Podcasts about Rejoice

Monday, 5 January 2026   And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.” Matthew 15:27   “And she said, ‘Yes, Lord. And even the puppies – he eats from the crumbs, the ‘falling from their master's table'.'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus responded to the Canaanite woman, telling her it wasn't good to take the children's bread and cast it to the puppies. Now, her incredible response to His words is given. Matthew records, “And she said, ‘Yes, Lord.'”   This Canaanite woman doesn't argue Jesus' premise, nor does she go off on some woke tangent, crying that His words are xenophobic, racist, or anti-Canaanitish. She fully accepts His statement, knowing it is right and logical.   However, she has words for Jesus that not only acknowledge this, but which highlight them in the most profound way, saying, “And even the puppies – he eats from the crumbs, the ‘falling from their master's table.'”   A new word, psichion, crumbs, is introduced. It will only be seen here and in the parallel account in Mark. It is also found in Luke 16:21 in some texts. Of this word, the Topical Lexicon says –   “First-century Mediterranean households commonly used small flat loaves both as food and as utensils for dipping and scooping. Portions too small or too soiled for human consumption were discarded from hand to mouth or allowed to fall to the floor, where house dogs—kept not as pampered pets but as low-status scavengers—would consume them. In that light, ‘crumbs' suggests the tiniest, seemingly insignificant portion of sustenance. The woman's statement accepts her social standing without protest while affirming the superabundance of the Master's provision: even leftovers from Israel's table are sufficient to meet her need.”   This woman understood the power of Jesus, obviously having paid heed to what was said by others who had encountered Him. She understood that she had no standing in Israel but that the God of Israel was abundant in mercy and was capable of extending Himself beyond the Israelite nation.   Using the metaphor of the dog receiving table crumbs, she acknowledges Jesus' words concerning her being a dog. Without finding any fault in His statement, she humbly accepts her status but wisely notes that even in Israel, where dogs are unclean animals according to dietary laws, it did not make them inherently unclean within the society or the household.   Instead, they were a recognized and acceptable part of the family and received their sustenance, including that which was reserved for the family under ceremonial laws of cleanliness, when it was surplus to the needs of the family.   This woman had in no way “out-mastered the Master.” Rather, she had brilliantly relieved the tension that He faced in the matter of being sent to the lost sheep of the House of Israel, which was contrasted to His innate desire to help this distressed Gentile woman.   Jesus' response to her logic will be seen in the next verse.   Life application: No person who has heard the gospel message of Jesus and believed that it is true should ever feel that he is unacceptable to be saved. It doesn't matter if a woman was a prostitute or a lesbian, it doesn't matter if a man was a womanizer or a drunk, it doesn't even matter if someone was a cannibal. God's mercy in Christ is without any such limit.   People from each of these categories, and an innumerable list of others, have heard, been saved, and gone on to do great things for Jesus. To assume that your earthly status, culture, skin color, or past is a limiting factor in your being accepted by God is to place that supposed issue above God, who created all things.   All such things are incidental to your state as a human. It is your humanity that allows these things to be overlooked because Jesus shared in human existence. Don't fret that you are unworthy to be saved. Every other person ever saved has been unworthy of being saved. Rejoice that in our state of unworthiness, God sent His Son to reconcile us to Himself. Rejoice in this and praise His name!   “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples! 2 For His merciful kindness is great toward us, And the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!” Psalm 117   Lord God, we stand in awe of You. You have created all things and given life to all beings. We are the ones who strayed and offended, and yet You, in Your infinite grace and mercy, have brought us back to Yourself through Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank You for Jesus! Amen.  

These messages are from Ocean City Baptist Church in Ocean City, NJ. Visit oceancitybaptist.org for more information.

1 Thessalonians #8 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 In the closing verses of 1 Thessalonians, Paul gives practical, Spirit-filled instructions for everyday Christian living. From honoring leaders and pursuing peace to rejoicing always, praying continually, and trusting God’s faithfulness, these final words remind us how to live as a healthy, hope-filled church.

Hope is a distinguishing mark of a genuine Christ Follower. There is a confident expectation for the future that springs out of the person who has fully surrendered their life to Christ.

