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Psalm 119:105-108New Living Translation105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.106 I've promised it once, and I'll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations.107 I have suffered much, O Lord; restore my life again as you promised.108 Lord, accept my offering of praise, and teach me your regulations.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Genesis 18:1-8 - And the Lord appeared to [Abraham] by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in Your sight, do not pass by Your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash Your feet, and rest Yourselves under the tree, while I bring a morsel of bread, that You may refresh Yourselves, and after that You may pass on—since You have come to Your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.” And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate.
True and Better // A Better King // Pastor Casey BushWhat made David “a man after God's own heart”? How does this ancient king help us understand the kind of King we actually need? In this message, Pastor Casey Bush invites us to take a deeper look atthe stories we think we know—and the questions we might not be asking. We're going to look at how David's rise, failures, and faith point us to something more, the true and better.Sermon Notes1 Samuel 8:4-54 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, 5 and said to him, “Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”1 Samuel 8:7And the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.”Kingship” - A God-ordained position of leadership, authority, and servanthood under God himself."Anointing" - The act of applying oil to someone or something, symbolizing consecration, sanctification, or divine empowerment.1 Samuel 13:13-14“13 And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you. For now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”1 Samuel 16:11 Now the Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.”1 Samuel 16:6…”Surely the Lord's anointed is before Him!”1 Samuel 16:12Now he was ruddy, with [f]bright eyes, and good-looking. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.Matthew 6:33“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”1. DAVID WAITED ON THE LORDFIRST1 Samuel 18:7“..Saul has slain his thousands, but David his 10 thousands.”1 Samuel 24:6“And he says to his men, ‘The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lords anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.”2. DAVID WAS OBEDIENT TOGOD'S AUTHORITYMatthew 25:1“You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things” Gods not after your obedience to earn His love-Its aboutresponding to it.Disobedience doesn't just break the rules, it breaks the relationship1 Samuel 15:23“Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also rejected you from being king.”Malachi 3:6“For I am the Lord, I do not change…”1 Samuel 15:1-21 Samuel also said to Saul, “The Lord sent me to anoint you king over His people, over Israel. Now therefore, heed the voice of the words ofthe Lord. 2 Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he ambushed him on the way when he came up from Egypt. 3 Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them.1 Samuel 15:7-97 And Saul attacked the Amalekites, from Havilah all the way to Shur, which iseast of Egypt. 8 He also took Agag king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were unwilling to utterly destroy them. But everything despised and worthless, they utterly destroyed.1 Samuel 15:2121 But the people took of the plunder, sheep and oxen, the best of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.”2 Samuel 24:1010 And David's heart condemned him after he had numbered the people. So David said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done; but now, I pray, O Lord, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done very foolishly.”3. DAVID WAS REPENTANTRepentance - Where our heart turns away from sin and turns toward God—a genuine sorrow, confession, and a desire to walk in obedience.A. David valued relationship over reputationB. David feared losing God's presencePsalm 51:11“Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.”C. David was tender toward conviction“Conviction” is not condemnation-its correction wrapped in compassion.Numbers 32:23“and be sure your sin will find you out.”Numbers 32:23James 5:16Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.Someone or something will sit on the throne of your life. The question is, who?
By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion. 2 On the willows there we hung up our lyres. 3 For there our captors required of us songs, and our tormentors, mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”4 How shall we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land? 5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill! 6 Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy!7 Remember, O Lord, against the Edomites the day of Jerusalem, how they said, “Lay it bare, lay it bare, down to its foundations!” 8 O daughter of Babylon, doomed to be destroyed, blessed shall he be who repays you with what you have done to us! 9 Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock!1. Does being angry make you uncomfortable? Is it something you resist or try not to acknowledge?2. Is it comforting or upsetting that God gets angry? What do you think of God giving us angry words to bring to him?3. Has anger or another strong emotion ever kept you from being able to worship? Do you agree that praying your anger might lead to a spiritual breakthrough?4. Can you trust God with all the injustice you've experienced or witnessed? Explain.5. Do you ever hesitate to pray something that might be theologically incomplete or inaccurate? Does this passage give you permission to?6. Are you open to God responding to your anger and asking you questions? Do you see Jesus as the one who meets you in your trauma, as well as the one who redeems traumatizers? Can you accept that?
Evening lessons: Psalms 38; Ezra 1; 1 Timothy 6. Rebuke me not, O Lord, in your anger, neither chasten me in your weighty displeasure.
Don't underestimate the value and power of prayer. Many things viewed through the lens of the world will seem impossible. But God says He inclines His ear towards us and that all things are possible to him that believes. Join us in this podcast of Woman at the Well Ministries as Kim takes a close look at Psalms 40:1, “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, and heard my prayer.” Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode Psalm 40:1 – "I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+40%3A1&version=KJV Psalm 40:3 – "And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+40%3A3&version=KJV Psalm 40:11-12 – "Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me. For innumerable evils have compassed me about..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+40%3A11-12&version=KJV Hebrews Chapter 4 – coming boldly to the throne of grace - Hebrews 4:16. www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+4%3A16&version=KJV 1 Peter 5:7 – "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+5%3A7&version=KJV Mark 9:23 – "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+9%3A23&version=KJV Philippians 4:6 – "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A6&version=KJV Matthew 6:27 – "Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?" www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A27&version=KJV Luke 12:6-7 – reference to sparrows and God's care. www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12%3A6-7&version=KJV Did you enjoy this podcast? Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can listen to us on all major podcasting platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, and Podbean. Check out Kim's latest Bible Bit book on Amazon! Do you want to bring Kim Miller to your church, upcoming retreat, or conference? Contact us! This podcast is brought to you by Woman at the Well Ministries and is supported by our faithful listeners. To support this podcast, please visit our support page.
