Podcasts about Prayer

Leviticus 16-18

Leviticus 16-18

Are you being productive for the world's reasons or God's glory? In this episode, Reagan Rose (author of "Redeeming Productivity: Getting More Done for the Glory of God") shares the biblical foundation for Christian productivity and practical steps to steward your time well.This episode is sponsored by The Master's University. To learn more about how you can invest in a college education devoted to Christ & Scripture, visit masters.eduWhat You'll Learn: • The difference between worldly productivity and Christian productivity • 5 pillars of biblical productivity (why we belong to God matters) • How to craft a power morning routine (Prayer, Organization, Word, Exercise, Reading) • Setting goals and tracking commitments God's way • Why Christians should care about being productive • Living your life for the "well done" from JesusResources Mentioned: • Book: "Redeeming Productivity: Getting More Done for the Glory of God" by Reagan Rose • Website: RedeemingProductivity.comConnect with Reagan Rose:

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Epstein Files, Occult Darkness, Prophetic Counterfeits, and the Coming Isaac Movement | KIB 518 Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Description  In Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Episode 518, Dr. Michael and Mary Lou Lake address why the growing exposure of evil—especially surrounding the Epstein scandal and systemic corruption—helps the Body of Messiah understand the seriousness of Mystery Babylon and the coming realities described in Revelation. They also warn believers to move slowly when engaging disturbing material, to stay anchored in Scripture, and to avoid becoming spiritually destabilized by darkness-focused "research." Dr. Lake emphasizes a necessary Word + Spirit balance—because when believers abandon Scripture in favor of experiences, visions, or "prophetic spectacle," they become vulnerable to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4). The episode tackles: why Revelation's judgments are righteous in light of hidden, institutional evil the danger of "Christianized" occult practices (e.g., astral projection rebranded as "getting in the spirit") how God tests His people through signs and wonders (Deuteronomy 13) why much of the modern prophetic movement shows Gnostic-like patterns R.T. Kendall's warning that the charismatic movement became an "Ishmael," and that an "Isaac" is coming—greater, purified, and grounded in truth encouragement for believers waiting on prophetic words: God gives the target, then transforms us to walk in it Prayer: for victims to receive justice and healing, for the Church to regain biblical discernment, and for God to release the coming "Isaac" move of God—marked by holiness, truth, and the presence of the Spirit. ➡️ Stay informed and empowered: www.KingdomIntelligenceBriefing.com

The Lord's Prayer may be the most familiar prayer in Christianity—and the most overlooked. In this episode of InContext, Michael Easley sits down with Brad Gray and Brad Nelson of Walking the Text to uncover the depth, power, and biblical context behind the prayer Jesus taught His disciples. Drawing from years of study in Israel, pastoral ministry, and personal experiences of grief and suffering, Brad and Nelson show how the Lord's Prayer is not just something Jesus taught—it's the prayer He lived. From Exodus imagery and the “heavens” language to forgiveness, grief, and the kingdom of God, this conversation reframes the prayer as a daily blueprint for discipleship. Whether you've prayed the Lord's Prayer for decades or rarely stop to think about its meaning, this episode invites you to hear it with fresh ears—and to rediscover how it shapes our understanding of God, ourselves, and our purpose in the world. Chapters 00:00 – How Michael First Met Brad & Nelson in Israel 03:40 – From Sports & Business to Studying Scripture 07:50 – Why Biblical Context Changes Everything 10:45 – Why the Disciples Asked Jesus to Teach Them to Pray 13:55 – Rediscovering the Lord's Prayer 17:20 – Grief, Liminal Space, and Prayer That Holds Us Together 22:30 – “Our Father in the Heavens” Explained 27:10 – Creation, Cosmos, and God's Nearness 30:40 – Why Stillness Helps Us Hear God 34:10 – “Forgive Us Our Debts” and the Cost of Forgiveness 39:00 – Forgiveness vs. Reconciliation 44:00 – The Dead Sea, the Sea of Galilee, and Grace 49:30 – Why Forgiveness Is Ongoing Work 53:40 – The Lord's Prayer as a Blueprint for Daily Life Key Topics The Lord's Prayer in biblical and historical context Why familiarity can dull spiritual formation Exodus imagery and the kingdom of God God's nearness and authority in “the heavens” Grief, suffering, and liminal space Forgiveness as daily soul care Forgiveness vs. reconciliation and healthy boundaries Why prayer shapes how we live, not just what we say Links Mentioned: Bringing Heaven Here by Brad Gray and Brad Nelson Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

Welcome to a brand-new installment of the Meditative Prayers Podcast, led by your host, Zach Clinton. Today, we embark on a profound journey into the realm of prayer, delving into its transformative power to illuminate our faith path. Join us as we navigate the intricate tapestry of spirituality, where moments of vulnerability and unease are met with a divine remedy: the art of prayer. Amidst the contours of our faith expedition, there arise junctures where the weight of life's challenges can leave us feeling diminished and besieged. In these instances, we find solace in the unwavering companionship of the Almighty, enabling us to not only endure but to flourish. This episode is a guiding light, revealing how the practice of prayer, rooted in the timeless wisdom of Philippians 4:6 within the revered King James Version, empowers us to transcend these fleeting moments of fragility. If you're seeking to enrich your spiritual journey and immerse yourself in more Christian meditation, heartfelt prayers, and peaceful sleep content, we encourage you to download the Pray.com app. Embracing the practice of praying before slumber is more than just a routine; it's an avenue to recenter your heart, aligning it with God's purpose. Let Pray.com’s Meditative Prayer be a nightly companion, deepening your bond with the Almighty and settling your spirit for a serene night's rest. Zach Clinton is from the American Association of Christian Counselors, for more information please visit: https://aacc.net/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stéphanie Rousselle welcomes her friend, author and spiritual director Bonnie O'Neil, to discuss the spiritual significance of Lent through Bonnie's Christ-centered devotional, "Where the Light of Hope Falls." This new book gives us both theological depth and practical advice for those seeking to engage with Lent meaningfully.The title, "Where the Light of Hope Falls," reflects that our ultimate hope is found in Jesus' sacrificial love—His crucifixion and resurrection. Throughout Lent, we are invited to place our failures and longings in the light of the cross, finding forgiveness and strength, and emerging to share that hope with those around us.Lent is one of the two penitential seasons in the church calendar, alongside Advent, and is traditionally a time for deep self-examination and realignment with God. Bonnie O'Neil shares that, although she grew up in a tradition that didn't extensively engage with Lent, her lifelong exposure to global churches deepened her appreciation for its intentionality. Lent offers a set-aside, sacred period—40 days echoing biblical patterns for reflection and preparation, paralleling Jesus' own time in the wilderness. While anyone could, in theory, embark on a season of introspection at any time, Lent's communal and historical significance makes it a uniquely powerful time for spiritual renewal.The process of Lent isn't about guilt or shame but about journeying inward "into the cave"—a metaphor for self-examination. Bonnie O'Neil emphasizes that only by plumbing the depths of our inner lives can we experience true healing and freedom. Importantly, this journey is not taken alone or in harshness. She shares how her approach is shaped by gentleness, beginning with an anchoring in the belovedness we have in Christ. The process starts with focusing on Jesus, remembering that we are utterly loved and safe in God's presence; only then can we honestly bring ourselves to confession and repentance.A central tool Bonnie O'Neil uses is the historic Prayer of Confession from the Book of Common Prayer. Recited slowly, this prayer walks believers through acknowledging specific failings—not to wallow in them but to bring them into the healing presence of God's mercy. Bonnie O'Neil recounts how, in a moment of frustration, quietly praying this confession brought unexpected freedom and release, demonstrating how tender acknowledgment before God removes the power of pride and shame.The end goal of this Lenten journey isn't mere self-improvement. Bonnie O'Neil reminds us, drawing from John 17 and her experiences with Alpha, that true transformation equips us to participate in God's work of reconciliation and hope in the world. After deep inward work, we are called outward—to reflect Christ's hope and love to others, contributing to the revitalization of communities and the world at large.Lent is a sacred opportunity for intentional growth, transformation, and hope. Through honest self-examination, gentle confession, and remembrance of God's abundant mercy, we find freedom—not only for ourselves but for the wider world. This journey, lovingly guided by ancient prayers and the presence of the Holy Spirit, prepares us to walk in the light of Christ's resurrection—the truest hope of all.MORE ABOUT THE BOOKPurchase the book on Amazon today at https://a.co/d/4r14rHm If the Christian life is meant to form us in Christlikeness, then why is transformation so elusive?We yearn to break free from the habits and mindsets that continuously ensnare us and remind us of how far we have to travel in our journey toward Christlikeness. Yet we get locked into the same patterns of control, envy, shame, anger, pride, judgmentalism and more. Can we hope for rescue from these habits that are so contrary to the abundant life of grace and rest Jesus offers us?Incorporating 47 daily Scripture readings and meditations, Where the Light of Hope Falls guides you on a journey inward to discover the roots behind many hidden sin patterns. Beginning by examining Jesus—the one into whose image we seek transformation—and helping us get comfortable with honest confession and repentance, the book then explores twenty-one common sin habits. This daily devotional helps you not only identify these central issues, but also yield to the Holy Spirit's restorative work within you. From this posture of rest, you will discover that transformation into Christlikeness is never meant for your benefit only, but is meant to awaken you to share the love and grace of Jesus with a world in need. Where the Light of Hope Falls offers you:- 47 hope-filled meditations that guide you on a journey of discovering Jesus more intimately, understanding yourself more fully, and loving others more completely;- 47 Bible passages that anchor the meditations;- A journey into deeper rest that's perfect for Lent or anytime.Lent offers us six weeks to wrestle with old habits and press into new ways of being as we accompany Jesus to the cross. Everyone who thirsts for more of God is welcome here, whether Lent is a familiar practice or something brand new—and not only during Lent, but whenever you long for deeper freedom.MORE ABOUT BONNIE O'NEIL“Hi there! I'm Bonnie and I'm glad you stopped by. I'm a hope hunter. As long as I can remember, I have sought to find hope in the hard seasons of life. I believe beauty can be found in every life, and that sometimes beauty does its most transformative work in brokenness.My greatest source of hope comes from trusting in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My training and work as a spiritual director has shaped me to go deeper below the surface of our emotions to discover root causes of things that block us from experiencing the love of God.Drawing from a deep well of faith, I have learned the restorative grace of giving space for sorrow rather than pushing quickly past it. Whether writing about discovering deeper freedom in Jesus or searching for hope in the darkest valleys of illness, suffering, and broken dreams, my writing reflects life in all its beauty and messiness, convinced that hope glimmers even in the darkest of shadows.I wrote my latest book, Where the Light of Hope Falls, as a Lenten companion for your six-week journey to the cross with Jesus. The book is for everyone who thirsts for more of God—whether Lent is a familiar practice or something brand new, and for any season— not only during Lent, but whenever you long for deeper freedom.A former banker, I'm now the Executive Director of Alpha Mid Atlantic, the local face of a global ministry called Alpha. Alpha offers churches a post-Christian approach to introducing people to Jesus and is run in nearly every denominational stream within the Church. I live with my husband in greater Philadelphia but have also made my home in New York City, greater Boston, Paris, Florida, Connecticut, and London. My happiest times are spent in the company of my three adult children.I'm passionate about helping others encounter the God of love, finding a cure for type 1 diabetes, filling my senses with beauty and wonder, and exploring all things France.Perhaps you too are hunting for hope in the hard places. I'd love to travel with you through whatever life season you're currently encountering and discover hope and joy together in the journey. Thanks for visiting. I hope you'll continue hunting for hope with me!”More at https://www.bonnieoneil.com/ Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Join us every day at https://BruceDownes.org/Rosary where you can request prayer from us as well as find all of the prayers and mysteries for you to pray along with us.  Get your free Rosary Prayer Guide at https://BruceDownes.org/PrayTheRosaryConnect With Bruce At:► Website: https://BruceDownes.org ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCatholicGuyBruceDownes ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecatholicguy ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecatholicguy ► Online Store: https://brucedownes.org/store Listen to Bruce Downes' Daily Devotional on these popular podcast services:► Apple Pod Casts   - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bruce-downes-daily-devotional/id1606668155► Spotify Pod Casts - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gh58yAkcGJhm9EgIs160H?si=102cb235a289433bConsider Becoming a Faith Builders Partner:Everyone who donates to Bruce Downes Catholic Ministries is what we call a Faith Builder. The team are working to build the faith of every person we connect with whether they are powerful or weak, rich or poor, young or old, in whatever city, town, village and country they are in. ►https://brucedownes.org/giving/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Today marks the exciting launch of our Lenten series, "Waiting for Weight Loss." This six-week-long journey is designed to reorient your heart towards what’s truly important while acknowledging your goals for body change—whether that’s weight loss, looking younger, or any other transformation you’ve been hoping for or working toward. Throughout Lent, you'll get 20 short, practical podcast episodes—three each week—full of encouragement, strategy, daily prayers, and honest conversations about body image, food, and faith. Today, Heather shares her own experience, inviting listeners to consider the difference between healthy goals and making body change an idol. If you’ve been obsessing over jeans that don’t fit or other physical goals, you’ll find hope and help here. **Join the Waiting for Weight Loss Community!**For the first time, we’ve created a private, secure community (not on social media) where you can connect, ask questions, discuss episode topics, and find resources. To join, simply visit Waitingforweightloss.com and drop your email in the form and you'll get instructions on how to join. Topics this season will include: - How to keep your goals grounded- Why God gave us bodies- Discipline as a servant, not a savior- What scripture really says about body size and transformation- How to rightly order the desire for change This is your opportunity to walk the journey with others who get it. Invite a friend, bring your questions, and join a supportive space focused on wholehearted health (body, soul, and spirit), keeping Jesus—not weight loss—as your primary hope. **Don’t forget**: Whether you’re new to Lent or just want a 40-day journey for your heart before Easter, sign up for our private community at waitingforweightloss.com ! Let’s start a conversation, support one another, and find true freedom together. Tune in tomorrow for Day 1 of this transformative series—and invite someone you love to join! --- Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Psalm 119:145-152 Psalm 94 Zechariah 1:3b-4b Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com

