, so that they cannot see, And their hearts, so that they cannot understand. 19 And no one considers in his heart, Nor is there knowledge nor understanding to say, “I have burned half of it in the fire, Yes, I have also baked bread on its coals; I have roasted meat and eaten it; And shall I make the rest of it an abomination? Shall I fall down before a block of wood?” 20 He feeds on ashes; A deceived heart has turned him aside; And he cannot deliver his soul, Nor say, “Is there not a lie in my right hand?” Israel Is Not Forgotten 21 “Remember these, O Jacob, And Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me! 22 I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, And like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” 23 Sing, O heavens, for the Lord has done it! Shout, you lower parts of the earth; Break forth into singing, you mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the Lord has redeemed Jacob, And glorified Himself in Israel. Judah Will Be Restored 24 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, And He who formed you from the womb: “I am the Lord, who makes all things, Who stretches out the heavens all alone, Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself; 25 Who frustrates the signs of the babblers, And drives diviners mad; Who turns wise men backward, And makes their knowledge foolishness; 26 Who confirms the word of His servant, And performs the counsel of His messengers; Who says to Jerusalem, ‘You shall be inhabited,' To the cities of Judah, ‘You shall be built,' And I will raise up her waste places; 27 Who says to the deep, ‘Be dry! And I will dry up your rivers'; 28 Who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd, And he shall perform all My pleasure, Saying to Jerusalem, “You shall be built,” And to the temple, “Your foundation shall be laid.” ' Cyrus, God's Instrument 45 “Thus says the Lord to His anointed, To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held— To subdue nations before him And loose the armor of kings, To open before him the double doors, So that the gates will not be shut: 2 ‘I will go before you And make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze And cut the bars of iron. 3 I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel. 4 For Jacob My servant's sake, And Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me. 5 I am the Lord, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me, 6 That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting That there is none besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other; 7 I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the Lord, do all these things.' 8 “Rain down, you heavens, from above, And let the skies pour down righteousness; Let the earth open, let them bring forth salvation, And let righteousness spring up together. I, the Lord, have created it. 9 “Woe to him who strives with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth! Shall the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?' Or shall your handiwork say, ‘He has no hands'? 10 Woe to him who says to his father, ‘What are you begetting?' Or to the woman, ‘What have you brought forth?' ” 11 Thus says the Lord, The Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: “Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons; And concerning the work of My hands, you command Me. 12 I have made the earth, And created man on it. I—My hands—stretched out the heavens, And all their host I have commanded. 13 I have raised him up in righteousness, And I will direct all his ways; He shall build My city And let My exiles go free, Not for price nor reward,” Says the Lord of hosts. The Lord, the Only Savior 14 Thus says the Lord: “The labor of Egypt and merchandise of Cush And of the Sabeans, men of stature, Shall come over to you, and they shall be yours; They shall walk behind you, They shall come over in chains; And they shall bow down to you. They will make supplication to you, saying, ‘Surely God is in you, And there is no other; There is no other God.' ” 15 Truly You are God, who hide Yourself, O God of Israel, the Savior! 16 They shall be ashamed And also disgraced, all of them; They shall go in confusion together, Who are makers of idols. 17 But Israel shall be saved by the Lord With an everlasting salvation; You shall not be ashamed or disgraced Forever and ever. 18 For thus says the Lord, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: “I am the Lord, and there is no other. 19 I have not spoken in secret, In a dark place of the earth; I did not say to the seed of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in vain'; I, the Lord, speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. 20 “Assemble yourselves and come; Draw near together, You who have escaped from the nations. They have no knowledge, Who carry the wood of their carved image, And pray to a god that cannot save. 21 Tell and bring forth your case; Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the Lord? And there is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; There is none besides Me. 22 “Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. 23 I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath. 24 He shall say, ‘Surely in the Lord I have righteousness and strength. To Him men shall come, And all shall be ashamed Who are incensed against Him. 25 In the Lord all the descendants of Israel Shall be justified, and shall glory.' ”   Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrvkBVo1Cd4 Duration 35:38

In this episode, we conclude our conversation on life transitions with Michelle's husband, Chris Benzinger. We focus on the second and third steps in walking through transitions: releasing with trust and redeeming with hope. We talk about God wanting to redeem our past, the need to let go of the ways we've failed, and how God wants to do something new in the future. We also reflect on the importance of ceremony to conclude a season, the four responses to a loss, and why we should share our hopes for the future with God.   Heather's One Thing - Return to the Heart: The Biblical Spirituality of St. Augustine's Confessions by Dr. Shane Owens Sister Miriam's One Thing -  Mediterranean Chicken Bowls Michelle's One Thing - Belovedness: Overcoming Your Inner Critic - A Lyrical Devotional by Sarah Kroger Chris' One Thing - Running a 5k with his daughter Lilly    Journal Questions: What was good about the previous season of my life? Am I grieving or still carrying hurts?  What is God specifically asking me to release from this past season?  In this next season of my life, what is one thing God is making new? What is one hope I have for this next season of my life?   Creative Prompt: Take a bookmark and decorate it with your hopes for the next season and place it in your Bible. It will serve as a reminder in the next chapter of your life.   Discussion Questions: Reflect back upon the past few years and choose one big or small transition in your life.  What is one thing you are grateful for in the past season of your life? What is God calling you to release with trust from that past season? As you look to this current season, what action can you take to ceremonialize the end of an old season and create the foundation for a new season? Are you able to name what you desire? Why or why not? How are you responding to loss in your current season of life? What is something new God is doing in the current season of your life?   Quote to Ponder: “Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not. See I am doing something new. Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:18)   Scripture for Lectio: “But now thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and formed you O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; and you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)   Sponsor - Karol Coffee Co.: This week's sponsor is more than just a coffee company. Karol Coffee Co. was inspired by the life and work of one of the most beloved saints of the modern era: Karol Wojtyła, better known to the world as Pope St. John Paul II. His life was a testimony to courage, joy, and cultivating beauty that draws souls into union with Jesus and one other. From his days as a young priest in Nazi-occupied Poland to his years leading the global Church, St. John Paul II consistently called people to embrace truth, goodness, and beauty in every aspect of their lives. Karol Coffee Co. seeks to carry on that mission in a small but meaningful way — by bringing community, love, and joy into the heart of our everyday routines through coffee. Founded by Nate and Megan Whipple, a faithful Catholic couple rooted in mission, Karol Coffee Co. began humbly in 2022 as a simple garage-based roasting operation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. What started as a passion project quickly became something greater, thanks to the encouragement and support of fellow Catholics and coffee enthusiasts. In just a short time, their venture has grown into a thriving small business that now serves customers all over the country. In an age when many of our purchases inadvertently support massive corporations with values often at odds with our own, supporting small, Catholic-owned businesses has never been more important. Karol Coffee Co. offers an alternative: ethically-sourced, traceable coffees roasted with care and intention. Each batch is crafted not only for flavor but with the desire to honor the dignity of those who cultivate the beans and to support communities around the world. Their rotating coffee offerings include a range of carefully selected beans from notable coffee-growing regions with flavor profiles to suit a variety of preferences. Karol Coffee Co. makes it easier to keep your kitchen stocked with beans through bi-weekly or monthly subscription options. Fresh, delicious coffee delivered right to your door — no last-minute grocery runs or chain coffee stops required. But beyond the coffee itself, what makes Karol Coffee Co. truly remarkable is the heart behind it. Nate and Megan have built their business around community and mission. It's about more than just selling beans; it's about creating opportunities for people to encounter beauty, truth, and goodness in the midst of their everyday lives, and to share that with the people around them. They have a passion for creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds and walks of life to experience connection and unity through the shared love of coffee and beauty. We'd love for you to get to know them and become part of their growing community. You can visit their website at www.karolcoffeeco.com to explore their current offerings, sign up for a subscription, or learn more about the mission behind the brand. You can also follow along with them on Instagram @karolcoffeeco.  And if you're ever passing through St. Paul, Minnesota, be sure to visit their brand-new brick-and-mortar coffee shop. Their beautiful shop is a space where faith, community, and great coffee come together in a setting that feels like home. The walls are covered in paintings by local artists, as well as those of Megan herself (@meganwhippleart). You can even find a portrait of Pope Saint John Paul II painted by Megan (prints available on the Karol Coffee Co. website - https://karolcoffeeco.com/products/megan-whipple-art-karol-8x10-print). The shop offers a simple but complete food menu of organic and locally sourced food and a great variety of caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks.  So whether you're looking to start your mornings with a little more purpose, support a Catholic business, or simply discover some truly great coffee, we wholeheartedly encourage you to check out Karol Coffee Co. Use code ABIDING for 10% your first order.   Timestamps:  00:00 - Karol Coffee Co. 01:36 - Intro 02:26 - Welcome 03:13 - Releasing with Trust 07:26 - Your Past Seasons 13:24 - Four Responses to Loss 16:55 - Our Responses to Losses in Life 25:56 - Redeem with Hope 27: 30 - Redemption in Our Lives 33:29 - One Things  

Today, Lisa and Laura kick off a brand-new series, Names of God. In biblical times, names were of great importance—they conveyed a person's essence, history, nature, or character. As we explore the various names of God in the Old Testament, we gain insight into His character. With each name, we will learn a new attribute, deepening our understanding of and growing closer to God. In today's episode, we delve into Genesis 16 which is the story of Abram, Sarai, and Hagar. Here we uncover the first name in our series: El Roi, the God who sees. Do you struggle to believe that you are seen? Do you wonder if God hears your prayers? Do you believe your suffering is insignificant? If so, don't miss this episode. Grab your Bible and get ready to encounter the God who sees you. Open your Heart to our key Scripture. Genesis 16 Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode. Psalm 9:10: Those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Exodus 33:19: I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you my name, “The Lord”; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. Proverbs 18:10: The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. Isaiah 43:1: But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Psalm 56:8: You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle! Are they not in your book?  Invite Him in with this episode's questions for reflection. Who do you turn to to tell you who you are and what you are worth? What does it mean to you personally that God sees you? Show mentions. Heart of Vines Summer Book Club starting in July! Using code HOVBOGO50, purchase one Heart of Vines book and get a second one at 50% off. Limit one use per customer. This offer ends July 8, 2025. Lisa Brenninkmeyer and Katie Brenninkmeyer, Heart of Vines: An Invitation to Escape the Life that is Slowly Killing You. Register for Heart of Vines Summer Virtual Book Club. Hope For Right Now: A Walking with Purpose Podcast: Episode 24: What Kind of a Father Is God? CCC 239 Let's stay connected. Don't miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Want to keep the conversation going? Join our private Facebook community. Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.

Special guests: We are kicking off Holy Week with Fr. John Riccardo and Mary Guilfoyle from ACTS XXIX. This Lent, Lisa and Laura explore Passionate Discipleship, a nine-week Lenten Bible study series. In these powerful episodes, they'll unpack Paul's wisdom to his closest friend, Timothy, and reflect on how we can apply it to our lives today. As we grow in personal holiness, we will boldly step into our call as true disciples by reaching out to the next generation and passing on all that we've learned. In today's episode, they kick off Holy Week by welcoming two special guests to discuss Lesson 6, Alert to Your Surroundings: Fr. John Riccardo and Mary Guilfoyle from ACTS XXIX. They talk all things prayer, identity, and Scripture. This episode is an absolute must-listen! Open your Heart to our key Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:1–7: But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of stress. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding the form of religion but denying the power of it. Avoid such people. For among them are those who make their way into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and swayed by various impulses, who will listen to anybody and can never arrive at a knowledge of the truth. Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode. Psalm 139:1–3: O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. Mark 10:17–31: The Rich Man Luke 15:11–32: The Parable of the Prodigal and His Brother Isaiah 43:1,4: But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine … Because you are precious in my eyes and honored, and I love you. Ecclesiastes 1:9: What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; and there is nothing new under the sun. Invite Him in with this episode's questions for reflection. Go to prayer and ask the Lord these two questions: By what name do You call me? What is the one thing that keeps me from wholeheartedly following You? Show mentions. ACTS XXIX, Leadership Immersive Arthur Brooks and Tim Ferriss, “How to Be Happy, Reverse Bucket Lists, The Four False Idols, and More” Our presenting sponsor is Hallow. Hallow is the #1 prayer and meditation app dedicated to helping you grow closer to God and find peace with thousands of guided prayers and meditations. Hallow offers daily prayers with Scripture, contemplation, sleep prayers, rosaries, and so much more, making it a great resource for growing closer to God in 2025. The app makes it so easy to set up a routine to help you stay consistent. Visit hallow.com/walkingwithpurpose to get 3 months of Hallow free! Let's stay connected. Don't miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Want to keep the conversation going? Join our private Facebook community. Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.

Your Nightly Prayer

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESVMistaken IdentityYou are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 ESV“If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.'” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God.'”Matthew 4:3-7 NLTGod created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 ESVThe enemy wants to rob you of your God given identity and destiny and establish a stronghold of mistaken identity in your life. The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. John 10:10 NLTIf your identity is in your work, success will go to your head and failure will go to your heart. Tim KellerYou are not identified by your struggle but your savior! The sooner you refuse to be identified by your struggle, the sooner sin and death will lose its hold on you. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:12-17 NLTThe devil's strategy is to takeaway your inheritance, and to do that he has to steal your identity. To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12 ESVIf you choose real relationship with Jesus and stand in His authority, the enemy can't touch your inheritance!Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. Ephesians 1:4 NLT Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5 ESV I am loved, I am adopted, I am forgiven, I am redeemed, I am Holy, I am His! - - The only way for you to know you is for you to focus on knowing Him!But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1 ESV Identity is inextricably linked to ownership.Knowing in your heart that you are a loved and empowered child of God changes everything.I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 ESVWe don't lose our true selves but rather become our true selves when we find ourselves in Jesus!-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESVMistaken IdentityYou are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 ESV“If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.'” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God.'”Matthew 4:3-7 NLTGod created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 ESVThe enemy wants to rob you of your God given identity and destiny and establish a stronghold of mistaken identity in your life. The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. John 10:10 NLTIf your identity is in your work, success will go to your head and failure will go to your heart. Tim KellerYou are not identified by your struggle but your savior! The sooner you refuse to be identified by your struggle, the sooner sin and death will lose its hold on you. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:12-17 NLTThe devil's strategy is to takeaway your inheritance, and to do that he has to steal your identity. To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12 ESVIf you choose real relationship with Jesus and stand in His authority, the enemy can't touch your inheritance!Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. Ephesians 1:4 NLT Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5 ESV I am loved, I am adopted, I am forgiven, I am redeemed, I am Holy, I am His! - - The only way for you to know you is for you to focus on knowing Him!But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1 ESV Identity is inextricably linked to ownership.Knowing in your heart that you are a loved and empowered child of God changes everything.I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 ESVWe don't lose our true selves but rather become our true selves when we find ourselves in Jesus!-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

   But now thus says the Lord,he who created you, O Jacob,   he who formed you, O Israel:“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;   I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confess Your Promises (audio) David Eells 8/28/24     Keeping God's commandment is not too hard if we understand the keys. Deu 30:11 For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not too hard for thee, neither is it far off… 14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. 5 See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil. The key here is, if the Word is in our mouth and heart, we can do it. Pro.18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. The tongue has the power to give life, which makes it easy to keep His commandments. Speaking them into existence and agreeing with Him is the key.   Confirming the words so we can do them is the key. Deu 27:26 Cursed be he that confirmeth not the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen. He goes on to talk about the blessings in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and the curses in Deuteronomy 28:15-68. The blessings come to those who confirm the word. We are called to speak in agreement with God's Word, not add to it or take away from it, under penalty of a curse. Rev 22:18 I testify unto every man that heareth the words of this book, If any man shall add unto them, God shall add unto him the plagues which are written in this book: 19 and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book.   In James, we're told that the man is a perfect man who has control over the tongue. (Jas 3:2) For in many things we all stumble. If any stumbleth not in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also. Now we see that, if a person can speak in agreement with God's Word, he will be able to obey because he will be able to bridle the whole body also. Speaking is a manifestation of faith. Faith without works is dead; it's unfruitful according to Jas 2:17. When we speak in agreement with the Word, we bring the power of God into the situation; otherwise, it is just dead religion. So, since our words can bring blessings and curses, we must, therefore, come into agreement with God's precious Word that we may receive the blessings.  Read it, speak it, and live.  Psa 107:2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say [so], Whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the adversary. We've been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. It's absolutely necessary that our faith be completed with works, according to James 2. The tongue and what we say are the most common way that we fulfill our faith. Faith that is not spoken or acted upon is faith that will not bring you anything. So, if we say we've been redeemed, we had better be talking that way. Many people destroy the works of God with their tongue. Out of one side of their mouth they claim that they believe that they were redeemed, but out of the other side they speak against it and they destroy it.    Col 1:14 In whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins. The word “redemption” means “a release on payment of a ransom.” We owed a debt we couldn't pay and Jesus paid a debt He didn't owe. A ransom is a price that is paid to release someone who is under a curse or in bondage. We've been in bondage to the curse, the old man, the devil, the world, sickness and all the bad things that go along with that.   Yet, Jesus paid the price to set us free; He paid a ransom so the devil would no longer have authority over us because we have the forgiveness of our sins. A ransom, according to Scripture, is something that must be confessed according to Psalm 107:2 Let the redeemed of Jehovah say so... We have many opportunities to confess Him before men according to Matthew 10:32 so that He, as the High Priest of our confession, can have an offering and confess us before the Father and we in turn receive the promises.    It's not good enough to just loosely say, “I've been redeemed.” When we have the opportunity to profess and confess that redemption in the midst of our trials and don't do it, we are negating what we say we believe. We are not bringing the benefits of the Kingdom to bear upon our life or our circumstances. Redemption covers all of the curse. Gal 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.   The curse of the Law in Deuteronomy 28 includes all of those negative things that happen to sinners. We see the curse all around us and even in our own life, until we exercise the authority that we have been given to come out from under it. Jesus paid the price, the penalty, for the curse that we would normally bear. We were redeemed. If we fail in our confession, we can renounce this, confess it to the Lord, and begin again.  Psa 107:2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say [so]…. Why? Because faith without works is dead according to Jas 2:17. When we get into a situation that involves a curse (something which most of Christianity considers to be quite normal), we should know that the normal Christian life is a life delivered from the power of the curse of sin.     We understand the truth of the Gospel, that the Lord paid for our sins and we've been forgiven of our sins; therefore, we are no longer under the curse. Jesus bore that curse for us. We're not supposed to bear it and it doesn't please the Father that we bear it because His Son suffered and died to bear it, and for nothing in most lives. But we will bear it, if we do not confess our redemption.    When you read the Bible confess those things you see you lack, as yours. Jesus said, According to your faith be it done unto you in Mat 8:13; 9:29. When we agree with God's Word, when we watch our heart and tongue, and even ask the Lord to keep our tongue, then God is able to help us confess in the midst of the situations and trials that we are redeemed. Psa 141:3 Set a watch, O Jehovah, before my mouth; Keep the door of my lips.  It doesn't matter what the curse is; we have been redeemed from it. Jesus paid the penalty and we don't have to live under it. We are supposed to agree with this and speak our redemption, which is that we've been redeemed from the power of sin and its curse according to Romans 6:18, 22. According to this Jesus “made you free from sin.” So He solved this problem. Do you confess that you still have a problem with sin after you have confessed it to him?   Or do you know that the Lamb of God took away the sins of the world in John 1:29? Do you know that God made reconciliation already and sin is not a problem for you any longer, since He's taken care of it? Now you are to reckon yourself dead unto sin, as the Lord commanded. Rom 6:11 Reckon (Consider it done) ye also yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in Christ Jesus. (What will this do if we believe it?) 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey the lusts thereof:   Are you going to “let the redeemed of the Lord say so”? Are you going to confess your sins and then confess that you have been delivered and redeemed from the power of sin? Most Christians don't believe this because they have been taught otherwise. There are many aspects of our redemption that we need to confess before the Savior and High Priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1; 4:14). Who then offers them as our sacrifice (Hebrews 13:15) before the Father. He has redeemed us out of all trouble. Psa 25:22 Redeem Israel, O God, Out of all his troubles. He has delivered us from the curse. How many troubles would we get out of, if we would just turn to God and confess His redemption? He has delivered us from all evil.    Gen 48:16 The angel who hath redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads... Jacob blessed Joseph's sons and this is our blessing, too. The apostle Paul said, The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, in 2Ti 4:18. Do you believe that this is God's plan? Most Christians believe their old life, which is their human nature. They believe that the normal Christian life is just to wait on the Lord to come and save them, but there is a battle to be won before this happens. A few believe in divine healing and a few in deliverance, yet redemption is deliverance from all evil and all of our enemies.   What can we identify as enemies? The flesh, the lusts of the flesh, the devil, principalities and powers, the world, the curse and so on. Luk 1:68 Blessed [be] the Lord, the God of Israel; For he hath visited and wrought redemption for his people, 69 And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of his servant David 70 (As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old), 71 Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 72 To show mercy towards our fathers, And to remember his holy covenant; 73 The oath which he sware unto Abraham our father, 74 To grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies Should serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him all our days.   That's what redemption paid for! Glory to God! Most Christians never receive the fullness of what's been paid for by Jesus Christ because they don't confess their full redemption shown in many promises. He has redeemed us from a life of vanity, foolishness and failure. 1Pe 1:18 Knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers. We have been redeemed from our “vain manner of life,” a worthless and useless life. If you look at the life of the disciples, the apostles and Jesus, you will see a self-sacrificial life, not a life of materialism and pleasing self. They lived lives of sacrifice for others.    This was anything but a “vain manner of life.” Most people live, whether in peace and prosperity or not, a “vain manner of life,” given over to the corruption of the world. They ...strain out the gnat, and swallow the camel (Mat 23:24), making little things big and big things little. Important things are not important to them. What we need to do is confess that we have all of Christ. He was given to us as a gift. He now lives in us and we no longer live according to Paul's confession in Gal 2:20. We need to confess this before men, although I know it's a very unpopular thing to do, even before Christians.   But the Father has given us the life of Jesus through the reconciliation. Col 1:22 Yet now hath he reconciled (Or “exchanged”, meaning His life for ours.) in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and unreprovable before him: 23 if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister. God gave the life of Jesus to us and took our lives and nailed them to the Cross.    Psa 103:4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies. We've been redeemed from destruction. If you look up the word “redeemed” or “redemption” in your Bible concordance, you will see how much has been provided.   The Lord Jesus has bought us out of bondage from the devil. The devil had his rights over us because we had sinned and we had no sacrifice, but now that we have a sacrifice, we must believe and confess the redemption that the Lord has given us so we can receive it. If we hold redemption only as a religious dogma and do not confess it with our mouth and accept it in our mind, then it's worthless.   Num 14:1 And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. 2 And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would that we had died in this wilderness! 3 And wherefore doth the Lord bring us unto this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will be a prey: were it not better for us to return into Egypt? And God replied… 28  Say unto them, As I live, saith Jehovah, surely as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you:  29  your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, that have murmured against me.   The Israelites spoke this against the promises of God because the spies had come back from spying out the land and told of the giants there and spoke of themselves as grasshoppers before these great giants. These giants represent our flesh that most don't believe they can conquer. Also, we must not speak what destroys others faith. They saw the Land of the promises, milk and honey and luscious fruit for 40 days but all they thought and spoke of were the giants.   Now get this: We have a refuge land of promise given to us by promises in dreams, visions, Words, types etc. And also we have received the promises for all of our needs to be met. And it is all free to you… We are each individually responsible to exorcise faith to take the Land of promises so it is not “revoked” and we are “disinherited” and “die in the wilderness” as we shall see. (Beware you do not go to this land for selfish purposes as some have and died in sin there.) I asked the Lord why many have not received this already. He said, “because too many are not exorcising their own faith to receive these things.” I also have known people who were counting on my faith to be enough. We will see that God wants your faith to count for you and yours. I have done my job up to this point. I have consistently claimed Father would supply the funds “abundantly above all we can ask or think”. Father has shown that the Soloman anointed Man-child will soon take possession to build the Latter Rain kingdom. Now everyone has to believe for their piece of the pie and the Lord will decide for faith just as He did for the Jews.    Please let us agree in prayer and confess our faith for God's complete provision.    Father, we who know we are called to this and ask that you make the wilderness provision for our needs that is already provided be ours in Jesus name. We commit to think and speak in agreement with this fact now just as the Israelites were expected to do when they went to take their land of the promised provisions. In accordance with your command in Mar 11:23-24 we believe we have received this provision. We know that the double minded man will not receive from you. We ask that you keep our thoughts and tongue in agreement with this because of the reconciliation which gave us the mind of Christ when the mind of the flesh was crucified. We ask that if we ever waver you will give us a mind to repent and begin again our confession. Fill us with your Holy Spirit to empower us to hold fast to the confession of our hope that it waver not. Amen!     Also we represent the land and the giants represent the old man of the flesh resisting us, which most preachers say are unconquerable destroying the faith of many. They say that we should accept that we are only “sinners saved by grace,” but we were sinners and now we are saved by grace. And the truth is the Lord said we can take the giants down and in fact, He has already accomplished this. He has taken down the giants of doubt and unbelief too. He was righteously offended that they spoke against His promises but He gave them what they confessed.     Num 14:11 And the Lord said unto Moses, How long will this people despise me? and how long will they not believe in me, for all the signs which I have wrought among them? 12 I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a nation greater and mightier than they. God can disinherit us from the promises He has given us if we do not personally believe, just as He did with them.   Num 14:23 Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that despised me see it. Notice that He swore to give them the land but changed His mind because they did not keep their part of the covenant, which was faith. Jesus said, “Be it unto you according to your faith”, and “As you have believed so shall it be unto you.” Notice that He put the responsibility on you and your individual faith.   This can be more than just missing out on some benefits; it can also bring death! Remember their children didn't die and were not held responsible but they were. Num 14:28 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord, surely as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you:    29 your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, that have murmured against me. They spoke against the Lord and He was highly offended. When Jesus was on this earth and He heard a word of faith from anyone, He was so pleased that He gave the person their request and so it is now.   Only believers will take possession of their land and promises. Num14:30 Surely ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware that I would make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. (Both faithful confessing believers) 34 After the number of the days in which ye spied out the land, even forty days (The number of tribulation, which they had to go through because they did not believe.), for every day a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my alienation. So God said they had rejected His covenant and had come to know His “alienation,” which literally means “the revoking of His promise.” Why? It was because they refused to confess their redemption. In the midst of the fiery trial, they refused to say what God had done for them.    We must watch in our daily trials that we do not think and say the very opposite of what we should believe as Christians, which is that Jesus has provided everything for us and we received this for us by faith.   Isa 43:1-5 But now thus saith Jehovah that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3 For I am Jehovah thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour; I have given Egypt as thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in thy stead. 4 Since thou hast been precious in my sight, and honorable, and I have loved thee; therefore will I give men in thy stead, and peoples instead of thy life.   Luk 1:67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying, 68 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; For he hath visited and wrought redemption for his people, 69 And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of his servant David 70 (As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old), 71 Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 72 To show mercy towards our fathers, And to remember his holy covenant; 73 The oath which he sware unto Abraham our father, 74 To grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies Should serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him all our days.   Jesus gave us the key to meet all our needs in Mar 11:23-24 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain (of resistance), Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it. (Jesus commanded every miracle before they happened.) 24 Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye received them, and ye shall have them. “Received” is past tense in the original text because we are shown to believe we received everything at the Cross.     Notice we are to speak it and believe we have received the promises. In this text Jesus was preaching long before what science has discovered in Quantum Mechanics or Physics. That is that the smallest particle is able to transform into whatever we receive by faith, good or bad. Faith cannot be seen but it is described in the KJV as the “substance” of what you need.   Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. I.e. While you have no evidence of what you need faith is the smallest particle or substance of it. Give God the substance. The whole creation was not made of physical things, but the spoken Word of God. Heb 11:3 By faith we understand that the worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen hath not been made out of things which appear. And we are sons and daughters of God to walk in His steps.   Jesus showed us that the tiniest particle or seed of faith can turn into the largest tree of support for His people. Mat 17:19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast it out? 20 And he saith unto them, Because of your little faith: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.   Mat 13:31 …The kingdom of heaven is like unto a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32 which indeed is less than all seeds; but when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the heaven come and lodge in the branches thereof. We are likened to birds by Jesus so He is saying this that starts out as the “smallest particle” will grow huge to support His people.    Believe and speak what the promises of our future say. Jesus made you free from sin, as Romans 6:18 says. He set you free from the curse, as Galatians 3:13 says. He delivered you out of the power of darkness, as Colossians 1:13 says. He “will supply your every need” as Php 4:19 says. We individually need to speak and confess these needs as ours now in order to receive them.   I am reminded of a dream my wife had about getting rid of bad words that curse our fruit of Jesus in us. She was praying for a friend and had this very vivid dream; she saw her friend inspecting her own fruit tree, which represented herself. She saw fruit on the tree but there were worms in the fruit. She had a can of spray and was broadly spraying the entire tree; however, my wife told her friend that this wouldn't work.    Then my wife walked over to her and told her to spray each worm right in the mouth. She took the can from her friend and noticed that it now wasn't worms in the fruit, but little serpents, so my wife sprayed the can into each serpent's mouth to kill them. The thing that is ruining our fruit is the “little serpents” or demons that speak through our carnal nature, – those negative thoughts and words that come out of our mouth. The spray is speaking the good news of the promises which is the power to save us from these thoughts and words.    I remember when I had gathered my kids together and lectured them on why they shouldn't leave their shoes out on the front porch. I said, “I told you, if you leave your shoes out on the front porch, a dog can come and take one of those shoes off and then the other shoe is good for nothing.” Well, that is exactly what happened. A dog came and took one of their shoes and I realized that I was the one who made it happen. I had given the dog permission to come and take one of their shoes. To make a long story short, I told them to go out and look for the shoe but they couldn't find it.     So then I said, “Here's what we're going to do,” as I looked out the front window at the porch. “We're going to command that dog to bring back that shoe and put it back where he got it,” and that's just what we did. We didn't think about it anymore. The next day we just happened to be standing right by that window and I think it was my son who yelled out, “Look!” We all looked out the window and here comes this dog from around the back of the neighbor's house with the shoe in his mouth, and he dropped it on the porch. Of course, the kids and I were amazed. I spoke that thing and God brought it to pass. We have the power of destruction or creation in our mouth. We're sons of God and the Lord Jesus Christ lives in us.   He has given us authority in our words. Mat 18:18 Verily I say unto you, What things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. We need to pay attention to what we say and be careful to agree with the promises of God. We are constantly binding and loosing by our words, which could be for good or bad. We don't want to bind God and loose the devil. Jesus “could not do many mighty works because of their unbelief.”     We each need to watch our thoughts and mouth because, in so many ways, we can bring a curse upon our life, upon our children and upon the people around us. Mar 11:12 And on the morrow, when they were come out from Bethany, he hungered. 13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find anything thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for it was not the season of figs. 14 And he answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit from thee henceforward forever.    And his disciples heard it. What do you think Jesus was talking about in this parable? Well, God's people are the fig tree and the next verses seem to imply that God was reprobating people even before they bore fruit because of unbelief, just like the actual fig tree. We have seen this happen to the faction in Jesus' day and ours. Faction and witchcraft took away all knowledge or respect of scripture which leaves them with no conscience. They are now dying in unbelief without fruit.    We have our opportunity to bear fruit and it has everything to do with what we say and do with the Word of God. We pray the prayer of faith for our children, and we should chasten them as the Word commands to cause them to fear judgment for their sin. If they don't fear your judgment, they will not fear God's judgment. Many times we get caught up with frustration and fear when we see them running after their flesh. We should, instead, be walking by faith for them and confessing their salvation by faith.     We need to not just broadly “spray the whole tree.” If we speak a word against our redemption, we need to deny that word and come against it. I think a good example of this is in Numbers. It speaks of a husband having the authority to disallow the words of his wife and children when they say things that bind their own soul, which the Bible calls a “rash utterance of her lips.”    Num 30:6 And if she be [married] to a husband, while her vows are upon her, or the rash utterance of her lips, wherewith she hath bound her soul (this is speaking things that bind our soul; the very opposite of our redemption), 7 and her husband hear it, and hold his peace at her in the day that he heareth it; then her vows shall stand, and her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul shall stand. 8 But if her husband disallow her in the day that he heareth it, then he shall make void her vow which is upon her, and the rash utterance of her lips, wherewith she hath bound her soul: and Lord will forgive her.    The same is said here of a father for his daughter. The father can deny and disallow what he sees and hears from his children, or he can just let it go and the Lord can hold them accountable for that. The one in authority here has the authority to let these words stand or to say no to things contrary to the Word. “No, we're not believing that for our child, or about our situation, or about our health. We're not accepting that.” Of course, it always has to be done with kindness, since it could cause some friction. God said, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you (Num 14:28).   It came quite naturally to them to say that they were afraid of the giants because they were not believing what God said and He was offended. We are in the same situation. Mar 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God (according to the Numeric pattern it is, “Have God's faith”.  This is because in the exchange He traded His faith for our unbelief. We see here that He is not talking about having faith in God, but about having God's faith inside of you. Some people may say that they don't have enough faith. First, they should stop saying that because it's not the truth and it can only hurt their faith. God has given to every one of us a measure of faith according to Romans 12:3. He also made reconciliation or exchange at the Cross, which gives us everything we need, including His faith.     Faith can be positive or faith can be negative. Pro 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Most people, when they are not lying, are saying what they believe. We have to exercise faith for some things, while for other things we exercise faith quite naturally because it is our belief and it does come to pass.    Gal 6:7 … Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. How do we sow things in the New Testament? When the sower went forth to sow, how did he sow his seed? He sowed the spoken Word. He sowed a seed called “the Word” in the hearts of men. How did Jesus know if the centurion had faith? He wanted Jesus to heal his servant who was sick of the palsy and grievously tormented. Jesus said in Mat 8:7 ... I will come and heal him. 8 And the centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed. How many times do you hear people say such a thing? Jesus knew by the fruit of the centurion's lips that he had faith. Jesus knew by his confession and then Jesus gave the centurion what he had confessed.    Do you think it is any different today? Jesus is waiting for us to confess our redemption, our reconciliation, and He is going to render to every man according to his works. Faith without works is dead. Jas.2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, if a man say he hath faith, but have not works? can that faith save him? 17 Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself. 18 Yea, a man will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith apart from [thy] works, and I by my works will show thee [my] faith.  

