Podcasts about only god

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 2 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 34; John 6 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible for August 4th, day 217 in our journey through scripture. Join your Bible reading coach Hunter as we unite from around the world to reflect on God's Word and the love that holds us together. In today's episode, we delve into the story of King Josiah's rediscovery of the lost Book of the Law in the temple, explore his deep repentance and the spiritual renewal of a nation, and move into John chapter 6 where Jesus reveals himself as the true bread of life. Together, we'll meditate on what it means to recognize God's presence at work—sometimes hidden in plain sight—and to find ultimate satisfaction in him. Settle in as we open our hearts, seek understanding, and renew our faith in the living Word. TODAY'S DEVOTION: The living Word, hidden in plain sight. For generations, the Word of God was lost among God's people—lost, tragically, in the very place you'd expect to find it: the temple. It was there, but no one was looking. No one was listening. Eventually, King Josiah would find it, and with it, a deep awareness of God's presence and his own need for mercy. In our reading from John, we encounter a similar pattern: Jesus, the living Word, is right among his people in the synagogue, but still seems hidden from them. They watch miracles unfold before their eyes—the feeding of the multitudes, healings, signs—and yet they do not see or believe. Only God reveals God. Miraculous signs point to Jesus as the one who truly satisfies, the bread of life come down from heaven. But so often, we can lose sight of him amid the ruins of our own lives—our painful pasts, our self-centered paths. Even among God's own people, we can miss him, as if he's hidden in plain sight. We chase after perishable things, obsessing over what fills our bellies, our desires, our plans. Yet Jesus gently calls us to fix our gaze upon him, to seek what only he can give: true, eternal life. If we take our eyes off ourselves, even for a moment, we might see the one who is standing before us—the one who can truly fill us. Jesus calls us to trust him, to rely on him rather than our own strength. Like Peter, who, when confronted by the miraculous catch of fish, fell to his knees acknowledging his need for grace; like Josiah, who, upon finding the Word, tore his clothes and sought God's mercy—so we too are called to humble ourselves, to see what has always been waiting for us. Are you seeing the Word of God that is right before you? The God who provides, who is merciful, who has come down for you? He is not hidden from you. He longs to satisfy you with his bread. May you find the living Word right in front of you today. May you take and eat, and be truly satisfied. That is the prayer I hold for my own soul, for my family, and for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

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 that 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

Most of us do not wake up intending to serve money. Yet financial pressures, ambitions, and fears can quietly begin shaping our choices. Before long, money may influence where we find security, how we measure success, and what we believe will bring us peace. Jesus speaks directly to this danger in Luke 16:13: “You cannot serve God and money.” Money was never meant to be our master. But when it is placed in its proper role, it can become a useful tool for serving God, caring for our families, and blessing others. So, what does a biblical approach to money look like? Money Is a Gift to Receive With Gratitude The Bible speaks frequently about wealth, possessions, generosity, and stewardship. One of its clearest principles is that money is not the goal. It is a resource entrusted to us by God. Ecclesiastes 5:19 says: “Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them…this is the gift of God.” God is not opposed to provision or the appropriate enjoyment of what He provides. His gifts should be received with gratitude rather than guilt. We see a picture of God's abundant provision when Jesus feeds the five thousand in Matthew 14. Christ not only meets the immediate needs of the crowd, but the disciples also collect twelve baskets of leftovers. The point is not indulgence or excess. It is that God is a generous provider who delights in caring for His people. Everything we possess ultimately comes from Him. Recognizing that truth allows us to enjoy His provision without believing we own it independently of Him. Money Reveals What We Trust Although money can be a gift, it also carries spiritual significance because it reveals the condition of our hearts. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” Paul does not say that money itself is evil. The danger arises when we love money or look to it for something only God can provide. Money cannot give us lasting security, establish our identity, or bring genuine peace. When we expect it to do those things, a useful tool begins to take the place of our faithful Provider. Every financial decision can reveal something about our trust. Our spending may expose what we value. Our saving may show whether we are preparing wisely or attempting to control an uncertain future. Our generosity may reveal whether we believe God will continue to provide. The question is not simply, “What am I doing with my money?” It is also, “What is my money doing to my heart?” Money Is Meant to Serve God's Purposes Ephesians 4:28 gives us a broader vision for our work and resources. Paul instructs believers to work honestly “so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” We do not earn merely to accumulate. God enables us to work so that we can provide for our responsibilities, prepare wisely for the future, and share with others. That perspective transforms the purpose of our financial lives. Work becomes more than survival or personal advancement. It becomes one way we participate in God's generosity. Saving becomes thoughtful preparation rather than an attempt to eliminate every uncertainty. Investing can become an act of stewardship when it supports future responsibilities and generosity. This purpose often expresses itself through ordinary decisions: choosing to give even when the budget feels limited, avoiding unnecessary debt, setting aside money for future needs, or creating enough margin to respond when someone needs help. Those individual choices may feel small, but over time they shape both our finances and our hearts. Money becomes especially useful when it flows outward in service rather than being gathered inward as a source of identity or control. Money Must Remain a Servant When Jesus said we cannot serve both God and money, He was establishing the proper order of our allegiance. Money must remain a servant rather than becoming our master. In his sermon “The Use of Money,” John Wesley described money as a valuable gift when it is used in the hands of God's people. It can feed the hungry, provide clothing for those in need, and offer shelter to the traveler and stranger. That is a beautiful picture of money placed in its proper role. It is not worshiped, feared, or pursued as an end in itself. It is directed toward purposes that reflect God's love and generosity. Money may help us accomplish many good things, but it is never qualified to lead our lives. Only God deserves our trust, devotion, and obedience. Money Is Temporary, but Its Use Can Matter Eternally 1 Timothy 6:7 reminds us, “We brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” Every dollar we manage is temporary. Homes, accounts, investments, and possessions will eventually pass from our hands. Yet the way we use those temporary resources can have lasting significance. When we remember that money is temporary, we can begin to hold it more loosely. We can enjoy God's provision without being controlled by it. We can plan wisely without placing our hope in wealth. And we can give generously because we know that God—not our bank account—is our ultimate provider. Before your next decision about spending, saving, investing, or giving, consider asking a different question: Lord, how can this money serve You and others? Money is never the destination. It is simply a tool God places in our hands to accomplish purposes greater than ourselves. This is a central theme of Our Ultimate Treasure, a 21-day devotional designed to help you treat money as a tool rather than a treasure so that it can find its proper place in your life. You can order a copy—or copies for your church or small group—at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My father gave me $75,000 after my mother passed away. My husband and I are nearing retirement with no emergency savings, about $140,000 in personal-loan debt from his failed business, plus a mortgage and car loan. We spend nearly $10,000 a month. After giving, should we use the money to build savings, pay down debt, or invest some of it? My husband and I are approaching 65, qualify for Social Security, and plan to keep working. I'm also eligible for a teacher pension. Should I claim Social Security now, delay it, or rely on my pension first? Would a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) be the right person to help us evaluate our options? My father-in-law recently passed away, and I'm helping my mother-in-law with her finances. She has about $11,000 across six credit cards. Some issuers have offered to freeze the accounts and stop the interest while she repays them. Should she accept those arrangements or consolidate the balances into one loan? Her Social Security benefit is small, and my father-in-law's check has stopped. Could she qualify for a survivor benefit based on his record? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when we refuse to repent of our sin? In Judges 16:4–22, Samson's relationship with Delilah reveals the consequences of unrepentant sin. What begins with compromise ultimately leaves him devastated! Listen as Pastor Rob Bentz shares our latest message, Immorality (Unrepentance), to learn why sin always costs more than it promises. Only God's grace, and the freedom found in repentance brings peace. 

Send us a message!We open 2 Corinthians by naming the real tension between Paul and the church in Corinth and why reconciliation has to be fought for when trust gets damaged. We read Paul's words on comfort, integrity, and forgiveness, then we challenge ourselves to drop grudges before they turn into a foothold for division. • the backstory after 1 Corinthians and why the relationship stays strained • reconciliation as the main theme and a model for real life • God as the source of comfort in suffering and affliction • Paul's explanation for changing travel plans and being misunderstood • the painful visit, the tearful letter, and rebuilding trust with love • forgiving and comforting the repentant so they are not crushed • forgiveness as protection against Satan's schemes and church division Pray about what you may need to forgive, who you may need to forgive, and what the first step of reconciliation may be for you. Only God has the answer. Take it to him. At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you're there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. If Outloud Bible has been a valuable part of your understanding of the Bible, please consider supporting the ministry by visiting outloudbible.com.Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.

Only God's grace can restore what sin has fractured.

From the series, "Glory: Encountering the God Beyond Compare" with Dave Stimers.Part 2: The Only God. What kind of God do we worship? What kind of God is worth worshipping? In this message, we explore some key aspects of the God who can transform the world.

Genesis 37:18-24: Playing on the story of Joseph, tracing the highs and lows of his life, this sermon concludes that we are in no position to determine whether the events in our life are “good luck or bad luck.” Only God, who has an eternal view, knows the end of our journey.

One of the greatest attributes of THE ONLY GOD is that He is love. Love is not primarily an emotion or fuzzy feeling; rather, love is a commitment that is willing to do anything for and pay any price for the beloved. Textual questions for Ephesians 3: why does Paul describe God's love as wide, long, high, and deep? The apostle says that God's love surpasses knowledge. What do you think he means by that? What are some other biblical texts that describe God's love? Share one of those this week with someone who feels unloved. Title: Our Loving God

Only God can change a heart! When God sets us free, our stories of transformation can inspire others to find the same healing and hope in His arms of grace! Join Holly Wagner, Erica Campbell, Hosanna Wong, Meghan Robinson, and Elyse Mahan to explore how trusting God and embracing His truth can lead others to find the same freedom. ------- If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to go back and listen to the previous conversations in this series: 1.       Experience True Freedom 2.       Break Free from Your Past ------- Do you want more Better Together? We have 1100+ conversations available! Start watching now for free on the TBN+ app!   --------  If you need prayer, join our community on Instagram // Facebook // YouTube // TikTok  and let us know how we can pray for you! ---------  Better Together is TBN's first daily original program made by women for women! We discuss faith, family, friends, and so much more—no topic is off limits. Find out what happens when real friends get together for real conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Only God, Himself, can truly satisfy our souls … and He wants to!

