Podcasts about Old Testament

The adversary is SO good at making us doubt our spiritual memories. Let's talk about how we can combat that as we study 1 Samuel 17:37!And grab study guides for the whole family here: - To get Cali's scripture study guide for adults click here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSSOr purchase on Amazon: https://a.co/d/06bWsVYV-Grab Kristen's copies of helpful PDFs and study guides here: https://shop.kristenwalkersmith.com/products/ Check out her YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@startherestudy/shortsGet our NEW 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0p3Ds0t Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. That was an exhortation from the Apostle Paul in First Corinthians. We DO the work of the Lord, and we’re to BE steadfast and immovable. When the winds of change blow through our culture, we’re to be solid as a rock. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how to do that as we consider a man who showed us how NOT to do that. We’re considering an epic failure in the Old Testament. The Harvest Crusade is coming to Angel Stadium on July 11! Stay updated on all important event details. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David and Goliath Podcast for Kids Old Testament Bible Podcast for Kids - This week we learn about David and Goliath and how the Lord can strengthen us and give us courage. We also learn that the Lord looketh not on outward appearances but on the heart. This podcast follows the Come Follow Me curriculum from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.Are you looking for a scripture study church podcast? You are listening to Come Follow Me Kids! A Come Follow Me Podcast For Kids. This is specifically a Primary Podcast or Primary Scripture Study Poscast that studies Come Follow Me. Welcome to Come Follow Me Kids! We are a scripture study podcast that accompanies the Come Follow Me Manual by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We play games, sing songs, and tell stories to go along with the scriptures. This year we are specifically studying the Old Testament. We sometimes use audio clips from the Friend Magazine and other church sources, however we are not officially sponsored by the church in any way. If your children would like a free baptism shout out or to be guests on this podcast, email us at comefollowmekidspodcast@gmail.com. If you like this podcast, please leave us a review. Thank you!

Welcome to Day 2884 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2884 – “Welcome to the War”  based on Luke 9:1-11 Putnam Church Message – 05/17/2026 The Good News According to Luke: “Welcome to the War.”   Last week's message was “Never Too Little, Never Too Lost,” in which we learned that the crowd may overlook you. Fear may accuse you.  Shame may silence you. Death may threaten you. But Jesus says, “You matter to Me.” Today, we continue with our twenty-third message from Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Today's message is: Welcome to the War.” Our core passage today is Luke 9:1-11, which is found on page 1608 of your pew Bibles. Jesus Sends Out the Twelve 1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5 If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere. 7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, 8 others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. 9 But Herod said, “I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?” And he tried to see him. 10 When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, 11 but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. Opening Prayer Father, we come before You today grateful that Your Kingdom is still advancing in this world. We confess that we often forget we are part of a spiritual battle. We become distracted by comfort, criticism, fear, busyness, and self-reliance. Lord Jesus, open our eyes to see Your mission clearly. Teach us to trust Your authority, / depend on Your provision, / endure rejection with grace, / and return often to You for rest and renewal. May Your Word shape us today, not only as listeners, but as faithful disciples sent into the world with good news. In Jesus' name, amen. Introduction: The War We Did Not Start, But Are Called to Enter Today, we continue in Luke's Gospel with the twenty-third message in our New Testament series, and the title is “Welcome to the War.” That may sound strong at first. We may think, “War? I thought we were talking about the Good News.” But Luke has been showing us from the beginning that the Good News of Jesus is not merely a comforting message for private spiritual reflection. It is the announcement that the Kingdom of God has arrived in Jesus Christ, and that means the dominion of evil is being overthrown. When Jesus preached in the synagogue in Nazareth, He announced good news to the poor, freedom for captives, sight for the blind, and release for the oppressed. When He healed the sick, forgave sinners, calmed the storm, delivered the demon-possessed man, restored the woman who had suffered for twelve years, and raised Jairus' daughter, He was not simply doing random acts of kindness. He was showing that the Kingdom of God was breaking into a broken world. In our previous messages, we have watched Jesus minister with compassion and authority. / We saw Him show love and grace to a sinful woman in the Pharisee's house. / We asked, “Where Are You in This Picture?” -> as Jesus taught about the soils of the heart. /  We saw “Freedom From Bondage” when Jesus delivered the man among the tombs. /  We saw that no one is “Never Too Little, Never Too Lost” when Jesus stopped for the suffering woman and raised Jairus' daughter. Now, in Luke 9:1–11, something shifts. Up until now, the disciples have been watching, learning, assisting, asking, and following. They have seen Jesus preach. They have seen Jesus heal. They have seen Jesus command demons. They have seen Jesus calm nature itself. But now Jesus calls the Twelve together and sends them out. The students become participants. The observers become messengers. The apprentices enter the battle. Jesus does not merely gather followers to sit near Him. He forms disciples to join His mission. So today, let's walk through Luke 9:1–11 under four main truths. Main Point 1: Jesus Sends Ordinary Disciples with His Power and Authority Luke tells us that Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases. Then He sent them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. / This is remarkable. These are the same disciples who were afraid in the storm. These are the same men who often misunderstood Jesus. These are not polished professionals. They are fishermen, tax collectors, ordinary men and women from ordinary places. And yet Jesus sends them. / That should encourage us. God's mission does not depend on perfect people. It depends on the authority of a perfect Savior. /  Luke uses two important words here: power and authority. Power refers to ability — the strength to accomplish what could not be accomplished naturally. Authority refers to the right to act on behalf of another. A police officer directing traffic is a helpful picture. The officer may not have the physical power to stop a moving vehicle with his bare hands. But when he raises his hand, cars stop because he carries delegated authority. He acts on behalf of a higher government. Jesus gives His disciples both. He gives them divine ability and delegated authority. / They are not going out in their own names. They are going out in His name. / And what are they sent to do? They are sent to proclaim the Kingdom of God and demonstrate the mercy of the Kingdom through healing and deliverance. In ancient times, a herald would enter a town square and speak on behalf of the king. The herald's message carried weight because it did not originate with the herald. He spoke with delegated authority. That is the picture here. The disciples are heralds. They are announcing that God's Kingdom has drawn near in Jesus. / This connects directly with the broader story of Scripture. In Genesis, humanity was created to live under God's good rule. But sin brought rebellion, brokenness, death, and bondage. Throughout the Old Testament, God promised that His Kingdom would come, His enemies would be defeated, and His people would be restored. The prophets looked ahead to a day when captives would be freed, the sick would be restored, and God's reign would be made known among the nations. Jesus is that fulfillment. And now He sends His disciples to announce it. Object Lesson: The Badge and the Battery Hold up two objects: a badge and a battery. A badge represents authority. It says, “I have been authorized to act.” A battery represents power. It supplies energy to do what needs to be done. A badge without power may represent a title but no ability. A battery without authority may have energy but no direction. Jesus gives His disciples both. For us today, not all of us have the same calling as the Twelve. Their mission in Luke 9 was specific to that moment in Jesus' ministry. But the larger principle remains: Christ still sends His people into the world as witnesses. We go not because we are impressive, / but because Jesus is King. We speak not because we know everything, / but because we know Him. We serve not because we have unlimited strength, / but because His strength is made perfect in weakness. ...