SCRIPTURE: Daniel 3:4–7 (ESV) And the herald proclaimed aloud, “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. And whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace.” Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.Compromise: Good: to settle a dispute by mutual concessionBad: to accept standards that are lower than desirableVery Bad: to embrace standards below God's expressed willCOMPROMISE IS MORE THAN A SIN. SIN IS AN ACTION, WHILE COMPROMISE IS A COURSE OF ACTION.Daniel 3,4 - Babylon lead by Nebuchadnezzar Spiritually dark time. Like America, the King's world was influenced by corrupt politicians, business leaders, social elites, judges, dark priests, and people from academia with a few godly people in the mix.In Babylon were people of Israel, human trafficked into Babylon by the government. Some of their finest were elevated to political prominence Daniel 2:49 (ESV) Daniel made a request of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of Babylon. But Daniel remained at the king's court.God will promote you and use you to influence your world in spite of the evil around you!Their presence made influential people jealous, but more likely, agitated the demons that influenced the people of influence.Neb set up an image ninety feet tallDaniel 3:4 Gathered the nation so when the music kicked on, everyone was to bow down and worship the image.People participated on various levels:As a group, everyone participated wholeheartedly.Internally, people participated for various reasonsAll in on idolatryAfraid of losing jobDesire for promotionMeet the expectations of their sub-groupCrowd pressureVirtue signaling - good people do thisAfraid of the furnaceThere were hold-outs, and hold-outs were dealt with.Daniel 3:8 (ESV) Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews.Daniel 3:12 (ESV) There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”Brought before NebDaniel 3:13 (ESV) Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king.Daniel 3:15 (ESV) Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?”The Furnace: A Place Of DecisionA demand for compromise leading to safety from destructionAnd invitation for obedience the leads to promotionCommon Furnaces Of Compromise:Individuals, groups, organizations and communities.Instead of influencing them, they influence you Require ongoing compromiseThey strip you bare. You may survive but you will not thrive.Activities contrary to scriptureAddictionsAnger UnforgivenessCultural attitudes, values and practicesThings our culture embraces that occasionally demand our participation and celebration.I would not attend a ceremony to celebrate someone committing suicideI would not attend a ceremony to celebrate someone having an abortionI would not attend a ceremony to celebrate two men getting married.I would not attend Circumstances Miserable marriagePoverty financesPoor healthFamily TormentGenerational sinCompromise WillProvide escape from the furnace, offer quick rewards that will not lastInvite and permit unforeseen trappings to reside in your lifedamage your relationship with God, micro at first, macro when it is in full bloomCorrupt, over time, things He's already done/given youLimit future experiences/promotions Camouflage the touch of God on your lifeHis touch, his presence makes you different than othersIt makes you attractive to othersIt makes people want what you haveCompromise causes you to blend in Things That Will Not Break The Stronghold Of Compromise:Wishing for something differentPraying for things to be differentAdmission of MistakesSorrow For SinAsking For ForgivenessFacing Compromise: DECLARE // RENOUNCEDaniel 3:16–18 (ESV) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Isaiah 43:1–3 (ESV) But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

église AB Lausanne ; KJV Isaiah 43 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears. Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth. Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. ...

Devotional Prayer by Be Inspired by His Word © Song You thought I was worth saving So you came and changed my life You thought I was worth keeping So you cleaned me up inside You thought I was to die for So you sacrificed your life So I could be free So I could be whole So I can tell everyone I know BUT NOW [in spite of past judgments for Israel's sins], thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O Jacob, and He Who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. Isaiah 43:1 AMPC Prayer Heavenly father I honour your majesty and worship your Holy name Lord thank you for this beautiful new dawn and privilege of life Lord thank you for the forgiveness of sin and your blood shed for the salvation of my soul Lord thank you for keeping me in your secret place and for watching over me Lord thank you for calling me your own and not allowing the dictates of the wicked rule over me Father thank you for rearranging whatever has been scattered by words and deeds of men in my life Fear you have no more power over my life because Jesus has given me confidence Failure you cannot coexist with success and happiness in my life in Jesus name Sadness you are not welcome in my family leave now in Jesus name Pain you have no place in my life and lineage in Jesus name I welcome joy and goodnews into my life and destiny in Jesus name I destroy evil emergencies and works of negativity over this community and nation in Jesus name Lord I commit the vessel used for this daily prayers all impacted by it and our household unto you, satisfy us with the best of heaven in Jesus name amen *Personal Prayer* Thank you abba father for answered prayers in Jesus name *Confess Daily: Sin shall not have dominion over me, I am operating in the power of the word of God. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus by faith as Jesus is so am I in this world. The presence of God surrounds my life. The grace of God is forever sufficient for me. His love is showered on me daily. He has removed barrenness and replaced it with abundance and beauty. God has finally said yes, He negated the No of the workers of iniquity. Look at me, I am the one the almighty God favours. Hallelujah!* Today's Prayer by Be Inspired (by His Word) © 2nd October 2023 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/be-inspired-by-his-word/message

“Defeat Fear With (Fear-of-God)” – “We Choose to Fear Not!” – Isaiah 43:1 But now, this is what the LORD says-- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine * Discouragement & Fear – The 2 top weapons the devil likes to use. * We all make a choices in all we face. It is natural to be discouraged, just don't stay there. - Whatever you fear, controls you. * It can hinder our relationships. * The world wants you to be afraid because they want to control you. * The good thing is that we can pull the plug on fear through God. * Isaiah 11:3 …and he will delight in the fear of the LORD… * Fear nullifies faith. He is the one we are to fear! * Don't be afraid of God but fear Him. ** God is the one to dread. ** God is the our sanctuary * 1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." ** Be ready to give an account about the hope we have.

Morning: Psalm 139:16; Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16; 2 Thessalonians 2:13–14; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 John 4:10 I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.—[God] saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.—Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Psalm 139:16 (Listen) 16   Your eyes saw my unformed substance;  in your book were written, every one of them,    the days that were formed for me,    when as yet there was none of them. (ESV) Jeremiah 31:3 (Listen) 3     the LORD appeared to him1 from far away.  I have loved you with an everlasting love;    therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Footnotes [1] 31:3 Septuagint; Hebrew me (ESV) John 3:16 (Listen) For God So Loved the World 16 “For God so loved the world,1 that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Footnotes [1] 3:16 Or For this is how God loved the world (ESV) 2 Thessalonians 2:13–14 (Listen) Stand Firm 13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits1 to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Footnotes [1] 2:13 Some manuscripts chose you from the beginning (ESV) 2 Timothy 1:9 (Listen) 9 who saved us and called us to1 a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,2 Footnotes [1] 1:9 Or with [2] 1:9 Greek before times eternal (ESV) 1 John 4:10 (Listen) 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (ESV) Evening: Deuteronomy 32:11–12; Isaiah 43:1–2; Isaiah 46:4; Isaiah 49:15; Isaiah 63:9; Romans 8:38–39; Hebrews 13:8 “I have made, and I will bear.” But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.”—“Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you.” Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that flutters over its young, spreading out its wings, catching them, bearing them on its pinions, the Lord alone guided him.—He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.—I am sure that neither… height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” Deuteronomy 32:11–12 (Listen) 11   Like an eagle that stirs up its nest,    that flutters over its young,  spreading out its wings, catching them,    bearing them on its pinions,12   the LORD alone guided him,    no foreign god was with him. (ESV) Isaiah 43:1–2 (Listen) Israel's Only Savior 43   But now thus says the LORD,  he who created you, O Jacob,    he who formed you, O Israel:  “Fear not, for I have redeemed you;    I have called you by name, you are mine.2   When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;  when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,    and the flame shall not consume you. (ESV) Isaiah 46:4 (Listen) 4   even to your old age I am he,    and to gray hairs I will carry you.  I have made, and I will bear;    I will carry and will save. (ESV) Isaiah 49:15 (Listen) 15   “Can a woman forget her nursing child,    that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?  Even these may forget,    yet I will not forget you. (ESV) Isaiah 63:9 (Listen) 9   In all their affliction he was afflicted,1    and the angel of his presence saved them;  in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;    he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. Footnotes [1] 63:9 Or he did not afflict (ESV) Romans 8:38–39 (Listen) 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (ESV) Hebrews 13:8 (Listen) 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (ESV)

Do you ever have a passage of Scripture that has just changed you forever? Isaiah 43 is one of those passages for me: “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life. Fear not, for I am with you…'” In those five short verses we catch so much critical truth about how God defines us! To Him we are: REDEEMED… CALLED… HIS… PRECIOUS… HONORED… LOVED…. Join me for this lagniappe episode of Rinse and Repeat, as we explore how our position in Christ, and His great work in us is a source of much peace through the fire! (RAR2023EP30)

Walk in Heavenly Places by Faith   (audio) David Eells – 7/23/23  Endure in Your Faith  Vanessa Weeks - December 2022 (David's notes in red)  In a dream David and I were standing in a spacious and nice bathroom. We were cleaning different parts of the bathroom and David was cleaning the large, white bathtub. (Representing preparing cleansing for corruption and for sanctification.) Then David was standing in the large bathtub fully dressed. He said to me, "You have to endure in your faith to receive healing for what you have not received." (This may also be spiritual healing.) (Healing is already accomplished and believers should stand in faith and believe they have received and speak what is theirs. 1Pe 2:24  who his own self bare our sins in his body upon the tree, that we, having died unto sins, might live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed. Mar 11:23-24 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it.  24  Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. After he said this, I saw to my right, an enclosed shower with glass doors. (This reminds me of 1Co 13:12 For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known.) (Believers should cleanse themselves of all false doctrines of men that would keep them from health of mind and body. 2Co 7:1  Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. I had been listening to "Receiving your Healing" from the UBM site when I had this dream.  I asked the Lord for a word about this and received by faith at random, Phi. 1:30. vs. 27-30 in context. Php 1:27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel; 28 and in nothing affrighted by the adversaries: which is for them an evident token of perdition, but of your salvation, and that from God; 29 because to you it hath been granted in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf: 30 having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.     Our Rights in Christ  Isaac Payne 1/24/22 (David's notes in red)  In this dream I was in third person viewing an oil tanker in the middle of the ocean. The oil tanker was far from land as I could only see the boundaries of water. (I believe the rough waters are the judgements that are here and are coming upon the world. Also, I think that this sea also represents the masses of people. (As they do in Revelations) Sort of a two-fold meaning of judgment upon the masses.) Gen 6:17 And, behold, I do bring the flood of the waters upon this earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breadth of life, from under heaven; everything that is in earth shall die.   2Pe 3:5-7 For this they willfully forget, that there were heavens from of old, and an earth compacted out for water and amidst water, by the word of God; by which means the world that then was, being overflowed with water perished: but the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgement and destruction of ungodly men.   The oil tanker resembled an old navy oil tanker from the World War II era. On this old oil tanker was a captain that was a burley fella. (Strength in the flesh will not save in the days to come but “righteousness delivereth from death”.) He was average sized, stocky, had a dark beard, and was wearing a seaman jacket with the hood over his head.  This burley captain's crew consisted of his mother and his wife. The wife and mother both had blonde hair.   They were fighting the waves and trying to obtain more oil. This oil tanker was equipped with a hose that ran deep into the ocean depths suctioning the oil into the tanker. (The tanker wasn't a drilling rig, but it was collecting oil from the depths of the sea.) The burley captain did not have enough hose to reach the depths of the sea. The captain was only a few feet short of reaching this oil well. However, he performed a maneuver with the throttle of the oil tanker. He threw the throttle forward maxing forward speed then suddenly reversed the throttle in the opposite direction maxing the speed of the tanker in reverse. He was attempting to elevate the bow of the oil tanker and use the momentum while the bow was elevated and then reversing the throttle allowing the stern of the oil tanker to dip into the water a bit.   The point of this maneuver was to gain those few feet the hose could not reach in hopes of dipping the hose into the oil located at the depths of the sea and then suction the contents of oil into the tanker. (The works of man will not give results but faith in God will.) Suddenly, the oil tanker flipped over. The captain overdid the maneuver and caused the oil tanker to flip belly up in the sea. The captain dipped the stern of the oil tanker too much into the water and the bow of the tanker flipped backwards.   Immediately at this point I was now in the dream but standing on the deck of our doublewide trailer. (A mobile tabernacle for the wilderness.)  The trailer was elevated above the waters and had a center block foundation that reached from the depths of the sea and elevated the house quite high off the waters. The oil tanker was underneath my house and sinking. I watched the contents empty out of the oil tanker and float to the top of the water while being carried away with the waves. The contents were mainly plywood sheets. Isaiah 45:20 Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that carry the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. (The plywood represents the captain's own self-works to suction the oil. The oil represents the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which is a gift from God Who gives us power and He does the work in us and for us.)  1Co 3:9-15 For we are God's fellow-workers: ye are God's husbandry, God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder I laid a foundation; and another buildeth thereon. But let each man take heed how he buildeth thereon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 But if any man buildeth on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble;   13 each man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire.  The captain popped out of the water and swam to the deck of the house where I was standing on. He was frantic and worried about his wife and mother. Humbled and remorseful he said a prayer, “Oh Lord please help me find my family.” (I remember the captain was not wearing the hood over his head at this time.)(No longer shielded or resisting the Sun/Son.) After saying that prayer the burley captain looked down and said, “I wish I knew my rights with the Lord.” (This will be most important to save our families from the devastation coming on the world. Revelation shows a huge depopulation just ahead. Many have family members dying now because they put the Word last.) Right after he said that I became super excited. It was like a light bulb went off and I knew the answer. I smacked him in the arm with a brotherly affection and stoked with excitement saying, “You have Rights in Christ! I know your rights in Christ!!!!”  (A valuable person to know in the days ahead.) I looked at the burley captain and told him to command his family to surface in Jesus's name. The burley captain did just that, commanding in the name of Jesus that his family surface from the depths of the sea. Suddenly, the wife and mother came bolting out of the water as the tanker continued to sink. Mar 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed.  The tanker was pulling all the debris within close proximity under the water as it was sinking. (All of man's works will be destroyed.) However, the wife and mother were able to swim past the sinking tanker and come to safety at the deck of the double wide with the center block foundation that the burley captain and I were standing on. Isaiah 28:16 therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner-stone of sure foundation: he that believeth shall not be in haste.   Matthew 7:24 Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock:  Then I woke up.  Family With God  Tianna Fire 5/29/23 (David's notes in red)  I had a thought from the enemy about my physical family because they aren't following Jesus yet, and the thought was, “I haven't prayed for them recently or enough.” (Mat_6:7  And in praying use not vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Mar 11:24  Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive [in the Greek this is past tense, received] them, and ye shall have them. If you believe you received the answer to your prayer do you have to pray again? Only if you fell away from that faith.) I saw it was the enemy, and then I turned to the Father in Spirit, and I saw Him as if He was holding His hand out and as holding something. Then I saw my old physical family appear and He looked at me and said to me "They will be here, and they are already". I then saw Him move His hand all around Him and I saw all the UBM brethren's physical families there. Not just children, but the whole extended family all standing there with Him. As He did this He said, "They will all be here and are already". (Because we believe we have received and this IS faith.)(I felt this meant all of our UBM brethren's families are already with God in eternity [by our faith], and it will manifest in the physical.) (1Co 7:14  For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the brother: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. ) Rom 8:29-30 For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren: 30 and whom he foreordained, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.  Eph 1:11-12 in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will; 12 to the end that we should be unto the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ:  Joh 6:37-40 All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 38 For I am come down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.39 And this is the will of him that sent me, that of all that which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that every one that beholdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.  (We can just rest regarding our families, knowing they are in God's Hands through our prayer of faith.)    Wedding Dress  Marie Kelton 5/1/23 (David's notes in red) During the night meeting, I had an open vision. The Lord was sitting next to me, and He tapped me on my shoulder to turn and look at something that He was going to show me. I guess I wasn't paying attention, because He tapped me on my shoulder a second time and pointed and told me to look. As I looked, I saw that I was in heaven and an angel was bringing me a wedding dress. The Lord then spoke to me and said, "This is yours, make sure you keep it." (The Bride has been given this wedding dress by faith and we need to keep it by enduring in our faith to the end.)  Rev 19:7-8 Let us rejoice and be exceeding glad, and let us give the glory unto him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright and pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.  Rev 3:11 I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no one take thy crown.      Come As You Are  Samuel Fire 7/4/23 (David's notes in red) I heard in prayer and felt this is to encourage the Brethren to share their blessings and gifts with the Body, even if the gift or blessing seems small in the natural, but that sharing it, blesses all more than they know. God uses even tiny things for His Glory and can multiply infinitely to everyone.  “Bring what you have and give it to Me. The boy who had the bread and fishes that took with him to My sermon on the mount, what little he had and it benefited the entire group. What little you see, may be well enough or plenty more for yourself or your family, but to the whole body seems tiny and pale to help, if at all. By natural means it cannot, but bring it all before Me and I will distribute it perfectly, with plenty leftover. Mat 14:20 And all ate, and were filled: and they took up what remained over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full.  Come to Me all of you. Bring who you are. (Don't think you need to be someone else or have something you think is worthy to offer.)   Carry with you the things I blessed you with. (These are the qualities and uniqueness He made us.) Psa 139:15 My frame was not hidden from thee, When I was made in secret, And curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.  Don't be shy. Don't lag behind. Don't worry about it, even if you think you really need what you have now. (He wants us to jump up and eagerly run to Him, willingly giving all despite having a desperate need in the current moment.) (Luk 6:30 ASV  Give to everyone that asketh thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.  31  And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise… 38  give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bosom. For with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again. ) Come and be merry. Share it all as though the whole world desperately needs it. Bring it because I give you My all. (Considering the things you can share as something critically required by others. Sharing it with joy, knowing it will bless others better than self.) 2Co 9:6-12  But this I say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.   7  Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.  8  And God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work:  9  as it is written, He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor; His righteousness abideth forever.   10  And he that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food, shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness:  11  ye being enriched in everything unto all liberality, which worketh through us thanksgiving to God.  12  For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God. A sweet word, a song, a tiny portion of food, a memory, a smile. Life, when given entirely to Me, has infinite and eternal blessings to everyone.   You are immensely rewarded, and I can continue to do these things countless times.  Do not think or remember a moment that such is your doings. (Luk 17:10 ASV  Even so ye also, when ye shall have done all the things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which it was our duty to do.)  When you give, it's complete. (Do not expect a transaction, let go and gift it without any further attachment.)   I then work with this, for only I can create life and recall that action with a Power source to spread and multiply, not even self could recreate it properly a second time.  So come and bring what you can. Sit with Me. Share and be merry, and receive the blessings I give abundantly.   Look at My river, it flows endlessly. Rev 22:1 And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb  Let it spring forth from within, pouring out to others. I Am the True Life, the Resurrection. Joh 11:25 Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection, and the life: who believeth unto me shall live, even if he die.  I have a want and reason to give everything overflowing. (He is Love Eternal – John 3:16-17), just come to Me as you are.   Bring to the table what you have, and we all can share together without any lack. (Normal dining experience is sharing all different plates, talking and sharing in discussion, eating together as one group.)   Holding it to self is buried and lifeless. Trying to grow on your own is like you adding extra height to stature.   Ask of Me, give to Me all. From problems to blessings, we can be one through it all. (You have not because you ask not. Luk 6:38 give, and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bosom. For with what measure ye measure it shall be measured to you again.)”  I then heard this is about the evil-one:  “Steer clear of the one who lurks near.  He will steal and kill, just for a thrill,   Destroying all that be, and can see.   His price cannot be bought, do not fall for it.   His lies, seem to tantalize,   Catching by surprise,  When you realize, what lies, behind the fear”.    Let's Huddle  Samuel Fire 7/3/23 (David's notes in red) I saw many different groups and types of animals, including the insects. I saw how many types would huddle together for various reasons. I saw penguins huddling and rotating the ones in the center to the outer edge to maintain warmth. I saw honeybees doing the same thing during the winter. I then saw a flock of sheep keeping the young lambs in the center to shelter from predators.  Each reason was to benefit them all. Some for warmth, others protection from predators. I saw how they were spiritually blessed with this knowledge to ensure survival. (We should always apply this technique for our UBM Brethren.) Stick together, don't wander off. No pride can keep from falling away. We listen to His instructions and loving guidance and we will make it together.  I asked for word by faith at random and landed on: ‘Comforted', Eze 14:22 Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be carried forth, both sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings; and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought upon it.  One Body in Christ  Anonymous 2/26/23 (David's notes in red)  When a sister was praying on the Outreach Zoom for lost brethren in apostate Christianity, I saw the sister as a gold bright shining light praying, and then I saw some devils try to come up to her to interrupt or distract the prayer. (Witchcraft curses sent from the factious and witches to distract and stop our praying and interceding.) But I saw myself standing in front of the enemy with my back to it with my arms stretched out pushing them back behind me, so they couldn't get to the sister praying, like bodyguards do. But my arms could only reach so far to push them away from her, so the devils tried to get around another way. (1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, 9 whom withstand stedfast in your faith, …  Lev 26:8 And five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall chase ten thousand; and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.   Deu 32:30 How should one chase a thousand, And two put ten thousand to flight, Except their Rock had sold them, And Jehovah had delivered them up?)  Then I saw our other brethren that were present, as gold bright shining lights, and they all came around the praying sister, with their arms stretched out wide to push the enemy back and to block the enemy from trying to hinder the prayer. Then all the brethren held hands in a circle around the sister, blocking out the enemy entirely because they came together in unity of faith, which defeated the enemy and all the darkness from hindering the prayers. (The Body coming together and using our authority in Christ, actively in offensive warfare against the factious, and witches. When we are all in complete unity with Jesus, there is nothing the enemy can do; he is bound.)   NENT Mat 18:18-20 Amen I say unto you, What things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again, Amen, I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in the heavens. 20 For where two or three are gathered unto my name, there am I in their midst.)    Redeemed  Debbie Fenske 4/4/23  I would like to confess that I did not give something forth that I heard the Lord saying to me last night, It was toward the end of our worship time after a song that Barry continued with worshipful strumming on his guitar. After a minute or so, Barry's strumming became more powerful. There was a strong anointing in it. And what kept coming to me, I felt was Father speaking it to me. When the time ended, I knew I had failed Him. I told Him I was sorry, last night. But my heart was not truly repentant.   Today, Father brought it back to me, strongly, with such conviction, and I truly repented before Him, and I ask my brothers and sisters forgiveness also. And, He let me know that it is still important to say today. There were not many words to the word He was saying, and, I know that doesn't matter. Literally, it was one word, “Redeemed,” that came to me, three times. So, I was thinking it was not important enough, and so I did not speak. Had I opened my mouth, He would have spoken the rest, which He did speak to me today, as He was working on, and correcting my heart. Here is the powerful word the Lord spoke.   “Redeemed. Redeemed. Redeemed! My children, you are redeemed! So, rejoice in that I, your God and Savior, have redeemed you. You are Mine!”  Yes, Father! I truly thank you, with a heart full of thanksgiving and gratitude, that you have redeemed me from my sin, and I am yours. We praise you, our God and Savior, for your merciful and glorious plan of redemption. We love you Jesus. And we thank you with our very lives that you have redeemed us, and made us your own, individually, and corporately. Help us, Father, to give our praises and our thanksgiving unto you every day. Lord, you, our powerful God, deserves all the honor and glory. Amen!  I am reminded of Isaiah 43:1-7 But now thus saith Jehovah that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3 For I am Jehovah thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior; I have given Egypt as thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in thy stead. 4 Since thou hast been precious in my sight, and honorable, and I have loved thee; therefore will I give men in thy stead, and peoples instead of thy life.   5 Fear not; for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; 6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back; bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the end of the earth; 7 every one that is called by my name, and whom I have created for my glory, whom I have formed, yea, whom I have made.  Barry: Thank you so much, Debbie, for your sensitive heart in this. I believe it was “You Have Redeemed My Soul”. We appreciate so much the gift of God in you that has so often blessed our body here!    All in All  Anonymous 4/25/23 (David's notes in red) I was in the half-awake half-asleep state, and I saw so clearly and so real how the Spirit of God is literally in everything, and through everything in the physical and spiritual and so clearly how He is behind every single vessel of honor and dishonor and only by His will can anything or anyone do anything. Only by His will can a vessel of dishonor do something, and only by His will could I be even allowed to know or understand this. I saw so clearly how there is nothing I can do except trust Him and hope and believe in His Grace and Promises and hope for Him to only let me be a vessel of honor. (Sovereign God.)  I had been wondering why the Lord had some of the enemy using someone to hurt me, and I saw how God was behind it and His ways are higher than mine and I can't even comprehend or truly understand His plans and the extent of His Grace and how everything He does is for my own good. I saw that I can't even judge anyone or anything for what they do or how they are because He is behind all of it, and when I judge something, anything, I am judging God. So, all I can do is think, speak, believe, be and live His Word. I cannot criticize anything or anyone, not even physical things because that's how God created that specific thing to be and He wanted it that way, and me criticizing or thinking that thing or way would be better is criticizing God.  (Rom 9:21-22 ASV  Or hath not the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?  22  What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering vessels of wrath fitted unto destruction.) Being ungrateful for literally anything is an offence to God, because He has blessed me with way more than I really need whether I see or understand it or not. I saw how literally every tiny and big thing is connected, physically and spiritually. Every tiny little detail, from the wind to the ant, to even the trash man, is God's perfectly created intrinsic or intricate design. And there is literally nothing I can do to change God or change His mind or plan, because everything is His will and great design. (Even when we change things through prayer; the change is His. He just ordained us to change it.)   This honestly gives me such great fear of God to know He is sovereign over all vessels, and He is sovereign over my mind, will, thoughts, life; and the only thing I can grab on to that I know, is real, true, eternal is Him, His Word, His Spirit and His Life, Jesus.  In this experience it literally felt like it was just God and I (Jesus in me) alone in all existence and everything is Him, in and through all and it is only Him now and forever and it's Him. Jesus in us that is real and eternal. It brings me much peace that He is and is behind everything.  Son - Sun  Anonymous - January 2023   I am not creative but I made a picture on paint that kind of looks like what I saw. I'm sorry, in the picture forgot to change it to "Jesus in me" not "me."  I was standing in the kitchen and all of a sudden, I saw the principality over the area I was in and he knew that I could see him and was aware of him.   I saw everything was darkness but I saw this light inside of me. The light in me looked small compared to all the darkness that was around me.   Then I saw this giant ray of light appear from above and the light in me was connected to this ray which led above to this giant light that was endless light.   The darkness then looked completely small compared to the giant endless light and although my light seemed small at first the light around me was actually bigger than I know because it is connected to this eternal light that is above, around, all around everywhere and is greater than the greatest darkness.   Vision of Heaven  Samuel Fire - 2019       A couple of months after I came to Christ, I heard a testimony of God showing Heaven to a person. I          was intrigued and I also desired this. However, I doubted the Lord would talk to me or show me                  Heaven. That evening before sleep, I prayed and asked the Lord if He would show me Heaven                  as well. I got ready for sleep not thinking about it much more.    I lay in bed close to the sleep and dreaming state, I don't know what this is called. Then I saw the most amazing and exhilarating vision ever. Something I hope that I never forget and sadly I confess at times it has escaped me, yet when I do remember; it has been so encouraging and uplifting, that I pray that each and every one would have this comfort and treasure too.   I was seeing as I was in the room laying down for sleep. From my own perspective, I saw around me as though no roof or ceiling was there anymore, and it was open to the sky. I saw a clear night sky but shining above all this was as if the sun was distant and brighter. I didn't notice but I was being lifted up, gently. As with caring hands like a parent to a baby child. Slowly and gracefully, I rose up; closer to the bright light and I felt such peace and calm. All around me were clouds, white and clean and there was a wonderful sound like singing and music, but better than anything that is on earth. Perhaps this sound was like birds in the morning and a choir and symphony orchestra all in tune. How can I judge or know for sure – except that it was indeed the most beautiful ever.   As I looked around there were amazing buildings, constructed to dimensions I couldn't understand. Very large and with smoothness and finishes too fine and precise, nothing could be finer. The walls were golden, but almost transparent and glowing or shining at the same time. There were colors that I have never seen and don't think are in the earthly. Though I never saw any other being or angels or anything other than these amazing buildings on the clouds, I was astounded and wanted to see more. Then I knew I was getting lowered gently and back into the bed, this whole time I wanted to stay and didn't want to go back. I even cried out ‘I don't want to leave! I want to stay!'  In bed, I could not stop thinking about it. I slept and when I woke, I remembered this vision still. I was thinking about it so intensely I even made mistakes at the job I worked that day. I told a fellow believer in Christ about it and over time I did start to forget this vision. But when I recall, it has brought me such encouragement to keep on the path of Christ. I felt the Lord has blessed me to this so I do not doubt the eternal prize – even though all I want is to pursue the Lord Jesus 100%.   May the Lord and King bless you and know this too, He has a great and wonderful plan and place for you! All glory to FATHER GOD!       Gate of Heaven  Anna Stewart 6/1/23 (David's notes in red)  Last night Obi had the following dream, and I wrote down his narration of it:  Obi: The dream started where I was praying that the Lord would remove any spiritual uncleanness from my heart, because I knew if I didn't do that, that I wouldn't make it into heaven.  Then I was at Fio and Lana's with all the other kids. We were playing in Fio and Max's room with the light off. Then Victoria came and opened the door. (Anna: We were in the dark, but the light of the truth brings victory over sin and death.)  Then I saw the gate to go into heaven. There was no hell at their house, but just heaven. And I went to heaven. The gates to go to heaven were locked when I got inside, so all the devils that I could see, trying so hard to get in, couldn't get in. It was so hard to get in that they couldn't even get in.  (Mat 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.)  I was the only kid that was in heaven. (Eph 4:7-10 But unto each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, And gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now this, He ascended, what is it but that he also descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)  And I saw God and Jesus and a few other people. I couldn't tell if they were angels or not, but none of them had wings. God and Jesus looked really similar. God had a mad face; I think it was because God was sad because not all people made it into heaven. (David: Or maybe it was because wicked people were working to make others miss heaven.) I was so happy because I had made it into heaven and I was so happy because I was able to get there and I had made it.  Let The River Of Life Flow  Samuel Fire 5/8/23  I saw a vision: There was water flowing as a river through a valley, and gold was revealed on the floor as the water flowed over the riverbed. I then saw the river stop. Without any flowing water, no gold can be exposed. If the water stayed still, it became stagnant, which makes it useless, stale and bad. With the water flowing constantly, it will bring out all the gold and precious jewels. (The water is the Word. The gold and jewels are the prize God wants to cherish. Our lives are the process of the whole thing.   Joh 4:10-14 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. (This is moving or flowing water unlike a well.) 11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: whence then hast thou that living water? 12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his sons, and his cattle?   13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Every one that drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life.  And Rev 7:16-17 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun strike upon them, nor any heat: 17 for the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them unto fountains of waters of life: and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes.  And Rev 21:6-8 And he said unto me, They are come to pass. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.  And Rev 22:1-2 And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, 2 in the midst of the street thereof. And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve manner of fruits, yielding its fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.)  Returned Attack  Marie Kelton 5-6-23 (David's notes in red)  During pot blessing, I had another open vision of a huge demon with an axe. It threw the axe at me, and I knew it was aiming for my head. Then I saw the Lord and He intercepted it. He caught the axe and threw it back at the demon and destroyed it. The Lord then turned to me and smiled. (Praise God He is always faithful to protect us.)      Canon Blast  Tianna Fire 1/1/22  An evil thought came to my mind that I didn't agree with. I asked Father for the Holy Angels to take away the demon that gave me the thought.   I then saw a Holy Angel grab the demon and put it inside a cannon and it fired, and the demon got shot or flew so far away I couldn't see where it landed. Praise our God!       King Jesus Expels The Darkness  Marie Kelton 7/10/23 (David's notes in red)    During the meeting, I had an open vision.   I was looking at the sky, it was pitch black. The land was also pitch black where I couldn't tell the difference between the sky and the land. I saw the Lord dressed as King in the sky, He was in a white light sitting on a throne.   As I was looking at the darkness all around me, I noticed that the Lord and the light He was in got smaller and smaller. I then turned my head to the left to look at the Lord and He started getting bigger and bigger, to where the Lord and His light expelled the darkness totally. And all I could see was the white light.  (Keep your eyes on the Lord and the darkness loses ground and power. He will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee.) Joh 9:5 When I am in the world, I am the light of the world. Joh 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me may not abide in the darkness. 1Jn 1:5 And this is the message which we have heard from him and announce unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.  Exhortations in Philippians  David Eells  Php 1:27-4:21 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul …(Jesus prayed Father I pray that they may be one as we are one. And ever since wolves have come in to scatter the flock for their own aggrandizement. But even this works for the unity of the flock for in Pro 17:4 An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; And a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue. (So we see that this cleanses the spots in our love feasts so that we can be all white and all one. This is God's test to remove the leaven.) Deu 13:1-5 If there arise in the midst of thee a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and he give thee a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, (I.e. another Jesus by twisting or ignoring the scriptures.) which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 3 thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or unto that dreamer of dreams: for Jehovah your God proveth you, to know whether ye love Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 Ye shall walk after Jehovah your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.   5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death, (The faction promotes another Jesus who does not believe the Bible and has no conscience.) because he hath spoken rebellion against Jehovah your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of bondage, to draw thee aside out of the way which Jehovah thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put away the evil from the midst of thee.  And Paul continued saying …striving for the faith of the gospel.(Our faith must be rooted and grounded in the Good News. The wicked always concentrate on the bad news for they are among the flock to tear down and not build up or edify.) Rom 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I rejoice therefore over you: but I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple unto that which is evil. (Although the wicked always have much to criticize they criticize others because they feel it builds them up in the eyes of others. As we have seen in the political and Church realm these factious people blame others for what they are doing and this always catches up to them for the righteous see their motives.)  Continuing: 28 and in nothing affrighted by the adversaries: which is for them an evident token of perdition, but of your salvation, and that from God; (The adversaries in our midst will always become known because they always persecute the righteous. In this way you will know “who is who.” They spend all of their time persecuting others and no time getting the good news out. This is a sign of their “perdition” meaning, coming destruction.)  Continuing: 29 because to you it hath been granted in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf: 30 having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. (The righteous should know and resign themselves to this persecution because they know it is their cross to bear. The wicked are offended and put to shame by Christ in the righteous because they love their sins of unforgiveness, bitterness, pride and selfish ego. As it was with Paul so it should be in us. If the wicked do not repent and fail to denigrate the righteous they are seen for what they are, they will ultimately flee their righteous presence.)  Continuing: 2:1 If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions, 2 make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; (We must always bend the knee to the exhortations of Christ through His Apostles and Word or we will be bundled with the tares, while the righteous shine forth in the Kingdom of our Father. Notice that we are to have “the same mind” as these exhortations of love, mercy, and compassion. Those who take the low road will soon be gone and will not pass through the righteous to test them any longer.)  Continuing: 3 doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, (Faction is for the purpose of “vain glory.” The wolves use their tongue and teeth to faction the weak from the flock in order to devour them for their “vain glory.” Most often the wolves have rejection and try to appease its pain by factioning others unto themselves to gain their respect. They lust for position and respect even if it's over the reprobates. Rather than being a little fish in a big pond they would rather be a big fish in a little pond and are a danger then to the little fish.)  Continuing: but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; (These humble people belong to Christ and He gives them grace to grow and prosper.) 4 not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. (As in keeping with the demonstration of the life of Christ to sacrifice self for others.) 5 Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, (The wicked always seek to take the place of God in judging and teaching others but they do not judge and teach themselves and therefore are not qualified.)  Continuing: 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; (We are called to be servants, empty of self, prepared of God to build His Kingdom.) 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. (If we humble ourselves and our will to our cross, which is obeying God's Word, we will be exalted by God. Yes, the Word is our cross and if you can't obey it you are not on it.)  Continuing: 9 Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; (Notice that God exalts the obedient cross bearers by giving them the highest name, meaning in Greek: nature, character, and authority, of our Lord. This is the manifestation of Christ, the Word, in our “mortal flesh.”)  2Co 4:7-11 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, (The treasure is the seed of Christ's Word in our hearts, which grows only in the tilled earth of our flesh.) that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves; (Gods power is available to the obediant cross bearers.)  8 we are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair; (Those who love truth more than flesh are pressed into the Golden Mold of Jesus Christ to be like Him. Those who are malleable, that is humbley conformed to the mold of His Word through crucifying circumstances around them will be like Him.) 9 pursued, yet not forsaken; smitten down, yet not destroyed; 10 always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, (There is the condition. Here is the result for meeting it.) that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, (There is the condition. Here is the result for meeting it.) that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.  Continuing: 10 that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, (“In the name” is not “at the name”. In the name, means to abide IN in the nature, character, and authority, of our Lord.) 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Jesus is Lord of every situation if we confess Him. If we don't confess, meaning “speak the same as” He said He would not confess us before our Father or the angels, which means we do without His benefits.)   Continuing: 12 So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, (Wow, they always obeyed and even in Paul's absence. The wickedness today is that they disobey behind your back. The Church has fallen a long way!) work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; (Oh, here is what's missing. Working out your salvation by faith and obedience. And the fear of the Lord!) 13 for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. (Ah, the key: We believe and confess, and He works in us by His power in a weak vessel.)   Continuing: 14 Do all things without murmurings and questionings: (I.e. Don't speak against the Lord or He will give you what you say.) Num 14:27 How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, that murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. 28 Say unto them, As I live, saith Jehovah, surely as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: 29 your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, that have murmured against me. So if you are old enough in the Lord to know better you are held responsible. Continuing: 15 that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world, (We don't have the Light if we do not confess agreement with the Word.) 16 holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain. (If we do not confess the Word, we run in vain.) 17 Yea, and if I am offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all: 18 and in the same manner do ye also joy, and rejoice with me.   19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20 For I have no man likeminded, who will care truly for your state. 21 For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ. (You mean those who heard the Word of Paul sought their own things instead of Jesus, just like today?) 22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a child serveth a father, so he served with me in furtherance of the gospel. (Some serve the gospel and the factious criticize them and never preach the gospel or see miracles, healings, etc.) 23 Him therefore I hope to send forthwith, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me: 24 but I trust in the Lord that I myself also shall come shortly. 25 But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need.   26 since he longed after you all, and was sore troubled, because ye had heard that he was sick: 27 for indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy; and hold such in honor: 30 because for the work of Christ he came nigh unto death, hazarding his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me. (Epaphroditus was a true servant and brother to put the needs of Paul ahead of his own.)  3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. (Amen!, rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice.) To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not irksome, but for you it is safe. (Notice he was tired of giving the same warnings, saying the same thing, but he had to just like me.) 2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the concision:   3 for we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh: 4 though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh: (Pride is confidence in ones own flesh even while they have no conscience to obey the Word. Paul was in faction against the Christian Jews but God was merciful and stopped him in his tracks on the Damascus Road. When one continues in this way God usually turns them over to a reprobate mind to be a witness to the congregation.)  if any other man thinketh to have confidence in the flesh, I yet more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 as touching zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless. (But God showed Paul a solution to this self-righteousness.)  7 Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ, (He had to give up all of his pride of religion, all of his self-righteousness, all of his unforgiveness and faction against the Christians, all of his factious friends, all of the respect he had from his friends, all of his possessions to be a steward of Christ.)  9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of mine own, even that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith: (He had to be justified by faith alone to be saved.) 10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death; (He had to suffer like Jesus the giving up his carnal life.) 11 if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead. (Those who do not give up their life will not gain their life as our Lord said.)  12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus. (Notice: He was laid hold on by Christ in order to manifest perfection.) 13 Brethren, I count not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before. (Paul had to Forget his past sins and his past unforgiveness or he would not be forgiven and would fall under judgment. And today these kind will miss the Bride and Man-child and the Kingdom.)   14 I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, (by faith) be thus minded: and if in anything ye are otherwise minded, this also shall God reveal unto you: (When God points out what more He expects of you, will you listen and act or will you delay and forget.) 16 only, whereunto we have attained, by that same rule let us walk. (So, don't fall back, you haven't time for that now.) 17 Brethren, be ye imitators together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an ensample. (Jesus and Paul are examples for us disciples to follow in their steps by obeying their Words.)  18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: (Because they cherish their old life and sins.) 19 whose end is perdition, (sons of destruction) whose god is the belly, (their flesh) and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. (Many glory in their shame that others can see but they cannot.)   20 For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, (When the Lord comes, He will give only a new body to those who are sanctified with a new soul. Some think He will give a new soul after death but here is where we are sanctified.) according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself. (Just as He gave us a new spirit, he has given us a new soul by faith. These will have a new body.)   4:1 Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I exhort Euodia (meaning the successful), and I exhort Syntyche (meaning the failure), to be of the same mind in the Lord. (All must have faith to get the same results :o) 3 Yea, I beseech thee also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life. (God is sovereign and even our failures work to humble us.)  4 Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your forbearance be known unto all men. (Forbearance is tolerance and restraint in the face of provocation; it is patience with others.) The Lord is at hand. 6 In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (I.e dont worry about a thing just ask and give thanks for the answer.) 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. (This gives peace; pray and believe you have received.)  8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Negative thoughts destroy souls, yours and those who are around you. Thoughts become emotions which become words and actions, and a falling away, so repent quickly.) 9 The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (Be a disciple, meaning a learner and follower, of Jesus, and Paul.)  10 But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content. 12 I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want. (Believe in the sovereignty of God to work all things for your good. This gives rest. Believe you have received. This gives rest.)   13 I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me. (What a promise! Remember this, God will strengthen you to do all that is His will and many times in your permissive will and whatsoever you can believe and confess for.) 14 Howbeit ye did well that ye had fellowship with my affliction. 15 And ye yourselves also know, ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but ye only; 16 for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my need. 17 Not that I seek for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that increaseth to your account. (I feel the same way toward our supporters. Father, bless those with righteousness and every supply who have suffered to help us get the Word out in many forms. And help the missionaries bring the gospel to their people, as your Word says.)   2Co 9:6-13 But this I say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Continuing: 18 But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God. (This is true also of the saints who have helped to shoulder the burden of the missionaries who hazard their lives to get the gospel out to hungry souls. To those who help print the books they cry for. To those who supply their food in their famine and lack. THANK YOU) 19 And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now unto our God and Father be the glory for ever and ever. Amen. 21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren that are with me salute you. 