O Lord, our God, unwearied is your love for us.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975
Jonah Chapter 4:1- 5 (KJV) Verse 1 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry.Verse 2 And he prayed unto the Lord, and said, I pray thee, O Lord, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.Verse 3 Therefore now, O Lord, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.Verse 4 Then said the Lord, Doest thou well to be angry?Verse 5 So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city.——————————————————————Jonah and the City of Nineveh, Jonah and the Big Fish, Prophet Jonah, Nineveh, Bible Story, Old Testament, God's Mercy, God's Judgment, Divine Mercy, Divine Judgment, Repentance, Forgiveness, Salvation, Obedience, Disobedience, Grace, Faith, Christianity, Biblical Narratives, Religious Stories, Spiritual Lessons, God, Jesus, Children's Bible Stories, Bible Study, Religious Education, Sermon Topic———————————————————————#jonahandthecityofnineveh #jonahandthebigfish #biblestories #godmercy #godjudgement #god #jesus
Psalm 10:1 ESV 1 Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? PSALM 73:3-5 NI 3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. 5 They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills. PSALM 73:13 NIV 13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. JOB 21:7-9 NIV 7 Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? 8 They see their children established around them, their offspring before their eyes. 9 Their homes are safe and free from fear; the rod of God is not on them. ECCLESIASTES 8:14 NIV 14 There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: the righteous who get what the wicked deserve, and the wicked who get what the righteous deserve. This too, I say, is meaningless. The reason we can't make sense of evil and suffering and brokenness in the world, is because we were never meant to. GENESIS 2:15 ESV 15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. LUKE 13:1-5 NIV 1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” "Don't settle for simplistic answers to complex problems." LUKE 13:4-5 ESV 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” "Don't waste your life!" JOHN 9:1-3 ESV 1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. “She is grateful for her dad's size and his fists, which she has never understood until now. She knows what fists are for now." -CHARLOTTE MCCONAGHY, Wild Dark Shore
Psalm 30 I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me. 2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. 3 O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol; you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit. 4 Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. 5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. 6 As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved.” 7 By your favor, O Lord, you made my mountain stand strong; you hid your face; I was dismayed. 8 To you, O Lord, I cry, and to the Lord I plead for mercy: 9 “What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness? 10 Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me! O Lord, be my helper!” 11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, 12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever! Key Words: Help, Healed, Restored, Joy, Prosperity, Dismayed, Mercy, Helper, Gladness Keystone Verse: You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness. (Psalm 30:11) Download Bulletin
Compline by Candlelight provides peace and stillness as one week ends and another begins. Set in the tranquility of St. Paul's Chapel, one of the oldest buildings in New York City, guests find a seat and hold a candle, while 30 minutes of improvised music by The Choir of Trinity Wall Street fill the space. There's nothing to do but listen. O Lord, the maker of all things – William Mundy
A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath.Psalm 92,“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night,3 to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre.4 For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.5 How great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep!6 The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this:7 that though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish,they are doomed to destruction forever;8 but you, O Lord, are on high forever.9 For behold, your enemies, O Lord, for behold, your enemies shall perish; all evildoers shall be scattered.10 But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; you have poured over me fresh oil.11 My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants.12 The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.13 They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God.14 They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green,15 to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” Father, I want to thank you again for this moment, and for your Word. We ask that you would show us the glory of Jesus in the Scriptures, and that you would help us to live in light of his realness. Do that, we ask, in Jesus's name, amen.“If I had only known then what I know now!” — that's a statement you've probably heard before (maybe it's one you've said yourself) — it's what we could call the clarity of hindsight.Standing where we are in the present and looking back, we see more from here than we saw then, and it's a kind of wishful thought-experiment to imagine ourselves then knowing what we know now:Think about Middle School (I've been reading a book about how weird Middle School is for kids — it's tough) — just imagine, parents, if you could go back to Middle School with the wisdom and chill you have now.Or here's one: what kind of stock would you have bought in 1997 when a company called Amazon went public at $18 a share?This is the clarity of hindsight — and if we could've had the clarity back then we have now, we would've done some things differently.And this way of thinking helps us make sense of Psalm 92. Now let me explain why. This is gonna take a minute, but bear with me …The Heavenly PerspectiveNotice in the superscript — those little words above verse 1 — Psalm 92 is called,“A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath.” Now this is a little funny, right, because isn't this true of every psalm? Every psalm is a psalm, and all of them were used for worship on the Sabbath, so how is Psalm 92 special? What is this superscript saying? Well, what's unique about Psalm 92 is that the Sabbath referred to here is not talking about the weekly Sabbath, but this is about the final Sabbath that's realized in the end-time new-creation. I think Sabbath here is referring to heaven.Think back a couple years ago to the Book of Hebrews — remember that the writer of Hebrews (commenting on Psalm 95, just a few psalms over), he says “there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.” He says there's another Sabbath day yet to come, a final Sabbath — and that's what's in view here in Psalm 92.Psalm 92 is a song for the Sabbath of our future, heavenly rest! Which means this — if you use your imagination — Psalm 92 is a song that we're gonna sing in heaven looking back on our lives in this world.Psalm 92 is us saying in heaven one day “If I had only known then what I know now!” — except that it's given to us now! We get to read this today! We have a true heavenly perspective right in front of us, and it shows us at least two big things we need to know.So for the sermon this morning, I wanna tell you two big truths that we'll know with certainty in heaven, but that Psalm 92 is letting us in on today. The first is this:1. We sing with our Savior. Now I already told you that we're gonna sing this song, but now I want to be extra clear that we're gonna sing this song not with Jesus over here on the side somewhere, but we can only sing this song in union with him.And to make that case, first I want you to know that this psalm is about him. Mainly About JesusSomething that you've heard us say over and over again about the Psalms is that the Book of Psalms is mainly about the Messiah. The individual psalms were composed at different times (almost half of them by David), but the Book of Psalms as a whole was compiled for the people of God in exile. And it's that final form book we have. So we shouldn't isolate the individual psalms and focus only on the historical context of their composition, but instead we read the psalms as a single book that has been compiled and arranged in a particular way. And the driving concern of this book as a whole is that God has a future for the house of David! The house of David is the hope of God's people because it's through David's lineage that the Messiah would come. So the Psalms really are pointing to him. They're pointing to Jesus. That's why the Psalms are the most quoted Old Testament book in the New Testament — and this is the book that Jesus himself most quoted!Which is an amazing thought … we know for a fact that Jesus read the Book of Psalms. The same book that we're reading here, Psalm 92 we're looking at this morning — Jesus read it and prayed it and sang it, and he knew it was about him. Last week, we saw in Psalm 91 that Jesus knew all of the promises of Psalm 91 were to him as God's anointed one, and the same is true of Psalm 92. Psalm 92 is the celebration of the victory he experienced in Psalm 91 — which means we don't read this psalm and draw a straight line from these words to us, but instead we read Psalm 92 and first imagine Jesus reading it. In the Voice of JesusI want us to try this. Try to hear the praise and celebration of Psalm 92 in the voice of Jesus …He starts in verse 1 by saying it's good to give thanks to Yahweh, to sing his praises, to declare his steadfast love and faithfulness all day long. It's good to do that! Why? Why is it good to praise God?It's because, verse 4:“For you, O Yahweh, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.”This is straightforward: It's good to praise God because we're glad in his work — what he's done! Jesus says, verse 5,“How great are your works, O Yahweh!”But what works is he talking about? God does a lot of works — there's creation and providence and salvation (and a trillion details) — what works does he have in mind here?Well verses 10–11 tell us. Psalm 92, verse 10:“But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; you have poured over me fresh oil. My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants.”This is describing triumph — victory. And that's the work of God he's talking about in verses 4–5. And notice: this is God's work specified in the experience of a single person. This is first-person singular — it's “my horn,” “me,” “my enemies.” Check out that phrase to “exalt the horn” — and the idea of a “horn” is power — so to exalt the horn is to establish this power as supreme … which happens through victory. He's saying, I'm the top dog! I'm the Alpha-ox! Because all of my rivals have been subdued!This singer in Psalm 92 is saying this about himself … the singer is Jesus. And of course Jesus would say this about himself because it's true. And this metaphor of an exalted horn is used for the Messiah in other places in the Old Testament. Take 1 Samuel Chapter 2. Like Hannah Says1 Samuel 2 is Hannah's prayer. She's rejoicing in God and what he's gonna do for his people, she ends the prayer with this, 1 Samuel 2:10, “The adversaries of Yahweh shall be broken to pieces; against them he will thunder in heaven. Yahweh will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.”You hear that? Victory over adversaries and exalted horn. It's the same thing we see in Psalm 