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Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Ezekiel 8-11; Revelation 4 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, host Hunter guides us through the readings for August 30th, 2024, reflecting on powerful passages from Ezekiel chapters 8 through 11 and Revelation chapter 4. As we near the end of August, Hunter invites listeners to live fully in the present day, opening our hearts to experience the closeness and love of God. Together, we witness vivid visions from Ezekiel—scenes of judgment, hope, and restoration—and then turn our eyes to the wonder of heaven with John's vision of the throne room in Revelation, where Christ is revealed at the very center of all things. Hunter shares heartfelt prayers and thoughts on keeping Christ at the center of our lives, and he wraps up with a personal update, inviting listeners to connect and join in the monthly Bible giveaway. Whether you're diving into scripture or getting ready for your weekend plans, this episode is here to remind you: you are loved, and God's joy is your strength. TODAY'S DEVOTION: He is at the center. Do you see it? The vision given to John in Revelation 4 places Christ, the Lamb, at the very heart of heaven—the center of what truly is and what will forever be. All of creation encircles the throne: the four living beings, the elders, and a great choir. Yet, at the core of it all is Jesus. The problem, as Hunter points out, is that we so often lack the eyes to see what is real. We live off-center, with our lives orbiting around lesser things, and as a result, things feel out of order, chaotic, and confusing. But in heaven's vision, everything finds its place around Christ. When he is at the center, worship bursts forth. Life begins to make sense and aligns itself with its true purpose. The many-eyed creatures in the scene are always aware of him; John sees him and writes so we might see him, too. This call is an invitation: to let Christ take his rightful place at the center of our lives, to align ourselves with the one who knows and loves us completely. When Jesus is at the center—of our hearts, our affections, our priorities—worship arises not just in heaven, but here and now, in the midst of our actual days. In participating with his life, we start to experience the joy, power, and purpose we were created for. That's the prayer for today: that we would have eyes to see. That we would live this day with Christ at the center. That worship would break out in our hearts, in our homes, and in all we do. May we, like those in the vision, find our lives ordered, strengthened, and made whole as we center ourselves on the one who is truly at the heart of all things. That's the prayer I have for my own soul. That's the prayer I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that's the prayer I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: And now let us pray. Lord God Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day. Preserve us with your mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Dear Lord, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you bring the nations into your fold. Pour out your spirit on all flesh and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. And now, Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me so love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, joy. O Lord, grant that I might not seek so much to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned. It is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life. Amen. Almighty God, father of all mercies, we, your grateful children, give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving kindness to us and all you have made. We bless you for your creation, preservation and all the blessings of this life. And above all, for your immeasurable love and your redemption of the world through our Lord Jesus Christ. For the means of grace and the hope of glory. Lord, we pray, give us such awareness of your mercies that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but with our lives, by the giving up of ourselves for your service in holiness and righteousness all our days. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be all honor and glory through all ages. Amen. And now, as our Lord has taught us, we are bold to pray. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL
Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast
Episode Summary: Not one of us is exempt from loss. We lose what we expected, what we thought we believed, what we dreamed, our sense of security or identity. We lose friendships. We lose people we love. What do we do with the disruption, the devastation of loss? How do we survive unpredictable grief, ongoing suffering, and the questions about God that happen in the dark nights of our lives? None of us want to be in seasons of sorrow. But sometimes the dark nights of life and faith have strange gifts. On the other side, we find ourselves free from the superficial in our lives. We discover peace and the assurance that we are loved. And we may experience a deeper, more honest relationship with the God we found in the dark. In this episode, I sit down with pastor and author Aubrey Sampson to talk about navigating deep loss and learning to sense God’s presence in the darkest seasons. Quotables from the episode: For me, writing was a prayer, writing was an anchor to God, writing was trying to figure out what in the world was happening when everything felt very out of control. And ultimately, writing did become a lifeline to hope in the midst of something that felt very hopeless. Grief is also very difficult to find language for, to explain, because it can feel like so many jumbled, opposed, and poignant metaphors or events all at once. Grief is like jumping on a cheerless trampoline, a constant disorientation between adrenaline and gravity. Grief is an empty, dilapidating playground, a sad, stoic icon of lost memories and what could have been. Grief is a firestone, full of uncontrollable destruction and rage and simultaneously a mudslide, sloppy, shocking and unstoppable. Grief is a planet, vast, cold, and mysterious, and grief is somehow also a roly-poly pill bug, often unnoticed by others, unarmored and earthy. The questions I was asking felt like almost like I described them in the book as like baby-deer questions. They just felt very vulnerable to me to be asking a God that I have centered my life around questions like, "Are you real? Is your arm too short to heal cancer? Where are you? Are my prayers hitting the ceiling fan or are they actually going to your ears, Lord?" I was asking some questions that I sort of felt like I should not be asking these, not because I felt ashamed. I know God can handle our hard questions. It wasn't that. It was just like, I should be beyond these questions by now. But the grief was so tender, Michelle, and so close. Some of my prayers were like, “how could you? Like, how dare you?” And part of it was her journey. She experienced healing from cancer about a year in and they didn't call it remission yet. But the doctors did say, this is great, cancer -free, the chemo's done what it should, and then about three months later, it came back with a vengeance. So that was some of it too. The whiplash of it made me ask God some really difficult questions. Like, “can you do anything good in this, God? Like, this feels so lacking in goodness, so lacking in hope, so lacking in beauty you are taking a mom away from three young sons you are taking a daughter away from parents a sister away from sister. Can your goodness reach even into this place?” There's just so many situations that prompt those honest gut level questions. Like, I know you God, but I don't understand. I don't understand and God often doesn't answer our why, but he does invite us to be honest with our questions. I mean, I think about so many in the Bible and some of the questions they ask, you know, it'd be easy to say, well, how could they dare? But we ask our own variety of those same questions. And I find it helpful to read those questions in scripture because, you know, you find some comfort in, "Okay, these were historical, ecumenical, faithful followers of God throughout history, and yet they are asking God the same questions. How long, O Lord? How lonely, I feel." Lamentations is full of these, like, "How could you? How dare you? How will you fix this?" And so to be able to know that actually, though it feels opposite of our faith. Actually, this type of posture before God is a very, I think, crucial part of our faith journey. I think God actually allows us and wants us to ask those questions on purpose as part of our spiritual formation. Again, we kind of get into our heads as if this isn't faithful or something's wrong. I'm going backwards spiritually, but then when you read those questions all throughout scripture, you can find some comfort in like, okay, these people are in the Bible, right? They were faithful followers of God. They're asking the same questions I'm asking. Yeah, God used them as examples for us. That's it. To teach us, to encourage us. One thing that you want as a Christian, even in your darkest hours, is for God to come for you with a sense of comfort. Holy Spirit provides you peace. Holy Spirit provides you a sense that God is with you. God sees you. God is around you. And what I found in my season of grief was that was not occurring. I could not sense God with me. I couldn't hear God speaking to me. I could not “connect with God.” I was just like, “God, where are you? Like, I can't even sense your spirit comforting me and I need you more than ever.” And I began because of the Lord's kindness, I was meeting with a spiritual director at the time. And I began to read about a very common spiritual experience again throughout history, again throughout the Bible, called the Dark Night of the Soul. Which, again, we tend to use it a little generically just to me, and I'm going through a hard time, that's a Dark Night of the Soul. A dark night of the soul was coined by St. John of the Cross right after the Spanish Inquisition. And what he talked about was the very thing I'm talking about, when you cannot sense God answering your prayers, when you cannot sense God's nearness, when you cannot see what God is doing, that sense of God's quote "absence" is actually what it means to walk through a dark night of the soul. That can happen in grief, it can happen in loss, it can happen just in life, midlife crisis, it can happen. And what we find in dark nights of the soul is something that We know to be true, God never leaves us nor forsakes us. But for some reason, God does tend to pull back that "felt sense of His presence." And part of what God is doing, we can't all understand everything God is doing, but part of what God is doing is teaching us that our faith is not just about a feeling. Our faith is about the object of our faith, Jesus. And so, whether we're "feeling" the presence of God or not, can we choose to have faith that says He is true, His character is true, He is steadfast, I will keep believing, I will keep leaning in, I will keep being faithful even when I can't "feel" Him. And there's something mysterious and explosive and actually good that we find in dark nights of the soul even though it's often quite painful and confusing. Michelle, it is hard to sort of find yourself on the grief map when you're in it, especially when it's fresh. And so sometimes you don't know is where I'm at normal, okay, should I be farther along than I am. And the hard part is, depending on the context texture from, often people want you to be further along than you actually are. And you're just not, I mean, it just until you've walked through grief, you, you don't know, no, no, no, I can't move faster than I can move. I am right where I am. And that's as far as I can go. I wrote about these, these three different moments in darkness to try to at least help readers, grievers, someone walking through any type of loss or transition to sort of go, "Okay, I might find myself here." And also, to say any of those places are right where you're supposed to be. God is not rushing you past the finish line of pain. Some of us, I think, like I said, rush past it or pretend it isn't happening, but just to go, "Okay, God, things are changing. This is a new season. I don't necessarily like it. I don't really enjoy why I'm here, but I'm going to trust you've got some discoveries for me. And so, I'm going to keep open to whatever you're doing as the night falls. And then the next phase, midnight, I mean, this is where I wrote about my best friend's jet death and just everything changing. I mean, it is just the onslaught of grief that you feel physically, you feel emotionally you experience spiritually it's in your body it's in your mind it's you know you know this from the mental health world your brain is flat you can't really function the way that you used to function and I wanted to put some language for that again just to say it is normal and your only job is to be gentle with yourself at your spiritual midnight your emotional midnight like just Be kind to yourself. Be kind to yourself. I think we want to learn the lesson and we want to build the muscles and we want to build resilience. We want to grow in our depth and our meaning. That will come, but it is okay to be right where you are for as long as you need to be, especially in that initial onslaught of grief. We write a lot about that