Podcasts about pastor beth

Today, Pastor Beth Bramstedt speaks in Part 3 of our three-week series titled “Follow Me”. What does it mean to truly follow Jesus beyond mere belief? In this conclusion to the "Follow Me" series, Pastor Beth unveils how Peter's journey from impulsive fisherman to mature shepherd mirrors our own path of discipleship. Through touching stories of modern-day transformation and Peter's seaside reconciliation with Jesus, we discover that following Christ is a lifelong journey of healing, connection, and growth. You can find the full sermon notes and other resources at our website. We hope this message encourages you and helps you know Jesus in a more real way. Subscribe to us at our YouTube channel, on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify. You can also visit us at Facebook or Instagram.

Today, Pastor Beth Bramstedt speaks on our three-week series titled “Follow Me”. Have you ever felt the stirring call to step out of your comfort zone, even when fear threatens to hold you back? In this message about following Jesus, Pastor Beth unpacks the compelling story of Peter walking on water, revealing how authentic discipleship embraces both faith and doubt. You can find the full sermon notes and other resources at our website. We hope this message encourages you and helps you know Jesus in a more real way. Subscribe to us at our YouTube channel, on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify. You can also visit us at Facebook or Instagram.

Join us as Pastor Beth leads us in a new three-week series of gathering for good. In this week's sermon Pastor Beth elaborates on the importance of practicing fellowship and singing within the church.

1 On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the Sabbath, they were watching him closely.   7 When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host, 9 and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give this person your place,' and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher'; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. 11 For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”   12 He said also to the one who had invited him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers and sisters or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 And you will be blessed because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” 

In this week's sermon Pastor Beth relates Gods growth process in nature with our own spiritual growth,

[Jesus said:] 49 “I have come to cast fire upon the earth, and how I wish it were already ablaze! 50 I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! 51 Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! 52 From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; 53 they will be divided:  father against son   and son against father,  mother against daughter   and daughter against mother,  mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law   and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”    54 He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, ‘It is going to rain,' and so it happens. 55 And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat,' and it happens. 56 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” 

8/10/2025 

Join us for a powerful service as special guest speaker Pastor Beth Jones shares an inspiring message.

Soul Sanctuary exists to walk with all people; to invite and guide them into a growing relationship with Jesus, nurture them toward a Christ-like maturity, and equip them for ministry in the world (Matthew 28:19-20).For more information, visit https://www.soulsanctuary.ca/LINKS: Connect Card: https://www.soulsanctuary.ca/hello Kids & Youth: https://www.soulsanctuary.ca/kids-youth Upcoming Events: https://www.soulsanctuary.ca/events

August 3, 2025   In this week's sermon Pastor Beth delivers a powerful message on the gift of Jesus.

1 [Jesus] was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”2 So he said to them, “When you pray, say:       Father, may your name be revered as holy.   May your kingdom come.   3 Give us each day our daily bread.   4 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.   And do not bring us to the time of trial.”   5 And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.' 7 And he answers from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.' 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything out of friendship, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.   9 “So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 Is there anyone among you who, if your child asked for a fish, would give a snake instead of a fish? 12 Or if the child asked for an egg, would give a scorpion? 13 If you, then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” 

7/6/2025 Pastor Beth delivers a message on the power of conviction, reminding us that one question can alter the trajectory of your entire life... just like the life-changing decision to follow Jesus. Learn more at: www.gatecityvinyard.com

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of hir pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them: "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way; I am sending you like lambs into the midst of wolves. * Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals, and g' no one on the road. * Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house!'* And if a person of peace is there, your peace will rest on that person, not, it will return to you.' Remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from hou house. *Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is before you; ° cure the sick who are there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of G come near to you.' " But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome go out into its streets and say, *Even the dust of your town that clings to our we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has cor near.' 16 "Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you refects whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me."   " The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, "Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!" 18 He said to them, "I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. 1º Indeed, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will hurt you. 2 Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

51 When the days drew near for [Jesus] to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to prepare for his arrival, 53 but they did not receive him because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54 When his disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55 But he turned and rebuked them. 56 Then they went on to another village.     57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 And Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” 

Welcome to the audio podcast of Valley Family Church located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. We pray you'll be encouraged as you listen to this podcast. For more information on Valley Family Church, visit valleyfamilychurch.org.