We'll be returning to Luke 18, this morning—looking at verses 18-30. In this passage, Jesus says that God is the only one who is good. And in the Scripture—specifically in the Book of Psalms—the Bible tells us over and over again that the Lord, He is good! Only God is good, and we aren't God.…

In this Bible Caddie Classic from Episode 100, William Kane, Ben Crane, and Webb Simpson sit down with Bernhard Langer. Two Masters victories, 42 European Tour wins, 47 Champions Tour wins, six Schwab Cup titles, ten Ryder Cups, and a World Golf Hall of Famer. Bernhard shares the story of winning the 1985 Masters, the emptiness he felt that night, and how he came to faith in Christ weeks later at a Bible study led by PGA Tour chaplain Larry Moody.Topics covered:- Two Masters victories, 47 Champions Tour wins most ever, six Schwab Cup titles most ever, World Golf Hall of Famer- Don't look at leaderboards: the advice Bernhard gave Ben Crane early in his career that changed everything- Tearing his Achilles playing pickleball at 66 and winning on the Champions Tour nine months later- 18 years in a row winning on the Champions Tour which has never happened before to anybody else either- I believe God has given me this platform to be successful and I want to use it to spread the good news. That is part of what we are to do as ambassadors of Christ and I am certainly not ashamed of it- The 1991 Ryder Cup: missing the six foot putt and what his faith taught him about perspective- Larry, I have just missed a putt. It is not life and death. The only perfect person that ever lived, Jesus Christ, was crucified. So what I did was not all that bad- Winning the 1985 Masters and using the Lord's name in vain on live TV going out to 40 countries- Larry Moody and Scott Simpson got on their knees and prayed for Bernard that he would one day use the Lord's name in a different way- After winning the Masters I had this void in my heart. I had this emptiness. You are literally world number one. You have money, cars, houses, you are famous. And I had this emptiness and I had no idea why.- Bobby Clampett invited Bernhard to a Bible study and he showed up three nights after Larry Moody had prayed for him- John 3:3 and 3:5: you have to be born again to enter the kingdom of heaven- I knew I had never said the prayer where I would say Lord Jesus I acknowledge who you are, I give my life to you, I confess I am a sinner- The moment I did that the emptiness was gone. Left. And it has not returned. And this was 1985.- Winning the 1993 Masters on Easter Sunday: I am the only guy in Butler Cabin to mention Jesus twice, once in a very bad way- Money or victories are short lived. Only God can satisfy the void. Without him we are missing the biggest part.- We need to live life from an eternal perspective. Eternity is a very very long time compared to the 100 years we may live here on Earth.Follow Bible Caddie:Instagram: @biblecaddieTikTok: @biblecaddieX: @biblecaddieListen and subscribe: https://www.biblecaddie.com/podcastInterested in starting a Bible Caddie Featured Group? groups@biblecaddie.comQuestions or inquiries: info@biblecaddie.comShop Bible Caddie: https://www.biblecaddie.com

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20260724fam.mp3 Listen to Devotion Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. “The owner's servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?' “‘An enemy did this,' he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?' “‘No,' he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'” Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear. Matthew 13:24-30,36-43 Difficult Farming In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Farming is difficult business. You need to find good seeds and good soil. The sun and rain are beyond your control. Neither planting nor harvesting are easy. And in between you’ve got to keep the weeds from choking out the wheat. But what if the weeds looked almost exactly like the wheat? How would you know which ones to pull? Jesus says the farmer should leave them alone for now. That’s Jesus’ surprising answer. Of course, he wasn’t talking about literal farming. He was talking about harvesting souls. When Jesus explained his parable of “The Weeds and the Wheat,” he uncovered some uncomfortable truths. We are happy that the Holy Spirit has called us to be God's people through Jesus—that’s not uncomfortable. What is uncomfortable, however, is that the devil also has his followers in the world. Like the similar-looking weeds and wheat, believers and unbelievers often look the same on the outside. Someone may smile, be kind, and seem like a good person, but only God knows what is truly in a person’s heart. Only God, who sees hearts, can immediately tell the difference. That leads to a second uncomfortable truth: God allows both believers and unbelievers to live together on earth. Jesus explains that it is out of concern for believers that God allows this, “while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them” (Matthew 13:29). God knows what he is doing, even when we do not understand all his reasons. It is difficult to live as wheat among weeds. Sometimes it feels like there are more people who ignore God than follow him. Christians can feel outnumbered. We wonder why God does not put an end to wickedness right now. Yet Jesus calls us to live patiently, faithfully, and with hope. God knows those who belong to him. We cannot always tell who truly belongs to Jesus. A friend who doesn’t believe today might hear about Jesus tomorrow. A neighbor who never goes to church today may someday trust in Jesus because someone shared God’s Word with them. He wants more people to hear the good news and be brought into his kingdom. That’s one reason God waits. He wants more people to be saved. A harvest is coming. On the Last Day, God’s angels will separate the wheat from the weeds without making a single mistake. Then every believer will finally “shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:43). What a wonderful day that will be! Until then, we live confidently as God’s people, trusting the Farmer who knows exactly what he is doing. Prayer: Dear Jesus, help us live patiently and faithfully for you among the weeds of this world. Keep us trusting in you until the day we shine in your heavenly kingdom. Amen. The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire. Questions for Younger Children In Jesus’ story, what grew in the field besides wheat? Are weeds good or bad? Who is the only one who can see what is really in a person's heart? Questions for Elementary Age Children True or False: You can always tell if someone believes in Jesus just by looking at them. Why or why not? Can you think of a time when it was hard to follow Jesus because people around you made different choices? Questions for Middle School and Above Why is it dangerous to decide whether someone is wheat or a weed just by what we can see? How does the promise of the final harvest help you live patiently and hopefully in a world where evil still exists? Download Family Devotions Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Dave and Bethlie finish up the second part of this Overcoming Challenging Events series. 3. Keep growing Only God can bring beauty out of ashes Satan wants to increase the ash heap God wants to grow beauty from the ash heap He does it as we grow in Him Stay in the Word Read it daily Listen to it read aloud You Version Blue letter bible Etc Pray a lot Keep trusting God Remind yourself of truth Sin is bad Sin is the reason for all the wrong in the world God is good God is continually working to enable us to overcome the wrong   4. Be prepared for people When they forget When they say the wrong thing When they let you down

Stop trying so hard.Not stop caring.Not stop showing up.But stop trying to do what only God can do.Some of us are exhausted because we're carrying things that were never ours to carry.Only God changes hearts. Only God controls timing. Only God can do the impossible.Trust Him with everything.This episode encourages listeners to release control, surrender outcomes, and trust God with everything…in marriage, parenting, health, dreams, and every uncertain season.When we stop striving and start trusting, we discover that we can never lose when we remember that our lives are in His hands. You can never lose when your life is surrendered to Him. Music: “River,” an original piano piece written and performed by Benjamin Waggoner.We would like to pray for you. Please click here to share your prayer needs with us.To learn more about Beau's Blessings click here.Please consider becoming a Hunter's Hero and supporting Hunter's Hope and this podcast by clicking here.Shop HH x MH Collection here.Learn more about our Podcast, Episode Guests and Hunter's Hope here.

Kal Kilgo teaches from Psalm 90 in a message called "True Satisfaction." Moses wrote this psalm in a season of deep personal loss, yet he turned to the everlasting God in prayer. Kal walks through how Moses faced the reality of human frailty, our lives are like grass that flourishes in the morning and withers by evening, without losing hope. The message exposes the enemies that steal our satisfaction: pride, greed, comfort, control, comparison, and bitterness. These temporary pursuits cannot carry the weight of our deepest longings. Only God's steadfast love can. Kal invites us to pause before we pray, to consider who we are speaking to, and to ask God to teach us to number our days so that we might live in His fullness. True satisfaction is not found in easier circumstances but in a love that remains steady through every trial.

The kingdom of God grows in ways that often surprise us, quietly and steadily, even when we cannot see it happening. In Mark chapter 4, Jesus tells two parables about seeds that reveal how God's kingdom expands and what our role is in that process. We are called to scatter the seed of the gospel through prayer, invitation, service, and simply caring for the people around us. But we cannot make the seed grow. Only God can do that. From a baby in a manger to hundreds of millions of believers around the world today, small beginnings produce unexpectedly large outcomes. These parables give us confidence to keep planting, even when the harvest is not yet visible. God is faithful, and no seed sown in faith is ever wasted.