People search for answers in books, advice, and personal experiences to discover God's purpose for their lives. But Scripture is clear: God has already revealed His will. God's will is not guesswork. The Scriptures show that His will is expressed in how we live, who we become, what we value, and how we respond to Him. God's will is not hidden, complicated, or reserved for a select few. It is clear, practical, and available to every believer. The real question is not whether we know God's will, but whether we are willing to do it. This teaching covers: • What Scripture explicitly says is God's will • Why holiness and sanctification matter • Living with joy regardless of circumstances • Praying continually as ongoing relationship, not ritual • Giving thanks even in hardship • Why God cares more about who you are than what you do • Faithfulness in small things as preparation for greater responsibility Sermon Notes 1 Thessalonians 4:3 – 8 Your body sanctified 1 Thessalonians 5:16 – 18 Rejoice, pray & give thanks Matthew 6:9 –13 Pray that His will be done here Romans 12:1 & 2 Prove God's will by presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice, not being conformed to this world and renew our minds Psalm 40:8 Delight in doing God's will

Let's Rejoice With A New Heart & A New Start! | Philippians 4:4 | 4 January 2026 - Sunday Morning | Dr. Brad Weniger, Pastor

Shiur given by Rabbi Bezalel Rudinsky on Parshas Vayechi. Shiur recorded in Yeshivas Ohr Reuven, Monsey, NY.

End the year strong in gratefulness while resetting your heart with expectation for great things in the new year. Attitude of gratitude!

Happy New Year! Rejoice, because a real Jesus has plans to bless real people this year. Read His Word, listen to His voice, and you can prosper in all areas of your life. How do you know that Jesus always shows up for you? Because He went to the cross in your place. Be inspired along with Kellie Copeland on Believer's Voice of Victory by testimonies of God showing up in lives of real people. Kellie shares that, in the same way a mentor always shows up, Jesus is our perfect mentor because He will never leave nor forsake you. That's why we can be confident placing our lives in His hands. As Gloria Copeland said, “Lord, take my life and do something with it.” Let that be your prayer to start the new year.

From 'Take The North' (subscribe here): We finally have Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote back together, and it's time to celebrate the Bears TAKING THE NORTH! It's the first time since the launch of this podcast that the Bears have won the NFC North. Rejoice! Also in this episode, should the Bears embrace the idea of playing the Packers in the wild-card round of the playoffs? Plus, quarterback Caleb Williams has a real shot to be the first 4,000-yard passer in team history. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy New Year! Rejoice, because a real Jesus has plans to bless real people this year. Read His Word, listen to His voice, and you can prosper in all areas of your life. How do you know that Jesus always shows up for you? Because He went to the cross in your place. Be inspired along with Kellie Copeland on Believer's Voice of Victory by testimonies of God showing up in lives of real people. Kellie shares that, in the same way a mentor always shows up, Jesus is our perfect mentor because He will never leave nor forsake you. That's why we can be confident placing our lives in His hands. As Gloria Copeland said, "Lord, take my life and do something with it." Let that be your prayer to start the new year.

We finally have Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote back together, and it's time to celebrate the Bears TAKING THE NORTH! It's the first time since the launch of this podcast that the Bears have won the NFC North. Rejoice! Also in this episode, should the Bears embrace the idea of playing the Packers in the wild-card round of the playoffs? Plus, quarterback Caleb Williams has a real shot to be the first 4,000-yard passer in team history. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us a textI hope you've brought your appetite, because today we're looking at some of Dr. Swift's shorter prose satires (along with a couple of poems) and he certainly gives us plenty to chew on."A Description of the Morning": https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45266/a-description-of-the-morning"A Description of a City Shower": https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/50578/a-description-of-a-city-shower"The Battle of the Books": https://www.gutenberg.org/files/623/623-h/623-h.htm"A Tale of a Tub": https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/4737"A Modest Proposal": https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1080/1080-h/1080-h.htmSupport the showPlease like, subscribe, and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen. Thank you!Email: classicenglishliterature@gmail.comFollow me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting it with a small donation. Click the "Support the Show" button. So grateful!Podcast Theme Music: "Rejoice" by G.F. Handel, perf. The Advent Chamber OrchestraSubcast Theme Music: "Sons of the Brave" by Thomas Bidgood, perf. The Band of the Irish GuardsSound effects and incidental music: Freesounds.orgMy thanks and appreciation to all the generous providers!