Cindy tells her story how God healed her of a lung disease. It was nothing short of a miracle. Matthew 6:27 Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Cindy was born and raised in Ohio. I first met Cindy through Facebook! When my son Rhett was so sick, she saw me on FB and she began to PRAY! She would send me messages that she was praying. Right then and there I felt like I had a sister in Christ. So many of you had been praying for us and you will never know what that has meant to me.  Today's podcast was full of FIRE!! You've got to hear how God healed Cindy of a lung disease that was killing her.  God didn't just heal her of her sickness, but He also healed her broken heart after her husband of 20 years walked away!  God told Cindy, “You will walk through the fire, but you won't be burned….” Isaiah 43:1-2 - But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, You are going to be so inspired by her life and what all God did for her.  But you know what? Something incredible happened in this podcast as we were praying.  You need to listen to it and see and hear what God said, and what He did!!!  If you'd like to get in touch with Cindy, you can reach out to her here: https://msha.ke/cindypersina Don't forget to SHARE SHARE SHARE and SUBSCRIBE!! I also would love to hear from you. My email is janetswansonministries@gmail.com

Today's Readings from the Plan: ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ 16, Psalm 103, Isaiah 43, ‭‭ ‭‭Revelation‬ 13 Focus Passage:‬‬ Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭ESV‬‬ ‬‬ ‬‬ Read the Text, Meditate on it, Pray Through It, & Contemplate the Impact “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Listen to the Full Devotional For Today's Readings: https://freedomstorymedia.com/fbtf162 Subscribe, rate, and share this episode to spread the word of God! Comment on this episode: freedomstorymedia.com/fbtf527 Want to be a part of telling inspiring stories of God's work among the poor and marginalized? Support the documentary series> Storiesfromtheedges.com Enjoy challenging and inspiring TV? Watch the Fury and Friends Show: FuryandFriends.com Want other great podcasts? FreedomStoryPodcastNetwork.com This podcast is brought to you by Freedom Story Studios and the Unshackled Network. Freedom Story Studios is a Freedom Story Media Company and exists for small business owners and nonprofit leaders who either don't have the time, talent, or top dollar to create the compelling media needed to help grow their business or organization. If that's you? Let Freedom Story Studios help tell your story with video production at affordable prices so that you can experience freedom in life and in business. FreedomStoryStudios.com

The Names of GodEl Chuwl - The God Who Gave You BirthGod created you with a purpose. He gave you birth and he will take care of you.But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,And He who formed you, O Israel:“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;I have called you by your name;You are Mine.When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,Nor shall the flame scorch you.For I am the Lord your God,The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;- Isaiah 43:1-3b NKJVWe also read from Psalms 139:13-18 TPTHow is God taking care of you as He leads you towards the purpose he has created you for? What is he revealing to you about himself throughout this process?Blessing you to know your immense value to this world. You have been created to bring life and light everywhere you go.Become a PatronCultivate Connection has reached listeners in 157 countries, averaging 1,100 downloads a week. Help us reach even more by sharing Cultivate Connection with others.If you are one of the many who have been blessed by Cultivate Connection, become a monthly patron. As a patron, your generosity helps us create, host, and promote experiences that help others grow their relationship with God. Learn more on our website at CultivateConnection.com

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,And He who formed you, O Israel:“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;I have called you by your name;You are Mine. Isaiah 43:1

Stressed, Depressed, Hot Mess devotional on Youversion.I felt the panic attack coming. Tightness in the chest. Check. Inability to focus. Check. Sweaty palms. Check. Heart rate up. Check.For those of you who've been there, you know that one of the worst feelings on the planet is when you're in the midst of a panic attack.I've had more than a handful in my life. But, as I've dealt with my anxiety, I've realized this truth: Scripture has a way of defusing it. When I quote or read Scripture, especially during an attack, God calms me. The demons flee when they hear the Word of God.God's Word, the Bible, calms the anxious heart and pulls the lowly spirit out of the depths of depression. It does more than that, though.The Bible is God's voice. When we fall under God's authority in all areas of our lives, God transforms us in ways unimaginable.God's got a lot to say about that.Paul writes these words to his young protégé, Timothy, to remind him of the importance of Scripture:All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17Paul wants Timothy to remember that God's word is life-changing and useful for us to walk closely with Him. Many of us forget that Paul was referring not only to the letters written by his fellow disciples but the books of the Old Testament.From hundreds of prophecies fulfilled to archaeological evidence that science supports, the Bible has stood the test of time. Our job is to read it, study it, wrestle with it, and use it to transform our lives, especially as we deal with being stressed, depressed, or a hot mess.If you suffer from panic attacks, attack back:1) Breathe.2) Remind yourself that you're not dying, that this is a panic attack.3) Turn on some Christian music that you know has soothed you in the past.4) Pray Scripture promises: Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 43:1-2; John 8:36; Deuteronomy 31:8.5) Picture that calm place in your mind, and breathe.fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESVBut now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:1‭-‬2 ESVSo if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 ESVteaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 ESV

Overcoming Through the Fiery Trials (Audio) David Eells - 3/22/23 Running the Race With Diligence  Samuel Fire - 12/8/22 (David's notes in red) I had a vision of a nice sunny day; the weather was perfect. (This represents when everything is going well in our lives.) I saw a man driving a racing car around a racetrack. (This man represents every believer who is running their own race. Heb. 12:1 Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.)  He competed his laps with the help of his racing team. (The driving team represents fellowship with our brethren, who are in Christ, helping us complete our daily driving course.) He was driving very well and fast. He didn't crash and he made no error. He was very happy and pleased with his accomplishments.   After he completed his daily racing, he thought about the day and then he spoke with his racing team and friends about how it all went and what needs to be maintained on the car. (Representing how we fellowship with other brethren in the Body of Christ. We all have different roles, but we all help each other out.)  1Co 14:26 What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be unto edifying. Maintaining the car is representing feeding our spiritual man with the Word and prayer and fellowship in Jesus every day; abiding in Christ.)   Joh 6:51 I am the living bread which came down out of heaven: if any eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: yea and the bread which I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world.   Joh 6:63 It is the Spirit that maketh alive; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.   The next day the weather was rainy. (representing trials and tribulation) It made it very difficult for the man racing on the track and he almost crashed. He had many struggles, and he was very frustrated as nothing was going smooth like the day before, there were many trials for him.  Mat 6:34 Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof.   He was so upset after driving that he didn't think about everything or properly discuss with his racing team what had happened. (He chose to wallow in the flesh, rather than rest in Christ and seek prayer and help from brethren.) All he wanted to do was go home and rest (in the flesh), so he didn't maintain the car at all. (When we give in to discouragement and frustration, we are feeding our flesh and sabotaging our individual race. Rom. 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.) The next day the weather was much better, however the car was not performing well. He regretted having not maintained the car the day before and didn't achieve good results. (He hadn't filled up in prayer and the Word, so it was more difficult) The man was upset and filled with guilt, shame and self-condemnation for not discussing with his racing team and for not maintaining the car the previous day.   Job 9:20 Though I be righteous, mine own mouth shall condemn me: Though I be perfect, it shall prove me perverse.   After this race he spoke about it with his racing team at length and they did proper maintenance with the car. (Representing repentance and getting back on track.) 1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.   Mat 6:33 But seek ye first his kingdom, and righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.   The following day he went to the track to race and there were many other drivers also racing on the track. There was a big crowd of people watching him and many other distractions. (This represents trials in various forms to test and refine our walk in Christ. We must maintain vigilance and focus on Him.)  1Co 7:35 And this I say for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for what is seemly, and assiduous toward the Lord without distraction.   Mar 4:19 and the cares of the age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.   1Co 10:13 Only human temptation hath overtaken you: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way out, that ye be able to endure it.   Each day has its own trials, and it is all to perfect us into Christ.   Php. 3:12 Not that I have already received, or am already made perfect: but I follow on, if so be that I may apprehend that for which also I was apprehended by Christ Jesus.  1 Co. 9:24-27 Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain. 25 And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so, fight I, as not beating the air: 27 but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.    Tried by Fire Samuel Fire - 12/9/22 (David's notes in red) I sought the Lord because I was curious if hell fire [or torment] is Holy fire [or the Lord's refining process] and I heard the Lord say, “Yes. Anything that cannot, or totally refuses to be, connected with Me, is to be tormented. The torment and hell are the weeping and gnashing of the teeth where the fire does not cease from burning. The end for everything is either completely destroyed and removed into this judgement, or remains cleansed and refined with Me. I am an all-consuming Fire.   1Co. 3:11-15 For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 But if any man buildeth on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 each man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire. 2Pe 3:7 but the present heavens, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against a day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly men.   Heb 12:29 For our God is indeed a consuming fire.   Lev 20:26 And ye shall be holy unto me: for I, Jehovah, am holy, and have set you apart from the peoples, that ye should be mine.   That which is remaining, will experience judgement of hell, the process of refinement of My Holiness.  As nothing can live without Me, there is nothing for the evil to live with, but only the Holy Spirit which burns until eternity. (He guides and convicts us, and the fire consumes all that is evil.)  Act 17:24-25 The God that made the world and all things therein, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 neither is he served by men's hands, as if he needed anything, he himself giving to all life, and breath, and all things;   Mat 3:11-12  I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance: but who cometh after me is mightier than I: whose shoes I am not fit to bear: HE shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire: 12  whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor and gather his grain into the garner, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.   Joh 16:8 And HE, coming, will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:   2Th 2:8 And then shall be revealed the lawless one, whom the Lord Jesus shall slay with the spirit of his mouth, and bring to nought by the manifestation of his presence:   Job 4:9 By the breath of God they perish, And by the blast of his anger are they consumed. (Job was a righteous man but not yet manifesting perfection so, he went through the fiery trials until he was gold.)  I then remembered Meshach, Shadrach and Abed-Nego were not harmed, as their faith was in the Lord God. Only their bonds were burned up, as well as the enemy who threw them in and Nebuchadnezzar's command to serve idols were all eliminated.   Dan 3:22-28 Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste: he spake and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.  25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the aspect of the fourth is like a son of the gods. 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace: he spake and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, ye servants of the Most High God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came forth out of the midst of the fire.  27 And the satraps, the deputies, and the governors, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, that the fire had no power upon their bodies, nor was the hair of their head singed, neither were their hosen changed, nor had the smell of fire passed on them. (Get rid of your flesh now so it won't have to burn later.) 28 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and have yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.   Our Father is the silversmith.  Pro 17:3 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; But Jehovah trieth the hearts.   Isa 1:25 and I will turn my hand upon thee, and thoroughly purge away thy dross, and will take away all thy tin.   Pro 25:4 Take away the dross from the silver, And there cometh forth a vessel for the refiner:   Mal 3:2-3  But who can abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: 3  and he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, and refine them as gold and silver; and they shall offer unto Jehovah offerings in righteousness.   We are to be wise and be purified.   Dan 12:10 Many shall purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but they that are wise shall understand.   Zec 13:9 And I will bring the third part into the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried. They shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people; and they shall say, Jehovah is my God.   Zep 2:2-3 before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of Jehovah come upon you, before the day of Jehovah's anger come upon you. 3 Seek ye Jehovah, all ye meek of the earth, that have kept his ordinances; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye will be hid in the day of Jehovah's anger.   An attachment to evil, is clinging to the very thing the Lord wants to burn-off and remove. It hurts those who won't let go of evil and the refining process of fire continues until only what remains is Holy and Pure. With the completion in the sanctification of washing with the Water of the Word, all are then solidified, hardened and unchangeable by their faith in Him.   Rom 12:9 Let the love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cleave to what is good.   Eph 5:10-11 proving what is well-pleasing to the Lord; 11 and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them.   Num 31:22-24  howbeit the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead, 23 everything that may abide the fire, ye shall make to go through the fire, and it shall be clean; nevertheless it shall be purified with the water for impurity: and all that abideth not the fire ye shall make to go through the water. 24 And ye shall wash your clothes on the seventh day, and ye shall be clean; and afterward ye shall come into the camp.   1Pe 1:7 that the proving of your faith, more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:   Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold refined by fire, that thou be rich; and white garments, that thou be clothed, and the shame of thy nakedness be not manifested,: and eye salve to anoint thine eyes, that thou see.   1Th 5:21-22 but prove all things; hold fast what is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.   Psa 97:10 O ye that love Jehovah, hate evil: He preserveth the souls of his saints; He delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.   Seeking and allowing the Lord to do His good will through us for His pleasure [is the goal].  Php 2:12-13 So that, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much rather in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.   The demons tremble at His presence, knowing their just and righteous judgement is pending.   Jas 2:19 THOU believest that God is one; thou doest well: the demons also believe, and shudder.   Nothing can withstand the Fires of God.   Nah 1:6 Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken asunder by him.   God is Almighty and All Powerful, (omnipresence, omnipotence, omniscience) nothing can compare. He is Sovereign overall. His Name is above every name. His Word is above all.  Psa 115:3 But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever he pleased.   Isa 55:11 so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.   Jer 32:17 Ah Lord Jehovah! behold, thou hast made the heavens and the earth by thy great power and by thine outstretched arm; there is nothing too hard for thee,   Pro 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; But the whole disposing thereof is of Jehovah.   Php 2:9 Wherefore also God highly exalted him and endowed him with the name above every name.   Psa 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple And give thanks unto thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.   Something that is burned as hot as possible, emits light. We are to be the light of the Lord.  Mat 5:16 Thus let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in the heavens.   Pro 4:18 But the path of the righteous is as the dawning light, That shineth more and more unto the perfect day.   Php 2:15 that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as luminaries in the world,   Exposure to the Fire and Light, the Perfect Power of God, [causes the darkness to flee away, if we cooperate with His Spirit.] Joh 3:19-21 And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. 20 For everyone that practiced evil things hateth the light, and cometh not unto the light, that his works be not reproved. 21 But who doeth the truth cometh unto the light, that his works be manifested that they have been wrought in God.   [His fire] either comforts with warmth or burns to ashes; fire is of the Lord to bring us to righteous power or judgement.  Luk 12:49 A fire came I to cast upon the earth; and what do I desire, if it is already kindled?   The burning bush in Exodus, did not get consumed, nor did it harm Moses.   Exo 3:2 And the angel of Jehovah appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.   I felt that the Lord has revealed this to me how I can understand it. These are the very things God does not want in His Kingdom. (Pride, arrogance, religious spirits and so on). These were and are in myself! But we are to see ourselves sanctified and perfected in Christ already seated in Heavenly places!  Gal 5:16-17 But I say, Walk in Spirit, and ye shall in no wise fulfill the lusts of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary one to another; that ye may not do what things ye would.   We all are going through this process whether we are about to enter, or are already entered, or have had most of it cleansed. It is in this time [of the fiery trial] that we can see and understand. We have to have the faith to see the end in view and also to look back at what the Lord has already done! (Amen!)   I Am With You Always Tiannah Fire - 11/18/22 (David's notes in red) I dreamt that I was hanging out with Jesus in the physical. He was so wonderful, sweet, and gentle; better than any words I could describe. He looked like a normal man; however, He was bright and wearing a glowing white garment. Extreme Joy, Peace, Love and so many other brilliant feelings that I can't describe, were radiating from Him.  I felt complete, absolute freedom and the ability to praise Him in full. I felt more Joy than I have ever felt before. It was Pure and Holy, and I felt so much Love for Him and every other soul. I wanted to share Him with everyone. I felt no evil feelings or thoughts that the enemy tries to trick us with in the flesh. It was all gone and there was complete freedom as if the Holy Spirit was manifesting through my flesh. I wanted everyone else to be with Him also and everyone to have His Love, Joy, and Peace. I was so excited for others to hang out with Him too. So, we went around together knocking on doors in the neighborhood. I was proclaiming His magnificence to the people and inviting them to hang out with us. I would talk about how wonderful He is even though He was standing right there next to me. I wanted each of the people we spoke to, to be with Him. No one else could see Him but I was speaking as if they could see Him. I wanted to share Him with everyone. I wanted everyone to have His Joy, Peace, Love and Grace and I told them that He is the best and nothing can compare to Him. Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come into him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To my disappointment for them, most of the people shut their door in our face, others would hear and listen to what I said about Jesus and His Word but didn't want to hang out with Him. There wasn't anyone in that neighborhood that wanted to hang out with Jesus and to partake in His Joy and Peace and Love. I could not understand why they didn't want to, and I grieved for them. Ezekiel 12:2 Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of the rebellious house, that have eyes to see, and see not, that have ears to hear, and hear not; for they are a rebellious house. Jesus led me over to a park with a playground that was in the center of the neighborhood we were in. He started swinging me on the grass, around in circles and we danced together in union. He was very playful and loving and I trusted Him and knew that He wouldn't let me go or let me fall. I was so happy and excited, like a young child, and I wanted others to share this Joy. I couldn't understand why others didn't want to dance with Jesus and be with Him. Jesus had come to spend a short time with me and then had to go back to our Father. I felt that He had things He wanted me to do here and that I was to go to other towns speaking about Him to those who would hear. (I believe this describes our initial salvation experience. Once we are stronger in our faith He tends to withdraw as we learn to walk by faith more and more in our assurance of our salvation. We are, after all, saved by faith and not by how we feel or human experience.) So, I was back alone on earth, but I was so filled with Joy and praise for our Father and King. I arrived at this city, and I was on a hill looking from above and could see everything. It was in the middle of the day; however everything was dark and there was no sun. Everything was black and it felt as if a blanket was covering this world. (This describes the curse of sin and death that covers the earth and those who are earthly.) I felt so much Joy and started singing, "I've longed to see again, The moving of His Spirit. To know The Glory that our Father talked about. These surely are the days of restoration, but our Lord has only just begun. He's just begun to move again in our generation. Although He's done so much, He still will do much more. So let your eyes take hold of a new vision. For our Lord has only just begun. The lame to walk, the deaf to hear, the blind to see. The voice of God is found through all the earth. These are the days of Glorious resurrection, but our Lord has only just begun. The Glory of The Lord shall surely fill the earth. He said just like the waters cover all the sea. REVIVAL COMES; WE LIVE IN EXPECTATION, but our Lord has only just begun. From east and west and north and south the people gather and only unto Him the gathering shall be. These are the days of mighty preparation. But our Lord has only just begun”.  As I was singing and dancing to the Lord, I was being lifted higher and higher into the air, kind of like flying or floating above. I was maybe 1 mile up. (This represents being seated in heavenly places in Christ.) I could see so many people below me. I just kept singing and praising the Lord and I was moving forward, walking in the air across the city, proclaiming Him to everyone! I remember thinking, "This song is so awesome I need to share it with the brethren". When I was back on the ground, I was in the center part of the city and there started to be severe wind and everything started shaking and moving. Like a sudden hurricane and earthquake and more. I grabbed onto something and watched everything around me blowing away. Items were blowing everywhere, and walls were breaking and being thrown around and things were flying all around the air. Everything around me moved but I did not move. I felt peace and calm. (Jesus is the Rock that we are anchored on in the storms of life and in the judgements of God. Col. 2:6-7 As therefore ye received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and builded up in him, and established in your faith, even as ye were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.) Suddenly, I looked up at the dark sky and I saw a little circular hole in the sky and a light peaked through. It wasn't like the sun, but it was like a man made light. It felt like a fake light pretending to be the sun (Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. This represents false light and false truth). (Here, again, we see the great deception that God will allow to deceive those who don't love the truth.) I saw something fly from the light through the sky and then down to me. (The alien invasion lies.) (This represents demonic principalities and powers in the heavenlies.) It came around me and these creatures got out of the UFO, and they were very dark. I couldn't see them clearly because they were hiding in the shadows. They were acting like they were "aliens" and they wanted to experiment on me. They were trying to convince me they were aliens, and from another planet and they are taking over the world. (This has been the DS plan for a long time. This will cause many lukewarm Christians to fall away because they are not rooted and grounded in the Word which is Christ.) I felt a hard prod or poke from them in my left rib area. I started having thoughts of fear and doubts about Jesus, but I rejected those thoughts and I said, "Aliens are just demons and we have all authority over them and Jesus IS the Truth", I then spoke, "The Blood of Jesus!” When I awoke, I still felt the feeling of having been prodded in my left rib area, but it quickly faded.   Jesus Will be With Us Through the Water Vanessa Weeks - 2/28/23 (David's notes in red) While I was lying down and praying, I had a vision. I saw Jesus standing at the waters edge of a sea or ocean. I was standing to His right and a little behind Him. We were standing in the clear water and there were small ripples coming over our feet. Then Jesus took my hand with His right hand, and we started to walk further into the water. Later that night, the Lord was speaking to me, John 5:19 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father doing: for what things soever he doeth, these the Son also doeth in like manner.  When I told my husband this vision, he said it reminded him of Isa. 43:2. (In context 1-4), Isa 43:1 But now thus saith Jehovah that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3 For I am Jehovah thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour; I have given Egypt as thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in thy stead. 4 Since thou hast been precious in my sight, and honorable, and I have loved thee; therefore, will I give men in thy stead, and peoples instead of thy life. While hearing "Man-Child Ministry Imparted to the Bride", I heard David read, Psa 85:13 Righteousness shall go before him, And shall make his footsteps a way to walk in.  Thank you, Father, that Jesus will hold our hand and be with us during all we go through, as You bring your judgments on the earth. Also, cause us to clearly see your footsteps, so we will walk in them, in Jesus' name, amen. SERVICES Ubbs Outreach Friday Night Worship CONTACT Share Your Testimony Request Prayer Technical Support Questions   SUPPORT US We are a non-profit organisation based in United States. Our goal is to empower and equip people to discover more about Christianity and point them to a life of happiness, peace and purpose. Donate

