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Merry (belated) Christmas and welcome to "dead week"—that weird, quiet stretch between Christmas and New Year when nobody knows what day it is… and honestly, it's kind of wonderful. This is the final Friday of the year, which means we're wrapping up the Ending Well series—seven weeks of looking back at 2025, redeeming the hard parts, and hunting down the goodness God planted along the way. Today's episode is where everything comes together. Not as separate lessons—hearing God, going a different way, pruning, embracing the ordinary, releasing usefulness, becoming the wife and woman I want to be—but as integration: when revelation becomes rhythm. When what God taught you doesn't just live in a journal… it starts living in your nervous system, your choices, your peace, and your presence. We talk about what it means to become the same person everywhere—at home, at work, in conflict, in rest. Not the performing self, people-pleasing self, or defensive self—but the authentic self God created. The shift from constantly feeling "split" to finally feeling rooted. From Romans 7 ("why do I keep doing what I hate?") to Psalm 1—steady, nourished, bearing fruit in season. This episode is a testimony: God is big enough to change you. To grow self-control. To cultivate peace. To help you stop showing up to every battle you're invited to—and still keep your courage when it's time to stand firm. The fire of 2025 didn't leave me untouched, but it refined me. And the fruit is showing up: steadier peace, clearer discernment, deeper roots, anchored hope, and—maybe for the first time—actually liking who I'm becoming. If you feel stuck, scattered, or like you'll never change… come with me. The water's a little scary, but it's good. Sponsor: PreBorn A woman considering abortion is twice as likely to choose life if she can see an ultrasound or hear the heartbeat. PreBorn provides free ultrasounds and continues supporting moms with resources, classes, and aid—up to two years after birth.
As one year closes and another begins, it’s natural to reflect on hardships, unanswered questions, and lingering worries about what lies ahead. Yet Scripture reminds us that God’s faithfulness never changes. Through health challenges, financial stress, and family struggles, God remains present, steady, and loving. Psalm 136:26 calls us to give thanks to the God of heaven whose love endures forever. As we step into a new year, we can move forward with hope—not because life will be easy, but because God is faithful, trustworthy, and always working for our good. Main Takeaways You’ll learn why reflecting on God’s past faithfulness strengthens hope for the future. Discover how gratitude helps shift our focus from fear to trust in God. Understand why God’s faithfulness is part of His unchanging character. Reflect on how trusting God with the unknown brings peace in a new year. Be encouraged to enter the year ahead with confidence, expectancy, and praise. Bible Verse References Psalm 136:26 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/136-26.html 2 Timothy 2:13 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/2-timothy/2-13.html Romans 8:28 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/romans/8-28.html Jeremiah 29:11 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/jeremiah/29-11.html Romans 8:31 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/romans/8-31.html Your Daily Prayer Dear God, today I celebrate Your faithfulness. You have carried me through every season, and Your love has never failed. As I enter this new year, help me trust You fully and turn away from fear, doubt, and distraction. No matter what challenges come, I know You will guide me with wisdom, peace, and grace. You are faithful, and You are good—today and always.Amen. Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily encouragement rooted in Scripture. Leave a rating or review to help others discover the podcast. Visit LifeAudio.com for more faith-filled podcasts and devotionals. Explore biblical encouragement and spiritual growth articles at Crosswalk.com and Christianity.com. Relevant Links & Resources Study today’s Scripture passages at:BibleStudyTools.com – https://www.biblestudytools.com Devotionals and Christian living resources:Crosswalk.com – https://www.crosswalk.comChristianity.com – https://www.christianity.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Jesus' Lineage; Our Lineage by Autumn Dickson I opened up the New Testament this week to study the birth of Christ. I ended up down a bit of a rabbit hole, and I'm going to take you to part of it with me. My rabbit hole took me all over the place, but I'm going to try and simplify it into some basic ideas. It's going to be very technical at first and there are some nice enough implications, but then I want to more broadly apply it to the rest of us. The thing that really got me started down this rabbit hole is the fact that the very first verses we read in the New Testament are the lineage of Joseph. Funny enough, I had never noticed it consciously before because I usually just skip over that part. As I thought about it a bit further, I realized that it was odd. Why are we sharing Joseph's lineage when