Podcasts about read isaiah

Luke15 has become one of my favorite chapters in the Bible over the years. Thispassage paints a vivid picture of God's heart for the lost. The chapter beginswith tax collectors and sinners, people who are despised and rejected bysociety, are drawing near to Jesus, eager to hear His words. Thisscandalizes the Pharisees and scribes, who see themselves as righteous andabove such “sinners.”  Theirgrumbling reveals their lack of love for the lost, but Jesus responds with aparable that unfolds in three stories about a lost sheep, a lost silver coin,and a lost son, all which reveal God's love and heart for sinners. In these storieswe clearly can see the Trinity. Jesus, the Savior seeking the lost sheep in thewilderness, the Holy Spirit lighting the candle, cleaning the house, seekingthe lost silver coin, and God the Father patiently waiting for the lost son tocome back home to fellowship with Him! Inthe first story, a shepherd with a hundred sheep notices one is missing. Thatone sheep matters so much that he leaves the ninety-nine in the wilderness tosearch for it. He doesn't give up until he finds it, and when he does, hedoesn't scold it or drive it back harshly. Instead, he gently lifts it onto hisshoulders, carries it home, and throws a celebration with his friends,shouting, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!” Jesusexplains the punchline: heaven rejoices more over one sinner who repents thanover the ninety-nine who think they need no repentance. Like the shepherd,God seeks out those who are lost, people who've wandered away, whether throughfoolishness, rebellion, or ignorance. No one is too far gone for His pursuit.Second, it reveals the value God places on every single person. The shepherddidn't say, “It's just one sheep; I still have ninety-nine.” Each one isprecious, worth leaving the fold to rescue. Third, it highlights the joy ofsalvation. The shepherd's celebration mirrors heaven's joy when a sinner turnsto God. Angels rejoice, and God Himself delights in the return of His own. Are we like the Pharisees, quickto judge or distance ourselves from those we deem “unworthy”? Or do we reflectJesus, who draws near to the broken and outcast with compassion? The truth is,we're all like that lost sheep at some point, foolishly straying, helpless, andin need of a Savior. (Read Isaiah 53:6). Jesus, the Good Shepherd, came to seekand save us (Luke 19:10), carrying us home on His shoulders. And now, He callsus to join Him in His mission to seek the lost.  Thereis a fourfold joy expressed when a lost sinner comes to the Savior. There iscertainly joy in the heart of the person who is found. Both Scripture (Acts3:8; 8:39) and our own personal experience verify the joy of salvation. Butthere is also the joy of the person who does the finding. Whenever you assistin leading a lost soul to faith in Christ, you experience a wonderful joywithin (Psalm 126:5-6). Others join with us in rejoicing as we share the goodnews of a new child of God in the family (v. 6), and there is also joy inheaven (Luke 15:7, 10). ChallengeThisweek, let's live out the heart of the Good Shepherd. Pray for one person inyour life who seems far from God, maybe someone you might naturally overlook orjudge. Ask God to soften their heart and give you an opportunity to show themHis love.  Reach out to that person witha small gesture of kindness, a conversation, a meal, or a note ofencouragement. Show them the same grace Jesus showed the tax collectors andsinners.  Let'scommit to being people who seek the lost, not because we're perfect, butbecause we've been found by the Shepherd's love. Prayer LordJesus, thank You for seeking us when we were lost. Fill us with Your compassionfor those who are far from You. Give us courage to reach out, wisdom to shareYour love, and joy in seeing others come to You. May our lives reflect thecelebration of heaven. In Your name, Amen.

Read Isaiah 43:2

CD 1705 Turmoil: Toppled or Toppling  March 9, 2025 A.M. Service “Turmoil”, or stress is something that we all face daily. However, according to the American Institute of Stress, 33% of people feel extreme stress, 77% of people feel stress that has some impact on their physical health, and 73% of people have their mental health impacted.Over 48% of people report having sleep problems as a result of stress - of “turmoil”.In this message our Father wants to reveal what is truly on the inside of us versus what is trying to enter in!  When you're in “turmoil” meaning stressed, signals are sent to different parts of the body to alert them, which can lead to physical manifestations ranging from headaches to nausea.See link: https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/stressNote turmoil means a state of great disturbance, confusion, and uncertainty!Let's think about that just for a minute. Note “turmoil” means a state of “great disturbance”, In truth, "disturbance" can be accurately described as a lack of peace! In the King James Version Bible 429 times in 400 versus we have the word peace! Jesus Himself is the Prince of Peace! Have you accepted Him in that truth? Turn with me in your Bibles to 3 openings for our “text” this morning please:*Text Matthew 26:30-38*Read Isaiah 9:6 (KJV) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.Remind yourself at the moment of salvation the “The Prince of Peace” comes to live on the inside of you! When we stay full of Him there is no place for “great disturbance”! Note “turmoil” also has to do with “confusion”:*Read 1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV) For God is not the author of “confusion”, but “of peace”, as in all churches of the saints.The Lord saves and places those who would be saved into His church “of peace”!And finally note that “turmoil” has to do with “uncertainty”:*Read 1 Timothy 6:17 (KJV) Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in “uncertaint riches”, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;#1 Peace with God*Reread Isaiah 9:6 (KJV) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.*Read Romans 5:1, 8-10 (KJV) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.*Read Romans 8:16-17 & 31-32 (KJV) The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?#2 Peace over the flesh*Reread 1 CoSupport the show

· Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!· Why should I choose joy?· John 14:1-4 - Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”· Heaven is living in the presence of God.· Heaven is not just a place to go when you die; it is a Kingdom you experience as you follow Jesus.· Isaiah 65: 17For behold, I am the creator of new heavens and a new earth;And the previous things will not be remembered and will come upon the heart.18So then, rejoice and be excited forever for what I create!For behold, I am the creator of a rejoicing Jerusalem and her people of joy!19And I will be excited with Jerusalem and I will rejoice with my people;And in her will not be heard again weeping or crying.· Revelation 21:1-4 - Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from theireyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”· If you do not want a relationship with God on earth, you will not be comfortable in heaven.· We need to live to get ready for heaven.· Do you hate?· Do you lust?· Do you treat marriage as sacred?· Are you trustworthy?· Do you let go of hurt and bitterness?· Do you love your enemies?· Are you generous?· Are you developing a conversational relationship with God?· Do you trust God with your worries and anxieties?· Do you judge others?· Are you building your life on Jesus or on your own wisdom?· 19And I will be excited with Jerusalem and I will rejoice with my people…· Following Jesus means doing life with God right now.· Church is to be a preview of heaven.· Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.· The more the church looks like heaven, the more people want to know what makes us that way.· When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be.· When we all see Jesus, we will sing and shout the victory.LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONSStarter: Have you ever known someone who lived like they were already in heaven? What were they like?Discussion:1. Read Isaiah 65:17-192. Read Revelation 21:1-43. What are the parallels you see between these two passages, written over 600 years apart?4. A new heaven and a new earth refers to God creating a new reality. What would you like to see in God's new reality?5. What do you think it means when the passages refer to “the previous/former things?” How does it change how we live if no longer let “the previous things” lay on our heart?6. In the Isaiah passage, God is described as “excited” and “rejoicing.” What picture does your mind paint? What does God look like when he is rejoicing?7. The message referred to a “getting ready for heaven” and using the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount as a guide. How did you feel when these questions were asked? Which one pricked your heart most?8. In your opinion, what could we do to make our church more like heaven?

· Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!· Why should I choose joy?· Insider or outsider.· Who does God include and who does God exclude?· Isaiah 56:3 3Let no son of a foreigner, one joined to the LORD, say, “The LORD separates me from among his people.”Let not the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dried-up tree.”· Before you judge, know a person's story· 4For thus says the LORD, “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths and chose what I delight in;And to the ones grasping my covenant;5I will give them in my house and in my walls a monument and a name;Better than sons and daughters.A name everlasting I will give to him who will not be cut off.· Micah 6:8 - He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.· 6And to the sons of foreigners, the ones who joining with the LORD to serve him, to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants;All the ones keeping Sabbath from pollution and grasping his covenant:· 7I will bring them to my holy mountain and I will cause them to rejoice in my house, my house of prayer;Their sacrifices and their offerings are acceptable upon my altar.For my house will be called a house of prayer for all people.· Matthew 21:13 - “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.'”· Do not interfere with people who want to worship God!· 8Thus says the Master, the LORD, the gatherer of the banished ones of Israel.Yet others I will collect to him, to the ones gathered.· John 10:16 - I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.· Why doesn't Jesus include everyone?· God does not force a relationship with you.· “Hell is simply the best God can do for some people.” – Dallas Willard· Be kind to the excluded.· Church must be a place of grace.· Isaiah 57:14 - And it will be said: “Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.”· John Ortberg – The more your mess, the greater your welcome.· Every excluded person matters to God.· The Good News of Jesus is for everyone.· I came to seek and to save the lost ones.· Heavenly Father, I have sinned. Please forgive me. Enter my life. From now on, I will follow Jesus.· Galatians 3: 28 - 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONSStarter: Think about a time when you were excluded from a group. How did you feel?Discussion:1. Read Isaiah 56:32. How would you describe the feelings of foreigners and the eunuchs?3. Read Isaiah 56:4-54. What would these verses mean to a eunuch? How would they feel?5. In your opinion, who are the modern eunuchs?6. Read Isaiah 56:6-77. What would these verses mean to a foreigner? How would they feel?8. Compare the devotion of the foreigner to the devotion of people who call themselves Christians today. In your opinion, whose devotion is greater?9. Read Isaiah 56:810. In your opinion, how do we keep our church open to all who are excluded?