Welcome to The Daily. Today, I want to give a shoutout to Julie Peterson from Palmetto, FL. Thank you so much for your partnership with us in Project23. Grab your Hosea Scripture Journal. Our text today is Hosea 10:7-8: Samaria's king shall perish like a twig on the face of the waters. The high places of Aven, the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed. Thorn and thistle shall grow up on their altars, and they shall say to the mountains, "Cover us," and to the hills, "Fall on us." — Hosea 10:7-8 Most people feel secure until the thing they trust starts shuddering. That's what Hosea is describing. "Samaria's king shall perish like a twig on the face of the waters." What once seemed powerful suddenly looks fragile. Israel trusted political systems, false worship, national strength, and visible structures. But when judgment came, those things proved weightless. They were like a floating stick carried away by the current. This is the danger of false security. It feels strong right up until the moment it is swallowed up by the wake of the sea. Don't we trust in false security all the time? We trust the economy. We trust retirement accounts. We trust governments, technology, medicine, routines, systems, and endless streams of information. We trust comfort, convenience, and predictability. Again, none of those things are evil. But they make terrible gods. Because eventually a "wake" sinks the "twig." We get a diagnosis. We experience a financial loss. We encounter a broken relationship. We go through a cultural crisis. Our plan fails. Then we experience a sudden fear that we cannot control. And when our false security fails, panic takes over. So, we like Israel cry out to the mountains, "Cover us!" Fear reveals what our security was built on. And it's not God. Many people appear emotionally stable only because life has not yet disrupted their idols. But the moment control disappears, anxiety floods in because their trust was never in God. That's one of the great spiritual problems in our time. We have more systems than ever and less peace than ever. More comfort and more panic. More convenience and more fear. But false security cannot produce lasting peace. Only God can do that. So... What are you depending on most right now? What loss would completely unravel you? What controls your sense of safety? If it isn't God, return to God. Only God can provide the security you need. DO THIS: Identify one thing you lean on for security more than God, and surrender that fear honestly to Him today. ASK THIS: What do I depend on most for peace and stability? What fear reveals where my trust really is? Is my security rooted in temporary things or in God? PRAY THIS: God, expose every false security I've built my life on. Teach me to trust you more deeply and anchor my peace in what cannot be shaken. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Firm Foundation"

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260715dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 Only Servants Paul worked as a missionary bringing the good news about Jesus to the people of Corinth for the first time. He spent a lot of time there teaching the basics of the Christian faith. He faithfully and diligently shared how Jesus forgives sins by his death and resurrection from the grave. After Paul left, another gospel worker came to Corinth: a man named Apollos who was a gifted and passionate preacher. He watered the seed that Paul planted. Both Paul and Apollos were talented in their own ways, but the people in Corinth had picked their favorites. One said, “I like Paul.” Another, “I like Apollos better.” Still another, “I like this other teacher best.” The Corinthians were doing what people still do today. They made too much of the messenger and too little of the God who sent the message. Paul brings them back to reality. He and Apollos are only servants. They did not make the seed grow; only God could do that. It is natural to have preferences for preachers. Some are fiery, some are thoughtful. Some make you laugh; some make you think. Some are great storytellers, and some preach verse by verse. But the best preacher is the one who faithfully shares God's Word with you. A preacher’s style cannot save you. A preacher’s personality cannot forgive your sins. A clever illustration cannot raise the dead. Only God can make faith grow, and God does that through the Word of Christ. When the Word is preached faithfully, Jesus gives you what you need most. He gives you the law that exposes your sin. He gives you the gospel that forgives your sin. He gives you himself. One servant plants, another waters, but God makes it grow. Prayer: Lord God, thank you for faithful servants who bring me your Word. Help me listen past human style and hear the saving voice of Jesus. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Acts 4:32-35 NLTAll the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God's great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.All were united in heart and mind. Sharing what they had. No one needy among them.Only God can change the human soul to cooperate, unite, and love like that, selflessly, literally bringing Heaven to earth.Today, His life is available. His love is available. His Spirit can touch our lives to love, care, and share like those first disciples.This passage creates a longing to be united in heart and mind with other believers.Can you make yourself available to love selflessly today?Read once more this time from the Message Bible:The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn't even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, “That's mine; you can't have it.” They shared everything. The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them.And so it turned out that not a person among them was needy. Those who owned fields or houses sold them and brought the price of the sale to the apostles and made an offering of it. The apostles then distributed it according to each person's need.No matter how independent we may think ourselves to be, we need care. We need help. We need others. True community is finding common ground coupled with unity. Focused on what draws us together, rather than divides. Peace over chaos. Responsibility over rights. Giving. Caring. Loving like Jesus.Let's pray together: “Lord of all, thank You for Your Spirit that unites us in one heart and mind. Thank You that in You we can meet one another's needs, share our blessings, and love with the kind of love that only Heaven can give. As above, so below.”

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260715dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 Only Servants Paul worked as a missionary bringing the good news about Jesus to the people of Corinth for the first time. He spent a lot of time there teaching the basics of the Christian faith. He faithfully and diligently shared how Jesus forgives sins by his death and resurrection from the grave. After Paul left, another gospel worker came to Corinth: a man named Apollos who was a gifted and passionate preacher. He watered the seed that Paul planted. Both Paul and Apollos were talented in their own ways, but the people in Corinth had picked their favorites. One said, “I like Paul.” Another, “I like Apollos better.” Still another, “I like this other teacher best.” The Corinthians were doing what people still do today. They made too much of the messenger and too little of the God who sent the message. Paul brings them back to reality. He and Apollos are only servants. They did not make the seed grow; only God could do that. It is natural to have preferences for preachers. Some are fiery, some are thoughtful. Some make you laugh; some make you think. Some are great storytellers, and some preach verse by verse. But the best preacher is the one who faithfully shares God's Word with you. A preacher’s style cannot save you. A preacher’s personality cannot forgive your sins. A clever illustration cannot raise the dead. Only God can make faith grow, and God does that through the Word of Christ. When the Word is preached faithfully, Jesus gives you what you need most. He gives you the law that exposes your sin. He gives you the gospel that forgives your sin. He gives you himself. One servant plants, another waters, but God makes it grow. Prayer: Lord God, thank you for faithful servants who bring me your Word. Help me listen past human style and hear the saving voice of Jesus. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260715dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 Only Servants Paul worked as a missionary bringing the good news about Jesus to the people of Corinth for the first time. He spent a lot of time there teaching the basics of the Christian faith. He faithfully and diligently shared how Jesus forgives sins by his death and resurrection from the grave. After Paul left, another gospel worker came to Corinth: a man named Apollos who was a gifted and passionate preacher. He watered the seed that Paul planted. Both Paul and Apollos were talented in their own ways, but the people in Corinth had picked their favorites. One said, “I like Paul.” Another, “I like Apollos better.” Still another, “I like this other teacher best.” The Corinthians were doing what people still do today. They made too much of the messenger and too little of the God who sent the message. Paul brings them back to reality. He and Apollos are only servants. They did not make the seed grow; only God could do that. It is natural to have preferences for preachers. Some are fiery, some are thoughtful. Some make you laugh; some make you think. Some are great storytellers, and some preach verse by verse. But the best preacher is the one who faithfully shares God's Word with you. A preacher’s style cannot save you. A preacher’s personality cannot forgive your sins. A clever illustration cannot raise the dead. Only God can make faith grow, and God does that through the Word of Christ. When the Word is preached faithfully, Jesus gives you what you need most. He gives you the law that exposes your sin. He gives you the gospel that forgives your sin. He gives you himself. One servant plants, another waters, but God makes it grow. Prayer: Lord God, thank you for faithful servants who bring me your Word. Help me listen past human style and hear the saving voice of Jesus. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 11-14, Hebrews 9 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the July 12th edition of the Daily Radio Bible, hosted by Hunter. On this 194th day of our journey through Scripture, listeners from around the world are invited to join together and warm their hearts by the fire of God's love. Today's readings come from Isaiah 11 and 14, along with Hebrews 9, exploring prophecies of hope, the promise of a restored kingdom, and the fulfillment found in Christ's ultimate sacrifice. As Hunter guides us through both ancient words and thoughtful reflections, we'll discover how the treasures of God's kingdom are opened to all through Jesus, our great high priest. Stay tuned for prayer, encouragement, and community as we continue this daily walk in faith together. TODAY'S DEVOTION: There is a second room, and in it are symbols of a second chance. That's what the writer of Hebrews wants us to see. In the old tabernacle, there was the holy place, the first room, but then behind the curtain stood the second room—the place set apart, mysterious, seemingly out of reach. In that room was a box, and inside that box were signs of God's presence: manna, the symbol of his loving provision; Aaron's staff, a sign of his rule and wisdom; and the stone tablets, his law, his righteousness. These were the tokens of the kingdom, sealed up, kept at a distance with only one person allowed in once a year to bring a sacrifice. Year after year, the high priest offered the blood of calves and goats, seeking access—seeking a way to unlock those treasures, to bring the kingdom closer. But the key to this box, the release of all its promise and power, required a greater sacrifice than any animal could provide. Only one could open it. Only God's own high priest, Christ himself, could unlock the way. Jesus offered his own blood—not just for a year, not just for one person, but once for all, for everyone. He entered the real holy place and laid down his life. Now the gifts of God's kingdom—the knowledge of his love, the wisdom of his rule, the grace to live a new life—are opened up to us all. No longer scraps, no longer tokens kept behind a veil, but the fullness of life in God's kingdom, given to you, offered today. So the question is: will we live as if we're still on the outside, surviving on distant memories and far-off hopes, or will we embrace all that Christ has opened up for us? He went in for you and for me, and now his life, his joy, his very presence, are ours. May we see what he's done, rest in his completed work, and know his joy. That's the prayer I have for my soul. That's the prayer I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, and my son. And that's the prayer I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Your life is a gift of God. Only God has the right to give life, and only God has the right to take it away.

An Easter Sunday sermon by Pastor Brett Deal.These are the final days of our Lenten journey. We've spent these weeks marveling at Jesus' signs. He turned water to wine. What a wonder! He miraculous restored a man's legs lame for 38 years! What awesome power! He took a handful of fish and flatbread and fed 5000! Only God has done anything like this before (Exodus 16). Jesus made mud and anointed the sightless eyes of a man born blind who came back from the waters of Siloam seeing! The man exclaimed with amazement, “Never since the world began has… anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind” (John 9.32). He was saying of his healing, “Only God could do this!”When Jesus entered Jerusalem, riding on the foal of a donkey, everyone in the crowded capital—jam packed with pilgrims from across the world—was talking about Jesus' seventh sign. Everybody knew Lazarus was dead. Dead for days. Before their eyes he was wrapped and anointed and grieved into the tomb. Then Jesus proclaimed for all to hear, “I AM the Resurrection and Life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” (11.25-26). Still people didn't understand. How could they!? They asked one another, “Could not He who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?” (11.37). Then Jesus turned to the tomb, commanded the stone rolled away and “cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!'” and from the darkness of the cave, Lazarus stepped out, alive! Only God could do this!Friend, John displays for us the truth of Jesus who is the Word of God! There is no question in his mind these signs prove the divinity of Christ; and the resurrection of Lazarus is just a foretaste of what's to come (John 20). Following Jesus to the Table where He washes our feet, pause to marvel. Only God would do this. Follow Him as He stands judged by the people made in His image and endures mockery at the hands of the soldiers and wonder. Only God would do this. Follow Him to the cross where He dies our death; where He puts death to death. Only God could do this.