92, verse 10 — but in 1 Samuel 2 it's clear that it's about the Messiah. Hannah says this is for “God's anointed.”Now do we see anything about being anointed in Psalm 92? Yeah, look at the very next line in verse 10! Verse 10 again:“You have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox [and look at this! —] you have poured over me fresh oil.”That is anointing!So you have here: (1) Exalted horn; (2) victory over enemies; (3) anointed one.Psalm 92 is about Jesus. Jesus is the one saying this. He's singing this song in the victory that God has given him.Can We Sing It, Too?And now we're reading it and we want to sing it too! We wanna sing this song, but it's not about us. How does this work? How can we sing this song about Jesus and claim it for ourselves?Here's how: It's because all the blessings of Jesus are shared with those who belong to Jesus. And this is something that you might know, or maybe you've heard it before, but honestly, if we could really grasp this, it'd change everything for us. Seriously. I mean it. Personally, I wanna get this more. That in union with Jesus, we get Jesus and all his benefits. This was one of the great recoveries of the Protestant Reformation, that by our faith in Jesus all that belongs to Jesus get applied to us: His righteousness becomes our record. His Sonship becomes our status. His peace becomes our anchor. His Spirit becomes our strength. His resurrection becomes our new life. His intercession becomes our confidence. His inheritance becomes our future.All that is his becomes ours. Every possible good thing from God in our lives comes through Jesus. We exist now only in him. So we're actually seated with him in heavenly places! We're hidden in him. Our eternal destiny is as secure as his throne. That's all true, right now …And this is glorious — it means that your worst days, your most painful moments, will not endure. They will not last. Now they might be part of your story, but they are never ‘your story' — and the only way they could be would be if Jesus ceases to be who he is. See, our hope is as alive and indestructible as Jesus is himself. Jesus shares his Psalm 92-triumph with us! His victory is our victory! So we don't sing this song apart from him, but we sing it with him, through him, united to him.By our union with him, because Jesus is blessed, we are blessed. That's what it means to be a Christian!And I just want to pause here for a minute and say: I cannot imagine a more compelling reason to be a Christian than this.If you're here and you don't believe — if you've never put your faith in Jesus — this is why you should: You get Jesus and all his benefits. He will share with you everything that is his. What will it cost you? It'll cost you your whole life, in one sense — it will cost you your life as you know it. You have to turn away from your sin. But this song becomes your song! You receive the victory of God. And one day, when we look back here, we'll know: Psalm 92 is about Jesus, and we get to sing it with our Savior!Second truth here. One day we'll know for sure …2. We age with glory.This is verse 12.In verse 12, Jesus, the singer, goes from thinking about his own experience of salvation to thinking about the reality of the righteous. The “they” in verses 13–14 is plural. Now I'm gonna read the last part again, but before I do I want to remind you of Psalm 1. There's an allusion here and I want us to catch it. Remember the very first psalm opens with a vision of the blessed man — Psalm 1, verse 3:“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”And we, as the readers of the Psalms — as those who have faith — we're often called “the righteous” in the Psalms and we're supposed to be like this blessed man. He's the paragon of faithfulness.Now listen to Psalm 92, starting in verse 12:“The righteous flourish like the palm treeand grow like a cedar in Lebanon.13 They are planted in the house of Yahweh;they flourish in the courts of our God.14 They still bear fruit in old age;they are ever full of sap and green,15 to declare that Yahweh is upright;he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.”Now here Jesus is taking about us. We have become like that blessed man — and Jesus is singing about it.And that's not a strange idea, that Jesus would sing about us, because in Zephaniah 3:17, we read that God rejoices over us with gladness and exults over us with loud singing. And so if we ever needed an idea of what that singing might be, here's one. Imagine this: Jesus is singing about you, and do you want to know what he's saying?The Older, the BetterHe's saying that you're like a tree. We're trees! We are flourishing palm trees, rooted and nourished by the presence of God. And here's what that means: the older, the better. The older, the better — now that takes a different perspective, doesn't it? That takes a heavenly perspective.Because nothing around us in this world is saying that. So many in our society despise aging and they do all they can to stop it (or to at least disguise it!) I read last week that in America, we spend around $30 billion every year on anti-aging products and services. We pretty much do everything you can imagine when it comes to aging, except honor it!But Psalm 92 says something radical: aging when you're a Christian is not decline, but flourishing. The older we get in Jesus, the more fruitful we become. Not less valuable — but more. Not less alive — but more alive because “Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:17)Do you see? Aging is a glory for those united to Jesus. The song of Psalm 92 is sung loudest by those who've walked with God the longest. And we're gonna know that with certainty one day, but wouldn't it be amazing if we really knew that now?!The stupid man cannot know this! The fool cannot understand this! Because they're fixated on the ephemeral. They only see the here and now. Our perspective, though, is different! And that's the point. The clarity of hindsight is a gift Psalm 92 gives us today.“If I only knew then what I know now” — we don't have to wait to know. What if we lived today in light of heaven? What if we built our lives in this world as if we're looking back on our lives from heaven?That's the invitation this morning. That's what we get to do! And one thing that means, for sure, is that we're gonna praise God. We can't praise him enough! Our whole lives are just Praise! Praise! Praise!“It is good to give thanks to Yahweh, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning and your faithfulness by night!”And that's what we do now as we come to this Table. The TableWe come to this table to remember the death of Jesus for us, and to rejoice with him in his victory. The one who sings Psalm 92 is the one who triumphed at the cross and empty tomb, and he invites us to share in that triumph.
In this sermon, Pastor Chris Romig explores the theme of hope and faith in the midst of suffering and persecution, using both the story behind the hymn "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" and the passage from Revelation 6. Romig begins by recounting how the hymn was inspired by the deep faith of a suffering couple, reminding us that God cares for even the smallest sparrow and, even more so, for His children. He connects this message to Jesus' words in Matthew 10, emphasizing God's intimate knowledge of our lives and His care for us during difficult times. Chris then delves into Revelation 6, where the souls of martyrs cry out to God for justice during the Great Tribulation. Although God's response is a call to patience and trust in His timing, it is also a reassurance of security and righteousness for those who suffer for their faith, symbolized by the gift of white robes. Applying this to the present day, Chris highlights the reality of Christian persecution globally and urges believers to consider their own faith and courage in standing for Christ. He calls for prayer and support for persecuted Christians and reminds his audience that God remains sovereign, just, and compassionate. Ultimately, Chris encourages Christians to find strength in the knowledge that God's love is steadfast and that the faithful will one day be vindicated and welcomed into His eternal kingdom.
And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29-32 NLTIt is Holy Spirit who empowers our believing, obeying, and proclaiming the truth of Jesus! The whole congregation of believers was united as one, one heart, one mind! They didn't even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, “That's mine; you can't have it.” They shared everything. Acts 4:32 MSG They began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.' But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. Luke 22:24-27 NLTThe apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of Jesus, and grace was on all of them. Acts 4:33 MSGFor he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:13-14 NLT Anytime someone really chooses the light and life God calls them to the world around them will be changed! For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles. Acts 4:36-37 NLTA characteristic we are meant to model from the life of Christ is His submission to the will of God. But a man named Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, conniving in this with him, sold a piece of land, secretly kept part of the price for himself, and then brought the rest to the apostles and made an offering of it. Peter said, “Ananias, how did Satan get you to lie to the Holy Spirit and secretly keep back part of the price of the field? Before you sold it, it was all yours, and after you sold it, the money was yours to do with as you wished. So what got into you to pull a trick like this? You didn't lie to men but to God.” Ananias, when he heard those words, fell down dead. That put the fear of God into everyone who heard of it. The younger men went right to work and wrapped him up, then carried him out and buried him. Not more than three hours later, his wife, knowing nothing of what had happened, came in. Peter said, “Tell me, were you given this price for your field?” “Yes,” she said, “that price.” Peter responded, “What's going on here that you connived to conspire against the Spirit of the Master? The men who buried your husband are at the door, and you're next.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than she also fell down, dead. When the young men returned they found her body. They carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Acts 5:1-10 MSGDeception is always wrong, and motive always matters to God and will be rightly rewarded by Him.By this time the whole church and, in fact, everyone who heard of these things had a healthy respect for God. They knew God was not to be trifled with. Through the work of the apostles, many God-signs were set up among the people, many wonderful things done. They all met regularly and in remarkable harmony on the Temple porch named after Solomon. But even though people admired them a lot, outsiders were wary about joining them. On the other hand, those who put their trust in the Master were added right and left, men and women both. Acts 5:11-14 MSGOne last takeaway and a poem will go here…
How Long, O Lord? These words, "How long, O Lord?" were spoken by a group of people huddled under the altar, desperate to know how much longer it would be before their oppression would cease. Likewise, they are words that we might find ourselves saying when we seem unable to break free of our own sin. But although we might despair of ever being free, the Lord, in secret and hidden ways, is working for our growth and rebirth, if only we put in the little effort that we are able to.