·      Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again, Rejoice!  ·      Why should I choose joy?  ·      Choose joy because God gives you hope. ·      Do people today think they can manipulate God?  ·      They realized they had blown their relationship with God.  ·      Do you ever think “I've blown my relationship with God?”  ·      Isaiah 35:1-2 – 1The wilderness and the desert rejoice; the steppe rejoices and the saffron blooms. 2She blooms and rejoices; Yea, joy and cries of joy. The glory of Lebanon is given to her, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. Behold they see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. ·      God does not give up on you.  ·      3All of you make strong discouraged hands and make firm knees that stumble.  ·      Romans 8:28 – For we know that God is working good in all things for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. ·      Heavenly Father, open my eyes.  Help me see where you are at work. ·      4Say to the hurried heart, “All of you, be strong and do not fear. Behold your God; vengeance comes.  God brings ‘the getting even;' and he saves you all. ·      5Then the eyes of the blind will be open; and the ears of the deaf will be open. 6Then the lame ram will leap and the speechless tongue will cry out. For water will burst forth in the wilderness, and torrents on the desert plains. 7The parched ground will be a pool; the thirsty ground as a pool of water. In the jackal habitat, a resting place, a home for reeds and rushes. ·      We are the Easter People! ·      God is the God of the unexpected.  ·      8And there will be a highway and a way, the way of the Holy, those called to it.  The unclean will not pass over it. He is to them walker of the way and the foolish will not wander on it. 9There will be no lions there and no hungry beasts will come upon it; They will not be found there, but the redeemed ones will walk. ·      Psalm 14:1 – The fool has said in his heart, “There is no god…”  ·      10And the ransomed ones of the LORD return; And they come to Zion with ringing cries. ·      And eternal joy is upon their heads. Exuberance and joy they attain. And they escape grief and groaning. ·      Revelation 21:2-4 - And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven, like a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling of God is with me.  He will dwell with them and they shall be his people and God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.   ·      Do you need some hope today? Our Heavenly Father has all you need.    LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter:  Think about a time when you desperately needed hope.  How did you find it?  Discussion: 1.      Read Isaiah 35:1-2 2.      Imagine you are in exile in a foreign country.  What emotion would you feel as you hear these words? 3.      Throughout this passage, God is making dead space alive. For example, the desert gushes water and it rejoices.  What are modern dead spaces?  How does God make them alive. 4.      Read Isaiah 35:3-7 5.      The prophet brings a message of hope to the exiles.  How can Jesus followers today bring a message of hope? 6.      What is your reaction to God claiming vengeance as his business?  How does that make you feel? 7.      Read Isaiah 35:8-9 and Matthew 7:13-14. 8.      In your opinion, what are the parallels between these two passages? 9.      Read Isaiah 35:10 and Revelation 21:2-4 10.  What do you think will be your reaction to when you enter heaven?  How does this help you live with hope?

·      Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again, Rejoice!  ·      Why should I choose joy?  ·      Isaiah 12:1 - And you will say in that day, “I will praise the LORD for you were angry with me… ·      We only truly know God's will in hindsight.  ·       For you were angry with me.  ·       Do you ever put anything else ahead of God? ·       Do you ever make God in your own image?  ·       Do you ever put God's name where it doesn't belong?  ·       Do you give God a day each week, and keep it holy?  ·       Do you respect your Mom and Dad? ·       Do you hate?  ·       Are you faithful in your marriage?  ·       Do you steal?  ·       Do you lie or distort the truth?  ·       Do you think “If I just had ‘that' I'd be happy ·       Can you accept that our Heavenly Father has a good reason to be angry with you? ·       Your anger turned and you consoled me. ·       In God's eyes, my sins and failures do not define me.  ·      2Behold, God, my salvation! I am trusting and I am not fearful; For my strength and my song, the LORD, the LORD; He is to me salvation. ·      We chose joy because God is our salvation! ·       Psalm 56:3 – What time I am afraid, I will trust in the thee ·      Philippians 4:13 – I can all things through Christ who strengthens me.  ·     Joy doesn't have to wait till heaven.  ·      12:3 - You will draw water with joy from the springs of salvation.  ·      PIX: Ichetucknee Springs ·      First, admit and confess your sins.  ·      Second, embrace God who comes back to you.  ·       Heavenly Father, I confess my sins, and I know you have every reason to be angry with me.  I ask for your forgiveness.  I open my heart to you, for you to lead me, guide me, and teach me.  From now on, I will follow Jesus.  ·      Third, let God's salvation carry you.  ·       Philippians 2:12b-13 – Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.  ·       Finally, chose joy.  ·       Heavenly Father, today I chose joy.  ·       Rejoice in the Lord always!  I will say it again, rejoice!    LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter:  Do you know someone whose life was profoundly changed when they were saved? Please share your perception of their story.  Discussion: 1.      Read Isaiah 12:1 2.      How does it make you feel to know that God can be angry with you? 3.      What mental picture comes to your mind when you read God turns from his anger to console you? 4.      Read Isaiah 12:2 5.      There are four descriptors attached to salvation in this verse: trust, unafraid, strength and song.  What does these four descriptors teach you about salvation? 6.      Read Isaiah 12:3 and Revelation 22:1-2. 7.      What parallels do you see between the two passages? 8.      What do you need to do to be carried by salvation and experience joy?

READ: Isaiah 58:1-9   MEDITATE: The Israelites claimed to desire God's ways but fell short in doing what He had already asked them to do. The right way to approach the Lord is to humbly serve others. And when we do, the Lord promises to hear our “cry for help” and be present for us.   PRAY: Heavenly Father, please show me ways I've been disobedient to you. Whether it is something I failed to do OR something wrong that I did, please show me that I might confess and turn from it. Help me to see and serve others with humility and love; for in those moments, I know I will find you near me.   Need prayer? Submit a prayer request online: https://mountparannorth.com/prayer-request/   21 Days of Prayer & Fasting website: https://mountparannorth.com/21-day-prayer-fast/   Contributors: Brett Mayes, Administrative Pastor and Missions Director & Stace Mayes, Life Group Coordinator

Read Luke 8: 1-3 and Isaiah 43: 1.1. What is Mary Magdalene's condition before meeting Jesus? Whathappens when she meets Jesus?2. What demons do you wrestle with in life? Do you believe Jesus canremove these demons from your life?3. What part of the video clip did you find most impactful? Why?4. Read Jeremiah 1: 5 and Isaiah 49: 16. What do these passages tell usabout God's love for us? How does that make you feel? How mightthis change the way you live?5. In the video, Jesus says to Mary, “That's not for you.” What was Hetalking about? Was there a deeper meaning? Are there things in yourlife now to which Jesus would say, “That's not for you.”?6. The chorus of the Tenth Avenue North song, “You Are More” says,“You are more than the choices that you've made, You are more thanthe sum of your past mistakes, You are more than the problems youcreate, You've been remade.” How does this relate to Mary's story?To your story?7. Read Isaiah 43: 1. How does that verse make you feel? Is that versemeant for everyone?8. How does God's grace heal, transform and empower us to live withpurpose and share the Good News?Prayer for the Week:Gracious and loving God,We come before You today, humbled and in awe of Your great love andfaithfulness. We thank You for the example of Mary Magdalene, whoencountered Your grace and mercy in the midst of her pain andbrokenness. Just as You called her by name, You call each of us by name—reminding us that we are never lost to You, no matter how far we mayhave wandered. We know that we belong to You, and that in Your eyes,we are precious, loved, and seen. We rejoice in knowing that we are morethan our mistakes, more than our past, more than the labels the worldmay try to place on us. We are redeemed! Help us to walk in the freedomof this redemption through Your life-changing grace and remind us thatour true identity is found in You alone. We pray all of this in the mightyand merciful name of Jesus. Amen.

