Podcasts about only god

A new MP3 sermon from Reformation Church of Elizabeth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Only God is Worthy of Our Worship Speaker: Kevin Swanson Broadcaster: Reformation Church of Elizabeth Event: Sunday Service Date: 6/15/2025 Bible: Psalm 96:7-8 Length: 17 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Reformation Church of Elizabeth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Only God is Worthy of Our Worship Speaker: Kevin Swanson Broadcaster: Reformation Church of Elizabeth Event: Sunday Service Date: 6/15/2025 Bible: Psalm 96:7-8 Length: 17 min.

Introduction: Watch Out... (Matthew 6:1–4) Because your MOTIVES MATTER. (Matt 6:1a) Wrong Motive – TO GLORIFY YOURSELF. Right Motive – TO GLORIFY GOD. Matthew 5:16 – In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 1 Corinthians 10:31 – So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Because your REWARD IS AT RISK. (Matt 6:1b–4) Worldly Reward – THE RECOGNITION OF OTHERS. James 1:27 – Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction… James 2:15–16 – If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 – The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart... Eternal Reward – THE RECOGNITION OF GOD. Matthew 25:23 – “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead Matthew 6:1-4What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Why do your motives matter so much to the Lord?In what ways do you see yourself struggling with self-glorification? How can you fight against this sinful trend?Why isn't the worldly reward of human praise worth pursuing after?Why does the Lord want you to be motivated by eternal rewards? Explain why this motivation isn't legalistic or self-centered.BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Open your Bibles to Matthew chapter 6 verses 1 through 4. Matthew chapter 6verses 1 through 4. You know 12 years ago my friends and I took a road trip downto the middle of nowhere Tennessee. My one friend promised us a free stay in aspacious cabin that his dad built right next to a scenic lake. Only one of thoseguarantees end up being true. This day was free but it was free for a reason. Itwas not a spacious cabin it was a glorified shack. It turns out we weren'teven allowed to sleep in the beds we had to sleep on the floor because his daddidn't want us to mess up the beds. We were also not right next to the lake itwas a mile walk through hilly woods and once you got to the beach this is thesite that greeted you. Warning dangerous water because nothing says come on in thewater is fine like a do not swim here sign in the foreground and a nuclearpower plant in the background. You can't really see it but there was a fenced offarea where dozens and dozens of people were swimming and splish plashingaround without a care in the world. I kept thinking to myself what are youpeople doing don't you see the sign I mean can you even miss this sign is thateven possible? It is unmissable. I guess people saw this sign but they justdidn't care. They thought it was a harmless joke and not a serious warning.You know how you respond to warnings says a lot about who you are as a person.The waitress brings you your food and says hey be careful the plate is hot. Whatdo you do in that moment? Do you believe your nice waitress or do you touch it tosee if she's telling the truth? I don't know what's in it for her to lie to youabout the hot plate or you pass by a wet paint sign and you think to yourself isthis actually wet? You decide to touch it right? Or here's a new one I learnedthis week. Did you know in bold letters on the Q-tip box it says do not insertinto ear canal. I was blown away. I've been doing it wrong for all these years.Now that you know are you gonna keep exploring your ear like it's a cave orare you gonna stop doing it? Or you come to a red light at the top of the redlight says no turn on red. But you look both ways and there's no one coming soyou go anyway. Let's move beyond these somewhat funny examples of somethingmuch more important. God's Word is filled with hundreds and hundreds ofwarnings that you can either ignore or take very seriously. This is the firstweek in a new section of our study of the Sermon on the Mount, the heart ofreligion. In Matthew chapter 6 Jesus gives a three-part warning of how youshould and should not approach the spiritual disciplines of giving, praying,and fasting. According to Jesus these disciplines are not just external thingsthat you can check off your to-do list. They are internal indicators of who youreally are and who you are really worshiping. Because Jesus cares how yougive. Jesus cares how you pray. Jesus cares how you fast. The how of thesedisciplines reveal if you are a religious phony or a religious follower ofChrist who is faithful from the heart. This morning we're gonna dig intoMatthew chapter 6 verses 1 through 4 and focus on the warning of our Lord whenit comes to giving of our time, talents, and treasures. Before we get started Iwant to plead with you to not ignore this warning from Christ. Take it veryseriously. Be on guard. Watch out for what he is cautioning you against. Do notclose your eyes to your own sin. Do not think you have it all figured outbecause Jesus has a not-so-secret secret to share with you this morning that youoften lose sight of. The secret to giving is giving in secret. So before wecontinue any further let's go to the Lord and ask for His help. Please pray for meand I will pray for you.Father we come to once again a very challenging and convicting passage inyour word. We're once again we are being exposed not just on the outside but onthe inside. I pray for every single person in this room including myself Lord maywe truly listen to what your word has to say and take this warning with the utmostseriousness. We thank you in advance what you are going to do and we ask allthese things in the name of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen. Alright so watch outnumber one because your motives matter. Watch out because your motives matter.Let's read the first half of chapter 6 verse 1. Jesus says beware watch out ofpracticing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them.It's important to note that Jesus doesn't say it's bad for other people tonotice you practicing your righteousness or doing the right thing in public. Whatdoes he say? Watch out for practicing your righteousness and doing the rightthing in public in order to be seen by others. In the original Greek that phrasein order to be seen it comes from the word for theater. You're putting on ashow. You're pretending to be someone that you are not. You are putting on aninsincere performance. So once again Jesus zeros in on the on the internal. Hefocuses on your heart's greatest desire. It's all about your motive. So let's checkout the wrong motive first. So what is the wrong motive? To glorify yourself. Toglorify yourself. I'm not proud of this but in the past I've done chores aroundthe house in the hopes that my wife will notice my hard work. Is anyone elseguilty of this kind of behavior? Jonathan Trent thank you so much. I am soappreciative. It's just you and me buddy. To be fair all the guys should have theirhands raised as high as humanly possible whenever asked that kind of question.This is so lame to admit but I've done the dishes. Taken out the garbage. Laydown mulch. Cut the grass. Done long past due house projects hoping that mywife will see it and award me husband points. And husband points are a formof currency in marriage that aren't worth as much as you would hope and go asbad as quickly as unrefrigerated fish. All the husbands in the room knowexactly what I'm talking about. In those moments my motive was not to honor mywife but to glorify myself. To show off how great of a husband I am. And whenKate didn't notice what I had done I began to pout and feel disappointed.I only felt that way because I had a bad motive. I wouldn't have felt that way ifI had the right motive which is to be a loving husband who tookresponsibility for his own home. And this proves an important principle.Self-interest and self-glory always lead to self-deception and self-defeat. Withoutfail the most miserable person in every room is the most selfish person in thatroom. The more you make life about you the more unhappy you will find yourself.Maybe that is why you feel so depressed this morning. Maybe that's why you feelso empty right now. You want to be the son at the center of your solar systembut the problem is nobody else cares about your desired position. No one wantsto orbit around your preferences. And you may be wondering how can I tell if I amthis kind of self-glorifying person or not. Well first of all you are this kindof person to some degree and so am I. This problem does exist within your heartat some level. You have to figure out how serious and far-reaching the problemactually is. Here are some things to be on watch for. Do you check out what otherpeople share about their problems? Do you have a hard time being happy for someoneelse when they achieve a goal that you've always wanted to accomplish? When theyreceive a blessing that you've always wanted? Do you always try to one uppeople and have a better story than someone else? Do you always bring thetopic of conversation back to you? What you've done in the past? What you're doingright now? And what you plan to do in the future? Do you get annoyed and evensulky when you don't get your way? Do you push away opportunities to serve andhelp if you don't see what's in it for you? Even though there are tell-talesigns it can be extremely difficult to spot your own narcissism because you areoften blind to it. But other people around you are not. It would be a goodexercise to check in with your family and your friends after church today to askif they see any of these tendencies and how you speak and how you talk and howyou act. And if you ask that question please shut your mouth and open yourears. Stop inserting your opinion. Stop justifying yourself. You will not grow ifyou are more interested in defending yourself than dying to yourself. Startdealing with your problem because I guarantee you that you do have a problem.Stop glorifying yourself because you are not worthy of this act of self-worship.So that's the wrong motive. To glorify yourself. What's the right motive? Toglorify God. To glorify God. So Jesus provides the right motive for doing theright thing earlier in the Sermon on the Mount. Listen to what he has to say inMatthew 5.16. "Let your light shine before others that they may see your good worksand give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Compare that to chapter 6 verse1. "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen bythem." Do you see the difference? Instead of shining the spotlight onto yourselfyou shine on to the only one who is actually worthy of it, the Lord and Himalone. Because this is the reason for which you were created. You exist tohonor God and show a watching world how awesome He truly is. This must be the goalof your marriage. This must be the goal of your parenting. This must be the goal ofyour job. This must be the goal of everything that you do. In 1 Corinthians1031 Paul says this, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to theglory of God. Because any worldly glory that you collect for yourself will besnuffed out when you pass on from this life. But the glory of God is an unendingfire that can never ever be put out." In 100 to 200 years from now you're gonna belong forgotten. No one is gonna be thinking about you. But the name of JesusChrist will stand the test of time. His name will be forever high and lifted up.I'm not a betting man but I can guarantee you with a hundred percentcertainty that you will be rewarded for throwing your chips in with the victoryof God's name and reputation. That is the only motivation that will truly fuelyou. That is the only motivation that will get you across the finish line oflife. So watch out because your motives matter. Secondly, watch out because yourreward is at risk. Because your reward is at risk.Jesus lays out the consequence for doing the right thing for the wrong reasonat the end of verse 1. "Beware of practicing your righteousness before otherpeople in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from yourFather who is in heaven." If you were dominated by the desire to rob God ofhis glory as you do good deeds, you will receive a loud and clear message fromGod. It is the same message that Willy Wonka gave the Charlie and his grandpa atthe end of the Chocolate Factory tour. You get nothing. You lose. Good day, sir.That may seem extreme, but that's what the text says. That may seem harsh, but it'seven better than what you deserve. With that in mind, Jesus continues on with hiswarning in verse 2, "By revealing the emptiness of the worldly reward that youoften settle for. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you,as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and the streets, that they may be praisedby others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. The worldly rewardthat is most tempting to seek after is the recognition of others. Therecognition of others. And notice that Jesus doesn't say, "If you give to theneedy," he says, "when you give the needy." And he says that again in verse 3,"which means that you are expected to help those in need with your time, withyour talents, and your treasures. You are expected by God to care for the orphanand the widow." James 1.27, "A religion that is pure and undefiled before God isthis, to visit orphans and widows in their affliction. You are expected by Godto not ignore the poor, especially those within the body of Christ." Once again,let's read what James has to say. James 2.15 through 16, "If a brother or sisteris poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go inpeace, be warmed and filled without giving them the things needed for the body,what good is that? It is worthless.'" You're expected by God to be generous withthe money in your account, and not hoard it for yourself. 2nd Corinthians 9 verses 6through 7, the point is this, "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, andwhoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he hasdecided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves acheerful giver." Harvest, you are expected to make these kinds of sacrifices. But asyou make these expected sacrifices, you are also expected to not sound a trumpetbefore you, like the scribes and Pharisees did 2,000 years ago. Now, theydidn't literally sound a physical trumpet. They didn't pull a Miles Davis andblast a physical trumpet whenever they did a nice thing or made a donation.Jesus is using an over-the-top and funny illustration to prove a simple point. Donot be an obnoxious jerk who draws attention to himself or herself wheneveryou do the right thing. You know, while you were doing whatever you were doingover the past week, I was racking my brain to think of a modern-day example ofsounding a trumpet before you. And I came up short. So I'm going to ask you guys tosilently brainstorm, because I actually have something I need to do in the meantime,okay? So just be using your brains to think about an example.Alright, don't mind me guys.[laughter]You know what? I don't want to interrupt your brainstorming time, but you know what?This sermon is going really well. And you guys are all just laughing at mystories. I guess really tell that you're dialed into my spot on teaching. I reallythink Facebook needs to know about this. Oh, by the way, have you guys had any luckwith your brainstorming? Wait a minute. Maybe I did stumble upon the 21st centuryversion of sounding a trumpet before you. What do you guys think? Alright, I guessI'll put this away then. You know, seeking after the affirmation and praise ofothers is the heartbeat of the virtual world. People put on a manufacturedversion of themselves. They put their best foot forward. You can post about yourbest day to accumulate the affirmation and adulation of others. Maybe you post astatus on Facebook, a picture on Instagram or real on the TikToks as Pastor Jeffcalls it, that highlights a mission strip, a service project or a charitableevent that you took part in. Now, you can certainly do this in a godly way withgodly intentions, but you can also do it in an ungodly way with ungodlyintentions. You just bask in the glory of the likes and the comments and the heartemojis as human praise begins to pour in. You make a sizable contribution to aGoFundMe page. And instead of remaining anonymous, you put your name right nextto the amount that you donated. And you don't do that to show support. You do itto show off. You want others to be amazed by your big hearted generosity. Some ofyou are feeling pretty safe and sound right now because you don't leave muchof a digital footprint. You don't post anything anywhere. Well, let's movebeyond the bounds of social media because I don't want to leave you out of all thefun. Maybe you can seal a prideful remark of something kind you did as a praiseat a prayer service or at small group. Maybe you accidentally slip in orreference something nice you did while in conversation with someone else. Andyou inwardly hope that they'll take the bait. They'll ask a follow-up question soyou can get the at a boy or at a girl that you are so desperate for. Maybe youlike to brag about your family's accomplishments in the yearly Christmasletter. That's right. I went there. Because some of you may do that. You say that youwant to keep everyone informed about your life, but you actually want to keepeveryone impressed with your life. All of these examples are sounding a trumpet,pulling out the selfie stick so that everyone will notice you because youwant to be the recipient of admiration. You know, whenever I was a full-timeyouth pastor for eight years, I went to a countless number of musicals, trackmeets, games, graduation ceremonies, graduation parties, and before, during, orafter the event, I would track down my student and their parents to let themknow that I was there. Because how could I bless them with my presence if theywere totally unaware of my presence? It's kind of weird to admit, but if Ididn't make myself known or receive credit, it didn't really seem to count.Does that make sense? Does that seem reasonable? But you often feel a verysimilar way when it comes to your acts of good works. To your acts of service. Ifothers don't recognize what you did, it doesn't really seem to count, right? Itmay even seem like a complete waste of time if you do not receive immediatepraise. Jesus says you can blow that trumpet, you can pull out that selfiestick if you want to, knock yourself out. If you do, you will receive the reward ofhuman praise, but that's all you'll get and nothing more. You will get nothingfrom your Father in heaven because you know what? You don't really care aboutwhat He has to give you. What other mere human beings have to offer seems muchmore appealing. But that is so short-sighted because compliments, thank-yous, and awardsfeel good for about 15 minutes. And then you're just jones in for the next dose,right? Praise leaves almost as quickly as it arrives. And you so quickly forgethow little it satisfies you the next time you desire it. In verses 3 through 4,Jesus warns you to long for that which truly lasts. He cautions you to walk thepath of delayed gratification so that you can receive the eternal reward of therecognition of God Himself. So that is the eternal reward, the recognition of God.Let's read verses 3 through 4. "But when you give to the needy," there it is again,"not if, when, when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know whatyour right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret, and your Fatherwho sees you in secret will reward you." As I said earlier, the secret to givingis giving in secret. Jesus says, "not even let your left hand know what your righthand is doing." I just want to give a warning up front. I don't want to offendall the left-handed people in the room with this explanation of theillustration. I love all of you just as much as the normal people in the room.Okay, so don't be offended.Moving on, about 90% of Americans are right-handed, not left-handed. Again, don'thate me, it's just the facts, which means that the majority of people use theirright hand way more than their left hand. So just go with this over-the-top funnyillustration from Jesus. Imagine that your hands can actually speak to eachother. In that scenario, your right hand shouldn't constantly brag about all thethings that it was used to do over the course of the day to the left hand.Instead, it should be quiet. It should be satisfied that it was used instead ofbroadcasting how it was used. Jesus is calling us to a very serious type ofself-denial here. He is saying, "serve me, serve others, and then do your best toforget all about it." Don't keep track. Don't keep score. Don't manage your ownpersonal scoreboard. Don't comb through your mental file of successes and think,"Yeah, I'm doing pretty good compared to most people at church, compared to mostpeople in my small group." That is a complete waste of time and energy. It isnot your job to keep score because you cannot accurately evaluate yourself.Only God can do that. But this kind of self-forgetfulness is so counterintuitiveto us because we all live in a culture that tries to ram self-worth down ourthroats every single chance that it gets. Oh, your self-esteem matters more thananything else. If you don't put yourself first, other people will put you last.Don't forget to love yourself. Give yourself pep talks and tell yourselfhow awesome you are. Is any of that biblical? Why do we often fall for it? TheBible doesn't teach you to have high self-esteem. The Bible also doesn'tteach you to have low self-esteem either. The Bible says to have noesteem, which means that you're not focused on your self-image. You're notobsessed with what other people think and say about you. Instead, you focus onwhat God thinks and says about you because his authoritative opinion mattersthe most. Listen, it does not matter if other people recognize and acknowledgeyour faithfulness. Let me say that again because I really need to hear it. It doesnot matter if other people recognize and acknowledge your faithfulness. Whatmatters is you hear these words from the Lord when you stand before Him one day.Well done, good, and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master. That isthe reward you should long and live for. Jesus says that if you give in secret,your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Jesus isn't saying that youcan earn right standing before God or work your way to heaven. That's notpossible. Salvation is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ andnowhere else. Forgiveness of sin and eternal life are gifts to be receivedby faith, not earned by works. Scripture is so clear on that. But scripture isequally clear that rewards in heaven are diligently earned, not automaticallyreceived. If you honor God in this life, He will honor you in eternity. If youreject temporary rewards that you cannot take out of this world, you will be giveneternal rewards that can never be stolen away from you in heaven. What a promise.That is a heavenly check that will never bounce and it will clear every singletime. So let God keep score because He will reward you. What are these heavenlyrewards? I wish I could tell you but the Bible doesn't give us specificdetails. But I can tell you this, God has never given you a lame gift in the pastand He will not give you a lame gift in the future. If God promises it,trust me, you want it and you will love it. Right now you may be thinking, okay,what do I do when someone else does praise me? This is going to happen at somepoint. Do you just shut them down and say, whoa, whoa, I didn't do this to bepraised by you. You're going to make me lose my eternal reward. Is that what youshould do? That'd be super weird and awkward for the other person. So pleasedon't do that. You should humbly accept this person's compliment and thenredirect their praise to the source and supply of your good works. The love ofChrist and the power of the Holy Spirit. Point the complimenter to God Himself.And this kind of redirect will not lead to a forfeiture of heavenly reward. Ifanything, it will lead to even greater reward because you have rightly handledpraise and you have put it in the place where it truly belongs, which is thehands of Almighty God. You know, compared to some of the weighty topics we'vecovered during the Sermon on the Mount, this passage may seem kind of light andinconsequential to you. But I can assure you that it's not because you're givingand serving in public speaks volumes of who you are in private. This is seriousbusiness. You have received a personal warning from Jesus Himself. He has warnedyou to watch out for the motive of glorifying yourself. To watch out forthe worldly desire to receive worldly rewards. And there are only two responsesto this kind of warning. Indifference or humility. Maybe you don't see any problemwith your motives right now. You don't see any issue for the reward you're livingfor. So you just want to move on with your day. Well, you're free to make thatchoice if you want to, but it is the wrong choice. Because until the day you dieand are in the presence of Christ, your motives will always be tinged withselfishness. Even as I stand before you to preach this sermon, there is selfishnessin my heart. Your motives will never be 100% pure. And you will desire the wrongreward. So please do not choose ignorance because too much is at stake. And maybe youdo see major problems with your motives and the reward you are living for. Youknow that you have to make a change, but you don't know how to make that change.Well, I have good news and bad news for you. Let's start with the bad news. Youcannot change your motives and desires. Are you ready for the good news? God canchange your motives and desires, but this will only happen if you humbleyourself before Him. Admit that you need His help. Submit to the master motivatorand the richest rewarder in the entire universe. Go to the Lord in prayer and dothat right now. Spend some time in prayer.Father, we come to you to lay our motives before you. To lay down the worldlyrewards that we are living for. What help us to remember the only thing that willtruly last is your glory and your name. What help us to live for these rewardsthat last forever and not these worldly rewards that fade away so quickly. AndLord, there's anyone in this room who is not a follower of you and is just stuckin this cycle of glorifying themselves and living for themselves. May they forthe first time submit to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. That they canfulfill the purpose for which you've given them, which is to make much of you.And for the rest of us Lord, help us to remember that biblical goal. To rememberwho we are living for. To remember why we exist. And we ask all these things inJesus' name. Amen.