Psalm 37:7 calls believers into a posture of stillness and trust when circumstances feel unjust or when others seem to undermine our plans. In this devotional, Jennifer Slattery reflects on the emotional turmoil that arises when people act against us—intentionally or otherwise—and how easily fear, anxiety, and anger can take over. Through the life of David, we see a powerful example of someone who endured prolonged opposition yet learned to rest in God’s sovereignty rather than react out of panic or revenge. Highlights Psalm 37:7 encourages stillness and patient trust in God’s timing. Opposition from others can trigger fear, anxiety, or anger if left unchecked. Emotional reactions often intensify situations rather than resolve them. David’s life shows both suffering and unwavering trust in God’s promises. God’s plans are not derailed by human sabotage or resistance. Waiting on God develops patience, perseverance, and spiritual maturity. God often works behind the scenes before His promises are visible. Believers are called to rest in God’s sovereignty rather than react in fear. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Trusting God's Plans to Prevail When Others Come Against Us By: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading: Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. - Psalm 37:7 How do you typically respond when someone does something to sabotage your plans or goals, or in some way makes your life difficult? What if they do this intentionally? Do you feel vulnerable and like they hold power over some aspect of your life? Do you find your anxiety spiking? And if so, does your fear ever present as anger and hostility? Sadly, I’ve reacted to such situations in each of those ways, especially when I felt the other person held power over something I considered important. This never yielded the results I’d hoped for. Most often, in fact, my reactions only made things worse. In some instances, my dysregulated emotions and the behaviors they triggered hurt me more than the “offense.” Although I still have much room for growth, I’m learning to follow David’s example, not just in today’s verse, but throughout his life. (His near homicidal rage in 1 Samuel 24 and his treatment of Bathsheba, which many scholars call rape, notwithstanding.) If you’re familiar with Old Testament history, you may recognize his long, fearful, and discouraging journey to the throne. The most prominent prophet of his day anointed him as ancient Israel’s future king when David was a teenager. But he didn’t step into his calling for another decade and a half. He spent much of the time in between living as a fugitive, hiding in caves and enemy territory in fear for his life. He knew God had glorious plans for him. Although he wrote psalms in which he seemed to express some degree of doubt, he trusted the Lord to do for him all that He’d promised. This trust, and the relational intimacy that supported it, allowed him to remain his godly, spiritually mature self, even when experiencing relentless attack. This amazes me when I consider the emotional weight he carried. When we first meet him, he stepped into a heroic role that gained him access to Saul, the then-reigning king. Soon after, the young warrior moved into the palace, where he faithfully served. He also led the nation of Israel into numerous victories, including against one of their fiercest enemies, the Philistines. One might expect Saul to respond with gratitude. Instead, he became jealous. Feeling threatened, he spent the remainder of his life pursuing David in order to kill him. As a result, David found himself forced from his home and his wife when Saul sent men to stake out his house, again, to kill him. During his flight, he sought help from a priest, who gave him bread and a highly symbolic sword for self-defense. He soon learned, however, that Saul found out and sent one of his men to kill all the priests serving at that particular temple—and their families. Women and children were massacred because one man offered David aid. Understandably, he blamed himself for their deaths. Can you imagine how that must’ve felt? Around age 30, David became king and brought peace to His people. He likely wrote Psalm 37 sometime during this time. Reflecting on his life, his suffering, and how God remained faithful through it all, David confidently proclaimed, in essence, to whoever might listen, “Don’t stress about the actions of evil men. God’s got you. Relax and wait for Him to lead you to your best life.” Intersecting Life & Faith: When we feel under attack and tempted to immediately jump into “fix it” mode, may we instead intentionally still ourselves before the Lord, which implies being still in His presence. That’s where we’re most apt to receive His comfort and strength and hear His perfect wisdom regarding how to respond to our circumstances. Entrusting our situation to God can feel incredibly uncomfortable. It becomes easier, however, when we remember His heart toward us, His power consistently employed on our behalf, and His faithfulness. We can choose to quietly wait on Him to reveal our best path forward, knowing He’s never wrong or ill-informed. He's also never late, although in my experience, his interventions rarely arrive early. It certainly didn’t for David! Although the Lord remained with him at every step and often worked behind the scenes on the warrior’s behalf, it took Him years to fulfill the promise He made to youthful David. That long, painful delay required significant patience and perseverance through a rather exhausting delay. David understood how difficult it can feel to wait, which is why, years later, he could advise his people, us, and countless others besides, to patiently wait on God—trusting Him to make our circumstances right. Friend, wicked people might make your present situation more painful and difficult than it needs to be. But they cannot thwart God’s very good, hope-filled plans for you. Remember that the next time someone does something that leaves you feeling vulnerable and threatened. Remember that Christ Himself guards your path and invites you to follow His guidance as He leads you to the glorious destination He determined just for you. Further Reading:2 Samuel 22:3Psalm 18:1-6 Psalm 54:4 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@gmal.com Garth Heckman So what am I talking about today?  But we get our gifting, our passions our talents and our purpose all confused. What is what? Gifting is a natural ability. Athletics, singing, math, Art Passion is something we love doing. Performing, creating, teaching, playing Talents are typically something we have practiced to achieve.  And sometimes these all weave together for the perfect storm.    But none are the sum total of our purpose!    The Bible doesn't give just one single sentence for a person's purpose;  it unfolds it like a grand narrative with a few core pillars.    OT and NT a person's ultimate purpose is generally broken down into three main relationships:    -  your relationship with God,    -  your relationship with others,    -  and your relationship with the world around you.   1. To Know God and Bring Him Glory MGLG At the very foundation, the Bible states that humans were created by God and for God. Your primary purpose is to be in a relationship with Him and to reflect His character to the world.   Reflecting His Image: In Genesis 1:27, it says humans are made in the "image of God." Think of this like a mirror—our job is to reflect His love, justice, kindness, and creativity into the world. Bringing Him Glory: MGLG -The prophet Isaiah quotes God as saying, "Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made" (Isaiah 43:7). BOTTOM LINE: LOOK LIKE GOD AND MAKE HIM LOOK GOOD       2. The Twin Pillars: Love God, Love People When Jesus was asked what the most important commandment in the entire scripture was, He simplified the entire Old Testament law into two direct actions. This is often looked at as the "Ultimate Summary" of human purpose.   MATTHEW 22:37 The first commandment Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and spirit. Second greatest is to lover your neighbor as yourself.        3. Cultivate the World (The Cultural Mandate) Purpose in the Bible isn't just spiritual; it's also practical and action-oriented. Right at the beginning of the human story, God gave mankind a specific job description regarding the earth itself. In Genesis 1:28, humans are told to "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it." This is often called the Cultural Mandate. It means humans are designed to be stewards—caretakers of creation. Your purpose includes taking raw potential (whether that's land, a business, a family, or a talent) and cultivating or literally squeezing everything out of it to help life thrive. 4. Walking in Unique, Prepared Good Works   the Apostle Paul writes about how Gods purpose intertwines with our purpose which is good works.  We are uniquely crafted for specific contributions to this world.   "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." — Ephesians 2:10   The word used for "handiwork" or "workmanship" in the original Greek text is poiema (where we get our word poem). The Bible views your life as a unique masterpiece designed to carry out specific good deeds that match your exact strengths, personality, and experiences. Does "Handiwork" Tie into "Good Works"? Thematically yes, strongly: The verse's logic flows from identity (we are God's crafted masterpiece) to purpose (created for good works God pre-planned). Being God's poiema equips and orients us toward the erga agatha. Good works are the outworking and goal of His creative work in us—not the cause of salvation, but its fruit (tying back to vv. 8–9).   Picture this: His work in us, created us for his works through us to fulfill his purpose.      Handiwork vs. Good works in Eph. 2:8,9 Two different words. Gods work is a masterpiece Our work is a labor. ONE IS OUR IDENTITY THE OTHER IS OUR ACTIVITY     Life experiences we see in scripture and the real world.  Their life experiences were not random or wasted but formed the precise preparation, character development, skills, relationships, and credibility God used for their callings.** The Bible shows a consistent pattern: God shapes people through seasons of obscurity, suffering, failure, cultural exposure, and incremental faithfulness long before the "big moment." These experiences built humility, dependence on God, specific competencies, empathy, and strategic positioning.     David (1 Samuel 16 – 2 Samuel) **Key experiences**: Rejected by His father born illegitimate, Shepherd boy overlooked by family, given menial jobs, trials by lion/bear protecting sheep, anointed privately as future king, served Saul as musician/warrior, faced Goliath with past faithfulness as proof, 13 plus years as fugitive hiding in caves from Saul, attracted misfits and losers, forced to work with the Philistines his enemies.    - **How it prepared him**: Learned how to deal with rejection and turn to God. Shepherding taught leadership, courage, and reliance on God (Psalms reflect this). Defeating Goliath came from tested faith in small battles. Wilderness years forged trust in God's timing (refusing to kill Saul), developed military strategy, and created a loyal following. These equipped him to unite Israel, establish the kingdom, write worship that endures, and prepare the way for the temple/Solomon. His "rejection" years were kingship training.

Fr. Michael Duesterhaus was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Arlington in 1991. He spent 27 years, Active and Reserves, as a Naval Chaplain, mostly serving with units of the U.S. Marine Corps. Father has presented over 125 formal cases before Tribunals of seven dioceses of the United States. He currently serves as Parochial Vicar at St. John the Baptist Parish in Front Royal, Virginia. In Today's Show: Do you have to love everyone to get to heaven?   Why is God more wrathful in the Old Testament? To what extent do we defend our faith? Is it OK for a Catholic layman to attend a Bar Mitzvah / Bat Mitzvah? What should a eucharistic minister do when they drop the consecrated host? Can you please help me with a complicated family situation? Is it ever licit for a non-service animal to be in the sanctuary during a Catholic Mass? If not, what can be done about it? ​​If someone has autism or ADHD, and they feel rejected by others within their church community because of their struggles and for being different, how can they see God in this? ​​​​What do you think is causing young people to be more and more interested in the Church?   Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

June 16th, 2026 - We welcome back Adrian Fonseca to discuss Steven Spielberg's new alien film Disclosure Day. Then, we welcome Dr. Annie Tinnin to examine how Jesus fulfills Old Testament feasts. Links, Show Notes & More - https://thestationofthecross.com/act Email Us! ACT@TheStationOfTheCross.com

Get all set for Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time with Father McCarthySummaryJoin us as we explore the significance of Jeremiah in the Old Testament, the importance of internal conversion, and the role of relationships in priestly formation. This episode offers insights into biblical themes, pastoral experiences, and personal stories from priests.TakeawaysJeremiah emphasized internal conversion over external rituals.Priesthood formation involves mentorship and diverse parish experiences.Understanding biblical prophets enriches faith and personal growth.Relationships with mentors are crucial in priestly development.Biblical themes like lamentation and prophecy are relevant today.Chapters03:13 Scripture Readings and Themes08:17 Exploring the Prophet Jeremiah13:10 Pastoral Assignments and Mentorship18:35 Experiences in Ministry and Community25:25 Upcoming Events and Personal Insights

Send me a Text Message!You wouldn't necessarily expect to find it oozing out of the Old Testament, but Nehemiah 9 gives us a fresh look at the heart of God. Listen, there has never been a moment in your life where God's love for you has dipped below the red-line. It never fails. Unfailing love. There is no one else in your life who will not fail you. But his love never fails.  You are relentlessly loved with an indiscriminate affection. That's the story he's writing. That's His voice you hear whispering, "Child come home."  His heart is for you. And when we know his heart.. Our only response is to return. This is the essence of repentance. This is why we look deeply at our sin. It's not to lash our hearts with shame and guilt. It's not to motivate us to work harder. It's because this is what returning looks like. So, is it time to return?