READ: Isaiah 42:10, 12-13   MEDITATE: It is easy for us to focus on things from our circumstances, feelings, and perspectives. However, praising God changes the way we view and think about things. It causes us to look up to Him and to trust Jesus just like Simon Peter did.   PRAY: Lord, please help me to sing a “new song” to you today. May I lift my eyes, look to you, and glorify you with praise. In doing that, I know I will experience your presence and power in my life through my fasting and praise.   Need prayer? Submit a prayer request online: https://mountparannorth.com/prayer-request/   21 Days of Prayer & Fasting website: https://mountparannorth.com/21-day-prayer-fast/   Contributors: Jason Duncan, Experiences Pastor & Julie Duncan, Finance Assistant

Read Isaiah 54:1-3  (Two Sides of The Same Coin, So To Speak)Main Texts: 1 Samuel 1:1-28. Barren Hannah and the birth of Samuel; Luke 1:5-25,57-66 Barren Elizabeth's and the birth of John the Baptist; both conclude with worship Songs: Hannah 1 Samuel 2:1-4; Zechariah; Luke 1:67-80. In these particular situations barrenness was God created or permitted by God(1 Samuel 1:5-6; Luke 1:7) and counterintuitively in these particular situations were actually both a painful test of fait conjoined to the creation of Divine Opportunity; And they were not dependent on the central actors faith; But rather on God's determined will which resulted in both joy and faith.

January 13, 2025 Today's Reading: Isaiah 43:1-7Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 36:13-28; Romans 4:1-25“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1)In the Name of Jesus. Amen. With Scripture, context is important. This glorious passage in Isaiah is on the heels of God's rebuke of His people for their failure to hear and see. Isaiah, like all the prophets, labors to bring Israel to repentance. He would preach a stern law in hopes people would see their sin, repent, and live. Read Isaiah, and you'll find there's no mistaking God's threats and punishments for Israel's deaf ear. Still, God's mercy, love, and promises never disappear, as Isaiah reminds God's wayward children of the LORD Who has created and redeemed them. The words “fear not” are Words of peace from the God reminding Israel, “I am the LORD our God, the Holy One of Israel, Your Savior.” Don't be afraid; you're in the hands of God as His child, His redeemed child brought from death to life, living by faith in He Who promises to take you through the fire. Verse 2 is clear: the fires will come. It's not “if” but “when.” For Israel, exile is imminent for the impenitent nation, though God promises to be “their Savior.” He never abandons His promises in times of suffering and grief.In a fallen creation, suffering and grief are never distant. Many and various temptations besiege God's people. A popular one now is despairing over an undesirable body. This powerful temptation assails many people who look at themselves and long to be something different when it's God who forms and creates. The physical body, however “imperfect” it seems, is God's Gift and work. Sin wrecks all flesh, to be sure, as everyone ages and decays. However, we should thank God for the bodies we have while hearing His promise: “I have redeemed you.” You have been redeemed, purchased, and paid for in full by the blood of God's own Son. He calls you by Name, a Name put upon you in Holy Baptism at those words “in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” You live under the God Who reigns in the heavens and has the hairs on your head numbered. At the resurrection of the body when the Lord Jesus returns, there will be no discontent over who we are. God says it now: “You are mine.” You belong to God in Christ, Who died to obtain you for Himself. He will bring you through fire, and the rivers won't overwhelm you. Since Jesus lives, so does His Church. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.“God's own child, I gladly say it: I am baptized into Christ! He, because I could not pay it, Gave my full redemption price. Do I need earth's treasures many? I have one worth more than any That brought me salvation free Lasting to eternity!” (LSB 594:1)-Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

CD 1689 “Opening up God's Gift”12-22-24 A.M. - “Christmas Message”Merry Christmas! I bless you in the name of the Lord this morning and I give God praise for His “Unspeakable Gift”! This morning let's “Open up God's Gift” with His instructions so we can take full advantage of all He has given  to us!*Read 2 Corinthians 9:15 (KJV) Thanks be unto God for His Unspeakable Gift. Note “Unspeakable” (an-ek-dee-ay'-gay-tos) that cannot be fully declared. Only here.Note “gift” (do-reh-ah' ) It cannot be that Paul had in his mind anything less than God's supreme gift, the gift of His Son, of which he speaks in 2 Cor. 8:9.*Text John 4:1-10 (KJV) When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, 2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) 3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. 4 And he must needs go through Samaria. 5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. 7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. 8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) 9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. 10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the “gift” of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.#1 Redemption (Salvation) *Reread John 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, “If thou knewest” the “gift” of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.Note “If thou knewest” - what you don't know can get you killed! God told us His people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6)! Will you “Open up God's Gift” - Jesus the Living Word this morning? [Note the 8 “gifts” in this Gospel John 4:10; John 10:11; John 13:15; John 14:16, John 14:27; John 17:8, John 17:14, John 17:22).]We know that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and the wages of sin is death but the “gift of God” is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23)! Jesus made His way to this lady who needed something NO MAN could give her - she needed “Redemtion -Salvation” - “living water”! Turn with me to the Prophet Isaiah please. Isaiah's prophecies about the Messiah are numerous and detailed, covering everything from His birth (Isaiah 7:14) to His death (Isaiah 53) and His kingdom (Isaiah 9:6-7). The "Book of Immanuel" is a term used to describe a section of the Book of Isaiah, specifically chapters 7-12.*Read Isaiah 12:1-3 (KJV) And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. 2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. 3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.*Read John 7:37-39 (KJV)Back to John's Gospel please:*Reread John 4:1-3 (KJV) When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, 2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) 3 He left Judaea, and Support the show

DEC 18: Operation “No more Tears!” Read: Isaiah 9,11,40,50,53,55,60 (pages 144-151 of The Jesus story book bible) _______________________ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our Podcast!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ _______________________ Thanks for being here! We're the Holtzem Family. We love our family, and we love Jesus. We're hoping to bring some of our personal favorite things as a family, and some of our humor to you in hopes that it makes you smile, and maybe gives you something you can connect with. Connect with us further at; ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Holtzem Family on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Recipes and more about us online at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our Wholesome House⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Beverly Holtzem Art on Etsy

What is your favorite image of peace from Scripture or real life? Read Isaiah 11: 1-9.What stands out to you in this passage?How does the image of the shoot from Jesse's stump inspire hope?What would it look like for a “child to lead them” in today's world? Read Jeremiah 23: 5-6.How does this reinforce Isaiah's vision of a righteous leader?What kind of hope does this bring during Advent? Read Micah 5: 2-5a.What does it mean that God chose Bethlehem, a humble place, for Jesus' birth?How does Jesus bring peace as described in this passage? Read Psalm 72: 1-7.How do justice and peace go hand in hand?What are ways we can reflect the values of God's kingdom? Read Luke 4: 16-21.How does Jesus fulfill Isaiah's prophecy in His ministry?How can we join Jesus in proclaiming good news to the poor and oppressed? Read Ephesians 2: 13-18.How does Jesus break down barriers to bring peace?What barriers do we see in our world, and how can we work to overcome them? Read Revelation 21: 1-5.How does Isaiah's vision of peace point to the ultimate fulfillment in Revelation?What hope does this passage give you as we wait for Christ's return?How does Isaiah's vision challenge us to live differently during Advent?What are small steps you can take this week to reflect Christ's peace and justice? Write down one “peace-building” action you will take this week—whether in yourrelationships, community, or personal life. Take a few minutes of silence to reflect on what it means to follow the child wholeads us.Prayer for the Week:Loving God,You are the root of hope and the source of peace. In this season of Advent, we thank Youfor the promise fulfilled in Jesus - who leads us with wisdom, justice, and compassion.We marvel at the vision of Your kingdom, where wolves and lambs live together, and alittle child leads the way. Help us to trust in Your promise of peace, even when the worldfeels broken and divided.Teach us to walk in the way of Your Son, to see others with His eyes of love, to act withHis heart of justice, and to embrace the peace only He can bring.May we be agents of reconciliation in our homes, our communities, and our world. Makeus bold enough to follow Your Spirit, humble enough to learn from the least, and faithfulenough to reflect the light of Christ in all we say and do.Fill us with the hope of Isaiah's vision, the joy of the angels' song, and the peace ofChrist's eternal reign.In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Shepherd, we pray.Amen.