Psalm 31:1-6 Psalm 130 Ephesians 4:26-27 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com

As Lent begins this week, Father Dave welcomes back friend of the show Father Patrick Mary Briscoe to discuss his new devotional, "Witness: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation." Father Patrick is a Dominican friar now serving in Rome, and he was recently appointed General Promoter for Social Communication for the Order of Preachers.  

Leviticus 14-15

What happens when a personal trainer loses the ability to walk and discovers a power she never knew existed? In episode 248 of Joy Found Here, Isabelle Daikeler shares how spending over a decade unable to move without pain after giving birth forced her into complete surrender. That breaking point became her awakening—when her body began moving on its own for three days, when channeling started, and when she discovered what she calls our "third limb": an aspect of ourselves we've all forgotten we have.In This Episode, You Will Learn:(04:59) From Skeptic to Healer(07:18) The Car Crash That Changed Everything(10:30) Discovering Adaptogenic Medicine(15:13) Giving Birth and Losing Mobility(17:10) The Prayer of Surrender(22:00) Three Days of Somatic Unwinding(24:30) Discovering the "Third Limb"(30:44) Living with Inner Guidance(34:08) Your Body's Ancestral Wisdom(39:37) Inside the Harmonic Egg(44:48) Why Knowing is FreedomAs the founder of Authenticity – The Malibu Sound & Light Healing Center, Isabelle Daikeler guides individuals toward inner alignment through intuitive channeling and the revolutionary Harmonic Egg chamber. Her journey into this work wasn't sought—it found her. After giving birth to her son seventeen years ago, she spent over a decade unable to walk, stripped of her identity as a strong, athletic personal trainer. Broken and surrendering in prayer on the floor of her Kauai home, her connection to divine guidance—what she calls her third "limb"—awakened through three days of involuntary somatic unwinding and the beginning of channeling. Her devastating loss became the doorway to a different kind of strength: one built from the inside out.In this episode, Isabelle shares why surrender is the most essential step in healing, how our bodies hold ancestral wisdom and current-life lessons in every moment, and why the negative emotions we resist are actually our greatest teachers. She introduces the Harmonic Egg—a sacred geometry chamber using personalized sound and light frequencies to reset the nervous system and shift us from reactive to responsive. Whether you've spent years searching for answers or you're carrying pain that won't let go, Isabelle's message is clear: the wisdom you need is already within you, accessible here and now, and knowing—truly knowing—is the gateway to freedom.Connect with Isabelle Daikeler:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLet's Connect:WebsiteInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lev 1:1-3:17, Mark 1:29-2:12, Ps 35:17-28, Pr 9:13-18

In this message, Pastor Jentezen Franklin continues the series on The Power of Short Prayers, and shares how concise yet sincere prayers can open doors to remarkable change in your life. Using Matthew 6, Habakkuk 3, biblical examples like the thief on the cross, and stories of urgency in prayer, he emphasizes that God responds to passionate, purposeful cries with healing, family restoration, salvation, and breakthrough in every area.Let us pray with you:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jentezenfranklin.org/prayer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠See our outreach programs:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jentezenfranklin.org/outreach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stay connected with Free Chapel:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/freechapel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/freechapel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠App: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freechapel.org/app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stay connected with Jentezen Franklin:YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@jentezenfranklinmedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/jentezen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter/X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/jentezen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/JentezenFranklin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jentezen-franklin-at-free-chapel/id506354054⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7o0QPCGh5T79jMptpJPTlo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate to help us share the gospel around the world through Kingdom Connection broadcasts and other humanitarian outreaches: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jentezenfranklin.org/donations/new?cid=s

Join my “Who am I supposed to be now?” Masterclass with Archangel Gabrielle Friday, Feb 27 (donation-based—Zoom, or in-person in Wheaton with lunch) and get clear on who God needs you to be now and in this next chapter. https://www.angelwellnesscenter.com/who-am-i-supposed-to-be-now TODAY's EPISODE: Beautiful soul, this week in Rewrite Your Story, Julie focuses on one of the biggest blockages people carry: money. If you want financial freedom but feel stuck or secretly believe it will never happen for you, this episode explains why. When you hold two opposing beliefs at once, “I want abundance” and “I will never have it,” your energy cancels itself out. This teaching helps you uncover subconscious lack patterns and rewrite them through God's eyes. You will begin to see money as energy that flows through you for purpose, impact, and service. God does not want you in lack. God wants to work through you. Short Episode Chapters (00:00) Why opposing beliefs cancel momentum (03:00) Money as energy, not identity (05:05) Identifying your financial fear story (09:30) Reframing lack through God's perspective (15:00) Aligned action and stewardship (21:00) Fulfilling the dreams placed in your heart (25:50) Rewriting your money story with I Am statements (29:00) Abundance vs lack mindset Work with Julie and Your Angels Book a session: theangelmedium.com Angel Membership: theangelmedium.com/angelmembership Angel Reiki School Certification: theangelmedium.com/get-certified Angels, Angel Messages, Angel Predictions, Angel Guidance, Spirit Guides, God Energy, Divine Guidance, Psychic Medium, Mediumship, Intuition, Spiritual Awakening, Energy Healing, Manifestation, Divine Timing, Faith and Spirituality, Christian but Spiritual, Prayer and Prosperity, Abundance Mindset, Wealth and Spirituality, Soul Purpose, Nervous System Regulation, Emotional Healing, Fear Healing, Subconscious Healing, Energetic Alignment, Auric Field

