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Today's Word for the Day is "PROMISES" If you listen to Word for the Day on audio and have never checked out the video, you can do so on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/@fbmmediastudios. To receive your Word for the Day by e-mail, go to http://fbmaryville.org/wordfortheday to sign up.
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 1-3; John 1 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! On this December 17th episode, your host Hunter (joined throughout by Hunter, Hunter, and Hunter) invites you into a heartfelt journey through the Scriptures as we near the end of the year-long Bible reading adventure. Today, we dive into 2 Peter chapters 1 through 3, reflecting on the promises and transformation offered by God, and finish in the rich opening of John chapter 1, exploring the mystery and hope of Christ—the Word made flesh. As Hunter guides us, you'll hear words of encouragement for those who are struggling during this season, and for those rejoicing as well—reminders that God's love and light are present no matter where we find ourselves. There's practical advice on embracing joy, finding peace, and living in the reality of being included in God's family. Prayerful moments anchor the episode, inviting you to seek God's goodness and purpose in your life. Whether you're searching for hope or celebrating life's gifts, this episode is an opportunity to pause, listen, and let God's Word be spoken over your heart—reminding you that you are loved and never alone. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let's walk together through another day in Scripture with the Daily Radio Bible. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Make every effort to respond to his promises. By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires. Because God fulfilled his promise to Abraham, that Abraham would become the father of many nations, the peoples of the world would recognize and understand the fatherhood of God. They would see that they have been included, adopted into a relationship with the Creator of all the world. Because of this promise and what Christ has done, we share in God's divine nature. That's something that will and should blow our minds. Peter says that we share in God's divine nature. And Peter wants us to participate in that. To participate in what is. To acknowledge and see and live in the joy of what is your inclusion into the life and love of God. Because God was true to his word. God did what he said he would do. He came and he rescued us and made us his own. So let's live in that, my friends. The triune God sent his Son to come and rescue us, to awaken us to who we really are, to who he is, what he has done and who we really are. We are those that share in his divine nature. We are children of God, made in the image of God. God has come to reveal this, to make this known, to let it become the thing that animates our lives, sets us free and gives us joy. So let's do that. It's as we live in the reality of this amazing truth and good news, we will indeed escape the corruptions of this world. We will not give in to the lusts of the world, the sinfulness of our flesh. No, we will be walking in the Spirit. That's the desire and the prayer that I have for my own soul. That's the prayer that I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that is the prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen. Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. And now Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, Joy. Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life. Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL
2025-12-16 | UPDATES #080 | A post on X caught my eye, the gist of which was “Only a Russian official can invade and bomb you while simultaneously calling themselves a peacemaker and the victim a warmonger.” The author is referring to Kiril Dmitriev, one of the key so-called ‘negotiators' from the Russian side, and it highlights the absurdity of trying to build a peace process with the same regime that initiated the aggression and committed untold war crimes in Ukraine. Any such process pre-supposes that the aggressor has seen the error of their ways, in some sense recanted for their mistakes, even if not admitting culpability for the crimes themselves or any contrition. But the reality is so far from this. Russia seems to want a temporary “ceasefire,” because it is exhausted, and needs time to rearm and internalise the lessons of failure – the failure of its military strategy, that is, so it can come back again with greater lethality and success. As we'll see in this episode, Russia has disavowed none of its maximalist aims, and indeed keeps adding to the list of demands, and when the regime minions are honest with us, they are clearly saying that they do not want peace, but the capitulation and humiliation of Ukraine. ----------SOURCES: Reuters - https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/european-leaders-agree-ukraine-security-guarantees-should-include-european-led-2025-12-15/Financial Times - https://www.ft.com/content/24b9f90f-ee39-4fde-9efb-559c0cc8596cThe Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/16/ukraine-russia-peace-plans-zelenskyy-berlin-talks-putinReuters - https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/vast-majority-ukrainians-reject-major-peace-concessions-poll-finds-2025-12-15/Reuters - https://www.reuters.com/world/eu-foreign-ministers-adopt-sanctions-targeting-russian-shadow-fleet-eu-official-2025-12-15/AP News - https://apnews.com/article/d80d64aa719ddc60575866f2c29e868eAP News - https://apnews.com/article/6a4c78360c51021bdb8c251bc230de38----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
Even When It Doesn't Make Sense: Promises - Part 2 by
The prophecy of a star rising from Jacob was fulfilled in Jesus, the son of David. This sermon shows how Christ is the long-awaited fulfillment of God's promises, proving that God's Word never fails and His plan of redemption is sure, even when sin and failure plague the heart.