Pr. Will Weedon, Host of “The Word of the Lord Endures Forever” We Praise You, O God The Word of the Lord Endures Forever Celebrating the Saints Thank, Praise, Serve and Obey See My Savior’s HandsThe post The Christmas Hymn, “Now Sing We Now Rejoice” – Pr. Will Weedon, 12/31/25 (3652, Encore) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

Most overwhelmed moms keep looking for the perfect planner, the right app, or a better routine. But deep down, you already know that no external system is going to fix overwhelm.The problem isn't your tools. The problem is in your thinking.In this final episode of the series Why Perfectionism Makes Homemaking Feel Overwhelming, we get straight to the real solution: support, community, and mindset change. Perfectionism grows in isolation. It loosens its grip when you stop trying to manage everything alone.In this video, you'll learn• why perfectionism thrives when you're isolated with your thoughts• how community resets unrealistic expectations• why sharing small wins matters more than waiting for big results• how accountability builds follow-through without pressure• three practical ways to practice repent, rejoice, repeatHomemaking is real work. It takes attention, effort, and wisdom. It's not something to be embarrassed about or hidden. It's worth talking about, sharing strategies for, and growing in together.That's why I created Convivial Circle—a community for women who want to practice cheerful, faithful stewardship at home without chasing perfection or pretending the work is effortless.Inside Convivial Circle, we• confront perfectionism together• practice baby-step progress• build routines that fit real families• develop accountability through small standup groups• grow in skill, confidence, and joyful responsibilityIf you're tired of trying to fix overwhelm on your own, this is your invitation to stop isolating and start building momentum with support.

"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights." Habakkuk 3:17-19 NLTTake time to reflect on this year, and identify areas where you could rejoice more in God and rely more on His strength— no matter what 2026 holds.

Gem Of the Day (G.O.D.) about Philippians 4:4

Sermon: Rejoice, the King Is Come; Bradley Fritch Matthew 2:1-12

Hunter shares a quarterly check in and update about the goings on at Parable.Connect with Us:contact@parableministries.comParableMinistries.comParablePublishing.comInstagramTikTokCheck out our other podcasts!"Rejoice, O Beloved!"CommentariesMy Dusty BibleMusic created by Chad HoffmanArtwork created by Anthony KuenziIf you feel led to give to Parable Ministries, please visit: Donate

Send us a textIt's been an outstanding year with great guests and excellent perspectives on what it means to go the extra mile for others. Matthew 5:41 describes instruction from Jesus about this principle. If any would force you to go with them a mile, go with them two. Not begrudgingly, but with the mindset that you were placed in that situation to make a change. It takes perspective of heavenly thinking to take that first step. The Bible does not promise we won't suffer in this world. In fact, it guarantees we will suffer for our faith. Rejoice in the Lord through our sufferings, because this world has already been overcome by Jesus. That perspective and faith causes action toward others, to help them out of darkness, to break down barriers, to cause others to pause and question what's going on. Salvation is open to all, for those who have ears to hear and eyes to see. Behold, Jesus stands at the door and knocks. Will you open the door of your heart to Him?=====Searching for answers to life's questions? Need help finding a church? Drop us a line. We would love to help you find a congregation that practices the love of Christ. The Extra Mile Podcast is a work of Milwaukee Ave Church of Christ in Lubbock, TX. Assembly times:9:30 AM - Classes for all ages10:30 AM - Sunday Morning Assembly5:00 PM - Sunday Evening Assembly7:00 PM - Wednesday Evening AssemblyEmail us:  the.emile.pod@gmail.comInstagram: @extramilepodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/546CHn6Qvdh807yhYC5sHL?si=j6-jHRTiRh6_Non9E9URagApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-extra-mile-podcast/id1550189689Google Play: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xMjgwNTI1LnJzcwWe would love to hear from you! Email: the.emile.pod@gmail.com Instagram: @extramilepodcast