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Old Testament Deuteronomy 30:9-14 Moses said to the people of Israel, "The Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all your undertakings, in the fruit of your body, in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your soil. For the Lord will again take delight in prospering you, just as he delighted in prospering your ancestors, when you obey the Lord your God by observing his commandments and decrees that are written in this book of the law, because you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. "Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, 'Who will go up to heaven for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?' Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, 'Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?' No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe." The Psalm Psalm 25:1-9 Ad te, Domine, levavi 1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my trust in you; * let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph over me. 2 Let none who look to you be put to shame; * let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes. 3 Show me your ways, O Lord, * and teach me your paths. 4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, * for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long. 5 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, * for they are from everlasting. 6 Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; * remember me according to your love and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord. 7 Gracious and upright is the Lord; * therefore he teaches sinners in his way. 8 He guides the humble in doing right * and teaches his way to the lowly. 9 All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness * to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. The Epistle Colossians 1:1-14 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. In our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. You have heard of this hope before in the word of the truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God. This you learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, and he has made known to us your love in the Spirit. For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. The Gospel Luke 10:25-37 Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he said, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? What do you read there?" He answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live." But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, `Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.' Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
Morning Worship Sermon with Rev. Bud Hance Scripture reference Genesis 18:25; Deut. 10:17; Ps. 19:9; Ps. 97:2; Rev. 16:5-7 Genesis 18:25 PP 25 ….Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” Deuteronomy 10:17 PP 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe. Psalm 19:9 PP 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. Psalm 97:2 PP 2 Clouds and darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. Revelation 16:5-7 PP 5 And I heard the angel of the waters saying: “You are righteous, O Lord, The One who is and who was and who is to be, Because You have judged these things. 6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, And You have given them blood to drink. For it is their just due.” 7 And I heard another from the altar saying, “Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.”
The Potter and the Clay Pastor Tommy expresses gratitude and surprise at God's role as the potter, molding individuals. "Sometimes when the potter gets a hold of the clay, he's got to mold it a little bit." Relates this to a Bible school lesson about God breathing on clay to make man, and on man to make him clay, emphasizing the need to be moldable by the Spirit of God. Psalms 116 Pastor Tommy references Psalms 116, highlighting the psalmist's love for the Lord because He hears his voice and supplications. "I love the Lord because He hath heard my voice and my supplications, because He hath inclined His ear unto me." Pastor Tommy notes the psalmist's declaration to call upon the Lord as long as he lives. "Therefore will I call upon him as long as I live." Pastor Tommy references the psalmist's experience with sorrows of death and pains of hell, emphasizing finding trouble and sorrow, and calling upon the Lord for deliverance. "The sorrows of death come past me. The pains of hell get hold upon me. I found trouble and sorrow and called now upon the name of the Lord." Pastor Tommy highlights the psalmist's recognition of God's graciousness, righteousness, and mercy. "Gracious is the Lord and righteous. Yea, our God is merciful." Pastor Tommy notes the psalmist's acknowledgement of being brought low and helped by the Lord. "The Lord preserveth the simple. I was brought low and he helped me." Pastor Tommy references the psalmist's call to return to rest, recognizing the Lord's bountiful dealings. "Return unto thy rest O my soul for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee." Pastor Tommy highlights the psalmist's gratitude for deliverance from death, tears, and falling. "For thou hast delivered my soul from death mine eyes from tears and my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling." Pastor Tommy notes the psalmist's declaration to walk before the Lord in the land of the living. "I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living." Pastor Tommy references the psalmist's belief and subsequent speaking, despite great affliction. "I believed, therefore have I spoken. I was greatly afflicted." Pastor Tommy highlights the psalmist's realization that all men are liars in haste. "I said in my haste, all men are liars." Pastor Tommy notes the psalmist's question of what to render unto the Lord for all His benefits. "What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?" Pastor Tommy references the psalmist's intention to take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord. "I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord." Pastor Tommy highlights the psalmist's commitment to pay vows unto the Lord in the presence of all His people. "I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people." Pastor Tommy notes the preciousness of the death of His saints in the sight of the Lord. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Pastor Tommy references the psalmist's declaration of being the Lord's servant and the son of His handmaid, acknowledging that the Lord has loosed his bonds. "O Lord, truly I am Thy servant. I am Thy servant and the son of Thine handmaid. Thou hast loosed my bonds." Pastor Tommy highlights the psalmist's intention to offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call upon the name of the Lord. "I will offer to Thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving. And will call upon the name of the Lord." Pastor Tommy notes the psalmist's commitment to pay vows unto the Lord in the presence of all His people, in the courts of the Lord's house, in the midst of Jerusalem. "I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all His people in the courts of the Lord's house in the midst of the old Jerusalem."
Evening lessons: Psalms 35; Esther 9 & 10; 1 Timothy 5. Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me, and fight against those who fight against me.
Audio Bible New Testament Matthew to Apocalypse King James Version
133 : Psalms 89 1. I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. 2. For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens. 3. I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, 4. Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah. 5. And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints. ; AB church Lausanne
The Lord made it known to me and I knew; then you showed me their deeds. But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. I did not know it was against me they devised schemes, saying, “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name be remembered no more.” But, O Lord of hosts, who judges righteously, who tests the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you have I committed my cause. Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the men of Anathoth, who seek your life, and say, “Do not prophesy in the name of the Lord, or you will die by our hand”— therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: “Behold, I will punish them. The young men shall die by the sword, their sons and their daughters shall die by famine, and none of them shall be left. For I will bring disaster upon the men of Anathoth, the year of their punishment.” This is so beautifully explained and meditated on by Chad. Andrea Hammond sings "You Take It All". 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 Lyrics to "You Take It All" What can I do With all those who hate who persecute and lie in wait What can I do But cry out to you And Your heart of mercy A heart that is true Hear me hear my prayer So You take it all into Yourself All of the pain, all of the hurt All my sinful flaws Are nailed on the cross So You take it all into Yourself Mercy is traded for all that is wrong A gift from the Father Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah Amen What will they do When their time has come When you bring disaster And their plans are undone What will they do In their final hour When they meet justice And resurrection power So You take it all into Yourself All of the pain, all of the hurt All of my sinful flaws Are nailed on the cross So You take it all into Yourself Mercy is traded for all that is wrong A gift from the Father Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah Amen
“O Lord, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble?” (Psalm 10:1 NLT) A Sunday school teacher gave the kids in her class an assignment to write down any questions they had for God. Here are some of the questions, comments, and suggestions they came up with: Dear God, did You mean for the giraffe to look like that, or was it an accident? Dear God, I like the Lord’s Prayer best of all. Did You have to write it a lot, or did You get it right the first time? I have to write everything over and over again. Dear God, thank You for my baby brother You gave to us, but what I prayed for was a puppy. Dear God, how come You haven’t invented any new animals lately? We still have just the old ones. Dear God, I bet it is very hard for You to love everybody in the whole world. There are only four people in my family, and I just can’t do it. Dear God, in school we read that Thomas Edison made light, but in Sunday school, they said that You made it. I bet he stole Your idea. If you’re new to the Christian faith, you may have your own questions, comments, or suggestions for God. (And if you’ve been a Christian for most of your life, you probably still have questions, comments, or suggestions for God.) The questions may be tough. They may seem impolite. They may suggest a lack of faith on your part. Ask them anyway. That’s what the psalmists did. Look at Psalm 10:1 above. Those pointed questions are heartfelt cries. And God responds to our heartfelt cries—not with anger or punishment for questioning Him, but with compassion and understanding. He gives us wisdom and peace. He opens our eyes to spiritual truths we can’t see on our own. Few people in Scripture were closer to God than David, the shepherd who killed Goliath and later became king of Israel. First Samuel 13:14 describes David as “a man after God’s own heart.” Yet look what he wrote in Psalm 13:1–2: “O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand?” (NLT). He poured out his soul to God because he knew God would see his questions for what they were: genuine attempts to understand God and His will. The apostle James offered this advice: “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:5–6 NLT). God welcomes your questions because the more answers you receive, the stronger your faith will grow. Reflection question: What questions would you like to ask God? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Psa 10:17 O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your earPsa 10:18 To vindicate the orphan and the oppressed, So that man who is of the earth will no longer cause terror.