Our deep need every Advent season—and every day—is to stand in awe of the One worthy of all praise and honor. It's what we were made for! But if you're struggling with apathy in your walk with God, it can be easy to overlook the beauty of God's glory and grace.  In this episode, you're invited to explore Luke 2:8-20 for a fresh vision of God's glory, finding fulfillment in Him and sharing the joy of Christ's arrival with the world. Want to study the themes in this episode further? Here are a few passages and reflection questions to consider: Read Psalm 29. How does it inspire the awe of God in your heart? Make a list of what stands out to you. Read Isaiah 6, Ezekiel 1, and Revelation 1. After considering the glory of God as described in these passages, spend some time in prayer. Confess the ways you revel in created things and any apathy toward God you've been experiencing. Ask God to help you see and savor His glory above all else.  The shepherd's amazement and awe led to action. What's one step of obedience you can take this week to honor God and share His glorious grace with others?

Read Isaiah 9: 1-7.1. What does the word “Advent” mean? Why do we celebrate it every year inthe church?2. Advent is often referred as the season of the “already” and the “not yet.”What does that mean?3. In what ways does this passage from Isaiah also represent the “already” andthe “not yet”?4. Read Isaiah 9: 2 and John 1: 5 & 9. How do these passages relate to oneanother?5. Why is the “Light” so important? Why do you think some people resist theLight?6. Read Isaiah 9: 6, Luke 2: 10-12 and Luke 1: 32-33. How do these passagesrelate to one another?7. How do these passages from both the Old and New Testaments reinforce theidea of “already” and “not yet” for the Advent season?8. Why do we need “a little Jesus” (baby, child) rather than a big, strong,ruthless warrior king?9. Are you willing to give “a little Jesus” to those who are struggling in life orsimply having a bad day? Why/why not?10. Do you believe a little Jesus can change someone's day, or even their wholelife? Why/why not? (Hint: think about mustard seed of faith)Reflection:Lord Jesus, you are the Light shining in the darkness of this fallen, broken andsinful world. We desperately need your Light and your Love to drive out thedarkness of hate all around us. We know that your love-light can sometimes beoverwhelming to people at first. Remind us to shine your Light gently enough forpeople to first receive it, then brightly enough for them to walk in it. Help us toall walk in your love-light together. And remind us, no matter where we are onour faith journeys, that “Everybody Needs a Little Jesus.” We pray all of this inyour holy, precious and strong name, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Good morning my friend! This “I have seen the fire..." (must read Isaiah 44:6-17)" is our Monday street sermon over in Erie, Colorado at US287 and Arapahoe Road Hwy 7. It's a tough message for some, hopefully there is something of benefit to you and your ministry. Amen.—JC. ★ Support this podcast ★

#171// Waiting on God rarely requires you to stay still.In fact, truly waiting on Him will always produce movement. Don't believe me? Read Isaiah 40:31. It says when we wait on God we will . . . MOVE! We'll rise up, we'll run, we'll walk. And we'll do all of it while not getting overwhelmed or burned out. Amazing, right?The key to waiting on God *the right way* and in seeing Him move on your behalf lies in the true definition of the word WAIT. On this episode of the Positioned to Prosper podcast we're unpacking what it really means to wait on the Lord and how this simple perspective shift can bring alignment and acceleration like you've never experienced before. If you've been *waiting* for Him to move and have felt like the answer is taking "forever," this may just be the message you've been waiting for (see what I did there? *wink*). Grab your Bible, your journal and a pen, and . . . Let's Go!LISTEN WITH THE SHOW NOTES: Head over to ericapyle.com/171 to grab the show notes which include the scriptures mentioned in the episode as well as links to resources and tools to help you apply the session to your life this week!THE FOUR QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK GOD WHILE ACTIVELY WAITING ON HIM: Part of truly waiting on God is to be in a *real* conversation with Him. One way to do this is to make your prayer time with Him conversational. Asking these Four Questions can be a great way to get into that conversational rhythm! Grab your copy of this free Prayer Template by heading to ericapyle.com/4questions. You'll receive a link to a template that lays out the four questions that we should be asking God in every situation and circumstance; questions that will position you for greater clarity and breakthrough in your life as you endeavor to wait on God powerfully. So good, right? Go grab the link to this powerful resource here.

Jesus taught about prayer many times. In the sermon on the mount, Jesus narrowed it down to three words: Ask, Seek, Knock. Asking God for things as one of his children, seeking God with complete trust and confidence, and knocking on the door of heaven knowing we can approach the throne boldly. God is relational and provides for us our needs. Group Life Questions1. What stood out the most about the message?2. What has unintentionally formed your view of God?3. Read Romans 8. How does God claim you as His own? 4. How has God provided for you throughout your life?5. What fears stop you from approaching the throne of God?6. Read Isaiah 55:8. Do you believe this? Why or why not?7. Look at Mary's (Luke 1:38) and Jesus' (Luke 22:42) responses to God. Are you willing to surrender control to God?8. End in a time of prayer, BOLDLY asking God for discernment, seeking His will, and knocking on Heaven's door. 

Join the Millennial Mustard Seed host, Rod Smith, for a thought-provoking voyage into the unusual, unexplained and unexplored facets of the world we live! Armed with a seeker's humility and a Biblical lens Millennial Mustard Seed never fails to inspire, provoke and intrigue listeners to deepen their faith. George Whitten joins Rod for a powerful interview about revival, awakening and It's a revolution of identity in the hearts of men and women. We hear that the church is dying, but as George says, "it isn't dying, its being pruned." The gray zone is disappearing and God is removing that which is not bearing fruit. This episode is encouraging in these crazy times. Read Isaiah 60 and know we are on the brink of that being REAL. Mr. Whitten also goes into the events in Israel on the geopolitical stage and Biblical prophesy. The vain plots of the enemy to suffocate the voices of His body, but His body is awakening Worthy Brief is a daily Christian newsletter designed to encourage, inform, and edify Believers in their daily walk with God. The online Christian magazine incorporates a daily devotional called Worthy Devotions, along with news from around the world. Check out Christian news service Worthy News below. LET'S GO!! www.worthynews.com MMS CONTACT INFO: •Email Rod Smith: mmseed@proton.me •MMS Podcast Website Link: https://www.mms.agavaa.com/⁠ •Leave a message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rodney-jay/message MMS SUPPORT: •Consider partnering with our ministry. Buy a copy of my new book! The Words are Salt https://a.co/d/a1ZL3u2 my Amazon Author page link Amazon.com: Rodney Jay Smith Jr: books, biography, latest update https://givesendgo.com/GB6F9?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=GB6F9 Venmo - @Rodney-Smith-368 https://www.paypal.me/creative775 Cash app - $Rodsworth77 Or join w/monthly donations on: ⁠ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rodney-jay/support ⁠ RECOMMENDED MMS RESOURCE: Brother Klaus Chavis YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalDiscipleMinistries Bride Ministries International Download their free app here: http://brideministries.app.link/ Please leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast app/catcher, whichever you use to listen. Music from Uppbeat: Free Music for YouTube Videos & Creators UppbeatLicense: PFREJYBLQKUZTMDH --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rodney-jay/support

God is faithful to His people, even when they have been unfaithful to Him. We'll see this truth in today's study in Isaiah 50 as we study an amazing prophecy of Jesus which proves, not only that He is the promised king, but that He would also suffer for His people and won't divorce them even though they have been unfaithful to their covenant with Him. Join us today in our study in Isaiah 50!  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    The overarching theme of Isaiah 49-57 is that of the “Suffering Servant”. Think back to our study, yesterday, in Isaiah 49. What were some ways that Isaiah 49 prophesied that the Servant would suffer for His people?  2.    Read Isaiah 50:1. What is the item that the Lord is asking about? What is His point in asking for this? What did the Lord tell Israel in Jeremiah 3:8? How did the podcast explain the juxtaposition of Isaiah 50:1 and Jeremiah 3:8? 3.    In verses 2 & 3, could the Lord carry out the salvation of His people? If so, why “was there no man when...” the Lord came to His people? What does that phrase even mean? Why was there no one to obey the Lord? 4.    In verse 4, once again the Servant is speaking (we know this because the word “GOD” is in all caps, indicating that “GOD” was the Lord and now His servant is speaking). What is the Servant's message for His people in verses 4 & 5? Why do you think He won't “turn back”? How was this evident throughout Jesus' ministry? How is this different from the lack of obedience in the people in verses 2 &3? 5.    What was the Servant's obedience to the Lord in verses 5 &6? What was the price of Jesus' obedience to the Father? How was this obedience demonstrated in Jesus' earthly life? What cost was there in Jesus' obedience? 6.    Read over verses 7-9, how do these verses portray the trust that the Servant has for the Lord? What kind of resolve does this trust strengthen Him with? Read 1st Peter 2:23. How did Peter portray Jesus' trust in the Father? Why is it hard to trust the Father like this, when life doesn't seem to go our way? 7.     Verse 10 calls out to the people to join with the Servant. What should those who walk in darkness do? What does it mean to call upon the Lord? How does Romans 10:13 echo a similar exhortation?  8.    In verse 11, how is a person making their own fire an analogy for manmade religion? In our day and age, how do people seek to provide their own “light”? In verse 11, what is the ultimate fate of those who will not leave their manmade religion and obey the Lord? What torment do you think is being spoken of here? 9.    Think about how you respond to God's message. Are these just words on a paper? Are these just theological ideas to know? Or are these words God's message to you to gather to Him, with His people, that you might be numbered among those in His kingdom?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Read John 17: 11-15.1. What do you think of when you hear the word protection? Whodo you protect? Who protects you?2. Why is protection important? What did Pastor Mick mean whenhe said without protection we can become prey?3. What does Providence mean? How have you experiencedProvidence in your life or the lives of others?4. Read Psalm 46: 1. What does this tell us about the nature andcharacter of God? Why is this good news for us?5. John 17 is Jesus praying to God. In today's passage (v. 11-15),what is the primary focus of Jesus' prayer?6. How did Jesus protect and prepare his disciples? How is thissimilar to the way we raise our kids?7. What does it mean to be in the world but not of the world?In what ways can this be a source of joy? In what ways can it bea source of danger?8. Can you think of a time when God protected you or someoneyou love? How is that an answer to Jesus' prayer?9. Read Isaiah 43: 1-2. What does this passage teach us regardingGod's presence and protection, even when we face dangers inthe world?Prayer for the Week:Gracious and loving God, we thank you for your divine providence,your ever present help in times of trouble. We offer ourselves toyou today to be conduits of your love and protection. Use us anyway you choose to help protect the children of God all around theworld. May your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. We praythis in the strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you andthe Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