Scripture reminds us that leadership is never outside of God’s sovereign reach. Proverbs tells us that the king’s heart is in the Lord’s hand—that He directs it like a stream of water. No matter who holds office, God remains the ultimate authority. Praying for our president—whether we agree with every policy or not—is not optional for believers. It is a biblical calling. In 1 Timothy, Paul urges believers to pray for those in authority so that we may live peaceful and godly lives. Prayer is not about political preference; it is about spiritual obedience and national stewardship. When we pray for our president, we are acknowledging that wisdom, protection, discernment, and righteous leadership come from God alone. We are entrusting the future of our nation to the One who truly governs all things. Even when leadership decisions feel uncertain or troubling, prayer anchors our hearts in the truth that God is still at work. Presidents come and go. Administrations rise and fall. But the Lord remains faithful. As we lift our leaders before Him, we participate in God’s purposes for our country and the world. Prayer is not passive—it is powerful. May we be faithful to intercede, trusting that God hears and moves according to His perfect will. Main Takeaways God remains sovereign over all leaders and nations. Scripture calls believers to pray for those in authority. Prayer for leaders is an act of obedience, not political agreement. Interceding for our president invites God’s wisdom, protection, and guidance. Our ultimate trust rests in God, not in human leadership. Today’s Bible Verse “In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that He channels toward all who please Him.” - Proverbs 21:1 Your Daily Prayer Prayer excerpt for listeners: “Father, guide our president according to Your will. Protect him, grant him wisdom, and let his leadership reflect Your purposes.” Listen to the full prayer here or read the full devotional and complete prayer by visiting the links below. Continue growing in prayer and biblical understanding: LifeAudio.com – Discover more faith-building podcasts and devotionals Crosswalk.com – Access daily devotionals, Bible study tools, and Christian living resources This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.orgTrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments, Trinity has the knowledge and resources to make a difference. https://trinitycredit.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Pray the Word on Exodus 19:21, David Platt teaches us about God's eternal holiness and perfection.We want to invite you to something we look forward to every year: Secret Church.This year, we'll study the life of Elijah. We'll pray specifically for those who are suffering for their faith, and we'll act together to make Jesus known among the nations. Early registration at the best rate is now open through February 17. Register at radical.net/secretchurchExplore more content from Radical.

To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ⇒ Join the MMM Prayer Team: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/PrayerTeam ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 1:3–4 - His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, [4] by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/ ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate.

In this Bible Story, Moses and Aaron are united under the call of God to free Israel from slavery. God gives them signs through Moses, and the two begin to win the hearts of the people. This story is inspired by Exodus 4:19-30 & 18:2. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Exodus 4:25 from the King James Version.Episode 34: Everyone who had sought Moses’ life were now dead and God commanded Moses to return to Egypt to liberate His people, Israel. While on the way there God’s wrath came against Moses because he had yet to obey the command of circumcision that was meant to set His people apart. Zipporah acts quickly and the family is spared. After this, God called Aaron out from Egypt to meet his brother, and the two of them together delivered God’s message to the people of Israel.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does the Bible truly restrict women in leadership? In this thought-provoking Voxology Podcast episode, Mike Geary, Susie Lind, and Preston Sprinkle wrestle with this deeply significant theological question. Drawing from Preston's upcoming book, *From Genesis to Junia: What the Bible Really Says About Women in Leadership*, they explore the historical, cultural, and biblical contexts that shape complementarian and egalitarian debates. Are women called to lead, preach, and teach in the church? What role does cultural context play in interpreting scripture? With a blend of personal stories, rigorous scholarship, and honest dialogue, the hosts unpack passages like 1 Timothy 2 and Ephesians 5, illuminating how interpretations of authority, headship, and agency have shaped the Church's approach to women in ministry. Susie shares her lived experience as a pastor navigating these challenges, while Preston dives into the exegetical work that informed his book. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about how faith intersects with justice, theology, and cultural issues. Join the conversation as the hosts emphasize Jesus' inclusive teachings and challenge the commodification of women within religious structures. We encourage you to engage the discussion on Facebook and Instagram, or share your thoughts in the comments below. Let's continue to pursue understanding, humility, and critical thinking as we navigate these important topics together.  CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Our Break from the Lord's Prayer 05:03 - INTRO to Preston Sprinkle Interview 09:29 - This Weekend 10:39 - Poems 12:06 - Intro 13:56 - Origins of Our Faith 17:10 - Susie's Journey 18:34 - Preston's Journey 23:28 - Best Argument for Complementarianism 27:10 - Understanding 1 Timothy 2:12 28:00 - Analyzing 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 28:40 - Exegetical Laziness in Scripture 33:20 - Trusting English Translations 39:44 - Kephale: "Head" or "Source" 37:18 - Ephesians 5:23 Explained 38:18 - Insights on 1 Corinthians 11:3 39:18 - Meaning of "Head" in Context 41:04 - Greco-Roman Household Code 42:08 - Reexamining the Meaning of "Head" 48:54 - Process of Becoming a Pastor 52:00 - The Right Plumbing for Ministry 57:38 - Thank You 1:00:20 - Where to Find More of Preston's Work 1:01:06 - Upcoming Book Release 1:01:46 - Sign Off 1:05:05 - Support the Show As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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Visit www.joniradio.org to volunteer at a Family Retreat today! --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Each week, we have a live online session at the start of the week for prayer as we seek God's direction, strength, and wisdom. Pray along with us using this week's prayer points. __________ Prayer Points: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/prayer Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com Leave a Comment: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/comments __________  

Sleep better and Stress Less— with Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. We hope this biblical sleep meditation, narrated by Yvette Pelser, helps your body relax and your mind rest on the truth found in scripture. As you prepare for restful sleep, reflect on the majesty of God’s handiwork and the wonders He has done. This peaceful journey, inspired by Psalm 143:5, invites you to meditate on His faithfulness, from creation’s beauty to His loving care in your life. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for better sleep is right here: https://abide.com/peaceDiscover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they speak with Fr. Wayne Sattler on how to overcome difficulties in prayer and to continue deepening your relationship with God! Resources: Remain in Me and I in You - Fr. Wayne Sattler And You Will Find Rest - Fr. Wayne Sattler Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits - video series Discernment of Spirits for Beginners - Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett & Dan Burke Into the Deep - video series Finding Peace in the Storm - Dan Burke Into the Deep – Dan Burke Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits - Dan Burke The Contemplative Rosary - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness - Susan Brinkmann OCDS Avila-Institute.org/events - website Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation EWTN Religious Catalogue – online

Ever felt like this? You planned something special and everyone bailed—leaving you wondering if something's wrong with you? That crushing feeling of rejection can spiral fast. In this episode, we're diving into a total mental revolution—learning how to renew our minds to Christ and break free from the lies the enemy has been feeding us. Coach Jamie shares a raw, personal story about a Bible study that got canceled twice in a row, and how the enemy tried to use it to make her believe she wasn't liked or valued. But here's the truth: those thoughts of "not enough" and comparison? They're not from God, and you don't have to be a prisoner to them anymore. We're unpacking the difference between depression and spiritual oppression, hearing Rick Renner's powerful testimony of overcoming lies about his identity, and learning how to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6) to fight back. This isn't just about positive thinking—it's about wielding Scripture like a sword and taking every thought captive. You were made to be a daughter of the Most High King, and it's time to start believing it.

God's Timing Is Always Perfect—TRUST HIM COMPLETELY _ Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day - God's Timing Is Always Perfect—TRUST HIM COMPLETELY | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your DaySUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast!For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org© Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com  SUPPORT THE MINISTRY: (We are listener-supported)https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTube (1M+ SUBSCRIBERS)X / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebook Daily Effective Prayer™

Join us every day at https://BruceDownes.org/Rosary where you can request prayer from us as well as find all of the prayers and mysteries for you to pray along with us.  Get your free Rosary Prayer Guide at https://BruceDownes.org/PrayTheRosaryConnect With Bruce At:► Website: https://BruceDownes.org ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCatholicGuyBruceDownes ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecatholicguy ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecatholicguy ► Online Store: https://brucedownes.org/store Listen to Bruce Downes' Daily Devotional on these popular podcast services:► Apple Pod Casts   - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bruce-downes-daily-devotional/id1606668155► Spotify Pod Casts - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gh58yAkcGJhm9EgIs160H?si=102cb235a289433bConsider Becoming a Faith Builders Partner:Everyone who donates to Bruce Downes Catholic Ministries is what we call a Faith Builder. The team are working to build the faith of every person we connect with whether they are powerful or weak, rich or poor, young or old, in whatever city, town, village and country they are in. ►https://brucedownes.org/giving/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Buy Michelle Wiener's book Return to Mamre here! https://amzn.to/4kAJILPFor centuries, we've been told that the roots of faith are exclusively patriarchal, but what if the most sacred sites in history were actually presided over by forgotten priestesses? Michelle Wiener shares all from the mysterious figure of Melchizedek to the suppressed imagery of the "Sacred Groves," we are diving into the controversial intersection of scholarship and the supernatural to uncover the goddess hidden in plain sight.✨ Download Our FREE Throne Room Meditation✨ ➡️ https://www.truthseekah.com/throne-room-free➡️ Support on Patreon! https://patreon.com/join/truthseekah✅ Get access to 40+ video lessons + Weekly LIVE calls!✅ Worldwide Online Community!✅ Courses, Monthly Webinars, Prayer, Meditation, Discussion✅ TruthSeekah's Meditation Library

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Psalm 143:1-11 1 Peter 5:8-9a Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com