Jesus isn't of that lineage? Wouldn't it be more effective and helpful to share Mary's lineage (Yes, I know that wasn't the tradition then; it just seems like it would make more sense considering the fact that she's his biological mother). I then learned that many biblical scholars believe that we do have Christ's lineage through Mary. In Luke's account, we receive another account of lineage. This listed lineage lists Joseph, but scholars believe that it's Mary's line anyway. It just mentioned Joseph because of social norms. There are some other theories surrounding Luke's account of lineage, but the most widespread theory is that it really is Mary's line. We're going to go with that theory for all intents and purposes in this particular post. Why is lineage important? Well, it's important for a few reasons. We'll talk about its significance in the life of Christ, and then we'll talk about its significance in our own lives. It had been prophesied that Christ would come off of the Davidic line. Beyond that, He wasn't going to be just some random descendant but heir to the throne (if the Romans hadn't been in charge at the time). Christ's lineage through Mary and Joseph was really important for this particular prophecy. Christ comes off of the Davidic line biologically through Mary. This biological portion of being from the Davidic line is important for obvious reasons. However, Joseph's line is important too. Through Joseph, Christ is able to be known as an heir to the throne of David because that kind of thing always legally passed through males. I spent some time learning about Jewish customs and laws surrounding adoption, and I'll give you a couple of short facts. There wasn't much of a legal proceeding with official records and paperwork when it came to adoption. Rather, if a man stepped up to the role of father in a child's life, that child was legally adopted. If the father treated the child as his own, then the child held claim to everything that the other children held claim to. Inheritances, the family name, all of it. This was actually really important in a society where it mattered who your family was. Christ was of the Davidic line in all the ways that mattered. And this is absolutely amazing. It's cool to think about how God orchestrated every single detail to come together for Christ to fulfill prophecy. It's amazing. Even with His human side coming through His mother, He was still legally adopted and considered an heir through Joseph's line. But I actually want to take this further to allusions surrounding our own heritage, inheritances, and legality in terms of God's family. Like Christ, there are two parts that play into our inheritance. Biologically (not sure if that's the right word but we're going to run with it because I don't have a better word), we are spirit sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. Because of our divine parentage, we were always meant to inherit a throne. It's within our “blood,” so to speak. But there's another portion of this. Through divine authority known as the priesthood, we are “legally” adopted into the family of God. There are three parts to this next thing I was to talk about. Christ could have stepped into His kingship if the Jews had been RIGHTEOUS enough to hold on to their kingdom. Joseph SACRIFICED and LEGALLY ADOPTED Christ and because of that, Christ would have been able to step into His kingship. If Israel had been righteous, Christ would have been king. If we are RIGHTEOUS and lay claim upon Christ's power to LEGALLY ADOPT us into the House of Israel, the because of Christ's SACRIFICE, we are to be divine heirs. As another detail in inheritance that is rich in meaning, primogeniture (firstborn son's claim to the throne over other children) was overwhelmingly common but not the absolute rule. Through wickedness or directly through the decisions of God, the older could be deemed unfit to inherit such power. Heavenly Father truly is the Master. All of the details are laid out so beautifully. There are a million parallels in the gospel that add layer upon rich layer to our understanding. I testify that God is in the details. The more I learn about the gospel, the more I am filled with a sense of awe at all of His orchestration. I testify that we come from a divine family, and I testify that Christ made a sacrifice and gave us the power we needed to adopt us into His family as well. All of these combine to an astounding truth; we have been set up to be heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, to inherit a divine throne. There is so much we were born into. God has so much in store for us. Autumn Dickson was born and raised in a small town in Texas. She served a mission in the Indianapolis Indiana mission. She studied elementary education but has found a particular passion in teaching the gospel. Her desire for her content is to inspire people to feel confident, peaceful, and joyful about their relationship with Jesus Christ and to allow that relationship to touch every aspect of their lives. Autumn was the recipient of FAIR's 2024 John Taylor Defender of the Faith Award. The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Christmas – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.