David and Stephanie Palusky are the founders of Renew World Outreach, which provides innovative technology to missions organizations to enable the gospel to reach the hardest to reach places. David, an electrical engineer by training, and Stephanie first dove into the technology realm on the mission field to reach a specific people group that God had laid on their hearts.  They realized that solar power could allow them to reach this particular remote Amazon tribe with the Jesus Film. From this small seed, they began to develop more solar projectors to provide to other agencies. As Renew continued to grow, they began to develop other products, such as the LightStream, which acts like a local wifi hotspot to distribute the bible, audio, and video in crowds and large public places. While Renew started out as a for-profit company, David and Stephnie later went on to give up ownership in order to expand the impact of the organization. And God blessed their generosity by multiplying the impact of Renew across the world. In addition to the power of technology, David and Stephanie share countless stories of faith. They have seen God work in incredible ways and we were amazed at some of the things they have seen. David and Stephanie had plenty to say on topics including: How technology had radically changed the missions landscape Many of the specific devices that Renew has developed What technology looks like in action with plenty of stories from the field The impact of ministry partnerships in hastening the spread of the gospel The remaining barriers to bringing the gospel to everyone everywhere Listen now to hear all they had to share, you won't want to miss this one! QUOTES TO REMEMBER “This Jesus did not just come for the Hispanic, did not just come for the white man, he came for our people too.” “Trust God for one step at a time” “There is a seamless, frictionless ability to virally spread the word of God which in 2000 years has never been available. “ “When you get to a point of giving where you have to risk something – that's when you see the windows of heaven open. That's when miracle after miracle happens.” “It's like oxygen to think about the works of God” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Renew World Outreach Jesus Film (see our interview with Executive Director Josh Newell) Faith Comes by Hearing (see our interview with VP Morgan Jackson) Wycliffe Bible Translators (see our interview with CEO John Chesnut) Jesus Film (see our interview with Executive Director Josh Newell) Jesus Film Project App The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Psalm 2:8 | I Will Give You The Nations As Your Inheritance Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. Isaiah 43:1 | I Have Redeemed You But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Matthew 28:19 | Disciples Of Many Nations Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit John 10: 27 | My Sheep Hear My Voice My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. Psalm 23:1 | The Lord Is My Shepherd The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want Matthew 16:25 | Try To Find Your Life You Will Lose It For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Mary. When Jesus says her name - Mary - it changes EVERYTHING. Why? Why does Jesus calling Mary by name matter so very much? Isaiah 43:1 explains, "But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine." Mary Magdalene belongs to Jesus, and thus, she need not fear! Join me as we explore Mary Magdalene - her devotion to Jesus, her time with Jesus, and how He knows her (and each of us) by name. (RAR2023EP08)

“But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.”‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭1‬

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” - Isaiah 43:1 ESV

Today, we begin a series on prayer. The purpose of this series is to understand that prayer is simply talking to our heavenly Father. The Scriptural focus of our study will be Matthew 6:5-15, where Jesus provided prayer instruction for believers. This prayer is intended to be a model for believers to follow, not simply a prayer to be recited.  Prayer is simply having a conversation with God.  The motive of prayer is the issue of one's heart (Matt 6:5)Prayer is to be a personal conversation and not a way to impress others (Matt 6:6)Prayer is not measured by the length or power of words (Matt 6:7)God knows what we need. He desires to communicate with us (Matt 6:8) Prayer is communication with God that involves both speaking and listening. Part of effective prayer involves listening to God. 1 Samuel 3:10 is one example of how God initiates the conversation. 1 Samuel 3:10And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”When the infinite God wants us to understand how he acts, he describes himself to us in human terms [anthropomorphism—ascribing human characteristics to God.] He knows that's the only way we can understand who he is and how he acts.Notice that God “came” to Samuel. Religion is about man's attempts to get to God, but God is the One who always comes to us. The Father came to speak to Samuel. Jesus came to make the way to God. The Holy Spirit came to live within us. God comes to us today in our confusion, doubt, anger, hurt, or disappointment. God desires to have conversations with us.The “Lord came and stood.” God waited for Samuel, and so he waits for us. God so desires to have conversations with us.“Calling us at other times….” God is patient and persistent. God comes calling because he so desires to have conversations with us.“Samuel, Samuel.” God calls us by name. Isaiah 43:1But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. One of the best explanations of prayer comes from a 17th century Frenchmen named--Francois Fenelon (August 6, 1651 – January 7, 1715). Tell God all that is in your heart, as one unloads one's heart, its pleasures and its pains, to a dear friend. Tell Him your troubles, that He may comfort you; tell Him your joys, that He may sober them; tell Him your longings, the He may purify them; tell Him your dislikes, that He may help you conquer them, talk to Him of your temptations, that He may shield you from them; lay bare your indifference to good, your depraved tastes for evil, your instability. Tell Him how self-love makes you unjust to others, how vanity tempts you to be insincere, how pride disguises you to yourself and others.If you pour out all your weaknesses, needs, and troubles there will be no lack of what to say. You will never exhaust the subject. It is continually being renewed. People who have no secrets from each other never want for subjects of conversation. They do not weigh their words, for there is nothing to be held back; neither do they seek for something to say. They talk out of the abundance of the heart, without consideration they say what they think. Blessed are they who attain to such familiar, unreserved, conversation with God. ---------DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH RON MOOREGet Ron's Daily Devotional to your inbox each morning; visit biblechapel.org/devo.LIVING GROUNDEDLearn more about how you can grow deeper and embrace the foundational truths of the Christian faith with Living Grounded. Whether you're just starting out in faith or you've been a Christian for years, Living Grounded offers truth, wisdom, and encouragement for every stage. Contact gdevore@biblechapel.org to get connected.CAREGIVINGDo you have a need we can pray for? Do you need someone to walk alongside you? Do you know of another person who needs care? Let us know at caregiving@biblechapel.org.CAMPUS FACEBOOK GROUPSYou're invited to connect with The Bible Chapel family in your campus Facebook Group. Look for Facebook Groups at facebook.com/biblechapel and click on Groups on the left side.FIND AN ENCOURAGER TODAY! JOIN A SMALL GROUPCommunity Groups are our easiest on-ramp to community at The Bible Chapel; these groups use sermon-based questions to dive deeper into weekly messages. Visit biblechapel.org/smallgroups to learn more and sign up!

“You are rare and valuable to the Lord and He loves you.”  Let this beautiful truth sink deep into your souls! You are treasured and loved by the God of the universe! Today Stacy welcomes author, speaker, lawyer, and a public-school kindergarten teacher, Kim Erickson to the podcast. Listen in as Kim shares her amazing rescue story and how the Lord revealed Himself to her through studying the book of Isaiah.  ABOUT OUR GUEST: KIM ERICKSON began following Christ after the death of her three-year-old son. Jesus and the Bible saved Kim from the pit of grieving the loss of a child. She began a writing and teaching ministry to help other women find outrageous joy from a deeper relationship with God. Kim is the author of His Last Words: What Jesus Taught and Prayed in His Final Hours, Surviving Sorrow: A Mother's Guide to Living with Loss, and Predicting Jesus: A Six-Week Study of the Messianic Prophecies of Isaiah. Kim is an attorney and kindergarten teacher. She lives in Florida with her husband, Devin, and son, Ethan. You can learn more at www.KimAErickson.com. SCRIPTURE: (NKJV unless noted) But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. Isaiah 43:1 Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you. Isaiah 43:4a (ESV) And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,  “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,     because he has anointed me     to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives     and recovering of sight to the blind,     to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”  And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.  And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:16-21 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: “And he was numbered with the transgressors.” For what is written about me has its fulfillment. Luke 22:37 BOOKS BY KIM ERICKSON: Predicting Jesus Surviving Sorrow His Last Words LINKS: Kim Erickson MOMS IN PRAYER New to Moms in Prayer? Find Out More!  PRAY with Moms in Your Community for Your Children Support Our Mission Moms in Prayer Shop

Neurosurgeon and Neuroscientist, Dr. Darlene A. Mayo, shares keys in science that unlock truths in scripture so you can be healed.This activation will guide you through the Lord giving you your new name in His Kingdom, so that you can receive all the generational blessings assigned to you. The scripture on which this activation is based is: "But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,And He who formed you, O Israel:“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine." Isaiah 43:1 NKJVIf you enjoyed this activation, we encourage you to take a look at our "Empowered Heir Activations Package". This includes 20 powerful activations, designed to break off the mindsets that keep you from fully experiencing sustained healing. To access the package, visit us at https://masteryourbrainbydrmayo.thinkific.com/courses/empowered-heir-activations.

I've appeared in court on three different occasions. I was called to be a witness all three times, compelled to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. And, on all three occasions, I did precisely that. The first two times, I was there to testify to the character of the defendants, or a lack thereof. I did not enjoy either of those appearances. But the last time I was called to testify was on behalf of my son, Connor. When Connor turned 18, he became an adult in the eyes of the state. I was in court to testify that, given his challenges, Connor needs our help and support and will always have our love. On December 10, 2020, with a bang of a gavel, a judge awarded us guardianship of our son. We celebrated with sushi. In Isaiah 43:1, the prophet testifies, “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah then launches into a courtroom drama and calls his people to testify to God's faithfulness to them. Standing before his witnesses, the Lord testifies to our need for a savior, a deliverer, and his love.

Morning: Psalm 139:16; Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16; 2 Thessalonians 2:13–14; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 John 4:10 I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.—[God] saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.—Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Psalm 139:16 (Listen) 16   Your eyes saw my unformed substance;  in your book were written, every one of them,    the days that were formed for me,    when as yet there was none of them. (ESV) Jeremiah 31:3 (Listen) 3     the LORD appeared to him1 from far away.  I have loved you with an everlasting love;    therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Footnotes [1] 31:3 Septuagint; Hebrew me (ESV) John 3:16 (Listen) For God So Loved the World 16 “For God so loved the world,1 that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Footnotes [1] 3:16 Or For this is how God loved the world (ESV) 2 Thessalonians 2:13–14 (Listen) Stand Firm 13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits1 to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Footnotes [1] 2:13 Some manuscripts chose you from the beginning (ESV) 2 Timothy 1:9 (Listen) 9 who saved us and called us to1 a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,2 Footnotes [1] 1:9 Or with [2] 1:9 Greek before times eternal (ESV) 1 John 4:10 (Listen) 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (ESV) Evening: Deuteronomy 32:11–12; Isaiah 43:1–2; Isaiah 46:4; Isaiah 49:15; Isaiah 63:9; Romans 8:38–39; Hebrews 13:8 “I have made, and I will bear.” But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.”—“Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you.” Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that flutters over its young, spreading out its wings, catching them, bearing them on its pinions, the Lord alone guided him.—He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.—I am sure that neither… height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” Deuteronomy 32:11–12 (Listen) 11   Like an eagle that stirs up its nest,    that flutters over its young,  spreading out its wings, catching them,    bearing them on its pinions,12   the LORD alone guided him,    no foreign god was with him. (ESV) Isaiah 43:1–2 (Listen) Israel's Only Savior 43   But now thus says the LORD,  he who created you, O Jacob,    he who formed you, O Israel:  “Fear not, for I have redeemed you;    I have called you by name, you are mine.2   When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;  when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,    and the flame shall not consume you. (ESV) Isaiah 46:4 (Listen) 4   even to your old age I am he,    and to gray hairs I will carry you.  I have made, and I will bear;    I will carry and will save. (ESV) Isaiah 49:15 (Listen) 15   “Can a woman forget her nursing child,    that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?  Even these may forget,    yet I will not forget you. (ESV) Isaiah 63:9 (Listen) 9   In all their affliction he was afflicted,1    and the angel of his presence saved them;  in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;    he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. Footnotes [1] 63:9 Or he did not afflict (ESV) Romans 8:38–39 (Listen) 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (ESV) Hebrews 13:8 (Listen) 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (ESV)

Isaiah 43:1 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”