The Gospel of Matthew is a wonderful book, the first text in the New Testament, which gives us an exciting shift from the prophecies of the Old Testament to the fulfillment of those very prophecies in the person of Jesus. You are sure to be equipped and inspired as Jesus Himself shares about the hope we have, gives practical lessons for how to live life the way God intended, shows the love of God through miracles and healings, and makes a way for you to be reconciled to God for all eternity.  Join Jerry as he dives into Matthew and walks us through the life, ministry and profound teachings of Jesus. There's no better day than today to take your daily reading to another level with The New Testament Daily with Jerry Dirmann—so grab your Bible and let's get started!   Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below:  « FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » To listen to or download more teachings from Jerry and others from Solid Lives ministries, visit our new media library at: https://app.jesusdisciple.com/jesus-way/media-library « THE NEW TESTAMENT DAILY PODCAST » https://thenewtestamentdailywithjerrydirmann.buzzsprout.com « SOLID LIVES » Find out more about the ministries of Jerry Dirmann and Solid Lives at https://www.solidlives.com/  « SUPPORT » You can help us get free resources like this out to more people. Visit https://pushpay.com/g/jdglobal  Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below:FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » Download or listen at https://SolidLivesMedia.com/ ABOUT SOLID LIVES » Find out more at https://www.solidlives.com/SUPPORT » Help us get the word out at https://solidlives.com/give/

What if the key to understanding the Bible is to read it like music? In this episode, we talk with Alastair Roberts about his book Echoes of Exodus, co-written with Andrew Wilson. He began this book as a 40-day Lenten reflection that grew into something much bigger. This episode provides a practical lens for reading Scripture by recognizing “echoes” — call-backs, allusions, and patterns — that link Exodus to the rest of the Bible's story of redemption. Exodus is the main theme that courses through the narrative of Scripture, connecting what may seem like isolated stories into an unfolding symphony of music. If you've ever felt lost reading the Old Testament and feel like the Bible doesn't make sense, this conversation gives you the tools to start hearing it that way. Show Notes Get Alastair's Book Echoes of Exodus: https://a.co/d/0cvo3WF8 Alastair's Substack: https://argosy.substack.com/

Daily Dose of Hope June 16, 2026   Scripture: 1 Kings 12   Prayer:  Lord, We need you. Our world is unstable and unjust. It is a place where innocent people die and power and control take precedent over mercy and compassion.  While we know that sin and brokenness are everywhere, it is still hard to take it in.  We don't know which way to turn.  So, we need you.  We need your peace, your justice, and your wisdom.  Help us be the people you have called us to be, even when it's hard.  Fill us with your courage to speak truth and grace.  More of you and less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  This summer, we are making our way through the Old Testament books of 1 & 2 Kings.  We have read about the death of David, seen Solomon take the throne, read about the building of the Temple and royal palace, watched Solomon grow in wisdom and wealth, and then read as he gradually lost his way.  In response, God raised up adversaries to come against Solomon.  And then, Solomon dies at the end of chapter 11. Today's reading is 1 Kings 12.  Rehoboam, the king who succeeded Solomon, has the ability to unite his people but his own arrogance gets in the way.  Listening to poor counsel and his own ego, he instead decides to rule with a heavy hand and oppress the people.  When those in the Northern regions hear about this, they decide it's time to separate from Judah.  They want nothing to do with Rehoboam and reject his rule over them.  They boldly state that they will not have a descendant of David in authority over them. What an avoidable mess.  With one bad decision, Rehoboam tears down what David and Solomon worked so hard to build.  The truth is that it's a lot easier to break apart what belongs together than restore what's already broken.  Can you think of examples of this in your own life?  Relationships, families, organizations, churches–it is so much harder to restore than it is to dismantle.  Friends, what broken things in your life need restoration?  Take a moment and pray for that right now.  Jesus Christ is the only true way to restore and rebuild.  Lean into Jesus. Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Tim delivers a passionate message focused on John 13:34–35. He begins by introducing the biblical context of the passage, noting that it takes place within the "Upper Room Discourse," where Jesus delivers His farewell address to His closest followers right before finishing His earthly ministry in Jerusalem. Within this critical final charge, Jesus issues what He calls a "new command": “Love one another as I have loved you so you must love one another.” Tim explains that the command to love is not historically "new" to the disciples, as they were deeply familiar with the Old Testament laws to love God and love their neighbors. What makes it revolutionary is the person giving the command—Jesus—and the fact that He places Himself at the very center as the ultimate definition and source of this love. Tim emphasizes that a person cannot truly understand or define biblical love unless they intimately know Jesus, warning against letting the secular world dictate the definition of love. To show how biblical love departs from the world's transactional version, Tim unpacks the profound terminology used across Scripture. In the Old Testament, the primary word is hesed—a complex, multi-dimensional concept combining loyalty, kindness, promise-keeping, and mercy. It represents a covenant commitment where God consistently leans His blessing toward humanity despite their unfaithfulness. In the New Testament, the Greek word is agape, which refers to a sacrificial, deliberate laying down of one's own conveniences for the sake of others. Merging these concepts, Tim defines biblical love as a holy, self-giving commitment that expresses itself in tangible actions to benefit others, remaining entirely independent of feelings or the recipient's behavior. The challenge of this command becomes evident when looking at the intense diversity of the disciples Jesus gathered. The group included competing brothers, rough fishermen, a corrupt tax collector, a politically radical zealot, and women delivered from evil spirits. Tim notes that the modern church mirrors this exact same messy, diverse family dynamic. Believers are called to love people from vastly different backgrounds, including those whose political or social views might normally frustrate them, and even those who become outright enemies. Ultimately, Tim declares that this supernatural, unconditional love is intended to be the primary distinguishing mark of a Christian. While human nature relies on transactional relationships—cutting people off when they are no longer beneficial—spirit-filled love sticks with people sacrificially, which acts as the ultimate verification to the world that someone truly belongs to Christ. Grounding the congregation in the reassuring truth that God's anchor-like love never changes based on our performance, he challenges believers to look at the sacrifice of Christ and be daily compelled to extend that same sacrificial grace to the difficult people in their own lives. Discussion Questions for Practical Application Defining Love on God's Terms: Tim explicitly noted that we cannot let the world define love for us, defining biblical love instead as a commitment expressed in tangible actions independent of feelings. In what ways does the world's definition of love (e.g., based on emotional connection, compatibility, or transaction) creep into your own relationships? How can you consciously shift your mindset to view love as a deliberate agape commitment this week? Loving the "Diverse Disciples" in Your Circle: The original disciples included people with massive political and social divides, much like the modern church family. Think of someone in your immediate faith community, workplace, or family whose behavior, opinions, or background genuinely test your patience. Based on Jesus' command, what is one practical, tangible action you can take to show them biblical love, regardless of how you feel? The Trap of Transactional Relationships: Tim observed that it is natural human behavior to cut people off the moment they stop benefiting us or making us happy. Is there a relationship in your life right now that you have emotionally "cut off" or distanced yourself from because it became inconvenient or difficult? How does remembering Christ's unwavering hesed toward you alter your perspective on that person? Living as a Visible Replica: According to John 13:35, supernatural love is supposed to be our defining mark that proves to the world we are disciples. If an outside observer looked strictly at how you treat a difficult spouse, a tough neighbor, or a demanding boss, would they see a distinct reflection of Jesus? What is one specific area where you need to pray for the Holy Spirit to implant the power to love sacrificially?

Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you!This topic is near and dear to my heart; it's worth acquiring and protecting, especially if you wear the name of Jesus. We'll discuss apostles and how they were able to do their job so well and continue to do so; a storyteller who may or may not be insane and how you can tell which; a flashback to the mistakes I made in my career as a journalist as well as a preacher and the lessons I learned; and the sources we turn to for guidance and why they matter – both in gaming and in Christ. Check out Hal on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@halhammons9705Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas. He is the host of the Citizen of Heaven podcast. You are encouraged to seek him and the Lakewoods Drive church through Facebook and other social media. Lakewoods Drive is an autonomous group of Christians dedicated to praising God, teaching the gospel to all who will hear, training Christians in righteousness, and serving our God and one another faithfully. We believe the Bible is God's word, that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, that heaven is our home, and that we have work to do here while we wait. Regular topics of discussion and conversation include: Christians, Jesus, obedience, faith, grace, baptism, New Testament, Old Testament, authority, gospel, fellowship, justice, mercy, faithfulness, forgiveness, Twenty Pages a Week, Bible reading, heaven, hell, virtues, character, denominations, submission, service, character, COVID-19, assembly, Lord's Supper, online, social media, YouTube, Facebook.  

Sometimes, when we're reading the Bible, we'll come across a commandment that we don't like, and say, “Oh, that passage doesn't apply to me anymore!” However, Pastor Ken teaches us today that the guidelines outlined in God's Word are just as relevant to us today as they were years ago. We aren't just supposed to throw out the Old Testament once we have the New; we are meant to read them in conjunction, and understand from their pages how the Lord wants us to live for and serve Jesus.