When we are under the influence of the Holy Spirit, our very character changes. From within, we become different. Girl, you’re simply not who you once were. Have you noticed as you change and grow it almost puts a spotlight on our loved ones who are NOT. Maybe someone you love is NOT under the influence of the Holy Spirit and they seem to be stuck in old way … well, they are. When you invite the presence of God into your life HE makes you new. 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” This means if someone DOESN’T belong to Christ, they’re still the same old person living the same life. Their answer is not to try harder – their answer is to surrender their life to Jesus and let the Holy Spirit change them from within! So, here we are as surrendered souls being made new. We’re being reworked from the inside so we’re becoming different, growing different fruit in our lives. Naturally, when the inside has changed, the outside begins to change as well. Today we study the next fruit produced in our life under the influence of the Holy Spirit – GOODNESS. The Greek word translated into goodness has a root word meaning good, upright and excellent. When the suffix is added, it turns into a character trait. The full meaning of this word “goodness” means to have moral excellence, an upright heart, integrity and goodness in action. And where does this goodness come from? Only ONE source – this is God’s goodness flowing through us. This is not self-produced goodness. This isn’t a 10 step program to change your heart and realign your morals. This isn’t being kind, doing nice things, changing your morals – this is God himself expressing HIS character through your surrendered life. This is simply the goodness of God himself dwelling within, transforming you, and then naturally flowing out from you. When you surrender your life to God, HE makes you good. If you’re struggling with a twisted heart or mind, there’s ONE who is in the business of untwisting – that’s the work of the Holy Spirit. And every single one of us have gotten a little twisted. Life in this world has a way of doing that. Human nature is a twisting. We simply can’t live well without God’s influence and direction. This is NEVER a matter of you being a better person than someone else – this is always a matter of God’s almighty work within you. Without God, you would be one twisted girl living in utter darkness – and that’s just the humbling truth. The Holy Spirit changes our character to GOODNESS. He aligns our morals with God’s. He teaches us to do what is right even when no one is watching. He grows our desires in the direction of integrity. We don’t do that ourselves. Girl, if there’s goodness in you, that’s a work of God, not of you! This fruit of goodness is a growing of WHO YOU ARE. It’s an external proof of the internal transformation happening. God is GOOD. His power is good. His ways are good. His plans are good. And when your soul is surrendered to Him as Lord and He is in control of your life, then He is living inside of you, making you good. It starts with Him and flows into you. This isn’t an act of willpower on your part; this is an act of surrender. This isn’t an achievement; this is a transformation. Goodness is the overflow of abiding in Christ. The fruit isn’t something you force—it is something God grows as you remain connected to Him. Goodness starts with God. Goodness flows into you. Goodness grows through you. Goodness blesses everyone around you. If you take GOD out of GOODNESS, you are left with o-ness. If you’re trying to make yourself be good without the power of the Holy Spirit working in you, you may achieve good behavior for a while, but you’ll never produce godly goodness. Only God can produce God’s character. GOODNESS IS GOD’S CHARACTER. We try to be good without God and we just end up exhausting ourselves trying to become by effort – but this goodness is only produced through surrender to God. Do you want to be better? SURRENDER! Then the fruit of goodness will naturally grow! Jesus shows us what the goodness of God within looks like in action. Acts 10:38 puts it simply, “Jesus went around doing good.” The character of goodness always produces goodness in action. The more the Holy Spirit works his goodness in you, the more your actions align to those of Jesus. Girl, you’re going to be going around DOING GOOD! What if your entire life became about going around just doing good! You want to represent Jesus to this world – go around doing good! Let God’s goodness flow through you onto everyone you encounter! Ephesians 2:10 says we’re created to do the good things God planned for us. Doing good things doesn’t save us – But the goodness of God growing in us naturally has us going around doing good things! Think about that – do you notice that in your own journey with God? The more you grow in Jesus – the more you learn and follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit – the more he has you going around doing good things! How radically cool is that? THAT’S THE FRUIT OF GOODNESS GROWING IN YOUR LIFE! So today, don’t leave our time together thinking, “I need to try harder to be good.” Leave thinking, “I need to stay closer to God.” Fruit never grows because the branch strains harder—it grows because it stays connected to the vine. The closer you live to Jesus, the more His goodness becomes your goodness. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself speaking with more integrity, loving more deeply, giving more generously, forgiving more freely, serving more joyfully, and doing good almost without thinking about it. That’s the Holy Spirit transforming your character. Girl, this world doesn’t just need more nice people. It needs more people so surrendered to Jesus that His goodness overflows into every conversation, every decision, every relationship, and every ordinary day. So stay surrendered. Stay connected. Stay under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Then go around doing good, because everywhere the goodness of God goes, darkness loses ground and people catch a glimpse of Jesus. And really that’s what it’s all about – show the world JESUS! Every act of goodness points beyond us. Every kind word, every generous act, every choice of integrity, every quiet sacrifice becomes another opportunity for someone to catch a glimpse of Jesus. So let His goodness grow in you, flow through you, and reveal Him to the world. Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com

Here is a comprehensive and structured English summary of this beautiful Shabad composed by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Jaitsari.Overall ThemeThis Shabad is a profound prayer of humility, surrender, and ultimate liberation. Guru Ji describes the countless shortcomings of human beings, the inescapable trap of worldly illusion (Maya), and emphasizes that true peace and salvation can only be achieved by surrendering to the omnipresent, merciful Divine through the chanting of His Name (Naam).Section 1: Humility and Divine ProtectionThe Salok: The Divine is described as the highest, unfathomable, limitless, and beyond description. Only God has the ultimate power to protect those who seek His refuge.The Chhant: Guru Ji prays with deep humility, asking God to save him "by any means possible." He confesses that humans commit countless sins daily and remain helplessly intoxicated by the terrifying illusions of Maya. Even when we try to commit sins in secret, God is always watching, being "nearer than near." The section ends with a plea to be pulled out of the terrifying, cyclical ocean of worldly existence.Section 2: Total Surrender and Single-Minded DevotionThe Salok: God’s virtues are unquantifiable, and His Name is supreme. Guru Ji prays that even the shelterless (those with no status or virtue) may find a home at the Divine’s feet.The Chhant: There is no alternative shelter in the universe except God. Guru Ji advises us to pray with folded hands day and night. By abandoning pride, emotional attachment, and dualism, and by surrendering our mind and body completely to the Creator, we can obtain our heart's deepest desires and merge into the Eternal Truth.Section 3: Accumulating the True WealthThe Salok: The mind is urged to meditate on the Divine, who holds the strings of all life and destiny. The true wealth to accumulate is Ram Naam (the Divine Name), as it is the only asset that accompanies the soul after death.The Chhant: God is our only true, eternal companion; He is omnipresent, filling the water, land, and skies. He is the ultimate Giver. Since His virtues are infinite and cannot be counted, one must remain in His sanctuary, for He is the source of all peace.Section 4: Ultimate Liberation and Merging with LightThe Salok: By meditating on the Divine Name, all desires of the heart are fulfilled, and total, unshakeable peace is obtained.The Chhant: In the final stanza, the soul celebrates liberation. By joining the holy congregation (Sadhu Sangat) and focusing on the Name through the Guru’s guidance, the individual soul merges with the Divine Light. All past sins are washed away, the burning desires of the mind are quenched, and the cycle of birth and death is burnt away. God, in His ultimate mercy, takes the devotee by the arm, embraces them, and makes them His own in a single moment.Key Takeaway: No matter how many mistakes a person makes, sincere surrender, letting go of ego, and meditating on the Divine Name under the guidance of the Guru can bridge the gap between humans and the Creator, leading to instant liberation.