Thank you for joining us. This week Pastor Kris Vallotton delivered a powerful message about transitioning into a new spiritual era. He emphasises the importance of moving from past-present thinking to future-present thinking, highlighting the transformative power of prophetic culture. The sermon encourages the church to become a place of divine acceleration, where individuals are seen for their future potential rather than their past, and where prophetic gifts are cultivated to bring about personal and corporate transformation.To dig deeper,Read:Isaiah 60:1-3, 112 Corinthians 5:16-17Hebrews 12:1REFLECTION QUESTIONS1. How can we cultivate a prophetic culture in our local church that goes beyond just having prophetic ministry?2. In what ways might we be holding onto 'thrusters' from past seasons that are no longer necessary or helpful for the new era God is bringing us into?3. How can we shift our perspective from past-present thinking to future-present thinking in how we view ourselves and others?4. What does it mean practically to be a 'Barnabas church' that encourages and develops the potential in others?5. Practically, how can we better recognise and nurture the 'gold' or potential in people, seeing them through God's eyes?Thanks again for joining us. We pray you were blessed.Connect with us on:https://www.instagram.com/dayspringchurch/https://www.facebook.com/dayspringchurchhttps://www.youtube.com/@DayspringChurchAUListen to Dayspring Worship https://open.spotify.com/artist/331972RySiV4WcoYTTJHeB?si=4b8N7CVQT2ysAeBiMGr1BAhttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/dayspring-worship/1035339614https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCQM5jWUvVAOxpvK7D571Q"

Read Genesis 2: 15-17.1. What is a boundary and why are boundaries important?2. Pastor Mick told a story about a farmer putting up a fence. In whatways are boundaries ways of both “fencing in” and “fencing out”?3. What boundary did God set for Adam and Eve? What happened whenthey ignored the boundary? What can we learn from this?4. Read Proverbs 3: 5-6. What does this tell us about obeying theboundaries God sets for us, even if we don't fully understand why theyare important? What could happen if we don't adhere to God'sboundaries?5. Read Isaiah 55: 8-9. Have you ever applied this kind of logic whensetting boundaries for your own kids/grandkids? What does this meanfor your own relationship with God?6. In what ways can boundaries provide freedom?7. How can we better see boundaries as gifts from God? (Hint: thinkabout Sabbath)8. Read Galatians 5: 13. How does Paul instruct us to use our freedom?How might this relate to boundaries?9. Pastor Mick described boundaries as being like guard rails. What didhe mean by that? Do you agree? Why/why not?Prayer of the Week:Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the gift of boundaries. Weconfess that we don't always like them, much less obey them, but we aregrateful for them. Please help us to do better at setting and living withinhealthy boundaries, and make your presence known to us even as weexperience the consequences of living outside of those boundaries. Guideus, Lord, toward living the lives you have created us to live, lives that areabundant and eternal. Help us receive your gifts of boundaries with joy,praise and thanksgiving as we allow them to shape our lives in accordancewith your will. We pray all of this in the strong name of Jesus, who livesand reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

RATE! REVIEW! SUBSCRIBE! Email me your thoughts, comments, and questions at caniberealpodcast@gmail.com Show Notes: ○ Romans 13 ○ Lesson 10: "It's All Love" ○ Verses 1-7: Pray for our leaders and government workers § Read 2 Chronicles 36: 17-23 § Read 1 Timothy 2:1-4 § Read Isaiah 61:8 □ "For I, the LORD, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering and make an everlasting covenant with them." ○ Verses 8-10: It is my obligation to love you § Definition of obligation: something (such as a formal contract, a promise, or the demands of conscience or custom) that obligates one to a course of action; something one is bound to (DUTY, RESPONSIBILITY) § Read "Life Lessons" from book § Read John 15: 9-17 § Read 1 Corinthians 13 § Read Colossians 3: 12-15 § 1 John 4:7-8 □ "Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love." ○ Verses 11-14: Get it together because Jesus is coming back soon! § Read Ephesians 5: 1-9 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rachel398/message

DESCRIPTION: Join us as we continue our series on The Gospel Of Luke.   TALK IT OVER QUESTIONS: 1. What has been your favorite vacation as an adult (single, as a couple or as a family)? 2. What stood out to you in this week's sermon? What questions or thoughts did it raise in your mind? 3. John the Baptist was a bit of an outcast - he was raised in the desert, ate locust and honey, and wore a camel-hair garment. Why do you think God chose someone like John to be Jesus' forerunner? 4. In Luke 3:3, Luke tells us John had a message of “repentance for the forgiveness of sins”. What is repentance? What does repentance look like in someone's life? Can you tell if someone has truly repented? Why do you think churches struggle today to preach a message of repentance? 5. Read Isaiah 40:3-5 & Luke 3:4-6 in 2 different translations as a group (one of them being the passion translation). These verses talk very specifically about “preparing the way of the Lord.” Really focusing in on verses Luke 3:4-6, what kind of cutting, filling, straightening, and smoothing work has God been doing in your life? What does He still need to do? Why is this necessary preparation for us as disciples?

Theme: Holy Baptism, Bible text description: Read Isaiah 49:8-26

Theme: The Holy Spirit and True Saving Faith Point 1: How this faith is worked, Point 2: How this faith is strengthened, Point 3: What the object is of this faith, Bible text description: Read Isaiah 55

When God speaks, it is already solidify, it is unchangeable, and it is absolute. Read Isaiah 55:1 - 3 and 6 - 11 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tasha-mack9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tasha-mack9/support

Scripture for Study and Reflection:Read Romans 15: 1-6, 12-13.1. What does “hope” mean to you? Why is hope important? What is lifelike without hope?2. What is your hope for Grand Lake UMC as we go forward?3. Read Isaiah 43: 19. How does that verse make you feel? Can you seeit relating to Grand Lake UMC?4. Read Romans 8: 28. Does that verse give you hope? If so, in whatways?5. Pastor Mick talks about hope in togetherness. What does he mean bythis? Why is togetherness important? How can it give us hope?6. Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Church says, “The local church is the hopeof the world.” Do you agree with that? Why/why not? How are we atGrand Lake UMC providing hope to the world?7. Pastor Mick talks about finding hope through Scripture. How do theScriptures provide hope?8. Read verse 13 again. How are we filled with joy and peace? Whatdoes this do for us? What might it also do for others around us?9. In what ways is God the true source of all our hope? What do youneed to do to tap into this hope more fully? How can you help otherstap into this source of hope?Prayer for the Week:Almighty God, you are the source of all our hope. We find hope in theway you draw us together as a community of faith, the body of Christ,your church. We find hope for all of life's ups and downs when we readthe Scriptures. More than anything, we find hope in our relationship withyou, as you fill us with joy and a peace that passes all understanding,regardless of our life circumstances. Remind us, Lord, that you are notdone with us. You are always doing something new in us, whether weperceive it or not. For this, we give you thanks and praise. May ourcollective thanks and praise fill others with hope and draw them to you ina way that advances your kingdom and gives your glory. We pray all ofthis in the strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and theHoly Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

This is our fourth week in our study examining the credibility of the Gospels. This week we are focusing on the accuracy of the Gospels. How do we know that what we have now is what they wrote down then? Read Isaiah 55:10-11 and 2 Timothy 3:16 – how have these passages been proven true in and around your life? What does this say about the credibility of scripture? If you're reading the book read chapters 8, 13, and 14. See you Sunday!