Tuesday, 16 June 2026   just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28   “Just as the ‘Son, the Man', not He came to be attended to but to attend, and give the ‘soul, His' – ransom for many.” (CG)   In the previous verse, Jesus told the disciples that whoever desires to be first among them should be their slave. With that noted, He next explains why this is to be so in His kingdom, saying, “Just as the ‘Son, the Man'.”   Referring to Himself, Jesus highlights His humanity. He is fully human. Thus, His example is one that is understandable and attainable in the stream of human existence by others, even if it is not what is normally expected of greatness or preeminence. In this example He sets forth, He notes that “not He came to be attended to.”   This would have been evident to the disciples, even if they didn't really pay attention to it throughout their days together. People didn't come to Jesus to serve Him. The disciples followed Him and learned from Him. They also did the things He directed, such as telling Peter to get a fish in which he would find a coin in its mouth, but there is nothing about people coming to Him and serving Him in a designated capacity.   There is a note in Luke 8:2, 3 about the women who helped provide for Him from their substance, but that is not so much attending to Him as one would think of a servant or slave, but as helpers assisting the ministry of which He was the leader.   Examples such as Martha serving while Mary listened to Jesus cannot be used to dismiss Jesus' words here. Those were duties people do in their regular lives. Jesus being present was incidental to the fact. In other words, Martha would have served anyone who came into her house in a similar manner.   Jesus' words are referring to a person who actively allowed people to serve Him because they were under Him and designated to do so. And so, to explicitly state that the opposite was true, He continues, saying, “but to attend.”   The disciples had seen Jesus tirelessly serving the masses, tending to them, even at His own expense. He didn't expect people to come to His castle and meet His every need. He was in the thick of the masses of Israel, tending to their needs, both physical and spiritual.   In just a short time from His words to these disciples, He would give them a visual, tangible lesson of servitude, which is recorded in John 13:1-17. The Creator and Sustainer of all things would wash their feet, instructing them on what it means to live a life of servitude. And more, Jesus says, “and give the ‘soul, His' – ransom for many.”   A new word is seen, lutron, something to loosen with. As such, it signifies a redemption price, as in one paying a sum to loosen another's bonds. The word is found only here and in the parallel passage in Mark 10:45. However, it is also used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament over twenty times, including key passages, such as Exodus 21:30, Leviticus 19:20, Proverbs 13:8, and Isaiah 45:13.   The word is used to translate specific Hebrew words (such as pidyon, geulah, and kopher) to indicate a redemption price or ransom paid to liberate individuals, such as slaves, captives, or those subject to the death penalty.   The meaning of Jesus' words is clear and unambiguous. Jesus would give His soul, meaning His life, as a ransom payment for others. This, then, would be the ultimate ministration of His life on behalf of those He came to attend to.   Life application: As noted above, Jesus was among the people of Israel, actively serving them with His life, and yet, the disciples probably never stopped to think, “Jesus is spending all His time serving others.”   They would have heard the teaching and thought, “He sure is a great Teacher.” They would have seen the miracles and thought, “He has the most incredible healing abilities.” But they probably didn't put two and two together to conclude, “Jesus is the most stupendous Servant we have ever seen.”   And yet, this is exactly what He was doing. The teaching, healing, counseling, and training were all forms of service which permeated His existence. As Christians, we can get so myopic about things that we miss the greater picture of what is going on in the world around us.   Some focus so heavily on Israel that they miss what God is doing in the church. Some focus so heavily on the church that they miss what God is doing in regard to Israel. We might focus so much on helping that we never take time to teach personal responsibility. We might focus so much on doctrine that we forget about evangelizing.   This doesn't mean that we don't each have our own specialty that we can excel at. But we should not become so focused on our specialty that we forget that others are doing great things that are not necessarily directly related to what we are doing.   A church that teaches sound doctrine may not have a lot of converts, but a church with very basic doctrine may get multitudes saved. One is not better than the other. Rather, they have different abilities and capabilities that should be considered.   It is great to have converts. People's eternal destinies are changed by that. But it is also great that people don't just get converted and then stagnate. There needs to be proper doctrine taught that will keep people from being led astray.   Let us not get bogged down in our own little circle where we forget that God is doing a great work of building His church with an almost innumerable number of specialties, all of which overlap and are intended to bring His purposes together into a perfect body someday.   Lord God, may we be ready to recognize the value of what others are doing, seeing the importance and effect of their efforts, and acknowledging them as such. It took the disciples of Jesus quite a while to figure out what He was doing. May we be willing to carefully evaluate all You have going on in order to build Your people into an everlasting dwelling. Amen.

Is the God of the Old Testament a rigid judge, while the God of the New Testament is entirely about grace? This week, Shelley and June Volk tackle this common church misconception head-on by dedicating five days to exploring a single, life-altering Hebrew word: Chesed ($C-H-E-S-E-D$). Appearing over 250 times in the Hebrew Scriptures, chesed is so rich that it takes a beautiful tapestry of English words to define it—encompassing kindness, loving kindness, mercy, goodness, favor, and compassion. It is the very word used for "grace" when the New Testament is translated back into Hebrew. Join the Volks as they journey from the desert of Arizona straight into the wilderness of Psalm 63, uncovering how to move past transient, temporary circumstances and anchor your soul to eternity through the faithful, enduring chesed of God. Shelly has served the body of Christ as a Pastor for over 35 years. He is a bible teacher and conference speaker on the subjects of The Kingdom of God, The Mystery of Israel & The Church and for God’s people to be prepared in their hearts for the end of this age. https://shellyandjunevolk.com/Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us Fan MailTwo words change the whole mood of Romans 3: “But now.” After Paul shuts down every attempt to earn acceptance through law-keeping, he opens the door to real hope: the righteousness of God manifested apart from the law. We take Romans 3:21 slowly and plainly, showing why the law was never designed to make sinners righteous, but to expose sin, stop our excuses, and point us to God's provision instead of our performance.From there, we dig into what “witnessed by the law and the prophets” actually means. Paul doesn't treat the gospel as a brand-new idea disconnected from the Old Testament. We trace the Bible's own language of witness through John 15 and the book of Acts, then tie it to Hebrews 12's “cloud of witnesses” and 1 John 5's insistence that believers carry the witness within. That thread leads us into a thoughtful, Scripture-first challenge to a common end-times claim: the “two witnesses” as Moses and Elijah. We explain why the more consistent reading is the unified testimony of God's people across the old covenant and the new.We close by landing on Romans 3:22, where righteousness comes “by faith of Jesus Christ” and rests “upon all them that believe,” with no difference between Jew and Gentile. If you've ever wondered whether God's righteousness can really be yours without being polluted by your failures, this conversation aims to make Paul's argument feel both clear and personal. Subscribe for more Bible study, share this with a friend who's stuck in performance-based faith, and leave a review with your biggest question about righteousness and justification.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

The 10 Commandments E13 — We've arrived at the 10th and final commandment, which feels very different from all the ones that came before it: “Do not desire … anything that belongs to your neighbor.” While most translations use the word “covet,” we simply find khamad, which is the general Hebrew word for desire. All the other commandments involve observable actions, but desire is entirely internal. So why does God warn us about desiring things that belong to our neighbor? In this episode, Jon and Tim finish the 10 Commandments by showing how this command works as an undercurrent beneath all the others. FULL SHOW NOTES For chapter-by-chapter summaries, biblical words, referenced Scriptures, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode. CHAPTERS The Meaning of “Desire” (0:00-21:13) How the Hebrew Bible Talks About Desire (21:13-37:21) What All Our Desires Point To (37:21-59:30) OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT View this episode's official transcript. THE 10 COMMANDMENTS BIBLEPROJECT TRANSLATION View our full translation of the 10 Commandments. REFERENCED RESOURCES Find the related animated video for this episode here. Find the 10 Commandments full collection of resources here. “The Twofold Center of Christian Ethics: Christian Freedom and God's Commandments” by Reinhard Hütter (essay in The Promise of Lutheran Ethics, edited by Karen L. Bloomquist and John R. Stumme) The Ten Commandments: Interpretation: Resources for the Use of Scripture in the Church by Patrick D. Miller Check out Tim's extensive collection of recommended books. SHOW MUSIC “Morning Light feat. Oly.Lo” by Lofi Sunday “Hilltops feat. JK Beatbrook” by Lofi Sunday BibleProject theme song by TENTS  SHOW CREDITS Production of today's episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey and Aaron Olsen edited today's episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to Week 4 of This Is the Old Testament! Amanda and Raechel are joined by Dr. David Filson to discuss the next five books of the Old Testament: Psalms through Isaiah. As we continue our seven-week survey of the Old Testament, Dr. Filson reminds us that Christ holds all things together.Open your Bibles with us this week! This episode corresponds to Week 4 of She Reads Truth's This Is the Old Testament reading plan. You can read with the She Reads Truth community on our site, in our app, or with our This Is the Old Testament printed or digital Daily Reading Guide.In this episode:Use code NT15 for 15% off the This Is the New Testament collection at ShopSheReadsTruth.com.She Reads Truth on Instagram & FacebookRaechel Myers on InstagramAmanda Bible Williams on InstagramDavid Filson on Instagram*If you purchase something through our links, She Reads Truth may earn an affiliate commission.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Magellan AI - https://docsend.com/view/5vdvbdx7cr4tikmyPodscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

CheckoutThe God Centered Concept Academy Training Community to learn what growth in Christ ishttps://api.tuvu.com/redirectGroup/6a2ac0e2c9f728027338244cCheck out this link to view Kingdom Cross Roads on TV.https://jesussaid.tv/?affiliate=tswright_gccTo get a copy of our new book "Embracing the Truth" or to have TS Wright speak at your event or conference or if you simply want spiritual or life coaching or just a consultation visit:www.tswrightspeaks.comVisit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation.www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.In this episode of Kingdom Crossroads, TS Wright welcomes Matthew Mark McWhorter, author of Canon Crossfire, for a thoughtful conversation about faith, Scripture, evidence, and the formation of the biblical canon.Matthew shares how his journey began not in church, but through a personal crisis. After facing cancer and surviving a massive “widow maker” heart attack, he began reading the Bible seriously for the first time. As someone trained as a lawyer, Matthew approached Scripture through investigation, evidence, and comparison—reading across multiple Bible translations and Christian traditions.The conversation explores Matthew's path from skepticism to faith, including how books like The Case for Christ and Evidence That Demands a Verdict helped him examine whether Christianity is true. Matthew explains why he believes Christians must be grounded not only in the goodness of Christianity, but in the truth of Christianity.TS and Matthew also discuss Matthew's book, Canon Crossfire, which addresses questions surrounding the Old Testament canon, the differences between Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Ethiopian, and other biblical traditions, and why simplistic answers about the canon can create problems when examined historically.A major theme of the episode is the importance of honest investigation. Matthew encourages believers, students, pastors, and scholars to look carefully at the evidence, especially when discussing disputed books such as 2 Maccabees and the broader historical development of the Bible.In This EpisodeTS and Matthew discuss:Matthew's personal testimony and health crisisHow reading the Bible changed his lifeWhy Christianity's truth claims matterThe role of apologetics in strengthening faithThe historical complexity of the biblical canonDifferences among Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Ethiopian, and Syriac canonsAthanasius and the early recognition of the New Testament writingsWhy Christians should avoid shallow answers when defending ScriptureMatthew's book Canon CrossfireWhere listeners can find Matthew's workGuest ResourceLearn more about Matthew Mark McWhorter and his book at:CanonCrossfire.comMatthew also mentions that his book is available in multiple formats, including print, ebook, audiobook, large print, and free copies for seminarians.Mentioned in this episode:TUVU - God Centered Concept Academy

Join Lynne Hilton Wilson for an insightful discussion on the women of Samuel and 1 Kings, including Bathsheba's story of seduction, abuse of power, and tragedy surrounding David's actions. This episode also explores the difficult questions surrounding plural marriage in the lives of David and Solomon, examining the historical, cultural, and spiritual context of these Old Testament accounts. Discover deeper perspectives on faith, agency, leadership, and the consequences of choices in the lives of Israel's kings and the women affected by them.