Family Dysfunction is Complicated and Messy. Only God can heal it.Preached June 21, 2026Pastor Aaron Frasier

Full Text of Readings The Saint of the day is Saints Peter and Paul Saints Peter and Paul's Story Peter (d. 64?) Saint Mark ends the first half of his Gospel with a triumphant climax. He has recorded doubt, misunderstanding, and the opposition of many to Jesus. Now Peter makes his great confession of faith: “You are the Messiah” (Mark 8:29b). It was one of the many glorious moments in Peter's life, beginning with the day he was called from his nets along the Sea of Galilee to become a fisher of men for Jesus. The New Testament clearly shows Peter as the leader of the apostles, chosen by Jesus to have a special relationship with him. With James and John he was privileged to witness the Transfiguration, the raising of a dead child to life, and the agony in Gethsemane. His mother-in-law was cured by Jesus. He was sent with John to prepare for the last Passover before Jesus' death. His name is first on every list of apostles. And to Peter only did Jesus say, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:17b-19). But the Gospels prove their own trustworthiness by the unflattering details they include about Peter. He clearly had no public relations person. It is a great comfort for ordinary mortals to know that Peter also has his human weakness, even in the presence of Jesus. He generously gave up all things, yet he can ask in childish self-regard, “What are we going to get for all this?” (see Matthew 19:27). He receives the full force of Christ's anger when he objects to the idea of a suffering Messiah: “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do” (Matthew 16:23b). Peter is willing to accept Jesus' doctrine of forgiveness, but suggests a limit of seven times. He walks on the water in faith, but sinks in doubt. He refuses to let Jesus wash his feet, then wants his whole body cleansed. He swears at the Last Supper that he will never deny Jesus, and then swears to a servant maid that he has never known the man. He loyally resists the first attempt to arrest Jesus by cutting off Malchus' ear, but in the end he runs away with the others. In the depth of his sorrow, Jesus looks on him and forgives him, and he goes out and sheds bitter tears. The Risen Jesus told Peter to feed his lambs and his sheep (John 21:15-17). Paul (d. 64?) If the most well-known preacher today suddenly began preaching that the United States should adopt Marxism and not rely on the Constitution, the angry reaction would help us understand Paul's life when he started preaching that Christ alone can save us. He had been the most pharisaic of Pharisees, the most legalistic of Mosaic lawyers. Now he suddenly appears to other Jews as a heretical welcomer of Gentiles, a traitor and apostate. Paul's central conviction was simple and absolute: Only God can save humanity. No human effort—even the most scrupulous observance of law—can create a human good which we can bring to God as reparation for sin and payment for grace. To be saved from itself, from sin, from the devil, and from death, humanity must open itself completely to the saving power of Jesus. Paul never lost his love for his Jewish family, though he carried on a lifelong debate with them about the uselessness of the Law without Christ. He reminded the Gentiles that they were grafted on the parent stock of the Jews, who were still God's chosen people, the children of the promise. Reflection We would probably go to confession to Peter sooner than to any of the other apostles. He is perhaps a more striking example of the simple fact of holiness. Jesus says to us as he said, in effect, to Peter: “It is not you who have chosen me, but I who have chosen you. Peter, it is not human wisdom that makes it possible for you to believe, but my Father's revelation. I, not you, build my Church.” Paul's experience of the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus was the driving force that made him one of the most zealous, dynamic, and courageous ambassadors of Christ the Church has ever had. But persecution, humiliation, and weakness became his day-by-day carrying of the cross, material for further transformation. The dying Christ was in him; the living Christ was his life.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

You Are Personally Responsible and Accountable, to God, for All He Entrusts to You MESSAGE SUMMARY: Who is going to be responsible? God wants us to take responsibility and accountability for that which He has entrusted us. Some would say: “God has not entrusted me with much.”. This person would be wrong! What about his life? What about Jesus Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) to make disciples? What about his children? What about his job? God has entrusted us with much, and God is holding us personally responsible and accountable for these trusts. In Jesus' parable from Luke 16 about the rich man's incompetent manager, Jesus summarizes the meaning of His parable in Luke 16:9: “And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.". in Luke 16:12-13, Jesus summarizes His position regarding our responsibilities and accountabilities for His trusts given to us as well as the trusts of us given by others here on earth. Also, responsibilities are prioritized: “And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”. Jesus is, also, telling us that, if we cannot be responsible for earthly treasures, how can we be responsible for Spiritual Treasures. As Christians, it is imperative that we put God first. If we don't put God first in our lives, then, in a subtle way, we begin to resent God and His Grace. Proverbs tell us, in Proverbs 19:22, that the desire of every human heart is to love: “What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.". Only Jesus can give us this “steadfast love”, winch is a Spiritual gift or entrustment from God. However, most of us go through our lives trying to find substitutes for God's love to fill our lives; and we can't find a substitute outside of God. Only God and Jesus can meet out heart's need for “steadfast love”. By the way, our earthly riches will not make it into heaven with us; only our heavenly or Spiritual Riches accompany us. We are responsible and accountable for all with winch God has entrusted us – both earthly and heavenly.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Luke 16:1-15; Proverbs 19:22; Matthew 28:18-20; Psalms 124:1-8. SCRIPTURE REFERENCE SEARCH: www.AWFTL.org/bible-search/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have a Personal Relationship with the Creator of the Universe So Pray, Listen, and Be Patient for God's Call”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/   DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

A new MP3 sermon from Covenant Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Only God is Good Speaker: Pastor Charles Swann Broadcaster: Covenant Baptist Church Event: Sermon Clip Date: 6/14/2026 Length: 0 min.

As we continue our study on the three worlds that Peter mentioned in II Peter 3, we come upon some of the most interesting and remarkable verses in the Bible concerning the destruction of this present world. Only God could've given Peter these truths.

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” (Romans 3:23 NLT) Years ago, I was a guest on a morning television show. The host and I were having a nice chat when, near the end of the program, he dropped a bombshell. He said, “Greg, I have a question for you. You believe that most of the world is non-Christian and that because of that, they are going to burn in Hell for all eternity. What kind of loving God would ever create such a scenario? Is that like a petty boss that some people have created, not understanding God?” I had about two minutes to respond to that question. But after the show ended and the cameras stopped rolling, our conversation continued. He went on to ask me about good people and how a God of love could allow them to face judgment. I pointed out that we must define what “good” is. As humans, we have a sliding scale of good. Everyone seems to believe that they are good. They are always the moral center of their universe. They immediately give themselves a free pass and believe that other people aren’t as good as they are. The problem is that we have conflicting views regarding what is good. So, how do we determine what good is? We all have the answer, and it’s found in the Bible. God says, “No one is righteous—not even one” (Romans 3:10 NLT). This doesn’t mean there aren’t good people in a broad sense; it means no one is good enough to get to Heaven on their own merit. In the end, it’s not our standards of goodness that matter; it’s God’s. And, as the apostle Paul makes clear a few verses later in Romans 3, God’s threshold for goodness is much higher than ours. “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (verse 23 NLT). Our efforts to be “good enough” on our own don’t impress God. Isaiah 64:6 says, “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags” (NLT). Our good deeds can’t help us escape the judgment we deserve for our sin. Only God’s forgiveness can do that. From an eternal perspective, being good isn’t about being the nicest person or the kindest person. It’s about being a forgiven person. That’s who will be in Heaven: forgiven people. If you’ve always put your faith in your own goodness, now is the time to reevaluate. Consider the warnings of Scripture carefully. Admit that your best isn’t good enough. Confess your sins to God and ask for His forgiveness. Trust in the righteousness of Christ for your salvation. If you’ve already done that, embark on your own personal mission to take the gospel message to the people around you. Help them understand why good isn’t good enough. Reflection question: How would you respond to someone who believes that they’ll go to Heaven when they die because they’re a good person? Harvest Crusade tickets are fully claimed—but it’s not too late to participate and witness what God does on July 11. Invite your loved ones to watch online with you and make sure you join the waitlist in case more tickets become available. — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These two verses teachus an important truth about the Christian life. We are to keep growing, but weare also to keep walking. God wants us to continue maturing spiritually whilefaithfully living up to the truth He has already taught us. Atfirst glance, Paul's words may seem a little surprising. In verse 12 he said hewas "not already perfect," yet here in verse 15 he speaks ofthose who are "mature." Is Paul contradicting himself? Not at all. Inverse 12, the word perfect means to be complete or to have reached the finishline. Paul says, "I haven't arrived yet." But in verse 15, the wordmature refers to someone who is spiritually grown up. Paul is saying,"Those who are spiritually mature should have this attitude." Whatattitude? Theattitude he has just described in verses 12 through 14—the attitude of neverbecoming satisfied with our spiritual condition, always pressing forward toknow Christ more fully. The truly mature Christian never believes he hasarrived. The mature believer never stops growing. The mature believer is alwayspressing on. Someone wisely said, "The surest sign of spiritual maturityis realizing how much more there is to learn." That seems opposite ofhuman thinking. We often assume mature Christians have learned everything. Inreality, the closer we walk with Christ, the more we realize how much we stillneed Him. NoticePaul says, "Let us...have this mind." Christian maturity isnot measured merely by how much Bible knowledge we possess. It is measured byour attitude toward spiritual growth. Are we still teachable? Are we stillhungry for God's Word? Do we desire to know Christ more deeply this year thanwe did last year?Sadly,many believers stop growing—not because they stop attending church—but becausethey become comfortable. They become satisfied with yesterday's walk with Godinstead of pursuing Him today. Paul reminds us that mature believers arelifelong learners. Thenhe adds something very encouraging: "And if in anything you thinkotherwise, God will reveal even this to you." Notice Paul's patience.He doesn't argue harshly with believers who have not yet understood thesetruths. Instead, he trusts the Holy Spirit to teach them. This reminds us thatwe cannot force spiritual growth in another person's life. Only God can openhearts. Only God can bring conviction. Only God can illuminate His Word. Ourresponsibility is to faithfully teach the truth. God's responsibility is toapply that truth to the heart. ThenPaul continues in verse 16: "Nevertheless, to the degree that we havealready attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the samemind." In other words, while we continue growing, we must faithfullyobey what we already know. Don't wait until you understand the entire Biblebefore obeying the part you already understand. Jesus said in John 13:17: "Ifyou know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." Knowledge withoutobedience produces spiritual pride. Obedience produces spiritual growth. Godusually gives us enough light for the next step—not the next hundred. Psalm119:105 reminds us: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto mypath." Notice, it is a lamp to our feet. God leads us one step at a time. Paulsays, "Let us walk by the same rule." The word walk speaks ofour daily conduct and manner of life. Christianity is not merely believing theright doctrines; it is living them. The word rule originally referred to ameasuring line or standard. God's Word is the standard by which we live. Wedon't measure ourselves by the culture. We don't compare ourselves with otherChristians. We measure our lives by God's truth. Finally,Paul says, "Let us be of the same mind." As believers growtogether in obedience to God's Word, unity naturally follows. God desires achurch that is united—not around personalities or preferences—but around Christand His truth.

As we continue our study on the three worlds that Peter mentioned in II Peter 3, we come upon some of the most interesting and remarkable verses in the Bible concerning the destruction of this present world. Only God could've given Peter these truths.