6/15/2025 Ephesians 4:5-7 One Father of All Intro: We all have an earthly mother. We have an earthly father. But we have a Father in heaven who is our Father over all. The church is one in Him. All others are also under Him. Angels and birth parents are all under Him. He is the One and the Only God, Creator, Lord, Savior and King!

Read Online“All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19–20 (Year B Gospel)Of all the great feasts we celebrate within the Church throughout the year, today's Solemnity presents us with a Mystery that is so deep and transcendent that our eternity will be spent in perpetual contemplation. The Trinity, the life of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, will never get old, never be fully understood, and will be the cause of our everlasting adoration and joy. Though the Church has used philosophical concepts to explain the Trinity, no human concept or description will ever fully explain Who God is. Though we can point to some general truths about God, we will never be able to fully depict the inner essence, depth, beauty and omnipotence of the Trinity.As we consider that fact, it's important to understand that the Trinity is not first a theological mystery we try to define. Rather, the Trinity is first a communion of Persons we are invited to know. We do not primarily come to know God through intellectual deduction. We come to know God through prayerful union with Him. Though theology is exceptionally useful and important, the essence of God is beyond any and every philosophical concept we can define.The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are Persons. And as Persons, they want to be known. And they want to be known primarily through a life of deep and intimate prayer. Praying to One Person, of course, is praying to all, since they are One God. But we are, nonetheless, called to a relationship of love with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. And though our feeble minds may not be able to fully comprehend the essence of God, He will draw us deeper and deeper into a knowledge of Him if we let Him.Prayer often begins by saying prayers, by meditating upon Scripture, and by listening. But true prayer is something much deeper. True prayer is contemplative prayer that ultimately leads to divine union. Only God can initiate this form of prayer in our lives, and only God, through this deep form of prayer, can communicate Himself to us as He is. Some of the greatest mystics of our Church, such as Saint John of the Cross and Saint Teresa of Ávila, explain in their mystical theology that the deepest knowledge of God does not come through concepts or images. In fact, if we wish to obtain a knowledge of God in His essence, we must allow Him to purge every concept of Who He is so that the pure light of His essence can be poured forth upon our minds. This knowledge, they say, is beyond knowing “about” God. It's the beginning of a knowledge “of” God.Reflect, today, upon the Most Holy Trinity. As you do, say a prayer to God asking for a deeper and more intimate knowledge of Him. Ask Him to communicate to you His divine love and to open your mind and heart to a deeper understanding of Who He is. Try to humble yourself before the great Mystery of the inner life of God. Humility before the Mystery of God means that we know how little we know about Him and how little we know of Him. But that humble truth will help you move closer to the deeper relationship of love to which you are called.Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, please draw me into a relationship of love with You Who are one God and three divine Persons. May the mystery and beauty of Your life become more known and loved by me each day through the gift of transforming mystical prayer. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Holy Trinity via Web Gallery of ArtSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

In a world that often feels unjust, how do we keep trusting a God who promises to be both just and loving? In today’s devotional, we turn to Psalm 17—David’s heartfelt prayer in the face of betrayal and injustice—and uncover a blueprint for trusting God even when life feels unfair. Whether you're facing false accusations, broken promises, or just the weight of injustice around you, this episode offers hope and healing in the hands of a just God.

The right to access the tree of life and the right to enter the city, is obtained by continually washing our robes white in the blood of the Lamb, by continually betting our lives on the fact that Only God is Good, for He is our Yahweh Tsidkenu. There are those who are not permitted access to the city, the dogs (those who bite and devour one another), the sorcerers (those who use drugs to connect to the other side), the immoral (those whose very existence is identified by sexuality), and those who practice the lie (those in the household of God who know the truth, but do not live the truth). Jesus clarifies that the entire revelation was given for His bondservants and delivered to the churches. But His target audience is the bondservants, those who become His bride. Download Transcript

The modern world has as many idols as the ancient world, they are just a little more insidious. An idol is not just something we treat as more important than God. God has never been interested in simply being our favorite God, he wants to be our ONLY God. We must make sure we don't worship God on […]

Initial Thoughts and Observations Gratitude for the opportunity to preach. Acknowledges the challenges of preaching, but emphasizes that "the good times carries us through the hard times and the bad times." Humorous observation about Duke being "short in training" to become a song leader. Compares Duke to his father. Jokes about Duke finding a lady in a few years. Encourages joy and laughter in faith, contrasting it with the somber demeanor sometimes seen in Christians. "So many times, the Christians look like they're going to a funeral all the time. They ain't got a smile on their face. They ain't happy in their heart." Scripture Reading: Matthew 13:24-30 (Parable of the Tares) The parable describes a field where an enemy sows tares (weeds) among the wheat. Servants ask if they should remove the tares, but the master says no, to avoid uprooting the wheat as well. The tares and wheat are allowed to grow together until the harvest, when the tares are gathered and burned, and the wheat is gathered into the barn. Prayer Asks for guidance and direction in preaching. Prays for those with sin in their hearts or who have backslidden to return to God. Additional Thoughts and Encouragement Excitement about sharing thoughts received from God. Emphasis on focusing on God and tuning into Him. "Hey, I'm pretty excited. There's a Lord of you out there listening to me out of tune. I'm what you need, brother. We need to focus on me." Stresses the importance of loving one's neighbor and brother. Acknowledges personal experience with backsliding and growing cold with God. Explanation of Tares (Darnel Grass) Darnel grass imitates wheat but produces no seed and has no value. The message is that God wants you. God's Purpose in Difficult Situations Even in jobs we dislike, God has us there as a witness. The remedy is not to pull them up. Understanding the Difference Between Wheat and Tares Farmers who sow seeds regularly can distinguish between wheat and tares. The Bible will preach to the world. During harvest, tares will be gathered. God's Knowledge and Judgment God sees your heart, knows your sin, guilt, and shame. "You got everybody fooled but you ain't never gonna fool God who sees your heart he knows your sin he knows your guilt and he knows your shame." Explanation of Matthew 13:36-43 Jesus explains the parable of the tares to His disciples. The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world. Pranks and Iniquity Recalls playing pranks in the past, such as egging car windows and toilet papering houses. Stopped when they realized it could lead to jail time. In Jesus' time, enemies would sow tares in a person's field as a prank. Those who do iniquity will be cast into a furnace of fire. The righteous will shine forth as the sun. Living a Life That Reflects God How you live your life shows every day. If you cuss around the boys, God knows your heart. God knows everything good and bad and is searching your heart. "He's got you under magnifying glass and He's searching your heart." The Parable of the Tares in the Wind God has us in this world for His glory. It's all about Him and the tares. Transformation Through God Wheat and tares will remain what they are when they grow up. God can change a tare into wheat at any point, even near death. "God, but God, but God, He can change a tare anywhere from His birth until it's almost dead, into a wheat. Only God, only God can do that."

What do you turn to when you are down? Food, relationships, social media, smoking, vaping, alcohol, drugs, music, a sport, a hobby? Why not turn to God? Those other things don't fix anything. They are temporary numbing devices. Only God genuinely and completely fixes us for good. What does God need to fix for/in you now?

How a Strong Identity Defeats Shame: Interview With Pastor Drew Hyun Maybe you're a leader in your church, a high achiever at work, or a dedicated family man—but deep inside, you feel the sting of shame. Maybe it's from mistakes in your past, struggles in your present, or simply the pressure of not living up to what you think you should be. Here's the good news: you don't have to carry it anymore. Pastor Drew Hyun—lead pastor of Hope Church NYC and executive director of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship—shares how God's love offers a radical solution. Not just theologically, but practically. In this powerful teaching, originally given to our men's community, Drew walks us through how to eradicate shame through our identity in Christ. These truths brought tears to the eyes of many men in our program—and it's easy to see why. Because when you truly grasp how deeply you're loved by God, everything changes. The Root of Shame: Why Our Identity Feels So Fragile Pastor Drew's upbringing was marked by harsh parenting, deep wounds, and religious hypocrisy. His father—who eventually became a well-known pastor and author—was emotionally and physically abusive at home, even as he preached about how to raise a godly family. Drew grew up trying to reconcile this contradiction, and his early life was shaped by a relentless drive to succeed, perform, and hide his struggles. Whether you've experienced something similar or not, many of us understand that tension: performing on the outside while hiding pain on the inside. And when we can't live up to the image we've created—shame creeps in. But here's the turning point: our identity doesn't come from performance or other people's approval. It comes from Christ alone. Emotional Health Is Spiritual Maturity As Pastor Drew shared with us, "You cannot be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature.” It doesn't matter how impressive your resume is, how many sermons you've heard, or how many Bible verses you know—if your wife experiences you as unloving, cold, or critical, then something is broken. Spiritual growth isn't just what you do in public. It's who you are in private—especially with those closest to you. The call to emotional health is not just self-help. It's a discipleship issue—and a doorway to freedom. Public Life vs. Private Life Social media, church culture, and cultural expectations often tempt us to present a polished version of ourselves. But that disconnect between our public image and private reality breeds shame. Drew shares how discovering integrity—being whole and consistent, not perfect—transformed his life. He uses this beautiful definition of humility, rooted in the Latin word humus (meaning grounded): “Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It's thinking of yourself less.” When you're grounded in God's love, you no longer need to perform. You can walk in truth, freedom, and consistency—the marks of a mature man of God. Overcoming Shame Through Christ-Centered Identity Shame loses its power when you know who you are in Jesus. Culture tells you to look inside yourself or to please your family and community. But both of those paths eventually fail. Only God's love is unchanging. Here's a mantra Pastor Drew repeats often: "In Jesus, I am fully loved, fully accepted. Nothing to hide. Nothing to prove. Nothing to fear." That's your anchor when insecurity hits. That's your firm footing when shame comes knocking. When you remember this truth, you can stop hiding and start living. What It Means to Be a Bold Yet Humble Christian Leader So what does healthy Christian leadership look like? It's not puffed-up pride. And it's not self-defeating shame. It's humble boldness—a leadership style rooted in identity, not insecurity. Drew points to Jesus as our ultimate model. He is both Lion and Lamb—powerful and gentle, bold and self-sacrificing. When your worth is secure in Christ: You don't feel inferior to anyone. You don't feel superior to anyone. You can love boldly and lead without fear. As Drew puts it, “I don't need to perform. I just need to show up as my honest self—and be a conduit of God's love.” Why Your Marriage Is a Miracle in the Making Your marriage isn't just for your happiness—it's a sign and wonder to the world. Ephesians 5 calls marriage a “mega mystery” that reflects the love between Christ and His Church. That means your pursuit of your wife—emotionally, physically, spiritually—is a living picture of Jesus' relentless, selfless love. Even if things feel strained right now, even if your wife is distant or hurting—your love still matters. Your kindness. Your self-control. Your forgiveness. Your joyful pursuit. They point to the God who never gives up on us. Final Thoughts: You Are Deeply Loved—Right Now You might feel like you've failed too much or that your shame disqualifies you from being a great husband. But that's not what Jesus says. As Drew puts it, “You are more sinful than you dare believe. And more loved than you dare hope.” That truth sets men free. So if you've stuck your foot in your mouth, if your wife seems distant, if your spiritual walk feels stale… Take a deep breath. You are fully loved. Fully accepted. Nothing to hide. Nothing to prove. Nothing to fear. With love, The Delight Your Marriage Team PS - If you're ready to be discipled and join a community of men or women that are passionately pursuing Christ and His purpose their marriage, we would love to talk to you! Check out delightyourmarriage.com/cc for more information. PPS - Here is a quote from a recent graduate: "Years ago I prayed to God for a short life. I didn't want to break my marriage vow, but I didn't see how I could be happy with him and it was getting harder as the children became adults...Now I enjoy spending time with him...Physical intimacy is better than ever. He cares about me and I feel secure. When we come together physically, we feel closer and both of us look forward to it! I miss him when he gets busy with work and would be devastated if something happened to him."    