Fiery Trials Bring Great Revival (3) (Audio) David Eells - 7/17/22 What's Coming   The War is on…  Famine is being prepared: Bless your food and water and get most money out of the bank. The D/S is destroying the food production and the animals and are poisoning the municipal water sources. Their plan for depopulation was etched into the Georgia Guidestones which has been destroyed by the Alliance. They are being executed from the leadership in many countries where they also cheated on the vote. Here is the updated list of 98 us-based food manufacturing plants destroyed, damaged or impacted by so called “accidental" fires, disease or general causes under the Biden administration.  Biden's former secretary of agriculture, Tom Vilsack, met his demise last Monday when the Office of Military Commissions hanged him for having committed treason against the United States of America. Evidence of emails Vilsack had sent to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo on April 13, 2022, days before food processing plants across the country began ‘accidentally' bursting into flames which led to his military tribunal conviction.   The Controlled Demolition of Food and Energy Infrastructure is Now Under Way The controlled demolition of food and energy infrastructure is now under way. The global destruction of food and energy infrastructure is accelerating by the day. The goal is rather obvious at this point: To destroy human civilization and starve as many people to death as possible by any means necessary. Those who don't yet realize this is happening will be destroyed by it. Today we bring you an astonishing list of sabotage against refineries, the deliberate takedown of the power grid, the shuttering of fertilizer manufacturers and even new attacks on lithium, the battery storage element powering the "green" economy. Globalists are trying to starve and kill billions. Situation Update, June 20, 2022 - The controlled demolition of food and energy infrastructure is now under way Watch this video PLAGUES: The first plagues which I told you of 3 1/2 years before they came are now nothing. Father told us greater plag/ues are coming which will kill many. The DS leftists are desperate. The vac/cines along with Rocke/feller guidelines for hospitals and doctors have and will kill many more.    Jesus Showed Her the Plagues of 2023 Youtube - Great Miracles Avenue - 6/10/22 (The following is a summary of this testimony by Eve Brast of the entire video testimony linked here. This is an awesome testimony; well worth your time. This young girl grew up in a religious family and went to church and participated in religious activities. She was a good person but didn't have a relationship with Jesus. When she died she was taken to hell before Jesus brought her back with a mission to tell the world about the coming fate of 2023.)This young African lady had been having a lot of heart trouble and chest pains and had been diagnosed by the doctors with Endocarditis. Around 10 pm one evening her heart was racing much faster than usual and her breathing was out of control and she couldn't do anything about it. There seemed to be an abrupt cessation of her breath and she felt herself suffocating. She attempted to shift her body in the bed.After repeated attempts to cry out to her parents for help and not being heard she began to feel cold and her spirit became detached from her body. She was propelled through space at an incredible rate of speed and began asking herself repeatedly if she was dead. After some time she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see a man in brilliant white and glowing face.She asked him if he was Jesus and He responded, “I Am the way, the truth, and the life. Come with me and I will show you mighty things that you do not know.”She asked, “Jesus, am I dead?”Jesus said, “You are here for one purpose and that must be accomplished as soon as possible. I will impact upon you my Word and ask that you disseminate it throughout the world. Let them know the great tribulation is due. It will be tougher and longer than humanity can imagine.”She was crying and started to hear sounds of screaming and pain and feeling the air. It all intensified as she was moving closer to where the voices and cries were coming from. The smell and hotness in that place was like none other. It then dawned on her that she was in Hell.She cried out, “Master Jesus!”Jesus said, “On earth you just went to church and did other religious activities because it was imposed on you by your parents and you never looked for me with the whole of your heart.”He paused for a moment and she observed the sorrowful reaction from his movement as they walked then He said, “This is how Hell's fire is. You won't be here for long. I want you to tell my people about the coming year 2023.”  As soon as He said this, the obnoxious scents and sounds gradually faded away and the atmosphere and power shifted to a more comfortable state.She stated, “NOW PLEASE LISTEN CAREFULLY”:Jesus went on to say, “2023 will be a tough year and the year of more doom. The pains and sufferings of the past years will be nothing compared to the future. The avarice and greed of men will be made known and this will be the cause of a severe pandemic. Conflicts between nations will erupt more frequently and violently than ever before. Even the most privileged will be concerned.” (Avarice means an extreme greed for wealth or material gain.)After sensing her anxieties, He continued to hold her hand tightly.He went on to say, “Tell my people that in spite of everything, everyone who seeks and finds salvation in Me, I the Lord, shall be with them. I will dry the tears from their eyes and will comfort them even if the repercussions of greed continue to rule and prevail. My Father who rules beyond Heaven and earth shall bring peace to the world, but only if the world seeks repentance. Go now and tell the world.”She began to beg to stay with Jesus and asked if another could go in her stead but Jesus said, “These are My plans for you. You were born for this purpose and this is your mission on earth. Go and tell the world what you have seen and heard.” As soon as He was done speaking, she was suddenly knocked off of her feet by a gust of wind that was so powerful that it was beyond her ability to resist its force.When she came back into her body she could hear the sobs and wails of her mother and the doctors rushing around and felt them taking her pulse. They declared that she was dead and that they had never witnessed a miracle like this. She had been dead from 10 pm the previous night and wasn't found by her dad until the next morning when they had rushed her to the hospital.She says she has relayed the information in precisely the same manner as Jesus had given it to her and she hopes that everyone everyone will take heed to the warning.  The Lord is the only cure for the things coming. Learn from God's Vaccine Book  7 simple steps to be immune from plagues/pestilences   Three Men in a Wheat Field Michael Boldea - March 2010 (David's notes in red) Shortly after returning to the United States I began having a recurring dream. ... After seeking the Lord on the matter however, I know I was supposed to make this dream public.   I dreamt I stood in front of a large wheat field. (According to the Parable of the Sower, the field is the world. As we will see, an angel in this dream seems to indicate that this wheat field represents both the food supply, but also God's people in a larger interpretation.) By the golden hew the wheat stalks had taken on, in my dream, I knew that it was close to harvest time, either late summer or early autumn. (We are hearing the date of Sept. 12th as a day of great earthquakes and tsunamis and much death. Video link here.)  It was beautiful and peaceful watching the wheat sway gently in the breeze under a picture perfect blue sky.   As I grew familiar with the scene before me, I began looking around and saw three men, evenly spaced at the edge of the field. (We are on the precipice of these judgments.) One man stood on the left corner of the rectangular field, the second man stood in the middle, and the third man stood on the far right edge. (These men represent angels bringing judgment as well as a harvest upon the earth.)   All three men were dressed in white, and since I was seeing them from behind I could not make out their faces. Each of the three men held something in their right hand. The man on the left held a burning torch, the man in the middle held something that looked like a wineskin, (filled with water) and the man in the far right corner held an old fashioned sickle, and a basket lay on the ground next to him. I recognized the sickle, because I used to play with one in my adolescence while living in Romania. (These represent the angels of judgment.)  As I stood and watched this strange scene before me, the man on the far left tipped his torch slightly, and touched one of the wheat stalks with the lit torch. (We must say that these angels may be using men to do their works, for instance, it is the left that is destroying the food supply.)  Suddenly about one third of the entire wheat field burst into flame. The fire went out as quickly as it began a sudden burst of flame, followed by the scorched remnants of a once beautiful wheat field. (Although the scenario in this dream is speaking about global famine and the destruction of crops. Rev. 6:5-6  And when he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, Come. And I saw, and behold, a black horse; and he that sat thereon had a balance in his hand. 6 And I heard as it were a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, A measure of wheat for a shilling, and three measures of barley for a shilling; and the oil and the wine hurt thou not.) As I continued watching, the second man uncorked the wineskin, raised it about shoulder level, and tipped it slightly. One solitary drop of water poured out of the wineskin, but as it made contact with the wheat another third of the field was leveled as though a great wave had just swept through it. (It's no secret now that they are poisoning the crops and doing weather warfare against them to flood them and kill many.) I did not understand what I was seeing but I continued to watch the scene unfold. I was expecting the third man to do something as dramatic as the first two, but instead he simply bent from the waist, grabbed a handful of wheat stalk with his left hand, and with a practiced swing of the sickle cut through it. He then laid the wheat he had cut in the basket. Although there was a solemnity in the actions of all three men, the gentleness and care with which the third man laid the wheat in the basket stood out for some reason. (This is the harvest of souls for the Lord.)  The man continued the process of cutting wheat and putting it in the basket until it was full, then with practiced ease, tied the wheat into a small bushel with a piece of twine he removed from his waist. He laid the bushel aside, and returned to swinging the sickle and filling the basket. This went on for some time as the man methodically and quickly made bushel after bushel of wheat. (Rev. 14:14-16 And I saw, and behold, a white cloud; and on the cloud I saw one sitting like unto a son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand sharp sickle. 15 And another angel came out from the temple, crying with a great voice to him that sat on the cloud, Send forth thy sickle, and reap: for the hour to reap is come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. 16 And he that sat on the cloud cast his sickle upon the earth; and the earth was reaped.) For the first two nights, this is where my dream ended, and as I knew this could not be the end of it, I began to pray that I might either see the conclusion of the dream, or receive the interpretation.   On the third night, the dream began as the previous two nights, with the first man setting fire to one third of the field, the second man flooding one third, and the third man meticulously harvesting the last third. I thought it would be the same dream yet again, until the man with the sickle turned, looked at me and said, "The world will know hunger, the faithful will know the power of their God.” (We can see from this statement the two fold meaning of crops and people.) I recognized him; I had seen him in both dreams and visions before. (This destruction of food will put the saints in a position to trust God for miracles, such as when Moses led the people of God into the wilderness tribulation where there was no visible means of support. They ran out of water and food but God supplied just as Jesus did when He led the people into the wilderness.) I woke up, and went about my day thinking that I would have the dream again that night, but the dream did not return. I received no further insight or interpretation, but this is what I believe in regards to its meaning: I believe that a worldwide food shortage is imminent. Whether due to too much sun and not enough rain, or too much rain and unprecedented weather patterns, global agriculture will suffer a severe blow very shortly. (We are currently seeing an engineered global food shortage and supply chain disruption.) I also believe that God has already prepared provision for His children, that He will provide for them, and miraculously so. I do not believe God reveals coming events to His children that they might grow fearful or panic, but rather that they might learn to trust Him, knowing that He who is already into tomorrow, has already made provision for it.   Matthew 6:25-26, Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on.  Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?  Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:31-33, Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the gentiles seek.  For your heavenly  Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  Factious Persecution Coming to the Church Dana Coverstone - July 14, 2020 (David's notes in red) I would like to prepare you to understand Dana's revelation of Wolves that are hidden in the Body being revealed. They a corporate "Son of Perdition” such as Judas was called.  Jesus had help going to His Cross and He said we would follow him with our crosses or we are not His disciples. Judas, the Son of Perdition, helped Jesus to go to His cross and he, as a corporate body, will help the true body of Christ to go to their cross. 1Joh 2:6  he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked. Now pay close attention to what Paul says is coming, long after Judas hung himself. His text regarding this speaks of the Lord not coming until the Son of Perdition comes out of the Body to purify it.  Let's keep in mind that the Son of Perdition crucifies both the Lord and His Body. There are two harvests; the "first fruits harvest" which is the Man-child reformer harvest and the "ingathering harvest” which is the Church. Both of these harvests must have a Son of Perdition to bring them to their cross of death to self which is when the harvest is ready. The Man-child reformers have already faced their Son of Perdition as the Dragon sought to devour the Man-child in Rev 12. The description below fits both of these "Judas harvests." 2Th 2:1-12  Now we beseech you, brethren, touching the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together unto him; 2 to the end that ye be not quickly shaken from your mind, nor yet be troubled, either by spirit, or by word, or by epistle as from us, as that the day of the Lord is just at hand;   3  let no man beguile you in any wise: for it will not be, except the falling away come first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition, (A corporate Son of Perdition is being revealed now and it is before the coming of the Lord in His David Man-child reformer ministry who is spiritually crucified by them.) 4  he that opposeth and exalteth himself against all that is called God or that is worshipped;  (These Judas' are thieves, deceivers, and fornicators and they believe their actions are justified, putting themselves above God. This is a reprobation as it was with Judas.) so that he sitteth in the temple of God, setting himself forth as God. (Paul used the word “Naos” 9 times as the body of Christ as in this case, but never as the Hieron, which was the word used for the physical temple. Judas was antichrist in his judgment of Jesus, putting himself in the place of God.)    5  Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6  And now ye know that which restraineth ("that which restraineth” the coming of the Lord for His Body is the falling away of the Son of Perdition to purify the Body.), to the end that he may be revealed in his own season. (Judas was hidden among the disciples but was not revealed until he fell away.)  7 For the mystery of lawlessness doth already work: only there is one that restraineth now, until he be taken out of the way (The Numeric pattern is, "be come out of the midst”. Judas the SOP in our day is hidden in the Body as spots and blemishes and must come out through falling away to purify the Body. In Dana Coverstone's dream below he said that the wolves would be sitting in Church right next to Christians and the Christians wouldn't know it but the wolves would come out! Dana said this was about the Church but this has already happened in the first fruits. God has shown us all of this text being fulfilled concerning His first fruits. Now Jesus in the Man-child reformers can come.)  8  And then shall be revealed the lawless one, whom the Lord Jesus shall slay with the breath of his mouth (Like David judged the Edomites and Jesus judged Judas', the Sons of Perdition or destruction, will be judged by the coming of Jesus manifested in the Man-child reformers.), and bring to nought by the manifestation of his coming; (Notice the word “manifestation” here, which is phanerosis, means to become visible by a shining forth. The glory of God will be seen in His first fruits according to 2 Co. 3:18.) Isaiah said twice,"His reward is with him and His recompense before him.”  9 even he (The Judas'), whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, (Witchcraft is rampant among the Judas'.) 10 and with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (They will deceive only those who do not hold to the scriptures.) 11 And for this cause God sendeth them a working of error, that they should believe a lie: 12 that they all might be judged who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. Dana's dream:…In the dream, I was standing over a field, looking down on a valley, and it was a large field. (According to the Parable of the Sower, Jesus said, "the field is the world.") And there …were hundreds, perhaps even thousands of wolves, all dark-gray, not black, but dark gray and menacing. …They were all sleeping and they were nuzzling each other and kind of laying around… (Mat 10:16-25 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in theirs synagogues they will scourge you; 18 yea and before governors and kings shall ye be brought for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.  19 But when they deliver you up (as Judas did), be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you. 21 And brother shall deliver up brother to death, and the father his child: and children shall rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.  23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone through the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. 24 A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his teacher, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more them of his household!)   Suddenly, a very dark figure began running into the middle of all those wolves, and with …a whip, he began to whip all those wolves and they began to wake up and they were shrieking and making horrible noises. (This dark figure represents satan who stirred up the Son of Perdition.) They were waking up to being hurt. …The dark figure just kept whipping them and stirring them into a frenzy. He … was making them mad; infuriating them… And he kept whipping… but the wolves weren't hurting him. They showed him respect and showed some fear of him. He was like a master. Once the wolves finally cowered down he stopped and pointed his finger and spun around in a circle, and said, “Go to the cities!” And the wolves took off in every single direction possible, howling, at the top of their lungs. The sky was dark and I don't remember if I saw a moon. (Moon hidden because the Bride has not yet reflected the sun/Son.)  …So, the scene changes and I'm standing in front of… a monitor, or video screen of hundreds of TV sets or hundreds of computer screens. And I'm watching men and women of God, pastors, … from all around the world, and I saw myself with them, and we were all preaching the Gospel. Each one of us was sweating and there's almost steam coming off of our heads. It just showed the impact that we were trying to make and we were preaching hard and teaching hard, and we were teaching Biblical principles and dealing with some of the major issues and sin in our cultures. We were calling people to righteousness and holiness and to give up ungodly things that are a part of their lives. (The Church is going into tribulation to "learn to not go beyond the things that are written" as Paul said. Here is one of the things they will learn to obey: 1Ti. 2:11-15  Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection. 12 But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not beguiled, but the woman being beguiled hath fallen into transgression: 15 but she shall be saved through her child-bearing, if they continue in faith and love and sanctification with sobriety. There were no women pastors in the New Testament.) And as I'm preaching, and watching all these other men and women preach, I saw people in the chairs, in the pews, in the seats, and some are looking at their watches, some are yawing and some have their heads on the back of the chairs or the pews and they're asleep. Others, you could tell were uncomfortable and didn't want to be there. I saw people walking out the back doors. (They are hidden rocks in our love feasts. First there is disinterest, then there is a lack of conscience and then they persecute. Jud 1:8-13 Yet in like manner these also in their dreamings defile the flesh, and set at nought dominion, and rail at dignities. ...10 But these rail at whatsoever things they know not: and what they understand naturally, like the creatures without reason, in these things are they destroyed.  11 Woe unto them! For they went in the way of Cain, and ran riotously in the error of Balaam for hire, and perished in the gainsaying of Korah. 12 These are they who are hidden rocks in your love-feasts when they feast with you, shepherds that without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn leaves without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13 Wild waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the blackness of darkness hath been reserved forever.) But … I also see, at the front of the church auditorium, a hand-full of people. I'm going to call it a core group. …There was a small core group in every Church where the Gospel was being preached, who were emphatically listening, emphatically supporting their pastors who were preaching, supporting their doctrine, the teaching, the ideas that were coming out from these men and women of God. They were kneeling in prayer and they were praying and were supportive. …They … were praying for those people in the chairs that were behind them who weren't listening and leaving. …There was a gap of distance between those who were really listening and paying attention and those that weren't. (God is making a distinction and separation between his elect and the Sons of Perdition. We will know them by their fruits.) And suddenly, … the howling of wolves appeared outside the churches. I began to hear scratching at the door, like a dog trying to get in or get out. At that moment, the people who were up front, close to the pastor and close to the altar, began to turn around and they were aware that someone was at the door and they began to intensely and aggressively pray against the enemy and the spirit that was at the door. The door didn't burst open, but the wolves just began to come in quietly. They began to walk around and they walked up and sniffed some of the people that were just listening, and the people who weren't listening at all had no idea that the wolves were there.  Now, the wolves all had red eyes. … almost like a red LED light. … And when they were being stirred up and whipped by that …master-figure, their eyes began to glow and get brighter and brighter. So, when they were set loose and were going into the cities, their eyes were flaming. So now these wolves came into the churches but their eyes weren't red, they were just black and compliant and they're looking around and they … came up and sat down in the chairs, in the pews, right beside the people who were not listening. … There was no fear, no worry, no concern at all. It was almost as if the people didn't even realize they were there. (Sons of Perdition will be in every Church to help the elect go their cross.) But then the louder that I and the others preached, and the more intensely we preached, and the more we dealt with issues and things that were sin, … these people began to stir, and all of the sudden, the wolves eyes became redder and redder. And as the people became irritated, the wolves began to growl. And … the people who weren't listening began saying, “Shut up! Stop saying that! I don't want to hear that!” They were very aggressive … And I kept preaching, and preaching. And on the screens I kept seeing in my head, all these people just kept preaching and preaching and preaching.  Finally, the people who hadn't been listening, were now listening and saying, “Shut up!” and “Stop!” And the wolves are … beside them and nudging them; they're getting them worked-up too. So, the enemy worked these wolves up and the wolves came in and they started stirring up the people.  Now the wolves started coming up towards me. And, on the screens, I'm seeing, the wolves start coming up to the other pastors and preachers … of God who are preaching. (Jesus said the way was narrow and the gate was very small to get in, so we were preaching that kind of a message.) These wolves began nipping at my leg and they started trying to bite some of the preachers that I'm watching on screen. They were growling … and one jumped up on my pulpit, and he was right in my face and growling. (Judas was offended with Jesus when the woman with the Alabaster flask didn't sell it and give the money, because he was a thief and he was stealing the money.) I could see the saliva dripping off of his teeth and I tried to push him off and he bit my arm and he grabbed my leg. (It was said of the Lord and His body in Psa 22:16  For dogs have compassed me: A company of evil-doers have inclosed me; They pierced my hands and my feet. This speaks of the lies they speak against His work and walk and so it is today.)  I'm watching some of the … preachers and pastors that share the same heart for ministry and preaching that I do, being taken down to the ground by the growling wolves and we just kept preaching and the wolves just kept biting and … attacking us. (And we've been experiencing this and watching this happen for some years.) And the louder we got, the louder the wolves howled and the people at the altar, were praying for safety and for protection. The wolves weren't necessarily attacking the people that were praying. They were stirring up the people who weren't listening and they were attacking the preachers and pastors; those of us who were trying to preach the message that God had given us. The intensity of that moment was profound for me as I'm preaching, I'm trying to kick a wolf and there was no way to fend them all off… We were just being overwhelmed and attacked. And the angry people were getting up and leaving that had not been listening. They were slamming the doors and they were making a big scene and saying, “We're not coming back! You won't shut up! We're done here!” and they left.  And suddenly, the scene changed, and I saw courtrooms and judges with gavels, just pounding and pounding at the bench. I saw pastors in chains. I had shackles on myself. I saw people in the jury seats, on the witness stands, and they were crying. And the judges were saying, “You can no longer preach this message. You can no longer declare that this type of lifestyle is sin. … You cannot address these things from the pulpit, ever again. (You cannot say this, you cannot say that.)  You cannot say that Jesus is the only way, that was one specific thing that I remember. You cannot say that abortion is a sin… You cannot deal with alternative lifestyles … You can't say that these things violate Scripture. You can no longer preach from Scripture... And most of us that were in there, were saying, “We can't do that.” And the gavel comes down in anger and they're mad.  Then I saw churches surrounded by mobs of people. People that were yelling to shut it down, even burn it down. I saw people that were being so hateful towards the Church. I saw people who were harassing believers going into church services. I saw people waiting outside after Church to harass people who were leaving from Church to go home. I saw hateful attitudes.  But the thing that stood out in my mind was, that most of the people in those crowds were the people who had been sitting in those chairs and pews and were not listening to begin with. (Because they loved their sin.) In that moment, it struck me, even in the dream, that some of the biggest persecutions the Church is going to face, coming very, very soon, and, I believe, has already started, will come from the people who sat among us in our churches, never accepting the Word of God as the Word of God. They were raised in it all their lives and now they wanted to walk away because they did not like the preaching of the Word of God that says, “This is sin. This is wrong. You cannot walk in this and still be a believer.”  It was … their sons and daughters and grandchildren of these people who've been raised in church all their lives, but they've said, “We've had it. There's nothing in this for me. This Gospel has no power, has no authority. It says I can't have this, I can't do that, I can't go where I want to go, I can't be who I want to be, I can't do what I want to do.” And those were the people who were screaming, who were throwing rocks, who had baseball bats and guns in their hands. (We've seen this happen in our own faction. The people who fell away began to slander and steal and destroyed their families with factious witchcraft spirits.) … The anger was led, once again, by those who had fallen away… in backsliding. Those were the people who were pushing back against everything they've been taught. Those that had gone away to college, and have become very liberal in all that they think and do, who have given in to some of the ideas of the protest movements that we're seeing today and... the ideologies that say that one race is better than others.  The thing I saw about the pastors who were preaching was they were of every race and color. I saw black, white, Native American, Indian, African, Russian, Chinese etc. They were all preaching the Gospel… and the biggest persecution that came, came from the people who had walked away from the Church.  Then I saw pulpits being chopped up with axes, the big old-style, wooden pulpits. I saw them being chopped to pieces. I saw plexiglass pulpits being hammered and hammered. I saw Christians in chains. I saw them being publicly ridiculed and publicly assaulted because their ideas were “old-fashioned” and needed to go. Then I heard a cry that I've heard for six months previous, but there was something added to it. I heard, “Brace yourself and endure to the end.” And then, Snap!, just like that, I woke up.  My heart was racing because I saw people that I knew. I saw missionary friends of mine on the foreign fields. I saw pastor friends, I saw district leaders and officials from states that I know who were being attacked by those wolves while they preached the Gospel and held to the standards of the Word of God and they would not back down. And I saw the intensity in their eyes and the fight of their faith because of what they were dealing with and facing at that very moment. I saw it and it was laid-out. And I share this because …I just wanted to get a message out. … God showed me something for the Church and those that might be lost, you need to hear it, I'm telling you right now, this is for the Church. This is for the pastors, the missionaries, this is to those people who believe the Word of God is the Word of God… There's too much compromise in the Gospel right now. And I believe the Lord is showing me that some of the biggest persecution that we are going to face is going to come from within the Church itself, not from the lost, not from Muslims, not from protestors; it's going to come from people who sat in our churches and refused to listen to the truth of the Word of God and have “exchanged the truth of God for a lie.”   And Romans 1 comes in to play right here, right now. … So to my pastor friends, I say, “Get with it. Don't stop preaching the hard Gospel. Don't stop preaching the Word of God and the full Gospel behind it.” There is going to be a price that we pay for it. … Preachers, get on your knees, get in your secret place, get in your prayer closet. Hear from God and preach what He says, say what He says. Declare the message He gives you and do not stand down. No matter what it costs, no matter what it does to you or your family. Brace yourself, endure to the end.    The Fire of Judgment Falls on the Apostates Missy Pollock - 7/9/22 (David's notes in red) (To preface this dream, before I had fallen to sleep that night, I asked the Lord to give me a dream that would let me know what He has for me ahead. Also I was weary from all the disinformation coming from the D.S. news and alternative news media and had asked Him to give me or anyone else His Intel through dreams, visions, prophetic words etc.  So I believe that's what He did! Thank you Father for quickly answering and encouraging me greatly, as well as, all who read and listen to this.)  (I believe Missy is representing the Bride in this dream.) I dreamed I was resting on a daybed with sky blue sheets, just like the one I've slept on when I stayed with Eve. (Representing being in the rest of the Bride; ceasing from our own works.) It was dark and I saw out the window what I thought were little meteorites falling from the sky like rain. But then I realized they were falling embers. (We are living in dark times.) …  (In part 2 of this series, “Fiery Trials Bring Revival”, Dana Coverstone said, "I saw small embers of flames that were coming down around the clock but not catching the ground on fire although it looked like fire coming down. (Missy's dream also shows the embers of fire coming down out of the sky but not catching anything on fire just like the portion of Dana's dream. Both of these dreams seem to show the embers as being spiritual, A fire from Heaven. Also it's the fire one feels when going through a test and denying their flesh.) So these explosions of the lights were spreading out and the flames were going hundreds of miles beyond them. (This probably represents fear from the mainstream media.) Back to Missy's dream: I went outside with a dustpan and brush to sweep up the remnants of what I saw and to look at it. But there was nothing in my dustpan. (I believe Father put that in my dream to show me that what I saw falling from the sky, wasn't physical but spiritual. Also I didn't get burnt by it.) (It was the judgment from Heaven falling as fire. Elijah called down fire from Heaven on Jezebel's apostates.This fits the dream as we will see.) The house was on top of a hill. (Representing Mt. Zion the Bride who is over the rest of God's elect.) My father (Representing the Father) came and we got into a white SUV. (Representing a vehicle of holiness where there is safety.) I called my husband, who was in the house, and asked him if he saw the embers that were falling from the sky and he said that he did. (Those on top of Mt. Zion have spiritual eyes to see and ears to hear. The Bride will point out these judgments from God and many will be saved.) My father took me for a drive to see what had caught on fire from the embers falling from the sky. We were at the bottom of the hill and as we drove up an incline, I saw some really old houses engulfed in fire. (This represents the fire of judgement that burns up of the wood, hay and stubble and purifies the elect of God's people, i.e. REVIVAL!) (The really old houses near the bottom of Mt. Zion represent the apostate religious institutions that are going to experience judgment for ignoring the call to climb Mt. Zion.) The next thing I know, my husband and I were at my son Curt's house. (Curt is my second son and spiritually represents the fruit of Christ in me.) His house was on top of the same hill (Representing Mt. Zion) that I was on at the start of the dream. It was built up high like the houses built on stilts along the beach to protect it from the waves. Psa 18:2 Jehovah is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; My God, my rock, in whom I will take refuge; My shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower.) I was holding my grandson. (Representing the multiplication of my fruit of Jesus in me.) He was all swaddled up with a pacifier in his mouth. (He's not born yet and is due mid October this year. Is this a timing thing? Is judgment going to fall not long after he's born?) I asked Curt if he had looked out the window and saw the houses burning below. He said, “yes” he did see them burning. Then I woke up.  I asked for verses by faith at random for the dream. Underlined is where my finger came down. Num. 26:40 And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard , the family of the Ardites; of Naaman, the family of the Naamites. (Ardites means "I shall subdue" as in God shall subdue the Church.)   Neh. 2:1, (in context 1-5), And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, when wine was before him, that I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence. 2 And the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid. 3 And I said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? 4 Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 And  I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favor in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers sepulchres, that I may build it. (The people  rebelled against the Word, like the Church has, and were taken into captivity. Here Nehemiah is going to lead the return and rebuilding of the kingdom.) A verse for me, Zec. 8:14, (in context, 14-17), For thus saith Jehovah of hosts: As I thought to do evil unto you, when your fathers provoked me to wrath, saith Jehovah of hosts, and I repented not; 15 so again have I thought in these days to do good unto Jerusalem and to the house of Judah: fear ye not. 16 These are the things that ye shall do: speak ye every man the truth with his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates; 17 and let none of you devise evil in your hearts against his neighbor; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith Jehovah. (These Zechariah verses remind me of Psa. 15. This chapter is about the coming peace and prosperity of Zion.)  As I was meditating on this dream subconsciously this song was going through my head over and over until the Lord got my attention. It was a song that I had listened to a couple days before. It's a song called FIRE by Cece Winans.)  These are the words of that song that were going through my head…  Fire, fire - Fall on us - Start a new revival - Fire fall on us   Civil War in America  Vanessa Weeks - 6/29/30   I dreamed that I was looking at a map of the U.S. I saw the northeastern and mid-northeast states shaded in a blueish gray color. (These are the colors used in the civil war.) (The North was blue and the South was gray. As I read this dream, I did a little research and almost immediately found this picture of a map with the same colors in the same places.) Here is a link: We don't necessarily agree with all the theories in the article.       I knew this meant the D.S. was taking away all the color from this area and especially the trees. (Trees represent people.)(Taking away the color means turning everything grey, which means death.) They were calling this "Color Savings Time," and it was like the new time zone for the area. (This grey represents death to the ambitions of the country and hopefully to the population ignoring God. The resulting revival will save the color of some of the “trees” or people.)  I had a sense of sadness and foreboding of what would happen. I knew the color being removed had a spiritual application. (Color makes me think of the seven attributes of the light in as seen in 1Pe 1:5-7  Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in your virtue knowledge; 6  and in your knowledge self-control; and in your self-control patience; and in your patience godliness; 7 and in your godliness brotherly kindness; and in your brotherly kindness love. I believe the D.S. wants to remove the people who have these attributes of Christ.) I asked the Lord for a word about this dream and received by faith at random Isa. 42:20 (In context 18-23) 18  Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see. 19  Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I send? who is blind as he that is at peace with me, and blind as Jehovah's servant? 20  Thou seest many things, but thou observest not; his ears are open, but he heareth not. 21  It pleased Jehovah, for his righteousness' sake, to magnify the law, and make it honorable. 22  But this is a people robbed and plundered; they are all of them snared in holes,(foxholes of war) and they are hid in prison-houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore. 23  Who is there among you that will give ear to this? that will hearken and hear for the time to come?   Also by faith at random a promise from the Lord to return His people from the North and East in, Isa. 43: 1-7 But now thus saith Jehovah that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine. 2  When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3  For I am Jehovah thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour; I have given Egypt as thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in thy stead.  4  Since thou hast been precious in my sight, and honorable, and I have loved thee; therefore will I give men in thy stead, and peoples instead of thy life. 5  Fear not; for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; 6  I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back; bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the end of the earth; 7 every one that is called by my name, and whom I have created for my glory, whom I have formed, yea, whom I have made.    Dream of Continents Colliding William Steenland - 6/14/22 (David's notes in red) In a dream I was shown some portion of the globe from way up over the earth. I could see entire continents. Some continents were drifting into others and some were stationary. I could see continents shifting and converging together and knew it would bring a large loss of life. I believe South America and Mexico were due to collide with North America sometime in the near future. Then I woke up. (This is the invasion force that is approaching the Southern Border of the U.S. We just spoke of a distraction that would permit them to cross into the U.S. in Dana Coverstone's dream below... ...The next thing I saw was four lines of light that seemed to be coming up from the border all the way from Texas and California in broad daylight. (Representing that they were no longer attempting to hide their plans. This is a planned invasion over the border.) It seemed that many people were coming from the border but in a very organized way and they moved North, hundreds of miles… with lights bright enough to be seen from space. (As we said earlier, these lights could represent deception.) They all stopped moving at once and, when they did, smaller light trails from within the U.S. started moving towards the four big lines of light where the movement had stopped. (They're being joined by the CCP Chinese military advisors and sleeper cells. I remember George Washington's dream of the red light invasion from the East and how the angels had to come down and help the Americans who were almost overcome by it.) Then, suddenly, the smaller lights started attacking. (I could very much see this as being sleeper cells; (like leftist Anarchists, BLM, Antifa, and radical muslims) more people coming and the cells getting larger and larger. It was like watching moths drawn to a flame and the source lights kept getting bigger and bigger as the smaller lights came in.) … The source light kept getting bigger and bigger and then all four places flashed all at once and… everything went dark for a moment and then it pulsed almost like a slow light just going on and off. (This is what happened in the movie, “Red Dawn”. The Chinese invaders EMP'ed the Nation to take over.) Then it exploded and light was spread hundreds of miles from the source of that explosion. (Here we and Dana thought this was fear that was spread by the media.) (Back to Bill: I believe these land masses represent the displacement of people and troops from disasters natural or man made. As I had the dream, I remembered I had this dream many times before, maybe 3-4 times. Each time was very very similar. I didn't understand a possible interpretation until now. I believe it has to do with mass migration and troop movement on a global scale.) (The Man-child is coming with recompense before him. The next seal in Rev 6 is taking peace from the earth which will probably bring WW3. Also they are planning to bring the continental divisions together to make the 10 Kingdoms. The Alliance one world order is preparing that. They are plundering the DS to have the redistribution of wealth. The DS will kill all they can to stop this from happening.)   Stand Firm in Me!  Debbie Fenske - 7/8/22 As I was meditating on God's sovereignty in so many little and insignificant things, like Brandy receiving 12 knife sharpeners, instead of one, I began to hear Father speaking to me. “Have not I said, ‘Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord?' So, keep standing still, and firm in Me, leaning not on your own understanding, but diligently moving in obedience to the work that I have called each of you to do. For I am the wise Master Builder, and I direct in every step, and in every move you are to make. The path I direct you down is very narrow, but you will soon see that the horizon ahead of you is great and very encompassing. See it! My kingdom is encompassing the whole earth! How blessed you are to be called to such a great work. Be faithful! I speak to My faithful ones. (The angel in Michael Boldea's dream said, "The world will know hunger, the faithful will know the power of their God.”) For I know you, and know that you understand the work I call you to do is not a self gratifying work, but it is a work requiring great self denial. It is a moment-by-moment working out your own salvation through obedience to Me in holy fear and trembling, and in stillness, knowing that it is I, your Lord, and your God, who works in you to will and to work for My good pleasure.” I hesitated about asking Father to give me a random word from the Bible. Yet, I felt, strongly, that He wanted me to do just that. So I asked Him, “Father, I feel you want me to ask this of You. So, I ask that you would randomly lead me to a place in Your Word that will be an undeniable confirmation of this word from You.” So, without looking down, I just stuck my finger in my Bible ...and when I opened it up and looked down I saw my finger was on the word, “Let,” in Joel 2:16, "Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children and the nursing infants. Let the bride groom come out of his room and the bride out of her bridal chamber.”  Thank you Father! Thank You for the great work You have called us to do. Help us, by Your grace, to stay humble before You. Keep us still and firm in desiring to live the life of continual self-denial. Help us prepare ourselves through obedience to your Word, and as we pray, fast and war for the coming of your Man-Child and the Bride, and the bringing in and building of your kingdom of Priests all over the earth. In Jesus name. Amen     Select Language Afrikaans Albanian Amharic Arabic Armenian Assamese Aymara Azerbaijani Bambara Basque Belarusian Bengali Bhojpuri Bosnian Bulgarian Catalan Cebuano Chichewa Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Traditional) Corsican Croatian Czech Danish Dhivehi Dogri Dutch Esperanto Estonian Ewe Filipino Finnish French Frisian Galician Georgian German Greek Guarani Gujarati Haitian Creole Hausa Hawaiian Hebrew Hindi Hmong Hungarian Icelandic Igbo Ilocano Indonesian Irish Italian Japanese Javanese Kannada Kazakh Khmer Kinyarwanda Konkani Korean Krio Kurdish (Kurmanji) Kurdish (Sorani) Kyrgyz Lao Latin Latvian Lingala Lithuanian Luganda Luxembourgish Macedonian Maithili Malagasy Malay Malayalam Maltese Maori Marathi Meiteilon (Manipuri) Mizo Mongolian Myanmar (Burmese) Nepali Norwegian Odia (Oriya) Oromo Pashto Persian Polish Portuguese Punjabi Quechua Romanian Russian Samoan Sanskrit Scots Gaelic Sepedi Serbian Sesotho Shona Sindhi Sinhala Slovak Slovenian Somali Spanish Sundanese Swahili Swedish Tajik Tamil Tatar Telugu Thai Tigrinya Tsonga Turkish Turkmen Twi Ukrainian Urdu Uyghur Uzbek Vietnamese Welsh Xhosa Yiddish Yoruba Zulu Powered by Translate Printer-friendly version  