In this episode, we journey to Elizabeth's house, the place of the Visitation. We reflect on Mary's haste as she makes the journey to visit Elizabeth and how Elizabeth creates space for Mary as the mystery of the incarnation unfolds. We also ponder Elizabeth's years of longing for a child, how God fulfills our desires in ways different than we expect, and why we should hold onto hope instead of disappointment. Finally, we talk about cultivating a deeper sensitivity to God's presence, trusting that even when His work is hidden, beauty is unfolding within our lives. Heather's One Thing - High King of Heaven / Jesus We Love You by Bethel Music Sister Miriam's Half Thing - As part of the Sacred Anchor Marketplace, any Religious Order/ Clergy will have a free storefront with no charges to list or commission fees. (The only cost will be bank fees of about 3% of any sale). Sign up here! Sister Miriam's One Thing - Forgiving as Unity with Christ by Dr. Robert Enright Michelle's One Thing - Notre Dame Football (especially Marcus Freeman) And then, we travel to Elizabeth's house, high in the hills. Two women meet, and the air is thick with recognition. Promises leap, joy erupts, and prophecy dances between them. This is the place of friendship, of shared waiting, of laughter through tears. Because God often comes to us in the embrace of another who believes. Journal Questions: In what places of my life can I allow mystery to breathe and unfold? Who can I share the deep places of disappointment with and not feel judged? Where do I feel disappointed? How can I be a nest for others? What promise is leaping within you right now wanting to be recognized? Where do I run when God is doing something new in me? Who is my Elizabeth? Discussion Questions: When has the Holy Spirit asked you to do something that didn't make sense in the natural world? How can we cultivate a home for others within our own hearts? Where is the Holy Spirit moving in your life and in other's lives? When was the last time you experienced someone speaking prophetically over your life? Quote to Ponder: "If there ever comes a time when the women of the world come together purely and simply for the benefit of mankind, it will be a force such as the world has never known." (Matthew Arnold) Scripture for Lectio: "Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her." (Luke 1:45) Sponsor - Chews Life: Rosaries for Every Age and Season of Life. Sister Lucia of Fatima once said, "There is no problem, no matter how difficult, that we cannot solve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary." At Chews Life , that isn't just a beautiful quote, it's the heartbeat of everything they do. Chews Life is a Catholic-owned small business whose mission is simple but bold: to equip every Catholic, in every age and season of life, with Rosaries for life. Whether you're a new mom juggling family life, a student on the go, or someone rediscovering the beauty of prayer, Chews Life creates practical and beautiful ways to make the Rosary part of your everyday rhythm. For the Littlest Catholics one of the most beloved parts of the Chews Life mission is their dedication to helping children grow up surrounded by prayer. Their silicone Rosaries are soft, durable, and made for little hands to safely explore and grow in their love for the Rosary. Parents often say that watching their child hold one feels like watching them reach out to hold Our Lady's hand. Each design is thoughtfully created to be both faith-filled and family-safe, something little ones can hold, and carry as they begin learning the gentle rhythm of prayer. It's never too early to begin planting those seeds of devotion. For women, Chews Life offers their signature excuse-proof Rosary bracelet, a gemstone Rosary that is both beautiful and wearable. Designed to help you pray throughout the day, this bracelet is a quiet but powerful companion for busy women who long to stay connected to God in the middle of everyday life. Whether you're at work, running errands, or caring for your family, these bracelets make it easy to keep prayer close. Each one includes Chews Life's signature "bookmark" crucifix charm, allowing you to pause your Rosary and pick it up right where you left off. Because real life and real prayer go hand-in-hand. Made with genuine gemstones and durable materials, every bracelet is a tangible reminder that holiness grows in the middle of ordinary moments, and that beauty and faith were always meant to belong together. For the Men in Your Life: Crux Invicta That same level of craftsmanship and devotion extends to the men's line, Crux Invicta, Chews Life's brother brand. The name means "The Cross Invincible," and it captures the heart of what this collection stands for: bold, rugged faith rooted in strength and sacrifice. Crux Invicta features paracord and gemstone Rosary bracelets designed for durability and purpose. Each piece carries the reminder that victory comes through the Cross, offering men a tangible way to live out their faith in the everyday battles of life. And for those looking to go deeper and learn more about the mysteries of the Rosary, Chews Life founder Shannon Wendt invites you on a journey of prayer through her new book, The Way of the Rosary: A Journey with Mary through Scripture, Liturgy, and Life . This book is a heartfelt invitation to walk with Mary and discover the mysteries of the Rosary as they unfold through Scripture, the rhythm of the Liturgy, and the ordinary moments of daily life. Shannon's reflections reveal how Mary accompanies us in joy and in sorrow, guiding us always closer to her Son From their baby-safe silicone Rosaries, to their gemstone Rosary bracelets, to the Crux Invicta men's line and The Way of the Rosary book, every part of Chews Life's mission is designed to make prayer not just accessible but truly lived. Because for Chews Life, prayer isn't something you fit in when you can. It's something that fits beautifully into the life you're already living. You can explore the full collections and learn more at ChewsLife.com and CruxInvicta.com . And as a special thank-you to Abiding Together listeners, use the code ABIDE15 for 15% off your order on either site. Chapters: 00:00 Chews Life 01:37 Intro 02:30 Welcome to Elizabeth's House 06:02 The Shared Gift of the Visitation 08:15 Having A Safe Place to Allow Mystery to Unfold 10:08 The Holy Spirit Reveals Jesus 12:!5 Sacred Companionship 13:40 When We Carry Disappointments 16:50 Speaking Life Into Other People 18:36 Living Out of Our Insecurities 19:49 Being A Safe Place for Others 22:37 Having Sensitivity to the Presence of God 25:26 One Things Music used under license i94Cr0
State House Speaker Matt Hall's move to cancel $645 million in already-approved state funding is the political equivalent of a rug pull, and it has real consequences for projects and people across Michigan. This episode digs into what happened, why it matters, and what comes next for cities, nonprofits, and everyday Michiganders. This wasn't theoretical money on a spreadsheet. It hit projects that were already underway with contracts signed and local dollars already spent on the promise of state reimbursement. The cuts touch everything from Motown Museum improvements and the BAMF Cancer Center in Detroit to an emergency shelter in Sault Ste. Marie, RX Kids cash support for new parents, police infrastructure in Dearborn, Detroit Zoo funding, and Detroit's right-to-counsel program. To break down the facts, impacts, what could be next and what you could do about it is Steve Watson. He is a Partner and COO at Watson and Yates, a consulting firm here in Detroit that serves public sector and non-profit clients. He knows his stuff. Formerly, Steve was budget director for the city of Detroit. His post, "Speaker Hall's How the Grinch Stole Christmas" took what I had seen in other outlets to another level with his in-depth understanding and I knew I just had to talk to him. https://watsonyates.substack.com/p/speaker-halls-how-the-grinch-stole Support the show on Patreon, get stickers: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431
In which I was asked by The Climate Pod to comment on the current state of the vibe here on planet Earth and I went off on some party etiquette. GET TO CLASS! GET TO CLASS IN SAN FRANCISCO! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at The Climate Pod LIVE at the Lincoln Lodge in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört: The Official Drink of the Apocalypse Come find me in all your favorite places including my Discord Featuring “Promises” by the Barrerracudas, a snippy of “The Wasteland” courtesy of Ross Bugden Twitter: Instagram For commissions/scores: bugdenross@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Luke 1 shows us that trusting God's promises is not something we do alone. Through Mary and Elizabeth, we see how faith is strengthened in community and grounded in the unchanging character of God. God is worthy, merciful, just, and faithful—and because of who He is, we can trust that His promises will always stand.
Southeast Baptist Podcast features the preaching and teaching of Pastor John Ray, the senior pastor of Southeast Baptist Tabernacle in Indianapolis, IN. His preaching is biblical, conversational, and encouraging as you pursue a Christlike walk.