Praise Series #15 God Has A PlanActs 16:25-28 “About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.  Suddenly, there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once, all the prison doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don't harm yourself! We are all here!”This story actually begins a few verses before this. In Acts 16:16-24, it says, “Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.”  She kept this up for many days. Finally, Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ, I command you to come out of her!” At that moment, the spirit left her.  When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities.  They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into an uproar  by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.” The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods.  After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully.  When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.”This is where our verse takes place.  They have been beaten with rods and are now chained up in prison.  You would think after a day like that, they would feel defeated.  You would think that they would be questioning God and asking Him why they have to suffer so much when they are just doing what He asked them to do.  You might also think that they were passed out in pain and sleeping.  Is this what they were doing?  No, the verse says it was midnight, and they were still praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.  This is something that always amazes me about the apostles and other believers in the faith, such as the Saints.  I am always amazed by their strength.  I know that God underwent extreme suffering in the 24 hours before He was crucified.  He sweats drops of blood. If that is not suffering, I don't know what is.  And yet, I think we can downplay it sometimes and think, well, He is fully God and fully human, so of course He can withstand it; he is God.  However, countless other Saints have gone through extreme suffering and have done it with joy.  Paul & Silas had just been beaten with rods, and yet they were not questioning God. They were praising and singing to Him.  This is something that I think we can hear sometimes and not pause and think about how truly amazing it is.  I don't know if we glaze over it because we don't understand it or because we don't think we are capable of it.  I don't know the reason, but I wanted to pause and take a moment to recognize how remarkable these two are for how they endured their suffering.  We could all learn a lot from them and how they lived, not only when times were good but also when times were tough.  The verse says that at midnight, while they were praying and praising, they were set free.  The door opened, and their chains came loose.  What strikes me about this verse is that they were set free yet did not leave.  They stayed there until morning, when the guard woke up.  What I hear the Lord saying to me about this verse is that everything He does is for His glory and the good of His kingdom.  If Paul & Silas had left at midnight, they could have escaped.  However, it would not have been known how they escaped.  People could have said that someone broke in and freed them.  God would not have gotten the Glory.  However, by waiting until morning, they not only converted the guard and his whole house to believers, but they were also set free and did not have to worry about being caught for escaping.Sometimes, the things we are going through or the things others are going through make no sense to us.  If we had been there in that jail cell, it would have made no sense to us that when they were freed, they didn't leave the cell.  I can't imagine sitting in that cell and just waiting for the jailer to wake up when we could have escaped and been hours away by the time the jailer woke up.  Luckily, Paul and Silas were good at listening to the Lord and trusting in Him.  They were not scared in that jail cell.  They praised the Lord and trusted that the Lord would get them out of the situation.  They were patient and waited on the Lord's timing, and by doing so, they saved the jailer and his whole family.  Do you see how if the apostles had left at midnight, they would have escaped and would have been free?  Do you also see that they did not leave at midnight, yet they were still free?  We never know how God will work things out for us.  Sometimes, we can only see things in black and white.  We can see only two choices.  For instance, we could see that if we left the cell when the door was open, then we would be free.  However, if we stay there, then we would be stuck in jail forever.  Sometimes, we are so angry, upset, scared, and afraid that we can't see all the possibilities.  We only see the two.  Sometimes, we may not see all the options because we have limited information, whereas God has all the information He would ever need.  It seems as though the apostles waited for God to tell them what to do next.  They trusted that God would take care of it even though they didn't know what would happen next.  This may be the same in some circumstances in our lives, too.  We may not understand why God asks us to wait a little longer.  We know God can save us now, but we don't understand why He isn't.  We don't understand why we are going through all of this in the first place.  Maybe God is using this thing you are going through to save someone else.  Maybe by watching your strength in the face of your situation, someone will decide to give God a try.  Maybe after watching how you were saved from your circumstances, someone else has also decided to be saved.  We don't know what God's plan is or why He does what He does.  There is one thing that we can be sure of, and that is that God has a plan, and He has a reason for everything.  God can use all things for His glory.  We may think that some things are a coincidence.  However, if you look back over the last 5 or 10 years of your life, I bet you will see how those things you felt were coincidences were actually things that God timed out perfectly for a specific reason.  It is amazing to me how detailed God's plan is.  He has every tiny detail planned out.  The next time we get tired of waiting for our suffering to end, maybe we can remember this verse, pray, and praise him even when we are struggling.  We can remember that if He has not saved us yet, it is for a reason, and that a greater good will come from our situation.  I know that doesn't always make it easier for us when we are in the moment.  However, I felt God wanted me to share with you that even when we don't know His plan and don't understand it, we should still know that He has a plan, and it is for our good and the good of his whole church.  Dear Heavenly Father, I ask that you bless all those listening to this episode today.  We ask that you give us the strength of Paul and Silas when we suffer.  Lord, we ask that you give us the strength and the wisdom to pray and sing praises to you when we are suffering.  Help us know that you have a plan even when we don't see or understand it.  Help us to know that we are never suffering in vain.  You will always use our suffering for your glory.  We love you, Lord, and thank you for all you do for us.  You are amazing, and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and Jesus' holy name. Amen.  Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow.  Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed weekend.Today's Word from the Lord was received in August 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “Don't let the negativity slip in. Remove it. Rejoice in me. Pray to me so that your joy may return.”  www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