Soul Sanctuary exists to walk with all people; to invite and guide them into a growing relationship with Jesus, nurture them toward a Christ-like maturity, and equip them for ministry in the world (Matthew 28:19-20).For more information, visit https://www.soulsanctuary.ca/. LINKS: Connect Card: https://www.soulsanctuary.ca/hello Kids & Youth: https://www.soulsanctuary.ca/kids-youth Upcoming Events: https://www.soulsanctuary.ca/events

Today, Pastor Beth Bramstedt speaks in week 8 of our series study of the book of Colossians. Our series is called "Beyond the Static" as we look to clear the noise of life and our world and listen to the voice of a loving God. Pastor Beth shared a message focused on living a life centered in Christ, drawing from the book of Colossians. She emphasized that instead of viewing life in compartments, believers should recognize that Christ should be at the center of their entire existence, affecting every aspect of life. The sermon highlighted the importance of understanding sin within the framework of God's love and grace, encouraging the congregation to trust in God's goodness rather than rationalizing their behaviors. Ultimately, Pastor Beth urged everyone to put on their new self in Christ, continually striving for maturity and submitting every part of their lives to Him. You can find the full sermon notes and other resources at our website. We hope this message encourages you and helps you know Jesus in a more real way. Subscribe to us at our YouTube channel, on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify. You can also visit us at Facebook or Instagram.

[Jesus said,] 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” 

Today, Pastor Beth Bramstedt speaks in week 7 of our series study of the book of Colossians. Our series is called "Beyond the Static" as we look to clear the noise of life and our world and listen to the voice of a loving God. Pastor Beth shared a heartfelt message about the significance of baptism, highlighting a recent testimony from Matt about his spiritual journey. Emphasizing the transformation that comes with accepting Christ, she explained that our old life is replaced by a new life hidden in Christ. She also encouraged the congregation to look upwards for discernment rather than inward or outward, focusing on things above and deepening their relationship with God through prayer, reading scripture, and community.  You can find the full sermon notes and other resources at our website. We hope this message encourages you and helps you know Jesus in a more real way. Subscribe to us at our YouTube channel, on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify. You can also visit us at Facebook or Instagram.

[Jesus prayed:] 20 “I ask not only on behalf of these but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.   25 “Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them and I in them.” 

Pastor Beth preaches about what it means to be a Kingdom witness, reminding us that as followers of Jesus, our stories—no matter how ordinary they may seem—can become powerful weapons in the hands of God. She emphasizes that testimonies aren't reserved for the extraordinary but are entrusted to anyone willing to speak. Because when God moves through your life, even the smallest moment can shake mountains. God can use anyone—and that means He can use you. The only question is: are you willing to be sent?  -May 25, 2025 

Pastor Beth gives the message on the revolutionary truth of Jesus' upside-down Kingdom, a place where the last are first, the meek inherit the earth, and love conquers all. With passion and conviction, she unveils how these radical values don't just challenge the world's systems; they transform hearts, and our important values for all believers *May 18, 2025 *Learn more at: www.gatecityvineyard.com

Soul Sanctuary exists to walk with all people; to invite and guide them into a growing relationship with Jesus, nurture them toward a Christ-like maturity, and equip them for ministry in the world (Matthew 28:19-20).For more information, visit https://www.soulsanctuary.ca/. LINKS: Connect Card: https://www.soulsanctuary.ca/hello Kids & Youth: https://www.soulsanctuary.ca/kids-youth Upcoming Events: https://www.soulsanctuary.ca/events

Should We Dare to Expect the Supernatural? Pastor Beth boldly explores this powerful question and delivers a stirring message on the divine breakthrough that comes when we live with expectant faith—believing that God will show up in power. May 11, 2025  Learn more at: www.gatecityvineyard.com

Offense is a trap that stops you from moving forward with your life! In this message, Pastor Beth shares about WHY we get offended, and HOW we can live free of it! Sermon from Mother's Day at Centerbranch 2025. Would you like to visit Centerbranch Church? Click here to plan your visit: https://tinyurl.com/4cf2d2jb Need prayer? Let us pray for you: https://admin.centerbranch.org/page/930 Give online: https://www.centerbranch.org/give

1 On the first day of the week, at early dawn, [the women] went to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. 5 The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen. 6 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be handed over to the hands of sinners and be crucified and on the third day rise again.” 8 Then they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened. 

Continuing our powerful series on the season of Lent, Pastor Beth brings a message that calls us back to the heart of our faith—recommitment.  *April 13, 2025  *Learn more: Vineyard Church | Gate City Vineyard Church | Greensboro 

This week's sermon is a powerful continuation of Pastor Beth's series on the season of Lent. As we journey deeper into this season, we explore the transformative act of recommitment. We were inspired as Andy Blaire shared a deeply personal and moving testimony, shedding light on the profound impact of rededicating your life back to Jesus. -April 6, 2025 -Learn more at www.gatecityvineyard.com 

1 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him. 3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus's feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” 6 (He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” 

This week, Pastor Beth continues the powerful series on Lent, focusing on the transformative journey of renewal and rest. *March 30, 2025 *Watch Live Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxppL8c2dcw *Learn More: https://www.gatecityvineyard.com/ 

Pastor Beth embarks on a powerful new series for the season of Lent, delving deep into the transformative power of Repentance a journey of turning away from sin and embracing the grace and renewal found in Christ. *March 23, 2025 *Watch Live Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CZV1mHDBB0 *Learn more: https://www.gatecityvineyard.com/ 

31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to [Jesus], “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32 He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 33 Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' 34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35 See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.' ” 

12 Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, 13 not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. 14 But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. 15 Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; 16 but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.  4:1 Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God's word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. 