Too often, the criminal legal system fails people who experience harm or violence. At the same time, it also often fails the communities that harmed people are members of. In many cases, survivors and the accused belong to the same community. Restorative justice centers the specific needs of people who have experienced harm or violence with an eye towards healing both the harmed individuals along with the community that was impacted by the harm or violence. Compared to punitive criminal legal system policies, restorative justice approaches better address the root causes of threats to public safety by remedying harm and repairing relationships at the individual and community levels. In this episode of Justice Above All, guests discuss the diverse practices connected with restorative justice as well as the positive outcomes that are associated with it. Guests will also discuss how we can incorporate such approaches to build greater safety in our communities.For more information on this episode, please visit: tminstituteldf.org/justice-above-all. This episode was produced by Lauren O'Neil. It is hosted by Kesha Moore, PhD. Resonate Recordings edited the episode. If you enjoyed this episode please consider leaving a review and helping others find it! To keep up with the work of LDF please visit our website at www.naacpldf.org and follow us on social media at @naacp_ldf. To keep up with the work of the Thurgood Marshall Institute, please visit our website at www.tminstituteldf.org and follow us on Twitter at @tmi_ldf.
Key Truth: The Christ follower remembers that Christ is present in the waiting.Key Verse: Isaiah 7:10–14; Matthew 1:18Summary: Christmas reveals the ultimate promise of God being with us in his Son, Jesus.This four-week series for the Christmas season examines the importance of God keeping his promises, revealed in Jesus. Through looking at the Old Testament, we see that Jesus fulfills God's promise of being with his people, showing his rule over the earth, and giving peace to the world.__________________________________Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/legacychurchtx/Join us in person:https://legacychurchhutto.comMusic used with permission:Dreamers by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.com
Hello Interactors,Spain's high-speed trains feels like a totally different trajectory of modernity. America prides itself on being the tech innovator, but nowhere can we blast 180 MPH between city centers with seamless transfers to metros and buses…and no TSA drudgery. But look closer and the familiar comes into view — rising car ownership, rush-hour congestion (except in Valencia!), and growth patterns that echo America. I wanted to follow these parallel tracks back to the nineteenth-century U.S. rail boom and forward to Spain's high-spe ed era. Turns out it's not just about who gets faster rail or faster freeways, but what kind of growth they lock in once they arrive.TRAINS, CITIES, AND CONTRADICTIONSMy wife and I took high-speed rail (HSR) on our recent trip to Spain. My first thought was, “Why can't we have nice things?”They're everywhere.Madrid to Barcelona in two and a half hours. Barcelona to Valencia, Valencia back to Madrid. Later, Porto to Lisbon. Even Portugal is in on it. We glided out of city-center stations, slipped past housing blocks and industrial belts, then settled into the familiar grain of Mediterranean countryside at 300 kilometers an hour. The Wi-Fi (mostly) worked. The seats were comfortable. No annoying TSA.Where HSR did not exist or didn't quite fit our schedule, we filled gaps with EasyJet flights. We did rent a car to seek the 100-foot waves at Nazaré, Portugal, only to be punished by the crawl of Porto's rush-hour traffic in a downpour. Within cities, we took metros, commuter trains, trams, buses, bike share, and walked…a lot.From the perspective of a sustainable transportation advocate, we were treated to the complete “nice things” package: fast trains between cities, frequent rail and bus service inside them, and streets catering to human bodies more than SUVs. What surprised me, though, was the way these nice things coexist with growth patterns that look — in structural terms — uncomfortably familiar.In this video
Promises are easy to make but hard to keep. We've all experienced disappointment when people let us down. But what about God? Does he actually follow through on what he says? The Christmas story isn't just a tradition; it's proof that God keeps his promises. What about the promises he has made to you? Pastor Mike explores why Christmas can give you real confidence that God is trustworthy, even when life feels uncertain.