A new MP3 sermon from Maidenbower Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Resolved to rejoice Speaker: Jeremy Walker Broadcaster: Maidenbower Baptist Church Event: Sunday - PM Date: 12/28/2025 Bible: Habakkuk 3:17-19 Length: 25 min.

For more information on Living Hope Columbus, see the links below!---Website: www.livinghopecolumbus.comEmail: info@livinghopecolumbus.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/LivingHopeColumbusInstagram: @lhc_online

Young Adult Pastor Gary Jones shares a message on Psalms 28.Most of us carry thoughts we don't say out loud. Questions we aren't sure how to ask — moments when we feel overwhelmed, disappointed, or unsure whether God is really hearing us.Psalm 28 meets us in that space. It doesn't rush to a resolution or offer easy answers. It begins with honesty, a cry, and a plea from someone who desperately wants to be heard and fears what silence might mean.And yet, this psalm moves us somewhere deeper. It teaches us how to pray when words fail, how to trust when answers delay, and how to rejoice not because life is easy, but because God is faithful.As we open God's Word today, bring whatever you're carrying. Remember: God hears His people, strengthens them, and carries them forever.Thank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on December 28, 2025, at 11:00am. You can find us online at nwhills.com.Key Moments00:00 Welcome01:07 Message: Finding Hope in Psalm 2803:45 Psalm 28: A Cry for Help06:11 The Power of Morning Prayer07:24 Praying the Psalms: A Practical Guide10:00 Seek the Lord in Silence13:02 Trust in the Lord's Strength and Protection17:51 Rejoice in the Lord's Faithfulness25:34 A Call to Trust and Rejoice28:56 Conclusion and Prayer

Why are society's outcasts among the first to hear about the Messiah? When angels proclaimed Jesus' birth to shepherds, they show how God's kingdom offers a different kind of peace than earthly empires. True shalom isn't earned through status but freely given through God's favor. Listen now and be inspired to embrace this peace and share it with others searching for hope.

Pastor Terrence Young Two Questions: 1 – How am I ending this year? 2 – How am I starting the next? Big Idea: My relationship with Christ should reflect my relationship with others. Three Points: 1 . Rejoice 2 . Restoration 3 . Unity 2 Corinthians 13:11-142 Corinthians 13:11a 1 . Rejoice James 1:2-42 Corinthians 13:11a 1 . Rejoice 2 . Restoration If we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive. Mother Teressa Matthew 5:23-242 Corinthians 13:11b-13

In this final message of the Rejoice series, Pastor Jim teaches from Luke 2 and explores the angelic announcement to the shepherds, showing how the glory of God should evoke great fear—yet through Jesus, that fear gives way to great joy and peace on earth. He reminds us that God's holiness is overwhelming and unapproachable, like lightning that should consume us, but in Jesus, that immense power is made near and safe, wrapped in flesh and laid in a manger. Jim challenges listeners not to grow numb to the miracle of God's presence, but to respond with awe, rejoicing, and renewed peace. Just as the shepherds were invited into joy and Mary treasured all these things in her heart, we are invited to behold the Savior, prepare room for Him, and let our hearts melt before the one who brings peace to those on whom His favor rests.