Psalm 119:49-56 Psalm 53 Psalm 54:1-6,8-9 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com

Leviticus 11-13

We love our listeners and we want to know more about you! Please take 3 minutes to fill out this survey to share who you are & how you engage with the advertisers you hear on the show!  Tune in as Landon Hairgrove shares his personal journey of healing from trauma, balancing leadership in church planting, and intentionally leading his family. He shares practical advice on nurturing emotional health, fostering deep relationships as men, and becoming the man God has called you to be! Resources: Use the code KINGDOM15 and get 15% of all products at Lead Your Home  @leadyourhome  ⁠⁠Join Unite & Ignite ⁠⁠ Want more from Kingdom Sexuality? Come hang out! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Approximate Time Stamps: Introduction and Welcome - 0:00 Podcast Introduction by Kyle - 0:39 Introduction of Guest, Landon Hargrove - 1:27 Landon's Background and Story - 1:36 Journey into Church Planting - 4:01 Challenges and Personal Struggles - 7:31 Realization and Change - 9:21 Importance of Family and Personal Health - 10:19 Balancing Career and Family - 12:05 Leading from a Place of Identity - 13:06 Steps for Men to Start Leading - 18:10 Finding Balance and Managing Tension - 22:32 Importance of Community and Friendship - 40:10 Closing Thoughts and Prayer - 52:27 Where to Find Landon and Resources - 54:29 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a theological landscape that often softens sin into "brokenness," Episode 480 re-establishes the biblical category of sin as debt. Jesse Schwamb takes us into the house of Simon the Pharisee to analyze the Parable of the Two Debtors. The central argument is forensic: sin creates an objective liability against God's justice that no amount of human currency—tears, works, or religious heritage—can satisfy. We explore the critical distinction between the cause of justification (God's free grace) and the evidence of justification (love and repentance). This episode dismantles the self-righteous math of the Pharisee and points us to the only currency God accepts: the finished work of Christ. Key Takeaways Sin is Objective Debt: Sin is not merely a relational slight; it is a quantifiable liability on God's ledger that demands clearing. Universal Insolvency: Whether you owe 50 denarii (the moralist) or 500 denarii (the open sinner), the result is the same: total inability to pay. God Names the Claim: The debtor does not get to negotiate the terms of repayment; only the Creditor determines the acceptable currency. Love is Fruit, Not Root: The sinful woman's love was the evidence that she had been forgiven, not the payment to purchase forgiveness. The Danger of Horizontal Math: Simon's error was comparing his debt to the woman's, rather than comparing his assets to God's standard. Justification by Grace: Forgiveness is a free cancellation of the debt, based entirely on the benevolence of the Moneylender (God). Key Concepts The Definition of Money and Grace To understand Luke 7, we must understand money. Money is a system of credit accounts and their clearing. When we apply this to theology, we realize that "religious effort" is a currency that God does not accept. We are like travelers trying to pay a US debt with Zimbabwean dollars. The Gospel is the news that Christ has entered the market with the only currency that satisfies the Father—His own righteousness—and has cleared the accounts of those who are spiritually bankrupt. The Pharisee's Calculation Error Simon the Pharisee wasn't condemned because he wasn't a sinner; he was condemned because he thought his debt was manageable. He believed he had "surplus righteousness." This is the deadly error of legalism. By assuming he owed little, he loved little. He treated Jesus as a guest to be evaluated rather than a Savior to be worshipped. A low view of our own sin inevitably leads to a low view of Christ's glory. Evangelical Obedience The woman in the passage demonstrates what Reformed theologians call "evangelical obedience"—obedience that flows from faith and gratitude, not from a desire to earn merit. Her tears did not wash away her sins; the blood of Christ did that. Her tears were the overflow of a heart that realized the mortgage had been burned. We must never confuse the fruit of salvation with the root of salvation. Quotes Tears don't cancel the ledger. Christ does that. Tears are what debtors do when Mercy lands. Grace received produces love expressed. A creditor doesn't need to be convinced you did harm. The ledger already stands. Transcript [00:01:10] Welcome to The Reformed Brotherhood + Teasing the Parable [00:01:10] Jesse Schwamb: Welcome to episode 480 of The Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse, and this is the podcast for those with ears to hear. Hey, brothers and sisters, how great is it that we have these incredible teachings of Jesus? Can we talk about that for a second? Tony and I have loved hanging out in these parables with you all, and Tony will be back next week. Don't you worry. But in the meantime, I've got another parable for us to consider, and I figured we would just get. Straight to the points, but I have to let you in in a little secret first, and that is not even Tony knows until he hears this, which parable I've selected for us to chat about. And I knew that there might come a time where I would be able to sneak in with this parable because I love. This parable, and I love it because it's so beautiful in communicating the full breadth and scope of the gospel of God's grace and his mercy for all of his children. And it just makes sense to me, and part of the reason why it makes so much sense to me is. The topic which is embedded in this is something that more or less I've kind of built my career around, and so it just resonates with me. It makes complete sense. I understand it inside and out. I feel a connection to what Jesus is saying here very predominantly because the topic at hand means so much to me, and I've seen it play out in the world over and over and over again. So if that wasn't enough buildup and you're not ready, I have no idea what will get you prepared, but we're going to go hang out in Luke chapter seven, and before I even give you a hint as to what this amazing, the really brief parable is, it does take a little bit of setup, but rather than me doing the setup. What do you say if we just go to the scriptures? Let's just let God's word set up the environment in which this parable is gonna unfold. And like a good movie or a good narrative, even as you hear this, you might be pulled in the direction of the topic that you know is coming. And so I say to you, wait for it. Wait for it is coming.  [00:03:20] Luke 7 Setup: Simon's Dinner & the "Sinful Woman" Arrives [00:03:20] Jesse Schwamb: So this is Luke's book, his gospel chapter seven, beginning in verse 36. Now one of the Pharisees was asking Jesus to eat with him, and Jesus entered the Pharisees house and reclined at the table. And behold, there was a woman in the city who was a sinner, and when she learned that he was reclining at the table in the Pharisees house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume. And standing behind him at his feet crying. She began to wet his feet with her tears, and she kept wiping them with her hair over her head and kissing his feet and anointing them with perfume. Now, in the Pharisee, who had invited him, saw this, he said to himself saying, if this man were, he would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching him, that she is a sinner. Let's stop there for a second. So this incredible dinner party that Jesus attends and here is this woman. Well, all we're told is that she's a woman who's identified as a sinner. Clearly moved by the presence of Jesus clearly wanting to worship him in a very particular way. By the way, loved ones. Can we address the fact that this goes back to something Tony and I have been talking about, I dunno, for like seven episodes now, which is coming outta Luke chapter 15. This idea that sinners, the marginalized, the outcasts, the down and out, they were drawn to Jesus. Something about him, his presence, the power of his teaching drew them in, but in a way that invited vulnerability, this kind of overwhelming response to who he was. And what his mission was. And so here maybe is like any other occurrence that happened in Jesus' day, maybe like a million other accounts that are not recorded in the scriptures. But here's one for us to appreciate that. Here's this woman coming, and her response is to weep before him, and then with these tears, to use them to wash his feet and to anoint him with this precious perfume. Now, there's a lot of people at this dinner party. At least we're led to believe. There's many, and there's one Pharisee in particular whose home this was. It was Simon. And so out of this particular little vignette, there's so much we could probably talk about. But of course what we see here is that the Pharisee who invited him, Simon, he sees this going on. He does not address it verbally, but he has his own opinions, he's got thoughts and he's thinking them. And so out of all of that, then there's a pause. And I, I would imagine that if we were to find ourselves in that situation, maybe we'd be feeling the tension of this. It would be awkward, I think. And so here we have Jesus coming in and giving them this account, this parable, and I wanna read the parable in its entirety. It's very, very short, but it gives us a full sense of both. Like what's happening here? It's both what's happening, what's not happening, what's being. Presented plain for us to see what's below the surface that Jesus is going to reveal, which is both a reflection on Simon and a reflection on us as well. [00:06:18] The Two Debtors Parable (Read in Full) [00:06:18] Jesse Schwamb: So picking up in, in verse 40, and Jesus answered and said to him, Simon, I owe something to say to you. And he replied, say it, teacher a money lender had two debtors, one owned 500 in RI and the other 50. When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more? Simon answered and said, I suppose the one who he graciously forgave more, and he said to him, you have judged correctly and turning toward the woman. He said to Simon, do you see this woman? I entered your house? You gave me no water from my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with perfume. For this reason, I say to you her sins, which are many have been forgiven for. She loved much, but he who is forgiven, little loves little. Then he said to her, your sins have been forgiven, and those were reclining at the table. With him began to say to themselves, who is this man who even forgives sins? And he said to the woman, your faith has saved you. Go in peace.  [00:07:42] What This Scene Teaches: Sin, Forgiveness, Love as Fruit [00:07:42] Jesse Schwamb: What a beautiful, tiny, deep, amazing instruction from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So in this just short 10 verses here, it's we're sitting inside. This dinner at Simon, the Pharisees house, and a woman known publicly only as a sinner, has shown some striking love toward Jesus, and Jesus explains her actions. Then through this mini parable of debt, two debtors, one creditor, neither can pay. Both are freely forgiven. Love flows. Then from that forgiveness. And so there's a lot within the reform theological spectrum here that helps us to really understand. I think the essential principles of what's going on here, and I just wanna hit on some of those and chat with you about those and hopefully encourage you in those as I'm trying to encourage myself. First, we get some sense about what sin really is like. We get a sense of the inability to cope with sin. We get the free forgiveness that's grounded in Christ, in Christ alone, and we get this idea of love and repentance as the fruit or the evidence, not the cause of justification. Now to set this whole thing up. [00:08:50] Why Talk About Money? Defining Money as Credit & Clearing [00:08:50] Jesse Schwamb: I do think it's so important for us to talk about money for a second, not money, like we're gonna have a budget talk, not what you spend on groceries or your vacation, not even what you do in terms of planning for your retirement or what you give to the church in way of tithe than offering none of that. I'm actually more interested to talk to you about money itself. One of the things I love to ask people. Especially when I was teaching students in money and finance is the question, what is money? And I bet you if you and I were hanging out across the kitchen table and I asked you, what is money? I'm guessing you would go in one or two directions. Either you would gimme examples of money, types of money. You might talk about the US dollar or the Zimbabwean dollar, or the Euro or the Yuan. That would be correct in a way, but really that's just symptomatic of money because that's just an example or a type of some money that you might use. And of course those definitions are not ubiquitous because if I take my US dollars and I go travel to see our Scott brothers and sisters, more than likely that money. That currency, those dollars will not be accepted in kind. There'd have to be some kind of translation because they're not acceptable in that parts of the world. That's true of most types of money. Or you might go to talking about precious metals and the price of gold or silver and how somehow these seem to be above and beyond the different types of currency or paper, currency in our communities and around our world. And of course, you'd be right as an example of a type of money, but. Gold itself, if you press on it, is not just money, it's describing as some kind of definition of what money is. The second direction you might take is you might describe for me all the things that money is like its attributes. Well, it must be accepted generally as a form of currency. It might must be used to discharge debt or to pay taxes, or it must have a store of value and be able to be used as a medium of exchange. And you would be correct about all of those things as well because. Probably, whether you know it or not, you're an expert in money because you have to use it in some way to transact in this lifetime. But even those are again, just attributes. It's not what money is in its essential first principle. So this is not like an economics lecture, I promise, but I think it is something that Jesus is actually truly drawing us to, and that is the best definition of money I can give, is money is a system of credit accounts and their clearing. It's a whole system of credit accounts and their clearing. So think of it like this, every time you need something from somebody else. Anytime you wanna buy something or you wanna sell something, what's happening there is somebody is creating a claim. So let's say that I go to the grocery store and I fill up the cart with all kinds of fruits and vegetables and meats, and I'm at the counter to check out. What I've just done is said that I have all of these things I would like to take from the grocery store, and now the grocery store has some kind of claim because they're handing them over to me and I need a way to settle that claim. And the way that I settle that claim is using money. It is the method that allows us to settle those transactions. And in my particular instance, it's going to be the US dollar, or maybe it's just ones and zeros electronically, of course representing US dollars. But in this case, the way I settle it is with money and a particular type of money. But, and I want you to keep this in mind 'cause we're gonna come back to it. This is my whole setup for this whole thing. The reason why this is important is because you have to have the type of money. That will settle the debt or settle the creditor. You have to have the thing itself that the creditor demands so that you can be a hundred percent released from the claim that they have on you. If you do not have exactly a. The type of money that they desire, then the debt will not be released. The creditor will not be satisfied. You will not go free, and that it's so critically important.  [00:12:52] Sin as Objective Debt: God Names the Claim [00:12:52] Jesse Schwamb: I think it's just like this really plain backdrop to what's happening here When Jesus addresses Simon with this whole parable. So he starts this whole idea by saying to Simon that he is something to say to him, which I think in a way is profound anyway, because Simon invites him to speak. But Jesus here is taking the initiative. Simon is the host. He socially, as it were, above this sinful woman. But Jesus becomes the true examiner of the heart in this parable. What we have is. Christ's word interrupts self-justifying narratives, and clearly there was a self-justifying narrative going on in Simon's head. We know this because we're privy to his thoughts in the text here. The gospel does not wait here for the Pharisee to figure it out, the gospel lovingly correct. Always goes in, always initiates, always intervenes as Christ intercedes. And here, before any accounting happens, Jesus sets the terms. God is the one who names the debt, not the debtor. And this really is probably the beating hearts, the center of gravity of this whole exchange. I love that Jesus goes to this parable. Of a money lender, a money lender who had two debtors, one owned, 500, one owned 50. Now of course, I would argue that really, you can put this in any currency, you can translate into modern terms, you can adjust it for inflation. It doesn't really matter. What we have here is one relatively small debt, another debt 10 times the size. So one small, one large, and that's the juxtaposition. That's the whole setup here. And I would submit to you something super important that Jesus does here, which flies in the face of a lot of kind of just general wishy-washy evangelicalism that teaches us somehow that sin is just not doing it quite right, or is just a little brokenness, or is just in some way just slightly suboptimal or missing the mark. It is those things, but it is not the entirety of those things because what's clear here is that Jesus frames sin as debt. In other words, it's an objective liability. A liability is just simply something of value that you owe to somebody else. And I am going to presume that almost everybody within an earshot of my voice here all over the world has at some point incurred debt. And I think there's, there's lots of great and productive reasons to incur debt. Debt itself is not pejorative. That would be a whole nother podcast. We could talk about. Maybe Tony and I sometime, but. What is true is that debt is an objective liability. The amounts differ, but both are genuinely in the red here. And what's critical about this is that because debt is this objective reality, whenever you enter into an arrangement of debt, let's say that you borrow some money to purchase a car or home or simply to make some kind of purchase in your life, that's unsecured debt. In all of those cases, the. The one lending you the money, the creditor now has a claim on you. What's important to understand here is that this kind of thing changes it. It provides way more color and contrast to really the effects of what sin is and what sin does in its natural accountability. And so in this way we have this nuance that there are differences in outward sin and its social consequences. That is for sure that's how life works, but all sin is ultimately against God and makes us debtors to divine justice. That is now God has a claim against us. And this shouldn't make sense because unless we are able to satisfy that claim, all have that claim against them all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. And as a result of this, it's not just that we somehow have lived a way that is just slightly off the mark and suboptimal, but instead that we've heaped up or accumulated for ourselves an objective liability, which is truly. Owed to God and because it is truly owed him, he's the one who can only truly satisfy it. This is why the scripture speak of God as being both just and justifier. That is a just creditor ensures that the debt is paid before it is released, and the one who is justifier is the one who pays that debt to ensure it will be released. God does both of these things through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Praise be to his name. So here we have a really true understanding. Of what sin is. There's no mincing of words here. There's a ubiquity in all of our worlds about money lending and borrowing, and Christ leans into that heavily. We know for a fact that the ancient Mesopotamians learned how to calculate interests before they figured out to put wheels on car. And so this idea of lending and borrowing and indebtedness, this whole concept has an ancient pedigree, and Jesus leans into this. And so we have this really lovely and timeless example of drawing in the spiritual state into the very physical or financial state to help us understand truly what it means when we incur sin. Sin is not easily discharged, and just like debt, it stands over us, has a claim on us, and we need somebody to satisfy that claim on our behalf. By the way, this gets me back to this reoccurring theme of we need the right currency, we need the right money, as it were to satisfy this debt only that which is acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Our Lord, by the power of the Holy Spirit is what will be acceptable in payment in full for this kind of debt. And so that's again, this whole setup, it's the spiritual realm being immediately kind of dragged into this corporal reality of the balance sheet, assets and liabilities, things of value that we owe to someone else. [00:18:50] Unable to Repay: Free Cancellation, Justification by Grace [00:18:50] Jesse Schwamb: Notice in Luke verse 42, that the reason why it's important to understand the full ferocity, the ferocious of sin and the weight of the debt that it incurs upon us, is that it cannot be repaid no matter what. So look at both of these borrowers. Neither could repay. Neither could repay. So think about that for a second. It doesn't even matter how much they owed. Both were way beyond their ability. It's not merely they didn't want to, but they didn't have the resources in the spiritual state. In other words, there was no surplus righteousness to pay God back and the creditor's action here is free cancellation grace, not a negotiated settlement, but free cancellation. So whether it was 50 or 500, it was irrelevant to the fact that these borrowers just like you and I, have nothing within our means, our wherewithal to actually satisfy the this cosmic debt that we have rightfully incurred against God. And so you should be hearing this align so closely with justification By Grace, God doesn't forgive because we eventually scraped together payment. He forgives because he's gracious and in the full biblical picture because Christ pays and bears that penalty. So this isn't, we have somehow, as you've heard, sometimes in kinda very again, wishy-washy, evangelical ways that we've somehow come forward at the right time. To receive from God some kind of gift or that we've somehow elevated ourself to the place of the deserving poor, or that we come with our own extended arms, empty, but outstretched so that we might receive something from God, in part because we make ourselves present before him, not loved ones. It's far better than that. It's not being able to pay and Christ saying, come and buy. Not being able to put food on the table and him saying, come and eat. It's him saying, you who are thirsty, come and drink from the fountain of life freely and unreservedly. Not because you have some way deserved it, because in fact you desperately do not. And because God has made a way in Christ a way that we could not make for ourselves, he's paid a debt that we just could not repay. It doesn't matter what it is that you think is outstanding against you. The fact of the matter is you cannot repay it. And so of course, that's why Paul writes in Ephesians, it's by grace through faith and not by works that you've been set free in the love of the Kingdom of Christ, that all of these things have been given to you by God because he loves you and because he's made a way for you. You may remember that when Tony and I spent some time in the Lord's Prayer. That we really settled, we sunk down into what we thought was the best translation of that portion where we come to forgiving debts and forgiving debtors, and we settled on that one because we feel it's the most accurate representation of the actual language there in the text. But two, because that language also comports with all this other teaching of Jesus, this teaching that. Emphasizes the debt nature of sin, and that when we think about the fact that we in fact have a giant loan or a lease or an outstanding obligation, something that has been that our souls ourselves in a way have been mortgaged. And we need a freedom that breaks that mortgage, that wants to take that paper and to satisfy the payment and then to throw it into the fire so that it's gone and no more upon us. That because of all of that, it's appropriate for us to pray that we be forgiven our debts, and that, that we, when we understand that there's been a great debt upon us, that we are willing to look at others and forgive our debtors as well. And so you'll see that in, I'd say it looks like verse 43 here, Simon answers. Jesus question appropriately. Jesus basically pegs him with this very simple, straightforward, and probably really only one answer question, which is, which one do you think loved the creditor more? Which of these borrowers was more ecstatic, which appreciated what had been done more? And of course he says, well, the one with the larger debt, that that seems absolutely obvious. And Jesus essentially here gets Simon to pronounce judgment and then turns that judgment into a mirror. This is brilliantly what Jesus often does with these parables, and to be honest, loved ones. I think he still is doing that today with us. Even those of us who are familiar with these parables, they're always being turned into a mirror so that when we look into the, the text we see ourselves, but like maybe whatever the opposite of like the picture of the Dorian Gray is like, well, maybe it's the same as the picture. You know, this idea that we're seeing the ugliness of ourselves in the beauty of Christ as he's presenting the gospel in this passage. And the issue of course here is not whether you and I or Simon can do math. It's whether Simon will accept the implication and you and I as well, that we are a debtor who cannot repay. That. That's just the reality of the situation.  [00:23:44] The Mirror Turns: Simon's Little Love vs Her Overflowing Gratitude [00:23:44] Jesse Schwamb: And so Jesus turns then, and this is remarkable, he turns toward the woman and he compares her actions with Simon's lack of hospitality, speaking to Simon while he stares intently at the woman. I mean, the drama unfolding in this quick small little passage is exceptional. It's extraordinary. And unlike some of the. Other teachings that we've already looked at here, there is something where Jesus is teaching and acting at the same time. That is the scripture is giving us some direct indication of his movements, of his direction, of his attentional focus. And here there's an attentional focus on the woman while he speaks to Simon the Pharisee. And first what we find is Jesus dignifies the woman by addressing Simon about her while looking at her. He makes the sinner central and the respectable man answerable. That's wild. And there's an angle here that still leads us back to debt, which is Simon behaves like someone who thinks that he is little debt. So he offers little love and the woman behaves like someone who knows she's been rescued from insolvency, and so she pours out gratitude. And then there's a whole host, a little list here, a litany of things that Jesus essentially accuses Simon of directly and pulls them back into this proper understanding of the outpouring of affection. That is a fruit of justification exemplified in the woman's behavior. For instance, Simon gave no kiss, and yet here's this woman. She has not stopped kissing Jesus' feet and then wiping her feet, washing his feet with her tears.  [00:25:19] Grace Received, Love Expressed (Not Earned) [00:25:19] Jesse Schwamb: Of course, in that culture, Simon withheld this ordinary honor and the woman lavish is extraordinary affection. You know, we would often call this an reformed theology, evangelical obedience. It's the kind that flows from faith and gratitude, not a plan to earn acceptance. And this is tough for us, loved ones because we want to conflate these two. It's easy to conflate these two, and we're well-meaning sometimes when we do that. But we have to be careful in understanding that there is an appropriate response of loving worship to one who has set you free. While at the same time understanding that that loving worship never should spill over and, and into any kind of self-proclaimed pride or meritorious earning. And this woman apparently does this so exceptionally well that Jesus calls it out, that all of this is flowing from her faith and her gratitude. Jesus says, Simon didn't anoint his head with oil and she anoints his feet with perfume again. Notice some really interesting juxtaposition in terms of the top and the bottom of the body here. Here's this woman's costly act, underscoring a pattern, grace received, produces love expressed. I love thinking of it that way. Grace, perceived, excuse me, grace received produces love expressed.  [00:26:39] Sin as Crushing Debt: Why It Must Be Paid [00:26:39] Jesse Schwamb: That is the point that Jesus is driving to here, that if we understand the gospel and the gospel tells us that there is a law. That we have transgressed and that this law has accumulated in all of this debt that we cannot pay. And so the weight of this means not just that, oh, it's, it's so hard to have debt in our lives. Oh, it's so annoying and inconvenient. No, instead it's oppressive. This debt itself, this grand burden is over our heads, pushing down on our necks, weighting us down in every way, and especially in the spiritual realm. And because of this, we would be without hope, unless there was one who could come and release us from this debt. And the releasing of this debt has to be, again, an A currency acceptable to the debtor, and it has to actually be paid. There's no wiping away. There's no just amnesty for the sake of absolve. Instead, it must be satisfied. And the woman here has received this kind of extraordinary grace has acknowledged, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, through opened eyes and unstopped ears and a clean heart, has been able to understand the severity of the situation. And then this produces in her love expressed, which again is not the means of her justification, but certainly is one of the fruit of it. And Jesus explains then the reason for her response.  [00:27:58] Forgiveness First: Clearing Up Luke 7's Logic [00:27:58] Jesse Schwamb: The reason why Grace received produces love expressed is because she and her many sins have been forgiven. Hence, her love is great, love the one forgiven, little forgives little. I think sometimes that verse is often misunderstood as if. Her love caused her forgiveness. But again, we want to hear clearly from Jesus on this. The logic he gives is forgiveness, leading to love. Love is evidence or fruits. And so her love is the sign that forgiveness has already been granted and is truly possessed, not the purchase price. And Simon's Lovelessness exposes a heart still clinging to self-righteousness, acting like a small debtor who doesn't even need mercy, like one who doesn't understand that they will never, ever be able to repay the thing that is over them. You know, I love that John Val is often quoted along the lines of something like this. Those forgiven much will love much. And in his writing to me, he captures so much of this moral psychology of grace and I think there is a psychology of grace here. There is a reasonable response. That moves us by the power of the Holy Spirit, from deep within this renewal of the man, such that we express our love to God in all kinds of ways. I think especially in our age, on the Lord's day, in acts of singing through worship and meditation, through worship, and listening through worship and application, through worship, all of these means in particular as our expression of what it means to have been received, having received grace, producing a loving response. [00:29:36] "Your Sins Are Forgiven": Jesus' Divine Authority [00:29:36] Jesse Schwamb: I love that all of this ends as it draws to a close. Jesus speaks these incredible words. He tells her that her sins are forgiven. You know, notice here that Christ speaks an authoritative verdict. This is justifying speech. It's God's court declaration. It's not some like mere the therapeutic. Like reassurance here. It's not like whistling in the dark. It's Jesus himself saying This woman has been forgiven. Blessed is the one whose sins are forgiven. And of course, like so many other times in Jesus' ministry, and I have to imagine by the way, loved ones that this question got asked all the time, and not just on the occasion in which it was a court of us in scripture, but the other guests ask the right question and that question is. Who is this? Who even forgives sins, and that is the right question. Only God can forgive sins against God. Jesus is implicitly claiming divine authority. Now, we finally arrived. This is God's currency. This is the currency or the money, so to speak, that is desperately needed, the only one acceptable to discharge the debt, the cosmic treason that has been done against God himself. So because of that, here's Jesus making the claim that the way that you are led out, the way that you are set free is through me. So even here in the course of just this confronting