Isaiah 51-52:12 | Josh de Koning
In the midst of darkness, we are called to arise and shine. Isaiah 60 speaks directly into seasons of despair, difficulty, and thick darkness, whether that's personal struggle, cultural chaos, or the weight of circumstances beyond our control. The prophet Isaiah wasn't offering empty optimism to a nation in exile; he was proclaiming a promise that would echo through centuries. The Magi who traveled from distant lands bearing gold, frankincense, and myrrh weren't religious insiders. They were outsiders, foreigners, even former enemies of God's people. Yet they saw the star and came. This reveals something profound: God shapes us on the path, not on the sidelines. We don't wait for perfect conditions to obey; we rise and reflect His light even when our situation hasn't changed. The radiance Isaiah promises isn't about our own strength or positivity. It's about reflecting the glory of God that has already been placed upon us. When we shine in the darkness, when we remain faithful when it's hardest, that's when people see something different and are drawn to the light. God's reach is never out of reach. There's no one in our lives too far gone, no coworker too cynical, no family member too hardened. As long as there's breath, there's hope for transformation.
Sean Myers | December 14th, 2025Isaiah 61Luke 4:16-20Stay Connected:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pellacommuni...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pellacommun...Website: http://pellacommunities.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pellacommunities
Have you ever felt like God's promises are taking too long—or that He's silent in your life? In Malachi 4, the people of Israel waited hundreds of years for the Messiah, yet God's plan never stopped moving.In this message, we explore how to live faithfully while waiting for God's promises:- Trust His Timing — believing God's plan moves even when we can't see it- Hold Fast — staying faithful to the promises we make to God- Expect the Savior — remembering that Jesus fulfills every promise and hope- Live in Obedience — walking daily in God's Word while waiting for His work to unfoldScriptures Referenced: Malachi 4:1–6, Isaiah 53:1–12, Deuteronomy 28–29This sermon encourages you to ask: Are you holding on to God's promises, or letting frustration and doubt take over? How can you remain faithful in the “silent periods” of life?Keywords: Waiting on God, Malachi sermon, trusting God's promises, Jesus fulfillment, faith in difficult times, obedience, perseverance, Old Testament lessons, spiritual growthTake action today: Pray, study Scripture, and walk faithfully in the promises God has already given you.Like, Subscribe, and share this message with someone who's learning to trust God's timing.
Pastor Phil Sparling - Christmas Promises - Weekend Sermon Podcast - www.auburngrace.com
Jesus does not just enter into our darkness; He ends it.Welcome to Heights Baptist Church!Connect with us at heightschurch.org/connect
Questions? Comments? Prayer Requests? Let us know: http://cc.gshep.us Stay connected with your Good Shepherd Family by downloading the FREE Church Center App: http://churchcenter.gshep.us Give online: http://give.gshep.us
Brown Peterson
Mary. Joseph. Zechariah. Some of the key figures in the Christmas story have one thing in common: They received prophetic messages that changed absolutely everything. In the Book of Luke, we see an angel arrive with a jarring message for Zechariah. Then, Mary and Joseph are given stunning proclamations about what's to come — events that change the course of their lives and of human history. How do they all react, and what do their responses tell us? Beyond that, how do these promises fulfill Old Testament prophecies? This second episode of the show dives into these themes and more. Join Greg Laurie, Jeff Kinley, Ray Comfort, Jesse Bradley, Shane Idleman, and CBN's Billy Hallowell for this must-hear conversation. And on the third chapter of “Jesus and the Prophecies of Christ" — which will be released December 21 — we'll explore where Jesus is predicted in the Old Testament hundreds of years before the nativity.
Pastor Blake Burrough delves into Luke 2:8–20, highlighting how God fulfills His ancient promise by revealing His glory in the birth of Jesus, not to the powerful or polished, but to unlikely outsiders like shepherds, showing that Christmas is for sinners and the overlooked. The angelic announcement and singing heavenly army proclaim that Jesus' birth is God's decisive invasion against sin, death, and the serpent, pointing to the greater glory of God dwelling with His people in the incarnation. As Pastor Blake emphasizes, when God's glory is revealed in Christ, fear turns to joy, and those who behold Him are transformed to worship, treasure, and proclaim the good news.