Rejoice in the Light

Message from Children & Youth Director, Richelle De Aragon entitled "Rejoice, Lament, Love." For more information, visit sntandrews.org. © St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.

A brief devotion in preparation for a season of thanksgiving, considering Habakkuk's resolution to rejoice in the face of the loss not just of the mere delights of life but the very supports of life. However, when all is gone, God is not, and God is still good. Habakkuk therefore, facing the worst of all possible futures in this world, looks up to the God of salvation and resolves to rejoice and so bring glory to God whatsoever comes to pass.

Pastor Mark Balmer preaches a message called "Rejoice in the Lord" from Philippians 4:4-5.---Parkview Church exists to glorify God through the whole church forming whole disciples for the good of all people.Website: www.parkviewchurch.orgInstagram/Facebook: @parkviewchurchic

Rejoice in trials as you grow in patience, wisdom and humility.

Christ's Birth Announced to Mary26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

The sermon unfolds a prophetic framework of Advent through four active spiritual disciplines: watch, prepare, rejoice, and behold. Centered on the expectation of Christ's return, it calls believers to vigilant anticipation, not passive waiting, rooted in the promise of God's redemptive plan from Genesis onward. Preparation is presented not as mere ritual but as the outward expression of faith, demonstrating that true belief aligns with action—mirroring God's own sovereign work in history and in the believer's sanctification. Rejoicing is portrayed as a sustained, Spirit-empowered response to God's grace, especially in the hope of future glory, while beholding emphasizes a deep, intentional focus on Christ as the ultimate object of faith, culminating in the eternal vision of God dwelling with His people. Together, these verbs form a dynamic, Christ-centered rhythm of life that calls for continual readiness, humility, and joy in the promise of final redemption.

••• Moving Forward to a Positive Year Ahead, Ep 409 . ••• Bible Study Verses: Proverbs 23.7, Philippians 4.8, Luke 6.45 . ••• “The Order of the Divine mind, embodied in the Divine Law, is beautiful. What should a man do but try to reproduce it, so far as possible, in his daily life?” C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms † ••• My attitude was and still is like that of David, who was ashamed that the armies of Israel would tremble before Goliath. Without hesitation he stepped forward with complete confidence in the God who had proven Himself to be faithful (1 Sam 17). For David, the size of the giant was irrelevant" Dave Hunt 1926-1013 †† ••• “...Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you...” Philippians 4.4+ NKJV ••• As we move into another year, what will be different in our lives? ••• What will be different in the work we do? ••• What are we going to do differently? ••• What type of thoughts are automatic? ••• If you do the same thing the same way and expect a different result, what does that indicate? ••• Why is life like a mirror? ••• Why do people think negatively? ••• Why is positive thinking difficult? ••• What type of thinking requires discipline? ••• Why can't you slap abrasive people around? ••• Do most people in control of them selves want to”turn the other cheek”? ••• What are at least 5-life actions to help change old fruitless mind patterns? ••• Will you ask your small group to pray that you will be the kind of person who will have an attitude of victory in the upcoming New Year? ••• Pastor Otuno expounds on this and much more on the exciting journey of Fresh Encounter Radio Podcast originally aired on WNQM, Nashville Quality Ministries and WWCR World Wide Christian Radio broadcast to all 7-continents on this big beautiful blue marble, earth, floating through space. Please be prayerful before studying The Word of God so that you will receive the most inspiration possible . ••• This Discipleship Teaching Podcast is brought to you by Christian Leadership International and all the beloved of God who believe in its mission through prayer and support. Thank you . ••• Broadcaster's Website - https://www.lifelonganointing.com/ . ••• Exceeding Thanks to Universe Creator Christ Jesus AND Mathias Jensen Photography, https://unsplash.com/@mathiasjensen/, https://www.alamy.com/stock-video/mathias-jensen.html, Art Direction by gil on his mac with free mac layout software . ••• Study Guides at - https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/episodes . ••• SHARING LINK: https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/mov­ing-for­ward-to-a-pos­i­tive-year-ahead-ep409 . ••• † http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/C.S.-Lewis-Quotes/ . Clive Staples Lewis, 1898-1963. His most famous works include the Screwtape Letters, Chronicles of Narnia and “Surprised by Joy”, his autobiography about his conversion from atheism in 1931 . ••• †† ibid: A Christian apologist, speaker, radio commentator and author of many books on theology, cults and other religions, including critiques of Catholicism, Islam, Mormonism, and Calvinism . ••• RESOURCE - https://www.soundcloud.com/thewaytogod/ . ••• RESOURCE - https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/kjv/john.1%20 . ••• FERP251227 - Episode#409 GOT251227 Ep409 .••• Moving Forward to a Positive Year Ahead ✝️Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Merry Christmas! After a brief hiatus through Advent, Karin and Blake are back in the host seat with a new episode of Coffee to Go ... just in time for Christmas. Join Karin and Blake and all of the familiar characters of the very familiar Christmas story.  Rejoice with the angels and the shepherds... for unto YOU is born this day ... a savior.   Listen to more episodes in the Coffee to Go series. Download TranscriptThanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org “The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey. NOTE: The series that make up Faith Unfiltered explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Faith Unfiltered is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