Simon speaking about sin, he's also providing the way he's saying, I am this way, I am this truth. I am this life. Come through me. [00:31:14] Jesus the Greater Moses: The Gospel as Exodus [00:31:14] Jesse Schwamb: What I find amazing about this is in the beginning. With Adam and Eve, they transgress God's law. And from that day in all days forth, we have been building this massive sin, debt that we cannot repay. And part of the, the repercussions of that debt were for Adam and Eve to be driven to be Exodus as it were, out of the garden. And ever since then, the grand narrative of the redemptive history of God's people has been an exodus instead. Not out of what is idyllic, not out of perfection, but instead. Out of sin, out of bondage, out of sin and death and the devil and the deaths that we have incurred. And so here we have Jesus representing. He is the, the new and better Moses, he is the exodus, so to speak, who comes and grabs us by the hand almost as in the same way that the angelic representations in the story of la. And Sonor grabbed his hand to pull him, maybe even kicking him, screaming. Out of that sinful place, into the glorious light, into safety and security out from underneath this grand debt that we cannot repay. I think of Jesus's acal meeting with Moses and Elijah on the mounts of transfiguration. That's also in Luke, right? And Luke tells us that they spoke of his deceased, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. And the word deceased there literally means Exodus. In Jesus, God would affect an infinitely greater deliverance than he had under Moses. And then interestingly, we see that even in all the way back in Psalm 23, you know David, he's writing as a rescue sinner who has been brought out. Brought to the Heavenly Shepherd, into the security and freedom of a sheep hold in love ones I submit to you. That is what Jesus is after here. He's after it in your life and he's after in mind that there is death, and he wants to take us out from underneath that debt by paying it off that he is the rescuer, the one who is just and justifier that he's the greater Moses, and that he leads us into Exodus. So we are transferred into the kingdom of a light. And that kingdom of light is also a kingdom of lightness in the sense that what was once a burden on our back, like it was for Pilgrim, has now been taken off. And so we are free. In that freedom, in that financial freedom, in that spiritual freedom as it were, to use both of the sides of this metaphor. What we find is our response is appropriately one of worship, that we weep and we cry for who we were, that we rejoice for who God is, and that we come proudly into His kingdom because of what he has done. And this changes us. It messes us up. You know, I think we've said before that. The joy of the Christian life of Christian lives is that the transformation process that God undertakes in each of us is very different, and some honestly are more dramatic than others. But what I think is always dramatic is one, the scripture tells us that it is a miracle. That even one would be saved. So hardhearted are we, and again, so great this debt against us that when God intervenes all get what they deserve. But some get mercy. And if we have been the ones who have received mercy, how joyful ought we to be toward the one who has granted it to us? And so here we have Christ, the the one who delivers, the one who leads out, the one who pays off, the one who pays it all.  [00:34:45] Behold the Cross: What Sin Costs, What Love Pays [00:34:45] Jesse Schwamb: I think what's clear is that the cross gives us this sense when we look upon it of just how deep and dark and heavy sin is, and that there is no easy way out of it. That what we find is that sin constantly wants to drag us down. It constantly wants to take us farther than we wanted to go, and it certainly costs us way more than we were willing to pay. So I think if we come and we behold the wood, if we behold the nails, if we look on this crown pressed into the brow that knew no guilt or disobedience, if we, not in our mind's eye, but by faith, behold, the hands that open, the blind eyes now being opened by iron. If we see the feet. Walked toward the hurting, now fixed in place for the healing of the world. If we look at the thirst of the one who is living water and the hunger of the one who is the bread of life, we ought to see the one who here, even in this passage, is just and justifier, and he invites us to say with him, come witness the death of death in the death of Jesus Christ. That is the glorious mission, right? As as, um, Horatio Spafford said, my sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought. My sin not in part, but the whole is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Oh my soul of ones. This is the beauty of, I think of what Jesus is, is teaching here. It's the lamb. It's the one promise on the mountain provided in place of Isaac. It's the Passover marked with Crimson death passing over doors that were covered. Here's the suffering. Servant despised and rejected a man of sorrows. Who here is one who is truly well acquainted with grief? When we see Jesus lifted up, lifted up on the cross, lifted up between heaven and earth. Here the instrument of exalted torment but also unexpected triumph, the perfect God man, lifted up between earth and heaven, lifted up in shame so that we might be lifted up in grace, lifted up in cursing. We might be lifted up in blessing lifted up in Forsakenness so that we might be lifted up in divine communion with God the father lifted up to be stared at as he presents himself here, so that we could finally see what sin costs and what love pays. That is everything that he's teaching us in this passage, and I hope that you are as encouraged about this as I am because. When I think about the gospel framed in this way with the full severity of its repercussions, thinking about sin as debt objectively as a liability, that must be satisfied. My heart is instantly warmed, and I think the warming of that is not because this manufactured some kind of sentimentality around this, but there is something about this that's so resonant to me that in my professional career, in my business, I'm intimately familiar with, with debt and understanding how to manage it, but also the dangers of it. And what a liability it truly is. And so when I hear that sin not just is like this, but is this way, it makes complete sense to me and I see that this is really the, the true way that we ought to understand, I think the gospel message.  [00:38:18] Key Takeaways: Debt, Currency, and Canceling the Ledger [00:38:18] Jesse Schwamb: So here's what we should remember. Debt highlights objective guilt. I think I've said that a bunch of times and I just feel like it's, it bears repeating one last time. Sin is not only damage, it is consequences, but it's also a liability. A creditor doesn't need to be convinced you did harm. The ledger already stands and the ledger against us is not on our side. Loved ones. We are deeply in the red, and it really doesn't matter what the balance is because we just cannot repay. So it's really about our lack of ability, our inability, the no, we have no capability to pay this, and so it doesn't matter. We find ourselves in a place of hopelessness no matter what, and this debt highlights that inability none of these particular borrowers could repay. It's devastating to moral pride. We lean on this in our reform theological perspective. Even our best works can't erase guilt or generate merit sufficient to square the accounts. It's impossible. It's impossible with two ways, and this is some, I think really like the beautiful nuance of what Jesus after here in the one way that we are enabled to do this. Is because we just actually cannot earn enough. So in other words, the debt is too big. So think of the biggest number in your head that you could possibly think of, and that's at least minimally the outstanding debt. But then think about this. You don't even have the right currency. So you might find that you spend your entire lifetime working to the bone. It's like finding out that you have a million dollar loan or lien against you, and you work hard all your life, 50, 60, 70 years. And finally, on your deathbed, you've assembled enough cash with all of your savings to put toward and finally satisfy. So you might die in peace with this $1 million free and clear from your account, and you turn over the money and the creditor says, what is this currency? I won't accept this. I can't accept this. How debilitating. So it's not even the size of the debt. It's also that we don't have, we cannot earn the right currency. Only. God. God. I think this debt also highlights grace as cancellation. Forgiveness is not God pretending the debt doesn't exist. It is God releasing the debtor. This is him in triumph, being the greater Moses who walks us out through the waters outside of the city into the glorious light and the broader New Testament explains how God can do that justly. The charge is dealt with through Christ. You can go check out Colossians two. Read the whole thing of Love it. It's fantastic. I think lastly, this debt explains love, as shall we say, like a downstream effect. People love a little when they imagine that they have little needs and people love much when they were spiritually bankrupt and then freely pardoned freely in that it didn't cost you and I anything, but of course it cost our Lord and Savior everything, and so. In this way, our hopes to frame the fact that our love should be an outpouring of gratitude, uh, for the grace that God has given us through Jesus Christ.  [00:41:28] Putting It Into Practice: Don't Compare Debts, Watch for "Simon Symptoms" [00:41:28] Jesse Schwamb: Here's some things I would say that we should all walk away with to help us then both process what we've talked about here, and also put some of this into action. First thing would be, don't measure your need by comparing debts horizontally. That's a fool's errand, whether 50 or 500. The point is we cannot pay. And this levels the Pharisee and the prostitute alike. That is like Tony talked about elsewhere in the previous Luke 15, where we're talking about the PR prodigal of the father, the prodigal of the two lost sons. How there's like a great insult against the Pharisee there. And here's the insult, it's also a little bit cutting to us, and again, that the Pharisee and the prostitute are alike. Can't repay. It Doesn't matter what debt you think you have in the corporal sense, or again in this horizontal means, but you cannot repay it. And so therefore, guess what? We're all like, we need to let forgiveness lead and we need to let love follow. If you reverse that order like I'll love so I can be forgiven. You crush assurance and you turn the gospel into wages and that's again exactly I think what Jesus is against in this. He's making that very clear. The, the beauty of the gospel is this receiving that Christ has done all these things that we, uh, find ourselves by his arresting, by again, his intervening by his coming forward. He does all this on our behalf. You've heard me say before, I always like take that old phrase, what would Jesus do? That question that was on everybody's bracelets and everybody's minds and what, two decades ago? And turn that answer into what would Jesus do? Everything And it's already done. We need to watch for Simon symptoms. That's my clever way of saying this, like low love, high judgment. A chilly heart toward Christ often signals a warm heart towards self justification. And so we wanna be about the kind of people that are closely king, clinging to Jesus Christ as all of our hope and stay that the strength for today and hope for tomorrow comes from what Christ has already accomplished on our behalf. And therefore, there is a dutiful and meaningful and appropriate response for us. But that response again, is not obedience for merit. It is obedience out of warm heartedness for our savior. And for a sincere repentance because a sincere repentance is not payment. It's agreement with God about the debt. Tears, don't cancel the ledger. Christ does that. Tears are what debtors do when Mercy lands, and I think in some way the challenge here is that have we really meditated on the life of this woman and then more personally on our own experiences on what it means to be saved? Well, I'm not asking you to get yourself worked up into an emotional state, but what I am asking all of us to do is. Have we spent enough time recently meditating on what it means that Christ has set us free, that we are incredible debtors, and that Christ in our own ledger in this way hasn't just wiped out the debt, but he's filled up the account with righteousness. And so we can exchange these horrible soiled garments for garments of praise. Now, have we thought about that recently? The call here is to be reminded. That sincere repentance is an agreement with God about the debt, and in that agreement we're sensing that weight. There should be a response.  [00:44:42] Final Charge + Community & Support (Telegram / Patreon) [00:44:42] Jesse Schwamb: So I leave it to you loved ones, you've heard it here, or at least you've heard me talk for a little while about this parable. And maybe one day, maybe there'll be an episode one day about Tony's perspective on this, which I can't imagine will be too much different. But again, I saw my opportunity, loved ones. I said, oh, I'm gonna sneak in hard on this one because this one is particularly meaningful and special to me, and I hope that even though it involved a little bit of economics and maybe a lot of finance, that it didn't lose its resonance with you. I think this is the great weight of the way in which Jesus teaches that he's not just using practical means. But he's using these things to give greater weight and flesh, as it were, to these concepts of a spiritual nature that sometimes feel ephemeral. Instead, he wants them to sink in heaviness upon us. And I wanna be clear that. This whole parable is both law and gospel. It is the weightiness and the sharp edge knife of the law which cuts against us. And Jesus throwing his weight around literally at this dinner party and in this parable, and you and I should feel that weight. It should knock us around a little bit. And then. And then comes the reminder that there is good news and that good news, which is the gospel of Jesus Christ, is that he has made a way that the debt that was incurred against us, that we ourselves added to, that we continue to want to try to borrow against, that Jesus has, in fact paid that debt in full and that he's done so in the currency of his own flesh and blood and his own passive and active obedience so that it may be paid in full. It's true what the hymn says. Jesus paid it all, all to him. I owe. So I hope loved ones that you'll be encouraged with that message that it is both law and gospel, but it ends in this high and elevated state, which is we have been made together alive with Christ for his own sake, for his glory, and for our good. So now that you know that go out into the world and live that way, meditate on that, enjoy that. Talk about it with a family member or a brother and sister, or you can talk about it with us. You didn't think that we'd get this far without me even a plug for telegram, did you? So if you. Haven't listened to us before, or if this is your 480th time, I say welcome and also come hang, hang out with us online. You can do that by going to your browser and putting in there. T me slash reformed brotherhood. T. Dummy slash reformed brotherhood, and that will take you to a little app called Telegram, which is just a messaging app. And we have a closed community in there, which you can preview and then become a part of. And there's lots of lovely brothers, sisters from all over the world interacting, talking about the conversations we're having here, sharing prayer requests, sharing memes, talking about life tasting foods on video. It's really. Absolutely delightful, and I know you want to be a part of it, so come hang out. It's one other thing you can do. If at any point you felt like this podcast, the conversations have been a blessing to you, may I ask a favor, something at least for you to consider, and that is there are all kinds of expenses to make sure that this thing keeps going on. Keeps going strong. And there are brothers and sisters who after they've satisfied their financial obligations, have said, I want to give a little bit to that. So if you've been blessed, I'm what I can I boldly ask that you might consider that it's so many people giving so many tiny little gifts because all of these things compound for God's glory in the kingdom. And if you're interested in giving to us one time or reoccurring, here's a website for you to check out. It's patreon.com. Reform Brotherhood, P-A-T-R-E-O n.com, reform slash reform brotherhood. Go check that out. Alright, that's it. Loved ones, you know what to do. Until next time, honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. 