Do Not Despise Small Beginnings Zachariah 4:10 “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel's hand.” I heard this verse in a sermon I was listening to on the Elevation Podcast.  The sermon was given by Jabin Chavez.  This verse was a small part of his sermon and yet when he said it something inside me said that someone listening to this episode needs this verse right now.  Someone needed to hear that is it ok that things aren't going as fast as you wanted or happening as big as you wanted.  Someone needed to hear that we don't have to be discouraged with our small beginnings.  I know this verse is for me, and yet I felt as though I was not the only one who needed to hear it.  This verse is telling us not to despise small beginnings as this is often how our prayers are answered.  Are you looking around and thinking this does not look like you thought it would?  You thought you would be further along at this point in your life.  You thought you business would be more successful.  You thought you would be married, or you thought you would have kids.  You thought it would look different. The “it” is different for each one of us and yet many of us share this common disappointment.  Why is this?  Why do we wish we were further along instead of enjoying the ride to get to where we are going?  I think we want to be further along because that is what the world seems to care about and we often get caught up in the world instead of what God wants.  The world tells us that we are defined by what we have.  We strive to have the biggest car, the biggest house, the best job, the most stuff.  We think this makes us worthy because that is what society tells us.  This is not what God tells us.  God tells us in Matthew 19:30 “But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”   God does not look at our lives the way society does.  He is not looking to see who has the most stuff, the biggest house, or the best job.  God is looking to see, “Did you help out those in need?” “Did you love your neighbor as yourself?” “Did you follow His ways and put Him first?” These are the things God is judging.   Even when we know this, even when we know the things God is calling us to, we can still feel discouraged because, “we haven't helped enough people yet,” or “we haven't loved well enough yet.”  Whether it is in our regular life, or our spiritual life, we can often tend to be discouraged with our progress.  How many of us have said, "I should be praying more,” “I should trust more,” or “I should rely on God more?” We all have times when we aren't happy with our progress and this verse is the perfect verse to remember when we start to have these thoughts.   Many of us can get the idea in our heads that God is up there, sitting on His thrown, looking down on us and judging us because He is not pleased with our progress.  We picture Him just shaking His head and saying, “Really, again?” or “I can't believe they haven't learned that yet.”  I think this verse is telling us that we are wrong.  God isn't up there judging our progress and being disappointed.  He is up there watching and smiling at every small step in the right direction that we take.  He is reassuring us not to worry if are beginnings are small because at least we are beginning.   Pastor Chavez was saying that often times the answers to our prayers come in seed form.  We want God to just give us the answer with all the details all worked our perfectly and yet that is not often how it works.  It does happen like that sometimes and we Praise God every time it does. Often we will pray about something and God will give us an idea and then we need to take that idea and cultivate it.  This takes time.  It takes time and lots of listening to God to figure our what He is calling us to do with our lives.  However, even when we know what our calling is, it is often revealed in stages.  I am not sure anyone gets handed a roadmap for their whole life's mission all at one time.  We often feel called to one thing, which then leads to another thing, which leads to another thing and so on.  I am sure this is intentional because we get the skills to do the next level of things while we are learning to do the first level.  I can imagine it is also intentional because if we knew where our 40 years of hard work was going to lead us, we might not say yes to that first step.   If I knew that saying yes to attending a retreat when I was in college would lead me to having a personal encounter with the Holy Spirit, which would lead me to help start a whole revivial of the Charismatic Renewal in the Catholic Church, would I still go to that retreat, or would I be overwhelmed with that much responsibility.  Honestly I don't know. I am grateful for those who attended the retreat that is now known as the Duquesne Weekend and has marked the beginning of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal.  I am sure their lives changed immensely on that weekend and they helped lead the Charismatic Renewal one step at a time.  I can imagine they wanted it to spread quicker because once you know the power of the Holy Spirit you want everyone else to have that experience too.  However, they went at the pace God took them and I am sure God was happy with their small beginnings.  I will actually put a link for a description of the Duquesne Weekend in the show notes as it was an incredible experience for all involved and is really interesting to read about. (Click Here for article) You might be looking at your life and thinking you are not where you wanted to be or where you thought you would be and yet God is looking at your life and saying, “You are right where I want you to be.”  Most of the time we have no idea of the amazing things God has planned for our lives.  It's when we do have some idea that we get impatient and we want those amazing things now.  God's timing is perfect.  If we want something now and God has not given it to us yet, there is a reason.  Most likely, we are not ready for it yet.  God knows our hearts.  He knows what we will do with what we are given.  God's ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts.  We do not understand a lot of the things God does.  We often can't understand His timing.  This is because we are looking at a very tiny piece of the puzzle and God gets to see the whole picture.   I think what God is telling us with this verse is “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” He doesn't want us to despise the small beginnings because He gave us those small beginnings.  Also, we shouldn't judge our ending on the small beginnings because we don't know what these small beginnings will grow into.  One saying the pastor said in his sermon that I really liked was that you can cut open an apple and count the number of seeds in it.  However, you have no idea how many apples are in one seed.  Only God can make your endeavors fruitful.  We won't know how much fruit will come from each seed, each idea you have, until it is fully grown.  Keep nurturing your ideas, keep working at them,  don't get discouraged if you aren't where you thought you would be, God will get you there in His perfect timing. Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those who listen to this episode today.  Lord, help us to be content, happy, even joyous over our small beginnings, knowing your timing is perfect.  Help us to be patient as we wait for the amazing things you have called us to come to fruition.  Help us to see clearly what you are calling us to and how we get there.  We love you, Lord, we want what you want.  We want our wills to be aligned with your will. Please help us.  We are so grateful for all the desire you placed in our hearts.  Please help us cultivate those desires and be patient while we wait for your perfect timing.  We ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name, Amen! Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus!  I am so glad to be back with all of you this week.  II just want to remind you that you can pick up an autographed copy of my book on my website.  You can also sign up for my newsletter there.  walkbodlywithjesus.com I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow.  Remember, Jesus loves you, and so do I!  Have a blessed day. www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Summary Dr. Michael Easley continues his study through Ephesians by examining Paul's command to "walk away" from the old life. While believers are called to walk worthy of their calling in Christ, they are also called to leave behind the mindset and lifestyle that once defined them. Paul reminds the Ephesian believers—and every Christian—that life apart from Christ is marked by darkened understanding, spiritual ignorance, hardened hearts, and an increasing callousness toward sin. Rather than simply modifying behavior, the Christian life requires a transformed mind through the power of the Holy Spirit. No amount of willpower can produce lasting spiritual change. Only God's Spirit, working through His Word, can renew believers from the inside out. Easley explains that sin is always deceptive, promising satisfaction while leaving people trapped in an endless cycle of craving more. Whether through lust, greed, addiction, or selfish ambition, sin never delivers what it promises. The good news is that believers are no longer defined by who they once were. Because of Christ, they have learned a new way of living. Paul urges Christians to lay aside the old self, renew the spirit of their minds, and put on the new self created in God's righteousness and holiness. Remembering where we've come from should never produce shame, but gratitude that Christ has completely transformed our identity. Christians are called not only to walk worthy of Christ but also to walk away from the sinful life they once lived. Spiritual transformation begins with a renewed mindset, not merely improved behavior. A hardened and calloused heart slowly loses sensitivity to God's truth and conviction. Sin always promises satisfaction but creates an insatiable appetite that only leads to deeper bondage. The Holy Spirit—not human determination—is the source of lasting spiritual change. Because believers have put off the old self and put on the new, they can live in righteousness, holiness, and freedom through Christ. To read Ephesians, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons. Takeaways

Proverbs 15:11-20, 1 Kings 8:22-9:9, Acts 14:8-28. Your heart lies ‘open before the Lord' (Proverbs 15:11) Only God sees and knows the heart of every human being (1 Kings 8:39)

Proverbs 15:11-13, 1 Kings 8:23-61, Acts 14:8-27. Your heart lies ‘open before the Lord' (Proverbs 15:11) Only God sees and knows the heart of every human being (1 Kings 8:39)

Just as our bodies need healthy food to thrive, our souls need spiritual nourishment to grow. Every day we are consuming something—through social media, entertainment, conversations, news, or God's Word. What we consistently feed on eventually shapes our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.Jesus invites us to hunger and thirst for righteousness. He promises that when we seek Him above all else, He will fill us with what truly satisfies. The world offers temporary pleasures and achievements, but they can never meet the deepest needs of the heart. Only God can provide lasting peace, purpose, and fulfillment.God also feeds us through the community of believers. We grow stronger when we walk alongside others who encourage us, challenge us, and point us toward Christ. Spiritual maturity happens when we intentionally pursue God and allow Him to shape us through His Word and His people.Today, ask yourself: What am I feeding my soul? Whatever you consume most will influence who you become.