Throughout Scripture we see evil waging war against God and His redemptive plan, fulfilled in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet from the birth of Christ through His death, burial, and resurrection, that evil endeavor is shown to be a failure. Join Bill Busshaus as he leads us in a study from the book of Matthew, revealing the certainty of God's victorious plan.www.instagram.com/thehishillpodcast/www.hishill.orgkelly@hishill.org

At Christmas the birth of Jesus represented more than the happy emotions of a fulfilled pregnancy, it represented the inbreaking of a new reality worthy of rejoicing.Luke 2:1-20Reverend Dr. Matthew LakeDecember 24, 2025

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251224dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12 A Savior Has Been Born to You The shepherds weren’t expecting anything that night. They were just doing their jobs. They watched their flocks, kept predators away, and tried to stay warm in the darkness. Then suddenly, the night sky blazed with God’s glory, and an angel stood before them. Terror filled their hearts. Who could stand in the presence of God’s holiness? But the first words they heard were not words of judgment. They were words of comfort: “Do not be afraid.” Why not? Because God had not come to condemn. He had come to save. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you.” Notice the angel’s message. This Savior is for you. Not just for kings or priests. Not just for the powerful or important. For shepherds, for sinners, for all people. And the sign? Not a mighty warrior or dazzling throne, but a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. God’s Son came in humility so that no one would be too lowly to approach him. On this holy night, the same message comes to you: Do not be afraid. Whatever guilt weighs on your conscience, whatever darkness troubles your heart, your Savior has been born. Rejoice! The good news of great joy is for you. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for coming into this world for me. Drive away my fears and fill my heart with your peace and joy this Christmas Eve. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251224dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12 A Savior Has Been Born to You The shepherds weren’t expecting anything that night. They were just doing their jobs. They watched their flocks, kept predators away, and tried to stay warm in the darkness. Then suddenly, the night sky blazed with God’s glory, and an angel stood before them. Terror filled their hearts. Who could stand in the presence of God’s holiness? But the first words they heard were not words of judgment. They were words of comfort: “Do not be afraid.” Why not? Because God had not come to condemn. He had come to save. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you.” Notice the angel’s message. This Savior is for you. Not just for kings or priests. Not just for the powerful or important. For shepherds, for sinners, for all people. And the sign? Not a mighty warrior or dazzling throne, but a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. God’s Son came in humility so that no one would be too lowly to approach him. On this holy night, the same message comes to you: Do not be afraid. Whatever guilt weighs on your conscience, whatever darkness troubles your heart, your Savior has been born. Rejoice! The good news of great joy is for you. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for coming into this world for me. Drive away my fears and fill my heart with your peace and joy this Christmas Eve. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Pastor Jim teaches from Luke 2, where Simeon holds the infant Jesus in his arms and declares that the long-awaited Consolation of Israel has arrived. After years of righteous waiting in silence and spiritual devotion, Simeon recognizes that what he had been hoping for is not just a promise but a person. Jim draws a parallel between Simeon's patient longing and the hunger many of us feel for something more, challenging listeners to stop chasing after counterfeits and receive the peace that comes only through Jesus. Simeon's joy is found not in what Jesus would do someday, but in knowing that God was already here. This message invites us to stop striving and instead rest in the gift of God's faithfulness, freely given in Christ.