in the section on midnight. And then the last section, when I was very careful not to do, Michelle, and I think you'll appreciate this as one who talks about her own depression. I didn't want to say, "But the sun is coming. Sunrise is on its way." I did not want to write another book about, like, quote, "sunny spirituality," because that's not always what healing is. Healing isn't always darkness to light. Sometimes healing is this gradual progression of, "Oh, I see a little glimmer of hope here." Okay, here's some light coming through. I think so often we celebrate like the mountaintop, or the victory and we forget to celebrate what a courageous thing it is to step out in community again after loss or try something new after loss or frankly put pants on and go to Target after loss like those are victories. And so, I wanted to write and sort of normalize that healing can look dramatic. And in a moment, healing can also be very slow. And isn't, you know, isn't always just your sun. Sometimes it's like, you know, here's some stars in your darkness, that's healing too. In one sense, I think you do the things you don't do, meaning you rest Sabbath if you're not someone who has done that before, try to sleep if you can. I think this is a time to take up spiritual practices of slowness, stillness, silence, listening. I guess what I'm trying to say is there's not a lot you have to do. And especially early on in the dark night of the soul. And I said this before I will say it again and again and again, be gentle with yourself. I mean, you know, any listener who or view or who has been through loss knows, you often can't even remember like what shampoo is or how to shampoo your hair, let alone want to, or want to, that's a very good point, or even have the desire to. So I think a thing you do is be gentle with yourself Loss, grief, darkness can be very isolating. And so I think it is so important that you allow yourself intentionally to reach out to the safe people in your life. That doesn't have to be everybody. You don't have to be best friends with everyone who wants to come around you or, but who are the safe, trusted people that you can say, I can't pray right now, so I need you to pray for me. I am hurting right now. I need somebody just to know. I think the community piece is so important. We are not meant to do the faith journey alone. We're not meant to do grief alone. We're not meant to do darkness alone. We need some traveling companions. And again, you get to choose who those people are. There are some people for some reason that it just can't go with you in dark places and that's okay. But if you have some safe people that can't, you know, let them be a lifeline to you. It's hard in grief because people will often very well meaning ask you, what can I do for you? What do you need? And you just don't have the wherewithal to do it. So, on the flip side, I would say if you are walking with someone who's in a dark season, don't even ask, just say, I've sent you a Chipotle gift card, it's going to arrive in your mail, Uber Eats, whatever it is. I've sent you a gift card to any service, use it when you need to. I think some of that proactive approach for someone who's walking through darkness is really helpful too. Oh, for - Sure, because it's almost like the brain fog and the decision fatigue is so great that it's too hard to think about what I could ask someone else to do. Plus, if you've just lost having to ask someone for help, you risk rejection, which is another form of loss. So, what about the person who feels like their faith is being shaken by their dark night? What would you say to that person? Because we know the enemy is crafty and he seeks to steal, kill and destroy and he watches so intently. So, he knows when we're at our weakest point, so how do So how do we fight back against that? - Yeah, I think that is so good because what you don't want to do is get in a mindset where you are thinking God caused this pain in my life. God is not the author of pain, author of evil. God in Jesus conquered death. So those things are not from God. But what we and trust is that God is in them, redeeming them, making all things new. I think it's important to know this again, this is a normal part of your spiritual walk. I think sometimes again, we can think, the scaffolding of my faith is being shaken, that's bad, that's bad, that's bad. But sometimes to be disillusioned spiritually is a really good healthy thing because you're not living an illusion anymore. And so, some of the things that you have clung to that are false ideas about God, about faith, God is actually shaking those up on purpose. And that's something good he does in darkness is you find, you know, your faith is a little more explosive, a little more intimate, because you've embraced mystery and God's bigness and the boxes that you put God in suddenly God is breaking out of all of that is very good all of that is part of spiritual formation it can feel like it's you're going backwards but again if you can keep leaning in staying connected to God you find on the other side of that a greater intimacy with God however what you just talked about the spiritual attack that can come. I do think we have to be wise about this. I have a good friend who talks about these are the moments when you just have to contend for your faith. Like Jesus, I am not going anywhere. I am putting my anchor of faith in the ground. I am believing that you are good. I am believing that you do good. Any light otherwise is from the enemy, I plead the blood of Jesus over it and I will not walk in it. And so that's a hard muscle when you are depressed, dark, grieving. It's hard to kind of know what's spiritual attack, what's, you know, my just mental state is not okay, what is just, I'm sad, right? And so, I do think this going back to community where it's so helpful to have your other friends pray for you and you don't have to wherewithal to do it yourself. And to say, okay, Lord, I hate everything about this, but you have called yourself faithful and so I'm going to believe you are faithful. I think there's some work we have to do, Michelle, like to remember in the darkness what we knew in the light, remember in the desert what we knew in the garden seasons of our lives, remember in the valley what we knew on the mountaintop, like there is some work of recall, okay. God has been good to me, God has been good throughout history, God's character is true, I will choose to believe that even though this is like the fight of my life right now, and God honors that kind of faith and that kind of wrestle, he really does. And I appreciate what you're saying about remembering what we knew in the light and taking that into those dark places. I think it's also so important for us to remember, just as you said, God doesn't cause pain. He doesn't cause hardship. But God is always concerned with us growing. I love to garden. I'm a very impatient gardener, but I love to garden. But what it has taught me is that the most crucial growth happens below the soil in the dark place. And while none of us wants to go through pain and suffering, if we can appreciate that God is in that dark place and cultivating something good, that's a hope line that we can hold on to when it doesn't feel good. Think about Jesus in the garden. That was a dark place. His friends wouldn't even stay awake, right? And yet it was a good thing that came out of it because even though he was so honest and I love his honesty, Father, if there is any other way that this cup could pass from me, please, please do it, but ultimately, I want your will, not mine. And I think that's so important for us to remember that our savior of the world went through that dark night. Thankfully God is so patient with us. - Yes. - Oh, so patient with us. And I began to sense God sort of lovingly drawing me back to the word, but not for performance, not for study, not for output, not even for preparation. Just, "Hey, you're my daughter. Why don't you just come and read one song, read one, one little verse?" And I began in my mind to call it inchworm Bible reading where I just would read one song and then I would read it again. And then the next day read it again. And I was not accomplishing anything deeply spiritual, very profound. But there was something healing. And it won the words of the Psalms and this beautiful book of prayers and poems and laments for the people of God. And a lot of them are about pain and suffering. So that was one to find language for what I was walking through. But also, it was like, I felt like, again, God just let me be a human being and not a human doing. And I just got to sit in his presence. And it didn't matter how much I accomplished, it didn't matter that I made some beautiful social media post, wrote a sermon based on the reading, it was just about connecting with the father. And the Lord was again, very patient with me. And in time, I just began to sense all of that was God kind of reminding me, “I'm here, I'm still here. There's a rope tethering you to me. I am not going to let you go." And so that inchworm Bible reading, as silly as it sounds, became very profound. I feel like God found me again in that. It's such a profound act of worship and faith to run to God with those things because he would rather us come to him with that type of anger and raw questions and authenticity than walk away in apathy. And so whatever you can do, whether it's journaling, praying aloud in your car, writing, singing, painting, Whatever it is to give those heart things to the Lord is in itself an act of worship and connection and a tool. When we go through such incredibly painful times, like the dark night of the soul that we talked about before the break, it's natural in our humanness to ask, why did this happen? Those questions are the right questions to be asking. Those are the questions that God loves to hear. And so, I would invite you to ask those questions to God and wait as long as it takes for God to answer. You do not give up. But I would also say this, hope is coming, light is coming. The dark night does not say dark forever. Grief stays for a very long time, but it changes shape. I grieve my best friend Jen differently. We just celebrated her 45th birthday. I grieve her differently on her 45th birthday than I did two years ago. I still miss her deeply. The grief is different. I am different. The way I experience grief is different. I've had new losses since Jen and those are different. And so, it is okay to also remind yourself that hope is coming. You can continue to choose to hope even when you feel hopeless, can ask other people to hold that for you and you can't hold it yourself. I think, again, that's a beautiful part of the Christian faith is it's not meant to be individual; it's meant to be collective and communal. And so, Michelle, I can borrow your hope and your faith when I don't have any and you can borrow mine when you don't have any and all of those things the Lord will use to bring you back to a place of hope and delight and goodness and even joy again in His presence with other people and hope for the future. What you're walking through is normal. It is not antithetical to your faith, but part of the faith journey. I want to tell you to keep leaning into Jesus because he is faithful and true. And I would also, I think about the words of Psalm 40:40 where David says I'm at the bottom of my pit and what I found Lord is that you lifted me out and I kind of referred to this subtly a minute ago but there is that spiritual tether connecting you to God if you're a person in Jesus and God is not going to let you stay in your pit the rest of your life God is not going to you alone in your pit. And in fact, what's so beautiful about Jesus in his suffering, he crawls down in our pits with us, does not leave us alone in them. And so you have a friend in suffering who is actually in it with you, but outside of it able to redeem it and able to make something beautiful and new in the situation that seems so painful now. I just want to remind you that the temptation is great to pull away from God and from others especially when we've just gone through a period of loss, but I'm encouraging you consistent With God's admonition that you continue to cry out to him be honest with him ask the types of questions that Aubrey shared that she asked. There's no shame in that and God is big enough to handle that. Scripture References: Psalm 88:12 “Are your wonders known in the place of darkness, or your righteous deeds in the land of oblivion?” Psalm 88:1 “Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you.” Recommended Resources: What We Find in the Dark: Loss, Hope, and God’s Presence in Grief by Aubrey Sampson Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Aubrey Sampson: Website / Facebook / Instagram For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Guest: Aubrey Sampson (MA, evangelism and leadership) coplanted and is on staff at Renewal Church, a multiethnic congregation in Chicagoland. She is an author a coach with Propel Women Cohorts and the cohost of The Nothing is Wasted Podcast. She is passionate about helping hurting Christians find God’s presence in their pain. She and her husband, Kevin, and their three hilarious sons live, minister, and play in the Chicagoland area. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Morning lessons: Psalms 140; 2 Samuel 15; Colossians 3: 12-25. Deliver me, O Lord, from evildoers, and preserve me from the violent.