Proverbs 15:11-13, 1 Kings 8:23-61, Acts 14:8-27. Your heart lies ‘open before the Lord' (Proverbs 15:11) Only God sees and knows the heart of every human being (1 Kings 8:39)

You have everything you need. A good job, a house, the car that you want. Individual freedom to follow your dreams, be who you want to be, do what you want to do, go where you want, when you want, dress in the latest fashion—the god of freedom, an idol. Your desires define your path. That is your identity. And each day you strive to build on this identity because it isn't fixed. It evolves based on what you feel and think. There is no rest in this identity. It is an endless pursuit of self. The idol of self isn't like other things we can point to because the finish line is ever moving. We always want to be something or someone more than we are. How much are you thinking about these things? But when did this thinking of self begin? Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, “'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:1-5). Eve. She desired to be something she wasn't, having knowledge of good and evil like God. It wasn't because there wasn't perfectly good fruit in the rest of the garden. Eve fell to the idol of self. Satan got her to overthink about all she could have but didn't. From that moment on, humanity began the race with itself, to run continually seeking to be something we are not. Overthinking about ourselves and forgetting to think about God. God created us in his image but not to be gods. Our present cultural norm of self-sufficiency says we don't need anyone or anything to be successful. God? Why would you need God in your everyday decisions and thinking? What we forget is this deception in thought started in the Garden of Eden. The basic definition of self-sufficient is problematic in and of itself. “Needing no help in satisfying one's basic needs, like food.” Last I checked, we are very dependent on not only others, but also on things wildly outside of our human control when it comes to food. Last I checked, we don't control the rain or sunshine required to grow crops. While we have created technologies to help supply water when there isn't any for crops or livestock during a drought, we control less than we believe. The secondary definition of self-sufficient is emotionally and intellectually independent. Eve was seeking intellectual independence when she ate the forbidden fruit. She wanted self-sufficiency. When I think about the Garden of Eden and the beauty, provision and abundance described, my mind drifts off to a place where there was peace and a oneness with the Lord. Yet Eve was tempted. In perfect communion with the Lord, she wanted intellectual independence from God! Thanks to Eve, we don't live in Eden, and ever since the fall, the volume of temptation to self-sufficiency has been dialed up to a fevered pitch with everything in our midst competing against our thoughts of God! Peace and oneness with him seem elusive, even for those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Our days are filled with temptation to lean into idols that make us overthink about ourselves and think less about Jesus! Let's call these the idols of self. Basically, anything that prioritizes thinking of “self” above everything and everyone else, most importantly, thinking about yourself more than God. That fevered noise in our culture about how we can overthink ourselves is anything but peaceful. Appearance. How much are you thinking each day about your appearance? Has this become an idol of self? This can manifest in so many ways so let's just consider a few. Wanting to dress professionally and look nice for work is one thing, but has this become something that takes up a lot of your thinking? Do you worry about what other people are wearing? Do you comment on other people when they are dressed differently? What about your hair and makeup? Are you skipping devotional time with the Lord to make sure you look the best? Are you watching fashion reels on social media or shopping online instead of reading your Bible? Do you seek attention by what you are wearing and get an extra charge when someone compliments the way you look? On average, women spend between $1,500-$2,000 on clothing and $1,000-$3,700 on beauty products and services annually. Again, this is average, and most studies will tell you the more you make at work, the more you will spend on average. Other costs to consider are gym memberships and other cosmetic services many women are using to stay looking their best! None of this is truly “bad” but when you overthink it and it becomes an idol, anything good can quickly become a slippery slope leading you away from your identity in God and closer to what our noisy culture is demanding of you. Remember the Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). If you overthink your appearance, what does this indicate about your heart? Sovereignty. Are you someone that always thinks you are right? Is the sovereignty of self an idol for you? Even believers of Jesus can get caught in this overthinking that lives to expect others to function by their own moral compass. Even if your compass is Jesus, are you lording over people with your views and pushing them away from the true gospel with your rules instead of being loving. For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers (Titus 1:10). The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth (1 Timothy 4:1-3). God's Word says these people must be rebuked! You cannot add “your rules” to God's truth! Lately, we have seen people's thoughts on full display through social media. Somehow, we have mixed culture and politics with a message about Jesus that truly does not add up. Judgements when others don't believe what we do or how we do are quick. When you spend time overthinking how other people aren't like you or doing what you want them to do instead of focusing on how God would want you to show up to those that are different from you, sovereignty of self may be an idol. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor (James 4:12)? We are not supposed to be the judge of others. This doesn't mean we should shy away from providing good feedback to others in a non-judgmental way, but we need to avoid thinking we are the end all be all! The only truth is in the Word of God! Only God can truly change things and the more we overthink about our way being the right way, the less we remember God's way! Self-Promotion/Pride. Unfortunately, many who are overthinking about their way being the right way have a significant platform for self-promotion. Even if you don't suffer with thoughts of self-sovereignty, are you thinking a lot about your next social media post or how many views, likes and follows you have? Is the idol of self-promotion taking ahold of your time? If you post something that you feel good about, are you overly disappointed if it doesn't perform well? Maybe you only receive one “like”. How does this shift your mood? Are you angry or discouraged? On the other end of the spectrum, let's say you have a following on social media—many likes and many follows. Are you spending more time thinking about these followers than you are about God? Beyond social media, how are you promoting yourself up at work? Do you think about the next meeting and how you will comment or get noticed? Do you worry when you don't get the last word or when another colleague receives accolades? If you lead a team, how do you balance taking credit or giving it? Are you an I or a we colleague? I did this or we worked together… The Bible consistently warns about self-promotion and pride and not thinking of others. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:12). Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. For it is not who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends (2 Corinthians 10:17-18) Remembering pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are; there is no God (Psalm 10:4). Bottom line, if you are thinking about exalting yourself and how it makes you feel, good or bad, more than you are thinking about what God tells you to do in his Word, you are overthinking about yourself! Covetousness. Do you spend a lot of time thinking about things you want or don't have? Even covetousness, a fancy word for jealousy, can be another way of overthinking about yourself. Described as a harmful spirit in 1 Samuel, jealousy can “rush upon us” when we least expect it. In 1 Samuel we learn how Saul is truly jealous of the attention David is receiving retuning from war. He is jealous of how people follow David, so much so that he seeks to harm David both directly and by sending him off to more conflict. Jealousy can create so many thoughts. I wish I had clothes like her. If only, I had the opportunities so and so had. I really like that car that he drives. How can I get these things, or how can I take the good attention away from someone else and get this spotlight on me?! Are you like Saul? Jealous and overthinking about how you wish someone wasn't as prosperous as you? Are you plotting ways to tear them down? Has a harmful spirit rushed upon your thinking? James 3:16 tells us where jealousy and selfish ambition exist there will be disorder and every vile practice. And this is not God's will for us! Remember, our God will supply every need of ours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). God also chooses who he will exalt and when. We are just called to follow him! Overthinking about ourselves is isolating. Whether we are overconsumed thinking about our appearance, thinking we are always right, deciding how we can promote ourselves, or coveting what someone else has, we are simply overthinking about ourselves! All these ways of overthinking don't draw us closer to God or others. These patterns of overthinking can lead to isolation and even depression. We were created for unity with God and community with other believers. Now, how can we shift this overthinking? Releasing ourselves from the culture driven notions that self is the central most important part of our life is first. People and things can never provide for our central happiness! Seeking praise from others will always disappoint us! The gospel is the direct antithesis of the culture of self-idolatry. Jesus invites us to a beautiful life of thinking about him! Start with abiding. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine and you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing (John 15: 4-5). Abide in my love (John 15:9). In Jesus, you will bear much fruit! Without him, you will do nothing. Remember why you exist. It isn't to think about yourself. You were made for God. Life itself is amazing—a gift from God each day. Turning your overthinking about yourself to thinking about God will bring joy and fulfillment beyond what you can fathom!

Send us Fan Mail“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” — Ephesians 4:11-12The fivefold ministry remains alive and well in the modern Church. However, much confusion persists regarding the precise role of the prophet in the New Testament body. God established this office as an enduring function; nowhere in Scripture do we see it removed. Therefore, it is vital for believers to understand the prophet's unique operation, especially regarding how the prophet collaborates with the Pastor—the God-assigned leader of the local congregation.While the spiritual head of a prophetic ministry is an Apostle (appointed by God, not man), the prophet serves as God's chosen messenger and mouthpiece. It is only when a church embraces the full fivefold ministry that the saints are truly perfected, the work of the ministry flourishes, and the body of Christ is fully edified.The Foundation of Prophetic Character: LoveProphets have been used throughout history to relay divine messages, yet the ministry often receives a “bad rap” due to individuals operating out of order. To understand how a prophet should function, we must look to the specific guidelines of 1 Corinthians 13.13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. Scripture explicitly states that though a person may possess the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries, if they lack charity (love), they are nothing. Love is the non-negotiable foundation of the office. Furthermore, while charity never fails, 1 Corinthians 8-12 reminds us that spiritual gifts are temporary. At the return of Christ, when we experience complete, face-to-face knowledge of God in eternity, the need for prophetic guidance will pass.Until that day, true prophets do not rejoice when their fellow travelers on the “Highway of Holiness” stumble; rather, they find their joy exclusively in the triumph of truth.Because we currently see through a dim glass, prophets must strictly discard any childish inclinations toward self-importance or self-exaltation. For instance, a prophet must not react like an undisciplined child when a delivered word is met with skepticism or is rejected.   A prophetic word is often entirely new to the recipient, who retains the right to either receive or reject it. Time ultimately proves all revelation. Since a true prophet does not seek personal glory, the unbelief of others is irrelevant. The prophet's sole mandate is obedience to God's command to speak. As Romans 3:3 asks:“For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?”The Weight and Cost of the MantleThere is no room for vanity in this office. A prophet must maintain a close relationship to God, constantly evaluating their own life against divine standards. The trials assigned to a prophet are often deeply painful.Consider Hosea, who was commanded to marry a woman of the streets as a living symbol of God's relationship with an unfaithful Israel. He endured public humiliation and was required to personally buy his wife back from brokenness. Even his children bore the prophetic weight, given names meaning “God Scatters,” “No Mercy,” and “Not My People.” Similarly, the book of Jeremiah reveals the immense hostility a prophet may face, detailing narrow escapes from multiple assassination plots. Often, a prophet is instructed to say and do things that run counter to popular opinion. Yet, when God commands it, the prophet must speak—confident that the eternal reward will far outweigh the earthly cost.Discerning the Office from the GiftIt is crucial to distinguish between those who possess prophetic expressions and those who occupy the office of a prophet. Individuals may carry titles such as prophesier, seer, psalmist, or dreamer; while they may be operating prophetically, they do not necessarily bear the prophet's mantle.The Prophesier: 1 Corinthians 14 encourages all saints to desire to prophesy for edification, exhortation, and comfort. However, exercising this gift does not make a believer a prophet.The Seer: The seer perceives things hidden from the natural eye. While this is an ancient term associated with the prophetic, not all prophets operate primarily as seers.The Psalmist: A psalmist—such as King David (who Acts 2:30 explicitly identifies as a prophet)—utilizes rhyme, song, and music to release revelation. Yet not every musical psalmist holds the office of a prophet.The Dreamer: The dreamer receives spiritual insight through dreams. However, dreams can be heavily influenced by personal emotions and psychology, making them the least reliable among subjective indicators.What these distinct operations often lack is the enforcement power and spiritual authority inherent in the prophet's mantle. The office of a prophet is far more than delivering an individual word, speaking in a congregation, or addressing nations. Once fully prepared by God, a prophet is granted significant authority in the spiritual realm, backed by angelic assistance to confirm the spoken word. Like every branch of the fivefold ministry, it is a strictly God-ordained position.Demeanor, Timing, and Divine OrderA prophet's lifestyle requires total dedication to God through fasting, studying Scripture, and maintaining constant communication with Him. This demands complete obedience to God's will, even when it is not fully understood. Furthermore, a true prophet receives supernatural backing to confirm their words. This role cannot be achieved through personal desire or effort; it is an innate calling. Ultimately, a prophet's very life often foreshadows the future. They are not merely messengers, but trailblazers who lead, challenge, and transform the history of God's people.Prophets receive information and directions from God through dreams, visions, and a distinct spiritual “knowing.” They must know His voice intimately, distinguishing it not only from counter-spirits but from their own internal thoughts.Unlike moments when God gives a believer a spontaneous word to prophesy—such as during a church service—He often reveals messages to His prophets well in advance. A prophet may hold onto that word for a season, understanding that obedience requires not only speaking what God commands, but speaking it exactly when He ordains.Ultimately, prophets, like all believers, must be diligent to make their calling and election sure. Only God can call, anoint, and establish a prophet in the divine position assigned to them before birth. A true prophet ensures they are genuinely sent by God, rather than someone who merely “went” out of misguided zeal; the eternal implications are simply too great. As 2 Peter 1:10 (KJV) admonishes:“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.”