Subject: Christmas 2025 Speaker or Performer: Randy McLendon Scripture Passage(s): II Samuel 7:1-17 Date of Delivery: December 14, 2025
Standing on the Future Promises - Paul Cohen - 14th Dec 2025 by The King's Way Christian Fellowship - Glen Waverley
God kept his promises and revealed his promises through Jesus Christ. In this series we will look at one we can learn from those who waited on the fulfillment of the promise and how we can apply those lessons in our seasons of waiting. We'll also see how we can be a part of shining the light of the promises fulfilled in Christ. Advent season is a season of waiting. In Luke 2 we meet a man by the name of Simeon and a woman named Anna who teach us about waiting on the promises of God. As they waiting in that first advent we wait for Christ's second advent. In the middle of that waiting are seasons of waiting and Simeon and Anna teach us that in all of it we can wait actively, gratefully and expectantly with an open mind, not for the answer we want, but for the one in whom every promise is yes and amen.
This Christmas Season, we're fixing our eyes on The Fulfillment of God's Promises — and this weekend, we'll see how that Promise didn't arrive in power, comfort, or control…but in humility.Here's what we will be studying together:
We often convince ourselves that God only shows up in the mountaintop moments, leaving us discouraged when we face dead ends or feel insignificant in our daily grind. But what if the very places you have written off—the small, the broken, and the quiet—are actually the specific targets of divine intervention? This message uncovers an ancient, surprising pattern of how true rescue arrives, challenging everything we assume about power and success. Listen in to discover why your current limitation might actually be the perfect setting for a new beginning.
On this full episode of LARRY, we discuss the Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino's BOMBSHELL promise to put Rep. Ilhan Omar in HANDCUFFS, the final nail in the coffin that PROVES she really did marry her brother, Gavin Newsom's trans meltdown, a MASSIVE debunking of fake news on immigration, and MUCH, much more! Check out the latest news from The Lion: https://readlion.com/ SHOP OUR MERCH: https://store.townhallmedia.com/ BUY A LARRY MUG: https://store.townhallmedia.com/products/larry-mug Watch LARRY with Larry O'Connor LIVE — Monday-Thursday at 12PM Eastern on YouTube, Facebook, & Rumble! Find LARRY with Larry O'Connor wherever you get your podcasts! SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7i8F7K4fqIDmqZSIHJNhMh?si=814ce2f8478944c0&nd=1&dlsi=e799ca22e81b456f APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/larry/id1730596733 Become a Townhall VIP Member today and use promo code LARRY for 50% off: https://townhall.com/subscribe?tpcc=poddescription https://townhall.com/ https://rumble.com/c/c-5769468 https://www.facebook.com/townhallcom/ https://www.instagram.com/townhallmedia/ https://twitter.com/townhallcomBecome a Townhall VIP member with promo code "LARRY": https://townhall.com/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watchdog-on-wall-street-with-chris-markowski/id570687608 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PtgPvJvqc2gkpGIkNMR5i WATCH and SUBSCRIBE on:https://www.youtube.com/@WatchdogOnWallstreet/featured Farmers were told they'd thrive. Instead, they got crushed—undercut by a trade war that tanked exports, forced sell-offs, and handed opportunities to big-money land barons. With China falling far short of purchase commitments and aid covering only a sliver of losses, the truth is unavoidable: America's backbone got played while the wealthy walked away with the land.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he's willing to hold elections if the US and other allies help ensure security. Is that a promise Trump can make as he pushes Ukraine to surrender territory to Russia? Also, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man illegally deported by the Trump administration in March and eventually returned, is now free from immigration custody. Plus, Republicans in Indiana have rejected a redistricting proposal. President Trump successfully pushed other states to redraw their congressional maps to help Republicans win next year's midterm elections, so why did Indiana's Republicans break with the president?Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Kate Bartlett, Anna Yukhananov, Larry Kaplow and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. Our technical director is Carleigh StrangeOur Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
President Trump is holding campaign-style events to argue he is fixing the economy and lowering costs, as Democrats point to their recent election wins to say voters blame him for high prices. At a recent rally in Pennsylvania, the president defended his tariffs and said they help American workers, while Democrats warned those same policies raise the cost of everyday essentials. FOX News Radio political analyst Josh Kraushaar joins the Rundown to explain how both parties are battling to shape voters' views on the economy, inflation, and who has the stronger plan moving forward. Growing awareness of the threats and harms posed by social media, especially to children and teenagers, is fueling momentum for legislation aimed at curbing these risks amid the rapid advancement of AI. Social media reform advocate Nicki Petrossi, Founder of Scrolling2Death.com, joins the Rundown to discuss the dangers of the overuse of social media among the adolescent, the responsibility of tech giants in designing addictive platforms that do harm, and the growing push for new legislation that addresses these concerns. Plus, commentary from David Marcus, FOX News Digital columnist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast
Episode Summary: Have you ever noticed that sometimes the waiting feels almost better than the having? A child counting down the days until Christmas morning… the thrill of planning a vacation… even the little rush when you hear your phone buzz with a new message. That’s anticipation at work. But what if I told you that the very chemical in your brain that makes anticipation so powerful was actually designed by God to teach us something about Advent? Today we’re going to talk about dopamine, anticipation, and the kind of holy hope that not only prepares us for Christmas, but points us to the greater joy of Christ’s return. As we step into this Advent season, I want to share something that’s been on my heart—how anticipation affects our brain chemistry, our spiritual lives, and even the way we approach hope. Specifically, I want us to consider the beautiful connection between anticipation, dopamine, and Advent hope. Quotables from the episode: Did you know your brain starts celebrating before the party even begins? That’s right—long before you open the gift, taste the dessert, or hug the loved one, your brain is already releasing dopamine, the chemical of anticipation. But here’s the deeper truth: God wired us that way on purpose. Advent is the season where science and faith collide, inviting us to see how holy anticipation points our hearts beyond the moment to the eternal. In this episode of Your Hope Filled Perspective, you’ll learn how your brain chemistry mirrors the biblical call to wait with joyful hope. Anticipation is the act of looking forward to something. It’s more than just waiting—it’s waiting with expectancy. It’s that feeling when you know something is coming, and you start to prepare for it in your heart, in your mind, and sometimes even in your body. Think about a child waiting for Christmas morning. They might count down the days, peek under the tree, maybe even have trouble falling asleep on Christmas Eve. That’s anticipation. Anticipation can be both positive and negative. We can anticipate a joyful event—like a wedding, the birth of a child, or a holiday gathering—or we can anticipate something difficult, like a doctor’s appointment or a hard conversation. But here’s the key: anticipation changes the way we think, feel, and behave, even before the actual event takes place. Now let’s bring in a bit of brain science. You’ve probably heard of dopamine. It’s often referred to as the “feel-good chemical,” but that’s not entirely accurate. Dopamine isn’t about pleasure itself—it’s about anticipation of pleasure. When our brains release dopamine, it motivates us to pursue something. It’s tied to the reward system in our brains. For example, when you anticipate a delicious meal, your brain releases dopamine—not when you’re eating the food, but when you think about eating it. Dopamine helps us focus, motivates us to take action, and gives us energy to pursue what we expect will be rewarding. Here’s an example: Have you ever noticed that planning a vacation can be almost as enjoyable as the vacation itself? That’s because anticipation—through dopamine—creates joy, motivation, and excitement. Now here’s where it gets interesting. When we lack healthy anticipation—when we don’t have things to look forward to—dopamine levels can drop, leading to discouragement, low motivation, and even depression. But God, in His wisdom, created us with this system of anticipation for a reason. He designed our brains to look forward, to seek reward, to long for something beyond the present moment. Advent is a season of holy anticipation. For centuries, Christians have marked the four weeks before Christmas as a time of preparation, reflection, and expectation. We look back and remember the long anticipation of Israel waiting for the promised Messiah. And we look forward in anticipation of Christ’s second coming. Advent teaches us not to rush through waiting but to savor it, to sit in it, to let it shape our hearts. In the same way dopamine motivates us to move toward something good, Advent hope motivates us to move toward God’s promises. Think about Simeon and Anna in Luke chapter 2. They spent their lives anticipating the Messiah. The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die before seeing the Lord’s Christ. Imagine the daily anticipation he must have lived with. And then one day, he held the baby Jesus in his arms and declared, “My eyes have seen your salvation.” That is the fulfillment of holy anticipation. And yet, we too live in anticipation. We celebrate Jesus’ birth, yes—but we also anticipate His return. That’s what Advent reminds us: we live between the “already” and the “not yet.” Jesus has come, and Jesus is coming again. Here’s