Summary, In this episode, I discuss the central importance of love as the marker of well-being from a Catholic perspective -- our capacity to live out  the two great commandments.  We explore how love is the distinguishing characteristics of Christians, we detail the eight different kinds of love, and we discuss Catholic theologian Bernard Brady's five attributes or characteristics of love -- how love is affective, affirming, responsive, unitive and steadfast.  We discuss what is commonly missing from philosophical and theological approaches to love, and we briefly touch in the death of love and distortions of love.   Lead-in I want to speak to you from my heart today.  I want to share with you heart to heart about what it most important to me.  And maybe what is most important to you.  I want to talk with you today about love.  Real love.  Fundamental Love. Radical love.  The real thing.  Not the counterfeits of love that you and I have pursued in our lives in one way or another -- the fakes loves we've mistaken for real love, or the lesser loves that we've tried to inflate into more than they could possibly be.  I think love is not only the most essential experience in the whole world, it's also the most confusing for us.  Think about it.  What else has confused you more than love?  What has been more enduringly puzzling than love?  What has been more elusive for you?  What has been more enigmatic than love in your life?  What have you struggled with more than love?   Love -- the word is evocative.  The word is provocative, it stirs us up.  You parts react in so many different ways to the word love.  And so that's where we are going today.  Into the mystery of love.   Intro: Maybe you are feeling like you're just struggling to survive.  I want more for you than that. Maybe much of the time you feel like things are OK, maybe pretty good. I want more for you than that.   I want to share with you the very best of what I have with you on the central focus of well-being from a Catholic perspective.     Broad overview  Let's review a little.  In episode 88, we began a series on trauma with that piece Trauma: Defining and Understanding the Experience -- that one was a huge hit -- so many people interested in it, by far the most downloads of any episode.   In episode 89, called Your Trauma, Your Body: Protection vs. Connection -- we did a deep dive into the effects of trauma on the body, really understanding trauma from the perspective of Polyvagal theory by Steven Porges and Deb Dana.   From there, though, I really wanted to look at well-being -- how does secular psychology understand well-being --  It's so important to understand what well-being is, what it looks like, how it feels.  So many people have never really experienced well being.  It's possible that you've never really experienced well-being.   So I started a subseries on well-being within the broader trauma series.   So shared with you the secular views of well being in Episodes 90 and 92 of this podcast We really dived into what the best of current psychological theorizing says about well-being  Episode 90  Your Well-Being: The Secular Experts Speak DSM 5 -- which doesn't have a description of well being  PDM 2  Hedonic Well-being  Eudemonic Well-being  Freud's ideas of well-being  Contributions of Positive Psychology - pioneered by Martin Seligman  Polyvagal Theory -- Stephen Porges, Deb Dana  Internal Family Systems   Episode 92 Understanding and Healing your Mind through IPNB Interpersonal Neurobiology -- Daniel Siegel -- a lot to say about the healthy mind, a sense of well-being.  Very well developed.   Episode 93 consisted of three experiential exercises The first on the ways in which you reject yourself or condemn yourself as a person  The second on protection vs. connection -- your internal reactions to your wounds.  That one was based off of polyvagal theory  The third was on exploring your own inner chaos and rigidity within -- based off of Daniel Siegel's Interpersonal Neurobiology and one point he makes is that all psychological symptoms can be thought in terms of rigidity and/or chaos.  Rigidity and chaos are signs of having lost a sense of well-being.   I invite you to check those out if you haven't already, there's a lot of opportunities in those experiential exercises for you to do your inner work.   As you know, I am Dr. Peter Malinoski, clinical psychologist, passionate Catholic, and I am the voice of this podcast, Interior Integration for Catholics In this podcast, Interior Integration for Catholics, we take on the most important psychological questions.  We take the most important human formation issues head on, directly, without mincing words, without trepidation, without vacillation, without hesitation -- We are dealing with the most important concerns in the natural realm, the absolute central issues that we need to address with all of our energy and all of our resources.   And up until now, the most important episodes I've done are numbers 37 to 49 -- that was the 13-episode series on shame.  Why?  Because shame is the major driver of so much emotional distress, so many identity issues, and so many psychological symptoms.   But these new few episodes, these episodes on well-being from a Catholic perspective, informed first by the perennial wisdom of the Catholic Church, and then secondarily by the best of psychological science, theory, research and practice, these episodes on love, these are the most important.  Why?  Because, in two words, love heals.  Love restores.  Love makes new.  Love is our mission, love is our goal, love is the destiny we are called to.   This is episode 94 of the Interior Integration for Catholics podcast, released on June 6, 2022 and it's titled Well-Being from a Catholic Perspective:  The Primacy of Love   Love as the Center  We were made in love and for love and to love. Prayer to God in the Litanies of the Heart: "Lord Jesus, You created me in love, for love. Bring me to a place of vulnerability within the safety of your loving arms."  Discussed the Litanies of the Heart with Dr. Gerry at length in Episode 91 of this podcast, a special episode all about the litanies of the heart.   Inviting to the adventure of loving So many people are just surviving -- their vision is so reduced, they are not even looking to be loved or to love.  Maybe that's you, to some degree.   They are not on the adventure -- the are jaded, disillusioned, tired, wounded by betrayal or abandonment, cautious now, skeptical, calculating when it comes to love.  They hear the word love, and it activates shame, grief, loss, sorrow, fear in parts of them.  Parts of them don't want the vulnerability, the risk of being hurt again.  Maybe that's you, too.  They are not on the adventure.  I want you to come on the adventure.  The greatest adventure.  The adventure of loving.  Stay with me in the podcast.  That can be a fresh start if you need one. A new start on the adventure of loving.   St. Augustine:  To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the great human achievement. St. Therese Lisieux  "I know of no other means to reach perfection than by love. To love: how perfectly our hearts are made for this! Sometimes I look for another word to use, but, in this land of exile, no other word so well expresses the vibrations of our soul. Hence we must keep to that one word: love.   Our Great Mission as Catholics is summed up in the two Great Commandments  Two Great Commandments Mark 12:28-31:28  And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these.”  Loving with our whole heart.  Jules Toner, 1968 book  The experience of love In the full, concrete experience of love, our whole being, spirit and flesh, in involved.  Cognitive acts, feelings and affections, freedom, bodily reactions -- all these are influencing each other and all are continually fluctuating in such a way as to change the structure and the intensity of the experience.   Love is the distinguishing characteristic of the Christian John 13:35  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”   Baltimore Catechism First Lesson on the End of Man, question 6  Q. Why did God make you? A. God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him for ever in heaven.  To love God implies both that we know Him and that we serve Him   CCC 2392 Love is the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being. (quoting St. John Paul II Familiaris Consortio, paragraph 11)  2134 The first commandment summons man to believe in God, to hope in him, and to love him above all else.   Matthew 6:21:   For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.  Quotes for St. Therese of Lisieux   It is love alone that counts.   Catholic well-being is not hedonism, feeling good all the time - It is all about being equipped to live out our mission of being loved and loving God, our neighbors (including our enemies) and ourselves.   So many secular approaches emphasize the Pursuit of happiness -- they operate off of a hedonistic anthropology.  Carrie Snow -- stand up comedian who was raised in a Jewish family:  The pursuit of happiness is a most ridiculous phrase: if you pursue happiness you'll never find it. Mick Cady 2019 blog:  At age 19, Augustine of Hippo read a dialogue by the Roman philosopher Cicero in which Cicero stated that every person sets out to be happy, but the majority are thoroughly wretched. Truly, no one dreams as a child of one day growing up to be miserable, and yet many people's lives are characterized by conflict, frustration and unfulfilled longings. Augustine was convinced that what defines a person more than anything is what they love. He said that when we ask if someone is a “good” person, what we are asking is not what they believe or what they hope for, but rather what they love.  We need an anthropology, a revealed religion or we will never get it.   Psychology alone cannot answer the deep questions about what we should love and what love is ordered and disordered --- as many psychologies as there are anthropologies -- psychology cannot answer the questions that are properly in the realm of theology, philosophy, epistemology and metaphysics.   G.K. Chesterton:  “We do not really want a religion that is right where we are right. What we want is a religion that is right where we are wrong. We do not want, as the newspapers say, a church that will move with the world. We want a church that will move the world.”   Charles Dickens, A Critical Study Definitions of Love English is a very difficult language when it comes to describing inner experience -- Jose's anecdote  Different Types of Love --  Eros (romantic, passionate love) The first kind of love is Eros, named after the Greek God of fertility. Eros is passionate, sensual, romantic love with an intense romantic and sexual feelings. Philia (affectionate love) The love between friends -- friendship.  Some call this platonic love, love “without physical attraction.” Storge (familiar love)  Storge is a natural form of affection experienced between family members. This protective, kinship-based love is common between parents and their children, and children for their parents. Storge can also describe a sense of patriotism toward a country or allegiance to the same team.   Mania (obsessive love) When love turns to obsession, it becomes mania. Stalking behaviors, co-dependency, extreme jealousy, and violence are all symptoms of Mania.   Ludus (playful love)  The Ancient Greeks thought of ludus as a playful form of love. It describes the situation of having a crush and acting on it, or the affection between young lovers. Pragma (enduring, committed love)  Pragma is a love built on commitment, understanding and long-term best interests. It is a love that has aged, matured and about making compromises to help the relationship work over time, also showing patience and tolerance.   Philautia (self love)  The Greeks understood that in order to care for others, we must first learn to care for ourselves. As Aristotle said “All friendly feelings for others are an extension of a man's feelings for himself.” Agape (selfless, universal love)  selfless universal love, such as the love for strangers, nature, or God. This love is unconditional, bigger than ourselves, a boundless compassion and an infinite empathy that you extended to everyone, whether they are family members or distant strangers.  Bernard Brady, p. 267  2003 Book Christian Love: How Christians through the Ages have Understood Love.  Agape does not neglect, deny or destroy eros or indeed philia, it informs them.   Agape is what we are focusing on.   Jules Toner looking for what he call "radical love" -- phenomenologist.   from the latin radix or root, the love the is the foundation for all other loves.   Toner describes how radical love is a response to the beloved's total reality.   Interdisciplinary approach  Not just theology and philosophy Philosophers and Theologians generally don't understand the impact of trauma on being loved and loving.  They don't get it.  Catholic Christian Meta-Model of the Person -- almost nothing on trauma and its impact. Nothing in the index.    Phenomenology -- an approach that concentrates on the study of consciousness and the objects of direct experience. This is really important because it's what people relate to.   Spiritual Writers and Saints  Best of psychology   Bernard Brady's description of Love  Christian Love: How Christians through the Ages have Understood Love.-- drawing heavily from the work of phenomenologists  Jules Toner and Margaret Farley Love is affective, affirming, responsive, unitive and steadfast.  (repeat)  Five characteristics  Love is affective -- emotional components of love can often be neglected in philosophical or theological discussions of love.   Love is an emotion Love is a movement from your heart, your soul -- a movement from the innermost depths of your being.  From your core self.   Love is prior to reason and transcends reason.   You might say it's "bigger" than reason.  Love is best captured, not in the dry academic language of the philosopher, but in the verses of the poet Blaise Pascal -- The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing.   Love rejoices in the beloved -- Protestant Theologian R.H. Neibuhr writes in his 1977 book the Purpose of the Church and Its Ministry:  By love, we mean at least these attitudes and actions: rejoicing in the presence of the beloved, gratitude, reverence, and loyalty toward him.  p.35 Love is the directive and dominant center of emotions.  p. 267  Many emotions are associated with love Delight, Bliss, Happiness  A sense of fulfillment  Warmth   Grief John 11:32-36  32 Then Mary, when she came where Jesus was and saw him, fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled; 34 and he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. 36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”  Sadness  Anxiety Dolly Parton:  Love is something sent from heaven to worry the hell out of you.   Distress-- as when our Lady, Mother Mary and St. Joseph were searching for the missing 12-year-old Jesus in Jerusalem Luke 2:48.  And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.   If there is no emotion, there is no agape, no love.  The heart must be moved for love to be anything like complete. We cannot love like a Vulcan, without emotion.  Limitations of benevolence alone -- when I was but a wee therapist… Love is an act of the will  I didn't have to like my clients  But warmth and affection toward them, a warm and inviting emotional response was so much better.   Love is affirming Love affirms the other  Love says yes to the other person at the same time as love says yes to oneself.   "Agape is the simple yet profound recognition of the worthiness of and goodness in persons."  p. 268   Affirmation happens at two levels One level is the basic level of human dignity shared by all persons.   Affirmation on this first level has an equal regard for everyone -- all persons are ontologically good, all bear the image and likeness of God. St. Thomas "Love the sinner and hate the sin."  Not about the personal merits or individual characteristics of the person. Philosopher Gene Outka describes this as equal regard for each and every person.   Second level of affirmation is the uniqueness of the person.   In loving the other person, we acknowledge and affirm the uniqueness of the beloved.   Her gifts Her beauty Her unique qualities and traits When you love your neighbor you truly see the other as a person.   Jules Toner, SJ -- "I love you because you are you." A deep respect for the other person, a reverence for the individuality of the person. Augustine in his confesssions:  O thou Omnipotent Good, thou carest for every one of us as if thou didst care for him only, and so for all as if they were but one!    We need to affirm at both levels.  The basic dignity of the person and the uniqueness of the person. Brady:  We do not want to be loved merely because we are a person (no one wants to be generically loved) nor do we want to be loved because of particular characteristic or physical trait (what if my full head of dark hair is no longer full or dark).  We want to be loved in our totality.  p. 268.  That's why my clients didn't respond to my cool efforts at benevolence.  I was not finding and not taking in their good qualities.  Sometimes I was not looking for their uniqueness.  I was not seeing them as persons.  My attempts at benevolence actually avoided who they were, because I was threatened.  I wasn't sure I could handle the intensity of their pain, their shame, their grief, their rage.   God loves us as individuals.  God loves us in our unique particularity.  "God calls us each by name."  Isaiah 43:1 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.  Jesus -- who does he connect with?  Paupers and nobles, lepers and rich men, Samaritan women and Roman centurions, fishermen and lawyers, tax collectors and Pharisees, the sick and the strong, the dying and the robust, the political zealots and the housewives, the prostitutes and the Sanhedrin.   Jules Toner "You are why I love you."    "Loving someone in depth…means loving from the lover's most personal self, with sincerity, intensity, endurance….to affectively affirm this unique person in a response informed by a full, detailed knowledge which catch the delicate shadings of his profoundest attitudes, moods, likes, and dislikes, ideals, fears, hopes, capabilities, etc. "   Affirmation implies acceptance of the other and knowledge of the other.    This is not an endorsement of the other's vices or bad habits, but a recognition of them and an acceptance of who the person is as an entire being.  Not picking and choosing the attractive bits.   Self-acceptance of the same things. Leo Tolstoy:  When you love someone, you love the person as they are, and not as you'd like them to be. Conrad Baars' affirmation therapy -- quoting from baarsinstitute.com:  A person's ability to love is unlocked when that person experiences himself or herself as good, worthwhile, and lovable. According to Christian psychiatrists Conrad W. Baars and Anna A. Terruwe, this process is called “affirmation.” Affirmation is a three-step process which occurs when one person is the source of unconditional love and emotional strengthening for another person. These three steps are: the person is open and receptive to the goodness and lovableness of the other; over time, the person allows himself to be moved with affection, love, delight, etc., by the other person; and third, the person reveals these feelings to the other primarily through his countenance, tone of voice, gentle touch, etc. Love is Responsive  Love is an active response for the well-being of the other.  This is where Brady includes benevolence.  It's about participating in the promotion of the highest good for the other, potential for the other's full humanity. How can I help you to flourish?  How can I help you toward your highest good?  1 John 3:18  Little children, let us not love in word or speech but in deed and in truth.    James 2:26:  For even as the body without the spirit is dead; so also faith without works is dead.    This is where self-sacrifice comes in.  There are times, and sometimes it's often when agape, when love will call for self-sacrifice.   It does not necessarily mean allowing oneself to be exploited or used or destroyed or mistreated.   That is often different than self-giving -- and we are going to discuss this at length in future episodes in this series.     Brady:  A dominant feature of agape is a readiness and a willingness to subordinate the fulfillment of my needs so as to be able to help the other fulfill her needs. p. 279  That subordination may at time call for my life.  For martyrdom. St. Therese of Lisieux:  Little things done out of love are those that charm the Heart of Christ… On the contrary, the most brilliant deeds, when done without love, are but nothingness.   Loving God or my neighbor can never demand that I violate my integrity, my deepest values, the core of who I am. Margaret Farley -- I can sacrifice what I have, but I can never sacrifice who I am.   Responsiveness implies an attunement to the other -- a resonance, and understanding.  The capacity to respond well.  It's not just any responsiveness.  The ability to be aware of and to respond effectively to the needs of my neighbor.  So there is a capacity about this.  It's not just an act of the will.  Attunement can be described as a kind of resonance.   Toner:  Radical love is experience as being in accord with the loved one, vibrating as it were, in harmony with the beloved's act of being and so with the whole melody of the beloved's life.  It is a welcoming of the loved one into the lover's self and his life-world, as fitting there, making a harmony with the lover's being and life.   Augustine:  “What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.”  Love is Unitive  Brady:  The fruit of love is unity.  Love unites.  It is in the very nature of love to bring together.  p. 279 John 17:  20-23  “I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word,  that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,  I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one,  Colossians 3:12-14:  Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience,  forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.  And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.  Acts 4:32  Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul  Philippians 2:2  complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.   Brady:  When you love, you step out of yourself and experience the other.   There is still a separateness.  Not a blending or a fusion or a loss of identity.  But you are no longer just within yourself.  You've entered into the space of another.   And you've allow the other to enter into your space "Come live in my heart and pay no rent." — Samuel Lover   Loving an enemy -- you are like me.  We are similar on a fundamental human level.  No dehumanization. Loving doesn't necessarily lead to a mutuality or reciprocity.  Not all love is accepted or taken in.  Witness John 6, the discourse of the bread of life when Jesus was offering the greatest gift ever, the entirety of himself, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity to his disciples: The response:  John 6:60 and 66:  Many of his disciples, when they heard it, said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” … After this many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him.    But you still reach out to the beauty and inner goodness of the other.   Agape pulls for unity, even with strangers.  Right now, devastating wars are actively going on in the Ukraine, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, among other places. Food crises are becoming more urgent as international food trade and distribution channels are breaking down.  This will move hearts that love with agape. Jesus wept over Jerusalem  Luke 19:41-44   And when he drew near and saw the city he wept over it, saying, “Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace! But now they are hid from your eyes.  For the days shall come upon you, when your enemies will cast up a bank about you and surround you, and hem you in on every side,  and dash you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another in you; because you did not know the time of your visitation.”   The mystics describe the unity we are called to in God -- Union with God.   Love is steadfast God's love endures.  '  Psalm 136 opens:    Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,    for his steadfast love endures for ever.O give thanks to the God of gods,    for his steadfast love endures for ever.O give thanks to the Lord of lords,    for his steadfast love endures for ever; Love can change, though.  For us humans, it can deepen, it can mature.  H.R. Neibuhr -- "Love can have a history."   It may not always be mutual or reciprocal Story of the prodigal son.  Story of St. Monica and St. Augustine.   Story of St. Augustine and God Quote from Confessions:  “Late have I loved you, beauty so old and so new: late have I loved you. And see, you were within and I was in the external world and sought you there, and in my unlovely state I plunged into those lovely created things which you made. You were with me, and I was not with you. The lovely things kept me far from you, though if they did not have their existence in you, they had no existence at all. You called and cried out loud and shattered my deafness. You were radiant and resplendent, you put to flight my blindness. You were fragrant, and I drew in my breath and now pant after you. I tasted you, and I feel but hunger and thirst for you. You touched me, and I am set on fire to attain the peace which is yours.”  Martin Luther King Essay -- Loving your Enemies To our most bitter opponents we say: ‘We shall match your capacity to inflict suffering by our capacity to endure suffering. We shall meet your physical force with soul force. Do to us what you will, and we shall continue to love you. We cannot in all good conscience obey your unjust laws, because noncooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good. Throw us in jail, and we shall still love you. Bomb our homes and threaten our children, and we shall still love you. Send your hooded perpetrators of violence into our community at the midnight hour and beat us and leave us half dead, and we shall still love you. But be ye assured that we will wear you down by our capacity to suffer. One day we shall win freedom, but not only for ourselves. We shall so appeal to your heart and conscience that we shall win you in the process, and our victory will be a double victory.' ” Psalm 36: 5-10 5 Thy steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,    thy faithfulness to the clouds.6 Thy righteousness is like the mountains of God,    thy judgments are like the great deep;    man and beast thou savest, O Lord. 7 How precious is thy steadfast love, O God!    The children of men take refuge in the shadow of thy wings.8 They feast on the abundance of thy house,    and thou givest them drink from the river of thy delights.9 For with thee is the fountain of life;    in thy light do we see light. 10 O continue thy steadfast love to those who know thee,    and thy salvation to the upright of heart!  Desire for this in the modern era:  1983 songs Cyndi Lauper -- If you fall, I will catch you, I will be waiting… Time after Time Jules Toner -- Love is the not just "giving of self" but giving self.    Giving of myself -- sharing something of what I am -- I may share my wit, my knowledge, by strength, my sense of joy, my playfulness.   These are all qualities of my being.   They are things I possess. Giving myself -- that radical love, according to Toner, is the gift of my self.  It is me.  I am the gift.  Not just my qualities or my possessions.  So I am loving from the core of my being -- the loving is the most personal act.   Integration Resilience Distortions Loving the wrong things.   Augustine:  “In order to discover the character of people we have only to observe what they love.”   Confessions  "We are shaped and fashioned by those we love." — Goethe  "Tell me who you love and I'll tell you who you are." — Creole Proverb   The death of love Brady 273.  Love does not die because of hate but because of apathy.  The death of love is often preceded by the denial of the basic dignity of the other.  The death of love happens when we reject instead of affirm the other's special personal and unique goodness.  The death of love is encouraged when we ignore the other's needs and wants while prioritizing our own wants.  The deal of love occurs when we pursue discord, division, disassociation, and distance in the place of unity.   It is not just the pursuit of these things.   If whatever we are pursuing, even if it is a good but not the highest good results in ignoring or  rejection of others' needs -- or if it results in discord, division, disassociation, and distance.  I might want to become physically fit and start training two hours per day for a marathon.  If I did that, I would wind up neglecting my family's needs.   Malice is not necessary for love to die.  Apathy doesn't have a lot of malice in it.  Hatred has a lot more malice than apathy.  If you are hating someone, you are still at least in relationship with the hated one.  You are thinking about the hated one.  The hated one still exists for you.  But in apathy, the other does not register in your consciousness.  He or she doesn't matter.  Where we are going  Tolerating being loved -- many people assume that we just want to be loved Brady:  page vii, second sentence.  Loving seems entirely natural and being loved seems wonderfully good.  I take issue. Being loved can be very, very painful.  It can feel very unnatural to very many people, especially those with complex trauma.   This kind of sentence would never be written by a depth psychologist, or anyone really experienced with the terror, the shame, the grief, and the walls that those who have experienced abandonment and betrayal traumas suffer with.  Assumption -- we naturally love ourselves.  I take issue with that.  Ordered Self Love Love and Identity 1 John 3:1  See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.  Learning to love by loving St. Bernard of Clairvaux:  We much remember that love reveals itself, not by words or phrases, but by actions and experience.  It is Love with speaks here, and if anyone wished to understand it, let him first love.   What gets in the way of loving  Sin -- the great unlove Missing the mark   Trauma Protection vs. Connection -- Polyvagal theory, Episode 89:  Rigidity and Chaos IPNB, Episode 92   Original Sin => original trauma  Shame  Differences between unlove and desolation   The RCC -- Come with me on an adventure.  Come with me on an adventure of being loved and of loving.  That is what the Resilient Catholic Community is all about.  Check out the Resilient Catholics Community at soulsandhearts.com/RCC  The RCC is all about working through your human formation issues -- the ones that inhibit you from receiving the love you need and from loving God completely, with every fiber of your being, with your body,  with all your parts, with all your emotions, thoughts, all your inner experience with all of you, with no part of you left behind, no part of you left out.   It's all about learning to be gentle but firm with yourself -- it's all about integration.  It's all about resilience.   All about restoration -- recovering from being dominated by shame, fear, anger, sadness, pessimism, whatever your struggle is in the depths of your human formation And we do this work experientially -- so many experiential exercises -- this is not just intellectual knowledge, we're working with all of you. Informed by Internal Family Systems and the best of the rest of psychological and human formation resources  All grounded in a Catholic understanding of the human person  All focused on helping you to better accept love and to love more fully, to carry out the two great commandments of our Lord.   Are you up for the challenge?  Would you like to join me and the rest of the pioneers in this adventure?  Do you want to be a part of the community?   Are you ready to prevail over whatever hinders your human formation -- would you like to no longer be dominated by fear, anger, shame, sadness, pessimism?  And would you like to be with other like-minded Catholics on the journey -- If so join me.  Join all of us in the Resilient Catholics Community.  The RCC We are taking applications throughout June of 2022 for our third cohort, those in that cohort will start their adventure in June and July by taking our Initial Measures Kits and be getting feedback on their parts in a personal Zoom session with me.  It's a great chance for us to get to know each other, really know each other at the level of parts.  You'll get a 5 or 6 page report on your internal system and then be eligible for our weekly company meetings and programming to begin in late August or early September.   Sign up  for the June waiting list -- Souls and Hearts.com/rcc -- or just do an internet search for the Resilient Catholics Community.  Human Formation Retreat -- August 12-14, 2022 details will be put on the website.  Meet me in person.  Only for RCC members Patroness and Patron  

Even the last few days, hearing of courageous faith as dear CMM Members and Friends in dangerous places risk their lives to reach the lost in remote tribal villages, take urgent aid to trapped villagers, or go behind enemy lines to show their love and concern for the most vulnerable. According to Strong's "יָרֵא yârêʼ, yaw-ray'; a primitive root; to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten:—affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), × see, terrible (act, -ness, thing)."In other words, when the Bible tells us to fear not, it means to not experience dread. After all, we have a powerful God. Now, let's take a look at the Greek."Take heart" or "be of good cheer" in the New Testament comes from the Greek word tharseo. It means to have courage and be of good comfort. Jesus uses this phrase a number of times when he heals the sick (Matthew 9:2), and comforts his disciples (Mark 14:27). It reminds us that no matter what our current circumstance that we have a God who has overcome the world.But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. ~ Isaiah 43:1For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” ~ Isaiah 41:13For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. ~ Deuteronomy 31:6Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. ~ Joshua 1:9-- 

These words... speak them and believe them. Hebrews 4:10 MSG "God means what He says. What He says goes." Fearfully and Wonderfully Made- Psalms 119:14- "I will praise you because I have been fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this full well." Chosen for Him- Ephesians 1:4-5- "just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will," "Delight in My eyes"- Isaiah 62:3-5 "You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate, but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her," He died for you- John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His One and only Son to save us, whoever believes in Him will live forever." Redeemed- Isaiah 43:1- "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine." Child of God- John 1:12- "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God," Holy Spirit lives in you- Romans 6:16-27 "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." His smile is on you- Numbers 6:24-26 "May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you his peace." Beloved- Colossians 3:12- "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience," --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jorja-gust/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jorja-gust/support

Isaiah 43:1-7 The LORD the Only Redeemer 431 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. 4 Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. 5 Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you. 6 I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." Genesis 1:26-27 26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

View the Bulletin for Sunday January 9, 20228:00 a.m. - Worship with Communion9:15 a.m. - Adult/Teen Bible Study & Children's Sunday School10:30 a.m. - Worship with CommunionAll are welcome.UPDATED COVID-19 PROTOCOLS - Updated July 1, 2021Visit our YouTube channel — Click the red “subscribe” box, and then click on the “bell” next to that box to receive Live Streaming notifications. You must be logged into YouTube to activate these features.Visit our Sermon Archive at: www.zlcb.org/sermonsView our current COVID-19 Protocol [Update July 1, 2021]First Reading – Isaiah 43:1-7 But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you. I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” Epistle Reading – Romans 6:1–11 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the third chapter. As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people. But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison. Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and through the rivers, they shall...

7 THOUGHTS OF TREASURE TO PONDER ON. 1. HE IS THE I AM THAT I AM. GOD SPEAKS BY NAMES. HE CALLS AND REVEALS HIMSELF BY NAMES.Exodus 3:15, Exodus 15:26). 2. HE KNOWS YOUR NAME, AND HE INTRODCES HIMSELF WITH A NAME THAT REVEALS HIS CHARACTER AND WHAT HE WANTS TO DO. Isaiah 43:1, Exodus 15:26). 3. WHATEVER HE CALLS YOU IS WHAT YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU BECOME. YOU ARE THE BLESSED, THE HEALED AND THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD.2 Corinthians 5:21). 4. GOD CALLS THINGS INTO EXISTENCE. HE CALLS INTO EXISTENCE THE THINGS THAT DO NOT EXIST AND HE GIVES LIFE TO THE DEAD AND TO ANY SITUATION. Romans 4:17). 5. HE IS COMMANDING LIGHT OUT OF EVERY DARKNESS IN YOUR LIFE. GOOD IS COMING OUT OF YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS. 2 Corinthians 4:6) 6. ARISE SHINE FOR YOUR LIGHT HAS COME AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD IS RISEN UPON. DO WHATEVER YOU COULD NOT DO BEFORE. RISE UP AND WALK IN THE NAME OF JESUS. Isaiah 60:1). 7. THE LIFE OF GOD IS IN HIS WORD. AS YOU BELIEVE HIS WORD IT WILL PRODUCE IN YOU WHAT THE WORD TALKS ABOUT. Hebrew 4:12, John 1:1, Luke 1:38, John 1:14). AFFIRMATION. I am what God says that I am and I can do the things that God says that I can do and I am who God says I am. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, I am the blessed of the Lord, and I am above and shall only be the head in all that I do and not the tail. Blessed Shall I be when I go out and when I come in. Everything I do is blessed and I am walking in grace, in wisdom and in power for Christ Jesus is made unto me wisdom, righteousness, santification and redemption. Thank you father in Jesus Name. Amen. FURTHER QUOTES. "But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine."Isaiah 43:1).

Episode 313 Your Name But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine." (Isaiah 43:1 - ESV) | Content help today from https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/your-thoughts-will-betray-you https://www.wbtv.com/2021/06/02/elvis-stolen-birthplace-sign-tupelo/ Make Your Own Headlines is a daily podcast striving to help you make the grace of God your top story. With Dow Welsh, pastor of Holland Avenue Baptist Church. | Follow Make Your Own Headlines on your favorite podcast outlet below. | iTunes | https://tinyurl.com/make-itunes Spotify | https://tinyurl.com/make-spotify Amazon Music | https://tinyurl.com/make-amazon YouTube | https://tinyurl.com/myoh-youtube | For more info: Visit hollandavenue.com and listen to the weekly sermon podcast at https://tinyurl.com/habc-sermons | Intro music: "Marty's Story" from https://seeds.churchonthemove.com/resources/music | Color scheme: Each day's background color (Monday-Friday) is the official primary Pantone color of a few college football teams in South Carolina: The Citadel, USC, Coastal Carolina, Furman, Clemson (Orange on Friday!) Thanks to: Samson for making a super cool Go Mic http://www.samsontech.com/ Auphonic for making a super cool audiogram tool https://auphonic.com/ Audacity for making a super cool recording tool https://www.audacityteam.org/ Cube Whidden for making and coding lots of super cool stuff https://www.linkedin.com/in/cube-whidden-901b7712 BP Skinner Clothiers for the ultimate custom experience https://bpskinnerclothiers.com/

Isaiah 43:1-2 NKJV But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you

In this episode, Sam discusses the importance of engaging in the process of healing from pregnancy and birth-related trauma.  *Special note: today's episode will touch on some difficult topics today. These will include miscarriage and infant loss, infertility, and trauma in labor and birth. If you or someone, you know, has experienced difficulties in one of these areas, this episode could be difficult to hear. No explicit details are shared in this episode.  Join us as we uncover some practical ways to begin taking steps toward breakthrough and healing from difficulty relating to growing a family.  Highlights 1:23 A note for your heart 9:43  Key 1: Dealing with fear 4:49  Key 2: Forgiveness 15:23 Practical strategies to move toward breakthrough 18:00 Seeking healthy re-connection 21:36  Key 3: Creating a New Expectation “I believe in every single circumstance, there is always an opportunity for redemption. To me, redemption is the restoration of the heart after a significant hurt. In this case, it's found in the fact that you have a Heavenly Father who is so loving that you don't have to pretend the pain you're experiencing. Isn't valid. It's understanding that there is healing available, no matter how deep the wound. He takes what the enemy intended for evil and makes it work for your good. Does that mean the pain goes away or even fades immediately? No, absolutely not. There's almost always a process involved in true healing. But what this does mean is he wants to release supernatural hope and peace over you. If you want them, you can have access to these things in the midst of processing your pain, even right now.” - Sam LeGassick Links BetterHelp Counseling Services (Christian trauma counselors available) Cornerstone Christian Counselors (Christian trauma counselors available) Hinds Feet On High Places by Hannah Hurnard   Follow Along www.instagram.com/samantha_legassick https://www.facebook.com/groups/createdforbirtheducation Click here to download my Free Guide to Hiring the Right Doula For You Sources mentioned in today's episode PATTCh, Prevention & Treatment of Traumatic Birth   PATTCh Resource Guide   Bible Verses to help conquer the spirit of fear Psalm 34:4 ESV I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 56:3-4 ESV  When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.  Isaiah 35:4 ESV Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” Isaiah 43:1 ESV But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.

Beth and Missy are opening up to James 5, and if you've listened to them chat before you know that's not the only place in Scripture they're turning to! Listen and be encouraged by their conversation. ----- Find us on Facebook and Instagram Sign up for our newsletter here Send us a message to openthewordpodcast@gmail.com ----- James 5:8-11 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Psalm 1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Isaiah 26:3-4 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. Isaiah 43:1-4 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior, I give Egypt as your ransom,Cush and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you,

Isaiah 43:1-2 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. Song of the Day: https://youtu.be/_UglO7SGUWk --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/krystine-heifort/message

Isaiah 43:1-2 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. Song of the Day: https://youtu.be/_UglO7SGUWk --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/krystine-heifort/message

Introduction One Creator 1 But now, thus says the Lord , who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow…

The world's need for mercy is reflected in our own, personal need for forgiveness. Dealing with the reality of our sin and God's desire to forgive us will change the world. Fr Sam's beard is for sale. Show notes: Beard Fundraiser Link: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML1JVGM9SVQMX/checkout/OPOQVHMFV2COBWW5PDCC6EHX Isaiah 43:1-7 1 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. 4 Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. 5 Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; 6 I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, 7 every one who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

Even though fear is not strange and unusual, God doesn't want us to live in fear. • God doesn't want our imaginations, dreams and purposes get killed by fear • God doesn't want us to fall in the trap of fear that is set by the devil----more---- • God doesn't want us to be faint hearted, cowards and fearful and lose heaven God is saying, I created you, I formed you, I redeemed you, called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.