Evening lessons: Psalms 143; Amos 9; Matthew 1:1-17. Hear my prayer, O Lord, and consider my supplications; hearken to me, for your truth and righteousness' sake.
Prof. Tom Rank was preacher for this service. Revelation 6:9-11: When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the Word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
Order of Service: - Prelude - Hymn 42 - God, We Praise You! God, We Bless You: vv. 1, 2 - Revelation 6:9-11: When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the Word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed. - Devotion - Prayer - Hymn 42 - God, We Praise You! God, We Bless You: vv. 3 - Blessing - Postlude Service Participants: Prof. Tom Rank (Preacher), Laura Matzke (Organist)
Psa 18:1 For the choir director. A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD, who spoke to the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. And he said, "I love You, O LORD, my strength."Psa 18:2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.Psa 18:3 I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies.
Morning lessons: Psalms 139; 2 Samuel 14; Colossians 2:20-3:11. O Lord, you have searched me out and known me; you know my sitting down and my rising up; you understand my thoughts from afar.
Psalm 131:1-3 - O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore.
In this week's episode, Dennis Jernigan shares the story behind his song, “Like Lightniing and Thunder” from the recording, Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 1." That mp3 is available at https://www.dennisjernigan.com/store/product.php?c=24&p=2353 The lyrics can be found below. You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month. Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up! You will find the show notes and lyrics below: Hello and welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. Here in Oklahoma we have more than our fair share of storms - especially in the springtime. More than our fair share of tornadoes. I know. I know. We live right in the smack dab middle of Tornado Alley so what should we expect? This week's song is called Like Lightning and Thunder and the story behind it is probably not one you might expect. I was on a 40 day fast in May and June of 2010 and I was experiencing many major storms of life. Let's just say that I was feeling somewhat overwhelmed by life. The storms seemed to be raging out of control and I did not know what to do. I then began to meditate on Psalm 40 along with Isaiah 40 as a means of helping me stay focused on the fast and my need for the Lord to intervene and restore me physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. On may 10, 2010 - day 8 of the fast - I happened to be meditating on Psalm 40 verse 5a which says: Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us [plans for us]. Psalm 40:5a NASB As I began to meditate on this passage of Scripture - began to just mull it over in my mind - I kept getting stuck on the phrase ‘many are the wonders which you have done' and for some reason, I was reminded of something I did quite a few times when my children were still at home. During some of those springtime tornado storms I mentioned earlier, I would often load my children into our 15 passenger van and we would go storm chasing. Don't bother calling child protective services. They are all grown and out of the house now and actively seeking therapy for these episodes. Seriously, I wanted the children to have a healthy fear of the power of those storms, but I also wanted them to develop a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty and creativity and power of God's love being demonstrated right before our eyes. With every bolt of lightning, we oohed and aahed about how massive or how beautiful the display was…at how creative God was in the way no two lightning bolts were ever the same…at how some would flare out into dozens of streams streaking across the sky while still others seemed to crash directly into the earth with one incredibly intense impact. We marveled at the way in which some thunder seemed to all along as if it were bouncing off of the clouds seeming to echo for several seconds while still other claps of thunder would sound as if a bomb had just exploded very near the van. I taught them how to estimate how near the lightning strike actually was by teaching them that if you count five seconds between a lightning strike and the thunder that follows it, that means lightning is just one mile away. I thoroughly enjoyed these storm chases and enjoyed watching my children overcome their fears and begin to see with eyes of wonder - even in a storm. And then it dawned on me. I needed to learn to see the spiritual and mental and emotional storms of life in much the same way as I saw a physical storm. Rather than being overwhelmed and overcome by the storms of life, I could step back while in the midst of these storms and see them from God's point of view. The song Like Lightning and Thunder was born that day and I recorded it just as you will hear it. I added the storm sounds later from a recording of a storm I sat through while on the front porch of our house. This song gives me a much greater appreciation of the magnitude of God's power and creativity…and it does something very healing in my soul. SONG [Psa 135:6-7 NIV] 6 The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. 7 He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; he sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses. I love that passage from the Psalms. It brings a strange kind of calm to my soul. I know I share quite a bit about one of the storms that I am now encountering in my life. Parkinson's. I am honestly feeling my body and my mind losing ground at times, but I feel somehow sustained by the fierceness and the fury of this storm because it causes me to lift my wings of faith and rather than being blown about by these relentless and strong winds, I spread my wings of faith and use those very same winds to help me rise above the pain and suffering and see the beauty of the storm. I see the beauty in the way my children help me find the humor and joy in this storm. I see beauty in the way my grandchildren take it in stride and argue about which one gets to hold my party hand - the one that tremors almost constantly. I see beauty in the way my wife cares for me even when I feel like I am a burden to her. I see beauty in the way people treat me with kindness and patience when they notice me tremoring or having a difficult time getting my words out. I see beauty knowing my God is walking through this storm with me. Heck, I find beauty in the fact that I still have the capacity to be creative and write and that my writing still sounds coherent and seems helpful to people. I encourage you to take the time to watch a storm as it passes over you and around you - from the safety of your home, of course - and look for God's handiwork. I honestly find storms to be amazing and beautiful. Why not live our lives with that sense of wonder? Why not look for something to be grateful for when we go through such storms? I guarantee you and are never alone - even in the most devastating storms of life - and that does my soul good. Before I say goodbye for this week, I would humbly ask you to consider getting a copy of my brand new book titled Parkinson's & Recreation 2 - No Walk in the Parkinson's. I bare my soul in this book as to how I am dealing with Parkinson's and I believe it will encourage you whether you have Parkinson's or not. I really do. It's available in paperback, e-book, and audiobook. And if you wouldn't mind doing this for me: once you have read the book, would you consider going back to the place you purchased it online and leaving me a five star review? I have to share a couple of quick reviews from those it has already received reviews from on Amazon.com. GO writes: Inspirational and encouraging book. This is a wonderful uplifting book. I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed. CR writes: 5.0 out of 5 stars It is life stories and Jernigan history mixed with how they deal with Parkinsons. I have read both of these and love his sense of humor and steadfast faith in God's love no matter what happens. The second book recalls events from his life in the public eye, again remembering humorous episodes.” Please consider reading the book,Parkinson's & Recreation 2 - No Walk in the Parkinson's, and please consider telling others about it, if you don't mind. That would help me out tremendously. Thank you for tuning in to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast! For more about my journey, music, and updates, visit dennisjernigan.com. Stay connected by following me on Facebook, Instagram, and enjoy my music on various streaming platforms. If you'd like to support this podcast's creation or the many various ways I still seek to minister the life and love of Jesus to others, consider joining my team at www.patreon.com/dennisjernigan. If you're looking for the mp3 of the song “Like Lightning and Thunder" from the album "Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 1," head over to the store at dennisjernigan.com or find it on your favorite streaming service. Remember this from today's episode: we can either be overwhelmed by the storms of life or we can use them to tap into the rich beauty and amazing power of God's love in our lives - even with a storm like Parkinson's thrown into the mix. My plan? To minister to the needs of others in spite of Parkinson's by continuing to trust in the Lord. Now, go and be who your heavenly Father says you are. Vol. I – Song Eight – Day Eight Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us [plans for us]. Psalm 40:5a NASB Like Lightning & Thunder Words & Music by Dennis Jernigan Received on May 10, 2010 Psalm 40:5a ©2010 Shepherd's Heart Music, Inc./Dennis Jernigan Verse Many are the wonders you have done Many are the thoughts you have toward us Great and awesome are your works Many are the wonders you perform Many are the cold hearts you have warned Great and awesome are your works Pre Chorus 1 Like lightning in the storm, a mother and a child, A lion and its roar, a river running wild, Like courage facing fear, a tender loving kiss, Two faces drawing near, the joy of being missed Chorus Like lightning and thunder, life is resounding Like lightning and thunder, your love is astounding Like lightning and thunder, in power and glory Like lightning and thunder, your love wrote my story Like lightning and thunder, the fact that you love me Like lightning and thunder, constantly thinking of me Like lightning and thunder, Your blood washed me and cleaned me Like lightning and thunder, in love You redeemed me How great you are How great your wonders are to me Verse Many are your wonders great and small Oceans running deep or mountains tall Great and awesome are your works Many are the wonders of your love There is nothing greater I know of Great and awesome are your works Pre Chorus 2 Like laughter in the rain, stars across the night A kiss to ease the pain, the twinkle of a night Like blooming of a rose, a true and faithful friend Like watching children grow, like love that never ends Chorus Like lightning and thunder, life is resounding Like lightning and thunder, your love is astounding Like lightning and thunder, in power and glory Like lightning and thunder, your love wrote my story Like lightning and thunder, the fact that you love me Like lightning and thunder, constantly thinking of me Like lightning and thunder, Your blood washed me and cleaned me Like lightning and thunder, in love You redeemed me How great you are How great your wonders are to me 7804 W. Fern Mountain Rd. Muskogee, OK 74401 www.dennisjernigan.com•1-800-877-0406 Administered by PraiseCharts.com
Psa 17:14 From men with Your hand, O LORD, From men of the world, whose portion is in this life, And whose belly You fill with Your treasure; They are satisfied with children, And leave their abundance to their babes.Psa 17:15 As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.