This is our fourth week in our study examining the credibility of the Gospels. This week we are focusing on the accuracy of the Gospels. How do we know that what we have now is what they wrote down then? Read Isaiah 55:10-11 and 2 Timothy 3:16 – how have these passages been proven true in and around your life? What does this say about the credibility of scripture? If you're reading the book read chapters 8, 13, and 14. See you Sunday!

RATE! REVIEW! SUBSCRIBE! Email me your thoughts, comments or questions at caniberealpodcast@gmail.com Romans 3:9-31 ○ Lesson 3: Salvation is free, not cheap. § Verse 22: "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." [lesson #1] § Justification □ The legal term referring to a right standing before God □ to judge, regard, or treat as righteous and worthy of salvation ® Read 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 § Redemption □ Refers to the act by which a slave is given freedom □ redeeming means serving to offset or compensate for a defect ® Read John 3:16-18 § Atonement □ Reparation for an offense or injury □ The reconciliation of God and humankind through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ ® Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 § Read Ephesians 2:8-9 □ "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift if God- and not by works so that no one can boast." § Read Hebrews 5:7-9 □ "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his fervent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience, from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him…" ○ Read Isaiah 53 □ It cost Jesus Everything! God gave up his Son for us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rachel398/message

Read- Isaiah 43:18 Acts 2:17-21 Revelation 12:7-12 Revelation 1:14 Revival starts when you catch a new vision of the same old situation. As we prepare to take ground, the most important thing on this journey would be to forget the former things and focus in on what God is doing right here, right now. This fresh vision of our lives will open up our hearts to a move of God like never before and we are to be a church that is building the kingdom wherever we go, we need to remember the following: It is the power of the blood and the power of our testimony that will cause the shift in pain. People don't connect to our promise they connect to our pain, like a puzzle piece, it's what was broken and missing in us that has created a space for someone to partner with us in life. God is bringing us to the dark places to bring the water out of us to bless those around us. Those rivers of living water will be more of a miracle when they come forth in a dry and desert place. We will never step out if we don't know who is with us, all of Heaven is backing us up and that should give us the boldness to preach revival. God came upon the heroes of faith so that they can carry the anointing into every situation. But unlike the heroes of the past, we have that anointing living within us and it has nothing to do with us! We need to know how powerful our God is and then we need to know how much He loves us. We take all God's power away if we continue to hate ourselves and if we cannot see that this all powerful God has left the powers of the universe to rest his hands on us we will forfeit this race. Revival is here and it starts with us! Application: Can we stop looking into the past and press into the future? If there past miracles and great moments in your life that have maybe turned into idols then ask the Lord to give you a fresh vision of the future today! Prayer: Father I pray that revival will break out in me today. I long to be used by you, at this moment. You're not waiting for perfection because you are perfect. If it is a move of God it will only happen through broken vessels and the foolish things of this world. I ask that you move me out of the way so that you can reach the world around me, through me. In Jesus name!

 God Filling My Hunger for Righteousness Matthew 5:6 and various passages February 25, 2024     Introduction:Kim and I were looking for a church to call home while we lived down in Dallas, Texas.  At the church we visited the pastor preached a sermon about “the attitudes of the Pharisees.”Much to my surprise God spoke to my heart that I was a modern day Pharisee!   I was so convicted that I literally could not speak for three hours after the service.   I remember going to breakfast afterwards with Kim and with my head hanging in disbelief and conviction.  I would lift up my head about every five minutes and saying, “I can't believe it, I'm a Pharisee!”  I share that with you this morning because as you turn to Matthew 5:6 we need to remember that the group of people Jesus was talking to, their only knowledge of spiritual things, like: how to enter God's kingdom, how to walk with God, what was righteousness, was shaped by their Jewish spiritual leaders and teachers of that day.  The Pharisees were one of the strongest and leading groups among the Jewish spiritual leaders of that day.The Pharisees' emphasis was “external behaviors”  Listen to how Jesus described them in Matthew 23:27-28  This is important to understand because Jesus is bringing a new radical view of spiritual things to them, as he makes a huge shift from the external “behavior modification” of the Pharisees to a focus upon the inward disposition of the heart! In the beatitudes, Jesus is bringing to them a new picture of what a follower of Jesus, a member of God's kingdom, looks like. What the good life really looks like!Today we are going to look at a heart that hungers for, longs for righteousness.    The beatitudes have a simple structure to themDeclaration of blessing - the good life A virtue of the heart The reason that virtue is blessed   In this particular passage, we see that people are blessed when they have a heart that is longing for righteousness and the reason they are blessed is that that desire will be filled!   Read 5:6   So today I want to answer three questions What is righteousness? How is this hunger satisfied? How is your hunger for righteousness? First   What is this righteousness we are to hunger for?Both the Greek and the Hebrew dictionary state two primary meaning of righteousness   Being in a right relationship with God  Living in conformity with the standard God has set up.  Righteousness is a very generic/general term that captures all beatitudes like poor in spirit, mourn, meekness, etc. and even the rest of the Sermon on the Mount and literally the rest of the BibleWarren Weirsbee says the entire Sermon on the Mount is about righteousness Ch 6 – picture of righteousness,  Ch 7 – practicing righteousness.  Ch 8 proof of righteousness.   Look at verse 20  Then in v 21-47 Jesus contrasts what the Pharisees were saying about the law with God's true intent of the law that goes all the way to the heart!   Then listen to this read v48 – bottom line, the standard of righteousness we are to live up to is God himself – he is the standard! The way I define: righteousness is walking in alignment with who God is and what he requires of us as revealed in the Bible.    Two synonyms might be godly or Christ-like!  Listen to these two verses:Psalm 11:7 – God is righteous!  The Bible is clear that God is righteous in all that he is, all that he does and all that he says! Psalm 119:123 not only God is righteous, but also his word is righteous. God's Word is the level that we put up against our hearts and activities to see if we are righteous as God defines it! The righteous words of Scripture will never contradict the righteous God who authored these words!  A righteous God will never contradict the righteous words of Scripture!  Repeat Now that we know what this righteous is,,,  How is this hunger for righteousness satisfied?The reason they are blessed is because they will be filled!Reread 5:6  Filled simply means this desire will be satisfied The Greek helps us see something that is not very obvious in the English.  The word filled is in the passive voice.  The voice tells us who is performing the action here, the action of being filled!Explain the GreekActive voice – the subject of the sentence performs the action Middle voice – the subject acts upon him/herself Passive voice – the subject is being acted upon! Illustrate Active voice – Pat hit Pastor Don – of course, Don being built like a brick house and me like the Pillsbury doughboy – Don would just laugh it off. Middle voice – the doughboy is hitting himself!    Passive voice – means that the doughboy was hit by the brick house – and does that ever hurt. So Jesus is not saying if you hunger and thirst enough, it will motivate you to work hard at being righteous; so be encouraged because you will get there, you will fill yourself up. (that would be middle voice) What Jesus is saying is that those who hunger and thirst for righteous God will act upon them and satisfy that desire. (that is the passive voice) So how does God satisfy that desire to be righteous, to be godly, to be Christlike, that desire for God himself, to live in conformity with God and his word? How do we get a righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees, a righteousness that is as perfect as God?   Three ways  Imputed righteousness - the Father credits the righteousness of Christ to those not members of his kingdom  who put their trust in Jesus (salvation – declared righteous by God)  Imparted righteousness – the Holy Spirit infuses Christ's righteousness into the members of God's kingdom as they trust him moment by moment (sanctification – personally, practically and progressively we are made more righteous day by day) Imperial righteousness – when Jesus, the righteous one, reigns as king in a future kingdom that will be characterized by righteousness! Therefore, God will fulfill that desire for righteousness for us!  That leaves us with one question…  How is your hunger for righteousness?How is your hunger today? If you are here today and not a member of God's kingdom, do you long to be a part of his kingdom? Do you recognize you can never be as righteous as God (i.e., poor in spirit) and are not in a right relationship with him   If that is you that is a great thing because that is evidence, that God is working in your heart. Listen to these versesRomans 3:10-11 no one righteous... seeks John 6:44  If God put that desire in your heart, he is drawing you to Jesus! Do not put it off or resist it  God wants to fulfill it by imputing, crediting to you the very righteousness of Christ so that in God's eyes he will consider you as righteous as Jesus so you can be in a right relationship with God Listen to Philippians 3:9 Today, turn from all your own efforts to be religious, moral or doing good deeds, which will never be righteous enough, and turn to Jesus and trust his death and his resurrection to pay for your sins and to credit Jesus' righteousness to you as a gift.    If you are a member of God's kingdom - how is your desire to become more righteous, more godly, more like Jesus Christ, more of God himself – the righteous one?  It is God who puts that desire in our hearts and he imparts to us Jesus' righteous to become more and more godly day by day!Read Philippians 2:12-13Obey – live in conformity with God's righteous standards as revealed in his Word! The desire to obey and the ability to obey come from God!   If you have that desire, that hunger to walk rightly with God, then rely upon the Holy Spirit to work Christ's righteousness into your life as you are seeking to obey his Word. If you are a believer and your desire for godliness or Christ-likeness is not there or is like a dim fire ready to do out.  Then  Possibly you have grieved the Holy Spirit of God in your life as some sin has taken center stage in your lifeSins like - bitterness, anger, slander, unforgiveness, greed, lying, lust or things like these.Or it could even be putting a good thing in your life as the center of your life rather than Jesus.  Things like – your family, your children's activities, an orderly house, your to do list or bucket list, working out, education, your job, sports, etc. Or possibly you have quenched the Spirit by not doing things that feed the fire of the Holy Spirit in our lives, things like – prayer, getting into his Word, not practicing gratitude in all things and things like that In either case, you must confess this to God, reopen your heart where you have shut out the Spirit and invite him to both reignite that desire within you and impart the practical and personal righteousness of Jesus in your life day by day. Finally, some of you are longing for a world where righteousness and justice will prevail as we live in a world now and even in portions of the church that calls evil good and good evil and in place of justice and righteousness there is wickedness and partiality.The good news for us is God will fulfill that hunger through the imperial righteousness, where Jesus, the righteous king, will reign over a kingdom characterized by righteousness.  Read Isaiah 9:6-7 Is that your hope?   Is this your desire?   God will fulfill it!