Dr. Munther Isaac is a Palestinian pastor, theologian, author, and activist. He has an MA from Westminster Theological Seminary and a PhD from the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies. Munther is the pastor of Hope Evangelical Church in Ramallah, Palestine, and the Director of the Bethlehem Institute for Peace and Justice. Munther is also the author of several books including the recently released: Christ in the Rubble: Faith, the Bible, and the Genocide in Gaza. Music in this episode:Rejoice! by Evan Wickham. From Christmas Music Vol. 2 O Holy Night by Evan Wickham. From Christmas Music Vol. 2Used with Permission Evan's YoutubeEvan's Site Christmas Nativity Story Animation by M_Y_G. Licensed through Envato.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

   KC's major league sports teams moving to Kansas has always been inevitable.  It's not just that the STAR bond money is too good to pass up, in the case of the Chiefs, they had no option to build new with an entertainment development anywhere in Missouri.  The team is fibbing.  This wasn't close, it wasn't decided last week and was more like a 48-3 football beatdown.  No Missourians should rejoice they aren't on the hook for it all and can look forward to lower income taxes.  Seems like a win/win to me.    The winner in all this, of course, is Clark Hunt.  His team is really, really good at football.  But his business is next level American Capitalism elite.    Mizzou hoops may be in big trouble this year after a disaster against Illinois.  Bill Self says Darryn Peterson's family is now involved in deciding whether he will play or not.  Oh, boy.     Trump bounce back in polling in a big way.  He announces a new golden fleet of Trump Ships and my childhood root beer stand could be returning to KC in a meaningful way.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were big winners in Week 16, a 29-24 win over the Detroit Lions in Detroit, and they are one step away from clinching the AFC North title. With the Steelers on a 3-game winning streak, it is important to remember to rejoice and celebrate the good times during the season. That's the topic, and much more, on the latest G'Day Steelers Nation with host Marky D! This podcast is a part of the Steel Curtain Network, a proud member of the Fans First Sports Network. Check out our exclusive 20% off deals with Hyper Natural, Big Fork Brands, and Strong Coffee Company ⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The shepherd ornament takes Miss Dee Livery into the fields near Bethlehem, where ordinary shepherds received the first announcement of Jesus' birth. Angels filled the sky with praise, and the shepherds hurried to meet the newborn King. As we near Christmas, the Jesse Tree reminds us that Jesus came for everyone—and His birth is good news for the whole world.Follow Us:Instagram | Website | Newsletter Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Let's face it — the chaos of travel, family gatherings, and exchanging presents can cause us to forget the miracle of Christmas. It's easy to become numb or distracted from the treasure of Jesus. Meditating on Scripture helps us reorient ourselves to the surprising arrival of Immanuel and the stunning reality of his everlasting kingdom.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi unpackages the real gift of Christmas using the beautiful words of the prophet Isaiah. This reflection and prayer will stir your longing for more of Jesus and lead you into deeper worship of the One we call Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.Resources for this Episode:Surprising Joy: A Journey with Jesus for AdventDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

By what name are you known? In today's Gospel (Luke 1:57–66), we hear the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth naming John the Baptist. A simple moment—but one filled with meaning. Names matter. They carry identity, purpose, and love. In this Peace on Earth reflection, we're invited to look at:  • Where our name comes from  • The names we sometimes give ourselves  • And most importantly, the name God calls us: beloved son, beloved daughter As we prepare our hearts just days before Christmas, may we remember that God knows our name, loves our name, and calls us His own.

When Mary realized the power of the baby in her womb, she wrote a piece of poetry in admiration for God. She rejoiced because of who God was, and it was from the depths of her soul. He was the fulfillment of her deepest longings. When we truly desire God, we will never be unsatisfied. Luke 1:36-56