Only God sees the whole story, and the backstory from every angle, and only God is qualified to judge us. We may judge others and ourselves much too harshly, or we may not care enough to speak up when someone is in need of guidance. in Psalm 98 we see the whole earth become animated and rejoice because God is coming to judge, and He will get it right. The wonderful Colin Heinrich sings "Face to Face".     Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Preorder Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Chad Bird  

Mike Massey (00:00)Jesus is dead. Wait, what? All right. This is what the majority of the world believes. What do you believe? What do you think? Did he rise from the dead? Because if you don't believe he rose from the dead, then you don't believe he's God. Only God could come to earth in the form of a human and die and pay the price for our sins. He's the only one qualified.There are so many people who say, yeah, he's dead. He was a good teacher, a good moral teacher, but he's gone. No, no, no. Right. Even the Muslims, you can look in the Surah and they believe that Jesus did not die, but went to heaven. We'll later come back and then die at that point in time. But Jesus is not dead. We're going to get into that in Hebrews chapter 13, verse 20. And just a second talking about God, father raising him from the dead. But right now we're going to start with chapter 13 verse18 let's go pray for us for we are confident that we have a good conscience and all things desiring to live honorably. Pray for us. Do you understand how powerful prayer is? It is so wonderful when someone says to me and to you, I will pray for you. Let me pray for you right now. Let's not underestimate or undermine prayer. is powerful means of communication. It's a powerful form of bonding to people that we're not even with at that moment.Because when you pray for someone, you have a heart for them. So don't forget to pray, pray for people and pray for them right there on the spot. Don't just say you're in my thoughts and prayers, right? No, no, no. And don't just say, I'll pray for you. Say, I'll pray for you. You know what? Let me pray for you right here, right now in the middle of this mall, in the middle of the store, in the middle of the street, in the middle of the office, wherever it is, do it right then, right there. It's one of the most powerful things you'll ever do in your life. promise. How do I know this? Because I learned it.and I continue to do it and I love doing it. It's one of the most powerful parts of every day that I have. It says, pray for us for we are confident that we have a good conscience and all things desiring to live honorably. We should live honorably. We should want people to look at our lives, our deeds and our words and see Jesus. We are the hands and feet of Jesus. And if we do that, then we can live with a good conscience knowing that God's going toHelp us. He is going to forgive us. In fact, he already forgave us. This is one of the big points. So many people think when I die, uh-oh, Jesus is going to shake his face. He's going to point his finger at me and say, look what you did. You hypocrite. No, that's not how it works. The moment you accepted Jesus as your Lord and savior, right then you were forgiven past, present, future sense. His arms are spread wide on the cross, East and West. And he is essentially saying,I forgive you as far as the East is from the West. He holds nothing against those who have accepted him as their Lord and your Lord and savior. And verse 19, we're told, but I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner this restoration, we should continually be seeking to love other people in the name of Jesus, to be in community with those around us.to love on non-believers as well because they're watching us. We may be the only Bible that they read. We want our actions, our attitudes, our deeds, our words to reflect Jesus, not for our salvation, because you were justified the moment you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. But the rest of your life, you get to live with that peace and that joy, knowing that the devil and his demons are gonna try to knock you down all the time and get you off your rocker. Happened to me yesterday, very tough day. The earlier start today.

In a world obsessed with planning and productivity, it’s easy to assume we’ve got tomorrow under control. But what happens when life reminds us how fragile and uncertain the future really is? In this episode, Whitney Hopler shares a sobering yet hope-filled reflection on how surrendering our plans to God’s will can lead to deeper peace, trust, and joy—no matter what tomorrow brings. What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways): Why our lives are more fragile than we often admit—and how that reality invites us to trust God The difference between planning with pride and planning with purpose How to replace anxiety about the future with peace from God’s presence Practical mindset shifts to invite God into everyday decisions Why flexibility in faith is key to discovering God's greater plans for us

Only God can judge us, as He sees our hearts and knows our intentions. Let us give grace to those who may challenge us, and pray for them instead of judging them.

When you want to make changes in your life, you might attend seminars, read books, listen to podcasts, or try diets. But lasting transformation only comes through reading and living out God's Word. Join Pastor Rick as he looks at the changes you need to make, want to make, and can make because of God's power in your life.In this message series, Pastor Rick explores what the Bible says about setting goals that please God. He also shares how the greatest benefit to your life isn't what you accomplish but rather what God accomplishes in and through you.Only God gives you the power and energy to make changes you can't make on your own. In this message, Pastor Rick explains how God uses his Spirit, his Word, and his people to help you reach your goals. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29

"Only God can judge me" is often used as a "spiritual do not disturb sign" but what Jesus teaches is that self examination must come before correction. This weekend Pastor Joaquin Pardo continued our (RE)FORMATION series with a message from Jesus' Sermon On the Mount.Matthew 7:1–3“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" 1) The standard you set will be used against you.When we judge others harshly, we invite that same measure onto ourselves. That way of living creates a culture that eventually turns on itself. This is not the way of Jesus. He invites us to participate in this new Kingdom culture.Kingdom culture is loving, not hateful.Kingdom culture is patient, not reactive.Kingdom culture is authentic, not fake.Kingdom culture is humble, not hypocritical.2) “I'm not as bad as them” reveals how broken I really am.Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”Comparison doesn't lead to righteousness, it leads to self-deception. Romans 3:23 reminds us that “all have sinned.” Grace puts us all on level ground because at the foot of the cross there is only one category: people in need of a savior. 3) You can't help others if you're not honest with yourself.Jesus tells us to deal with our own plank before touching anyone else's speck. Pretending to be someone you're not or pretending you have it all together can hurt people. Allow Jesus to do the work "in" you so that he can work "through" you. 4) Jesus can handle the speck and the plank.You don't have to clean yourself up before coming to Jesus. He's not offended by your mess—He came to carry it.Don't play God. Let Him do what only He can do.

Introduction The sermon focuses on the certainty of God's promises versus the uncertainty of human life and plans. Highlights the importance of acknowledging God's will in all future plans and recognizing the surety of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Uncertainty of Life and the Flippant Use of "Will" and "Shall" English lesson on modal verbs "will" and "shall" indicate certainty of future action. Jesus said, "I will go with you always," establishing future certainty. People use "will" and "shall" flippantly, like saying, "I will meet you tomorrow," without certainty. Life's uncertainty makes such statements unreliable. "What James said was is that your life itself proves the uncertainty of being able to use such words in such context." It is evil to make predictions that cannot be kept without acknowledging God's will. Need to get in the habit of giving God credit for tomorrow. Acknowledge God in every statement: "I'll see you tonight if it's the Lord's will." Living in a day of uncertainty, people seek things that are sure and unchanging, which is found in God. Life is like a vapor, here one minute and gone the next. Only God can make statements of surety because He is sovereign and unchanging. Jesus said, "I will go with you always. I'll never leave you or forsake you. I will help you. And He also said, I'll come again." Admonishment to give God credit and acknowledge His will in all plans. The Surety of Truth: Death and Salvation Focus on two subjects concerning the surety of truth that comes from God: death and salvation. Death is common to all, with everyone destined to die, barring the rapture. "There ain't anybody, save the coming of the Lord or the rapture, that's going to escape death." It is appointed unto man to die, and after this, the judgment. Death is on everyone's trail and will find everyone. Without Christ, individuals will die in their sins. Jesus said in John 8:24, "If ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins." If you don't receive Christ, you will die in your sins. The world obscures the truth, but Jesus' words remain relevant and sure. Mark 16:16: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." Whosoever calls on the name of Jesus Christ shall be saved. Whosoever repents, believes, and is baptized shall be saved. He that believeth not shall be damned, facing condemnation. Hell was created for the devil and his angels, not for people. If you do not believe, you will go to hell. In hell, there is weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth in unquenched fire. God sent His Son to save people from hell, but damnation awaits those who reject Christ. Luke 13:3: "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." Fear God, who can destroy both body and soul in hell. If one rejects Jesus, they will go to hell. Example of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke: Lazarus was carried to Abraham's bosom (Paradise). The rich man died and was in hell, lifting up his eyes in torment. Hell is an eternity of torment where the fire is not quenched. People perish daily without God because the truth is hidden. There is no middle ground; one is either saved or lost. The Surety of Salvation The one thing needed to overcome that we couldn't overcome was death. Romans 10:9: "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." When condemned to die, the purity of God's word showed up and one believed in Jesus Christ and got saved that day. The promise of salvation is based on God's sure word. Matthew 10:32: "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven." If you confess Christ before men, He will confess you before the Father. In heaven, all that matters is what we did for Him.

Pastor Drew Webb teaches on God's sustaining grace, timely provision, and faithful presence in the lives of His people. If you're discouraged, waiting on God, or seeking deeper spiritual insight, this sermon points to the hope found in a God who hears, provides, and satisfies.

By Mario Seiglie - Many people spend a lot of time and money in search of various ways of prolonging their lives, as if they're searching for the mythical "fountain of youth." Some of these methods include medications, gene therapy, special diets and other ways that only prove to fail in that regard. Only God can

History is his story—it's all about God. In this message series, Pastor Rick looks at the last line of the Lord's Prayer, “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever” (Matthew 6:13 KJV), and reveals keys for living a life of meaning and fulfillment.Only God is worthy of your allegiance because he made you, loves you, and has a plan for your life. Are you living for your own glory or for his? In this broadcast, Pastor Rick shares practical ways to live for the glory of God. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29

Have you experienced the pain that comes with being lied to? Have you experienced the wrecking damage that comes with holding on to lies told by the people you trusted the most? This message by Pastor Charles Nyaaba exposes the utmost truth. Only God can be trusted to not be a liar! This message compels us to believe and wholly trust in the Word of God as the only truth that we need in life's journey. Hebrews 4:12 enlightens us on the power of the Word of God -- a full living power -- which cuts deep into our inner most thoughts and desires and exposes us for what we really are!Be blessed and transformed as you listen to this life changing Word!

In a season of Stillness—but I'm still here. ❤️‍

You've invited God into your heart, prayed sincerely, and still feel silence. What does that mean? We explore how to respond when God seems distant—even when you're doing everything right. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Please help support our mission by donating! Catholicanswersradio.com Questions Covered: 01:01 – I kind of want to convert but Eucharistic ministers’ hands touching hands and tongues and sharing the chalice are so yucky!  What can I do about this hang-up?  12:49 – Do you have a response to Dr Mark Miravalle's response about Medjugorje?  18:22 – I heard you state on a recent podcast that you have a particular interest in linguistics, so I’m hoping you can comment on the following issue.  Why are some Old Testament names so familiar in modern English and others so foreign to us?  Is it a matter of translation, the importance of the person, or something else?  24:45 – What’s the best evidence that psi phenomenon exist?  39:50 – If Angels have been around since creation, but they don't reproduce, does that mean that it's the same number of angels since the beginning? No more and no less?   44:52 – How do those who desperately want a relationship with God, including prayers inviting all three persons of God to come into their heart, deal properly with an apparent lack of response from God.   48:21 – How can ‘days off purgatory’ be understood in the hereafter since we live in a different ‘time zone’ AND isn’t the timeframe of the purging a discretionary matter ONLY God can determine?   50:52 – The Copenhagen experiment where they shot photons through slits (I think I have that right?) and the particles behaved differently when they were observed vs unobserved – does this offer any proof for God? Also how does this work with Weeping Angels? 

Marriage is built on truth, and believing lies about relationships can undermine even the strongest unions. We examine seven common misconceptions about marriage and provide biblical wisdom for developing realistic expectations that lead to flourishing relationships.• Lie #1: You will change your partner.  The truth: Only God can truly change people• Lie #2: Your spouse will complete you. The truth: They should complement you, but only Jesus completes you• Lie #3: Your spouse will be your source of happiness. The truth: Only God should be your ultimate source of joy• Lie #4: Marriage will solve all your problems. The truth: Marriage often reveals problems...so seek solutions as a couple • Lie #5: A good marriage just happens.  The truth:Great marriages require intentionality and consistent work• Lie #6: Marriage is boring. The truth: Keeping relationships vibrant takes creativity and planning• Lie #7: Healthy marriages are conflict-free. The truth: Constructive conflict can actually strengthen your bondIf you like what you heard, be sure to share this episode with a few friends that could benefit from this content too. Until next time, go be all that God has called you to be.Related Episodes"Dating Ideas You Must Try" https://www.buzzsprout.com/1113380/episodes/12454042"10 Secrets to a Successful Marriage" https://www.buzzsprout.com/1113380/12405128Support the show

Words can stick with us. Sometimes for years. Someone says something hurtful, and it changes the way we see ourselves.David knew that feeling. To his brothers, he was just the kid who watched the sheep. But God didn't see “just a shepherd.” God saw a king.That's a good reminder for me not to let other people's words - or even my current circumstances - define who I am. Only God gets to do that.

Suddenly Jesus speaks, and says, “behold, I now choose to come quickly. Blessed is he who is now keeping the words of the prophecy of this book.” He wants us to contemplate the suddenness of all that will come to be so we can choose to be prepared always, dressed in white, dressed in wedding garments, like a bride prepared for her husband.Blessed is the one observing the logos, the expansive breath of all that has been said in the Revelation summed up as: The Source Matters, the Source is Everything because Only God is Good!But John is still beholden to the Woman who rides the Beast and he bows once again at the feet of an angel to worship. He is told to worship only God. The angels are in the fight with us to endure, they are ministering spirits.Download Transcript

Read 1 Samuel 24 (See also a second similar experience in 1 Samuel 26); Romans 12:9-21 (See also Hebrews 10:30-31)David, pursued by a spiritually declining King Saul, who lost his throne because of disobedience to God (1 Samuel 15) hid with his small band of misfits in the cave of Adullam: In Chapter 26 a similar experience of pursuit is detailed where as in Chapter 24 by divine design Saul was given information as to David's general whereabouts: “The desert of Enged,” (24:1); yet not an exact location. In chapter 24 it is assured that God in His providence led Saul to David's exact cave, where he and his men were hiding. Saul entered this cave alone to relive himself. How convenient for David to be alone with Saul undetected in the cave. David was given by God a golden opportunity for revenge against his very real enemy and God's rebellious king; wouldn't he be doing himself and God a favor in killing him? And doesn't he have a biblical right, although he wasn't an official judge or jury, according to the Torah(e.g. Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20: Deuteronomy 19:21, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, wouldn't it be justice to enact his personal revenge? The answer according to David's Inaction (verses 3-7) and the N.T. (Matthew 5:38-48 and Romans 12:9-21, is No! According to the concept of progressive revelation and in the shadow of Jesus' revelation concerning His teachers against personal retribution: it's not allowed except for self-defense. Only God the creative sustainer and atoner remains the ultimate Judge. This is especially clear in the N.T. but not absent in O.T, for note David's “stricken conscience,”(24:5) and a God supported reaction of mercy again paralleling N.T. teaching on the topic of judgment (again note Romans 12:9-21). Saul was still King, although a very backslidden royal, was still the anointed of God and David respects that. David even regretted cutting off a small corner of Saul's robe, to demonstrate what he could have done to Saul. And it seems in Saul's reaction, what looked like the possible reconciliation between David and Saul; and through Saul's conciliatory words a possible peace between Him and God. But according to 24:16-24 Saul's words of seeming repentance lasted only a moment and not long lasting as to Saul's further behaviors in chapter 26 indicate and also 24:25, David was not counting on Saul's rehabilitation.Saul's further spiritual decline is recorded in his consultation with the medium/ witch of Endor, since God was no-longer speaking to him and Samuel was dead, in chapter 28; and his ignominious death, with his sons, even Jonathan, in chapter 31. But, what can we as N.T. believers be reminded of David's inaction?As answer to the question: If God chose David to replace Saul for valid reasons as King, why allow Saul to pursue David? He loves David, chose him and is almighty, could He not put an end to Saul before the pursuit?Possible answer: David was also being tested by God to learn something about himself: would he continue to trust God in this seeming paradoxical situation? Even Jesus, in His humanity was tested (Matthew 4, Luke 4) tempted and had to learn something about humanity, “yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15) James 1:2-4 underlines God's use of tests to further our growth in developing the mind of Christ.David as chosen king expressed the correct, divinely approved behavior in regards to Saul. But, David was far from perfect as the rest of his monarchy demonstrates(remember David and Bathsheba 2 Samuel 11; but he proved to be a great repenter not a rationalizer, see Psalm 51.)Since it was God, working behind the scenes that brought Saul to David's doorstep in Chapter 24 & 26, so that David could wax N.T. How can we know when God is orchestrating a personal test to gauge our trust in Him in paradoxical situations? The answer is, as in