The Magi weren't reading Daniel. They weren't studying the prophets. They were reading the sky.In our Members-Only Part 2 of our Christmas deep dive into the Star of Bethlehem, Caleb Jones returns to answer the question everyone's been asking: Why did the Magi know to come? What did they actually see in that chart that made them pack up and travel for months?Using ancient sources—Ptolemy, Manilius, Vettius Valens—Caleb reconstructs what an astrological reading of August 12, 3 BC would have looked like. The verdict? A heaven-blessed birth in Palestine. Incredible fortune. Warfare and a sword in his future. Someone who would overcome great danger through Jupiter and Venus.But this episode goes deeper than astronomy. Caleb traces how the Bible itself addresses astrology—not as fake, but as a rival way of knowing that God told Israel not to pursue because He would speak to them directly. When Israel rebelled and looked to the stars anyway, God wove their disobedience into His plan: He would use pagan astrologers to announce His Son and shame His people who should have known better.From Deuteronomy to Isaiah to Romans, the threads converge. The Magi weren't reading Daniel. They were reading the sky. And God met them there.The Christmas story is stranger than you thought. Not a member yet? Right now, we are running our biggest sale of the year with 20% OFF all memberships until the end of the year. Head over to https://blurrycreatures.com/pages/members to check it out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
PREVIEW Guests: Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. Rice University classicists McGill and Wright discuss their new translation of Virgil's Aeneid, a "Hollywood worthy" epic detailing the origins of Rome. The narrative follows Aeneas leading a band of refugees from the burning ruins of Troy westward to their destined home in Italy. Their journey is fraught with the goddess Juno's opposition, leading to a detour in Carthage and a tragic romance with Dido. The poem concludes with a fierce war in Italy, ending abruptly as Aeneas kills his rival Turnus, securing the legacy where Trojansultimately become Romans. MORE TONIGHT AUGUSTUS, OCTAVIA AND LIVIA, LISTENING TO A READING OF THE AENEID BY VIRGIL HIMSELF
Discover what happens when speaking to someone's identity becomes more than a one-time event—it becomes our way of life. In this conclusion to the epiphany series, Graham Cooke reveals that when we act toward difficult people as though their God-given identity were true, we're actually being most like Jesus because that's exactly what He does all the time. The blessing we give out returns to us pressed down, shaken together, and running over. As we speak identity to others, the Holy Spirit begins engaging with us about our own identity. This teaching shows how God sees us—not as people with something wrong, but as people missing a few things from our relationship with Him, which He fully intends to give us. **Key Scriptures:**+ Luke 6:38. "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over..."+ Galatians 6:7. "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap..."+ Romans 12:2. "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."**Want to explore more?**
In Job chapter 35 Elihu condemns Job. If we wonder about whether Elihu is a brash upstart, or whether he is a faithful younger man whose speech demonstrates the wisdom of God - this chapter provides us with the answer to that puzzle. And the answer is that the second statement represents Elihu's character.Every accusation against Job, which Elihu makes, is endorsed by the Almighty in His final speeches. Elihu contests that whether you're right, or whether you sin, God is no way advantaged. However, the LORD is pleased with children whose pleasure it is to please Him. You, Job, he says must see that you are just an insignificant speck of dust. The creature cries out because of pain and suffering, but so infrequently turns to God for His love and support (Romans 8verses18-25). Surely God made us to be more than brute beasts (Ecclesiastes 3verses17-22). Job, wake up to yourself and order your speech aright before your Sovereign. In order to put things in their true perspective, for Job and his friends, in chapter 36 Elihu extols the virtues and might of our Creator. Be patient and listen, Elihu urges them. I will speak in truth and wisdom he declares. It is not the intention of the Almighty to inflict endless sufferings on the wicked (see Hebrews 12verses5-11). He is, in His wisdom, crying to the sons of men, "Repent, turn to Me and be saved". Don't go to the grave in anger and vexation. It's so easy to judge the wicked and at the same time fail to see our own failures. Learn from failure and in all things praise and thank the Almighty. Consider the magnificence of His wisdom - all creation shouts, "In wisdom You have made us".