O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! 9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” 12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 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.17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you 19 Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me! 20 They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain. 21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? 22 I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies.23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!1. Are you consciously aware of God's observing presence of every moment of your life? Is that a comforting or stressful thought?2. Do you think of God's presence as more loving, neutral or hostile? Why?3. Is it reasonable to believe that God doesn't leave you because he loves you? Why or why not?4. Do you feel God's presence and love? When, or how? 5. Is there a time in your life when you surrendered to God and you saw him work?
Deaconess catches up with Brian Schneck as they look back on the sermon he preached at St. John earlier this summer.Preacher: Seminarian Brian SchneckSubmit sermon questions by emailing podcast@stjohndublin.orgLink to SermonChurch Website: stjohndublin.orgChurch Center: stjohndublin.churchcenter.comThank you to Higher Things Inc. for permission to use their recording of LSB 834 “O God, O Lord of Heaven and Earth”. (leader.higherthings.org)Thank you for listening to the Post-Sermon Podcast.Text Your Questions & Comments Here!
Song List:1- There's Been a Wonderful Change2- Love is Why3- Sweeter Each Day4- Come Jesus Come-Sis. Kayla and Bro. Joey WinfreyMessage: Bro. Steve LeCroyScripture: Colossians 3:1-25; Colossians 3:23 "Half-heartedness won't get it."Invitation- I Am Thine, O Lord
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 28-30; 1 John 3 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, we journey together through Jeremiah chapters 28 to 30 and 1 John chapter 3. Hunter, your Bible reading coach, guides us through dramatic moments in Jerusalem—false prophets, warnings, promises of restoration, and God's faithfulness spite of exile. As we hear these ancient words, we're invited to see ourselves as God's beloved children, free from shame and regret, confident in His love and purpose. Each passage points us to the living Word—Jesus—and reminds us of our true identity as those deeply loved by the Father. Join us as we let scripture reframe our vision, encourage our souls, and strengthen us for the day ahead. Let's discover hope, together. TODAY'S DEVOTION: What do you see when you look at your life? Is it your sin, your regrets, your past, or your shame? Sometimes those things can loom so large in our vision that it's hard to see anything else, and it can be difficult to imagine ever moving past them. But John urges us to look again—this time, not at ourselves, but at God's love for us. John calls us children of God. He invites us to let that identity shape the way we see, act, and live. What you behold, what you fix your eyes on, makes all the difference in who you become. When we behold God's love—love that claims us as his own, love that is not conditioned by our performance, feelings, or even confidence—we are free to live differently. God's love for you is not built on your success or your piety; it is built on his steadfast character and the finished work of Christ. You are his child—not because you've earned it, but because he has bestowed it upon you. John reminds us that seeing ourselves through the lens of God's love will transform everything. It enables us to move beyond the lies of guilt, shame, and fear, and into the truth that we are God's beloved. It gives us the freedom and confidence to love others as he has loved us, to live as people deeply and securely loved. That's the prayer for us today: that our vision would be transformed by the Word, reframed by Jesus, so we may see the truth of who we are—children of the Father, enfolded in his love. As that becomes our vision, it changes not only how we see ourselves, but how we live in this world and how we love others. That's something I pray for myself, for my family, and for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Gracious and everlasting God, you have brought us through the shadow of night into the promise of a new day. You go before us with your mercy, sustain us by your grace and keep us from wandering paths of fear or pride. Let every word we speak and every step we take be formed by the goodness of Christ. O Lord, gather your people far and near. May every tribe and tongue come to know your peace. Let justice roll like a river and healing flow where there has been division. Pour out your spirit upon all flesh and bring us closer to the day when your kingdom comes in fullness through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. And now, as our Lord has taught us, we are bold to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL
Psa 17:11 They have now surrounded us in our steps; They set their eyes to cast us down to the ground.Psa 17:12 He is like a lion that is eager to tear, And as a young lion lurking in hiding places.Psa 17:13 Arise, O LORD, confront him, bring him low; Deliver my soul from the wicked with Your sword,
I Know Waiting Is Hard!Psalm 138:7-8 “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.”I read this verse at a prayer group yesterday, and it reminded me of all those I know who are struggling right now. The devil is having a heyday with so many people right now. There are so many I know that are struggling with health issues, money issues, addiction, or a place to live. Those that I know who are struggling with health issues are so tired of struggling. All they want to do is work for the Lord. They want to be able to attend Mass and participate in adoration. They want to be able to evangelize to everyone they meet. Yet, because of their illnesses, they are stuck in bed or in their house. Due to their illnesses, they are unable to attend Mass or participate in adoration. Or, maybe it is not the illness, but they don't have a working car to get to mass.Everyone I talk to these days is struggling with something or another. I believe the Lord is bringing these people into my life so I can pray with them and for them. I think there may also be a lesson in here, as I am really struggling to understand why He is not healing them already. I mean, we said the things you are supposed to say and do, and yet they are still sick. I struggle with the parts in the Bible that say, “Whatever you ask in my name will be given to you,” and then I ask in the name of Jesus, and it is not given to me.The thing the Lord is trying to show me, or at least I think He is, is that just because it is not given to me immediately, it does not mean it will not be given to me. I am discovering that I tend to be a bit impatient when it comes to the Lord answering my prayers, especially if they are prayers for others who are suffering. I want answers now, and I don't want to wait. I realize I probably sound like a child right now, and yet, I doubt I am the only one who thinks this way. You know you want answers to your prayers immediately, too.What the Lord is showing me is that His timing is perfect, and just because I don't understand it does not make it wrong. He is the Lord of the universe. I think He probably knows better than I do. The how and the why are not always for us to know. This morning, the thought that he gave me was that of taking silver or gold out of the fire too early, before it has been fully purified. Well, I have no idea what happens when you do this, so I had to look it up. Here is what I found. “If silver or gold is removed from the fire before it is fully purified, impurities will remain in the metal, affecting its quality and appearance. This can result in a less valuable product that does not shine as brightly or reflect the desired image of the goldsmith.”God does not want us to keep our impurities. He wants us to learn the full lesson so that we can shine as brightly as He made us to shine. We can't have all these impurities messing up our shine. God knows what He is doing. He knows the exact right point to pull us out of the fire. I love the last thing the explanation said. “Or reflect the desired image of the goldsmith.” Guess who is our Goldsmith? Jesus. So, when we accurately reflect Jesus, then God will pull us out of the fire. Trust in His timing. Yes, I am definitely saying that to myself too because I know it is hard, and yet He will give you all you need to wait and trust if you ask Him to.So, while we are all waiting, as I am sure everyone listening is waiting for some prayer to be answered, then we have today's verse to give us comfort and encourage us. “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” God is preserving us against our enemy. God knows we are walking in the midst of trouble, and He is not worried because He is walking right next to you. He knows you are feeling lost, abandoned, ill, tired, frustrated, angry, and so many other things. He knows because He is right there in the middle of this whole mess with you.His right hand will deliver you. It is delivering you. I know you want deliverance now, so do I. I know you want healing now, and I want that for you, too. I don't know why God is not saving you now, why He is not lifting you out of this now, but I do know He has a plan, and it is much better than my plan or your plan. Trust that He is there preserving you from the wrath of your enemies. He has got this. While you wait for Him to save you, ask for all that you need to persevere. Ask Him what you can do to serve Him in the circumstances you are in. He will tell you if you ask.I also don't want you to forget the last part of this verse. “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” God will fulfill his purpose for you. If you wonder why you are so sick and yet feel a calling to help others, just know that God will fulfill His purpose for you. Just because you can't do it today doesn't mean you won't be able to do it ever. When I first moved to MA, I asked the Lord why I was the only one in my family who couldn't write. Now I write almost every day. Trust that if the Lord put it in your heart, He has every intention of fulfilling it when you are ready in His timing, not yours.God's steadfast love will endure forever. We talked about this on Monday's episode. God couldn't love you any more than He does right now. He loves you completely and perfectly in every moment of your life. Actually, probably before you were even born and long after you are gone from this world. The verse says His love endures forever. Not just for a little bit, not just when you are doing and saying the right thing, not when you are a good boy or girl, forever. Like forever forever. Like never-ending. It is always there. So, when you feel like He has abandoned you or left you in this mess alone, remind yourself that His love endures forever. He is still loving you through all of this! Keep leaning into Him because He has not abandoned you and He knows the exact right second to pull you up out of this fire.Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening. Lord, help us to be patient and wait for you to heal us. Please help us to continue to trust that a healing is coming. Please help us to believe you will fulfill the purpose you have for our lives. Please help us to feel your love, as sometimes it feels so far away. Please help us to believe that your love endures forever. Please help us, Lord!! We love you and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name, Amen!!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. Remember to CLICK HERE for all the retreat information. I promise it will be an amazing time, and you will love it. People are always nervous to go on a retreat; however, I have yet to meet a single person who regrets going. The enemy will try to tell you all the reasons why you shouldn't go because he knows how powerful it will be for you. I look forward to seeing everyone on Monday. Remember how much Jesus loves you and so do I! You are loved!! Have a blessed day!Today's Word from the Lord was received in January 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “During my greatest trials, the word was all I needed. It defeated the devil. Despite how hungry and thirsty I was, the word rescued me. When you speak it out loud, my angels gear up to come to your aid. Use it in your daily lives. Always speak it. There is power in the word.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace
Fr. Mike shows us from our reading of Jeremiah that when we give our hearts and minds over to idols we become foolish. The way of man is not in himself, we need the Lord to guide and correct us. In Ezekiel, we read about the vision of the measuring of the temple and Fr. Mike shows us how the early Church Fathers would read the Old Testament in light of the New Testament. Today's readings are Jeremiah 10-11, Ezekiel 40, and Proverbs 15:5-8. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
In the Lord I Take Refuge: Daily Devotions Through the Psalms with Dane Ortlund
❖ Today's Bible reading is Psalm 79: www.ESV.org/Psalm79 ❖ To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional: www.crossway.org/books/in-the-lord-i-take-refuge-hcj/ ❖ Browse other resources from Dane Ortlund: www.crossway.org/authors/dane-c-ortlund/
Q: Do you have a book, sermon, or other resource to help Christians to maintain their faith as they go through chronic suffering? My daughter has a debilitating disease that she got in her early 20's and it has progressively got worse in 3+ years. She says she can't forgive God for not healing her and even if he healed her now she asks why he didn't heal her before. She's so angry with God she's giving up on a relationship with Him and ready to completely walk away from any faith. Please help. Summary In this episode, Dr. E offers wisdom to a father whose daughter is wrestling with debilitating illness, anger at God, and a fading faith. Dr. E shares that while he's never asked God “why,” he's often asked Him “how” — how to live well through pain, how to endure with grace, and how to resist bitterness. Drawing from his own chronic suffering journey, Dr. E unpacks the difference between entitlement and surrender, encouraging listeners to reframe suffering in light of God's sovereignty. He offers gentle but clear guidance: some “why” questions may never be answered this side of heaven, and continuing to ask them may only deepen bitterness. Instead, he urges us to ask “how” — how can I respond faithfully today? Recommended resources like A Place of Healing by Joni Eareckson Tada and How Long, O Lord? by D.A. Carson offer paths to healing and spiritual perspective. Ultimately, Dr. E reminds us that we can't carry others' faith, but we can lead, love, and trust that God is still writing the story — even in the pain. Takeaways Asking “how do I live?” leads to faithfulness; asking “why did this happen?” can lead to bitterness. Chronic suffering may never come with clear answers — but God offers sustaining grace. We cannot force someone else's faith, but we can lead them gently through love. Surrendering our sense of entitlement is key to enduring trials with spiritual maturity. There are some “why” questions in life that will never be answered — and that's okay. Links Mentioned A Place of Healing by Joni Eareckson Tada Pain And Providence by Joni Eareckson Tada Beyond Suffering Bible by Joni Eareckson Tada How Long, O Lord by D.A. Carson Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here. If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.