Isaiah 42:18-43:21 English Standard Version (ESV)Israel's Failure to Hear and See18 Hear, you deaf,    and look, you blind, that you may see!19 Who is blind but my servant,    or deaf as my messenger whom I send?Who is blind as my dedicated one,    or blind as the servant of the Lord?20 He sees many things, but does not observe them;    his ears are open, but he does not hear.21 The Lord was pleased, for his righteousness' sake,    to magnify his law and make it glorious.22 But this is a people plundered and looted;    they are all of them trapped in holes    and hidden in prisons;they have become plunder with none to rescue,    spoil with none to say, “Restore!”23 Who among you will give ear to this,    will attend and listen for the time to come?24 Who gave up Jacob to the looter,    and Israel to the plunderers?Was it not the Lord, against whom we have sinned,    in whose ways they would not walk,    and whose law they would not obey?25 So he poured on him the heat of his anger    and the might of battle;it set him on fire all around, but he did not understand;    it burned him up, but he did not take it to heart.Israel's Only Savior43 But now thus says the Lord,he who created you, O Jacob,    he who formed you, O Israel:“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;    I have called you by name, you are mine.2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,    and the flame shall not consume you.3 For I am the Lord your God,    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.I give Egypt as your ransom,    Cush and Seba in exchange for you.4 Because you are precious in my eyes,    and honored, and I love you,I give men in return for you,    peoples in exchange for your life.5 Fear not, for I am with you;    I will bring your offspring from the east,    and from the west I will gather you.6 I will say to the north, Give up,    and to the south, Do not withhold;bring my sons from afar    and my daughters from the end of the earth,7 everyone who is called by my name,    whom I created for my glory,    whom I formed and made.”8 Bring out the people who are blind, yet have eyes,    who are deaf, yet have ears!9 All the nations gather together,    and the peoples assemble.Who among them can declare this,    and show us the former things?Let them bring their witnesses to prove them right,    and let them hear and say, It is true.10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord,    “and my servant whom I have chosen,that you may know and believe me    and understand that I am he.Before me no god was formed,    nor shall there be any after me.11 I, I am the Lord,    and besides me there is no savior.12 I declared and saved and proclaimed,    when there was no strange god among you;    and you are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and I am God.13 Also henceforth I am he;    there is none who can deliver from my hand;    I work, and who can turn it back?”14 Thus says the Lord,    your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:“For your sake I send to Babylon    and bring them all down as fugitives,    even the Chaldeans, in the ships in which they rejoice.15 I am the Lord, your Holy One,    the Creator of Israel, your King.”16 Thus says the Lord,    who makes a way in the sea,    a path in the mighty waters,17 who brings forth chariot and horse,    army and warrior;they lie down, they cannot rise,    they are extinguished, quenched like a wick:18 “Remember not the former things,    nor consider the things of old.19 Behold, I am doing a new thing;    now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?I will make a way in the wilderness    and rivers in the desert.20 The wild beasts will honor me,    the jackals and the ostriches,for I give water in the wilderness,    rivers in the desert,to give drink to my chosen people,21     the people whom I formed for myselfthat they might declare my praise.English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Intro One of the most common questions most people ask when we suffer is, Where are you God? Do you even care? Are you near? For me lately, can I last any longer? Today’s passage is a wonderful true story that shows us where God is when we are in the fire. God answers some of our tough questions but he has a question for us to with today’s passage. God asks: To what extent will you be faithful to me? Though one of the most recognizable stories in the Bible for those who grew up in church, it is one of the most theologically rich chapters in the Bible. It gets at the heart of so many important foundations. I’m so excited for us to dive into this passage and be challenged and shaped by it. This passage is going to teach us at least three significant lessons: • A lesson about what the world is like • A lesson about what God is like • A lesson for God’s people in all times and places › Let’s go! We’re going to jump into the chapter and then as we go, zoom out for some of the context. The Golden Image of Neb (1-7) We are going to be reading verses 1–7, note how many times the word, “image” and the phrase, “Set up” is repeated. Daniel 3:1–7 ESV 1 King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its breadth six cubits. He set it up on the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 2 Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent to gather the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3 Then the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. And they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 And the herald proclaimed aloud, “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 5 that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6 And whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace.” 7 Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. If you got lost in those 7 verses, essentially, King Neb creates a giant golden statue of a Babylonian god or likely, himself. This statue is huge! Sixty cubits is about 90 feet so about the height of an 8 story building! Its build out in this large plane where tons of people can gather around. And Neb has a huge worship band that plays and whenever they play, everybody is supposed to bow down and worship. If you don’t, you get burned alive. Why is this repetition significant of “image” and “set up?” As a general rule of thumb, repetition in the Bible is purposeful and we should take note! But lets zoom out for some context. In the last chapter, Nebuchadnezzar is panicked about a prophetic dream that ultimately gets interpreted to him by Daniel. The king dreams of a giant golden statue of himself that is ultimately destroyed and replaced by other kingdoms. Though in the short-term Nebuchadnezzar seems to respond rightly with worship and confession of the true god and also honoring Daniel, we now see him create a giant golden statue, probably of himself. I know we all want to tap him on the shoulder and ask the king, “did you read the last chapter? Don’t you realize this will not end up well?” However, Nebuchadnezzar is not so different from us. How many times have we had an encounter with God and we realize a truth and then go right back to the world. We can go right back to the very trap God warned us about. This sounds insane because it is! Which just reminds us how insane we are whenever we go right back to the world. In a way, Neb is trying to reverse the prophecy. Back to the repetition of the words, “image and set up”.. It is also significant because it reminds us of Genesis. God made man in his own image. Neb is trying to be like God. Also, in Gen 11, the tower of babel language makes another appearance. Those original babylonians want to make a great tower to make a great name for themselves and to be like God. Man has always wanted to be like God from the Garden till present day. Whether it is glory, control, or power. We all have a longing to be like God in some way. The king here is doing something similar. He is doing it for his name, for his glory. Let’s look at v. 6 again. Daniel 3:6 ESV 6 And whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace.” Make no mistake, this is about worship! This is about allegiance. Guess how many times the word worship is repeated in this chapter? 11 times!!!! (v 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 28) Throughout the book of Daniel, we see that there is always a counterfeit of the authentic. Satan will always come up with a counterfeit of the authentic. We see a number of them in this chapter: • Counterfeit kingdom. • Counterfeit king. • Counterfeit god. • Counterfeit worship. • Counterfeit culture. • Counterfeit hell God’s people will be offered a counterfeit. Daniel 3:7 ESV 7 Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. He wants the worship of all the people, nations, and languages. That is what is due to God alone. Again, we are like him more than we’d like. Scholar David Helm piercingly writes, Our tendency is to identify with the three friends of Daniel, those courageous young men who, as we will see, resisted the call to worship anything other than God (v 18). Yet, if we are honest, we all should primarily identify with the condition of the king, for as with him, the architecture of our own soul rises to the heavens in self-adulation. And if given our way, we too are tempted to call upon everyone within earshot to pay respects to our deeds. These words are truer than I’d like to admit. Sure, I may not allow anyone to bow down to me or build a statute. That’s too obvious. I’m too clever to know how arrogant that would look. But in subtle ways we can see it. How we get upset if someone else gets credit for something we did. How jealousy arises if someone else is praised for something that we think we are good at. These ways and many more expose that we too look for worship like Nebuchadnezzar does. › Let’s continue Refusal and Accusation (8-15) The local Babylonian nobility and rulers are probably jealous of Daniel and his friends. To their luck, they notice that the same Jews that leapfrogged over all of them to get the highest promotions were not obeying the order. So they snitch on them, Daniel 3:12 ESV 12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Notice the sucking up language. But also notice that they are using the right trigger words because they know how proud and a megalomaniac Neb is. “You appointed” “They pay not attention to you.” “The image that you have set up.” But consider the courage or these three to stand up. Have you every been at a play or some ceremony and somebody starts a standing ovation. And you don’t really want to stand. Your legs are tired and you don’t think that person is worthy of that kind of effort. But you notice, one row, another row, someone else you respect, and sooner or later, everyone is standing. If you are like most people, you drag your butt out of your seat and obligatorily clap, lest you look rude and your left out. Then the next social pressure is who is going to sit down first... The pressure is real in these situations and most of know what it feels like. But the consequences are awkwardness, or social shame. Imagine the scene: A giant plane with a golden statue in the middle. Thousands upon thousands of people all around. The music plays and EVERYONE bows and worship BUT 3 stay standing. Imagine the social pressure. I can imagine some friends around them saying, “Psst, Shadrach, just bow this once. As long as you don’t bow in your heart.” Imagine thousands of eyes staring at you, some in shock, some in horror, some in anger, and some jealously longing to have the same kind of courage . It is very likely other Jews were in that audience and bowed. Maybe one of them whispered, “Just bow, God will forgive you.” OR “For the sake of our people, it’s strategic for you to keep your position of power.” What would you do if you were in their shoes? › Let’s see the King’s response once he hears the news, Daniel 3:13 ESV 13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king. Rage is often a normal emotion people feel when they don’t get what they believe they deserve. But the king thinks himself a reasonable guy. Plus, these three Jews have been a help to him and are super valuable. He gives them one more chance, Daniel 3:14–15 ESV 14 Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?” Notice that last phrase. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands? So arrogant. Neb thinks he something. God is about to show him that he is nothing. All of his perceived strength is just an illusion. › Let’s see how they answer to Neb’s threat. It is one of my favorite verses in all the Bible. Courageous Defiance (16-18) Daniel 3:16 ESV 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. I’m not certain if v.16 is sarcastic. I can see it go either way. Some scholar translate it like, “We don’t even need to defend ourselves in this matter.” OR it could be more matter of fact but respectful, “We are not going to defend ourselves because we did in fact break your decree.” I think by the way they address him and the way Daniel relates with authority him throughout the book makes me lean towards respect. We see a consistent pattern of courageous but gentle defiance to the State WHEN they cross boundaries regarding worship and allegiance. But the next two verses, worth reading and saying over and over is beautiful, Daniel 3:17–18 ESV 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” I love how Eugene Peterson makes it clear that they will worship God no matter what, Daniel 3:18 The Message 18 But even if he doesn’t, it wouldn’t make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn’t serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.” Essentially, they are saying, God can and may rescue us BUT even if he doesn’t, we will worship him alone! The scary truth is that many Christians would fail at a similar test. We serve God as long as he serves us. The moment our true god or idols are tested, we abandon God. If you want to know what your idol may be, what is the one area in your life that you are most likely to question the goodness of God? If God doesn’t give you ____, you question his goodness and abandon worship? God, I love you but if you don’t give me ____.. But those who have found God to be there great treasure can say: • God is able to give me a spouse, but even if he doesn’t, I will worship and be faithful to him. • God is able to give me a child, but even if he doesn’t, I will worship and be faithful to him. • God is able to give me a job, but even if he doesn’t, I will worship and be faithful to him. • God is able to heal me of sickness, but even if he doesn’t, I will worship and be faithful to him. What is your, “God is able to ____” that you need to declare to the Lord? God you are able to ___ but even if you don’t, I will love you, trust you, and worship you! Take a moment to write or type that sentence out... › As you could imagine, the King has a problem with this, Nebuchadnezzar’s Rage (19–23) Daniel 3:19–23 ESV 19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated. 20 And he ordered some of the mighty men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the burning fiery furnace. 22 Because the king’s order was urgent and the furnace overheated, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell bound into the burning fiery furnace. Imagine the scene. Neb is filled with fury and the furnace is heated to match his fury. Seven times is likely not literal but figurative to explain that it is as hot as humanly possible! The fact that this is a furnace may be random for Nebuchadnezzar but I believe God meant it for a great purpose. Throughout the Bible, God uses fire literally and figuratively as judgment for some, refinement for others, and revealing for all. In this story you see two of them: Judgment for some In v. 22 we see that the intensity and danger of the furnace is clearly seen. The mighty men, the strongest are killed. They don’t fall in like Shadrach and his friends, but just getting near the mouth of the furnace is enough. Just like when you get one step too close to a bonfire, you can feel the heat hurt your skin. This fire raged so hot that just getting close burned these fierce warriors to death. Revealing for all God uses fire, both literal and figurative to reveal who his real children are. The fiery furnace revealed that the mighty men were not his. BUT Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were HIS! God revealed to the whole Babylonian court and to the king that there men are MY KIDS! Refining for Believers Just because you are in a fire does not mean the Lord is displeased with you and you have failed him. In fact, the fire may be BECAUSE you are faithful, which is clearly seen in this passage. 1 Peter 4:12–13 ESV 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. Don’t be surprised. Fire is normal for Christians. In fact, rejoice because this is an opportunity for God’s glory to show in your life as you demonstrate that God is enough for you! • The fire destroys you or refines you. • The fire shows your one of his or shows that you are not. • It either makes you more like Jesus or shows that you never really loved Jesus. As the famous hymn goes, When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie My grace all sufficient shall be thy supply The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine What is most difficult in your life at the moment? Are you tempted to see it as judgment? What would change if you viewed it as refinement, as proving the genuineness of your faith? › Lets keep going, The Son of God Delivers–The Flames of Fellowship (24–27) Daniel 3:24–25 ESV 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25 He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” Notice this phrase, “Appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” Who is this figure, walking in the midst of the fire? Throughout the book of Daniel we see glimpses of Babylonian understanding of the divine. They often get close but also totally far away. Remember, when no wise man in all of Babylon could both retell and interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream? Daniel 2:11 ESV 11 The thing that the king asks is difficult, and no one can show it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.” The Babylonians are right about this. Gods don’t come in the flesh. But he did one time! As a baby. In the incarnation, the son of God entered our dirty, broken, and wicked world and took on flesh! I believe what we see in the fiery furnace is a glimpse of the future. Scholars call these episodes Christophanies, literally, Christ-appearings. I believe this is a pre-incarnated Christ. The theological point is significant and Isaiah 43 helps us understand this. Isaiah 43:1–2 ESV 1 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Not IF, but When! God doesn’t just rescue them by snapping his fingers, he gets in the fire with them! "God is able to get you over anything, but usually, He will get His people through It." Often, I beg God to stop something, avoid a crisis, take away the pain... And he does sometimes. But God seems to more often say, “not yet,” But “I will get you THROUGH THIS.” Remember, it’s not, “never” because God WILL stop all pain and remove all wrong when Jesus returns! But in the meantime, he’s more likely going to sustain us! Also, its important to note, we have NO IDEA how many tragedies he prevents in our lives! Also, it’s important to know, it’s not a sin to ask for it to stop. Paul asks 3 times for some thorn to be removed. Jesus asks the Father if there’s another way but the cross. Church, you may be going through a furnace right now. But KNOW He is WITH YOU! He will strengthen you in your weakness! You are NOT alone! Gospel! There are a lot of book and theories about the so called, “Problem of Evil.” In other words, IF God is good and powerful, why is the world so messed up? Though we don’t have time to get into the answer, one thing can be said, “He is right there WITH US!” He’s not some distant God that just plays with us. He gets in our mess! And in fact, God goes further! We all have sinned and deserve punishment. We deserve our own fiery furnace for our rebellion towards God. For all the mess we’ve made. And yet, instead of throwing us all into Hell forever, God makes away for us to be saved! Imagine being marched up, bound, with angels on each side of you, about to throw you into an eternal fiery furnace. BUT to your surprise, Jesus comes out of nowhere, explains something to the angels and then they let you go, take the chains that were around you and put it on Jesus, and then throw him into the furnace as you walk away unharmed, unburned, and speechless. On the cross Jesus does not stand with us he stands for us! But instead of having the Father in the fire with Him, He is utterly alone! So much so he cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me!? This is the insanity of the gospel! Jesus was temporarily forsaken so that we could be eternally accepted. The son of God takes the place of man so that we can be reconciled with the Father and be with him forever! So instead of a furnace we get a home–we adopted into His family! This offer is live and real for EVERYONE here, but you must turn from your own worship to God alone. You must confess your sins and he will forgive you. Come speak to one of our members if you want this offer! › v. 26 Daniel 3:26–27 ESV 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. 27 And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them. WOW! What do your clothes smell like after being around a campfire for even 5 minutes? The only thing burned were the ropes that bound them and the mighty men who threw them in. Worship and Promotion (28–30) We need to take Nebuchadnezzar’s statements with a grain of salt. Both his sincerity, since we see him go back on this real quick but also his understanding of what God is like. However, he genuinely seems to respects their defiance. See, Daniel 3:28 ESV 28 Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God. Note, that it’s not HIS GOD but the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego... So he makes a declaration, Daniel 3:29 ESV 29 Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.” Again, we have to examine his statements carefully. He understands that Yahweh is the highest God but he doesn’t understand the heart of God . He thinks that God would want him to rip people up if anyone speaks against God. You can have a miraculous encounter with God and not have a changed heart. He continues, Daniel 3:30–4:2 ESV 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon. 1 King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you! 2 It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me. Compare the endings of chapter 2 and 3 and what does this teach us? In both situations, God’s people are under terrible threat and yet, God gets them through it and when they get on the other side, they are promoted! Evil men plot against them but it backfires and they end up getting blessed even more! You may be going through the fire but it may be that promotion is around the corner if you stay faithful! Promotion may be a literal promotion at work but it could be a breakthrough in your marriage. Promotion could be breakthrough from your depression. Promotion may be that God takes your life and you finally get to be with Chris! And in the words of this passage, “God is able to promote us, but even if he doesn’t, we will worship Him alone!” Conclusion Let me end with this reminder: • Jesus is the son of God who is WITH US in our daily furnaces but he is the God who stands FOR US in the ultimate furnace. • Church, be faithful to God, He is able to deliver you BUT even if he doesn’t, he is worthy!

Do You Know Your TRUE IDENTITY? with Matthew West   0:58 The First Step To Being Yourself 9:45 How To Embrace the Plan That God Has For You with Matthew West 42:47 This is Who You Are in God's Eyes... Resources Christy's New Devotional - Living True: 40 Days to Get Back to YouGet back to you with my brand-new devotional, Living True: 40 Days to Get Back to You, that will help you break through the busyness of life and build the confidence you need to embrace the person you want to be. Get your copy today: https://bit.ly/3nsUTbm Christy's 5-Day Confidence Boost Sign up for Christy's free 5-Day Confidence Boost. You'll receive five days of encouragement focused on helping you become a more confident you! https://bit.ly/3mjEmVz We want to hear your feedback about The Christy Wright Show! Email us at hello@christywright.com to let us know what you think of the show.   We're kicking off the new year with an important topic: Where does your identity come from? Do we take our cues from Pinterest or Instagram influencers or what our boss says about us? We'll get some life-changing answers from God's Word. Plus, I get to sit down with award-winning songwriter Matthew West to talk about his new book on identity: Hello, My Name Is.   The First Step to Being Yourself When we're feeling lost, we cling to our titles and our roles, and we hold on to what we can accomplish or what others say about us. But there's a deeper truth to keep us grounded, even when people and circumstances change around us. In today's teaching, I'll share a story about one of the first times I ever heard God speak to me and the powerful truth he taught me about identity.   How to Embrace the Plan That God Has for You with Matthew West Y'all, I am so excited to sit down with award-winning musician Matthew West to talk about his new album, Brand New, and new book, Hello, My Name Is: Discover Your True Identity. We get all sorts of labels from the world around us-from what we've done or failed to do, from what we wear, drive or eat, from where we work, or who we hang out with. But, as Matthew points out, discovering who you are starts with knowing whose you are. On your best and your worst day, you can know that God loves you. You can choose to believe what He says about you instead of creating an identity for yourself. This is the foundation for the greatest confidence in the world.   This Is Who You Are in God's Eyes . . . But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. . . Because you are precious in my eyes, And honored, and I love you." - Isaiah 43:1, 4 (ESV) Precious and honored probably aren't the words you'd normally use to describe how you're feeling. But regardless of how you feel, what you've done or haven't done, or what's been done to you, you are a child of God-if you have chosen to enter into relationship with Him. He loves you. So, to help us really grasp our identity as children of God, here are a few journal questions to think about: Where do you normally find your identity? How does it feel to think that God is all yours, all the time? How does it feel to imagine that you never get on God's nerves? In what areas of life do you need God to remind you who you are?

Do You Know Your TRUE IDENTITY? with Matthew West   0:58 The First Step To Being Yourself 9:45 How To Embrace the Plan That God Has For You with Matthew West 42:47 This is Who You Are in God’s Eyes... Resources Christy's New Devotional - Living True: 40 Days to Get Back to YouGet back to you with my brand-new devotional, Living True: 40 Days to Get Back to You, that will help you break through the busyness of life and build the confidence you need to embrace the person you want to be. Get your copy today: https://bit.ly/3nsUTbm Christy's 5-Day Confidence Boost Sign up for Christy’s free 5-Day Confidence Boost. You’ll receive five days of encouragement focused on helping you become a more confident you! https://bit.ly/3mjEmVz We want to hear your feedback about The Christy Wright Show! Email us at hello@christywright.com to let us know what you think of the show.   We’re kicking off the new year with an important topic: Where does your identity come from? Do we take our cues from Pinterest or Instagram influencers or what our boss says about us? We'll get some life-changing answers from God’s Word. Plus, I get to sit down with award-winning songwriter Matthew West to talk about his new book on identity: Hello, My Name Is.   The First Step to Being Yourself When we’re feeling lost, we cling to our titles and our roles, and we hold on to what we can accomplish or what others say about us. But there’s a deeper truth to keep us grounded, even when people and circumstances change around us. In today’s teaching, I’ll share a story about one of the first times I ever heard God speak to me and the powerful truth he taught me about identity.   How to Embrace the Plan That God Has for You with Matthew West Y’all, I am so excited to sit down with award-winning musician Matthew West to talk about his new album, Brand New, and new book, Hello, My Name Is: Discover Your True Identity. We get all sorts of labels from the world around us—from what we’ve done or failed to do, from what we wear, drive or eat, from where we work, or who we hang out with. But, as Matthew points out, discovering who you are starts with knowing whose you are. On your best and your worst day, you can know that God loves you. You can choose to believe what He says about you instead of creating an identity for yourself. This is the foundation for the greatest confidence in the world.   This Is Who You Are in God’s Eyes . . . But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. . . Because you are precious in my eyes, And honored, and I love you.” — Isaiah 43:1, 4 (ESV) Precious and honored probably aren’t the words you’d normally use to describe how you’re feeling. But regardless of how you feel, what you’ve done or haven’t done, or what’s been done to you, you are a child of God—if you have chosen to enter into relationship with Him. He loves you. So, to help us really grasp our identity as children of God, here are a few journal questions to think about: Where do you normally find your identity? How does it feel to think that God is all yours, all the time? How does it feel to imagine that you never get on God’s nerves? In what areas of life do you need God to remind you who you are?

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall...

Thriving on the edge of Life By: Pastor George Lehman That place where life seems unbearable. Where you wonder can I carry on When life is really tough (If we could choose what was going to happen to us, we would never grow.) Not just living but Thriving means:  Prosper to flourish – grow vigorously. This was about the restoration of Israel Isaiah 43:1-3a (NIV) – But now this is what the Lord says – he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. Jeremiah 30:19 (Message) - Thanksgiving will pour out the windows, laughter will spill through the doors, things will get better and better.  Depression days are over. They’ll THRIVE, they’ll flourish.  The days of contempt will be over. This only came as a result of some real thriving on the edge living Victory comes to you as a result of how you live on the edge. (Giving up is not an option if you walk away you lose.) The question is - does your life experience storms of discouragement; pressures that don’t seem to stop?  Are you finding it difficult to stay focussed on Jesus? Do you feel like you’re just hanging on the edge? The truth is we live in turbulent times:  A fluctuating economy. Out of control crime; Disease – disasters. Financial pressures. Job dissatisfaction – job losses. Drug abuse. Broken relationships. Problem children – marriages. Stress has become the norm in our society A preacher, Joseph Parker, told a class of seminary bible school students, “Preach to the suffering and you will never lack a congregation”. We all understand a broken heart.  We all want the abundant life that Jesus spoke of, but at times we seem to miss it. Isn’t it maybe because we feel cheated, hard done by, so we don’t thrive but rather retaliate and live with bad attitudes? (becoming lukewarm – we go into survival mode)   Philippians 4:6 (Amp) - Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.  (There’s a breakthrough on it’s way for the thrivers) Even though we’re living on the edge, we can do more than merely survive.  We can actually THRIVE. What do I mean by the term “Thriving on the edge”?  It’s not some superficial thing that ignores the heartaches and pains of your circumstances. It’s not about material success.  It’s all about trusting God and experiencing soulfulness. Soul-ful-ness = Is when your soul is well nourished. (Nourished is: - You’re prayed up, you’ve read God’s word, you sharing your faith you have a great attitude Then your life will be God-centred, and you’ll find power and strength in times of need. Psalm 118:13-16 & 23 (Msg) – 13I was right on the cliff-edge, ready to fall, when God grabbed and held me. 14God’s my strength, he’s also my song, and now he’s my salvation. 15Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs in the camp of the saved? “The hand of God has turned the tide! 16The hand of God is raised in victory! The hand of God has turned the tide!” so the victors can enter and praise. 23This is God’s work. We rub our eyes – we can hardly believe it! In the midst of life’s most difficult overwhelming struggles, when you feel your life is on the edge, a thriving person lives by trusting God’s faithfulness. Thriving people know His peace and His awesome supernatural staying power. That enables them to live life fully despite the struggles. Living on the edge is not about denying reality.  It’s about responding to reality by knowing there is a greater eternal reality. It’s not only about this life. God is maturing us for Home Someone said, “When circumstances are at their worst, we can find our best”.  That is: God’s best in us. It’s on the edge of tribulations and trials that God’s heroes are made. It’s on the edge that God does His greatest and most miraculous work in us. Think about this:  If you never had to face any Goliaths in your life you would never know God’s power to deliver and sustain you. We see in times of sorrow, deep heartache, tribulations, trials, obstacles – seemingly hopeless situations, we can thrive because He lives. These times equip us to minister to others.  That is, “Thriving on the edge”. We can be fully alive and thriving – experiencing God’s grace and peace amid all the negatives that surround us.   2 Corinthians 4:7-9(Amp) - However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.  We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair.  We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed.        I remind you again, it’s on the edge when we thrive, that faith heroes are made.

BUY THE GO CREATOR GO BOOK & JOURNAL:www.antoinebeane.comhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GV2DK1Vhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GVJ6MP5FOLLOW GO CREATOR GO & TRIUMPH MEDIAWORKS:Facebook & IG: @gogreatorgo & @triumphmediaworksTwitter: @gcreatorgwww.triumphmediaworks.com___________________________________SCRIPTURES CONCERNING IDENTIGenesis 1:27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.Jeremiah 1:5Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.1 Peter 2:9But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.Jeremiah 29:11For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.1 Corinthians 1:30And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.1 Corinthians 12:27Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.1 Corinthians 6:17But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.1 John 3:1See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.1 Samuel 12:22For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself.1 Samuel 16:7But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.Colossians 2:10And you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.Colossians 3:12Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.Ephesians 1:1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus.Ephesians 1:11In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.Ephesians 1:13In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.Ephesians 1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.Ephesians 1:4Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love.Ephesians 1:5He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.Ephesians 1:7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.Ephesians 2:10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.Ephesians 2:13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.Ephesians 2:19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.Ephesians 2:6And raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.Ephesians 2:8For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.Ephesians 4:24And to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.Ephesians 5:8For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.Galatians 3:28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.Genesis 2:7Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.Isaiah 43:1But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”Isaiah 49:16Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.Isaiah 64:8But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.John 1:12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.John 15:15No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.John 15:16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.John 15:5I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.Matthew 5:48You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.Matthew 6:26Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?Philippians 3:20But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,Philippians 4:19And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.Psalm 100:3Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.Psalm 139:14I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.Romans 5:1Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.Romans 6:6We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.Romans 8:15For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”Romans 8:17And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Daniel 3:19-301. Culture is hostile to non-conformity, v. 19-23“Oil and natural gas are east Texas’ greatest mineral blessing. Without them this school would not be here and none of us would be here learning our lessons.”-Message on chalkboard recovered from New London school2. God is with us when we suffer, v. 24-25“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”-Isaiah 43:1-2“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murdered or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God: and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” -I Peter 4:12-19Suffering is a test, not a form of punishmentPeople who suffer have a proportional capacity for gladnessSuffering as a Christian magnifies the outcome for those who do not obey the gospelThere will be occasions where it is God’s will for you to sufferWhen suffering, entrust your soul to God and do good. 3. Who we trust determines what has power over us, v. 26-28trusted in himset aside the kings commandyielded up their bodies“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” -Romans 12:1-24. There is a difference in appreciating God and knowing God, v. 29-30Mental worship…In what ways, if any, do you not conform to culture?Do you think it strange when you suffer?What is your capacity for gladness?How do you use your body to demonstrate what you believe?What is different about a person who has a relationship with God and someone who just appreciates God?

Episode 30 Gumption But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. (Isaiah 43:1, ESV) And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6, ESV) Make Your Own Headlines is a 3-minute podcast striving to help you make the grace of God your top story. With Dow Welsh, pastor of Holland Avenue Baptist Church. For more information visit hollandavenue.com and check out the link below for the sermon podcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/holland-avenue/id1355927996?mt=2 Intro music: "Marty's Story" from https://seeds.churchonthemove.com/resources/music

Deuteronomy 6:1-2“These are the commands, the decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life.”  Isaiah 43:1-3 But now, this is what the LORD says-- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God,the Holy One of Israel, your Savior In order to overcome fear by faith we must embrace, God’s1.     Supremacy2.     Sovereignty3.     Supervision  Isaiah 8:12 "Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. 13 The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, 14 and he will be a sanctuary      What does it mean by fearing God? The fear of God is an attitude of respect, a response of awe and wonder. "It is the only appropriate response to our Creator and Redeemer, the supreme being” Martin Luther: servile fear vs. filial fear."Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but love from the Lord is its completion." William D. EisenhowerLiving by faith = Living by the fear of the Lord  WHY FEAR GOD?  How does the fear of the Lord impact our lives?1. We become obedient 2. We grow in sanctification3. We worship WHOLE-HEARTEDLY4. We live in confidence 5. We will be blessed 

Isaiah 43:1-3  But now, this is what the LORD says-- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  For I am the Lord your God,the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;  How does fear work against the believers?      1. Fear dominates in faithlessness      2. Fear enters through forgetfulness      3. Fear permeates through distraction  “He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (I Cor 15:57)     The only way to overcome fear is FAITH: Believe in...1. God's Redemption   "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.  2. God's Protection "When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." 3. God's Presence "I will be with you for I am the Lord your God,the Holy One of Israel, your Savior"  As we seek God's presence, we must embrace... 1. God’s SupremacyIsaiah 42:8 "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.”Colossians 1:15-20.15 The Son is the image of the invisible God,the first born over all creation.16 For in him all things were created:things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;all things have been created through him and for him.17 He is before all things,and in him all things hold together.18 And he is the head of the body, the church;he is the beginning and the first born from among the dead,so that in everything he might have the supremacy.19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven,by making peace through his blood,shed on the cross.“Man’s chief end is to glorify God”  1 Corinthians 10:31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 2. God's SovereigntyRomans 8:28 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose. Psalm 139You have searched me,Lord, and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you,Lord, know it completely. Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ 3. God's Supervision Psalms 31:3For You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name's sake You will lead me and guide me.Psalm 48:14For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. I Peter 5:6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Proverbs 3:5-6Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your path straight

Isaiah 43:1 But now, this is what the LORD says-- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.     In Christ, we are called to live by faith not by fear! How do we overcome fear? 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.Understanding FearDefinitions Fear (Hebrew): "Falling back" "a cowering before a superior force" Worry (Anglo-Saxon): “choke or strangle.”Anxiety (Latin): "to suffocate, press tightly, or to strangle."   Distress (English): "to cause sorrow or misery, suffering, to exhaust of weaken with strain"Panic (Greek): "To be filled with terror" Timidity (English): "Being easily frightened or having no self-confidence"  Results of FearPowerlessness, confusion, faithlessness Origin of Fear SIN: Ultimately fear is caused by the separation from God. “I am afraid” (Gen. 3:10).     Overcoming Fear By FAITH Hebrews 11:6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. 2 Corinthians 5:7For we live by faith, not by sight.1. By faith, we must believe in the promise of salvationLuke 2:10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.Romans 8:15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. 2. By faith, we must submit to the Holy Spirit through the word Romans 10:17Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. 3. By faith, we must repent of our sins1 John 1:9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 4. By faith, we must have the fear of the Lord Isaiah 8:12-14 "Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. 13 The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, 14 and he will be a sanctuary

Our Guest TodayVirginia Tech Associate Head Wrestling Coach, Jared Frayer @AirFrayerCoach Jared Frayer joined the VA Teach coaching staff three years ago and has been instrumental in developing the Hokie middle weights with several All Americans and the first national champion in Mekhi Lewis. Coach Frayer was a two time All-American for the University of Oklahoma. After college Frayer was an accomplish freestyle wrestler placing in the top six in the US World or Olympic trials 7 times culminating in winning the spot on the 2012 London Olympic Games at 66kg (145.51lbs for the civilians listening in)https://hokiesports.com/sports/wrestling/roster/coaches/jared-frayer/1370Show NotesQuotations“I submit to you today that, despite the American victory in the Cold War (for which we should all be grateful) and the collapse and disappearance of the Soviet Union, nothing has changed that would diminish the force or relevance of Solzhenitsyn's words. The virtue we lack—and it is an indispensable virtue—is courage. And we must recover it. Our young men and women must regain it—not to defend us from a hostile foreign power armed with nuclear weapons, but to protect us from a far more dangerous foe, a truly deadly enemy: our own worst selves.”From Article, Solzenitsyns Prophecy, Robert P. George is McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University.I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.From Nelson Mandela, Mandela in His Own Words.Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing; Were not the right Man on our side, The Man of God's own choosing: Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth His Name, From age to age the same, And He must win the battle.Martin Luther, A Mighty FortressScriptures ReferencedJoshua 1:6-96 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."2 Corinthians 12:9-109 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.Isaiah 43:1-31But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3 For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.Hebrews 13:1-61 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 6 So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"

What's in a name? And what does it do for a man to hear God speak his name? In this conversation Jay and Rich share stories about the bestowing of our true identities through our names. Sometimes God gives us a new name and sometimes we hear our familiar name in a new way. In any case, a man doesn't walk away unchanged. Near the end of this episode we ask God the question every man longs to have answered, "God, how do you see me?" But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine." - Isaiah 43:1

You belong to the creator of all the universe, the most high God. He has formed you, redeemed you, and called you by name. You are His. This means that you are free from the bondage of fear, depression, anxiety, disease, sin, addiction...The question is, How do I start living as a child of God who is free from the bondage I've been living in?That's the question we discuss in this episode. Pastor Perry provides practical steps to begin relocating yourself from the bondage you're under to the freedom and restoration Jesus has bought for you. We have a challenge for you! Declare in the comments what you are not a slave to. For example: I am a child of God and I am not a slave to _______.  Isaiah 43:1 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.  