December 25 2025 Thursday Who Jesus Made You To Be / Week 06 Faith And Love In Christ Jesus Our Lord #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word. That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. My Prayers For The World Ephesians 1:15-23 NLT 'Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God's people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.' Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT 'When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.' Matthew 11:28 Find Rest In Jesus Christ Your Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30 100 Fold Return… Psalm 37:4 God will give you the desires of your heart… The Galations, having launched their Christian experience by faith, seem content to leave their voyage of faith and chart a new course based on works—a course Paul finds disturbing. His letter to the Galations is a vigorous attack against the gospel of works and a defense of the gospel of faith. Paul begins by setting forth his credentials as an apostle with a message from God: blessing comes from God on the basis of faith, not law. The law declares men guilty and imprisons them; faith sets men free to enjoy liberty in Christ. But liberty is not license. Freedom in Christ means freedom to produce the fruits of righteousness through a Spirit-led lifesty 2 Timothy 1:9 Romans 10:9-10 Salvation… 1 John 1:9 Confess your sins God Will Cleanse You… Romans 13:8 Live in God's Love… Romans 8:16-17 Heirs of God and Joint Heirs with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Revelation 1:6 We are kings and priest in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Romans 10:13 Call On The Name Of Jesus And Make Him Lord today… The Biblical Definition Of Grace Is God's Unmerited Favor… Matthew 18:19-20 I will agree with you about your prayer request… Acts 10:34 God is not a respecter of persons. He loves and cares for us all the same… Romans 12:3 God has given us His Faith… Biblical Hope Is A Confident Expectation… Romans 5:5 God has given us His Love… 2 Corinthians 5:17 We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21 We are the Righteousness of God in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… God's Word Is True Above All Opinions… Romans 12:2 Renew your mind to what God's Word says… Believe God's Word Above All Opinion… Philippians 4:13 We can do all things through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Philippians 4:19 God will provide all your needs… Romans 10:17 Faith In God comes from hearing God's Word… Isaiah 54:17 No weapon will prosper against me… 1 John 4:4 Greater is He In All Of Us… 1 John 1:9 Confess your sins God Will Cleanse You… John 3:3 You Must Be Born Again… Luke 15:10 Heaven Rejoices Over One Person That Repents And Is Born Again… John 3:16 Believe On The Lord Jesus Christ Your Lord And Savior… 1 Peter 2:24 Healing… Mark 10:29-30 100 Fold Return… Luke 6:38 Give and it will be given unto you… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media Website https://the-prodigalson.com What God's Word Can Do In Your Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJWTZG_x2vE&t=3s Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 … Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured
It's Christmas Eve. A holiday celebrated by 2.4 billion people around the world, which centers on a 2,000-year-old story about a Jewish man born in Bethlehem who became a rabbi, who the Romans would later execute in Jerusalem. But what most people don't know is that the first people who believed in Jesus did not think they were starting a new religion. They were a small group of Jews who thought of themselves as history's last generation, with Jesus as their Messiah. Of course, as we all know now, they were not history's last generation. Instead, they became history's first Christians. How did that happen? When did Christ's followers begin to see themselves as distinct and separate from Judaism? Why did some Jews refuse to accept Christ as the Messiah? And how was that refusal, and the anti-Judaism of the early Christians, directly connected to the antisemitism burning across the globe today? These first few centuries are essential for understanding not just Christianity and Judaism, but the way ideas spread, and why many of the ideas of this period—good ones, and also some very bad ones—still persist in our world today. My guest today, Paula Fredriksen, has spent her career studying this period of history. She is one of the world's leading scholars of early Christianity and the author of many books including: When Christians Were Jews: The First Generation, Paul: The Pagans' Apostle, and Ancient Christianities: The First Five Hundred Years. Paula was born in Rhode Island and now lives in Jerusalem, just 20 minutes from Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified. This conversation is a Christmas special you won't want to miss. The Free Press earns a commission from any purchases made through all book links in this article. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It may seem like you have been working endlessly to accomplish your vision with little to no success. But whatever God has called you to do, it has a due season for success. However, the caveat to receiving your due season is not to quit and not to lose faith. In today's message, build up your faith to step into your due season. Luke 9:62 KJV, Hebrews 6:12 KJV, Hebrews 11:1 KJV, Ecclesiastes 3:1–2 KJV, Psalm 66:12 NLT, Leviticus 26:3–4 KJV, Deuteronomy 11:13–14 KJV, Galatians 6:9 KJV, Isaiah 55:11 KJV, Romans 2:11 KJV, Luke 12:42–46 KJV __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com Leave a Comment: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/comments __________
Romans 9:14 — Does God really choose who to save? How should one respond after hearing the truth about the doctrine of election? For some, this is the hardest concept to grasp in all of theology. In this sermon on Romans 9:14 titled “A Right Approach,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains Paul's exclamation by first stating that one should never try to manipulate the Scripture of God to make it fit what they want it to say. He then goes on to outline several viewpoints of how people might respond after hearing the true teaching of election and salvation. In the second part of this message, Dr. Lloyd-Jones asks how someone should respond. First, they should be thankful that the apostle Paul never skirts around the issue. Just because something is difficult to grasp does not give permission to dismiss it from Scripture. One should always be careful of the inner spirit when dealing with this issue. One should never approach it with a bipartisan attitude or by debating it. Finally, one should always acknowledge that the Scripture is the word of God and the Christian must submit themselves to the whole of it even when they do not understand. Election is how God carries out his perfect plan and they should know that not all things are meant for human understanding. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111
Join Pastor Derek Neider in this inspiring episode of The Daily Devotional as he kicks off a powerful new series on the book of Matthew. Through thoughtful reflections, Derek encourages us to embrace our calling to serve Christ wholeheartedly and live out our faith with purpose and surrender.Tune in for insightful teachings, practical application, and a fresh perspective on what it means to live as servants of the gospel. This is just the beginning—there's so much more to come as we journey through Romans together!Thank you for listening! Here are some ways to learn more and stay connected!New to faith? Click here!Learn more about Pastor Derek NeiderFollow Derek on Instagramor FacebookSubscribe to email Subscribe to the daily devotionalExplore recent messages!This podcast was created by Pastor Derek Neider as a ministry of Awaken Las Vegas.Visit our website. We are located at 7175 W. Oquendo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89113. Our gathering times are 9am & 11am Sundays and 6:30pm Thursdays.