Join us today as we bring a critical update on the war in Israel and how it will affect the nations according to how they align.  Read Isaiah 62 again and continue to be a watchman on the walls.  

RATE! REVIEW! FOLLOW! Email me your thoughts, comments or questions at caniberealpodcast@gmail.com ○ Read: Romans 1:16-32 ○ Lesson 1: "the righteous will live by faith." § Righteous can be defined as: acting in accord with divine or moral law; free from guilt or sin § Righteousness means right relations between man and God ○ In verses 18-32, Paul lays out how the wicked live, and explains that God's wrath has been revealed against sinful humanity § God has made what may be known about Himself, plain to us □ Verse 20…"For since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." ® God has revealed himself not only in history but also in the beauty and order we experience in the His created world. ® Read Psalms 19:1-6 ® Read Acts 14: 15-17 □ Verse 21…"For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile (completely ineffective) and their foolish hearts were darkened." § Part of God's wrath involves abandoning individuals to the consequences of their wickedness □ It says 3 times in verses 24-32 that "God gave them over…" . God won't take your free will away ○ Read Habakkuk 4:2 (NLT) § ""Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God."" ○ Read Zephaniah 2:3 (NLT) § "Seek the LORD, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the LORD will protect you- protect you from his anger on that day of destruction." ○ Read Galatians 3:11 (NLT) § "So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."" ○ Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV) § "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." ○ Remember the lesson: the righteous will live by faith. When judgement day comes, those who believe will stand before God clothed in the righteousness of Jesus ○ Read Isaiah 61:10 § "I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels." ○ And those who are godless are under God's wrath. Do not be misled, thinking that being a "good person" or doing "good things" is enough ○ Read Isaiah 64:6 We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind." --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rachel398/message

DESCRIPTION: Join us as we continue series on the Book of Luke!     TALK IT OVER QUESTIONS: What was your biggest takeaway from this weeks message?  What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you through this study?    What are some characteristics of Mary that stand out to you and why?  Why do you think God chose her?  Put yourself in her shoes, what were some possible issues that might come up in Mary's life when she submits to God's plan?    The angel Gabriel was sent to let Mary know that she found favor with God and would give birth to Jesus. After a question or two, she replied, “I am the Lord's servant, let it all be as you say.” For Mary to say “I am Your servant” is a great sign of surrender.  For Mary to have such a great surrender, it meant she would need to trust God with her entire life. Thinking about surrender: where, how, or what do you want/need to surrender to God in this season of your life? What is holding you back from such surrender? Why is it so hard to surrender ALL of our lives to God?   Mary is magnifying God because he has done great things for her. Name several great things that God has done for you.   Read Isaiah 9:6-7 & then read Luke 1:21-33. Isaiah prophecies who Jesus will be and the angel gives a four-fold prophetic message about Jesus. When you read these verses, what part about the prophecy are you most looking for in Jesus?       CONNECT WITH US:  Decided to follow Jesus today? New to Destiny Church or want to get involved? Get in touch with us: destinychurch.me/connect   GIVE: Give via destinychurch.me/give  

Bob Schwahn | Lead Pastor | February 4, 2024 “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”― A.W. Tozer Exodus 34:5-7 Romans 1:18 Romans 1:24-32 God Gave Them Over… Romans 1:v.24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity…v.26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts…v.28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind… Romans 1:32 “There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, in the end, "Thy will be done." All that are in Hell, choose it. Without that self-choice there could be no Hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. Those who knock it is opened.” ― C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce Matthew 27:45-46, 50-51a (NIV)From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (whichmeans “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”)…And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. Isaiah 53:4-6 (NIV)Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Romans 2:1 (NIV)You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Reflection Questions: Why is our view of God so important? How can we develop inaccurate or caricature views of who God is? How do we develop accurate views of who God is?Do you tend to see God as more of a God of love (grace) or a God of judgment and wrath (truth)?How do we define the wrath of God? What do you think of when you hear that God is a God of wrath?Why is understanding God’s wrath important to understanding and experiencing the gospel as beautiful and as good news? Read Romans 1:24-285. How is God giving us over to our own desires a form of punishment and experience of his wrath?6. How have you experienced the consequences of going your own way and not living out God’s plan and purpose for people? 7. How is the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 a picture of God giving people over to their sinful desires? How is the wrath of God revealed in this story? How is the gospel revealed in this story? 8. If the intention of God’s plan and purpose is for people to thrive and flourish, why would obedience always be in your best interest? Even when obedience is challenging and counter intuitive? 9. When we look at Paul’s list of vices that are evidence that people live outside of God’s design, where do you see yourself? Why is it important to see that we are included in that list? Why are we tempted to want to see others in that list and not ourself? Read Isaiah 53:4-610. When we understand the wrath of God toward sin and evil we understand what was accomplished on the cross of Christ. What your thoughts about the gospel when your reflect that Jesus took the wrath of God that you deserved? Next Steps: Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for

Read: Isaiah 1:1-20; James 3:13-18

Read: ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:18‭-‬19‬ ‭KJV‬‬ [18] Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. [19] Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tasha-mack9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tasha-mack9/support

Merry Christmas Everyone! JESUS is the reason for the season. Read Isaiah 9:67, Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-7, John 1:14, Revelation 12:1-6 to get the understand of Jesus birth. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tasha-mack9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tasha-mack9/support

This Christmas, Jesus is making us whole through our longings, our longings for a world of goodness and peace, and also, our longings for things to be put right in our own lives. Find Jonathan Pennington's book The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing here.  Read the Beatitudes here. Find Phillippians 2 here. Read Isaiah 30 here. This reflection and practice were also published this week in The Slow Way Newsletter. Find a transcript of this episode here.  Find Micha's website and sign up for her weekly newsletter here Find Micha on Instagram Find Micha on Threads.  Micha's other (award winning!) podcast, The Lucky Few, is all about Down syndrome advocacy. She cohosts it with Heather Avis and Mercedes Lara.  Preorder Micha's new book Blessed Are The Rest of Us: How Limits and Longing Make Us Whole at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and available everywhere books are sold.    