TODAY'S TREASUREYou save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help, I can advance against a troop. With my God, I can scale a wall.Psalm 18:27-29Send us a comment!Support the show
Evening lessons: Psalms 31; Esther 7; 1 Timothy 3. In you, O Lord, have I put my trust; let me never be put to confusion; deliver me in your righteousness.
1 And it came to pass, that when the multitudes pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Genesareth,Factum est autem, cum turbae irruerunt in eum ut audirent verbum Dei, et ipse stabat secus stagnum Genesareth. 2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.Et vidit duas naves stantes secus stagnum : piscatores autem descenderant, et lavabant retia. 3 And going into one of the ships that was Simon's, he desired him to draw back a little from the land. And sitting he taught the multitudes out of the ship.Ascendens autem in unam navim, quae erat Simonis, rogavit eum a terra reducere pusillum. Et sedens docebat de navicula turbas. 4 Now when he had ceased to speak, he said to Simon: Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.Ut cessavit autem loqui, dixit ad Simonem : Duc in altum, et laxate retia vestra in capturam. 5 And Simon answering said to him: Master, we have labored all the night, and have taken nothing: but at thy word I will let down the net.Et respondens Simon, dixit illi : Praeceptor, per totam noctem laborantes nihil cepimus : in verbo autem tuo laxabo rete. 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a very great multitude of fishes, and their net broke.Et cum hoc fecissent, concluserunt piscium multitudinem copiosam : rumpebatur autem rete eorum. 7 And they beckoned to their partners that were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they were almost sinking.Et annuerunt sociis, qui erant in alia navi, ut venirent, et adjuvarent eos. Et venerunt, et impleverunt ambas naviculas, ita ut pene mergerentur. 8 Which when Simon Peter saw, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying: Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.Quod cum vidisset Simon Petrus, procidit ad genua Jesu, dicens : Exi a me, quia homo peccator sum, Domine. 9 For he was wholly astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken.Stupor enim circumdederat eum, et omnes qui cum illo erant, in captura piscium, quam ceperant : 10 And so were also James and John the sons of Zebedee, who were Simon's partners. And Jesus saith to Simon: Fear not: from henceforth thou shalt catch men.similiter autem Jacobum et Joannem, filios Zebedaei, qui erunt socii Simonis. Et ait ad Simonem Jesus : Noli timere : ex hoc jam homines eris capiens. 11 And having brought their ships to land, leaving all things, they followed him.Et subductis ad terram navibus, relictis omnibus, secuti sunt eum
Welcome to Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla for July 11, 2025. Today's meditation from Psalm 3:3–4, “The Lord My Shield and Glory,” brings us from despair to confidence. Surrounded by enemies and abandoned by many, David lifts his eyes and confesses the truth: “But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.”God surrounds His people with His protecting grace, lifting up those bowed down by fear, shame, or sorrow. Even when earthly status is lost, the believer's glory remains in being known and sustained by the Lord. From His holy hill — the place of His dwelling and reign — the Lord hears and answers.This devotion points us to Christ, who lifts our heads from the cross to the empty tomb. Subscribe for daily Gospel-centered devotions rooted in Scripture and Lutheran (LCMS) confession.#Psalm3 #DailyDevotion #PastorBalla #ShieldAndGlory #ChristOurRefuge #LCMS #JesusHears #ZionHope
OBADIAH (SERVENT OF YAHWEHThere is at least twelve people name Obadiah in the Bible. Smiths Bible Dictionary The book itself does not include much information about Obadiah, nor the date and place of the book being written The book of Obadiah is about Edom's judgment and Israel's restorationAccording to Mark Rooker: “The book of Obadiah is a condemnation of Edom for her evil treatment of Judah during the time of Judah's greatest crisis, the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonian empire.” In this morning's study I will go into detail on who are these Edomites and what Obadiah is all aboutThe main purpose of this prophecy of Obadiah is to reveal to us the events that must take place for this world, Yahweh's creation, to become established as the Lord's KingdomNote: For the most part, throughout this study, “Esau” and “Edom” refer to the descendants of Esau. Likewise, ‘Jacob' refers to the descendants of Jacob (i.e. Israel) Obadiah means “Servant of Yahweh”. As a servant of Yahweh our desire is to work for Him and also to be pleasing to Him. This is really where it begins for each of us. Yahweh is not going to teach us, illuminate Biblical texts for us, or give us insight if we are not interested in serving Him or doing His work The very fact that this book consists of only one chapter should alert us to its importance. If it was unimportant, Yahweh would not have preserved it, and it would have disappeared long ago. Its length also simplifies our task of discovering its message. Like all the Bible books, this one has a message that is vital for us today as well as for its original reader's centuries ago1. This is the shortest book in the Old Testament with 21 verses 2. About Edom1. It is a country located on the southeastern shore of the Dead Sea 2. Sometimes it is also called Seir as indicated in Genesis 32:3; 36:20–21, 30; Numbers 24:18 3. The father of the Edomites was Esau and the battle between Israel and Edom goes back to their forefathers who were twin brothers Esau and Jacob in whom they were already fighting in the womb as seen in Genesis 25:21-274. When the Hebrews headed towards the Promise Land Edom refused them travel through their territory (Numbers 20:14–21, Judges 11:17–18)5. At one point David controlled Edom (2 Samuel 8:13-14, 1 Kings 11:15-18) but two centuries later they threw off Judah's control during the reign of Jehoram (2 Kings 8:20-22) 6. Later Edomites raided Judah and took captives during the reign of Ahaz (2 Chronicles 28:17) 7. The worst act of Edom against Israel was participating with the Babylonians with the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem1. “Remember, O Lord, against the sons of Edom The day of Jerusalem, Who said, “Raze it, raze it To its very foundation.”” (Psalm 137:7)3. Edom's sin1. Pride1. They have pride in their defensive capital makes them think no one can invade and defeat them (3-4)2. They have pride in their renowned wise men (8)3. They have pride in their mighty warriors (9)2. Violence towards Israel: ““Because of violence to your brother Jacob, You will be covered with shame, And you will be cut off forever.” (10)Join me as we go Chapter by Chapter, Verse by Verse, Unraveling the Words of Yahweh!Have any questions? Feel free to email me; keitner2024@outlook.com
Morning lessons: Psalms 26, 28; 1 Samuel 2; 1 Corinthians 11. Be my judge, O Lord, for I have walked innocently; my trust has been in the Lord; therefore I shall not fall.
A — About: This devotional discusses God's impending judgment on Israel due to idolatry and unfaithfulness. It reveals God's grief over His people's rebellion, highlighting His righteous anger and loving correction. Jeremiah's prayer seeks God's justice, not wrath, and models humble submission. B — Best Verse: Jeremiah 10:24 – "O Lord, correct me, but with justice; not in Your anger, lest You bring me to nothing." C — Call to Action: We are called to cultivate soft, humble hearts, willing to be corrected by God and by others through His Word. Remain teachable, stay away from spiritual dullness, and surround yourself with people who speak truth in love.