Today is day 358 and we are studying the Section on Justification and Sanctification: Living in Forgiveness and Healing. 359. What do you receive through Christ's sacrifice? I receive the unmerited gift of God's grace. If I confess my sins, God grants me forgiveness and pardon through Christ's blood shed for me. (Psalm 32:1–2; Isaiah 53:10–11; John 3:16–18; 2 Corinthians 5:19–21; Hebrews 9:11–15; 1 John 1:8–9; 2:1–2) 360. How does God enable you to live in his forgiveness? Through faith, repentance, and Baptism, I am made a member of Christ, a child of God, and an heir of the kingdom of heaven. Washed of sin and united to Christ, I am “justified,” being declared righteous by God, and I am given the grace to live continually in repentance and faith. (Psalm 130:4; John 15:26–16:1; Acts 22:16; Romans 5:12–21; Titus 3:3–8) Our prayers today are the Collect for Friday of Easter Week found on page 611 and Proper 21 on page 620 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Pastor Alan R. Knapp discusses the topic of "We See Jesus's Eyes" in his series entitled "Hebrews 2020: We See Jesus (2X)" This is Increment 110 and it focuses on the following verses: Hebrews 4:12-14, 19:14 cf. Matthew 9:4; Mark 10:17-22
It's Christmas Eve.Matthew 1:23 reminds us that a child was born, and they called Him Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” This episode invites you to pause in the middle of the season and remember that His presence is here and His comfort is near. Here's what you'll hear in this week's episodeWhat the name Immanuel means and how it traces from Hebrew → Greek → EnglishWhy Matthew's use of the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14 is “the essence of Christmas” (Tony Evans)Insights from Enduring Word, Charles Spurgeon, and John Wesley on what “God with us” reveals about the miracle of the IncarnationAngie's honest reflection on asking, Where was God for her? Where was God for me?, and the moment she remembered He was still thereThe lie we often believe: “If God is really with me, why am I hurting?” and the truth that His presence is proven by faithfulness, not easeThe comfort of Romans 8:38–39: nothing can separate us from the love of the God who came near ResourcesWhen Church Hurts: Finding Truth After Spiritual Wounds is a gentle, Scripture-based resource for anyone healing from church hurt or spiritual disappointment.Download When Church Hurts here:https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/churchhurtThe Step By Step Starter Kit is a free bundle of tools designed to help you study Scripture with confidence, one verse at a time.Get your free Starter Kit here:https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/starter-kit-fall-25If you're ready to take another step toward community, consider joining us for Gather, our upcoming study inside Steady On University. Together we'll explore worship, community, and the sacred rhythms God gave His people. Classes begin January 8, 2026.Learn more about SOU here:https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/nNuXFKn/sou Verse of the Week“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us').”Matthew 1:23 (NIV) Connect with Angie and Steady On: http://www.livesteadyon.comTheme Music: Glimmer by Andy Ellison
Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners Jesus's reminder to consider the ravens and how GOD takes care of them and are we not more valuable than the birds. Scripture References: Luke 9:23; Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 12:24; Romans 3:23; John 3:16; John 21:25; Matthew 10:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Ephesians 2:8-9; LUke 1:1-4; Luke 12:13-24; Proverbs 3:5-6; 2 Corinthians 5:7 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible. “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code. I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters in the Holy Bible. The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals. Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING? CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up. https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website: https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com Support the show
Daily Dose of Hope December 24, 2025 Scripture – Acts 23 Prayer: Loving God, As we come before you on this Christmas Eve, we thank you for the love that binds us together. Bless each member of our church family and fill our homes with warmth and joy. For those who are alone, please give them peace and comfort that only you can give. For those who are dealing with struggle and difficulty, Lord, give them peace. Remind them that you are there to guide, lead, and provide strength. And continue to speak to us, Lord Jesus, as we make our way through your Word. We need to hear from you, Emmanuel – God with us. More of you and less of me. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading. We have been on a journey, reading through the Gospels and the book of Acts. Today, we walk through Acts 23. Early on in this chapter, we find Paul speaking before the high council and things aren't going well. He gets slapped by the high priest and there is violent disagreement on the council how to deal with him. The discord is so bad that Paul actually has to leave the location. Paul's fate seems uncertain at best. And then, when all seems lost, God speaks clearly to Paul, telling him to be encouraged, for this would not be the end; he would carry the message of the Gospel all the way to Rome! I read this chapter and it immediately brought to mind what Paul himself writes to the Romans in 8:28, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Paul has been through so much at this point, including fear, extreme discomfort, and physical pain. He probably thought Jerusalem was going to be the end for him and he was at peace with that. But God had something else in mind. God wanted to use Paul's bold witness to bring the Gospel further, to higher levels of government, so that more could believe. What seems like desperate times to humans, God can redeem for his own purposes. What has God redeemed in your life? I know that in the midst of dire circumstances, it is often difficult to see God at work. But later, when we have perspective, we can see how God took what was dark and ugly and brought something good from it. I should say that bringing something good out of a painful situation doesn't mean fixing it for us but rather demonstrating his glory. This is sometimes hard for us to wrap our human brains around. I think it takes lots of prayer and lots of trust. Blessings, Pastor Vicki
But have you discovered, like me, that's the way life is? There's option a and option b. There's the easy way, God's way, grace way, Holy Spirit way. And then there is option B. The hard way, my way, selfish way, the sin struggle way. Paul says here at the end of Romans 7; there's a b. There's the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus. There's the law of sins and death. There's the law of God in my mind. There's the law of sin and death in my members. There's option a and option b. And everyday, we live in the realm of choices! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1170/29?v=20251111
Today on the Christmas Eve edition of Sound Doctrine we'll see the hope we have in Jesus Christ and what awaits us in heaven. As we explore the great hope we have in Christ, We pray you're left with an encouraged heart. We'll be covering Romans chapter eight, and verses twenty through twenty-seven. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/621/29?v=20251111
Growing In God Podcast Program Number: GIG #281 Title: Christmas, Celebrating the Son of Man Web Description: The symbolism that most often defines Christmas is the Nativity scene. And the Nativity scene is about the reality that Christ, the Messiah, the Savior, the King of kings, was born and lived as a human being. At Christmas we are not celebrating His divinity. We are celebrating His humanity. We are celebrating the fact that He came to earth as a man who went through everything we go through and is thus able to lead us and help us through everything. Show Notes: At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Yeshua (Jesus). When we do that, we are celebrating the birth of a human baby. Yet in our Christian faith, we think of Christ as a divine figure who always moved in a divine way. But the Christmas story is the opposite of that. The Christmas story tells us that He was a vulnerable baby who had to be cared for and protected. He had to be raised and taught like any human child. As Christians we tend to put Christ so far above us that He is unattainable in today's life. We think, "He was perfect, but I am caught in my flesh, and I can't get out of it." That viewpoint is unscriptural. The Scriptures teach us that the Messiah is a human being. Yeshua was not born perfect. He learned obedience through the things that he suffered. He was made perfect by what He went through, just as we are being made perfect because of what we go through. Yeshua could not be the Messiah without living in the flesh. He had to share in flesh and blood. He had to partake in the same things we partake in. He had to feel what we feel. He had to experience what we experience because He is our help. He is the aid to those who are tempted because He faced it all. He overcame the circumstances, the stress, the oppression, the futility of living in this earth where satan surrounded all that He did, seeking to kill Him every day. Therefore, He is able to help us through all those things in our daily lives. Key Verses: • Read Luke 2:1–52. • 2 Corinthians 5:16. "We have known Christ according to the flesh." • Matthew 6:10. "Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." • Acts 1:6. "Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?" • Hebrews 2:14–18. "Since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same." • Hebrews 5:7–11. "Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered." • Hebrews 4:14–16. "We do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses." • Hebrews 7:24–25. "Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him." • Romans 8:27–39. "Those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren." Quotes: • "If we are going to truly celebrate the concept that is called Christmas, it is about Him being born. It is about Him living in a human life." • "I know we will live in the days of glory. I know that we will live with Him in His Kingdom. But right now in the days of our flesh, we need help." • "He lived in the flesh. And in the flesh, He was successful in being a human who related to God, who was filled with the Holy Spirit, who was enabled to move and enact and bring the will of God into the earth." Takeaways: 1. Let us celebrate Christmas this year by identifying with our Messiah as a human being—a son of man.[SP1] 2. Let us celebrate that Yeshua did not exercise His divinity during His days on earth, but He was tempted in all things and felt our every human suffering. There is nothing we go through in our lives that He cannot relate to. 3. Let us celebrate that Yeshua lives to intercede for us every day and ministers to us in our times of crisis and need. He is our Messiah. Our lives are meant to be lived in Him and through Him.