Bride Sanctified for the Marriage Feast (audio) David Eells, 5/14/25 Let me begin by saying that the Man-child and the Bride have been going through the sanctification process and overcoming in their personal trials to be ready in time for the anointing of the Man-child. They have passed the “love tests,” been cleansed and sanctified, becoming stronger in faith, in unity with one another, and proven to be faithful and obedient. I believe that the end of these tests and trials is coming and the Lord is coming with His reward and will reveal His chosen Bride to those who have eyes to see. But also the same trials that came to the Bride will then come to the Church in the tribulation and then these revelations below from 2011 will be very important.     Cleansing the Bride for the Feast (David's notes in red) A faithful pastor friend for many years called me and asked my advice. He said he was being slandered behind his back by some people in order to separate disciples. I shared with him that this was happening all over the world, according to many witnesses who have come to us. I told him that we had been told several years ago that an army of demons would come to try to destroy me and UBM. I shared what the Lord told us, that His purpose was to separate people from us because they were leavened and were polluting His Bride, who must now be pure to celebrate the wedding feast for the last seven years. I said Esther was separated from the virgins in the house of the women to go to the King's house before the seven-year reign of the beast, represented by Haman. We received revelations I want to share to help us understand this. (This was just after the first faction in 2011.)     Sons of Perdition Attack the Saints  Ellie McBride - 10/05/2011 (David's notes in red) In a dream, I was at home visiting with Cynthia Marks. (In the natural, Cynthia is one of my co-workers.) She ordered something and was having it delivered to our house for some reason. After she left, I discovered that she had left something behind, so I called her on the phone to let her know. (It seems that Cynthia represents the sons of perdition in whom the false Jesus, Apollo, lives. In ancient times, Cynthia was a cultic title of the Greek god Apollo. Cynthia means “from Mount Kynthos”, which is on Delos Island, on which Apollo was supposed to have been born. Webster's Dictionary says that “Apollyon” used to be a common variant of “Apollo” until recently. Many scholars identify “Apollyon” as the Greek god “Apollo”, the god of death. Apollyon's Mountain, Kynthos or Cynthia, represents his kingdom of those who are destroyed, which in Greek is Apoleia. This is what the word says also: Apollyon is the King of the Abyss and those in it. Rev.9:11 They have over them as king the angel of the abyss: his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in the Greek [tongue] he hath the name Apollyon [meaning Destroyer]. His kingdom is over those he destroys. 2Th.2:3 let no man beguile you in any wise: for [it will not be,] except the falling away come first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition [ which is in Greek: Apoleia; those who are spiritually destroyed]. Rev.17:8 The beast [which is in spirit a corporate entity of demons ruling over flesh] that thou sawest was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss, and to go into perdition [Apoleia]. The demons enter into the corporate body of the sons of perdition to destroy them and they are brought into the abyss. Jud.10 But these rail at whatsoever things they know not: and what they understand naturally, like the creatures without reason, in these things are they destroyed. 2Pe.2:12 But these, as creatures without reason, born mere animals to be taken and destroyed, railing in matters whereof they are ignorant, shall in their destroying surely be destroyed. Railing in Greek is “blasphemeo”, which means “to speak evil of or slander”. Dear friends, let no man beguile you. Don't let the sons of perdition, these modern-day Judases, deliver anything to your house or leave anything behind as this dream warns us. In the natural and just like this dream, these people visited Ellie to leave some slander behind but she refused it because she had seen a vision of several of them spiritually dead. Others we are hoping will repent and come out from among them.) Cynthia's mother came to our house on a different day while they delivered the item Cynthia had ordered. (The Harlot is the mother of the corporate body of the son of perdition.) It turned out to be a very large blue stuffed animal. It looked like it might be a dog. (A stuffed dog is an unclean beast with no heart or mind of the Spirit. It is blue because they want to present this life of theirs to you as heavenly but it is born of destruction. What they want to give to the saints is a traitorous life of self-will, ego, rejection, faction, slander, unforgiveness, hatred, retaliation and lusts of all kinds. The Church is about to learn this of them.) It had a very long body with long floppy legs. (These people cannot stand or walk in the Kingdom.) I wondered why she ordered that and thought that maybe it was a present for her granddaughter named Promise. (The children of the Promise will not receive from the son of perdition.) Cynthia's mother said she would take it and deliver it to Cynthia. I told her it was okay and that Cynthia was to come over to pick it up and was also to pick up the other item she left behind. (In other words, “get that garbage out of my house”.) Since Cynthia and her mother don't get along that well, I was not comfortable with allowing her to take the items. (Just as Judas, the son of perdition, and the Sanhedrin, head of the Harlot, didn't get along but they did business in order to crucify the body of Christ.) After Cynthia's mother left, I learned of some sort of attack going on. (Any time the sons of perdition leave anything at your house it's an attack on you. They tried to do this with Ellie in the natural but she refused it.) I no longer remember how I learned of it. I might've looked outside and seen it after hearing some shots. Psa.11:2 For, lo, the wicked bend the bow, They make ready their arrow upon the string, That they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. I saw some people with weapons shooting round balls or pellets of various sizes, but never any bigger than a baseball. When these pellets hit their target they would burst and splash blood all over their target. Lev.17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood... Life here is the soul or nature. Shooting represents speaking slanderous accusations against someone, which puts their evil nature in those who receive their words. When we do not warn the wicked, rather than be partakers of their sin, their blood [or nature] is upon us. Tit.3:10 A factious man after a first and second admonition refuse; 11 knowing that such a one is perverted, and sinneth, being self-condemned. Eph.5:11 and have no fellowship [giving and receiving] with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them 12 for the things which are done by them in secret it is a shame even to speak of. We are warned not to eat the unclean beasts which was revealed to Peter in Acts 10 to be speaking of partaking of the nature of unclean people.) I became curious about this and desired to understand why it was happening and why the blood. (I believe the projectiles are people being sent out to target certain brethren and if they are able to “hit” them or have an effect on them, the victims become contaminated with their blood or nature [through their evil spirits as we have seen].) I watched for a while. In the meantime, Cynthia came to our house to pick up her things and then tried to leave, but when she stepped out the front door there was a bad storm raging. She went back into our house to wait out the storm. (The sons of perdition have no faith because of their sinful life but they also know that the house of the righteous is the only safe place from the storms, so they decide to stick around for fear but not for long.) I was still busy studying this private war. The people were not attacking everyone, only members of a certain group. (As Judas did to Jesus, they attack mostly the David heads of the Bride but to a lesser extent the Bride because they cannot be a member of that body, which is so contrary to their nature. Psa.15:1 Jehovah, who shall sojourn in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? [The answer is Jerusalem, the Bride as in Revelation 21:9,10.] 3 He that slandereth not with his tongue, Nor doeth evil to his friend, Nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor) By watching, I learned that the attackers' projectile weapons had a limited reach. Once I figured that out, I stepped outside where it was happening and stood just out of the reach of the projectiles where I could face them and watch them safely without being hit. (I have been able to observe the war on the righteous from a safe distance without being affected.) (The Lord is saying, do not come in contact in any way with these people, lest they put something of their evil nature in your house.) I stood there and watched as they fired at different targets and watched as blood would cover the targets. (Defiling those who do not separate from them, meaning sanctifying themselves from them.) I saw a pellet that had not burst and picked it up to study it. I stood there for a long time observing when I heard my telephone ringing. I heard the phone number being called out and I recognized it as Annie's phone number. (In real life, I had attempted to contact her by phone on 10/04/11 but got the recorder and was only able to leave a message.) (“Annie” means “blessed with grace”.) In the dream, I believed she was returning my call. I apologized to her for taking so long to answer the phone. I informed her of the attack that I was observing take place. (Those who are blessed with grace will receive the warning to avoid the factious.) After talking to Annie, I received another call. This time from a man who was calling to check on me for some reason. (I believe this might have been David.) (I did this in real life and she informed me of an attack there.) I informed him of the attack I was observing as well and let him know that I had in my possession one of their pellets. I told him I intended to study it. I was very curious as to why they were attacking, and I was desirous to understand their weapons. (Ellie is being used to show what not to do here. Studying their weapons of slander is contrary to the commands and very dangerous. Curiosity has caused some to be infected with their slander and faction spirits. People find it hard to believe that “Christians” can lie like these do and are tempted to believe them. This curiosity could lead to something worse, as in the next scene.) The scene changed and I was in the shower with the water running. I did not notice right away, but I soon saw that it was not water coming out of the shower head, but blood. I quickly stepped back and thought it was gross that I had this blood on me. I called out to those in the house to caution them that somehow the attackers had managed to contaminate the water with their blood. I wondered to myself how they managed to do this. (Examining their words and thoughts is receiving a seed of demons and will bring a flood [shower] of temptation to overcome those who do not obey. Pro.8:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.) I let the water run until it was clear water again and no longer blood and I was then able to bathe. (I believe this is referring to them misusing the Word to persuade their targets into seeing things their way. Brethren should beware that if they are continuing to fellowship with some of these attackers that they are using the Word in such a way as to bring confusion and doubt.) The Lord spoke this verse to me concerning this dream: Isa.4:3 And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem; 4 when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof, by the spirit of justice, and by the spirit of burning. See also Christian Snipers.   Separating Goats from Sheep   B.A. - 10/04/2011 (David's notes in red) At 4:30 a.m. this morning, I had a vision: It was dark, but in the darkness, I saw a house. The house was shining very brightly on the right side; it appeared to be glowing. I saw people gathered in a circle; they were very tall and they seemed at peace. They were praying and singing praises to the Lord. (This is the UBM house and on a larger type the house of God. They were on the right side because they were sheep which Jesus put on His right. That side was shining brightly because the glory of God was there. They were tall because they were big and mature in the ways of the Lord.) I saw how the left side of the house was very dark and smoke was coming out of the walls. The people looked like dwarves. They were angry and agitated, and they kept pacing back and forth. (Those on the left, of course, are the ones who act as goats, which Jesus put on His left. It was very dark because they were walking in darkness. Smoke is coming out of the walls because the judgment of God is upon it. They were dwarves because they had been stunted in their growth and were small and immature in the ways of the Lord. They are angry and agitated because they are full of faction, anger, slander, criticism, wrath, etc. They are pacing back and forth because they are nervous and stirred up by these demon spirits.) There was a door that separated the two sides of the house. There were no handles on either side of this door. (God has made a separation between the righteous and the wicked. They may not get at the truly righteous who obey His Word to separate from them and we may not minister to them, for God has given them over to this.) The people on the left were angry because they could not figure out how to get this door open to get into the other side. (The goats have been bitter and angrily trying to get at the righteous with their slander.) They wanted to stop those people from singing and praising the Lord. (The demons hate peace and praise among the righteous.) There was a crack about 3/4 of the way down through the center of the house. It looked like at any time the house would split apart. (This is the spiritual earthquake we have seen that is bringing separation of the wicked from the refuge and Bride. The separation will soon be physical, and they will leave our house as a purified house. The Lord said to me as I meditated on this that His foot was pushing down on the left side of the house. It looks like possibly there is a quarter of the way left to go but as the weight of their sin becomes greater they will break off. Father has been showing us for several years through dreams, visions and prophecy that an army of demons would make war with UBM and me in an attempt to destroy us but at the same time we were shown we would become greater in holiness, power, and ministry. (2025 update Note: This has been happening since 2011.) I noticed that the right side of the house was firmly on the foundation, whereas the left side of the house had no ground beneath it. I thought to myself, if that house splits all the way, the left side is going to fall and there's nothing to catch it! (We were told by the factious they would leave peaceably but they lied because they had their eye on carving up UBM from the cover of darkness. God also had His plan to separate those who could give in to these lusts and so He has. We pray constantly for our brethren that they would come to repentance and we know that a few ultimately will.)   The Lamp Of God B.A. - 10/07/2011 (David's notes in red) First Vision Mat.5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do [men] light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. 16 Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Psa.119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path. I had a vision of a large, green wicker floor lamp. As I looked at this lamp, I was drawn to it, so I went over and touched it. When I touched the lamp, it suddenly sprang open and revealed a refrigerator on the inside. This lamp appeared to be breathing (the breath of the Holy Spirit [in the lamp of the saints]). I believe this refrigerator in a lamp represents the Word of God in the saints. The fact that it was made of wicker (wood) and green (the color of life) represents the true people of God. The lamp revealing its inner self as a refrigerator is showing us the hidden manna in God's people. Also, a refrigerator preserves food (the spiritual food of the Word of God stored within our hearts) for future preparation when needed. Only God's true people are this lamp and have this refrigerator. The Lord is showing me that He is using faction to strengthen His Body. The Lord is drawing His Body together to feast on His Word and to pray in unity to combat this evil attack. We are being prepared as spiritual warriors. The Lord is pleased to see His David being defended and lifted up by the true Body of Christ. These factious spirits will not be able to penetrate the hedge of protection that the Lord has placed around His David and the true Body at UBM. The Holy Spirit is telling me to tell the Body to wait on and trust in the Lord. Psa.37:7 Rest in Jehovah, and wait patiently for him: Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, Because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.     Preparation for the Bride Second Vision I saw the Body of UBM dressed up like brides. Some of the brides were in the kitchen preparing a large meal (feasting on the Word of God) (the wedding feast of the last seven years), some setting tables (preparation for the feast), others sweeping the floor (purging out the leaven) and washing windows (clearing our perception and discernment). This vision is very encouraging. Everyone seemed to know their gifts and were going about their tasks with joy and love. The righteous are preparing spiritually for their role as the Bride.     Bride to Be Separated M.C. - 03/25/2012 (David's notes in red) In my dream, I was in a very large building along with many thousands of people who were slowly milling around. There was white lighting overhead that appeared to be fluorescent. Facing ahead of me, the building seemed to be open with no wall. Most of the people in the building were to my left and there was a wall to my right. Our position in the building was critical. I knew I needed to be praying, especially in tongues, for the people in this room, particularly the people whom I knew. It was urgent that I pray that they would be in the right position. (Note that in this dream, every time I was impressed by the importance of prayer, a priority was placed on praying in tongues.) (The Spirit knows who the Bride is and what those left behind need in order to go with the Bride who follows the Man-child as it was with Jesus.) We were running out of time. (At this time, people must choose to be obedient by being in the process of putting on the lampros garment of the Bride, which is their righteous acts, according to the scripture. Those who are content to walk in a leukos garment are not yet ready to escape greater tribulation, which is needed for sanctification. Rev.19:7 Let us rejoice and be exceeding glad, and let us give the glory unto him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright [lampros] [and] pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints [or sanctified ones].) Suddenly, those on the right side of the building started moving out of the building straight ahead through the opening. We were accelerating very quickly. As I glanced to my left, I noticed that there was a distinct line forming between the people who were still standing motionless and the people who were being moved out. In fact, the people who were left were lined up perfectly at the very edge of the line. The group left behind were all facing us. We hadn't known where that line was before. (There will be a distinction between the Bride and the rest of the church at the beginning of the Marriage Feast of seven days/years of the tribulation. Is this separation geographical? No, it's spiritual: it is authority, dominion, holiness, anointing, etc.) I realized we were out of time to pray for people to be in the group that was leaving (because the Bride was chosen to follow the Man-child reformer body as it was with Jesus.). I was very anxious for the people who were being left behind. I desperately tried to scan the faces of people right at the demarcation of the line, since there was a space between us now, but we were moving out so fast that I couldn't seem to recognize anyone. It was terrible. Behind the people remaining to the left, the light seemed to be fading; it got darker and darker the further to the left one went. (They are going into the darkness of tribulation for sanctification.) There were many thousands of people left behind whom I could see and an almost infinite number of people behind them were off in the darkness. I didn't recognize anyone in the dream. The separation was terrible and very sudden with no announcement. Once we started being moved out of the building, I couldn't seem to do anything by praying as to who was on which side. (The Bride is chosen to be the Bride at the beginning of her own Marriage Feast with the Groom.) At first I was very upset about the people being left behind and then I thought to myself that I needed to stop worrying and start praising God and thanking Him for what He was doing, and to leave the people whom we left behind in His hands. (Some of these people will be lost, as 1/3 of the stars of Abraham's seed fall from their heavenly place in Christ to the earth to be trampled under the feet of the Beast. Some of these people will overcome to walk in purity and holiness through the crucifixion of the tribulation.) I somehow felt that I could still pray for them, but the priority for that prayer was now on the back burner. Now I needed to concentrate on what was ahead of us that we were all moving toward. (Those chosen will recognize the new leadership of the Man-child as they did in Jesus' time. Joh.3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom ... As in the book of Esther, she is taken into the King's house at the beginning of the people of God's tribulation but she is also to use her position to save them. The Philadelphia Church of brotherly love escaped the hour of trial because they had already been through many trials and became beautiful to their Lord.) As we were being moved out of the building, our speed got faster and faster as we flew into the darkness. There was a strong wind blowing in the same direction as we were flying. I felt that it was really important to pray, especially in tongues. Eventually, we started coming down to the ground here and there in the darkness. When I came down, I noticed there weren't very many others around and we were all separated. There seemed to be a high metal roof overhead, like you might see over a large train station with an occasional light here and there. We were still moving, but now we needed to adjust to our new situation. There were white envelopes (the shape looked like #10, but their size was slightly larger) with white paper inside with instructions and encouragement for us that came flying past us in the wind parallel to the direction we were going. They weren't fluttering around. (These letters sailing by were kind of a “cool” phenomenon. We, the wind and the letters were all going in the same direction.) I think we had to collect them. Some were in tongues. We needed to get together, adjust to our new environment as we kept moving, read what was in these envelopes to find out what to do next and start working as a group. (The Bride will learn to work as a true Body of Christ by the individual messages of the Holy Spirit.) We also had much praying to do, especially in tongues. My takeaway from this dream at the time of this writing is that I need to be praying for people to be in this group that leaves. Praying made a difference in this dream. I had regrets when the separation happened in the dream. I don't want to have any regrets when this really happens. The first time I opened my Bible the morning I dreamed this, it opened not to a Bible verse, but to the Bible Study Helps section entitled “This Bible in Your Hand”. I opened to chapter nine, “Sooner Than You Think”.     Cleansing for the Marriage Feast C.P. - 12/27/2011 (David's note in red) I received this dream from the Lord, which I believe is a warning about preparing for the marriage feast. I feel it's important to share this because it relates to keeping your house filled with Christ. Our physical bodies serve no purpose except to house Christ and if we're not serving Him then we are serving other gods (which 1 Corinthians 10:20 says are actually demons). I dreamed we were at our home and my husband was on his way out. I somehow knew I'd be joining him later. I left the door open and the next minute my mother was at the front gate and just walked in (uninvited guest). She went straight to the “guest room” and told me she'd be staying with us from now on (I think my mother represents unclean spirits of anger, rejection, unforgiveness, condemnation, as well as the apostate church). Also, if we do not guard our gates (being the mouth, ears, and minds), we can expect the spirits we cast out to try to come back and make a home out of us. We read this in Mat.12:45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man becometh worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this evil generation. I protested and told her that she could not do so. She said that I had prepared a room for her and that she was now staying with us. (Whatever place in our hearts the husband, Jesus, vacates, it is prepared for other spirits to return.) I was very uneasy about this because I knew my husband would not be happy about this (this is the fight between our flesh and our spirit. We know what the spirit requires of us; we need to keep our spiritual house clean and abiding in Christ). However, I acquiesced to her demand. Just then, my younger sister also walked into the house. (She represents the immature Christians who are easily swayed by the older, fallen-away church). They both sat at the dining room table and I thought of feeding them, but never put any food in front of them to eat. (These spirits and demons need to be fed, but it's our choice whether we'll add fuel to their demands to make us fall away from the promises of God.) They immediately started bad-mouthing my marriage to my husband (who represents Jesus). (The true Gospel and the true Bride are a threat and an insult to the apostate church because it preaches salvation instead of bondage.) They told me it was unnatural to be that close to him and that he had changed me; they did not even recognize me anymore (Jesus changes us to the extent that these spirits of apostasy are not at peace in us or in others concerning us.) (The true Bride will not be recognized in the tribulation because people will not want to accept the truth). My sister was particularly loose with her mouth and after a while, I calmly said to her that it was unfair to talk about my husband that way because he had helped her so many times and was very loyal to her. (The Lord has been loyal to the apostates but they do not return that love through obedience.) I told her that if she had nothing good to say, she should leave. She got up to leave, but just before doing so she and my mother asked me to “prove” my love for my husband (the saints will surely be tested). I said, surely I would do that. They told me to go out the back door (the past) of my house and take a shower in the street. (Nakedness represents sin and washing in front of others represents confessing our sins so that God will cleanse us. 1Jn.1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Jas.5:16 Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working. Notice you are to confess most sins to a righteous person who has faith so they can pray for you. Others are not trustworthy but gossipers. Sins against an individual most of the time, should be confessed to them so that they will forgive you. However, if they do not know about it, it may cause them to stumble. Sometimes God would have you confess publicly so others will fear God and recognize evil.) The scene changed and I was in the middle of Oxford Street in London at night. (Europe's busiest and densest shopping street, which represents Babylonish buying and selling the church does in darkness.) I took a shower in a transparent cubicle on the left sidewalk of the street. (Literal and physical nakedness is not permitted scripturally. Only spiritual nakedness can be seen as good in that we should not have any hidden sins. Pro.28:13 He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy. Psa.32:3 When I kept silence, my bones wasted away Through my groaning all the day long. 4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: My moisture was changed [as] with the drought of summer. 5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, And mine iniquity did I not hide: I said, I will confess my transgressions unto Jehovah; And thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. 6 For this let every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: Surely when the great waters overflow they shall not reach unto him. Also, we should reveal sin as sin so that the world will know that we agree with holiness.) But we will also be protected (as in the cubicle). The world will see us but will not be able to “touch” us. I noticed that there was a group of well-dressed, suited men walking out of a restaurant together with a pretty lady (those who want to look good to the world but not to God) who had dark hair (submission to darkness) and wearing a red dress (Sin is described as red in Isaiah 1:18. We see here the harlot spirit of apostate Christianity). I felt so vulnerable being naked in the shower, but I had never been more clean; my skin glistened. (Confessing our sin makes us vulnerable to others but we are cleansed.) The woman seemed to get very angry with me for showering in public and she came over to me and wanted to spray me with whipped cream (the perversion and sweetening of milk, symbolizing the sweetening of the truth to make it acceptable to more people). I kept ducking and diving out of her aim and she said, “Don't try to pretend to be different; you've done exactly the same as me”. To that I replied, “No, I have not. I have never defiled anyone”. She walked away and I managed to get back into my house. (We do not defile others when we are not hiding any sin and when we confess what we have done wrong as sin.) Then I was trying to get ready for a banquet (the Marriage Feast of 7 days -- the tribulation). My mother was still there, shouting insults at me and about my husband all the time. I asked her to help me get ready for the banquet, but she did not. (The nature and spirits of apostasy will not prepare one to be in the Bride or even to attend the feast.) (Sometimes we are so used to our demons and spirits that we think they are part of our nature and try to use our own characteristics to prepare for trials. We need to be mindful that everything that we exhibit that is not of God and does not liken us to Jesus needs to be cast down and told to depart from us; we cannot be slaves to two masters.) Instead, every time I put on a white garment, she either wet it or soiled it. (When apostasy is in our hearts, our life and actions manifest spots and blemishes on our spiritual garment.) I was getting a little frustrated with her and told her she must leave. I told her I needed my garment ready for when my husband came to take me to the banquet. Rev.19:7 Let us rejoice and be exceeding glad, and let us give the glory unto him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright and pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they that are bidden to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are true words of God. She said she could not leave because I'd left the door open for her and had a room for her. I then told her that I no longer had a guest room and that the room she was trying to inhabit belonged to my eight-month-old baby (the fruit of Jesus, 888 is his gematria in Greek) (the salvation and manifestation of Christ in us takes time and it is through faith that it can grow). She got angry and tested this but could not go into the room (Once Jesus is large enough in us, there will be no space for the spirits and demons. Once the saints have grown in faith, there will be no place for the apostate church). Eventually, I managed to get my white garment on and she left, and I waited for my husband. (After rejecting apostasy, it had to leave and the garment was pure for the Groom.) Rev.15:4 Who shall not fear, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy; for all the nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy righteous acts have been made manifest.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are in the Gospel of Mark. Visit the website and purchase the Scripture Journal for this study so that you can follow along with us. I am giving a shout-out today to Rob Reed from Perham, MN. Thank you for being a monthly partner in Project23 and helping us share the Gospel with millions as we work our way through the entire Bible. Today, we're reading Mark 2:6-12: Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” — Mark 2:6-12 It looked like a healing story. It sounded like a healing story. But Jesus was doing way more than healing legs—He was forgiving sins. The scribes caught it. And they hated it. "Who does this man think he is? Only God can forgive sins!" Exactly. That's the whole point. Jesus reads their minds. Calls them out. He forces the issue: Which is easier to say—"your sins are forgiven" or "get up and walk"? From a human view, both are impossible. But for Jesus? He can do both. So he does both. He heals the body to prove his authority over the soul. Jesus isn't just a good teacher, a moral man, or a first-century miracle worker. He's God. In the flesh. With authority over everything. And when Jesus speaks—things happen. Sins are stricken. Muscles are strengthened. Religious officials are irritated. Crowds stand in wonder. Because Jesus doesn't just fix external symptoms—he fixes the internal problems with the soul. So, are you experiencing external symptoms of internal problems? Bring them to Jesus. He goes beyond healing. He heals everything. #AuthorityOfChrist, #ForgivenAndHealed, #MarkStudy ASK THIS: What secret doubt or sin have you been hiding from others—and from God? How does Jesus' ability to read your heart change how you approach him in prayer? In what area of your life do you need both forgiveness and tangible healing? What step of faith can you take today to trust Jesus' authority over your soul? DO THIS: Identify one hidden struggle in your heart and bring it to Jesus today—confess it, trust his forgiveness, and believe for healing. PRAY THIS: Lord Jesus, I lay my hidden sins and deepest hurts before you. Forgive me, heal me, and reveal your authority in every part of my life. Amen PLAY THIS: Gratitude.