Clara and Ps. Beth share 5 actionable steps to start reading your bible in 2025! They share what their personal time looks like with their time with God and so much more!!   Resources: 40 Days Through Revelation by Ron Rhodes The Shred by Nathan Finochio January 2024 How To Read Your Bible Sermon Series: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0QV5Jl3iqcW3baVA7bbyzb?si=5HEPNxzERoGojFBRuntqPA https://open.spotify.com/episode/0sp3P2N5T76nhDuYqF4yON?si=UcAh3NQJTtyjKcer9snpuA https://open.spotify.com/episode/0L1a6YW91PP4kFxav16Kop?si=wVkvQduiQ5OZfGafr2B8mA Follow Beth on IG: @bethhartstack Follow The Wild Youth on IG: @thewildyth   SHARE THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND + LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE! ⭐️ ⚡️Cover art by the talented Alana Leonard follow her on IG: @alanajl09

1In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.  6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.  8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.  12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,  14“Glory to God in the highest heaven,   and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”  15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 

Luke 1:26-38   26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. 

31Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free'?”  34Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. 36So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”

2Some Pharisees came, and to test [Jesus] they asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” 3He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” 4They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her.” 5But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote this commandment for you. 6But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.' 7‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”  10Then in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. 11He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; 12and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”  13People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. 14But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 15Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” 16And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. 

27Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” 30And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.  31Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”  34He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 37Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 38Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” 

24[Jesus] set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice,25but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. 26Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27He said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs.” 28But she answered him, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.” 29Then he said to her, “For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.” 30So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.  31Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. 32They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. 33He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. 34Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.” 

1 Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around [Jesus], 2they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. 3(For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; 4and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.) 5So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” 6He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written,  6This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me;  7in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.' 8You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.”  14Then he called the crowd again and said to them, “Listen to me, all of you, and understand: 15there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.  21“For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, 22adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. 23All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” 

[Jesus said,] 56“Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. 58This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.” 59He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.  60When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” 61But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you? 62Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64But among you there are some who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. 65And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.”  66Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” 68Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” 

1 Kings 19:4-8 4[Elijah] went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.”5Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, “Get up and eat.” 6He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. 7The angel of the Lord came a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you.” 8He got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God. 

1 Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. 3 Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. 5 When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, “Six months' wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” 10 Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.”   15 When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.   16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they wanted to take him into the boat

Welcome to the audio podcast of Valley Family Church located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. We pray you'll be encouraged as you listen to this podcast. For more information on Valley Family Church, visit valleyfamilychurch.org.

Romans 12: 1-8 NIV  Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. 

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1One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o'clock in the afternoon. 2And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. 3When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. 4Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us." 5And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6But Peter said, "I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk." 7And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9All the people saw him walking and praising God, 10and they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 

As we embark on a new year, we often find ourselves asking what it would take for us to fulfill our deep spiritual longings. This episode is your invitation to walk with us and the remarkable Beth Bramstedt as we unwrap the complexities of identity, legacy, and purpose. With Beth's wisdom in spiritual formation and church ministry, we're ushering in an empowering discussion to rekindle the joy and vitality in these essential facets of our lives.In this episode, we recognize that spiritual practice isn't confined to quiet rooms and closed eyes, but is often found in the everyday hustle. From the transformation of scripture to setting intentions that turn mundane moments into divine encounters, we're redefining what it means to connect with the higher power in our daily lives. Listen as we highlight the personal nature of spirituality, where intentionality and openness pave the way to experiencing the divine in all things.This heartfelt episode promises laughter, tears, and a renewed sense of what it truly means to live a spiritually enriched life.Special GuestBeth Bramstedt is the Church Life Pastor and a member of the executive team at Christian Fellowship Church in Columbia, MO. Beth grew up in Kansas City, moved to Ozark for high school, and moved to Columbia to study journalism at the University of Missouri. Beth has more than 25 years of experience in ministry and joined the staff of Christian Fellowship in March of 2020, overseeing the area of spiritual formation. Beth and her husband Chris and I have two grown sons, and two grandchildren and are currently enjoying life as empty nesters!Beth believes that all people matter to God and were created with a unique purpose. She is passionate about helping people discover that purpose and develop it for the sake of others. Beth enjoys writing, traveling the world, listening to country music, studying theology, trying local restaurants, devouring Christian fiction, and hanging out with friends and family. She is a storyteller at heart and loves hearing, sharing, and experiencing what makes each of us unique.