Today we're studying 1 Samuel 17:46, 48 in just one minute! Grab your scriptures and let's dive into them together!And grab study guides for the whole family here: -Grab Kristen's copies of helpful PDFs and study guides here: https://shop.kristenwalkersmith.com/products/ Check out her YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@startherestudy/shorts- To get Cali's scripture study guide for adults click here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSSOr purchase on Amazon: https://a.co/d/06bWsVYVGet our NEW 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0p3Ds0t Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick explores Eucharistic ministry procedures, relics, and the reality of suffering after loss while encouraging listeners to seek consolation in faith and small acts of kindness. Listeners hear about the value and challenges of aging, reflections on retirement, practical grief resources, and faith questions on biblical events and Catholic practices, all flowing through real calls and heartfelt advice. Email - When an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion has one or two extra consecrated hosts remaining after distribution (whether after Mass in the sacristy or from bringing Communion to a nursing home), must they be returned to the ciborium in the tabernacle, or may the EMHC reverently consume them? (00:38) Daphne - I have a third-class relic touched to the bone of St. Philomena. When I die and if I'm a saint, will that become a 2nd or 3rd class relic? (03:24) Camille (email) - I have a "lazy" retirement, and I donate lots of clothes Alan - I work in a think tank for senior issues. I don't believe in retirement since you can die much younger if you aren't active. (09:26) Audio: Pastor Charles Swindoll drive-through joke - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qn_4yeYFXs (17:31) Jim – We lost our child a year ago and I’m looking for resources for my depression and anger (19:58) Grant - I'm in his same diocese as Jim. The Catholic charities in Winona MN have the counseling that he is looking for. (29:10) Paul (email) – Did the transubstantiation occur at the Last Supper? And if so, how, since he hadn’t yet gone through the Passion and resurrection yet? (31:06) Arthur – Is Pilates okay for physical therapy and exercise? (34:52) Jude - Matthew 2:19-22. Why is Joseph having conflicting dreams? (39:41) Kade (12-years-old) - In the Old Testament, why does God seem sort of stand-offish? (42:51) Cecilia - We also lost a child who was 23. We found a support group 'Compassionate Friends' which was a huge help. Crying is a healing process. (48:28)

Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father… So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43–45, 48The Law of Moses, contained in the first five books of the Old Testament, taught the importance of loving one's neighbor: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:18). “Neighbor” in this context primarily referred to fellow Israelites, reinforcing the bonds of charity and unity among God's chosen people. However, the Law also commanded kindness toward foreigners: “When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress him. He shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself” (Leviticus 19:33–34). God's command to love was never meant to be limited to Israel alone.As centuries passed, some teachers of the Law began to distort its meaning. Jesus identifies one such misinterpretation in today's Gospel: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'” While the command to love one's neighbor was indeed found in the Torah, the phrase “hate your enemy” was not. Rather, it was a human distortion that had taken root in certain circles. Some Jewish sects, like the Essenes, promoted separation from outsiders, even calling them “sons of darkness” (1QS 1:10). While the Pharisees weren't as extreme, they often limited love to their own religious and ethnic communities.Jesus corrects this error by revealing the fullness of divine love: “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Perfect charity is a high calling. It is not selective but reflects the boundless love of God, who “makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). Christ calls His followers to move beyond natural human affection to a supernatural charity that embraces even those who persecute us. This love is not merely a feeling but an act of the will, a participation in the very perfection of God: “So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”It's important, however, to distinguish between the charity that we offer everyone unconditionally and the bonds of unity forged by love that is reciprocal. When charity is offered to those who persecute us, it might feel uncomfortable at first. This form of love, though painful and challenging, has great transformative power. It extends an invitation to the persecutor to turn away from cruelty, repent, and offer love in return.Love of neighbor takes on a deeper dimension when our neighbor also loves God and reciprocates that love to us. This mutual love is not only naturally consoling but also supernaturally unifying, strengthening both individuals as they grow in holiness together.Jesus Himself demonstrated the radical nature of the love He commanded on the Cross when He prayed for His persecutors: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). To love as God loves is to transcend worldly divisions and become true children of the Father, offering love to everyone, no matter how they treat us. Though this perfection is difficult to attain, we must never tire of striving for that ideal in our daily lives. Reflect today on those whom you love. Begin by savoring the consolation and strength you receive from relationships that are mutually reflective of God's perfect love. Then turn to those who are difficult to love. Resolve to love them and pray for them. Ask God to purify your heart of any hurt or resentment, and strive to reflect the Father's love. Let His compassion flow through you, like the rain that falls on both the just and the unjust, making you a true child of your Father in Heaven. God of all perfection, Your love knows no bounds; it is freely offered to all, both the good and the bad alike. Those who receive and reciprocate Your divine love are drawn into communion with You, sharing in Your very life, while those who reject it remain trapped in the darkness of sin. Please free me from all bitterness and resentment, purify my heart, and teach me to love as You love, so that I may truly be Your beloved child. Jesus, I trust in You.  Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Correction Without Condemnation by Autumn Dickson David is one of our center characters this week as he rises to the throne and protects Israel. There are a lot famous stories this week, including the famous story of David and Goliath. However, I want to talk about a lesser studied portion of the Old Testament. It's a relatively tiny detail, but it can teach us a lot. David has conquered Jerusalem and brought the Ark of the Covenant there. After all the celebration, David is sitting in his palace and it occurs to him that the Lord doesn't have a proper place of worship. David is living in a house of cedar, but the Lord only has a tent. David feels a desire to correct this and approaches Nathan about it. Nathan approves and tells David to do what his heart desires; the Lord is with him. Later on, the Lord corrects Nathan. 2 Samuel 7:12-13 12 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. So interestingly enough, the Lord disagreed. That night, the Lord sends a revelation to Nathan. David will not build the temple; his son will. David is associated with war, and the Lord approved much of that conquest. However, from a symbolic and theological standpoint, the temple is associated with peace and rest. Solomon's reign was associated with rest, and so he was the one to build the temple. Nathan passes the message on to David, and David accepts this answer from the Lord. Perhaps this doesn't seem like that big of a deal in comparison to other scripture that we're reading this week, but that's actually partially my point. Making a decision all on your own and then being corrected by the Lord doesn't have to be that big of a deal. Let's delve in a tad deeper. Sometimes we get really caught up in making sure we're following the Lord. The problem isn't wanting to follow the Lord; the problem comes when we make it a problem. There are two fears that we can often run into in regards to revelation: Fear one. We don't want to do wrong by the Lord and get in trouble. I'm not 100% where this fear comes from…probably Satan? The Lord tells us over and over and over that He loves us and wants us to try and act. Yet despite His assurances, we get nervous about doing things wrong. As far as I can tell, the Lord wasn't angry with David or Nathan for getting excited about building a house for Him. I would be shocked if the Lord was anything less than beaming over two of His sons trying to worship Him. That didn't mean it was the right direction, but the Lord wasn't mad about it. The Lord wants us to act and move forward and do good things of our own free will. He will course correct as necessary. Which leads me to my next point. Fear two. Even if the Lord isn't angry, we don't want to end up in the wrong direction. We're often afraid to move forward without the explicit green light from the Lord. We don't want to take the wrong steps. When we were looking to get a house, I was really worried about making the wrong decision. I was praying about it and praying about it and praying about it. Conner didn't. I had a hard time wanting to move forward without the Lord's approval, but he approached the situation very differently. He weighed the pros and cons and went over our finances. He made the best decision he could with the information he had. And that was it. I don't think he prayed about it even once. It used to worry me. I wanted him to seek out the Lord's will more often than I thought he was, but I had an experience with him that shifted my perspective. We were looking at getting a car years and years ago. We stopped to look at this van on our way to a family dinner. I stayed in the car while he went and looked at the van. When he climbed back in, I asked if we were buying it. He answered in the negative. I asked him what was wrong with it (he's worked as a mechanic previously), and he told me that he didn't see anything that was wrong with it. When I asked him why we weren't buying it, he replied, “I had a bad feeling about it.” Conner didn't necessarily wait for green lights, but he listened to red lights when they came along as needed. That was the first step in a journey that changed how I approach revelation. I no longer feel held back by fear. I'm not afraid of the Lord being mad. I recognize that the Lord wants me to be wise like Him, and that requires practicing my decision-making skills like Him. He knows that allowing me to make decisions also means that I'm going to make mistakes, but He's not worried about that. Not to mention, He's happy to course correct as necessary. I make a decision that I truly want and think is best, and I trust Him to speak to me if I'm wrong. That's how I pictured the context of this particular conversation between David and Nathan. They were rejoicing and ready to worship the Lord. They were purposefully thinking of Him and trying to do good works without being directly asked. Then the Lord simply corrected them as needed. We can move forward in faith and excitement and trust the Lord to close the door or correct us if it's not the right path. There is no reason to be afraid. I testify that the Lord wants us to make decisions and become wise like Him. There is no other way to do this except to practice. I also testify that He is powerful and knows how to speak with us. He doesn't give us our agency so that He can condemn us when we make mistakes. He paid for those mistakes and stands ready to help us along. He knows how to speak to you if you're trying to listen. Trust that He can lead you along. Be excited about the decisions before you; the Lord can turn them all for your good when you're seeking to worship Him. Autumn Dickson was born and raised in a small town in Texas. She served a mission in the Indianapolis Indiana mission. She studied elementary education but has found a particular passion in teaching the gospel. Her desire for her content is to inspire people to feel confident, peaceful, and joyful about their relationship with Jesus Christ and to allow that relationship to touch every aspect of their lives. Autumn was the recipient of FAIR's 2024 John Taylor Defender of the Faith Award. The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – 1 Samuel 17–18; 24–26; 2 Samuel 5–7 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Welcome to Day 2883 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2883 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 135:15-21 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2883 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2883 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. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Silent Idols and the Living King of Zion In our previous stop along this grand, poetic landscape, we explored the powerful, historical midsection of Psalm One Hundred Thirty-Five, verses eight through fourteen. We watched the temple liturgy transform into a dramatic victory march through time. We looked back at how Yahweh systematically dismantled the greatest earthly empires, and broke the power of the dark spiritual principalities operating behind the scenes. We stood in awe as the Divine Warrior shattered the gods of Egypt, and slaughtered the terrifying giant rebel kings, Sihon of the Amorites, and Og of Bashan, who ruled over the demonic stronghold of the underworld gates. We celebrated the truth that Yahweh vindicates His people, and pours out His fierce, fatherly compassion upon His treasured heritage. Today, we have arrived at the magnificent, soaring finale of this great temple hymn. We are completing our journey through Psalm One Hundred Thirty-Five, by exploring verses fifteen through twenty-one, in the New Living Translation. The psalmist shifts his strategy one final time. He has already proven Yahweh's supremacy over nature, and His absolute dominance over history. Now, he launches a devastating, mocking, and highly sarcastic assault against the very nature of the gods worshiped by the surrounding nations. He forces the congregation to confront the ultimate, ridiculous contrast between a living, speaking, and history-shaping Creator, and the dead, manufactured metal status symbols of the rebel powers. Let us step onto the trail, open our minds, and listen to the final verdict of the cosmic courtroom. The first segment is: The Pathetic Anatomy of Manufactured Gods Psalm One Hundred Thirty-Five: verses fifteen, sixteen, and seventeen. The idols of the nations are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and mouths but cannot breathe. The final indictment begins with a brutally honest, reductionist look at the objects of pagan devotion. “The idols of the nations are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and mouths but cannot breathe.” To fully unlock the brilliant sarcasm, and the intense spiritual warfare embedded in these three verses, we must look through the lens of the Ancient Israelite divine council worldview, as masterfully taught by Doctor Michael S. Heiser. In the ancient Near East, the surrounding pagan nations did not believe their gods were only pieces of wood or metal. They knew the statues were made by craftsmen. However, they practiced a highly elaborate, mystical ritual known as the "Washing of the Mouth," or the "Opening of the Mouth." Through these esoteric ceremonies, pagan priests believed they could enchant the physical statue, prompting a territorial spiritual entity—a rebel elohim of the divine council—to actually come down, inhabit the metal image, and animate it. The idol was viewed as a localized, physical conduit for a supernatural power. The pagans believed that through these animated statues, their gods could look at their sacrifices, hear their prayers, and speak prophetic directions over their empires. The psalmist stands in the courts of Yahweh, looks at these highly intimidating, gold-plated cultural icons, and completely exposes them as a cosmic fraud. He strips away the mystical propaganda, and mocks the absolute helplessness of the material. He says, “Look closer at these terrifying gods of Babylon, Egypt, and Canaan. What are they, really? Strip away the smoke and mirrors, and they are merely static pieces of silver and gold. They are completely dependent upon the very humans who built them. If a human hand didn't shape them, they wouldn't even exist!” He then executes a brilliant, sensory takedown of their anatomy. He catalogs their organs, matching them against their total lack of functionality. “They have beautifully carved mouths, yes, but they are utterly mute. They cannot speak a single word of comfort, or declare a single true prophecy. They have glistening, jeweled eyes, but they are completely blind. They cannot see the suffering of their followers, or perceive the movements of history. They have elaborate ears, but they are totally deaf to the cries of the oppressed. They have a second mouth carved on their faces, but there is absolutely no ruach—no breath of life, no spirit—inside their lungs.” This is a devastating, logical checkmate. In the ancient world, breath was the defining evidence of life. Yahweh is the self-existent, living God who breathed the breath of life into the nostrils of humanity, and who effortlessly controls the winds of the cosmos. But the gods of the nations are spiritually suffocating. They are paralyzed, inanimate prisoners trapped inside their own expensive silver and gold armor. Why would an intelligent, eternal human being bow down to a physical object that possesses less vitality than a common insect? The second segment is: The Ontological Decay of the Idolater Psalm One Hundred Thirty-Five: verse eighteen. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them. Having exposed the pathetic nature of the false gods, the psalmist delivers a chilling, psychological, and spiritual law of human nature. “And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them.” This is one of the most profound, terrifying warnings in the entire Old Testament. It outlines the law of spiritual assimilation: you will inevitably become just like the object of your ultimate alignment. You cannot give your worship, your devotion, and your deepest trust to a specific spiritual system without taking on the ontological characteristics of that system. In the biblical worldview, human beings were uniquely created to be the tselem—the physical images and reflections—of the living God, Yahweh. We were designed to mirror His life, His speaking truth, His clear-seeing justice, and His active compassion into the physical realm. But when a human being turns away from the Creator, and locks their loyalty onto the dead, manufactured systems of the rebel principalities, a horrific process of spiritual deformation begins. The psalmist is saying, “If you trust in a mute, blind, deaf, and breathless god, your own soul will slowly become mute, blind, deaf, and breathless.” The craftsmen who forge these idols, and the cultures that depend upon them, suffer a catastrophic degradation of their humanity. They lose their spiritual perception. They develop mouths, but they can no longer speak words of true wisdom or justice. They have eyes, but they become entirely blind to the cosmic reality of God's sovereignty. They have ears, but they become totally deaf to the warnings of divine judgment. They become spiritually dead, hollowed out, and as lifeless as the silver and gold statues they worship. To worship a fraud is to transform your own life into a permanent illusion. The Third segment is: The Unified Anthem of the True Council Psalm One Hundred Thirty-Five: verses nineteen and twenty. O family of Israel, praise the Lord! O family of Aaron, praise the Lord! O family of Levi, praise the Lord! All you who fear the Lord, praise the Lord! In stark, brilliant contrast to the silent, suffocating isolation of the idolaters, the psalmist turns back to the vibrant, living congregation of Zion. He organizes the assembly into concentric circles of roaring, unified praise, calling upon each sacred order to testify against the darkness. “O family of Israel, praise the Lord! O family of Aaron, praise the Lord! O family of Levi, praise the Lord! All you who fear the Lord, praise the Lord!” Notice the beautiful, structured hierarchy of this liturgical call. He begins with the widest circle of covenant identity: the “family of Israel.” This is the entire nation, the collective segullah—the private, prized treasure of Yahweh. They are commanded to raise their voices to boast in the God who physically pulled them out of the jaws of Egypt. Then,...