RATE! REVIEW! FOLLOW! Email me your thoughts, comments or questions: caniberealpodcast@gmail.com Show Notes: ○ Colossians 2: 6-23 (NLT) § Colossians 2: 6-23 § (Verse 7): Let you roots grow down into him and let your lives be built on him □ Stronger faith □ Overflowing with thankfulness ® Read Psalms 1: 1-3 ® Read Ephesians 5:20- “And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” □ Will not be captured (interesting choice of words; Paul is trying to get people to see the difference between what evil men want vs what God wants for us- which is out freedom in Christ Jesus) by empty philosophies or high-sounding nonsense which do not come from God and is evil ® There were a lot of false teachers in that day, as there are today ◊ Read 2 Peter 2:1-3 § (Verse 10): So you also are complete though your union with Christ □ When we came to Christ, we were spiritually circumcised when we were buried with Christ in baptism, and then raised to new life through faith in God's power-God made us alive with Christ! ® Read Ephesians 3:14-21 § (Verse 14): Christ canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross □ He disarmed & shamed the spiritual rulers and authorities ® Read Isaiah 44:21-22 § (Verses 16-18): don't let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days… □ Read Romans 14:1-4, 12-13, 17-19 § (Verse 19): for he holds the whole body together…and it grows as God nourishes it § (Verse 20): you have died with Christ and he has set you free…so why keep on following the rules of the world…? □ Consider what is and what is not a salvation issue or a tradition… and don't be led astray be religious practices that you are no longer bound to ® Read Matthew 23: 1-5, 25-28 ® Read James 1:27- "pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for the orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rachel398/message

Sermon Questions: Advent Week 1 (November 26, 2023) Main Point: Our Celebration of Christmas is all about the birth of the Savior. Questions: 1. What impacted you most from this week's message? What challenged you or encouraged you? 2. What things do you celebrate regularly? (e.g. Birthday, Holidays, Anniversaries, etc.) What do you enjoy celebrating the most? Why do you get excited to celebrate? Is there anything you celebrate every day? 3. Read Luke 2:1-7. How would you describe the birth of Jesus? What events were going on in Israel? What was going on in Joseph and Mary's lives? 4. What things surrounding Jesus' birth seem unexpected? What would you expect the birth of the Messiah to be like? What do the circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth tell us about Jesus? 5. Read Luke 2:8-19. What is the significance of the angel's announcement being given to shepherds? What was their initial reaction to seeing the angels? What did angel say about the birth of Jesus? 6. What did heavenly host say? What do they tell us about God? What is available to everyone who receive it through faith in Christ? 7. What did the shepherds do after they heard the angel's pronouncement and celebration? What did they do after they found Jesus? 8. Read Isaiah 9:6-7 and John 3:16. What have we been given in Jesus? What is God's greatest gift to the world? How does our response to the gift lead to celebration? 9. What is one specific thing you can do this week to put into practice what you learned in this message?

Victory is our, we win, we are we are not losers. Thank God for the message of the cross. We declare November and December the months of supernatural strength, joy, and peace. Read Isaiah 55 in its entirety. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tasha-mack9/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tasha-mack9/support

Sometimes what God offers us is incomprehensible. Or so contrary to the way we think that it's just impossible to wrap our heads around! In today's verse, we're being reminded of the fundamental truth that God has removed all our offenses and sins; they've disappeared the way morning fog burns off and the sun shines through! And on top of that, He invites us to return to Him, to enjoy the warmth of His love and the closeness of relationship with Him. What an incredible invitation! Listen in! Read Isaiah 44:22 on Bible Gateway Questions from today's episode: Have I been avoiding God in any area of my life, trying to manage my sin on my own? What is He saying to me today? What is my response? Podcast music written and recorded by Caleb Lieurance --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/quietonpurpose/support

Sermon Application Questions:Main Point:The main point of this past Sunday's sermon was: Jesus welcomes the broken and forgives those with humble faith.  The passage contrasts how two people approach Jesus. One powerful leader has Jesus over but isn't generous towards him. The other person has a shady reputation, but approaches Jesus with gratitude and lavish generosity.   Re-read Luke 7:36-50 Ice Breaker:Share a story of a time when someone was really lavish towards you. Maybe it was a super nice gift, or a cool experience, or being really generous with their time.   Digging Deeper:  [1] Looking back at your notes from the sermon, was there anything that stood out to you, challenged your thinking, or was confusing?     [2] Why do you think the woman was so lavish towards Jesus? And, in contrast, why do you guess the host was so restrained?   [3] How is the woman in the passage humble and contrite? What can she teach us about humility?  [4] The Pharisee saw the woman for what she had done (Luke 7:39). Jesus saw the woman's changed heart and what she would be (Luke 7:47-50). How does this affirm or change your default thoughts about how God sees you?   Read Isaiah 57:15 together.    [5] Often when we're around really important/rich/whatever people, we want to do our best to appear important/rich/whatever. In this passage, the opposite is the case. God is more important than any human ever, yet he wants to be with people who are low and humble. What does this reality tell you about God? How does this truth help you live honestly about your sin? How does this truth help you to live with freedom and peace?  [6] How can you grow in humility before God? Why is it important to spend more time looking at God than ourselves to truly grow in humility?  [7] How does the way Jesus is described in this passage help you live honestly about your brokenness without either being devastated by your sin or having to dismiss your sin?  [8] Have you ever experienced Jesus' forgiveness? If so, what did it feel like? How has it affected your life?    Take It Home: What is one thing from this week's discussion or sermon that is important for you to remember? Prayer Requests:  _____________________________Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532

I will never vote for a Republican who doesn't co-sponsor and vote for the Bill in the Senate to stop Biden from handing the W.H.O. power over us (note to the W.H.O. - I will never follow a single directive from you). The people who run Joe Biden are determined to put the Satanic W.H.O. in charge of “pandemic” responses in America. Satanic, really? Yes. They have pushed the sexual mutilation of children in western “democracies” . . . but, not in China. The W.H.O. along with the CDC sponsors pornographic sexual content in the schools in western “democracies”, but not in China. The W.H.O. demands abortion on an even larger scale, they want global euthanasia. They want--and are about to get--control over 194 countries in a “legally binding document.” If the people who run Joe Biden cause him to sign this Accord--which is actually a treaty and an unconstitutional one--the W.H.O. can grab power whenever they like. They can simply declare a “pandemic” because in their liar's definition pandemics need-not involve a single death. Then, the W.H.O. will declare which treatments doctors can provide, which they must refuse; they will run medical supply chains and decide who gets treatment and who doesn't; they will even have control over . . . wait for it . . . “misinformation" and "fake news." Republican Senators: if you refuse to co-sponsor and vote for the Bill to stop this, I will never vote for you again, even if that means a Democrat wins. If the W.H.O. gets these powers and you don't fight with everything you have, you will have proven you are traitors. What does God say? God reminds us we are in a spiritual battle. That may have never been more true than at this moment.Ephesians 6:1212 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.He also reminds us that days like what's about to come were always going to occur:Read Isaiah 5:20–21; Romans 1:18–23; Genesis 1:26–28The Lord stands in victory and, when we are in submission to Him, we are also in victory. Colossians 2:1515 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.Republican Senators Push Back Against Accord Giving WHO Power Over US Pandemic Response; Legal experts question whether Senate approval is necessaryNYT's @MaraGay: "Extremely dangerous" for Fox News to be granted access to unaired 1/6 footageThis woman made it onto jury and may have been able to subpoena President Trump - Emily Koehrs was the CHAIRWOMAN on the Grand Jury against Trump.Study from John Ioannidis, the world's most-cited physician, suggests a much lower pre-vaccine IFR than previously believed. “At a global level, pre-vaccination IFR may have been as low as 0.03% and 0.07% for 0-59 and 0-69 year old people, respectively.”Employee from @MethodistHosp reports COVID vaccine required for lung transplant patients. “Our physicians are adamant about it.” @RandPaulBREAKING! Dr. John Littell KICKED OUT of Sarasota Memorial Hospital Board Meeting after testifying to the effectiveness of Ivermectin to treat Covid-19!ONS Data: 25% Excess Mortality Among the “Boosted:” is Obscured by Undercounting of the Un-”vaccinated”; Oops, the “unvaxed” were 50% undercountedWhy Republicans are suddenly in a rush to regulate every trans kid's puberty; Proposals in eight states would ban puberty blockers and hormones for trans minors.Sen. Kennedy on how ridiculous it is to pretend to flight against the weather--sorry, I mean the climate--when China and India refuse to play-act along with us. Show AdvertisersAlan's Soaps https://alanssoaps.com/TODD Use coupon code ‘TODD' to save an additional 10% off the bundle price. Bonefrog Coffee https://bonefrog.us Enter promo code TODD at checkout to receive 5% off your subscription. Bulwark Capital https://knowyourriskradio.comGet your free copy of “Common Cents Investing” Call 866-779-RISK or visit the website. Healthycell https://healthycell.com/todd Journey to better health and save 20% off your first order with promo code TODD.My Pillowhttps://mypillow.com Sleep cool with the new MyPillow 2.0 now Buy One Get One Free with code TODD.RuffGreens https://ruffgreens.com/todd Get your FREE Jumpstart Trial Bag of Ruff Greens, simply cover shipping. SOTA Weight Loss https://sotaweightloss.com SOTA Weight Loss is, say it with me now, STATE OF THE ART!Texas Superfoods https://texassuperfoods.com Texas Super Foods is whole food nutrition at its best.GreenHaven Interactivehttps://greenhaveninteractive.comGet more customer online with a world class website and Google