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Micah 1-4; Hebrews 6 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible, hosted by Hunter. In today's episode, recorded on July 9th, we continue our daily rhythm of drawing near to God's Word and allowing it to shape us. Hunter leads us through powerful passages from Micah 1–4, capturing God's call for justice and hope for restoration, and then moves into Hebrews 6, exploring the encouragement to grow in maturity, hold onto hope, and anchor ourselves in Christ's love. As we breathe, rest, and reflect together, Hunter reminds us of the remedies for spiritual dullness: savoring both the “milk and meat” of Scripture, and putting our faith into action through love for others. Today's reading and reflection challenge us to experience the “with God” life—a life anchored in Christ's hope, lived out through loving action, and grounded in the unchanging promises of God. Join us for prayer, reflection, and encouragement as we journey deeper into God's Word and discover afresh that we are truly loved—no doubt about it. TODAY'S DEVOTION: The remedy for a dull spirit. Yesterday, we were reminded of the importance of our hearing—hearing God's word and savoring it, whether it's the milk or the meat. That kind of deep attentiveness, that savoring and letting God's word do its work in us, is the antidote to spiritual dullness and hearing loss. Today, the scripture takes us further, showing us another remedy: love. Love for God's people, expressed in action, is another way that spiritual indifference and dullness are healed. The writer of Hebrews tells us that God is not unjust; he sees and remembers the work we do for him, especially when it is shown through our love and care for other believers. The encouragement is clear: keep on loving others as long as life lasts. Why? Because this living out of love, this putting the word of God into motion through tangible acts of kindness and care, protects us from spiritual dullness and indifference. It keeps our hope alive, makes it certain, and keeps our spiritual senses sharp. If we let the word of God take root—not just in study, but in the daily business of loving others—we'll discover that our souls are anchored, firm and secure, in Christ. Like the anchor that holds steady through every storm, Jesus—the one who has entered the inner sanctuary ahead of us—holds us fast. This is the with-God life. A life not just of study or knowledge, but one lived in the presence of God, marked by love, hope, and assurance. Our hope is not wishful thinking. It is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It draws us right into the presence of God, where Jesus has already gone before us as our eternal High Priest. There, in God's presence, is where we find our greatest joy and where God receives glory. There, we find that love is not just something we do—it is the air we breathe in the kingdom of God. Hear him today. Let his word, and the love he gives you, anchor your spirit. Step into the freedom, joy, and life that is yours in Christ. Love, savor, repeat—these are the rhythms that keep us close to him. That's the prayer I have for my own soul. That's the prayer I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, and my son. And that's the prayer I have 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
Welcome to Day 2670 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2670 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 74:18-23– Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2670 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2670 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: God's Honor at Stake – A Final Plea for Justice - Concluding Our Trek Through Psalm 74:18-23 Guthrie Chamberlain: Welcome back to Wisdom-Trek, your compass for navigating the profound landscapes of faith and life. I'm your guide, Guthrie Chamberlain, and today, we reach the powerful, urgent conclusion of our trek through Psalm 74 in the New Living Translation, encompassing its final verses, 18 through 23. In our journey through Psalm 74, we have plunged deep into the raw agony of a communal lament. In verses 1-8, we witnessed a people devastated by the destruction and desecration of their beloved Temple, crying out, "O God, why have you abandoned us forever?" We saw the enemy's brutal rampage, their triumphant shouts echoing in the very sanctuary where God's praise once resonated, leaving behind only "perpetual ruins." Then, in verses 9-17, Asaph, the psalmist, voiced their spiritual desolation – the absence of prophetic signs, the agonizing uncertainty of "how long?" But he then masterfully pivoted, grounding his plea in God's unparalleled past acts of cosmic power. He reminded God of His eternal kingship, His splitting of the sea, His crushing of sea monsters, and His establishment of the very order of creation. The argument was clear: if God could do that in ancient times, He could surely intervene in this present crisis. Now, in these concluding verses, Asaph brings the full weight of their suffering and the enemy's continued blasphemy to God's attention, making a final, desperate appeal for God to rise up and contend for His own honor, His own cause, and His own downtrodden people. It's a prayer that implicitly asks: "If You don't act now, Lord, what will become of Your name and Your covenant?" Let's immerse ourselves in this final, impassioned plea for divine intervention and ultimate vindication. (Reads Psalm 74:18-23 NLT) See how these fools insult you, Lord. How they blaspheme your name. Don't let your dove be hunted by hawks. Don't forget your downtrodden people forever. Remember your covenant, O Lord, for the dark places of the earth are full of violence. Don't let the oppressed be humiliated; instead, let them praise your name. Arise, O God, and plead your cause! Remember how these fools insult you all day long. Don't overlook the shouts of your enemies, which grow louder and louder. Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalmist returns with searing intensity to the core offense that demands God's attention: the enemy's direct affront to God Himself. He pleads: "See how these fools insult you, Lord. How...
Psa 10:12 Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up Your hand. Do not forget the afflicted.Psa 10:13 Why has the wicked spurned God? He has said to himself, "You will not require it."Psa 10:14 You have seen it, for You have beheld mischief and vexation to take it into Your hand. The unfortunate commits himself to You; You have been the helper of the orphan.Psa 10:15 Break the arm of the wicked and the evildoer, Seek out his wickedness until You find none.
"But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head." Psalm 3:3
Morning lessons: Psalms 25; Samuel 1:1-28; 1 Corinthians 10. Unto you, O Lord, will I lift up my soul; my God, I have put my trust in you; O let me not be ashamed, neither let my enemies triumph over me.
1 And it came to pass, that when the multitudes pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Genesareth,Factum est autem, cum turbae irruerunt in eum ut audirent verbum Dei, et ipse stabat secus stagnum Genesareth. 2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.Et vidit duas naves stantes secus stagnum : piscatores autem descenderant, et lavabant retia. 3 And going into one of the ships that was Simon's, he desired him to draw back a little from the land. And sitting he taught the multitudes out of the ship.Ascendens autem in unam navim, quae erat Simonis, rogavit eum a terra reducere pusillum. Et sedens docebat de navicula turbas. 4 Now when he had ceased to speak, he said to Simon: Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.Ut cessavit autem loqui, dixit ad Simonem : Duc in altum, et laxate retia vestra in capturam. 5 And Simon answering said to him: Master, we have labored all the night, and have taken nothing: but at thy word I will let down the net.Et respondens Simon, dixit illi : Praeceptor, per totam noctem laborantes nihil cepimus : in verbo autem tuo laxabo rete. 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a very great multitude of fishes, and their net broke.Et cum hoc fecissent, concluserunt piscium multitudinem copiosam : rumpebatur autem rete eorum. 7 And they beckoned to their partners that were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they were almost sinking.Et annuerunt sociis, qui erant in alia navi, ut venirent, et adjuvarent eos. Et venerunt, et impleverunt ambas naviculas, ita ut pene mergerentur. 8 Which when Simon Peter saw, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying: Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.Quod cum vidisset Simon Petrus, procidit ad genua Jesu, dicens : Exi a me, quia homo peccator sum, Domine. 9 For he was wholly astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken.Stupor enim circumdederat eum, et omnes qui cum illo erant, in captura piscium, quam ceperant : 10 And so were also James and John the sons of Zebedee, who were Simon's partners. And Jesus saith to Simon: Fear not: from henceforth thou shalt catch men.similiter autem Jacobum et Joannem, filios Zebedaei, qui erunt socii Simonis. Et ait ad Simonem Jesus : Noli timere : ex hoc jam homines eris capiens. 11 And having brought their ships to land, leaving all things, they followed him.Et subductis ad terram navibus, relictis omnibus, secuti sunt eum.The Church here is represented by Peter's boat. In the ship of the Church of Jesus, beaten by the waves and tempest of this world, let our trust in God.
The Lord makes things widen when we feel like they are closing in and becoming tighter.