This is a story of Jonah is about obedience.  It's about someone who loves God, someone who has been used by God in great ways, and someone who wants to serve God with all of his heart.  It's a story about a man who hears from God.  But the big point of this story is that it's a man who doesn't want to do what God is asking him to do.  Instead, he runs away.Main Points:1.  The Old Testament story challenges us because there is a little of Jonah in us too.  We are sometimes conflicted.  We can struggle with some of the things God says.  We read His Word and He asks certain things of us and we don't always like what we read. 2. Jonah is called by many the “reluctant prophet.”  I think that's an appropriate nickname.  But we can't be too harsh on Jonah because we too are often reluctant to obey God. Sometimes, we too would like to get on a ship and go the other way instead of obeying Him.3. There are so many things God will say to us as we follow him.  He is shaping us.  He is molding us.  He is making us more like Jesus.  He is deepening and maturing our faith but it requires obedience.  It requires us to be willing and to cooperate with his Word.Today's Scripture Verses:Jonah 1:1-3 - “The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.”Psalm 139:7-8 - “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”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

Original Post Date: June 17, 2024 === Gospel Matthew 5:38-42 Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.” Reflection The transition between the Old and New Testament is very clear here. In the Old Testament, because of the condition of human beings, the most that they were asked to do was to be fair. If someone hurt you, you could hurt them back. If someone took something from you, you could take something back from them. But here Jesus begins to reveal the new kingdom, the kingdom of God. It is based not in justice, but in service. In love. And what he's simply asking you to do is consider first the needs of someone else before you consider your own. Closing Prayer Father, when we seek to be more generous, we need to realize how you have promised your spirit dwelling within us. We cannot be who God wants us to be without God living within us, loving through us, those that are in need. Bless us with this conviction and this understanding of the Kingdom. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hebrews 13:5–6 offers a powerful reminder that God’s presence is unwavering, even in moments of rejection, fear, or emotional pain. In this devotional, Emily Rose Massey reflects on the deep wounds that come from feeling abandoned or dismissed, and how those experiences can linger long after the moment has passed. Through personal reflection and Scripture, she points readers back to the unchanging truth that God does not forsake His children. Highlights Emotional wounds from rejection can linger and shape how we trust others. Human relationships are imperfect, but God’s presence is constant and unchanging. Hebrews 13:5–6 reassures believers that God will never forsake them. Jesus personally experienced rejection, betrayal, and abandonment. God’s faithfulness provides healing for deep emotional pain. Forgiveness is a pathway to freedom from bitterness and resentment. Our identity is secured in God’s love, not human approval. Drawing near to God brings comfort in seasons of emotional distress. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: God Doesn’t Reject His Children By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading:“…for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5b-6, NASB). I woke up one morning recently crying after having a very vivid, heart-piercing dream. It was almost as if my current heart-struggle was being played out right before me; I could honestly see this dream happening in reality. The words spoken (in the dream) to my husband and me cut to the core, and they hurt so badly that my first reaction was tears so strong they stained my cheeks when I awoke. Being a storyteller allows for intense dream-tales in my mind while I’m supposed to be resting, sleeping. It’s something I have always dealt with since I was a child- I wake up trying to shake the mental visions, telling myself over and over again that it’s not real. Eventually, the emotions fade, and I can go on with the rest of my day. In this recent instance, I had trouble getting past the pain and just began talking to God about it. It was obvious and simple- I was still dealing with rejection, and it still hurt, but I was reminded that there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). Although Proverbs 18:24 doesn’t necessarily say that friend is Jesus, I know that He will always be there for me even when everyone else fails me. Scripture tells us that God never leaves us or forsakes us in Deuteronomy 31:6. This truth from the Old Testament about our never-changing God is also stated again as a reminder in Hebrews 13, along with this powerful truth that people will fail us, and people may reject us, but we should not fear, for God is on our side. He is our helper. “…for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5b-6, NASB). Intersecting Life & Faith: When we face rejection from others, we must remember that Jesus understands rejection better than anyone, as He has experienced it firsthand. Many people rejected Jesus (and continue to do so) while He was here on earth, even one of His very own disciples (Judas), rejected Him and betrayed Him. And just a couple of hours later, another one of His closest disciples (Peter) rejected knowing Him. Three times to be exact. Aren’t you so thankful for Jesus’ forgiveness when we turn our backs on Him! He gives us so many opportunities to repent and make things right in our relationship with Him! His mercies towards us are new every single morning… oh, what love! Has the pain of rejection made it difficult for you to trust others? Lay that pain at the foot of the cross, friend. God can bring healing to the wounds of those who have hurt you and empower you to choose to forgive. Instead of allowing bitterness to take root in your heart, perhaps you should ask the Lord to bless those who have hurt you, even if they don’t want you in their life anymore. Jesus was rejected, yet He took the punishment of our sin out of love for those who would put their trust in Him. No matter how much man rejects us, we must remember that Jesus is the friend who sticks by us no matter what. He will never leave you nor turn His back on you. The Lord understands our pain regarding rejection, and His arms are open wide, so let us be quick to draw near to Him. Lo, He is always with you…even to the end of the age! Further Reading: Isaiah 43:2 Romans 8:38-39 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There are some strange stories in the Old Testament. This summer we dig into them. Join us for B-Sides: Deeper Cuts from the Hebrew Bible.