Only God knows and see deep and secret things, the beginning and the ending of all things. His will is at play in every situation.

Are you stuck in a cycle of working hard but feeling empty? Deidre Braley unpacks Haggai’s powerful message to the Israelites—and to us: when we neglect God’s presence, our efforts fall flat. This episode reveals why shifting your priorities to build the Lord’s house first can break cycles of frustration and lead to true fruitfulness. 3 Key Takeaways ✅ Misplaced priorities drain your life.Busyness without God leads to frustration and burnout. ✅ Making space for God invites His blessing.When we shift focus to God—through rest, prayer, and obedience—He promises to be with us. ✅ Fruitfulness flows from God, not just effort.Only God can make our work truly thrive and satisfy. Intersecting Faith & Life Are you busy building your own “house” while neglecting God’s? How can you intentionally make space for God this week—through rest, prayer, or obedience? What’s one step today to reorder your priorities toward Him? Further Reading John 15:1-8 Ecclesiastes 4:6 Isaiah 55

TAKEAWAYSIt's hard to leave a country you've ministered in for a long time to go to another mission field, but you must answer to God's leadingLarry was convicted by God to turn his life around when he was 30 and stop drinking, smoking, and using foul languageLarry and Jean didn't travel overseas until almost two decades after God told them they would serve as international missionariesGod saved Larry's son from being crushed by a tractor wheel when he was just a child

In a world overflowing with choices, allegiances, and competing voices, what does it mean to confess, "We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth"? This week, we explore the first article of the Nicene Creed and the invitation it offers us to re-anchor our lives in the one true God. Left to ourselves, we are prone to create idols, good things turned into ultimate things that eventually collapse under the weight of our hopes. But the Creed reminds us: there are not many powers to trust, only One, and He is enough. If you've ever felt scattered by the noise of modern life, or frustrated by the ways lesser allegiances have hollowed out much of the church's witness, you're not alone. This message offers both a warning and a hope: we don't have to keep building altars to things that can't save us. We can find our way back to the Source, the Sustainer, and the only Savior who will never fail. Join us as we uncover the grace, strength, and security that come from trusting the One and Only God.

Eucharist Church pastors Kevin and Nina tag team the second sermon in our series on "This is the Church" by exploring the time we find ourselves.What has happened in the last 100 years of Canadian Church history? How did we find ourselves in such steep decline and what happens next? Only God knows, but here's our best attempt to name when we are.Also, since the recording didn't happen this week, we've recorded this one podcast style.Recording in the Eucharist Study, May 5 2025.