Matthew 9:12-13, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick... For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. Psalm 147:3, "He heals the broken-hearted, and binds up their wounds." Jesus is the only physician that can heal a sin-sick soul. There is no healing balm, but His sin-atoning blood. Jesus as a physician is proclaimed unto the world, that sinners of every class, nation, and color--may come to Him and be healed. He is in an especial sense, engaged to attend to the whole household of believers. The children may apply to him at all times, and for all they need. It is not necessary to wait until seized with a dangerous disease or paralysis, but we may go to Him with all our headaches and heartaches; with all our cuts and bruises. He always . . . receives us kindly, attends to us promptly, and prescribes for us wisely. We never ought to attempt to heal ourselves, but always, in all things, and for all we need--go to Jesus. He never lost a patient, nor ever will. He never pronounced an applicant's case desperate, or said to one who came to Him, "I can do nothing for you." With incomparable skill, He takes every case in hand, restores every patient to perfect health, and does all gratis. Christ alone is qualified to be our physician. He has fully healed every saint who is now in glory. Let us then apply to Him when we are in need. Let us go to Him with our slight cases, as well as our serious illnesses. Let us take our diseased hearts to Him--He will heal them, and restore them to perfect health. He can cure the deadness, the coldness and the worldliness, of the soul. "Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for
Audio Bible New Testament Matthew to Apocalypse King James Version
130 : Psalms 86 1. Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy. 2. Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. 3. Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. 4. Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 5. For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. ; AB church Lausanne
It's Tuesday, July 8th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson Indian legislator offers money to assassinate evangelists and pastors A member of a district legislative council in India has announced a bounty on Christian evangelists. In a public speech, BJP Legislative Assembly Member Gopichand Padalkar allegedly issued a rate card for the assassination of various Christians, the highest amount offered for the killing of pastors. Members of the Christian community in the area are asking that police open a case against the legislator for inciting violence and spreading hatred. Under such treacherous conditions, would you pray for the safety of Christians in India? Iranian Christians losing hope about regime change World News Group reports that Christians in Iran are losing hope now for any possible regime change. During the week following the U.S. strikes, 1,000 people were arrested and falsely accused of spying for Israel, many of whom were Christians. Some were executed. The report quotes a 40-year-old Christian woman. She said, “Nobody welcomes wars, but at this point, war seems to be the most viable solution [for a regime change]. The oppressed people of Iran have used every opportunity to free themselves of this terrorist group in control. Every peaceful protest is cracked down upon in the most brutal way. We hoped these conflicts would give us a chance to fight for freedom by having military forces eradicated by Israel, just like the Israeli prime minister promised us.” An opinion survey conducted in 2022 by a Netherlands institute, found that, on a sample size of 158,000 people, over 80% of Iranians rejected the Islamic Republic and would prefer a democratically-elected government. Texas Governor called for a Day of Prayer for flood victims The latest count of the deceased in the Texas flooding tragedy has now reached 100, 27 of whom include children and counselors from a Christian girls camp known as Camp Mystic, reports ABC News. Davin Williams, the camp nurse, was heartbroken. WILLIAMS: “We had no idea people were missing. We had no idea that they had to wade through water, barely able to stand to get to the pavilion. I didn't even realize the gravity of the situation until we saw helicopters flying over us.” Over the weekend, Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott called for a day of prayer. The governor said, “This is a time when we, as a state, need God more than ever.” ABBOTT: “All we know is that prayer does work. Your prayers have made a difference. We ask for continued prayers as we continue our efforts to locate everybody who has been affected by this. “Pray so much for the families who have lost a loved one, who are going through challenging times that they never imagined on the third of July that something like this would happen. Prayer matters!” In less than one hour, the Guadalupe River had surged 26 feet up the banks, causing the majority of the wreckage. This looks like the worst disaster since the 1953 Waco tornado which killed 114 people and injured another 597. Habakkuk 3:2 is a cry for mercy: “O LORD, I have heard the report of You, and Your work, O LORD, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.” King Charles III and royal family support homosexual pride King Charles III and the royal family in London showed support for the annual homosexual pride march via social media over the weekend. The Royal Family X account featured the Royal Band playing the iconic homosexual/transgender anthem entitled, Pink Pony Club, which was originally released by Chappell Roan. The royals drew attention to the sinful celebrations by adding in the caption: "#Pride2025," alongside emojis of a rainbow, disco ball, and sparkles. In reaction, one person wrote, “What a terrible post. No wonder at the coronation the King chose not to say 'defender of the Faith.' The monarchy ended with our beloved late Queen Elizabeth II.” And another asked, “Isn't the King the head of the church of England? He shouldn't be promoting sins.” 35,000 Brits participated in the march, supported also by the King's Royal Guard, reports Parade. Spanish bill would imprison pastors who help “gays” or transgenders Spain is considering a bill that would imprison pastors who employ any “methods, programs, techniques or procedures of aversion or conversion, whether psychological, physical, pharmacological or of any other nature, intended to modify, repress, eliminate or deny their sexual orientation, sexual identity or gender expression,” reports The Christian Post. The lower house approved the bill by an overwhelming vote of 311 to 33. Interestingly, Spain's Gross Domestic Product has been in a slump for 16 years. 25% tariff on Japan and South Korea; 30% on South Africa Yesterday, President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff to be imposed on Japan and South Korea, and a 30% tariff on South African imports, effective August 1st, reports NBC News. The tariffs will be subject to negotiation, as the announcement suggested “perhaps” a reconsideration, “depending on our relationship with your Country,” in Trump's words. South Africa has seen no measurable growth in its GDP this year. The nation's economy is stagnating. Also, both the South Korean and Japanese economies contracted slightly in the first quarter of this year. India now fourth largest economy worldwide India is replacing Japan this year as the fourth largest economy in the world, according to initial estimates. Japan was the second largest economy in the world between 1988 and 2010, but its Gross Domestic Product has not improved since 1995 -- 30 years ago. The International Monetary Fund projects that the BRICS eastern nations of China and India will take the #2 and #3 positions as the strongest economies in the world by 2030. Thanks to Javier Milei, Argentina's economy is rebounding Argentina's economy is doing better. Since President Javier Milei's election in 2023, the country's annual inflation rate has reduced from 211.4 percent in 2023 to 43.5 percent by mid-2025. Remarkably, Milei cut 27% of the state budget and laid off thousands of government employees in his first year in office (last year), after which the economy took a small hit. But recovery appears to be on its way for Argentina. The nation's GDP got a 5.8% boost in the first quarter of 2025. Congressional Budget Office predicts $1.9 trillion deficit this year The U.S. President's budget proposed for 2026, includes the identical base discretionary spending projection as Biden's previous budget - $1.6 trillion. The proposed budget includes an increase in spending of $155 billion for Homeland Security and Defense, and significant decreases in Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and international welfare programs. The Congressional Budget Office is projecting a $1.9 trillion deficit this year, the third-highest deficit in American history. Keep in mind the biblical principle from Deuteronomy 15:5-6. It says, “…Carefully obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe with care all these commandments which I command you today. For the Lord your God will bless you just as He promised you; you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow; you shall reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over you.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, July 8th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
The Spirit of God is not for sale. It is not a commodity that can be bought or sold. The power of God can only be received. It is to be used only for kingdom purposes. God, who knows our hearts, will never give us His anointing and power if He knows we have improper motives.Main Points:1. It's not wrong to want to be used by God. In fact, it's a wonderful desire. It's a holy desire. But an important question is: “Why do you want to be used by God? Why do you want His power in your life?” 2. If our ambition is to build our own kingdom, set up our own platform, and receive our own recognition, we will never be given the power of God.3. I believe today God freely gives His Holy Spirit to those with pure hearts and those who sincerely desire for God to use their lives for His glory.Today's Scripture Verses:Acts 8:20-24 - “But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God's gift can be bought! You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin. “Pray to the Lord for me,” Simon exclaimed, “that these terrible things you've said won't happen to me!”Jeremiah 17:10 - “I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”Psalm 115:1 - “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory…”Revelation 4:11 - “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group
So Much More: Creating Space for God (Lectio Divina and Scripture Meditation)
What if God already knows your every thought—and still loves you? In this Scripture meditation on Psalm 139:1–4, we begin our Fully Known, Fully Loved series with a reflection on God’s deep, intimate knowledge of us. Using the Lectio Divina method, we’ll gently meditate on the reality that God knows every word before we speak it, every move before we make it—and none of that scares Him away. In a world obsessed with self-discovery, these verses remind us of something even more powerful:Before we try to figure ourselves out…God already knows.And His love is unwavering. In this guided Christian meditation, you’ll be invited to:• Reflect on what it means to be fully known by God• Consider how God sees and understands you with perfect love• Rest in the truth that His knowledge of you is not threatening—but comforting Download your FREE companion journal for the Fully Known, Fully Loved series here This journal includes:• All the Scriptures for this series• Weekly reflection prompts• Space to record what God is revealing to you Here are some additional helpful links: You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Entire Meditation Text:Psalm 139:1–6 (NLT)1 O LORD, you have examined my heartand know everything about me.2 You know when I sit down or stand up.You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.3 You see me when I traveland when I rest at home.You know everything I do.4 You know what I am going to sayeven before I say it, LORD.5 You go before me and follow me.You place your hand of blessing on my head.6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,too great for me to understand! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Psalm 84 - Speaker: Jon Kopp - If the famous words of Psalm 42, "Why are you downcast, oh my soul?" reflect the straining and strugglings of our relationship with God yet unfulfilled, Psalm 84 reflects the straining and strengthenings of our relationship with God fulfilled. "How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts.” But, don't rush ahead too quickly. Psalm 84 is not as neat and tidy as we'd like it to be. There's still longing. Still difficulty. Still the tension of living in a world that is not yet made whole. We often assume the blessed life is about getting what we think we want, but the more we listen to the words of Psalm 84, the more we the more we realize that the blessed life isn't about getting everything we think we want—it's about getting God. The good life is found in Him. Those who desire Him, pursue Him and trust Him are blessed.