Today's discussion from the sermon considers the relation between our humanity and sin.Preacher: Pastor Adam SteinbrennerSubmit sermon questions by emailing podcast@stjohndublin.orgLink to SermonChurch Website: stjohndublin.orgChurch Center: stjohndublin.churchcenter.comThank you to Higher Things Inc. for permission to use their recording of LSB 834 “O God, O Lord of Heaven and Earth”. (leader.higherthings.org)Thank you for listening to the Post-Sermon Podcast.Text Your Questions & Comments Here!
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 48-49; Psalm 67; 1 John 1 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible, and thank you for joining us on August 20th, 2025, for day 232 in our journey through the Scriptures. I'm your host, Hunter, your Bible reading coach and companion as we explore God's Word together. In today's episode, we'll be diving into some powerful passages from Jeremiah 48 and 49, where we hear God's prophetic messages to the nations of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and more—emphasizing both judgment and ultimate restoration. We'll then lift our hearts in praise with Psalm 67 and finish with the life-giving words of First John chapter 1, where we are reminded that “God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.” Join me as we reflect on what it means to live in the light and love of God, leaving behind shadowed understandings of who He is, and embracing a faith that is anchored in His compassion and grace. As always, we'll close with prayers together, seeking God's blessing and strength for the day ahead. Whether this is your first episode or you've journeyed with us all year, I pray today's reading will refresh and encourage your soul. Let's get started! TODAY'S DEVOTION: God is light, and there is no darkness in Him at all. That's the clear testimony of John in his first letter, and it's one he insists on with careful simplicity. There's no shadow in God, no hidden intentions, no darkness lurking behind His actions, not in some corner of His heart. God is light, and only light. And, John says, he and the other witnesses saw Him with their own eyes, touched Him with their own hands. In Jesus, the fullness of that light shone. Yet, many of us grow up with an uneasy sense that there's a second side to God—light and love on one hand, but wrath, anger, and darkness always close at hand. We might hear it in phrases like, “God is love, but He's also just,” or “God is love, but He's also holy.” We're left wondering if there is a line we might cross, a dividing point between God's kindness and God's judgment, and so we live in a sort of anxious balancing act, trying to stay in His favor and avoid the hidden, darker side of His character. But John sets the record straight: God is light, and God is love. Everything that flows from Him—His holiness, His righteousness, and yes, even His judgments—comes out of that light and love. There's nothing hiding behind Jesus' back; He's not the good cop while the Father is the bad cop. The nature of God is fully revealed in the face of Jesus, and that revelation is pure goodness. The very light of God has invited us, every one of us, into fellowship with Himself. We don't need to fear bringing our brokenness, our sin, and our shadows into the presence of His light. In fact, that is the invitation—bring it all to Him, let His love do what only love can do: expose, forgive, transform, heal, and invite us into real fellowship. Even as there remains darkness in us, it does not change who God is. We are to learn, like John, to see Jesus as He is, to experience Him with our own eyes and hands—to step out of the shadows and walk in the light. That's the prayer for today: to learn the ways of shadow-free living and shadow-free believing; to see God as He truly is, and to let that truth change the way we see ourselves and others, to let it dissolve our fear and shame. May we all come to know—deep in our hearts—that God is only and always light and love. That's my prayer for my own soul, for my family, for my wife and daughters and son, and that's my prayer for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day. Preserve us with your mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Dear Lord, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your spirit on all flesh and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. And now, Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, joy. O Lord, grant that I might not seek so much to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned. It is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life. Amen. Almighty God, father of all mercies, we, your grateful children, give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving kindness to us and all you have made. We bless you for your creation, preservation and all the blessings of this life. And above all, for your immeasurable love and your redemption of the world through our Lord Jesus Christ. For the means of grace and the hope of glory, Lord, we pray, give us such awareness of your mercies that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but with our lives, by the giving up of ourselves for your service in holiness and righteousness all our days, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be all honor and glory through all ages. Amen. And now, as our Lord has taught us, we are bold to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL
SCRIPTURE- Psalm 71:5-6"For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth. Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you."REFLECTION- Mary EllynMUSIC- "Just As I Am" Instrumental- "Village of St. Bernadette" InstrumentalNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.
Morning lessons: Psalms 119:89-104; 2 Samuel 8; Philippians 2:1-11. O Lord, your word endures forever; it stands fast in heaven.
Chaplain Don Moldstad was preacher for this service. Psalm 90:1-6 & 12-14: Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. You turn man to destruction, and say, “Return, O children of men.” For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night. You carry them away like a flood; they are like a sleep. In the morning they are like grass which grows up: In the morning it flourishes and grows up; in the evening it is cut down and withers. ... So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Return, O Lord! How long? And have compassion on Your servants. Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days!
Order of Service: - Prelude - Welcome and Invocation - Hymn 443 - O That I Had a Thousand Voices - Psalm 90:1-6 & 12-14: Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. You turn man to destruction, and say, “Return, O children of men.” For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night. You carry them away like a flood; they are like a sleep. In the morning they are like grass which grows up: In the morning it flourishes and grows up; in the evening it is cut down and withers. ... So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Return, O Lord! How long? And have compassion on Your servants. Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days! - Devotion - Prayer - Hymn 444 - Take My Life and Let It Be - Blessing - Postlude Service Participants: Chaplain Don Moldstad (Preacher), Rev. Prof. Mark DeGarmeaux (Organist)
"My name is Idiot." She's only four years old, but when police in Hot Springs, Arkansas responded to a report of child abuse, that's what she told them. The marks of abuse were all over her body. There were bruises everywhere, she had a black eye, she had scars on her back. Those will heal. But what about the names she's been called? So many times that she actually thinks "Idiot" is her name. But wait a minute! What about the names we've called people? Even people - maybe especially people - that we love. How many people we know carry invisible, but indelible scars from our own devastating words? It's not that we necessarily mean to hurt. We're just angry, or frustrated, or feeling unheard or ignored. As our emotions escalate, so do our words. And words are like bullets. Once they're fired, you just can't get them back. As the Bible says, "Reckless words pierce like a sword" (Proverbs 12:18). We all know that's true. We still feel the sting of the names we were called a long time ago, right? Even though the one who fired them at us has probably totally forgotten it. It's our children who are most damaged by our hurtful words, because children tend to become what we call them. Label them as "lazy" or "stupid" or "worthless" enough times, and it will stick. But then, so will "princess" or "smart" or "helper" or "fun." Of course, kids also store what they hear their parents call each other in those heated moments; giving them tacit permission to speak disrespectfully in their relationships, too. But family's not the only place our words leave wounds. Proverbs 18:21 says, "The tongue has the power of life and death" at school, at work, online, in all our close relationships. If people bled physically every time we wounded them verbally, I wonder what a trail we'd leave. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Labeled for Life." God puts it this way, "The tongue is a world of evil…it sets the whole course of life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell" (James 3:6). Personally, that's one reason I know I need a personal Savior. I've found only one person strong enough to control that fire in me, and that is my death-crushing Jesus. He's that strong. King David was wise enough to know that we can't conquer this verbal monster without some supernatural intervention. Thus, his prayer should probably be somewhere that I can see it every day - maybe where you see it too. It's our word for today from the Word of God in Psalm 141:3 - "Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." I'm thankful for the lasting imprint of something my wife told me years ago - and many times since: "Ron, don't ever forget the power of your words." I suspect a lot of us need that same reminder, huh? Because long after we've forgotten our "reckless words," the person we wounded may be carrying a long and lasting scar from them. What about all those names and putdowns that we ourselves carry from the scarring words of others? Well, I'm grateful that God has called me names, too: "God's workmanship" (Ephesians 2:10). Created "in His own image" (Genesis 1:27). God says, "My treasured possession" (Exodus 19:5). He calls us "The temple of the living God" (2 Corinthians 6:16). And then, "My sons and daughters" (2 Corinthians 6:18). And He says we are purchased by the blood of His Son (Revelation 5:9). If you've been beat down and you have thought you were worthless, you've got to take a trip up a hill called Golgotha (Skull Hill) and stand there at the foot of a cross where Jesus said you're worth dying for; for your sins so you could be with Him forever. Maybe you've never had that wonderful infusion of value and love that comes when you open your life to Jesus and you'd like to do that. Well take care of that right now. Tell Him, "Jesus, I am yours. Nobody loves me like you do." And if you'd like to know more about beginning this relationship, that's why our website's there. It's ANewStory.com. You know those people who've called you all those other things? They really didn't know who you are, who God says you are. So no one's name is "idiot." Not when God says, "You're my masterpiece."