Law and the Real Sabbath (1) (audio) David Eells – 5/4/25 First, let me say that we do have a Sabbath to keep in the New Covenant. If you, who have eyes to see, will be patient and hear me out, I will show you that it is the best news you have ever heard. The Sunday Sabbath folks want to bring us under the law of man, and the Saturday Sabbath folks want to bring us under the Law of the Old Covenant, which God refused to make with the Gentiles (Psa.147:19,20; Deu.7:6,11). If you hold either one of these positions, do not be afraid to examine this subject for the truth will hold up to scriptural scrutiny. The early church kept neither Sunday nor Saturday as the New Testament Sabbath until a great falling away in the third century. The Old Covenant Saturday Sabbath was a type and shadow of what is promised in the New Covenant, but as we will see, Sunday is not the fulfillment of it. (Col.2:16) Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day: (17) which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ's. As anyone knows, a shadow is not real; it is only darkness. It is created because what is real is in the light. When Christians try to keep the Old Covenant Sabbath, they are in darkness and have not yet come into the light of the real Sabbath. The Jews never knew what the real Sabbath was, only the shadow or type of the New Testament Sabbath. God never made the Law covenant with the Gentiles. For a Christian to come under part of the Law, like the old Sabbath, is to come under a curse for not keeping the whole Law. (Gal.3:10) For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one who continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them. Christ delivered us from the curse of failing to keep any part of God's Law. (13) Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (14) that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. We are now justified by faith, not by keeping any part of the Law. Paul then warned the Christians not to go back under the Law in observing feast days and Sabbath days. (Gal.4:9) but now that ye have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how turn ye back again to the weak and beggarly rudiments, whereunto ye desire to be in bondage over again? (10) Ye observe days, and months, and seasons, and years. (11) I am afraid of you, lest by any means I have bestowed labor upon you in vain. Paul warned by the Spirit that these believers could not be Christ-like under the Law. (19) My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ be formed in you. Paul then warned that the Christians who go back under the Law are sons of the bondwoman Hagar and not the freewoman Sarah. (21) Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? (22) For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by the handmaid, and one by the freewoman. (23) Howbeit the [son] by the handmaid is born after the flesh; but the [son] by the freewoman [is born] through promise. Here we come to a stern warning for those seeking to be justified by keeping the Old Covenant Sabbath or any other part of the shadow of the Law. (30) Howbeit what saith the scripture? Cast out the handmaid and her son: for the son of the handmaid shall not inherit with the son of the freewoman. For a Christian to go under any part of the Law is for him to go into bondage and be cut off from the benefits of Christ. (5:1) For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage. (2) Behold, I Paul say unto you, that, if ye receive circumcision (Or any other part of the Law), Christ will profit you nothing. (3) Yea, I testify again to every man that receiveth circumcision (Or any other part of the Law), that he is a debtor to do the whole law. (4) Ye are severed from Christ, ye would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace. We are “severed from Christ” when we do not follow or abide in Him, but the Law. Only under grace through faith are we united with Christ through justification and delivered from the curse. Neither Jesus nor the Apostles told us to keep the Old Covenant Sabbath. Jesus always appeared to the disciples and taught on the Lord's day after His resurrection because it was His resurrection day, the first day of the week (Luk.24:1,13; Luk.27-32; Joh.20:1,17,19, 26; Rev.1:10-13). The disciples gathered on the first day of the week (Act.20:7; 1Co.16:1,2). However, they did not make the Lord's Day into a command or law, but a custom; and they never claimed it was the Sabbath. Apostate men did that. Jesus and the disciples went to the Jews on their Sabbath to evangelize them and bring them into the New Covenant Sabbath rest through the promises. Jesus was constantly accused of breaking their shadow Sabbath (Mat.12:2; Joh.5:16-19; 9:16) because He was not under the Law. We will also be accused of this if we follow in His steps instead of being “severed from Christ” by keeping a Law that was never given to us. The Apostles and elders in Acts 15 were gathered together to see whether to bring the Gentiles under the Law. They came to a conclusion that those under the Sabbath Law need to understand. (Act.15:19) Wherefore my judgment is, that we trouble not them that from among the Gentiles turn to God; (20) but that we write unto them, that they abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood. These few things he commanded so that the Jews would not consider them anathema. This was important for the Jews' sake so that they could be evangelized. (21) For Moses from generations of old hath in every city them that preach him (Law), being read in the synagogues every Sabbath. (28) For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.... Notice that the Sabbath was not commanded of the Gentiles. Neither were a lot of other things that the legalists bring the ignorant Christians under. The Law passed away and was fulfilled in Christ, except for those whose hearts are blinded by the veil. (2Co.3:12) Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech, (13) and [are] not as Moses, [who] put a veil upon his face, that the children of Israel should not look steadfastly on the end of that which was passing away: (14) but their minds were hardened: for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remaineth, it not being revealed [to them] that it is done away in Christ. (15) But unto this day, whensoever Moses is read, a veil lieth upon their heart. (16) But whensoever it shall turn to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Don't go into bondage with the veil of Old Covenant Laws, which are just shadows or parables of what was to come. Now we, with an unveiled face see the New Covenant in Christ. (17) Now the Lord is the Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, [there] is liberty. (18) But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. The Law was cancelled because it could not complete or make perfect, because it was only a shadow of the good things to come in the New Covenant. (Heb.7:18) For there is a disannulling (Greek: Annulled or cancelled) of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness (19) (for the law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in thereupon of a better hope (The New covenant through grace), through which we draw nigh unto God. The purpose of those under the Law was to give us a shadow or parable of the great things to come. (Heb.8:5) who serve [that which is] a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, even as Moses is warned [of God] when he is about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern that was showed thee in the mount. (6) But now hath he obtained a ministry the more excellent, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which hath been enacted upon better promises. (7) For if that first [covenant] had been faultless, then would no place have been sought for a second. (8) For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, That I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; (9) Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers ... (13) In that he saith, A new [covenant] he hath made the first old. But that which is becoming old and waxeth aged is nigh unto vanishing away. (10:1) For the law having a shadow of the good [things] to come, not the very image of the things, can never with the same sacrifices year by year, which they offer continually, make perfect them that draw nigh. The Law was always planned to be a temporary shadow. (Gal.3:19) What then is the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise hath been made... So there was an end of the Olde Covenant law. The Sabbath was eternal as the legalists will tell you (Exo.31:16). So how could it be eternal and still pass away? What they do not understand is that it changed from letter to spirit in the New Covenant (2Co.3:2-11). The letter of the type, shadow, or parable as taught in the Old Covenant is now fulfilled in the spirit of the New Covenant. Jesus said in (Mat.5:17) Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfill. (18) For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished. So now we must fulfill the parable. Fulfilling or accomplishing the Law is not the same as being under the Old Covenant Law as Jesus went on to demonstrate. (21) Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time (Notice that the Law was spoken unto them, not us.), Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: (22) but I say unto you, that every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment. Notice that Jesus changed the Law from regulations of our actions to regulations of our heart, as the prophets said would come (Jer.31:33) But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Those who do not permit anger in their heart will fulfill the Law and not kill. (27) Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt not commit adultery: (28) but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Jesus interpreted the Law again. If we do what He says and avoid lust, we will fulfill the Law by not committing adultery. Jesus continued to demonstrate how changing the Law from outer actions to inner nature will fulfill it (Mat.5:33, 43). If God changed all these Laws in order to fulfill them, then He did the same with the Sabbath. The Sabbath was meant to be a change in our nature rather than a regulation of our actions, one day a week. If a person rests from his own works every day by believing in Christ's finished work, he will certainly fulfill the Law of resting for one day. The Law will be fulfilled in us, but not by keeping the letter, “For the letter kills but the spirit gives life”. It will be fulfilled through us as we walk in and by the Spirit. (Gal.5:16) But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (18) But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law. When you see what's written in the shadow of the Law, you must look in the New Covenant to find out what the fulfillment is. Circumcision was necessary under penalty of death, but Paul, by the Spirit, changed it from a carnal shadow to the spiritual fulfillment of baptism. (Col.2:11) ... in the circumcision of Christ; (12) having been buried with him in baptism. Under the Old Covenant, we were 90% owners and 10% stewards but according to Jesus, we are now 100% stewards, or we are not really disciples. (Luk.14:33) So therefore whosoever he be of you that renounceth not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. To Peter, it was revealed that the Old Covenant carnal restriction on eating unclean beasts was spiritually a restriction of partaking of unclean people, which Solomon called beasts (Ecc.3:18), and the gospel solves that problem. (Act.10:11) and he beholdeth the heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending, as it were a great sheet, let down by four corners upon the earth: 12 wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts and creeping things of the earth and birds of the heaven. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common and unclean. 15 And a voice [came] unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, make not thou common. Then Peter was sent with the gospel to the Gentiles and got the revelation that they were the unclean beasts that God had cleansed. (28) and he said unto them, Ye yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to join himself or come unto one of another nation; and [yet] unto me hath God showed that I should not call any man common or unclean. As you can see, it was the habit of Jesus and the disciples to translate the shadow to the spiritual reality. It is a violation of the Spirit to bring old Covenant ceremonial laws into the New Covenant without translating them. Since this is so, we must find out what the Sabbath translates to. Let me explain the New Testament Sabbath rest. The Sabbath shadow was to cease from man's works one day a week. But we are commanded to do this every day.  We can cease from works of religious self-justification, works of the flesh, and various forms of salvation by man's works, through faith in the work that Christ has already accomplished. Jesus said, “All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive (Greek: received) them, and ye shall have them (Mar.11:24). Why believe that we have received everything? Notice in the following verses that all things have been received by us and that the only thing left is for us to believe it. Also note the past-tense of our sacrificial provision in the following verses: (Eph.2:8) For by grace have ye been saved through faith; (1Pe.2:24) Who his own self bare our sins in his body ...by whose stripes ye were healed; (Col.1:13) Who delivered us out of the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love; (2Co.5:18) ...who reconciled us to himself; (Gal.2:20) I have been crucified with Christ, and its no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me; (Gal.3:13) Christ redeemed us from the curse; (1Pe.1:3) ...the Father ...begat us again ...by the resurrection of Jesus Christ; (Heb.10:10) We ...have been sanctified ...; (14) He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified; (Eph.1:3) ...who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing, and God (2Pe.1:3) hath granted unto us all things .... Jesus told us in His day which, of course, is also in the past that “Now shall the prince of this world be cast out” (Joh.12:31); “But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (Joh.16:33); “It is finished” (Joh.19:30). This is why we are to believe we have received. The devil and the curse were conquered. We were saved, healed, delivered, and provided for. We can rest from our own works to accomplish this when we truly believe. Let me give you an example. (1Pe.2:24) who his own self bare our sins in his body upon the tree, that we, having died unto sins, might live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed. The one who believes that Jesus already “bare our sins” considers himself delivered and can rest. He no longer has to worry about how to be delivered because he reckons himself to be “dead unto sin but alive unto God” (Rom.6:11). He reckons within himself, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me” (Gal.2:20). He can rest. Notice that the one who believes that “by whose stripes ye were healed” never has to resort to his own works to get healed. All he has to do is rest and receive it by faith. If a man continues to try to get healed when the Word says he was healed, he shows he does not believe the Word. He has not ceased from his own works to enter the rest by believing 1 Peter 2:24. All the sacrificial promises are past-tense to cause us to rest from our works every day. Redemption from the curse is truly finished! In fact, God's “works were finished from the foundation of the world” (Heb.4:3) when He spoke the plan into existence. The only thing left is for the true sons of God to enter into those works by faith, believing they have received. Since the works are finished, we should believe and rest from our own works to save, heal, and deliver ourselves. (3) For we who have believed do enter into that rest. Notice it is not the one who ceases from works on Saturday or Sunday but the one who believes who enters the New Covenant Sabbath rest every day. (9) There remaineth therefore a Sabbath rest (Greek: sabbatismos, “keeping of rest”) for the people of God. This constant “keeping of rest” every day, not one day a week, through the past-tense promises, is our spiritual Sabbath. (10) For he that is entered into his rest hath himself also rested from his works, as God did from his. This rest is to believe these past-tense promises and rest from our own works or man's works to save ourselves. Our faith in each of these promises brings us into more of the rest. We should be diligent not to leave out even one of these promises for our own good. (Heb.4:1) Let us fear therefore, lest haply, a promise being left of entering into his rest, any one of you should seem to have come short of it. (2) For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, because it was not united by faith with them that heard. This is true faith and always brings the answer. Through believing the promises, we enter into rest from our own works. For a child of God to say that they believe they have received and yet continue seeking to receive, usually through worldly methods, is to be double-minded. (Jas.1:6) But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord; (8) a doubleminded man, unstable in all his ways. Those who continue to work for what God has freely given believe in salvation by works. (Heb.4:10) For he that is entered into his rest, hath himself also rested from his works. (Jas.3:19) And we see that they were not able to enter in because of unbelief. Since the promises of deliverance from the curse are past-tense, when we believe them, we must stop working. It is an evil heart of unbelief to not rest. God was angry with Israel because they would not believe His Word in their trial in the wilderness (Heb.3:8-10). (Heb.3:11) As I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest (the Sabbath!). (12) Take heed, brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God .... (14) We are become partakers of Christ (His health, holiness, and blessing) if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end. When we believe we have received, we are put in a position of weakness because we cannot do anything to bring the desired result to pass. This weakness is rest in our wilderness experiences because there is no help from Egypt or the world there. Only God's power saves in the wilderness. God says, “My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor.12:9). If we refuse to be weak, God refuses to be strong on our behalf. Our weapon against our enemies who try to talk us out of our covenant rights is the two-edged sword of these past-tense promises (Heb.4:11,12). Let me share with you a good example of the power of the true gospel through faith in our past provision. Several years ago, I ran across a lady who had two large, inoperable tumors. She listed for me several famous preachers she had been to, who had prayed for her to be healed. She said to me, “David, I just don't understand why I have not been healed”. I said, “You just told me why you have not been healed. You are looking in the wrong direction. Turn around and look behind you for 'by whose stripes ye were healed' (1Pe.2:24). You are looking forward to a healing that happened behind you. You have a little hope, but no faith. Faith 'calls the things that be not (in this case, healing) as though they were' (Rom.4:17). Faith looks back at what was accomplished at the cross, but hope looks forward to what will be accomplished. Jesus said, 'All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for believe that ye receive (Greek: “received”) them, and ye shall have them' (Mar.11:24). That is the gospel, sister, that you must believe”. With these few words, I saw the light come on in her eyes; and her face brighten up. I said, “Now we are going to pray one more time; but this time believe the Scriptures, and believe you have received whether you see an instant manifestation, or not”. She agreed, so I rebuked the infirmity and commanded her to be healed in Jesus' name. She instantly felt the tumors leave. We rejoiced and thanked God together. I said, “Sister, that is the first time you believed the true gospel concerning your healing. If you had done that when those other preachers prayed, you would have been healed.” Because she, through faith, entered into rest from her own works to save herself, she saw the works of Jesus. Many do not receive from God because they do not keep our Sabbath through faith. Many years ago, I had a dream about resting from my works in order to be caught up by the power of God to do His works. In scene one, my wife and I were resting in lawn chairs in front of our house. Our gaze was riveted on the power line that crossed our property because it was sagging between the power poles so much that it almost touched the ground. As we watched and rested, a tornado came over that power line and picked us up out of our chairs and carried us away. Interpretation: God helped me to understand this prophetic dream. As we cease from our works and enter into the rest (the lawn chairs), the power of man (power line) comes to an end, and the power of God (tornado or whirlwind) takes over. God only gives this power to those who cease from their own works, even religious works, to follow His Spirit because they believe the promises. In scene two, I found myself in front of a large church. I walked through the front door and standing in the foyer was an “old man” in a suit. I avoided this old man as if he were a rattlesnake and went into the sanctuary, so-called. I saw there a large double sink, full of water. In the water were babies; they were faced down and most were dead. I quickly went to the sink, picked up a baby, and held him in the air. He spoke to me saying, “Thank God, I knew he was going to send someone”. Interpretation: I was made to know that there are many carnal ministers (old man - Eph.4:22; Col.3:9,10) who are trying to wash up the people of God (babies in the sink) by using the word as the letter of the Law (which is the water in Eph.5:26) and they're killing them instead. (2Co.3:6) who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. The letter of the Law that is taught by the Pharisees of today only gets our eyes on our own earthly ability or inability, like being face down in the water, which kills. Many are they that sit under the condemnation of the Law, which is a powerless false gospel, only to give up in their failure to please God and go back into the world or die on a church pew. We cannot pick ourselves up by our bootstraps or be saved by our own self-will. This is an understanding that is from the earth, and is face down. Seeking this is to be “ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2Ti.3:7) that sets free. Jesus purposely spoke in parables so that only those who have eyes and ears for heavenly things would understand (Mat.13:10-14). These seek a knowledge that is born from above, I.e., face up. (Mat.16:17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven. As always, those whose understanding is “face up” will be fought by those whose understanding is “face down”. The good news of the promises is the power of God given freely to save the one who believes (Rom.1:16). These promises get our eyes on God's ability and provision or face up. These promises give faith (Rom.10:17) to get grace (Eph.2:8) in order to have the power to live the Christian life and cease from our works. The Jews complained that Jesus' disciples were breaking the Sabbath by harvesting grain to eat (Mat.12:1,2), which was true according to the Law (Exo.31:14-17). Jesus replied to them; (Mat.12:5) Or have ye not read in the law, that on the Sabbath day the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are guiltless? Notice that He was proclaiming that His disciples were guiltless for profaning the old Sabbath. The priests, in order to fulfill the Sabbath, had to work in the temple. They did the work of God as we should also. Jesus was rebuked for healing on the Sabbath. Those outside the temple had to cease from their own works. (6) But I say unto you, that one greater than the temple is here. Jesus is our New Testament temple. We who abide in Him must work His works in order to fulfill the Sabbath. We must work the works of our Father, for we are the priests of God. (Rev.1:6) and he made us [to be] a kingdom, [to be] priests unto his God and Father .... Those who do not abide in Him have not ceased from their own works and are breaking the real Sabbath. Those who follow Christ as Lord are keeping the Sabbath, for He is Lord of the Sabbath. (Mat.12:8) For the Son of man is Lord of the sabbath. If we follow the Lord, then we have rested from our works to do His works. (Joh.14:12) ... he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father. If we follow the Law, we are cut off from Christ and grace and cannot be keeping the real Sabbath (Gal.5:4). Those seeking to keep the Law of the Sabbath are instead breaking it because they are not resting from the works of the Law. Those under the Law, who condemn us for following Christ on Saturday or Sunday, condemn the guiltless. (Mat.12:7) But if ye had known what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice; ye would not have condemned the guiltless. We are to work and do good on our Sabbath. All good is legal on our Sabbath, every day, but our old works are not. (12) ...Wherefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day. Good, of course, is God's works. (Joh.5:16) And for this cause the Jews persecuted Jesus, because he did these things on the sabbath. (17) But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh even until now, and I work. Notice that Jesus worked His Father's works even on their shadow Sabbath. Then Jesus specified what works are legal on our Sabbath. (19) ...The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father doing: for what things soever he doeth, these the Son also doeth in like manner. We see here that works that come from self are illegal on our Sabbath, but works that our Father does through us are not. (30) I can of myself do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is righteous; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. As sons seeking the will of God, we also may work the works of God on our spiritual Sabbath but not the works of self. Even the Old Covenant gives us clues to this principle. (Isa.58:13) If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, [and] the holy of Jehovah honorable; and shalt honor it, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking [thine own] words: (14) then shalt thou delight thyself in Jehovah; and I will make thee to ride upon the high places of the earth; and I will feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it. Jesus said that He always did the will of His Father. Therefore He always rested from His own works, and those who follow Him do also. God gives the same Spirit that Jesus had to those who wish to be empowered to follow Him and so keep the real Sabbath. (Isa.28:11) Nay, but by [men of] strange lips and with another tongue will he speak to this people; (12) to whom he said, This is the rest, give ye rest to him that is weary; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. Paul declared this verse to be a promise to those who are filled with the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues in the New Covenant (1 Cor.14:21). Jews and Christians who refuse this Spirit to rest from the works of the Law, including the old Sabbath, are said to be those who “would not hear”. If we receive and follow the Spirit, we are not under the Sabbath or any of the Law. (Gal.5:18) But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Those who receive the Spirit are empowered to live in Christ, which is the rest from the works and curse of the old Law. (Rom.8:2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death. We are under the Law of the Spirit. Except for prophets and kings, Israel did not have this Spirit to guide and empower them, and therefore needed rules and regulations on their external conduct. Those who live by the Spirit of life in Christ naturally fulfill the Law, which has been written in their hearts. Those who live in Christ by the Spirit cease from their own works every day. (Gal.5:16) But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Jesus said that those who received the Spirit would be witnesses of Him to the world (Acts 1:8). Jesus and His apostles never commanded to cease from work on a day. (Mat.11:28) Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden (with the Law [Mat.23:4]), and I will give you rest. The problem is that we are in and out of the rest like we are in and out of Christ. Abiding in Christ is resting in our promised benefits. Some say God gave us the gift of eternal life so he can't take it back. In Gal.3:16 we are told “to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many, but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ”. You see, the promises were given to Christ, not to you. The only way the promises are yours is if you abide in Christ. Abiding in Christ is: bearing His fruit (Joh.15:1-6), walking as he walked (1Jn.2:3-6), believing the same teachings given by Jesus and the apostles without adding or subtracting (1Jn.2:24 / Jude 3 / Mat.28:20 / Rev.22,18,19), not walking in willful sin (1Jn.3:5,6), keeping his commandments (1Jn.3:24). 1Jn.5:11 says that “God gave unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son” and that is the only place we can claim this gift. God doesn't have to take it back, his people walk out of it. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body (1Co.6:18). If we walk in willful sin, we are not abiding in his body, for there is “no sin in him” (1Jn.3:5,6). Sins of ignorance or failure are covered by the blood (Rom.7:15-8:2) but willful sin is always judged. (Heb.10:26) For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, (27) but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries. The Spirit of life in Christ empowers us to walk in Him by faith in His promises. (Heb.4:9) There remaineth therefore a Sabbath rest (Greek: sabbatismos, “keeping of rest”) for the people of God. This constant “keeping of rest” is every day, not one day a week. Paul, comparing the weak in faith with those who are mature, said, (Rom.14:5) One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. In our Covenant, every day is the Sabbath rest. As he said in Gal.4:9,10, “how turn ye back again to the weak and beggarly rudiments, whereunto ye desire to be in bondage over again? Ye observe days”. Our Sabbath is freedom from bondage to the works of the Law. Since Jesus took away our sins, it is freedom from fleshly works too. (Psa.118:24) This is the day which Jehovah hath made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Old Jerusalem ruled over God's physical Old Testament people just as New Jerusalem rules over God's spiritual New Testament people. Paul declared that we have come to this spiritual city. He showed us that it is not a physical city that can be touched. (Heb.12:18) For ye are not come unto [a mount] that might be touched ... (22) but ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem ... (23) to the general assembly and church of the firstborn.... Jesus' called-out ones come to this mountain. This is the place of God's continual rest. (Psa.132:13) For Jehovah hath chosen Zion... (14) This is my resting-place for ever: Here will I dwell; for I have desired it. Unlike those under the Law, we are not to dwell outside the temple and go there occasionally, nor are we to dwell outside the rest six days and only dwell in it one. Those who dwell in this spiritual Jerusalem remain in God's resting place. There is only one day in the New Testament Jerusalem, the spiritual city of God. That day is the real Sabbath. (Rev.21:25) And the gates thereof shall in no wise be shut by day (for there shall be no night there). Notice that there is one day and no night in the city of God where the Lamb is the light (23). There is no darkness to break up the one day of God's work for those who abide in Christ. (1Jn.1:5) And this is the message which we have heard from him and announce unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. Those who abide in God continue in the light of day doing His works. (6) If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: (7) but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin. Those who walk in the light of our day are always in the presence of the sun (Son). Night is to have the earth between you and the sun (Son). Our flesh came from the earth (Gen.2:7) and symbolizes the earth. When the works of our flesh come between us and the Son, we are living in the darkness of night. If we are in this idolatry with the world, whether this means our flesh or the things of the world (1Jn.2:15,16), we live in the night. Walking in the light of our one Sabbath day, the works of man are destroyed. I want to remind you that the Law is a shadow, and if you are under a shadow you are not in the light. The saints live in the lighted day of ceasing from their own works, especially the works of the Law, while the wicked live in the dark night of their own works. (1Th.5:5) For ye are all sons of light, and sons of the day (the Sabbath): we are not of the night, nor of darkness; (6) so then let us not sleep (Having their eyes closed to the light of the Son), as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober. (7) For they that sleep sleep in the night: and they that are drunken are drunken in the night. (8) But let us, since we are of the day (the Sabbath), be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. As long as Jesus has been in this world, either in His first body or His second corporate body, it has been day. (Joh.9:5) When I am in the world, I am the light of the world. (Mat.5:14) Ye are the light of the world. That only makes one day as long as the saints are here. (Joh.9:4) We must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day (When we are ceasing from our works to do His, it is the Sabbath day.): the night cometh, when no man can work. Our works in Christ for this world are over when the Lord comes for us and then night comes for the judgment of the world. (1Th.5:2) For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. (3) When they are saying, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them... After the tribulation, the light of the world will be gone! (Mat.24:29) But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven (This is the falling away and reprobation of 1/3 of the stars, representing the spiritual seed of Abraham [Rev.6:12-14; Gen.22:17]). The darkening of the light of this world here is physical as well as spiritual. Joseph shared a dream that clearly showed that the people of God spiritually are the sun, moon, and stars, “the light of this world”. (Gen.37:9) ...behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars made obeisance to me. (10) And he told it to his father, and to his brethren; and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth? Starting as a star glory, Joseph went to his cross in Egypt and was promoted in glory above his brethren, the children of Israel. We grow from star glory to moon glory and then to sun glory as we continue to walk in the light that God gives us (2Co.3:18). Paul agreed that the saints manifest these three glories in 1Co.15:41,42. Now we can see that when the Lord comes and takes His sun, moon, and star glory saints, the world will be left in the darkness of night. (Mat.24:29) But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven. (30) ...and they shall see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (31) And he shall send forth his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect...Glory to God! Jesus taught that the whole Christian New Covenant era on earth is only one day. (Joh.11:9) Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If a man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. (10) But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because the light is not in him. Those who walk in this continual Sabbath day walk in the light. This spiritual day lasts until the judgment. (Mat.20:1) For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that was a householder, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. Jesus started hiring laborers for His vineyard first thing in the morning, which was almost 2000 years ago. Then He gives examples of going out to hire all during the day, the third hour (verse 6), the sixth and ninth hour (verse 5), and the eleventh hour (verses 6-9). Of the eleventh hour people it was said, “These last have spent [but] one hour” (12). Then at the twelfth hour He called in all of His servants to give them their reward. (8) And when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the laborers, and pay them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. Jesus calls in all of His servants to face Him and receive their reward at His coming. (Rev.22:12) Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to each man according as his work is. Midnight is the twelfth hour when the Lord comes for the virgins (Mat.25:6) and also the time when the saints leave the Egypt of this world (Exo.29:12-31). At this time, even though it is midnight for the world, the saints are walking with lamps full of Holy Spirit light (Mat.25:4). From Jesus' first coming to His second coming is one day. This one day incorporates the whole Christian New Covenant era on earth. It should not surprise us that God could change something as important as the Sabbath from many carnal days to one spiritual day. He changed something much more important, our sacrifice, from many carnal sacrifices to one spiritual sacrifice, our Lord Jesus. The Lord again defines our rest as a corporate day that covers every day. (Heb.4:6) Seeing therefore it remaineth that some should enter thereinto, and they to whom the good tidings (the promises) were before preached failed to enter in (Even though they kept the Saturday Sabbath) because of disobedience (Greek: “apeitheia” also means unbelief), (7) he again defineth a certain day, To-day, saying in David so long a time afterward (even as hath been said before), To-day if ye shall hear his voice (the promises), Harden not your hearts. (Today is any day that you are presently in. Since this verse was written to all saints throughout the New Covenant, then “today” is every day that they live in. God was telling us that when you hear His promises, do not harden your heart as Israel did, but believe to enter the rest in the day that you live in.) (8) For if Joshua had given them rest, he would not have spoken afterward of another day. Today is that day saints, not Saturday or Sunday. Five times in this text, God uses the term “To-day” to define the rest. (3:13) but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called To-day; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. “Day by day” it has been “called To-day” for almost 2000 years. (4:9) There remaineth therefore a Sabbath rest (Greek: sabbatismos, “keeping of rest”) for the people of God. God has been merciful to our ignorance of this true Sabbath, but judgment will now be seen the world over because we have come to a second spiritual type of the Sabbath. (2Pe.3:8) But forget not this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Having read the writings of the early church fathers, I can tell you that they commonly believed in the one thousand-year prophetic day and that after six of these days from the beginning, the end time judgment would come. The Hindus, Muslims, and the Jews also believed this. Gibbon in The Rise And Fall of The Roman Empire said that the early Christians believed this. The Bible is laid out in seven prophetic one-thousand-year days. These days are numbered from the creation of Adam. There were four thousand years or four days between Adam and Jesus. Since the days of Jesus, the calendar has been tampered with extensively, but most researchers believe we are close to traversing two more days and coming to the beginning of the seventh, thousand-year period from Adam. Besides the regular spiritual Sabbath that we have already spoken of, this seventh, thousand-year day is a second spiritual Sabbath. When the body of Christ was crucified, it was a high Sabbath (Joh.19:31). That means it was a regular Sabbath and a second Passover Sabbath. This second spiritual Sabbath will also be a Passover Sabbath for those who have eaten the Lamb and are about to leave the Egypt of this world. This will also be a crucifixion to the fleshly works of the body of Christ. According to the shadow, when this end-time second spiritual Sabbath begins, God will judge those who go on in their own works. (Exo.31:12) And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying, 13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily ye shall keep my sabbaths: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am Jehovah who sanctifieth you. Christians who try to keep the Sabbath in the “letter” don't understand this because they don't see that this is a “sign”. (15) Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to Jehovah: whosoever doeth any work on the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. This is also the time when He finishes His creative work. (Gen.2:2) And on the seventh day God finished his work, which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work, which he had made. According to this type, God is about to finish His new creation work during this morning of the seventh day and rest. Every man's work will be proven by the fiery trial on the one day Sabbath. (1Co.3:12) But if any man buildeth on the foundation (of Christ) gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble; (13) each man's work shall be made manifest: for the day (one Sabbath) shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man's work of what sort it is. The wood, hay, and stubble of man's works will burn up on God's Sabbath day because, according to the shadow, there is judgment against man's work on the Sabbath. (Exo.31:14) Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that profaneth it shall surely be put to death; for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Since there is only one Sabbath day, we have to rest every day from our own works, as the rest of the New Testament also teaches. (Rev.2:23) ... I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works. (25) And he that overcometh, and he that keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give authority over the nations. (Exo.31:15) Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to Jehovah: whosoever doeth any work on the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. 16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. Let's look again at this verse about the refreshing in Isa 28:11 Nay, but by men of strange lips and with another tongue will he speak to this people; 12 to whom he said, This is the rest, give ye rest to him that is weary; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. This refreshing is coming again on the morning of the 3rd day (which is the Sabbath). There's going to be a change in the way God will deal with man when this millennium begins. There must be a ceasing from a Christian's own works and enter into the rest. Man's works have been going on in the church for six days (six thousand years). The church has been falling away from keeping the true Sabbath and we're coming to a time where if you don't cease from your own works, you will be cut off from the Body of Christ. There are many Sabbaths. There's the 7th day Sabbath, the 49th year Sabbath, there's the 50th year Sabbath, and there's the 7th millennium Sabbath. There's a Sabbath called the Jubilee. A Jubilee is a year. There are 120 Jubilees every 50 years. 120 Jubilees till Noah and another 120 till the next Noah. Noah means rest. So, 120 Jubilee years until the beginning of the Sabbath. 120 Jubilee Sabbaths bring us to the actual year 6000. We are entering into the prophetic Sabbath or the millennial Sabbath.   Reconciled to God Php 4:19  And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  (“Every need”, not greed. “Every” would include Spiritual, physical, emotional needs.)   What is faith? Heb 11:1  Now faith is assurance [substance?] of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen. When you believe for something that is not yet seen, that is faith. How do we have God's faith to receive every need? Mar 11:22  And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have God's faith. (This is according to the numeric pattern proof.)  23  Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it. 24  Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye received (Numeric) them, and ye shall have them. (This is exactly what Quantum Physics, or Quantum Mechanics has proven, Jesus said it first. And here is an important condition to receiving. 25  And whensoever ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any one; that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.  Col 1:19  For it was the good pleasure of the Father that in him should all the fulness dwell; 20  and through him to reconcile (The Greek: kattallasso means “exchange” of Jesus' life for ours) all things(not Numeric) unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; through him, I say, whether things upon the earth, or things those (Numeric) in the heavens. (Notice: He is not speaking of things but His people) 21  And you, being in time past alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works, 22  yet now hath he reconciled (exchanged) in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and unreproveable before him: 23  if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister.  First the sons and daughters of God are exchanged and then Christ in them can deliver the creation. Rom 8:19  For the earnest expectation of the creation waiteth for the revealing of the sons of God. 20  For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but by reason of him who subjected it, in hope 21  that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. 22  For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. The Lord told me that he bore the symbol of the cursed creation upon the cross. It was the crown of thorns. As we manifest our sonship we have authority over the cursed creation. We can pray for our grass, dogs, cows, bugs, trees, neighbors, etc.  Gal 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:.. 2Co 5:14  For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15  and he died for all, that they that live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto him who for their sakes died and rose again. 16  Wherefore we henceforth know no man after the flesh: even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know him so no more. 17  Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things (not Numeric) are passed away; behold, they are become new. 18  But all things (not Numeric) are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation; 19  to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (We reconcile others by showing them the exchange.) 20  We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God. 21  Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him.    Believe You Received and Rest Suani Guzman - 01/09/2010 I want to share a quick dream that helped me a lot. We all know that we must abide in the Sabbath Rest and boldly speak the good confession, but we don't always do it. So the Lord has to remind us sometimes. I have been going through some hard trials with caring for my elderly parents. I don't want to impose my faith on them but at the same time I'm trying to stand for their spiritual and physical salvation. The Lord impressed upon me that I must abide in the rest or the enormity of the problem will overwhelm me. In the dream, my husband and I had a truck in which we went sightseeing. We parked it and left for a walk. When we came back, the truck was a wreck -- another car had hit it really badly, and it was ruined. My husband, Raul, and another man tried to fix it. I went to help. I stood there and said something like, “Jesus had fixed it”. When those words left my mouth, the truck was immediately transformed into being whole again. I was so on fire and praised God and started to witness boldly to everyone about what Jesus had just done. We then left and, as we went, the truck started to stall and I said, “Oh no, it's healed”, and immediately it got power again. That happened twice. Then we got on a freeway full of cars. We were on the outer lane and struggling up a very, very steep hill. We were driving with two tires on the road and two in a ditch. The car couldn't go up like that, so it flipped over about two times and landed away from the road. So we stopped to consider the hill. By sight, it looked almost impossible to climb. We tried to figure out another way, but could see no other way. I thought that it was going to take all my strength to do it, and still it would not be enough. End of dream. (What is impossible with men is possible with God. We must trust His promises not our works.) Mar.11:24 Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye received (Greek) them, and ye shall have them. Heb.4:2 For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, because it was not united by faith with them that heard. (3) For we who have believed do enter into that rest; even as he hath said, As I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. (9) There remaineth therefore a sabbath (Greek: Sabatismos -- a continual rest) rest for the people of God. (10) For he that is entered into his rest hath himself also rested from his works, as God did from his. (11) Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, that no man fall after the same example of disobedience. Building the “Resting” Church  Eve Brast - 08/11/2012 (David's notes in red) | (Deb Horton's notes in green)  I dreamed I was driving east (faceing toward the coming of the Son) toward Dallas on a large highway with very sparse traffic on it. (The highway of holiness going to Dallas, which means “meadow dwelling”.) (A place of feeding with the flock.) It was dark but I could see a little light on the horizon in the east. (Near to the coming of the Lord in the Man-child on the morning of the seventh thousand year-day.) I was going to an eight-story hospital building that was under construction (the true Church of the called-out ones is being built), where my husband (representing Jesus) had instructed me to meet him. The building was oval-shaped and not square. (The building was eternal without beginning or end because of its shape and eight floors. (An “8” lying down is the sign for infinity or eternity and “8” is the number of Jesus. Since it's lying down, it could mean resting in Jesus. A hospital is a place for healing the sick, spiritually and physically, which the Church is supposed to be.)  I pulled into the parking garage and parked my old, gray (indicating mixture of good and evil, white and black), five-speed (grace received to get to this point) manual (not automatic, works by self), 1980 Toyota Corolla that had been my first car when I learned to drive. (Our first car represents our first ways of rest in the Lord. To park is a sign of coming into maturity through rest.) I went inside the building with my son's blue backpack containing surgical instruments and food my husband had asked me to bring to him. (Man's burdens and works we bear until we reach the seventh floor of rest and give them over to Jesus. Mat.11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.) I went into the ground floor lobby with a recently laid, highly polished wood floor (the human nature is under our feet to serve the spiritual man).   I waited at the only elevator (there's only one Way to God) to go up to the seventh floor (entering into the rest) (The first six floors represent the first six days of the different levels of man's works we do until we rest on the seventh spiritual day). I had to wait a bit because it was the only elevator. I was the only one waiting to go up. (The Bride will be the first to fully enter into the seventh-day rest.)  When the door opened, A black sister from UBM was the elevator attendant, but she was white and looked like me. (The white represents holiness.) She greeted me and began telling me how old the elevator was. (2000 years) She was an expert on this elevator. It was her assigned job in the building, and she knew everything about it. She told me that currently, the elevator only reaches the seventh floor, but when the construction is complete, it will go all the way up to the top, which is the eighth floor. (The eighth floor is Jesus and Heaven and new beginnings. When the building representing the Church is finished, we will go to the top, the eighth, heavenly floor.)  When I got off the elevator on the seventh floor, my husband passed by me wearing metal leg braces supported by a blue, padded waistband that girded his waist and metal crutches that braced around his forearms. (Our husband Jesus was strengthened by the Father to finish His pilgrimage as a type of the body.) (This reminds me of the command in Deuteronomy to bind the phylacteries, which are Scripture verses, on the forehead and hand, because the phylacteries are bound on the hand and are laced on from the forearm.) (David had a similar revelation where he was wearing leg braces. They strengthened his walk and helped him to stand.) (God's power is made perfect in our weakness.) He looked at me as he passed by with a knowing look (seeing eye to eye) and a smile, as if we shared a common understanding of something. (A common understanding of faith in the same promises brings people to the seventh floor of rest.) (Amo.3:3) Shall two walk together, except they have agreed?  Suddenly, I realized that I left my backpack on the elevator, or I thought I had, but it wasn't over my shoulder anymore. (We can't take our own provision or burdens to the seventh floor of the rest but we can give it all to Jesus there.) I became concerned (we will lose the rest if we think on our burdens) and turned around to push the button to go back down (A warning not to fall away from the rest).   While waiting for the elevator doors to open, I overheard an accountant from the hospital discussing a debt of $20 that they said I owed with another employee. (A warning that If we leave the rest of faith, we begin to bear the debt of sin again. The first mention of 20 in the Bible is Gen.6:3 And Jehovah said, My spirit shall not strive with man for ever, for that he also is flesh: yet shall his days be a hundred and twenty years.) They said they had tried to call my cell phone to give me this report, but I wouldn't answer because I knew it was not really my debt and that I wasn't required to pay it. (The accuser will always try to convince you that you still owe the debt that Christ already paid for you.) (If one leaves the rest, they will be tempted even more so.)  When the elevator doors finally opened, a horde of people out of nowhere rushed into the elevator, as if desperate to get out of the building. (They were in their flesh and leaving the rest.) I calmly walked in but there was barely enough room. When the doors shut, we were warned that the ride down was much scarier than the ride up because the elevator went down really fast, and it did (Because this represents the falling away. We have seen people lose all the gain of years in moments.). But it slowed down midway for safety precautions (this could represent those who are neither hot nor cold -- the fence-sitters in the middle) (also, God makes a way for His people to change their mind and Return unto thy rest, O my soul Psa.116:7) and then it sped back up until it reached the ground floor.  As I got off the elevator, the morning sunshine streamed through the lobby windows (Jesus in the Man-child is manifesting). A surgeon from the hospital who was going up said, “Isn't it exciting that the building construction will be completed in a week?!” (After the seven years of the 70th week of the tribulation, the Church will be complete, and I believe this week will start very soon.) I turned around and said, “Yeah”. But the importance of what he had just announced didn't register with me. I was concerned about finding the backpack because my husband needed me to bring it to the hospital (to give that burden to him).  I hoped I would find the backpack in my car in the parking garage, since it had not been left in the elevator. I ran out to the car and found it (the burden was in the car, representing immaturity) and brought it back into the lobby and pushed the elevator button again.   When the doors opened, my sons Noah and Elijah came out of the elevator and passed me as I went in. They were eight-foot-tall, grown men! (Their “8” size indicates they have grown up in Jesus.) They gave me the same knowing look of common understanding and smile that my husband had given me. (The faith that brings relief from our burdens and works.) They said, “Don't worry, Mom. We have everything under control”. (Jesus in the Man-child ministry beginning to reign [having given their burdens to God].) Then I woke up.  Why would we bear the burdens of the curse if we believe what Jesus said? Mar.11:23 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it. 24 Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Mat.18:18 Verily I say unto you, what things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven.  When we pray and believe, we rest from all the curse. Gal.3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Abraham was blessed in all things. Not entering the rest or keeping the spiritual Sabbath is because of unbelief. Heb.3:11 As I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest. 12 Take heed, brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God: 13 but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called To-day; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin: 14 for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end:...  18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that were disobedient? 19 And we see that they were not able to enter in because of unbelief.