The Gospel of Matthew is a wonderful book, the first text in the New Testament, which gives us an exciting shift from the prophecies of the Old Testament to the fulfillment of those very prophecies in the person of Jesus. You are sure to be equipped and inspired as Jesus Himself shares about the hope we have, gives practical lessons for how to live life the way God intended, shows the love of God through miracles and healings, and makes a way for you to be reconciled to God for all eternity.  Join Jerry as he dives into Matthew and walks us through the life, ministry and profound teachings of Jesus. There's no better day than today to take your daily reading to another level with The New Testament Daily with Jerry Dirmann—so grab your Bible and let's get started!  Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below:  « FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » To listen to or download more teachings from Jerry and others from Solid Lives ministries, visit our new media library at: https://app.jesusdisciple.com/jesus-way/media-library « THE NEW TESTAMENT DAILY PODCAST » https://thenewtestamentdailywithjerrydirmann.buzzsprout.com « SOLID LIVES » Find out more about the ministries of Jerry Dirmann and Solid Lives at https://www.solidlives.com/  « SUPPORT » You can help us get free resources like this out to more people. Visit https://pushpay.com/g/jdglobal  Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below:FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » Download or listen at https://SolidLivesMedia.com/ ABOUT SOLID LIVES » Find out more at https://www.solidlives.com/SUPPORT » Help us get the word out at https://solidlives.com/give/

Join Caleb and Jason DeRouchie (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) Research Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology at Midwestern Seminary as they explore a Christ-centered interpretation of Scripture, emphasizing the unity, progressive development, and Christological focus of the Bible. Discover a practical framework for reading Scripture through Christ and how Old Testament shadows point to fulfillment in Jesus.Resources:A Redemptive-Historical, Christocentric Approach by Jason DeRouchieDelighting in the Old Testament: Through Christ and for Christ by Jason DeRouchieUnderstanding and Applying Jesus's Bible: The Old Testament for Christians by Jason DeRouchieEnjoying Jesus's Bible: The Old Testament for Christians by Jason DeRouchieHow to Understand and Apply the Old Testament: Twelve Steps from Exegesis to Theology by Jason DeRouchieWhat the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About: A Survey of Jesus' Bible Edited by Jason DeRouchieFive Views of Christ in the Old Testament see chapter and response by Jason DeRouchie40 Questions About Biblical Theology by Jason DeRouchie, Oren Martin, and Andy Naselli

Hebrews 11 is a deep, rich passage that retells the Old Testament through the lens of Christian faith. In this study, Evangelist Gavin Williams examines the chapter as a whole to determine how we can imitate these heroes of faith.

Pastor Greg Laurie helps us become spiritual "heavyweights" - men and women of substance. Tuesday on A NEW BEGINNING, he shows us a contrast with one of the Old Testament's infamous lightweights. Important insights to keep us growing spiritually!Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Early in his sermon, Tim said “American Christianity has largely sentimentalized the New Testament; but you can't do that with the Old Testament.”What do you think it means to “sentimentalize the NT?” How prominent is that in your experience of Christianity? How aware of it have you been or are you now?What things can you recognize and identify as impacts or outcomes of that sentimentalizing? How have those things impacted you and your life of faith?2. The phrase “the Canaanites” acts almost as a shorthand representation for the many smaller kingdoms that operated in the region at the time. These kingdoms operated in the mode of something Brueggemann called the “Royal Consciousness: a culture of domination, consumption, and social control where the few live extravagantly…at the cost of many.”Common objects of worship in these cultures were Baal & Asherah. Baal was the rain and storm god, while Asherah was believed to have power over childbirth and family concerns. The Israelites, as noted in Judges 3:7, don't last long before they lapse into servitude of these two gods.In the cultural & historical contexts of Judges, Baal & Asherah could be understood as objects that were worshipped in attempts to avoid the threats of chaos & barrenness. These two themes have shown up repeatedly in our study of the first Old Testament books.Where, in our own modern cultural context, do you see the same perpetual specters of chaos & barrenness? What does each look like in 2026's America?How do people today try to escape these modern iterations of chaos &/or barrenness? To what extent do you see that dynamic at play within our world today?To what extent is that dynamic at play in you and your life? What things do you pursue as hopeful saviors from these timeless threats? Where do you tend to (consciously or unconsciously) look for rescue or safety in the face of them?3. Tim described a pattern that is present in Judges; it's a cycle that starts with loss of memory resulting in ideological capture.Where can you identify these first parts of the pattern in a more contemporary context?After reviewing the full cycle, how relatable or resonant does this pattern seem today? Does it hold true? Where might you call out additional nuance or variation?Tim said that though this pattern is often referred to as the “sin cycle,” it is, instead, a Redemption Cycle. He added that “failure is the engine of every redemption story.”What do you think about this framing? Where does it hold up? Where might you feel curious about gaps?How might you conceive of yourself within its stages, especially in light of the things you identified in question 2 as places you may turn for safety in the face of chaos and/or barrenness?

Inspiration: Psalm 23Message: Covering Genesis Chapters 37-40

Daily Dose of Hope June 15, 2026   Scripture: 1 Kings 11   Prayer:  Almighty God, Thank you for today and new week.  Thank you for providing for us, caring for us, and protecting us.  Over thousands upon thousands of years, you have taken care of your people.  We give you glory and praise, for who you are.  Thank you, most of all, for sending Jesus, who moved into our neighborhood so that we could begin to understand your love.  Wow.  There are no words to adequately thank you for the sacrifice that saved our lives.  Lord Jesus, we love you and we thank you.  Help us grow in holiness, continue to transform us so we can be a better reflection of you.  In Your Name, Amen   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently working our way through the Old Testament books of 1 & 2 Kings.   Today's reading is 1 Kings 11.  Okay, let's start with the most obvious observation – 700 wives and 300 concubines!  Really?  Did he even know all of their names?  And these women were from many pagan nations all around Israel.  They brought their gods into the palace.  They raised their children worshipping other gods.  What in the world was Solomon thinking?  Where is the wisdom?  Also, I've always found it amusing that the Scripture said that Solomon loved all these foreign women.  How can you love so many women at once?  Maybe lust would have been a more appropriate word.  I didn't do a deep Hebrew word study here but that might be in order soon.   The Scripture says that these women led Solomon astray.  And he didn't just go a little astray, he became totally absorbed in the worship of pagan gods.  He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord.  While it's still shocking, we could kind of see this coming. Those with absolute power and tremendous wealth have a hard time not getting distracted and to say Solomon was distracted is an understatement. The author of 1 Kings says that Solomon's wives led him astray but let's be real, hearts begin to drift far before we make that bad decision. Solomon had probably gradually, slowly been becoming more self-absorbed, self-reliant, and focused on his own wants and needs. Self-importance and arrogance is the beginning of thinking that we don't really need God. We don't need to seek God's will. We've got it all covered.  Who comes to mind from our own society that might be in a similar predicament?   Now, Solomon has broken covenant with God.  He has not held up his end of the deal.  God continually warned him that his prosperity and blessing were contingent on obedience and faithfulness.  Now that Solomon has betrayed God, God will lift his hand of protection.  We begin to see God raise up specific men to come against Solomon.  The united Kingdom will not last.    More tomorrow...   Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

Most people spend their lives waiting to feel ready.Waiting until the doubt fades. Waiting until the fear quiets. Waiting until the assignment feels manageable enough to begin. Waiting for the moment when what is being asked of them finally matches what they believe they are capable of.That moment never comes.And 1 Chronicles 28 reveals why — not as a warning, but as one of the most unexpected revelations in the entire Old Testament about the relationship between the size of the challenge and the identity of the person it was given to.Here is what most people never consider about the challenge in front of them — the size of it is not accidental. The weight of it is not a mistake. And the reason it feels like more than you can handle may be the most important thing God is communicating to you about who you are and what you were made for.There is a moment in this passage where someone received the full scope of what was being asked of them — and what was handed to them in that moment was not encouragement. It was not a gentle invitation. It was the full weight of an assignment that had been prepared before they were ready for it.And then something was said to that person — two specific words — that most people treat as motivational filler. But those two words hold the key to why your biggest challenge and your greatest calling are not opposites.They are the same thing.But there is one more detail. Something in this passage about what was placed in that person's hands before they ever took a single step — something most people never stop to examine — that will permanently change the way you approach every challenge you have been called to face.