Since the fall we have suffered from an Identity crisis and the illness of Insecurity that comes with it. You will never know who you are, until you know who you are in him.You are New Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 ESVHis mercies are new every morning. Lamentations 3:23 ESVHis mercies are new every morning and it's always morning somewhere in the world.You are KnownThe very hairs on your head are all numbered. Luke 12:7 NLTMy sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 ESVThe one who knows me best, loves me most. But you, O Lord, know me; you see me, and test my heart toward you. Jeremiah 12:3 ESVYou are Home Jesus is the only who can provide a real home for your heart.So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone. Ephesians 2:19-20 ESVWe are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith… Hebrews 12:1 NLTYou are HisTo all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13 ESVFor you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 ESVYou are the chosen child of the caring loving King of the creation! But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3 ESVYou are lovedYou can have the best of everything earth has to offer but it won't be enough until you know who you are in Him.

How Do We Respond… Part 2 – No Fear A balanced approach: Look at and stand on the truth of God's Word. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. (Psalm 56:3-4) “Everything is being canceled. The NBA games. The NHL games. March Madness. Broadway plays. Flights. Cruises. Cancellations, everywhere! But can I tell you the one thing that has not and WILL not be canceled? God will never cancel his promise to take care of us. Do not interpret the presence of problems as the absence of God. God has promised, ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.' He is with us. He is for us. He offers us peace in the face of uncertainty, and hope in exchange for heaviness.” [Max Lucado, https://maxlucado.com/listen/peace-in-the-face-of-uncertainty/] When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. (Psalm 94:19, ESV) When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. (NIV) “The enemy is vicious but he is not Victorious. I may sometimes feel afraid, but I don't have to live afraid. Most importantly, I can remember that fear doesn't have to pull me away from trusting God. Fear can actually be the catalyst for me choosing to trust God more than ever. Some things and situations have happened in the last week that could put me in a huge state of fear. Have I been a little anxious? Yes, but I am choosing to put my trust in the One who has been faithful and will continue to be faithful.” [Michelle Hoffman, posted on Facebook, 26 March 2020] But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:1-2) Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. (John 14:1) “Drenched head to toe from the rain and seawater, Captain Wessler clung to the ropes that kept him upright as the ship climbed and dove over every large wave. He and his crew were weathered, experienced sailors, but three days of nothing but storm and wave, lightning and thunder, will take the starch out of anyone. Three days of storm meant three nights with no stars, no moon, no sightings. With nothing to navigate by, they could only keep their bow pointed into the waves and hope for the best. Who knows what might confront them out of the dark and rain? How long could this blasted storm continue? The worst part was the feeling of helplessness. At sea in the middle of a storm, there's only so much you can control. Captain Wessler was doing his best to keep up the spirits of his sailors, but they all knew that their fate didn't rest in their own hands.” [John Barcanic, Uncertain Seas, ©2020, Intersekt, pages 21-22] Roller coasters: We're not in control. "In his 6th-century commentary on the Book of Job, St. Gregory pointed out that the Lord's ways are very mysterious in that he sometimes allows GOOD things to happen to GOOD people. Back then, they expected the Christian life to involve suffering and sacrifice, and used to worry if they were not suffering enough. Today, suffering is seen as a problem without easy answers. The general insight from Christianity is that, while suffering is not good in itself, there is no suffering in this life that cannot be turned into an instrument for good." [Andrew Pinsent, quoted by Leonard Sweet on Facebook] I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) Make a “thanksgiving list.” ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION: Pastor Joel Christensen on Facebook: “Anxiety blinds us to the power of God. As we find ourselves becoming anxious, stop and pray! His peace will guard our hearts and minds!” Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) A.W. Tozer once said, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." So, for example, if we think of God as being distant—we talked about that last week—then difficulties will jolt us far more easily than if we see Him as near, as close, as intimate. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night," even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. (Psalm 139:2-12) The God who is the Creator of everything is with us. He knows us intimately and still loves us. He knows every detail of your life, and He's crazy about you. And if He's taking care of sparrows and flowers, what are we worried about? God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:9) …casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7) Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31) Tim Keller on Facebook: “Difficulties take away earthly comforts and then, through prayer and reflection on the Word, we are driven closer to God to get His unique consolations. The process is long and in many parts painful, but the fruit is a spiritual poise that no trouble can dislodge.” One of our congregation posted this on Facebook: Me: Okay, God, here's the thing. I'm scared. I'm trying not to be, but I am. God: I know. Want to talk about it? Me: Do we need to? I mean, you already know. God: Let's talk about it anyway... We've done this before. Me: I know, I just feel like I should be bigger or stronger of something by now. God: *waiting patiently, unhurried, undistracted, never annoyed. Me: Okay. So, I'm afraid I'll do everything I can to protect my family and it won't be enough. I'm afraid of someone I love dying. I'm afraid the world won't go back to what it was before. I'm afraid my life is always going to feel a little bit unsettled. God: Anything else? Me: EVERYTHING ELSE. God: Remember how your son woke up the other night and came running down the hall to your bedroom? Me: Yes. God: You were still awake, so when you heard him running, you started calling out to him before he even got to you... remember? Do you remember what you called out to him? Me: I said, "You're okay! You're okay! You're okay! I'm here." God: Why did you call to him? Why didn't you just wait for him to get to your room? Me: Because I wanted him to know that I was awake, and I heard him, and he didn't have to be afraid until he reached the end of the dark hallway. God: Exactly. I hear you, my child. I hear your thoughts racing like feet down the dark hallway. There's another side to all of this. I'm there already. I've seen the end of it. And I want you to know right here as you walk through it all, you're okay. I haven't gone to sleep, and I won't. Me: *crying. Can we sit together awhile? Can we just sit here a minute before I go back to facing it all? God: There's nothing I'd enjoy more.

Isaiah 43:1-31 But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3 For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.A liturgy for those flooded by too much information, by Douglas McKelvey, from the book “Every Moment Holy."In a world so wired and interconnected, our anxious hearts are pummeled by an endless barrage of troubling news. We are daily aware of more grief, O Lord, than we can rightly consider, of more suffering and scandal than we can respond to, of more hostility, hatred, horror, and injustice than we can engage with compassion. But you, O Jesus, are not disquieted by such news of cruelty and terror and war. You are neither anxious nor overwhelmed. You carried the full weight of the suffering of a broken world when you hung upon the cross, and you carry it still. When the cacophony of universal distress unsettles us, remind us that we are but small and finite creatures, never designed to carry the vast abstractions of great burdens, for our arms are too short and our strength is too small. Justice and mercy, healing and redemption, are your great labors. And yes, it is your good pleasure to accomplish such works through your people, but you have never asked any one of us to undertake more than your grace will enable us to fulfill. Guard us then from shutting down our empathy or walling off our hearts because of the glut of unactionable misery that floods our awareness. You have many children in many places around this globe. Move each of our hearts to compassionately respond to those needs that intersect our actual lives, that in all places your body might be actively addressing the pain and brokenness of this world, each of us liberated and empowered by your Spirit to fulfill the small part of your redemptive work assigned to us. Give us discernment in the face of troubling news reports. Give us discernment to know when to pray, when to speak out, when to act, and when to simply shut off our screens and our devices, and to sit quietly in your presence, casting the burdens of this world upon the strong shoulders of the one who alone is able to bear them up. Amen.1 Thessalonians 5:14-24 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.John 15:1-5 1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.And now, may the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

Isaiah 43:1-11 1 But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall […] The post “Fear Not” – March 19th Evensong appeared first on Trinity Presbyterian Church.

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Isaiah 43:1 “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.” Deuteronomy 31:8 “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”” To be fearless you first have to go through an awakening for you to see what you are really fearing. Once you know what you truly fear and you work past it you will be able to take the first step to becoming fearless. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/pink-millionaire/message

Ezekiel 37-11:14 (NLT) Then he said to me, “Son of man, these bones represent the people of Israel. They are saying, ‘We have become old, dry bones—all hope is gone. Our nation is finished.’ Therefore, prophesy to them and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: O my people, I will open your graves of exile and cause you to rise again. Then I will bring you back to the land of Israel. When this happens, O my people, you will know that I am the Lord. I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live again and return home to your own land. Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken, and I have done what I said. Yes, the Lord has spoken!’”There is a common them that runs throughout scriptures and is highlighted in this passage. And it points to one of the most exciting and compelling ideas in all creation. That is hope.GOD IS THE SOURCE OF OUR HOPEHope requires an object, or an anchor for the hope. Hope does not exist without something to fulfill that hopeMisplaced Hope: Relationships, Career, Success, Acceptance/Belonging, Wealth, Health, Drugs & Alcohol, etc.The entire book of Ecclesiastes is about how nothing but God, satisfies our hope.He sent His son, Jesus as a guarantee of that hope. Colossians 1:27 (ESV) “…Christ in you, the hope of glory.”Romans 15:13 (ESV) May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.HOPE IS THE ANTIDOTE FOR DISAPPOINTMENTPhilippians 1:6 (ESV) And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.Romans 8:24-25 (NLT) We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)“Remember, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.” – Stephen King, The Shawshank RedemptionRomans 5:3-5 (NLT) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.3. HOPE ENCOURAGESIsaiah 40:28-31 (NIV) Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.Psalms 3:2-6 (MSG) God! Look! Enemies past counting! Enemies sprouting like mushrooms, Mobs of them all around me, roaring their mockery: “Hah! No help for him from God! “But you, God, shield me on all sides; You ground my feet, you lift my head high; With all my might I shout up to God, His answers thunder from the holy mountain. I stretch myself out. I sleep. Then I’m up again—rested, tall and steady, Fearless before the enemy mobs Coming at me from all sides. ROCKY THEME SONG!Isaiah 43:1-2 (ESV) But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.In all of the passages there is an acknowledgement that the situations that you face will not always be ideal but, take courage! We will overcome!HOPE POINTS US INTO OUR FUTURE2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV) For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.1 Peter 1:3-9 (ESV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again 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, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.Lamentations 3:21-24 (ESV) But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”You may feel like you are without hope or that hope has been lost. But, despite how it may look or feel, hope is never really gone. When it looked like Jesus was defeated, he rose from the dead proving that nothing is impossible for him. Attach your hope to someone that will not fail.

John 1:35–39 (ESV) The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.Jesus went a lot of places, met a lot of people, did a lot of miracles, and taught a lot of lessons, but if you were to condense everything into one primary message, He invited people to FOLLOW HIM!follow: akoloutheōa – alpha, first letter of the alphabet and first numberkeleuthos – a road to followconjunctive: not just a road, but the first roadThe Best Things About Following Jesus:1. PEACE – no longer enemies with GodPhilippians 3:18–20 (ESV) For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, John 3:36 (ESV) Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. constant tension because our sinful actions are directed at God - Acts 9:1–5 (ESV) But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. he reconciles us at our worst, what will He do after we are friends - Romans 5:8–10 (ESV) but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 2. COMPANIONSHIP – He will never leave you!our lives are a constant revolving door of people who leave for circumstance, rejection or death.Hebrews 13:5 (ESV) Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Matthew 28:19–20 (ESV) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Proverbs 18:24 (ESV) A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Ezekiel 37:14 (ESV) And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 3:16 (ESV) Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? 3. SALVATION – rescued, again and again and again!!!from sin - Matthew 1:21 (ESV) She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” from sins - 1 John 1:7–9 (ESV) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. from situations - Isaiah 43:1–5 (ESV) But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you. Psalm 91:1–16 (ESV) He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” saved in diverse and amazing ways!4. ACCESS - to everything within the Kingdom of Heaven while here on earththe earth is currently under the rule of the god of this world who has come to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus came to lead us into the Kingdom of Heaven, on earth…. giving us access to everything heaven has!Luke 10:9 (ESV) Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ Matthew 6:10 (ESV) Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 13:11 (ESV) And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. Matthew 16:19 (ESV) I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 2 Peter 1:3–4 (ESV) His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. learning to access is a process… but it’s a reality2 Peter 3:18 (ESV) But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. grow by saying Yes to Following Jesusgrow by working your current stepgrow be seeing (Word, Spirit) and taking your next step

Isaiah 43:1–7 1But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob,    he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you;    I have called you by name, you are mine. 2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,    and the flame shall not consume you. 3For I am the Lord your God,    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom,    Cush and Seba in exchange for you. 4Because you are precious in my eyes,    and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you,    peoples in exchange for your life. 5Fear not, for I am with you;    I will bring your offspring from the east,    and from the west I will gather you. 6I will say to the north, Give up,    and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar    and my daughters from the end of the earth, 7everyone who is called by my name,    whom I created for my glory,    whom I formed and made.”

Bill Clark explores the fearlessness of Christ as we continue in our series studying Philippians 2:5 and Paul's admonishment to have the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus. Fearless Philippians 2:5 | Week 3 October 21, 2018 | Bill Clark Philippians 2:5 NIV Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Fearlessness To have a complete reliance on the promise of the Covenant God. Isaiah 43:1-5 NIV But now, this is what the Lord says – He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Does God have the resources to meet the needs of your life? Therefore, can I take risks in my life for the sake of others? Will I love people who don’t think like I do? Will I speak kindly with a person who is afraid or perhaps different than me? Will I trust that God is a superabundant God and there is enough for everybody in God’s economy? Will I risk some of my resources for the sake of those in need?

Do you know what your purpose is? I am not sure what your background is or what your spiritual beliefs are but I will share with you what I have learned on how to find my purpose in life. God spoke to the people of Israel to tell them not to be afraid and that He see them as precious to Him and He loves them. Isaiah 43:1-7 (English Standard Version-ESV) 43 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you.4 Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. 5 Fear not, for I am with you. I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you. 6 I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” I will share with you the health benefits along with having a purpose for your life and how I have incorporated it in my everyday life in hopes to help you find your purpose. Quotes: “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”― Ralph Waldo Emerson “The purpose of life is a life of purpose.”― Robert Bryne Jeremiah 29:11 (English Standard Version-ESV) 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare[a] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. We have a NEED for purpose in our life regardless of where your stand from a spiritual perspective doesn’t matter. Research scientist and mental health workers all agree that statement is TRUE! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (English Standard Version- ESV) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.[a] The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Timothy 2:11 (English Standard Version -ESV) 11The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; Galatians 2:20 (English Standard Version -ESV) 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. You can find me at: Website: https://www.drglenschaffer.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SanCarlosChiro/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SanCarlos_Chiro YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Fjfzgxs4ST677GnYbCvSg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drglenchirohealth/

*Hymns may not match audio.  All material is used for Spiritual/Educational Purposes. MONDAY Morning Prayer God, come to my assistance.- Lord, make haste to help meGlory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spiritas it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.  Amen. HYMN Mary immaculate, star of the morning,Chosen before the creation began,Chosen to bring, for thy bridal adorning,Woe to the serpent and rescue to man. Here, in an orbit of shadow and sadness,Veiling thy splendor, thy course thou hast run;Now thou art throned in all glory and gladness,Crowned by the hand of the savior and Son. Sinners, we worship thy sinless perfection;Fallen and weak for thy pity we plead;Grant us the shield of thy sovereign protection,Measure thine aid by the depth of our need. Bend from thy throne at the voice of our crying,Bend to this earth which thy footsteps have trod;Stretch out thine arms to us, living and dying,Mary immaculate, Mother of God. Melody: Liebster Immanuel 11.10.11.10Music: Melody from Himmels-Lust 1675, adapted and   harmonized by J.S. Bach, 1685-1750Text: F.W. Weatherell   Or: Virgin of virgins,you were untouched by that stain of sin,that first of all evils,the sad inheritance of the human race.From my earliest yearsI have placed my hope in you.Where the power of evil overcomes meand makes my life too sinful for your gaze,all the more will your unbounded compassionshow me your generous love,because my suffering is so deep,my sinfulness so unworthy of your aid. Luis de Leon (1527/1528-1591)   PSALMODYAnt.1 Oh Mother, how pure you are, you are untouched by sin; yours was the privilege to carry God within you. or: Blessed are you, O Mary, for the world's salvation came forth from you; now in glory, you rejoice forever with the Lord.  Intercede for us with your Son. Psalm 90May we live in the radiance of GodThere is no time with God: a thousand years, a single day: it is all one (2 Peter 3:8) O Lord, you have been our refugefrom one generation to the next.Before the mountains were bornor the earth or the world brought forth,you are God, without beginning or end. You turn men back to dustand say: “go back, sons of men.”To your eyes a thousand yearsare like yesterday, come and gone,no more than a watch in the night. You sweep men away like a dream,like grass which springs up in the morning.In the morning it springs up and flowers:by evening it withers and fades. So we are destroyed in your anger,struck with terror in your fury.Our guilt lies open before you;our secrets in the light of your face. All our days pass away in your anger.Our life is over like a sigh.Our span is seventy yearsor eighty for those who are strong. And most of these are emptiness and pain.They pass swiftly and we are gone.Who understands the power of your angerand fears the strength of your fury? Make us know the shortness of our lifethat we may gain wisdom of heart.Lord, relent! Is your anger for ever?Show pity to your servants. In the morning, fill us with your love;we shall exult and rejoice all our days.Give us joy to balance our afflictionfor the years when we knew misfortune. Show forth your work to your servants;let your glory shine on their children.Let the favor of the Lord be upon us:give success to the work of our hands,give success to the work of our hands. Ant. 2  The Lord God most high has blessed you, Virgin Mary, above all the women on the earth. Or: You are the glory of Jerusalem, the joy of Israel; you are the fairest of our race.   Canticle                                                       Isaiah 42:10-16God victor and saviorThey were singing a new hymn before the throne of God (Revelation 14:3)   Sing to the LORD a new song,his praise from the end of the earth:Let the sea and what fills it resound,the coastlands, and those who dwell in them.Let the steppe and its cities cry out,the villages where Kedar dwells; Let the inhabitants of Sela exult,and shout from the top of the mountains.Let them give glory to the LORD,and utter his praise in the coastlands. The LORD goes forth like a hero,like a warrior he stirs up his ardor;He shouts out his battle cry,against his enemies he shows his might: I have looked away, and kept silence,I have said nothing, holding myself in;But now, I cry out as a woman in labor,gasping and panting. I will lay waste mountains and hills,all their herbage I will dry up;I will turn the rivers into marshes,and the marshes I will dry up. I will lead the blind on their journey;by paths unknown I will guide them.I will turn darkness into light before them,and make crooked ways straight. Ant. 3:  Sinless virgin, let us follow joyfully in your footsteps; draw us after you in the fragrance of your holiness. Or: O Virgin Mary, how great your cause for joy; God found you worthy to bear Christ our Savior. Psalm 146Those who trust in God know what it is to be happyTo praise God in our lives means all we do must be for his glory (Arnobius)   My soul, give praise to the Lord;I will praise the Lord all my days,make music to my God while I live. Put no trust in princes,in mortal men in whom there is no help.Take their breath, they return to clayand their plans that day come to nothing. He is happy who is helped by Jacob's God,whose hope is in the Lord his God,who alone made heaven and earth,the seas and all they contain. It is he who keeps faith for ever,who is just to those who are oppressed.It is he who gives bread to the hungry,the Lord, who sets prisoners free, the Lord who gives sight to the blind,who raises up those who are bowed down,the Lord, who protects the strangerand upholds the widow and orphan. It is the Lord who loves the justbut thwarts the path of the wicked.The Lord will reign for ever,Zion's God, from age to age. FIRST READING                                                      Isaiah 43:1 But now, thus says the LORD,  who created you, O Jacob,  and formed you, O Israel:Fear not, for I have redeemed you;  I have called you by name: you are mine. Or                                                       Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption. Or                                                      Proverbs 8:22-31   Mary in the mind of God   "The LORD begot me, the first-born of his ways,  the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago;From of old I was poured forth,  at the first, before the earth.When there were no depths I was brought forth,  when there were no fountains or springs of water;Before the mountains were settled into place,  before the hills, I was brought forth;While as yet the earth and the fields were not made,  nor the first clods of the world. "When he established the heavens I was there,  when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep;When he made firm the skies above,  when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth;When he set for the sea its limit,  so that the waters should not transgress his command;Then was I beside him as his craftsman,  and I was his delight day by day,Playing before him all the while,  playing on the surface of his earth;  and I found delight in the sons of men. SECOND READING From a sermon by St. Anselm, bishop(Oratio 52:PL 158, 955-956) Virgin Mary, all nature is blessed in you.   Blessed Lady, sky and stars, earth and rivers, day and night – everything that is subject to the power or use of man – rejoice that through you they are in some sense restored to their lost beauty and are endowed with inexpressible new grace. All creatures were dead, as it were, useless for men or for the praise of God, who made them. The world, contrary to its true destiny, was corrupted and tainted by the acts of men who served idols. Now all creation has been restored to life and rejoices that it is controlled and given splendor by men who believe in God. The universe rejoices with new and indefinable loveliness. Not only does it feel the unseen presence of God himself, its Creator, it sees him openly, working and making it holy. These great blessings spring from the blessed fruit of Mary’s womb. Through the fullness of the grace that was given you, dead things rejoice in their freedom, and those in heaven are glad to be made new. Through the Son who was the glorious fruit of your virgin womb, just souls who died before his life-giving death rejoice as they are freed from captivity, and the angels are glad at the restoration of their shattered domain. Lady, full and overflowing with grace, all creation receives new life from your abundance. Virgin, blessed above all creatures, through your blessing all creation is blessed, not only creation from its Creator, but the Creator himself has been blessed by creation. To Mary God gave his only-begotten Son, whom he loved as himself. Through Mary God made himself a Son, not different but the same, by nature Son of God and Son of Mary. The whole universe was created by God, and God was born of Mary. God created all things, and Mary gave birth to God. The God who made all things gave himself form through Mary, and thus he made his own creation. He who could create all things from nothing would not remake his ruined creation without Mary. God, then, is the Father of the created world and Mary the mother of the re-created world. God is the Father by whom all things were given life, and Mary the mother through whom all things were given new life. For God begot the Son, through whom all things were made, and Mary gave birth to him as the Savior of the world. Without God’s Son, nothing could exist; without Mary’s Son, nothing could be redeemed. Truly the Lord is with you, to whom the Lord granted that all nature should owe as much to you as to himself. RESPONSORYThe God of power has given me his strength. - The God of power has given me his strength.He has kept me in the way of holiness. - And has given me his strength.Glory to the Father... - The God of power has given me his strength. Or: O Virgin Mary, no other daughter of Jerusalem is your equal,for you are the mother of the King of kings,you are the Queen of heaven and of angels. - Blessed are you among womenand blessed is the fruit of your womb.Hail, full of grace; the Lord is with you. - Blessed are you among womenand blessed is the fruit of your womb. CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH                                                       Luke 1:68-79Ant. The Lord God said to the serpent: I will make you enemies, you and the woman, your offspring and her offspring; she will crush your head, alleluia. Or:  Holy Mary, ever-virgin, Mother of God, blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.   The Messiah and his forerunner   Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty savior,born of the house of his servant David. Through his holy prophets he promised of old,  that he would save us from our enemies,  from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathersand to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham,to set us free from the hands of our enemies,free to worship him without fear,holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, To give his people knowledge of salvationby the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our Godthe dawn from on high shall break upon us,to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.  Amen. INTERCESSIONS Let us glorify our Savior, who chose the Virgin Mary for his mother. Let us ask him:     May your mother intercede for us, Lord. Sun of Justice, the Immaculate Virgin was the white dawn announcing your rising,- grant that we may always live in the light of your coming. Savior of the world, by your redeeming might you preserved your mother beforehand from all stain of sin,- keep watch over us lest we sin. You are our redeemer, who made the Immaculate Virgin Mary your purest home and a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit:  -  make us temples of your Spirit forever. King of kings, you lifted up your mother, body and soul, into heaven:  -  help us fix our thoughts on things above. Our Father... CONCLUDING PRAYERFather,you prepared the Virgin Maryto be the worthy mother of your Son.You let her share beforehandin the salvation Christ would bring by his death,and kept her sinless from the first moment of her conception.Help us by her prayersto live in your presence without sin.We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.   Alternative Prayer   Father,the image of the Virgin is found in the Church.Mary had a faith that your Spirit preparedand a love that never knew sin,for you kept her sinless from the first moment of her conception.Trace in our actions the lines of her love,in our hearts her readiness of faith.Prepare once again a world for your Sonwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. May the Lord bless us,protect us from eviland bring us to everlasting life. -  Amen. Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary MONDAY Evening Prayer God, come to my assistance.- Lord, make haste to help meGlory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spiritas it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.  Amen. HYMN Mary, crowned with living light,Temple of the Lord,Place of peace and holiness,Shelter of the Word. Mystery of sinless lifeIn our fallen race,Free from shadow, you reflectPlenitude of grace. Virgin-Mother of our God,Lift us when we fall,Who were named upon theCross Mother of us all. Father, Son and Holy Ghost,Heaven sings your praise;Mary magnifies your nameThrough eternal days. Melody: Glorification 75.75.DMusic: Gossner's Choralbach, Leipzig, 1882Text: Stanbrook Abbey   Or: (Chanted by the Monastic Choir of the Abbey of Notre-Dame Fontgombault)Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae;vita, dulcedo et spes nostra, salve.Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Evae.Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentesin hac lacrimarum valle.Eia ergo, advocata nostra,illos tuos misericordes oculosad nos converte.Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui,nobis post hoc exsilium ostende.O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria. Melody: Salve ReginaMusic: Paris, 1634Text: 11th Century   PSALMODYAnt 1: You are all beautiful, O Mary; in you there is no trace of original sin. Or: Mary received a blessing from the Lord and loving kindness from God her savior. Psalm 136Easter HymnWe praise God by recalling his marvelous deeds (Cassiodorus).     I   O give thanks to the Lord for he is good,for his love endures for ever.Give thanks to the God of gods,for his love endures for ever.Give thanks to the Lord of lords,for his love endures for ever; who alone has wrought marvellous works,for his love endures for ever;whose wisdom it was made the skies,for his love endures for ever;who fixed the earth firmly on the seas,for his love endures for ever. It was he who made the great lights,for his love endures for ever.the sun to rule the day,for his love endures for ever.the moon and stars in the night;for his love endures for ever. Ant. 2 You are the glory of Jerusalem, the joy of Israel; you are the fairest of our race. Or: The Most High has made his dwelling place a holy temple.   II   The first-born of the Egyptians he smote,for his love endures for ever.He brought Israel out from their midst,for his love endures for ever;arm outstretched, with power in his hand,for his love endures for ever. He divided the Red Sea in two,for his love endures for ever;he made Israel pass through the midst,for his love endures for ever;he flung Pharaoh and his force in the sea,for his love endures for ever. Through the desert his people he led,for his love endures for ever.Nations in their greatness he struck,for his love endures for ever.Kings in their splendor he slew,for his love endures for ever. Sihon, king of the Amorites,for his love endures for ever;and Og, the king of Bashan,for his love endures for ever. He let Israel inherit their land,for his love endures for ever.On his servant their land he bestowed,for his love endures for ever.He remembered us in our distress,for his love endures for ever. And he snatched us away from out foes,for his love endures for ever;He give food to all living thingsfor his love endures for ever;To the God of heaven give thanks,for his love endures for ever. Ant 3: The robe you wear is white as spotless snow; your face is radiant like the sun. Or: Glorious things are said of you. O Virgin Mary. Canticle                                                      Ephesians 1:3-10God our Savior Praised be the God and Fatherof our Lord Jesus Christ,who has bestowed on us in Christevery spiritual blessing in the heavens. God chose us in himbefore the world beganto be holyand blameless in his sight,to be full of love. He predestined usto be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,such was his will and pleasure,that all might praise the glorious favorhe has bestowed on us in his beloved. In him and through his blood,we have been redeemed,and our sins forgiven,so immeasurably generousis God’s favor to us. God has given us the wisdomto understand fully the mystery,the plan he was pleasedto decree in Christ.A plan to be carried outin Christ, in the fulness of time,to bring all things into one in him,in the heavens and on earth. FIRST READING                                                       Romans 5:20-21 Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through justification for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. OR                                                                  Ephesians 5:25-27 Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, that he might present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. OR                                                                  James 3:13-18 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom.  But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. Wisdom of this kind does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity.  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace. SECOND READING From a homily delivered at the Council of Ephesus by Saint Cyril of Alexandria, bishop(Hom. 4: PG 77,991,995-996) Mary, Mother of God, we salute you. Precious vessel, worthy of the whole world’s reverence, you are an ever-shining light, the crown of virginity, the symbol of orthodoxy, an indestructible temple, the place that held him whom no place can contain, mother and virgin. Because of you the holy gospels could say: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. We salute you, for in your holy womb was confined him who is beyond all limitation. Because of you the holy Trinity is glorified and adored; the cross is called precious and is venerated throughout the world; the heavens exult; the angels and archangels make merry; demons are put to flight; the devil, that tempter, is thrust down from heaven; the fallen race of man is taken up on high; all creatures possessed by the madness of idolatry have attained knowledge of the truth; believers receive holy baptism; the oil of gladness is poured out; the Church is established throughout the world; pagans are brought to repentance. What more is there to say? Because of you the light of the only-begotten Son of God has shone upon those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death; prophets pronounced the word of God; the apostles preached salvation to the Gentiles; the dead are raised to life, and kings rule by the power of the holy Trinity. RESPONSORYBy this I know you have chosen me. - By this I know you have chosen me.You have not let my enemy triumph over me. - You have chosen me.Glory to the Father... - By this I know you have chosen me. Or: I shall glorify you, Lord, for you have rescued me. - I shall glorify you, Lord, for you have rescued me.You have not let my enemies rejoice over me - for you have rescued me.Glory to the Father... - I shall glorify you, Lord, for you have rescued me. CANTICLE OF MARY                                                      Luke 1:46-55Ant: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, alleluia Or: All generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me. My soul rejoices in the Lord.   My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed:the Almighty has done great things for me,and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear himin every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm,he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things,and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel,for he has remembered his promise of mercy,The promise he made to our fathers,to Abraham and his children for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. INTERCESSIONS Let us praise God our almighty Father, who wished that Mary, his Son's mother, be celebrated by each generation. Now in need, we ask: Mary, full of grace, intercede for us.   O God, worker of miracles, you made the immaculate Virgin Mary share, body and soul, in your Son's glory in heaven,- direct the hearts of your children to that same glory. You made Mary our mother. Through her intercession grant strength to the weak, comfort to the sorrowing, pardon to sinners,- salvation and peace to all. You made Mary the mother of mercy,- may all who are faced with trials feel her motherly love. You wished Mary to be the mother of the family in the home of Jesus and Joseph,- may all mothers of families foster love and holiness through her intercession. You crowned Mary queen of heaven,- may all the dead rejoice in your kingdom with the saints for ever. Our Father... CONCLUDING PRAYERFather,you prepared the Virgin Maryto be the worthy mother of your Son.You let her share beforehandin the salvation Christ would bring by his death,and kept her sinless from the first moment of her conception.Help us by her prayersto live in your presence without sin.We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.   Alternative Prayer   Father,the image of the Virgin is found in the Church.Mary had a faith that your Spirit preparedand a love that never knew sin,for you kept her sinless from the first moment of her conception.Trace in our actions the lines of her love,in our hearts her readiness of faith.Prepare once again a world for your Sonwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever. May the Lord bless us,protect us from eviland bring us to everlasting life. -  Amen.