the challenge. In our culture, anticipation often gets hijacked. We anticipate Amazon packages, text message replies, or the next social media notification. Those things give us little dopamine hits, but they don’t satisfy our souls. If we’re not careful, we can train our brains to anticipate the wrong things—things that don’t last, things that can’t fulfill us. But Advent invites us to retrain our anticipation. Instead of craving fleeting rewards, we can learn to anticipate eternal hope. So, let’s ask ourselves: What am I anticipating most right now? Is it something temporary, or is it something eternal? How can I align my anticipation with God’s promises? Romans 8:24–25 says, “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” That’s the essence of anticipation: waiting with patience, grounded in hope. Let me suggest a few practical steps: Build rhythms of anticipation. Light an Advent candle each week. Read the Scriptures that point to Christ’s coming. These small practices create anticipation and remind your brain and your spirit of the greater hope to come. Practice gratitude in the waiting. Each time you feel anticipation rising—whether for a holiday gathering or even for your morning coffee—use it as a cue to thank God for something eternal. Gratitude shifts dopamine toward holy anticipation. Anchor your anticipation in God’s promises. Write down verses about Christ’s return. For example, John 14:3, where Jesus says, “I will come back and take you to be with me.” Let those promises fuel your waiting. Fast from empty anticipations. Maybe that means stepping back from constant scrolling or instant gratification. Fasting helps retrain our brains to anticipate what truly matters. Invite others into your anticipation. Just as Israel anticipated the Messiah together, we’re called to wait together. Share your Advent reflections with a friend or family member. Encourage one another with the hope of Christ’s return. When we put all this together, here’s what we see: Neuroscience shows us that anticipation releases dopamine, motivating us to move toward something good. Scripture shows us that God designed us to live in anticipation of His promises. Advent reminds us to direct our anticipation toward Christ—His birth, His presence in our lives today, and His return. When we align our brains’ natural anticipation system with God’s eternal hope, we experience deeper joy, stronger faith, and renewed strength to endure seasons of waiting. Friend, whatever you’re anticipating right now, I encourage you to lift it before the Lord. Maybe you’re anticipating something wonderful, or maybe you’re anticipating something hard. Either way, God meets us in our waiting. As we journey through Advent, let’s allow anticipation to become not a source of stress or distraction, but a holy reminder that our ultimate hope is in Christ. Would you pray with me? “Heavenly Father, thank You for designing our minds and our hearts to anticipate. Thank You for sending Jesus, the fulfillment of centuries of anticipation, and thank You for the promise that He will come again. Help us, Lord, to direct our anticipation toward what is eternal and true. Strengthen us in seasons of waiting and fill us with hope as we remember that You are faithful to every promise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” As you move through this Advent season, may you live with holy anticipation—not just for the joys of Christmas, but for the greater joy of Christ’s return. Scripture References: Romans 8:24–25 (NIV)“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Recommended Resources: Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Thought FCOL people would appreciate this episode of Drunk-ish with new mom, Anna David. We get into the infamous “Fix” headline fiasco, why community laughter can be medicine, and how she accidentally checked into the other Promises—think broken hoop, not Malibu tennis courts. Anna talks getting sober at 30, the power of 12-step, and how EMDR rewired her life. We also compare notes on early motherhood being… let's say “not a spa day,” and celebrate her new gig co-hosting Sober Living and running Legacy Launchpad Publishing. If you like this pod please follow it on the Drunk-ish feed! And give it a review or rating!Follow Anna on everything @AnnaBDavidAnd find her website at AnnaDavid.comWatch the episode on YouTube
Your health and wallet are on the line. Michael Steele dishes out the stark reality of the GOP's long-standing failure to "repeal and replace." He breaks down the true cost of inaction and reveals the high stakes for everyday Americans who are struggling to afford coverage. Catch Michael Steele on The Weeknight Mondays - Fridays at 7pm EST on MS NOW: https://www.msnbc.com/weeknight Follow Michael on X: https://x.com/MichaelSteele Follow Michael on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelsteele.bsky.social Follow Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chairman_steele/ Follow Michael on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@chairman_steele Listen to The Michael Steele Podcast: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/the-michael-steele-podcast Watch The Michael Steele Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJNKzTkCZE9uNqPiKYw5eU5YkS_mMsr6o