FLOW SPACE 15 159 The Power of VOICE Join us as we discuss the sacredness of trusting yourself, the truth of your voice, alchemizing blockages within, accountability and more! Jerika and Diandra share tangible examples of what it means to allow your heart to create your reality instead of the internal blockages and the logical thinking mind. We highlight the importance of speaking your thoughts to bring them out of hiding when we're experiencing negative emotions and temptations not rooted in purity. The universe is going to give you the exact situations you need to overcome whatever is blocking you from achieving the life you desire for yourself. It's so easy to overlook ourselves especially when faced with a mirror because it's confronting so, how do we face this when the ego mind is present? What is our ultimate truth?The more real and honest we get and not ashamed of our thoughts, experiences and emotions, the more we can ground into our body and the easier it becomes to live in peace.Tune in to receive clarity and guidance, return to a sense of ease within and leave with tools to walk yourself back home to yourself. Only God knows what we need before we ask of it, this is your sign.As you tune in, you will tap into our shared frequency through the activations spoken in our words. This is an invitation to reawaken. If this episode resonates with you & you feel called, please rate, review and share our podcast with members of the community so the word can be spread! RESOURCES:FLOW SPACE website Beginners Guide to Living in Alignment WorkbookFlow Space Instagram Flow Space Youtube Channel to watch our episodes Flow Space ContactSubscribe to our Email ListAFFILIATES:Greenfield Water Solutions - bring life back into your water, 10% off code: FLOWSPACELillsBasement - crafted creations with intentions, 10% off code: FLOWSPACEBaja Gold Salt Co - World's healthiest, most mineral rich salt, 10% off code: FLOWSPACEOko Living - 100% Natural, Toxin Free, Organic Cotton Yoga Mats, 10% off code : FLOWSPACE10Life Changing Energy - sound healing instruments, 7% off code: FLOWSPACEThe Original Himalayan Crystal Salt - get 82 minerals using their stones for SoleSupport Flow Space:We're grateful for the energy exchange, blessings