"In this sermon, we examine Solomon's sobering reflections on his pursuit of pleasure. With more power, wealth, and wisdom than any before him, Solomon conducted a thorough and honest experiment: Can meaning be found in laughter, luxury, wealth, work, or worldly delights? His conclusion is striking and clear—all is vanity and a striving after the wind.Solomon's wisdom is not theoretical. He pursued every pleasure under the sun and found it all empty. This is a message deeply relevant to a culture drowning in materialism and entertainment. The pursuit of worldly pleasure, even to its fullest extent, cannot satisfy the soul. But there is hope: true and lasting joy is found not in the gifts, but in the Giver—in God himself.
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 23-25; John 19 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! In today's episode, Heather guides us through our readings for August 17th, journeying through Jeremiah 23 and 25 and John 19. Together, we explore the powerful imagery of two cups—one representing God's judgment in Jeremiah and the other, the cup of suffering Jesus willingly drinks in John's Gospel. Heather reflects on how these passages reveal the heart of God: a God who absorbs all the world's evil and overcomes it with love, offering us reconciliation and life. With heartfelt prayers and thoughtful insights, this episode is an invitation to see Jesus more clearly in the Scriptures, be strengthened in your faith, and remember that you are deeply loved. So grab your Bible, settle in, and let's seek the light and peace found in God's Word together. TODAY'S DEVOTION: It's a story of two cups. In our readings today, we see Jeremiah commanded to take a cup to the nations—a cup filled with God's wrath, intended for every nation and empire of the world. The message is weighty and sobering: judgment for the evil, darkness, idolatry, and oppression poured out across the whole earth. Jeremiah witnesses as each nation, king after king, must drink from the cup of God's anger, their power shattered, their lands left desolate. The seriousness of evil, the reality of God's justice, is on full display. The cup of wrath cannot be ignored. But then we turn to John, and we see another cup—this time, pressed into the hands of Jesus. It's not just the wrath of God at sin, but now the senseless wrath of the crowd, the cold wrath of religion, the merciless wrath of empire. It is a cup overflowing with the violence, hatred, and brokenness of humanity. Yet, to our astonishment, God himself willingly steps forward and drinks from this cup. Jesus, through crucifixion, absorbs in his own body all that is evil—every act of betrayal, every wound, every shadow of despair. He takes it into himself, and by his love, he overcomes it all. He vanquishes not only the cup of wrath, but even death itself, and in doing so, he draws all humanity into the life and love he shares with the Father and the Spirit. On the cross, Jesus declares, “It is finished.” The cup is fully drained, and in its place, he offers us the cup of his own life—reconciliation for our separation, hope for our despair, and love for our hatred. Through Christ, we are drawn into a new story: not one of wrath, but of life restored and made whole. That's the cup offered to you and me—a cup of grace, forgiveness, and joy. He drank the cup of our sorrows so that we could lift up the cup of thanksgiving. Today, may we remember these two cups. Let us set down the old cup of our failures, fears, and guilt, and instead lift high the cup of Christ's love and victory. Let us live in the light of what Jesus has accomplished, knowing he has drawn us into his very life. That's a prayer I have for myself, for my family, and for you. May we truly taste and see the goodness of God, and let our lives overflow with gratitude and love. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day. Preserve us with your mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you, bring the nations into your fold. Pour out your spirit on all flesh and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. And now, Lord make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light, and where there is sadness, joy. O Lord, grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned. It is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life. Amen. And now, as our Lord has taught us, we are bold to pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. 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Are we ready for revival in our lives? This powerful message delves into Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, to explore our deep need for spiritual renewal. The central theme revolves around the repeated cry 'Revive me, O Lord' found nine times in this psalm. SERMON NOTES:https://lifechurchww.cls.co/jsgVWebsite | https://lifechurchww.comFacebook | https://facebook.com/lifechurchww Instagram | https://instagram.com/lifechurchww Vida Music | https://vidamsc.com
At long last, Lloyd and Pastor Bennett are back together and there are no guardrails. Their conversation includes the crisis of the shortage of pastors, the idiocy of the Democrat party and their messaging, the anti-credential movement on the political right, redistricting in Texas, the rise of Left-wing violence, the Epstein files, and more. Armed Lutheran Radio is a listener-supported podcast. If you value the information and entertainment we provide, consider supporting the show by joining our membership site, The Reformation Gun Club! http://gunclub.armedlutheran.us Links of Interest New Book! “The Best Construction” – https://www.armedlutheran.us/product/the-best-construction-signed-copies/ Duty to Defend (Signed Copies!) – https://www.armedlutheran.us/product/duty-to-defend-2nd-edition-signed-copy Buy Duty to Defend, Volume 2 on Amazon – https://amzn.to/3D3frE5* Prayer of the Week Let Your merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of Your humble servants; and that they may obtain their petitions, make them to ask such things as shall please You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen. Get in Touch Visit our Feedback Page - http://www.armedlutheran.us/feedback Please tell your friends about us, leave an iTunes review, and like us on Facebook Join our Facebook group - http://www.armedlutheran.us/facebook Subscribe to us and follow us on Youtube - http://www.armedlutheran.us/youtube Check Out More at our Website- http://www.armedlutheran.us Use these Links to Support Armed Lutheran Radio If you value the information and entertainment we provide, consider supporting the show by joining our membership site, or shopping at your favorite online stores using the links below. Check out the other Great Armed Lutheran Books - http://www.ArmedLutheran.us/Books Shop at Amazon* - http://www.armedlutheran.us/amazon Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network - https://www.armedcitizensnetwork.org Disclaimer The links above which are indicated with an asterisk (*) are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Please understand that I have experience with all of these items, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you. Original Music by Reformer. Keep Shooting, Keep Praying, We'll Talk to you Next time!
Jonah 2English Standard Version2 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, 2 saying,“I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me;out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.3 For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me;all your breakers and your waves passed over me.4 Then I said, ‘I am driven away from your sight;yet I shall again look upon your holy temple.'5 The waters closed in over me to take my life; the deep surrounded me;weeds were wrapped about my head.6 To the roots of the mountains I went down, to the land whose bars closed upon me forever.Yet you brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God.7 When my life was fainting away, I remembered the Lord,and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple.8 Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love.9 But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you;what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the Lord!”10 And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land.
#christianity #protestant #reformationThere is a solitary, humble, wooden structure on a windswept hill in rural New England. To open the door is to engage our minds, our hearts, and our imaginations. In this place, preachers and professors, past and present, come alive as they walk the aisle, ascend the pulpit stairs, and teach…from theology, from history, and from the Word of God. Welcome to the Saybrook Meetinghouse, an audio production of Saybrook Ministries. Saybrook Ministries' vision is to inspire and invigorate Christians with imaginative and intellectual content.Saybrook Ministries' mission is to provide didactic and devotional content from the Christian faith delivered to the saints; recovered and refined by the Protestant Reformation.Saybrook Ministries' prayer is that our content will be (1) to Christians convinced of Reformation truths: encouraging & powerful; (2) to Christians unconvinced of Reformation truths: educational & persuasive; (3) to non-Christians: engaging & prophetic.Saybrook Ministries' four foundational scriptures are: The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times (Psalm 12:6). The people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. And the wise among the people shall make many understand (Daniel 11:32b-33a). And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD have not forsaken those who seek you (Psalm 9:10). Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth (Hosea 6:3).