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Monday morning, the 15th of June, 2026, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We start in the Book of Deuteronomy 13:1-3:“If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder,…” , ‘Let us go after other gods'—which you have not known—‘and let us serve them,' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet ...“ Then we go straight to the Gospel of John 1:1: ”In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” So how do we identify a false prophet from a man who is a prophet of God? Well, according to the Word of God, very simply. We need to test the spirit and we need to have assurance that this man is talking about the things of the Lord. Remember in the Old Testament when Moses took his stick and it turned into a serpent? The magicians also had sticks and they threw them down and they also turned into serpents. The only difference was that the serpent that came out of the stick of Moses consumed all of the magicians' serpents. The Word of God is true.If we look at John 1:1,”In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Then of course, we need peace. That's the most important thing. If you don't have peace in your heart when someone says to you, ”Let us go and follow something else.” Then you have to check your spirit, ”Holy Spirit, show me.”In John 14:27, Jesus says, ”Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” When in doubt, don't! How many times have we heard that before? The Word of God has never changed. It never will change because the Word of God is Jesus Christ in print. So, if that prophet comes with a word and it lines up with the Bible, that is fine, but if it doesn't line up with the Bible and he tells you it is a new revelation, please folks, do not listen to him and do not have anything to do with him. Jesus bless you and have a wonderful day.Goodbye

Join us as Pastor Tim Powell brings us today's message. To learn more about NLC Greenbrier- TEXT "Greenbrier" TO: 88000 to connect with us!

Is the God of the Old Testament a rigid judge, while the God of the New Testament is entirely about grace? This week, Shelley and June Volk tackle this common church misconception head-on by dedicating five days to exploring a single, life-altering Hebrew word: Chesed ($C-H-E-S-E-D$). Appearing over 250 times in the Hebrew Scriptures, chesed is so rich that it takes a beautiful tapestry of English words to define it—encompassing kindness, loving kindness, mercy, goodness, favor, and compassion. It is the very word used for "grace" when the New Testament is translated back into Hebrew. Join the Volks as they journey from the desert of Arizona straight into the wilderness of Psalm 63, uncovering how to move past transient, temporary circumstances and anchor your soul to eternity through the faithful, enduring chesed of God. Shelly has served the body of Christ as a Pastor for over 35 years. He is a bible teacher and conference speaker on the subjects of The Kingdom of God, The Mystery of Israel & The Church and for God’s people to be prepared in their hearts for the end of this age. https://shellyandjunevolk.com/Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sermon on the Mount: More Than You Think | Matthew 5 | Family Church Matthew Chapter 5 contains some of the most well-known words Jesus ever spoke — and some of the most misunderstood. In this message, our guest speaker walks us through the entire chapter, verse by verse, unpacking what Jesus was really saying in the Beatitudes, in His teachings on murder, adultery, divorce, oaths, and loving your enemies. Here's what most people miss: Jesus wasn't coming to get rid of the Old Testament. He came to complete it — to be the lens through which all of it finally makes sense. And when you read Matthew 5 through that lens, everything shifts. In this message you'll discover: What "poor in spirit" and "blessed are those who mourn" actually mean Why the hunger and thirst Jesus talks about is nothing like a mid-afternoon snack craving How Jesus raises the bar from action to heart — and why that's actually good news What the Sermon on the Mount has to say about your marriage Why "love your enemies" is the most radical thing Jesus ever said This is part of our ongoing series reading through the book of Matthew together — because the Bible is enough.

Send us Fan MailIf Revelation was written for a tiny group of “tribulation saints,” why does it open with Jesus addressing seven churches as golden lampstands? We press that question until it exposes the biggest problem with a church-gone-before-trouble framework: it has to explain salvation, cleansing, and faithful witness after the gospel's ordinary means and the Spirit's sustaining work are treated as absent. We slow down in Revelation 1 and sit with John's vivid line, “I turned… and I saw the voice,” then follow what he actually sees: lampstands that represent churches called to shine in a dark world. That image makes no sense as a message for a church already in heaven, and it forces a more direct reading of the book's audience, purpose, and comfort. Along the way we talk through the “everlasting gospel” in Revelation 14 and why a bare call to fear God and worship the Creator doesn't automatically answer the question of how sinners are saved. Then we connect the lampstands to the Old Testament sanctuary in Exodus and Leviticus, where priests keep the lamps burning continually with pure oil. That background makes Revelation's point unmistakable: Christ stands among His churches in priestly garments to maintain their light. The oil points to the Holy Spirit's sustaining power, trimming the wick points to pruning and correction, and the big takeaway is assurance of salvation and perseverance of the saints. We close with a needed warning for modern church life: keep the gospel simple, guard sound doctrine, resist worldliness, and stop chasing fame that trespasses on God's glory. Subscribe for more Bible teaching on Revelation, the church, the Holy Spirit, and assurance of salvation, then share this with a friend and leave a review. What part of the lampstand imagery challenged you most?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

Send us Fan MailRevelation has a reputation for creating fear, charts, and endless arguments. We take a different route and keep asking one question: where is Jesus in the text, and what does His presence mean for His people right now? Starting with the lampstands, we connect the imagery back to the Old Testament priest tending the lamps and forward to Christ walking among His churches, keeping the light of divine truth burning through the Holy Spirit. That single picture raises a surprisingly practical challenge to popular end-times frameworks like pre-tribulation rapture teaching and dispensationalism. If the church is removed, what happens to the lampstands? If Christ only “walks in the midst” of His churches, where does the world's gospel light come from if the church is gone? We also talk through the claim that Israel and the church are separate peoples, and why the New Testament emphasis on one body of Christ, Jew and Gentile united by faith, matters for how you read Revelation from start to finish. Along the way we anchor the conversation in clear texts like Acts 20:28 and Ephesians 5:25, showing why “purchased with His own blood” isn't just doctrine, it's comfort. We end with a final interpretive crossroads: either Revelation is written to the whole church, or huge portions get dismissed as irrelevant. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by Revelation, this is an invitation to read it as a testimony of Jesus that strengthens endurance and worship. Subscribe, share with a friend who avoids Revelation, and leave a review with the biggest question you're still wrestling with.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

What does Deuteronomy have to do with Jesus? Sure, they're both in the Bible. That's an easy answer, but as with this entire collection of inspired books and letters, Jesus is central. When you look at the heart of the Old Testament, including Deuteronomy, you'll find foreshadowing, prophecy, and symbolism that clearly point to the coming Messiah and His work of redemption. As Pastor Dan examines today's passage, we'll find yet another example of this connection. 

It's the late 1960s, and a California TV repairman named Bob sees an opportunity to help people cheat death with the new science of cryonics. But freezing dead people isn't easy. And apologizing for the mistakes you make along the way? Even harder. Visit thisamericanlife.org/lifepartners to sign up for our premium subscription.Prologue: Host Ira Glass talks about the way most political apologies go, and chats with a man named Derek Jones about similar sorts of apologies among preteen girls and King David, in the Old Testament. (7 minutes)Act One: In the late 1960s, a California TV repairman named Bob Nelson joined a group of enthusiasts who believed they could cheat death with a new technology called cryonics. But freezing dead people so scientists can reanimate them in the future is a lot harder than it sounds. Harder still was admitting to the family members of people Bob had frozen that he'd screwed up. Sam Shaw reports. (42 minutes)Act Two: There's a famous William Carlos Williams poem called "This is Just to Say." It's about, among other things, causing a loved one inconvenience and offering a non-apologizing apology. Producer Sean Cole explains that this is possibly the most spoofed poem around. We asked some of our regular contributors to get into the act. Sarah Vowell, David Rakoff, Starlee Kine, Jonathan Goldstein, Shalom Auslander, and Heather O'Neill all came up with their own variations of Williams's classic lines. (7 minutes)Transcripts are available at thisamericanlife.orgThis American Life privacy policy.Learn more about sponsor message choices.

When a child or a nation chooses a path you are completely against, how do you respond without losing your strength? Discover "The Samuel Principle" and find out why a faith crisis or a transition in leadership is an invitation to evaluate our hearts—not just our outward appearances. Summary: In this episode, we unpack 1 Samuel 8–16, charting the shift from the rule of judges to the era of the kings. We navigate the messy landscape of parental grief, corporate peer pressure, and the personal conversion required to shift from a "hidden" potential to a "magnified" priesthood. The Samuel Principle: We analyze how to implement the three-part divine formula when a loved one exercises their agency poorly: hearken to their voice, protest solemnly, and show them the long-term consequences. Hiding Among the Stuff: We address Saul's overwhelming sense of inadequacy and why we are tempted to bury our potential under worldly distractions when God calls us to step forward. Turned into Another Man: We look at the spiritual alchemy that happens when the Spirit of the Lord comes upon a person, making them unrecognizable to those who only knew their "old" self. The Jurisdiction of Authority: We analyze Saul's fatal overreach at Gilgal, exploring the difference between doing a right thing in a wrong way and why waiting on the Lord's timing is an act of covenant trust. The Heart vs. The Stature: We conclude in Bethlehem, exploring why the Lord refused Eliab's height and chose the ruddy shepherd boy David, reminding us that man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. Call-to-Action: Are you currently hiding "among the stuff" because you feel inadequate for what the Lord is asking you to do? How can David's hidden, shepherd-heart inspire you to step into the light this week? Share your thoughts in the comments! To keep your faith "Unshaken" while we walk through the Old Testament, please like, subscribe, and share this video. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 2:23 When a Loved One Makes a Choice You Don't Agree With 26:00 The Samuel Principle 40:12 The Call of Saul 52:51 Saul Anointed & Transformed 1:05:02 Israel United, Rebuked, & Reassured 1:19:46 Saul Offers Sacrifice 1:26:24 No Smiths in Israel 1:33:20 Jonathan & the Philistine Garrison 1:53:44 To Obey Is Better than Sacrifice 2:15:39 Samuel Chooses David

Listen to Big Picture to get the quick context for this week's reading, 1 Samuel 17-18; 24-26; 2 Samuel 5-7!And grab study guides for the whole family here: - To get Cali's scripture study guide for adults click here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSSOr purchase on Amazon: https://a.co/d/06bWsVYV-Grab Kristen's copies of helpful PDFs and study guides here: https://shop.kristenwalkersmith.com/products/ Check out her YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@startherestudy/shortsGet our NEW 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0p3Ds0t Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.