Presented by Lauren Stibgen From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers these things ought to not be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water (James 3:10-12). These verses in James 3 can apply to all the words we speak. Have you excused your words about politics and think they don't matter? Have you shared something on social media that is less than pleasant or something that incites a heated discussion? What about name calling and labeling of people? Your words can be an indication that politics have become an idol. While you may not be doing this at work, your personal life is far less hidden than it was in the past with the pervasive online presence most people have. In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus calls us to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us. This includes candidates and members of an opposing political view. With fellow believers the conversations become even more divisive as we start to judge someone's level of justification and commitment to their faith based on who they voted for. You have heard this before. So and so cannot be saved if they voted for X. Only God can judge the intentions of someone. We cannot and should not. And God's Word reminds us not to judge, or we will be judged in return (Matthew 7:1-2). How can you self-examine first? How can you remove the log in your own eye before you look at the speck in your brother's (Matthew 7:3-5)? Believer or not, those that are on the opposing side of your views are also made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Jesus calls us to love our enemies. This includes candidates and members of an opposing political view. Think about those around you at work who are believers in Jesus. Would your words reflect your calling as an ambassador of Christ? Remember, our ultimate goal is to make disciples—not of candidates but of Christ! What can we do instead? Remembering sometimes the most peaceful thing we can do is be silent and let God fight our battles. We can pray for those who persecute us. We can choose to see the best in others.

Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing. — Isaiah 40:17 As he continues describing God in his majesty and superiority, Isaiah says that all the nations, in comparison, are “as nothing”—even “less than nothing.” This means there is no room for pride or any sense of self-accomplishment in the sight of God. When Isaiah wrote this passage, Babylon was the superpower in that part of the world. It conquered many nations and had dominion over them.Looking back, we see that the empires of the past fell. The great realm of Egypt lay covered with the dust of centuries. Assyria lost its far-reaching empire. Babylon, greater than Assyria, would soon fall into the hands of the Medo-Persians, and later Persia would fall to the Greeks. That is how it goes: nations rise and fall. Strong today, weak tomorrow. A nation may be rich and powerful for a time, but then it will crumble, fall, and eventually be forgotten— less than nothing.Only God is never removed from his throne. Only the glory of God never fades. Only the power of God is never confronted by a greater power. Proud nations drink the cup of failure, but the Lord God will never face defeat. Sovereign Lord, nations are as nothing before you, and yet you care for them and all people. Help us to trust in your unshakable rule. Root us in your eternal glory, unfailing power, and eternal reign that can never be challenged. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Only God's truth can heal a nation headed toward destruction.America's greatest need is not political reform, but spiritual renewal through God's Word. In this episode of The FLOT Line, Rick Hughes explains why national healing begins with humility, Biblical truth and believers growing to spiritual maturity. Using passages from Hosea, Jeremiah, Romans and 2 Chronicles, Rick reveals the spiritual principles that determine whether a nation recovers or collapses.Key Takeaways:• Why trusting God matters more than trusting political leaders • How rejection of Biblical truth leads to national decline • The difference between revival and spiritual renewal • Why humility is essential for national healing • How believers can recover fellowship with God through rebound⬇Download Transcript: https://rhem.pub/1086-transcript

When my wife and I would drive somewhere, we didn't lose any time when she drove. In fact, we set some records. Once we were on a trip and I was preparing for the meetings we were going to, she was driving down this four-lane, divided highway. I was looking down. All of a sudden, I looked up and I saw orange plastic cones on the middle line that divides the two lanes on our side. And as I looked, every vehicle but one was moving into the left lane, to the left of the cones. You notice I said everyone but one. Yeah, that was us. My wife continued in the right lane, and I said, “Honey, what are you doing? Looks like this lane is closing.” She said, “Just watch.” Well, we passed a line of cars on our left, with a big truck at the head of it. See, that truck had moved into the left lane, and all the other cars said, “Oh, that must be the lane to be in.” The problem was that the truck that they were following was taking equipment to a big tar truck parked in the left lane, so we waved as we zipped by all those cars as they were heading for an unpleasant surprise. I'm Ron Hutchcraft, and I want to have A Word With You today about “Wrong About God.” Now, our word for today from the Word of God. We're in Proverbs 14:12. It's short, but it's hard-hitting. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end, it leads to death.” The Bible's pretty clear here. A lot of people are on a road that looks good, but it's going nowhere. Jesus talked about that in Matthew 7:13-14, when He said, “Enter through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it; but small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” See, a lot of people are wrong about the one thing you can't afford to be wrong about—God, and how to get to Him. If you're wrong about God, it's fatal forever. Maybe you're someone who might be on a sincere road that seems very right, but that ends far away from God forever instead of with Him forever. Only God can tell us how to get to Him, and He does in John 14:6. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through Me.” In 1 John 5:11-12 it says, “There is life in God's Son, and he that has the Son has life. He that does not have the Son of God does not have life.” So, question: Do you have the Son of God in your heart? This bothers a lot of people that Jesus is the only way. You say, “Well, I believe in tolerance. As long as we're sincere.” Well, if you're trapped in a burning building, and a firefighter risks his life to bring you out, I don't think you say, “Hey, wait, there's only one way out of here? Are you kidding?” No, you grab that rescuer and you say, “Thank God there's a way.” Well, thank God there is one way. There wasn't any way until one Savior came and paid the price for our sin. Sin has a death penalty. The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death.” Someone's got to die for my sin to be paid for. No good works, no matter what faith they're from, can pay that death penalty. Romans 5:8 says, “God proved His love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” If you haven't pinned all your hopes on Jesus to be your Rescuer, you're still on the road that leads to death. That's why everything, now and forever, depends on what you do with God's Son, Jesus. This could be the day when you make this Jesus your Rescuer from your sin if you would just tell Him, “Jesus, I get it. You died on that cross for me. I'm Yours.” Would you please go to our website and just find there the information you need to get this relationship with Jesus going? It's ANewStory.com. Only one lane gets you to God. Only one lane gets you to heaven. It's the road that goes by the cross where Jesus died to pay for your sin.

You are very important. What takes place inside of you is sacred. You are God's sanctuary. Only God is trustworthy enough to dwell inside of you. Only His thoughts are pure enough to abide in your mind and heart. 

Professor Lori Newbold draws on her background in theology and mental health to illuminate Hannah's extraordinary faith, her meekness under provocation, her wordless prayers of grief, and the surprising truth that being a mother, like being a disciple, is not a destination we wait for but an identity we live now.YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Oc09qEPPBcsFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBook WEEKLY NEWSLETTERhttps://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletter SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE0:00 - Part 2 - Professor Lori Newbold1:51 Feeling misunderstood2:51 Personal testimonies on being misunderstood3:54 How to respond when people say the wrong thing4:57 Hannah's prayer6:41 Only God truly knows us8:23 Hannah as type of Jesus Christ9:38 Hannah's vow and prayer12:57 Eli's response and Eli's faith14:10 The Lord remembered Hannah17:01 President Oaks on motherhood and identity19:28 Jacob 1:1124:20 Hannah keeps her promise28:14 Eli's parenting failure30:35 Hannah and Mary–Mary's Magnificat35:40 Motherhood identity and the Adversary39:40 Recording the hand of the Lord42:25 Remember the Lord in reply49:50 I still love you52:39 Don't be afraid to apologize57:12 Samuel hears the Lord1:03:18 Sister Beck and living in revelation1:06:19 Samuel and the monarchy1:07:51 Closing testimony of Jesus Christ1:11:30 End of Part 2 - Professor Lori NewboldThanks to the followHIM team:Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish TranscriptsAmelia Kabwika: Portuguese TranscriptsHeather Barlow: Communications DirectorSydney Smith: Social Media, Graphic Design "Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com