I Corinthians 4:9-16 St. Matthew 17:14-23 Fr. Anthony reflects on St. Paul's call to imitation, teaching that we are shaped by those around us and must guard our hearts and minds against sin while cultivating holiness. He explains the spiritual power of the Antiochian pre-communion prayers, showing how their repetition trains our minds, transforms our souls, and unites the faithful as one body in Christ. Enjoy the show! --- Here is the Antiochian Orthodox Pre-Communion Prayer for the Divine Liturgy: I stand before the doors of thy temple, and yet I refrain not from my terrible thoughts. But do thou, O Christ God, who didst justify the publican and hadst mercy on the Canaanite woman and didst open the gates of paradise to the thief: open unto me the compassion of thy love toward mankind, and receive me as I approach and touch thee, like the harlot and the woman with the issue of blood; for the one, by but touching the hem of thy garment, received healing, and the other, by embracing thine immaculate feet, received the forgiveness of her sins. And I, who am pitiful, dare to partake of thy whole Body. Let me not be consumed, but receive me as thou didst receive them, and enlighten the senses of my soul, burning up the accusations of my sins, through the intercessions of her that without seed gave thee birth and of the heavenly powers; for thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. I believe, O Lord, and I confess that thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who didst come into the world to save sinners, of whom I am first. And I believe that this is truly thine own immaculate Body and that this is truly thine own precious Blood. Wherefore I pray thee, have mercy upon me, and pardon my transgressions both voluntary and involuntary, of word and of deed, of knowledge and of ignorance; and make me worthy to partake without condemnation of thine immaculate mysteries, unto remission of my sins and unto life everlasting. Amen. Behold, I approach Divine Communion; O Maker, burn me not as I partake, for Fire art thou which burneth the unworthy. But purify thou me of every stain. Of thy mystic supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of thy mystery to thine enemies, neither will I give thee a kiss as did Judas; but like the thief will I confess thee: Remember me, O Lord, in thy kingdom. Tremble, O man, as thou beholdest the deifying Blood, for it is a burning coal consuming the unworthy. The body of God both deifieth and nourisheth me. It deifieth the spirit and wondrously nourisheth the mind. Thou hast smitten me with yearning, O Christ, and by thy divine love hast thou changed me. But with thine immaterial fire, consume my sins and count me worthy to be filled with delight in thee, that leaping for joy, O Good One, I may magnify thy two comings. Into the splendour of thy Saints how shall I, the unworthy one, enter? For should I dare to enter the bridal chamber, my vesture doth betray me, for it is not a wedding garment; and as one bound, I shall be cast out by the Angels. Cleanse, O Lord, the defilement of my soul, and save me, since thou art the Friend of man. O man-befriending Master, Lord Jesus my God, let not these holy Gifts be unto me for judgment through mine unworthiness, but for purification and sanctification of both soul and body, and as an earnest of the life and the kingdom to come. For it is good for me to cleave unto God and to place in the Lord the hope of my salvation. Of thy mystic supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of thy mystery to thine enemies, neither will I give thee a kiss as did Judas; but like the thief will I confess thee: Remember me, O Lord, in thy kingdom. Not unto judgment nor unto condemnation be my partaking of thy holy mysteries, O Lord, but unto the healing of soul and body.
While praying, he was often seen to reach towards heaven like an arrow which has been shot from a taut bow straight upwards into the sky. He would stand with hands outstretched above his head and joined together, or at times slightly separated as if about to receive something from heaven. One would believe that he was receiving an increase of grace and in this rapture of spirit was asking God for the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the Order he had founded. He seemed to seek for himself and his brethren something of that transcendent joy which is found in living the beatitudes, praying that each would consider himself truly blessed in extreme poverty, in bitter mourning, in cruel persecutions, in a great hunger and thirst for justice, in anxious mercy towards all. His entreaty was that his children would find their delight in observing the commandments and in the perfect practice of the evangelical counsels. Enraptured, the holy father then appeared to have entered into the Holy of Holies and the Third Heaven. After prayer of this kind he truly seemed to be a prophet, whether in correcting the faulty, in directing others, or in his preaching. Our holy father did not remain at prayer of this type very long but gradually regained full possession of his faculties. He looked during that time like a person coming from a great distance or like a stranger in this world, as could easily be discerned from his countenance and manner. The brethren would then hear him praying aloud and saying as the prophet: "Hear, O Lord, the voice of my supplication which I pray to thee, when I lift up my hands to thy holy temple" (Ps. 27:2). Through his words and holy example he constantly taught the friars to pray in this way, often repeating those phrases from the psalms: "Behold, now bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord ... in the nights lift up your hands to the holy places, and bless ye the Lord" (Ps. 133:1-3), "I have cried to thee, O Lord, hear me; hearken to my voice when I cry to thee. Let my prayer be directed as incense in they sight; the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice" (Ps. 140:1-2). The drawing shows us this mode of prayer so that we may better understand it. The post The Ninth Way – The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Morning lessons: Psalms 115; 2 Samuel 5; Romans 16. Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto you Name give the praise, for your loving mercy, and for your truth's sake.
The great prayer of the church- "Have mercy upon us, O Lord". A beautiful reflection from Chad, a beautiful song from Izzi Ray. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Chad Bird
Listen To Full Bible Study: "PSALM 13 ~ Bible Study | 2021https://on.soundcloud.com/0fSgRTVI1fXyprXMtx
Today's Bible Verse: “But he himself went a days journey into the wilderness and came and sat under a broom tree. he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough now, O Lord. Take away my life. For I am not better than my fathers.”’” – 1 Kings 19:4 Even the strongest believers can reach a breaking point. Elijah had just witnessed God’s power in extraordinary ways, yet here he was—alone, exhausted, and ready to give up. In this moment of deep despair, God didn’t scold him; He sent rest, nourishment, and a renewed mission. When we’re worn out, God meets us with gentle care before calling us forward again. Your exhaustion isn’t the end of your story—God can use this season to restore your strength and rebuild your purpose.
Recently, Pastor Adam gave a presentation at the 2025 Ohio Winkel for the Laity at Zion Lutheran Church, Columbus, OH. The topic was about how to conversations beyond the hearing of the sermon.Essay: Tapestry of Preaching - David SchmittEmail | podcast@stjohndublin.orgChurch Website: stjohndublin.orgChurch Center: stjohndublin.churchcenter.com‘Around the Sermon' episodes are off-topic episodes where we do not review a sermon within our conversation but explore various other topics and sit down with other guests for interview. Thank you to Higher Things Inc. for permission to use their recording of LSB 834 “O God, O Lord of Heaven and Earth”. (leader.higherthings.org)Thank you for listening to the Post-Sermon Podcast.Text Your Questions & Comments Here!
Preacher: Pastor Adam SteinbrennerSubmit sermon questions by emailing podcast@stjohndublin.orgMatthew 5 SermonMatthew 7 SermonFighting for the FaithChurch Website: stjohndublin.orgChurch Center: stjohndublin.churchcenter.comThank you to Higher Things Inc. for permission to use their recording of LSB 834 “O God, O Lord of Heaven and Earth”. (leader.higherthings.org)Thank you for listening to the Post-Sermon Podcast.Text Your Questions & Comments Here!
vahasi vapuṣi viśade vasanaḿ jaladābhaḿ hala-hati-bhīti-milita-yamunābham keśava dhṛta-haladhara-rūpa jaya jagadiśa hare O Kesava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of Balarama, the yielder of the prowl All glories to You! On Your brilliant white body You wear garments the color of a fresh blue rain cloud. These garments are colored like the beautiful dark hue of the River Yamuna, who feels great fear due to the striking of Your plowshare. (Verse 8, Dasavatara Strotram) ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/ https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/ https://thefourquestionsbook.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark ------------------------------------------------------------ #spiritualawakening #soul #spiritualexperience #spiritualpurposeoflife #spiritualgrowthlessons #secretsofspirituality #vaisesikaprabhu #vaisesikadasa #vaisesikaprabhulectures #spirituality #bhaktiyoga #krishna #spiritualpurposeoflife #krishnaspirituality #spiritualusachannel #whybhaktiisimportant #whyspiritualityisimportant #vaisesika #spiritualconnection #thepowerofspiritualstudy #selfrealization #spirituallectures #spiritualstudy #spiritualquestions #spiritualquestionsanswered #trendingspiritualtopics #fanthespark #spiritualpowerofmeditation #spiritualteachersonyoutube #spiritualhabits #spiritualclarity #bhagavadgita #srimadbhagavatam #spiritualbeings #kttvg #keepthetranscendentalvibrationgoing #spiritualpurpose
Contact us at: thewavecolumbus@gmail.com, or www.thewavecolumbus.com or daniel@thewavecolumbus.com ContentHebrews 12:2looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.1 Corinthians 7:35 (NLT)“I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.”Psalm 86:11 (ESV)“Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name.”Matthew 6:25 (ESV)“Do not be anxious about your life…”Greek Word Study“Anxious” = merimnao – literally to be divided in mind or pulled apartContact us at: thewavecolumbus@gmail.com, or daniel@thewavecolumbus.com or www.thewavecolumbus.com
This Is the Time, in Our Fear-Evoking Events, that Jesus Followers, Like Jesus and King Hezekiah, Need to Get Alone with God and Pray MESSAGE SUMMARY: Immediately, Jesus made His Disciples get in a boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side while Jesus dismissed the crowd. After Jesus dismissed the crowd, He went up on a mountainside, by Himself, to pray. He was alone with His Father. In Mark 1:35, Jesus' prayer life is presented: “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He departed and went out to a desolate place, and there He prayed.”. If there is one Christian discipline that is neglected by Christians of today, it is the practice of getting alone with God and having a quiet time to pray -- not you and your computer; not you and a friend; but only you and God alone in your prayer. We can learn a great deal from King Hezekiah, in Isaiah 37:15-17a about his personal relationship with God, through personal prayer, as he is faced with a powerful invasion of Israel: “And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD: ‘O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. Incline your ear, O LORD, and hear.'”. TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, in order to be with you, I need you to show me how to “create a desert” in the midst of my full, active life. Cleanse me from the pressures, illusions, and pretenses that confront me today so that my life may serve as a gift to those around me. Amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 26). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Despair. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Joy. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 17:1-5; Matthew 26:36-40; Isaiah 37:14-17; Psalms 100:1-5. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “The Sermons on the Amount, Part 4 - The Devastation of Debt”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB
As we witness a growing hunger for spiritual truth in our culture, we have to ask—are we on the edge of another Jesus Revolution? Pastor Greg Laurie shares why he believes we just might be. Notes: Focus verse - Nehemiah 9 Could this be the start of another spiritual awakening? The objective of proclamation evangelism is to clearly preach the gospel and invite people to Christ. Isaiah 43:19 (KJV) Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? Acts 2:17 (NLT) 'In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.’ Psalm 85:6 (NLT)Won't you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you? Younger men are more likely to become Christians than younger women. Is this another national spiritual awakening? I hope and pray it is. Gen Z has the highest suicide rate of any generation. Teens regularly use AI companions instead of human interaction. The only hope for this generation is Jesus and, for that matter, any generation. #1 In the US we have had four great spiritual awakenings.The first one happened in America before we were a nation in 1740. George Whitfield’s preaching drew massive crowds. The first Great Awakening didn’t just change hearts, it helped shape the moral DNA of the United States. America is exceptional. America is unique.America has been established by God. George Washington was quick to give credit to God for his success on the battlefield. #2 The second Great Awakening occurred during 1790s to 1840s and was led by many, including Charles Finney. #3 The third Great Awakening in America was from about 1857–1859.This revival began when a 48-year-old businessman namedJeremiah Lanphier began a prayer meeting on Fulton Street in New York City. “Revival is the rekindling of a flame, and when the fire is lit,it doesn’t just warm the church—it lights up the world!” —David Jeremiah #4 The fourth Great Awakening was the Jesus Movement. #1 Revival is coming back to life. Revival is refreshment; it’s restoration; it’s returning to original condition. Psalm 80:19 (ESV) Restore us, O LORD God! Let your face shine, that we may be saved! A revival is when God’s people come back to life again. A spiritual awakening is what America needs. Revival is what the church needs. Revelation 2:4–5 (NKJV) "…you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works,” #2 Revival is waking from sleep. It’s turning from sin. God’s prescription for revival or restoration is in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Read Nehemiah 9:1–4 (NLT) #3 If we want to see revival, we must pray with passion. Matthew 15:22 (NLT)"Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is possessed by a demon…" We need to pray like early church prayed for Peter to be delivered from prison.Acts 12:5 Fervent means displaying passionate intensity. #4 If you want to see revival, you must confess your sins. We all have sins to confess each and every day. 1 John 1:8 (NKJV) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. A sin of commission is doing what you should not do.A sin of omission is not doing what you should do.James 4:17 #5 They separated themselves from ungodly influences. #6 They heard God’s word, and they acted on it. The Bible is our model for how we ought to think and to live. John 15:14 (KJV)You are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you. God told Joshua the secret to success.Joshua 1:7 (NLT) #7 Revival always leads to evangelism. The evidence of revival is a changed community. Acts 2:41 (NIV) Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. John 4:35 (NIV)“I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” New believers need older believers to stabilize them.Older believers need new believers to energize them. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As we witness a growing hunger for spiritual truth in our culture, we have to ask—are we on the edge of another Jesus Revolution? Pastor Greg Laurie shares why he believes we just might be. Notes: Focus verse - Nehemiah 9 Could this be the start of another spiritual awakening? The objective of proclamation evangelism is to clearly preach the gospel and invite people to Christ. Isaiah 43:19 (KJV) Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? Acts 2:17 (NLT) 'In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.’ Psalm 85:6 (NLT)Won't you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you? Younger men are more likely to become Christians than younger women. Is this another national spiritual awakening? I hope and pray it is. Gen Z has the highest suicide rate of any generation. Teens regularly use AI companions instead of human interaction. The only hope for this generation is Jesus and, for that matter, any generation. #1 In the US we have had four great spiritual awakenings.The first one happened in America before we were a nation in 1740. George Whitfield’s preaching drew massive crowds. The first Great Awakening didn’t just change hearts, it helped shape the moral DNA of the United States. America is exceptional. America is unique.America has been established by God. George Washington was quick to give credit to God for his success on the battlefield. #2 The second Great Awakening occurred during 1790s to 1840s and was led by many, including Charles Finney. #3 The third Great Awakening in America was from about 1857–1859.This revival began when a 48-year-old businessman namedJeremiah Lanphier began a prayer meeting on Fulton Street in New York City. “Revival is the rekindling of a flame, and when the fire is lit,it doesn’t just warm the church—it lights up the world!” —David Jeremiah #4 The fourth Great Awakening was the Jesus Movement. #1 Revival is coming back to life. Revival is refreshment; it’s restoration; it’s returning to original condition. Psalm 80:19 (ESV) Restore us, O LORD God! Let your face shine, that we may be saved! A revival is when God’s people come back to life again. A spiritual awakening is what America needs. Revival is what the church needs. Revelation 2:4–5 (NKJV) "…you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works,” #2 Revival is waking from sleep. It’s turning from sin. God’s prescription for revival or restoration is in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Read Nehemiah 9:1–4 (NLT) #3 If we want to see revival, we must pray with passion. Matthew 15:22 (NLT)"Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is possessed by a demon…" We need to pray like early church prayed for Peter to be delivered from prison.Acts 12:5 Fervent means displaying passionate intensity. #4 If you want to see revival, you must confess your sins. We all have sins to confess each and every day. 1 John 1:8 (NKJV) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. A sin of commission is doing what you should not do.A sin of omission is not doing what you should do.James 4:17 #5 They separated themselves from ungodly influences. #6 They heard God’s word, and they acted on it. The Bible is our model for how we ought to think and to live. John 15:14 (KJV)You are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you. God told Joshua the secret to success.Joshua 1:7 (NLT) #7 Revival always leads to evangelism. The evidence of revival is a changed community. Acts 2:41 (NIV) Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. John 4:35 (NIV)“I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” New believers need older believers to stabilize them.Older believers need new believers to energize them. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What do we do when we experience opposition when we are obeying God? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Andrew Templeton, discuss Jeremiah 38 and God's faithfulness even in persecution. Andrew reminds us that faithfulness to the call of God is more important than successfulness.Additional Scripture:Jeremiah 2:13 – “for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.”Lamentations 3:53-55 – “they flung me alive into the pit and cast stones on me; water closed over my head; I said, ‘I am lost.' “I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit.”Jeremiah 1:18 – “And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land.”Matthew 5:12 – “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”Matthew 28:19-20 – “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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”Additional Links:Interested in attending the Discover Missions meeting? Check out the link below?https://www.watermark.org/events/6562-discover-missionsCheck out the Join The Journey Devotionals here!https://www.jointhejourney.com/You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898
In the Lord I Take Refuge: Daily Devotions Through the Psalms with Dane Ortlund
❖ Today's Bible reading is Psalm 70: www.ESV.org/Psalm70 ❖ To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional: www.crossway.org/books/in-the-lord-i-take-refuge-hcj/ ❖ Browse other resources from Dane Ortlund: www.crossway.org/authors/dane-c-ortlund/
Welcome to Day 2692 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2692 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 79:9-13 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2692 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2692 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today's Wisdom Nugget is titled: For Your Name's Sake – The Ultimate Appeal - Concluding Our Trek Through Psalm 79:9-13 Today, we reach the powerful and ultimately hopeful conclusion of our poignant trek through Psalm 79 in the New Living Translation, encompassing its final verses, 9 through 13. In our journey through Psalm 79, we've plunged deep into the raw agony of a communal lament. In verses 1-4, we witnessed the utter devastation of Jerusalem and the desecration of God's holy Temple, hearing the cries over unburied dead and crushing national shame. Then, in verses 5-8, Asaph, the psalmist, questioned God about the duration of His anger, pleading "How long, O Lord?" while simultaneously redirecting God's wrath toward the pagan nations who did not know Him. He also humbly acknowledged Israel's own past sins, appealing for God's swift mercy despite their unworthiness. Now, in these concluding verses, the lament reaches its climax and finds its resolution in a powerful appeal to God's own glory. The psalmist shifts the primary argument for divine intervention from Israel's suffering or even their partial repentance to the ultimate stakes: God's own glorious name and reputation among the nations. It's a fervent prayer for vindication, not just for Israel, but for the very character of God. The psalm culminates in a profound promise of perpetual praise, even from a people still reeling from catastrophe. So, let's immerse ourselves in this final, desperate, and ultimately hope-filled plea for God to act for His name's sake. (Reads Psalm 79:9-10 NLT) Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Rescue us and purge away our sins for the honor of your name. Why should pagan nations be allowed to scoff, asking, “Where is their God?” Show us your mighty power, and take revenge for the spilled blood of your servants. Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalm opens this final section with an urgent, desperate plea, grounded in God's redemptive character: "Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name." The psalmist appeals to God as the "God of our salvation," emphasizing His proven track record as a deliverer. The repetition of "Help us!" underscores the extremity of their need. But the key argument here, repeated twice, is "for the glory of your name." This is the ultimate appeal in a lament of national catastrophe. It's not primarily for Israel's comfort, or even just for their justice, but for the sake of God's own reputation and honor among the nations. If Israel, God's chosen people, remains in such utter ruin, humiliated and without recourse, God's glory is diminished in the eyes of the world. This appeal is far broader than mere self-interest; it's a profound concern for the worldwide recognition of God's power and...
For the next few weeks we will be exploring the rich laments of the prophet Jeremiah. Rich, because we can relate to the prophet's complaints, and also be encouraged that God gives us a script in His holy Word to speak to Him about the things that vex us. Chad shines a bright light on these words of Jeremiah, and meditates on God's responses. The talented Markita Knight sings "Always For Me". Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Chad Bird Song Lyrics: Jeremiah 15:10-21 Always For Me I never asked for this, Never asked to be born In a world full of sin Of struggle and scorn I never asked for this…. Oh Lord, You know I never asked to borrow A dollar from anyone Yet I'm cursed like a debtor Like I owe them the sun I never asked for this…. Oh Lord, You know Chorus: I'm not alone When I cannot see In the valley of despair You are guiding me To hold onto You In You I am free Your divine love, O Jesus Is always for me is always for me Lord, You called me forth Before I was born You called me to be A wall in the storm In disaster and pain O Lord, you know Bridge: You put your name in me For your purpose You put your name in me By your grace I am not worthy To shine your light But my heart sings out You have given me sight