Mark 4:35-41 is a very familiar narrative. After spending a grueling day debating with scribes and teaching in parables, Jesus tells his disciples to take Him across the Sea of Galilee. He sleeps as a deadly storm hits and wakes to calm it by His word. Having just compared the word to the seed that brings the kingdom, Jesus demonstrates the power of that word as He commands the storm to be silent. While it is certainly true that God sometimes miraculously intervenes and calms the storms of this life, the main point of this passage is who Jesus is. Mark previously narrated four miracles that demonstrate Jesus' authority over unclean spirits, sickness, and the forgiveness of sin. Now, after Jesus' kingdom parables, Mark will give us four more miracles. Jesus will calm the storm (forces of nature), cast out a legion of demons, cure a woman with a chronic condition, and raise Jairus' daughter from the dead. These four miracles, which would seem to be on a grander scale, reveal more of Jesus' identity and authority. He is God in the flesh. Only God can still the wind and waves. Yet, Jesus calming every storm in your earthly life is not the point. Jesus undoubtedly knew they would sail into a storm when He commanded them to sail across the sea. The storm tested their faith and revealed what they trusted in. When Jesus wakes, He rebukes them, saying, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" (v. 40) They were in far more danger from their fear and unbelief than from the storm. Their fear of the storm caused them to wonder if Jesus even cared (v. 38). This narrative is framed around three questions that could apply to every Christian's life in this world. These questions call for answers that speak to our trials, sufferings, battles against sin, and things of the world. If Jesus is truly who He says He is, "Why are you so afraid?" The battle in this narrative is not simply a fight for survival on a stormy sea or expecting Jesus to calm our storms whenever we call. The battle, even in the fiercest storm, is answering, " Who then is this?"(v. 41) And trusting the one who is with us in the boat. I. Setting: An Inevitable Storm (v. 35-37) II. Do You Not Care? (v. 38) III. Why Are You So Afraid? (v. 39-40) IV. Who Then Is This? (v. 41)

God's people are not immune to anxiety, but they possess a true remedy for the disease of troubling thoughts. What causes anxiety to God's people? Such things as their salvation, their trials, their decisions, their service, their death, and the state of the church. Only God's comforts can swallow up our anxious thoughts, because those comforts are divine, true, fitting, stable, enduring, and effective. Therefore we need to know them, believe them, embrace them, consider them, and enjoy them.

By Michael Iiams - Words such as "forever" and "eternity" are God words - physical marriage will hopefully last a lifetime, but that's not forever. Only God is eternal, has existed forever. We need to use this life to prepare so that we can be the bride of Christ and live forever as well. Our calling is such an

Carol has been a leader in three different religious denominations, and has found one consistent element throughout, which is the hunger for truth - for what is true? Her answer suggests that each of us has what is true for us. Rev. Bill takes the New Thought perspective and goes back to the Ultimate Truth that there is ONLY God, showing up differently for/as each of us.Thank you for listening to the Practical Prayer podcast - please invite your friends to listen!There's more information about the podcast, and the classes and resources to bring Practical Prayer, more fully into your life at be-the-light.com. This podcast is supported by listeners like you. We're grateful for your tax-deductible donation at newthoughtphilly.org or donate using PayPal. ★ Support this podcast ★

Those who look to riches to uphold their hopes will be deeply disappointed. Worldly wealth is fleeting and uncertain. Only God can ground our hope.

God has visited His people- Jesus spoke a word to a grieving mother's dead son and he came back to life. Only God could display such power and authority. Jesus came to solve the problem of sin and death, but many misunderstood what His mission was.

Mel Gibson’s “Passion of the Christ” portrayed the death of Christ in one of the most accurate ways ever seen by man, except for those who saw it firsthand. I saw the movie once. I have never seen it again. It is one thing to imagine the death of Christ; it is altogether different to see it portrayed in such a realistic way. In our Good Friday services, we will look at another portrayal of Christ’s suffering in Isaiah 53. Isaiah describes the suffering of Christ with detail and perfection, but unlike Mel Gibson, he pens his description over 700 years in advance of it actually happening. Only God can talk about future events as if they were yesterday’s news. Then in our Easter Celebration services, we will turn our attention to another resurrection in Scripture. A resurrection that anticipates the resurrection of Christ and our own resurrection. A resurrection in which Christ’s claim is tested and gives us proof-positive that He is the resurrection and the life! Only in Christ can we find hope for the future and life for today. I pray that you will join us for all our Easter weekend activities. Make the decision now to attend and invite a friend. Join us as we serve and worship the Risen Savior, King Jesus! — Pastor Chad McDonald

There are moments when the weight of the world feels too heavy to carry—especially for those who are natural caregivers, helpers, and encouragers. In today's devotional, Alexis A. Goring explores compassion fatigue—a very real emotional exhaustion that can happen when you’re constantly giving of yourself to help others. Drawing from Psalm 145:9, “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made,” we’re reminded that while we may reach the end of our emotional strength, God never does. He never tires, never grows weary, and always has time for your burdens. We encourage you to pause and pray: “Lord, help me cast my cares on You and remind me that I don’t need to carry it all. Thank You for your limitless compassion.” Whether you're in ministry, caregiving, or just the “strong friend” who everyone leans on, today is your invitation to unplug, rest, and reconnect with the One who never sleeps. God is the only one truly capable of caring for everyone—and that includes you. Join the Conversation:When was the last time you experienced compassion fatigue? What helped you get through it? Share with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or send us an email. Let’s support each other in remembering that it’s okay to step back—and to lean into God’s everlasting care.

→ 20% off Duncan and Stone's keepsake journals→ Prayer CalendarWhat does it actually mean to “train up a child in the way he or she should go”? In this episode, we unpack Proverbs 22:6 in a deeply practical and spiritually rich conversation. We outline a 5-part framework—demonstrate, instruct, apply, practice, and communicate—that equips Christian parents to train their children according to God's Word.From Scripture-based parenting moments at the dinner table to practicing respectful behavior in public, this episode offers biblical guidance and real-world examples to help you nurture your child's heart, habits, and faith.1 - Demonstration2 - Instruction3 - Application4 - Practice5 - Communication*Bonus - PRAYER*Episode Highlights:[00:00:00] – Introduction: Proverbs 22:6 and the foundation of biblical parenting[00:01:00] – Step 1: Demonstration—Why living out your faith is the starting point[00:03:00] – Step 2: Instruction—Teaching children scripture and leading them to wisdom[00:13:00] – Step 3: Application—Bringing scripture into specific behaviors and choices[00:18:00] – Step 4: Practice—Why repetition, joy, and connection deepen learning[00:24:00] – Step 5: Communication—Clear expectations and behavior modeling[00:28:00] – Prayer: The heart of it all—trusting God to change hearts, not just habits3 Takeaways:Biblical parenting begins with demonstrating authentic faith - Children are watching our daily lives more than they are listening to our words. Modeling godly character is the foundation for training them in truth.Effective teaching includes instruction, application, and joyful practice - From quoting scripture during teachable moments to role-playing expected behaviors, parents can disciple their children through consistency and connection.Prayer is central to parenting - Only God can transform hearts. While we are called to train and teach, it is the Holy Spirit who ultimately brings about lasting change in our children's lives.Please send us your questions if you'd like to have them discussed on the podcast: themindofachildpodcast@gmail.com The Mind of a Child is an early child development podcast that exists to encourage and equip parents to raise their kids to love God and love others. If you're looking for Biblical principles, practical parenting solutions, and science-backed research, our discussions are specifically tailored for you. Our hosts are Leslie Dudley Corbell and Diane Doucet Matthews, who each have a combined 50+ years of experience in the early child parenting space.

Physical hunger is not your only craving. You also possess a spiritual hunger. This appetite also cries out to be fed. Both types of hunger were created by God. Physical hunger can only be satisfied by food. Spiritual hunger can only be satisfied by God.Main Points:1.  You have a longing in your soul for God. Many feel the yearning but do not recognize that it is spiritual in nature. They feel a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction with life. So many people are thinking, “There must be something more to life. What am I missing?”2. In an attempt to satisfy their hunger, they go on a search. Attempts are made to gratify this spiritual emptiness with temporary, earthly things, only to be left with greater hunger.3. So, let me give you the good news. Only Jesus can satisfy our spiritual hunger. Why? Because God designed us in such a way. Only God can fill the void in our souls. A relationship with Jesus is so nourishing and so satisfying that we will wonder why we neglected Him for so long. We will wonder why we bought into the deception of this world it could offer what we needed.Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 107:9 - “For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.”Matthew 5:6 - “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.”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

I was unable to focus on a work project because of anxiety; I was afraid that my plans for it wouldn’t succeed. My anxiety came from pride. I believed my timeline and plans were best, so I wanted them to proceed unhindered. A question broke through my thoughts, however: Are your plans God’s plans? The problem wasn’t my planning─God calls us to be wise stewards of our time, opportunities, and resources. The problem was my arrogance. I was fixated on my understanding of events and how I wanted them to turn out, not on God’s purpose and how He wanted my plans to turn out. James encourages us to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (4:15). We’re to plan not with a presumptuous mindset, thinking we know everything and have control over our life, but from a position of submission to God’s sovereignty and wisdom. After all, we “do not even know what will happen tomorrow.” In our humanness, we’re helpless and weak, like “a mist that appears … and then vanishes” (v. 14). Only God has authority and power over everything in our lives; we don’t. Through His Word and the people, resources, and circumstances He allows each day, He guides us to live in submission to His will and ways. Our plans aren’t to come from following ourselves but from following Him.