Are you tired of trying to figure out everything on your own? Are you weary from trying to fight the same battles over and over again? In today's episode, learn how to fight the battles of life with the power of prayer.  Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Download Christina's Free 5-Day Prayer Guide to help you put into practice the powerful habit of prayer. Take the Prayer Personality Quiz to learn how you best hear from God and communicate with Him: https://www.prayquiz.com.CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA:Go to her site, www.belovedwomen.org, and study the Bible with her in the Beloved Women app available in the Apple and Google Play stores, where she invites busy women to fill up on God's love and truth through online Bible study, practical Christian living, and authentic womanhood. https://www.belovedwomen.org/join/ Scripture from ESV. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Pastors don't start cynical or burned out. But somewhere along the way, the wine runs out and we keep preaching, leading, and carrying burdens we were never meant to carry.In a Practically Pastoring Conference session, Tim Wildsmith walks through John 2:1–11 and connects it with Matthew 11:28–30, offering a simple but piercing invitation: name the need, surrender the burden, and pursue soul rest in Jesus before ministry emptiness turns into something worse.Follow Tim Wildsmith:Website: https://timwildsmith.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@timwildsmithInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/timwildsmithX: https://x.com/timwildsmithFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimWildsmith/Timestamps:00:00 – Tim's story (Belmont, YouTube, Bible nerd life)03:44 – Why this talk (ministry grind, running on empty)05:42 – Reading: John 2:1–11 (Wedding at Cana)08:02 – When the wine runs out (ministry parallels)10:29 – Mary's model: “They have no more wine” (name the need)12:57 – Burnout realities + overwhelming expectations15:28 – Matthew 11:28–30: where do you go for rest?19:23 – The “rock” exercise: why we don't want to set burdens down22:12 – What is the soul? (Dallas Willard) + “rest for your souls”25:12 – Take His yoke: you can't wear both yokes27:23 – Back to John 2: obedience makes space for Jesus to work29:10 – Production vs. obedience (faithfulness, not self-sufficiency)30:04 – Diagnostic questions: where has the wine run out?32:07 – Practical step: name the need (even hard conversations)36:24 – Prayer for peace, surrender, and courageLinks:

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260216dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Matthew 17:2 Who Is Jesus? People have lots of opinions about Jesus. Some say he was just a good teacher. Some say he was just a prophet. Some say he was just a symbol of love and justice. Some say he was just a legend. But what Jesus reveals and tells us about himself doesn’t leave any room for “just.” The apostle Matthew tells us that Jesus was “transfigured.” That means he changed right in front of his disciples. For a moment, his glory showed through. He shone like the sun. His clothes became dazzling white. And God the Father spoke from a cloud: “This is my Son.” That means Jesus isn’t simply an inspirational leader. He is God’s Son. And that changes everything. Maybe you need that reminder today. It’s easy for doubts to creep in. Life gets messy. Suffering makes you wonder if God is really there. And sometimes Jesus can feel far away. That’s why this moment matters. God didn’t just want the disciples to hope Jesus was the Savior. He wanted to show them so they would know with certainty. Since Jesus is God’s Son, his words carry authority. His promises carry weight. His death is not a tragedy; it’s a rescue. His resurrection isn’t a myth; it's the doorway to eternal life. And that is why Jesus matters for you right now. Because Jesus is God’s Son, your life is not an accident. Your sins are not too big for forgiveness. Your pain is not ignored. And your future is not hopeless. You don’t have to wonder if God loves you. God sent his Son for you. The Transfiguration shines a spotlight on who Jesus really is. And when you see him clearly, you can finally see your life clearly too. Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me see you for who you truly are, God’s Son and my Savior. Give me confidence in your promises today. 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.

As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, it’s fitting to reflect on the biblical perspective of leadership. Daniel 2:21 reminds us that God “changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” Every president, past and present, serves under God’s sovereign hand. Recognizing their achievements, especially those guided by faith, is a way to honor God’s provision for our nation. Intersecting Faith & Life How can we honor God by recognizing the positive impact of leaders He places in office? In what ways can you personally pray for national leaders and their decisions? Reflect on moments in American history where prayer and faith intersected with leadership—how can this inspire your own spiritual practice? Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Honoring Our Nation's Presidents By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” - Daniel 2:21 What does it take to be President of the United States of America? As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, we probably have a wide variety of thoughts and answers to this question. Still, throughout history, many men of various backgrounds, political leanings, religious beliefs, and stature have served as the President of the United States. Although we hold elections in the United States, we don’t want to ignore what Daniel explains: that God has a hand in who comes into leadership in our nation and that we really are not the ones in control. As we commemorate yet another President’s Day, it’s biblical to set time aside to honor the many men who have held the office, regardless of our political leanings. Being the President of the United States of America takes bravery and fortitude, as it comes with serious caution and risks to both the sitting president’s life and career. In Prayers and Presidents, author and historian William J. Federer presents statistics on the danger that being President holds: “Not every United States President left the White House on his own accord, with some dying in office and others murdered while serving. Four Presidents left office due to assassination, with the most famous and well-known account being that of the 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, and the 35th President, John F. Kennedy. Along with them, lesser-recognized presidents were murdered while in office, including 20th President, James A. Garfield, and 25th President, William McKinley. As well, 40th President Ronald Reagan and soon-to-be re-elected Donald J. Trump survived assassination attempts on their lives. Reagan, while in office, and Trum,p while on the presidential campaign trail before taking office in his second nonconsecutive term as our 47th President at 78 years old.” Regardless of the risks, from the very beginning of our nation’s birth, prayer has been recognized and encouraged by many of our Presidents, including our very first President, George Washington, who carried a well-worn pocket-sized edition of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer. Providence Forum executive director Dr. Jerry Newcombe describes how General Washington, during the Revolutionary War, felt the odds of winning were too great against us, so on July 4th, 1775—a year before independence—he sent the following order to his troops: “He requires and expects of all officers and soldiers, not engaged in actual duty, a punctual attendance on Divine service, to implore the blessing of Heaven upon the means used for our safety and defense.’" Some doubt God’s hand in America’s history and on America’s leaders. But Proverbs 21:1 reveals that, “In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that He channels toward all who please Him.” As well, Proverbs 8:15 reassures us that God has a hand in who reigns and rules on earth: “By Me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just.” God receives glory for directing ways presidents have honored Him, such as the 33rd President, Harry S. Truman, who initiated the National Day of Prayer as an annual observance in 1952, stating: “In times of national crisis when we are striving to strengthen the foundations of peace… we stand in special need of Divine support.” In April 1970, President Richard M. Nixon urged Americans to pray for the Apollo 13 astronauts who were in crisis. As well, after their safe return, he set aside Sunday, April 19, 1970, as a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving. President Ronald Reagan established the National Day of Prayer on May 5, 1988, to be commemorated each year on the first Thursday in May, saying: “Americans in every generation have turned to their Maker in prayer… We have acknowledged… our dependence on Almighty God.”Following the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina, our 43rd President, George W. Bush, declared Days of Prayer. Intersecting Faith & Life: We are honoring God when we honor His accomplishments achieved through the leaders He places into office as our presidents. By recognizing their godly accomplishments, we are expressing gratitude and glorifying God for His just decrees. Further Reading: Seeing God’s Hand in America’s Freedom Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

1 John 3:1 | John MacArthur | J. I. Packer | Lofted by Realizer | Still Life: Balsam Apple and Vegetables by James Peale | Find more at www.ryanbush.org

A Prayer to Be Slow to Anger with Rachael Adams What happens when our protective instincts override our Christian witness?In this episode by Rachael Adams, we explore the tension between righteous anger and sinful reactions through a relatable story from the sidelines of a semi-state football championship game.Through biblical examples of Jesus’ indignation and practical wisdom from Scripture, we learn how to channel frustration into constructive action rather than destructive reactions. Reference: Psalm 145:8 Prayer: Father, thank you for being slow to anger when you have every reason to be irritated and aggravated with me. Forgive me for losing my temper so easily. If I get upset, may it be over an injustice where through your Holy Spirit spirit, I can find a loving solution. May my emotions not destroy relationships, but help all of us who aim to follow in your footsteps to pursue righteousness at all times. In Jesus' name, amen. LINKS: Connect with Rachael Adams Order Everyday Prayers for Love Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Students, teachers, and other school officials have a right to pray in school as an expression of individual faith. Constitutional expert, lawyer, author, pastor, and founder of Liberty Counsel Mat Staver discusses the important topics of the day with co-hosts and guests that impact life, liberty, and family. To stay informed and get involved, visit LC.org.

When even the demons acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God, His authority over darkness becomes undeniable.In a display of divine authority, Jesus heals countless people gathered at Simon's house, casting out demons who recognize Him as the Son of God. Though the demons attempt to reveal Jesus' true identity, He silences them, showing His power over both illness and the forces of evil.Today's Bible verse is Philippians 2:10, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.