Habakkuk 3:1-19 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth. 2 O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy. 3 God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. His splendor covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. 4 His brightness was like the light; rays flashed from his hand; and there he veiled his power. 5 Before him went pestilence, and plague followed at his heels. 6 He stood and measured the earth; he looked and shook the nations; then the eternal mountains were scattered; the everlasting hills sank low. His were the everlasting ways. 7 I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction; the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble. 8 Was your wrath against the rivers, O Lord? Was your anger against the rivers, or your indignation against the sea, when you rode on your horses, on your chariot of salvation? 9 You stripped the sheath from your bow, calling for many arrows. You split the earth with rivers. 10 The mountains saw you and writhed; the raging waters swept on; the deep gave forth its voice; it lifted its hands on high. 11 The sun and moon stood still in their place at the light of your arrows as they sped, at the flash of your glittering spear. 12 You marched through the earth in fury; you threshed the nations in anger. 13 You went out for the salvation of your people, for the salvation of your anointed. You crushed the head of the house of the wicked, laying him bare from thigh to neck. 14 You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors, who came like a whirlwind to scatter me, rejoicing as if to devour the poor in secret. 15 You trampled the sea with your horses, the surging of mighty waters. 16 I hear, and my body trembles; my lips quiver at the sound; rottenness enters into my bones; my legs tremble beneath me. Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble to come upon people who invade us. 17 Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. 19 God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.
Psalm 33English Standard Version33 Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright.2 Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.4 For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.7 He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses.8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.10 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples.11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!13 The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man;14 from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth,15 he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds.16 The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.17 The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue.18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,19 that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.20 Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.21 For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.22 Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.
Evening lessons: Psalms 17; Esther 2; Acts 28:1-16. Hear what is right, O Lord; consider my complaint; hearken to my prayer, which does not come from lying lips.
Morning lessons: Psalms 18:1-20; Ruth 2; 1 Corinthians 7. I will love you, O Lord my strength; the Lord is my rock, my stronghold, and my deliverer.
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Hosea 2-5; Hebrews 2 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 invites us to journey through the pages of Scripture together on this fifth day of July. We'll read from Hosea chapters 2–5 and Hebrews chapter 2, encountering stirring images of God's relentless love and the cost of redemption. As we hear about God's heartbroken response to Israel's waywardness and Hosea's call to buy back his unfaithful wife, we're reminded of the ultimate price that God has paid for our freedom through Christ. Hunter unpacks these powerful passages, encouraging us to embrace the love, hope, and new life God offers, and wraps up with a time of prayer and reflection. Whether you're a regular or new to the podcast, this episode will point your heart toward the One who truly loves you and holds the words of life. TODAY'S DEVOTION: We've been bought back. We've been fought for, and he has won. Hosea paints a picture for us of what our rebellion and turning away from God looks like. He uses strong language—comparing that rebellion to the anguish of a spouse betrayed. But the story doesn't end with judgment or separation. Hosea is called to do something remarkable: to love again, to return to his unfaithful spouse, to go and buy her back. Hosea 3:2 says, “So I bought her back…” Hosea had to pay a price to reclaim what was lost, to see reconciliation where rejection made sense. But someone far greater than Hosea has bought us back. Jesus has paid the ultimate price for us—his own blood. God, in Christ, lowered himself, put on flesh, and entered our story. He suffered and died, breaking the power of the devil, the power of fear, death, and the grave. By dying, he paid the price for our freedom—the freedom to live, to hope, to love, to be made new. Because of that love, and because of that sacrifice, we are no longer slaves to our rebellion or shame. We are no longer just people who receive an example to follow—we receive his Spirit to live within us. The very love that won us back now lives in us and enables us, not only to imitate, but to participate in God's love and life. We are enabled to love, to live, to die to ourselves, and to rise to newness of life with Christ. That's my prayer for myself today—that I will know this freedom and love well, that I will remember the price that was paid, and live in the joy of the One who is with me now. That is my prayer for my own soul, for my family, my wife, my daughters and my son. And that is my prayer 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
ENCORE EPISODEIn this episode you'll hear how Jesus instructs his disciples to give the gift of peace to all who extend hospitality to them on their journey. Learn how you might receive this gift in a greater way and offer it to others.Readingshttps://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070625.cfmPrayer of AbandonmentFather, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you: I am ready for all, I accept all.Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures -I wish no more than this, O Lord.Into your hands I commend my soul: I offer it to you with all the love of my heart, for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself into your hands without reserve, and with boundless confidence, for you are my Father.St. Charles de Foucauld
This sermon cuts deeply in order to probe carefully. It is Spurgeon in typically and painfully sober mode. The sermon puts to each hearer the question which Christ asked of his disciples at a season of mass desertion: “Will you also go away?” Searching deeply into our hearts, Spurgeon first asks why Christ asked this question of his twelve disciples, looking at the defections which were taking place. Then he takes the question itself, and this is perhaps the most painful element of the sermon, as Spurgeon points out the contagion of desertion, and how it would cut through the twelve themselves, and the importance of a thoughtful and voluntary attachment to Christ himself. After the wound, the balm: our preacher then considers the three elements of Peter's answer, an answer which we ourselves should give to our divine Leader. So he concludes with the heartfelt plea, “By thy faithfulness, O Lord, keep us faithful!” Is Spurgeon being harsh or hard? Is he trying to unsettle the faithful? Is he deliberately assaulting faith? No, here is a true-hearted minister in difficult times bringing needful warnings to the souls of his congregation, not carelessly undermining but deliberately probing to ensure that we have a good foundation. Read the sermon here: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/a-home-question-and-a-right-answer Check out the new From the Heart of Spurgeon Book! British: https://amzn.to/48rV1OR American: https://amzn.to/48oHjft Connect with the Reading Spurgeon Community on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ReadingSpurgeon Sign up to get the weekly readings emailed to you: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts-1/from-the-heart-of-spurgeon. Check out other Media Gratiae podcasts at www.mediagratiae.org Download the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app