THE JOY OF SALVATION John 1:14-18 "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." — John 1:14 ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this powerful Christmas sermon, Pastor Ben Smith explores one of the most profound truths in all of Scripture: the eternal God became flesh to save sinful man. This exposition of John 1:14-18 challenges listeners to guard against familiarity with the gospel and to behold afresh the glorious wonder of the incarnation. SERMON OUTLINE I. The Word Became Flesh to Reveal God's Glory (vv. 14-15) • Through His presence • Through the truth II. The Word Became Flesh to Show God's Grace (vv. 16-17) • Fulfillment of the law • Transformation to righteousness III. The Word Became Flesh to Provide Salvation (v. 18) • To know God • To be at peace with God KEY THEMES - The Incarnation of Christ - Glory of God revealed in Jesus - Grace upon grace - The once-for-all sacrifice - Peace with God through Christ's atonement - Victory over death SCRIPTURES REFERENCED John 1:1-3, 14-18 | John 3:16 | John 14:7 | Genesis 3 | Exodus | Revelation 21:3 | 2 Corinthians 4:4 | 2 Corinthians 5:17 | Ephesians 1:3-5 | Romans 3:23 | Romans 5:10 | Romans 8:2 | Romans 10:9-10 | Hebrews 10:11-12 | Luke 2:14 | 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 ABOUT PASTOR BEN SMITH Ben Smith, Sr. serves as the pastor of Central Baptist Church in Waycross, Georgia. He is committed to expository preaching and teaching that is rooted in Scripture and theologically sound. CONNECT Website: www.BenSmithSr.org Sermon Manuscripts: www.BenSmithSr.org/store © 2025 Benjamin E. Smith Sr. All rights reserved.
December 24 2025 Wednesday Who Jesus Made You To Be / Week 06 Filled With Faith And Love #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word. That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. My Prayers For The World Ephesians 1:15-23 NLT 'Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God's people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.' Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT 'When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.' Matthew 11:28 Find Rest In Jesus Christ Your Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30 100 Fold Return… Psalm 37:4 God will give you the desires of your heart… The Galations, having launched their Christian experience by faith, seem content to leave their voyage of faith and chart a new course based on works—a course Paul finds disturbing. His letter to the Galations is a vigorous attack against the gospel of works and a defense of the gospel of faith. Paul begins by setting forth his credentials as an apostle with a message from God: blessing comes from God on the basis of faith, not law. The law declares men guilty and imprisons them; faith sets men free to enjoy liberty in Christ. But liberty is not license. Freedom in Christ means freedom to produce the fruits of righteousness through a Spirit-led lifesty 1 Timothy 1:14 Romans 10:9-10 Salvation… 1 John 1:9 Confess your sins God Will Cleanse You… Romans 13:8 Live in God's Love… Romans 8:16-17 Heirs of God and Joint Heirs with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Revelation 1:6 We are kings and priest in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Romans 10:13 Call On The Name Of Jesus And Make Him Lord today… The Biblical Definition Of Grace Is God's Unmerited Favor… Matthew 18:19-20 I will agree with you about your prayer request… Acts 10:34 God is not a respecter of persons. He loves and cares for us all the same… Romans 12:3 God has given us His Faith… Biblical Hope Is A Confident Expectation… Romans 5:5 God has given us His Love… 2 Corinthians 5:17 We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21 We are the Righteousness of God in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… God's Word Is True Above All Opinions… Romans 12:2 Renew your mind to what God's Word says… Believe God's Word Above All Opinion… Philippians 4:13 We can do all things through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Philippians 4:19 God will provide all your needs… Romans 10:17 Faith In God comes from hearing God's Word… Isaiah 54:17 No weapon will prosper against me… 1 John 4:4 Greater is He In All Of Us… 1 John 1:9 Confess your sins God Will Cleanse You… John 3:3 You Must Be Born Again… Luke 15:10 Heaven Rejoices Over One Person That Repents And Is Born Again… John 3:16 Believe On The Lord Jesus Christ Your Lord And Savior… 1 Peter 2:24 Healing… Mark 10:29-30 100 Fold Return… Luke 6:38 Give and it will be given unto you… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media Website https://the-prodigalson.com What God's Word Can Do In Your Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJWTZG_x2vE&t=3s Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 … Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured
In this Catholic Answers Live episode, we examine the Catholic understanding of justification in light of Scripture. The discussion begins with James 2:24 and the question of being “justified by works,” followed by the Church's rejection of works preceding initial justification. We then explain how Catholics reconcile good works with grace through cooperation, respond to Romans 3:28 and “works of the law,” and conclude with a defense of Sacred Tradition alongside Scripture. A clear, step-by-step breakdown of how faith, grace, works, and tradition fit together in Catholic teaching. Topics Covered: 05:45 – We're Justified by Works—James 2:24 18:01 – The Catholic Rejection of Works Preceding Initial Justification 30:28 – The Catholic Attempt to Reconcile Our Good Works with Grace—“We Must Cooperate with grace” 36:38 – The Catholic Counter to Romans 3:28—“We are Justified by Faith and Not Works of the Law” 49:35 – The Catholic's Appeal to Oral Traditions Beyond Scripture
Get cozy and settle in as I tell you a true scary story sent in by a real person... Today's spooky stories were sent in by Ella E. and Roman S. Shout out to Ella & Roman, thank you for making this a mutually spooky mood~ Follow us for more @rattledandshook or send us a message from rattledandshook.com Host: Meredith @meredithstedman Production Team: Meredith Stedman, Audrey Sliger, Steven Perez, and Jordan Foxworthy Original Music: Makeup And Vanity Set Original Cover Artwork by Puppyteeth 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
Romans 9:10-13 — What does the apostle Paul mean when he speaks of God electing people? There are few questions more controversial than this one. In this sermon on Romans 9:10–13 titled “God's New Humanity,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones seeks to answer this particularly important question. He notes that throughout Scripture God chooses men and women to serve and follow Him. The great apostle Paul argues in this passage that salvation comes because God chooses to save sinners and to make them part of the body of Christ. This divine decision is not based on anything that they do nor is it based on any merit in them, but it is wholly a result of God's great love. The decision does not mean that God simply renovates fallen sinners in Adam, but He elects them into the body of Christ as children and heirs. While there is no doubt that this is a controversial and debated passage, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones exhorts the listener to not flee from difficult passages in Scripture, but to use their God-gifted mind to seek to understand His Word. This doctrine ought to lead the Christian to look not to themselves, but to look to God who saves them because He is just and righteous and not because of anything in themselves. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111
Why do opossums play dead, and how tiny are their babies? Why does an opossum's eyes glow at night? Discover God's design in North America's only marsupial, the opossum!Here's our trail map:Why Do Opossums Have Pouches?How Small Is an Opossum Baby?Why Does an Opossum Play Dead?Did Jesus Actually Die On the Cross, and Why?Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Try CTCMath for free and enjoy their 12-month money back guarantee: https://ctcmath.com/Marvels of Creation 3-book set by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/marvels-of-creation-3-book-packExplore all of Master Books Christ-centered books, curriculum, and resources: https://www.masterbooks.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videosGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Opossum Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/why-do-opossums-play-dead/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“But one of the soldiers stuck his spear into Jesus' side, and at once blood and water came out.” John 19:34 (NCV)“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:8 (ESV)“Christ had no sin, but God made him become sin so that in Christ we could become right with God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NCV)“Christ himself suffered for sins once. He was not guilty, but he suffered for those who are guilty to bring you to God. His body was killed, but he was made alive in the spirit.” 1 Peter 3:18 (NCV)“But God shows his great love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still sinners. So through Christ we will surely be saved from God's anger, because we have been made right with God by the blood of Christ's death.” Romans 5:8-9 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Marsupial: A group of mammals that have very tiny babies which are born early and then crawl into a pouch on the mother's belly to keep growing. Inside the pouch, the baby drinks milk and stays warm and safe.Nocturnal: Creatures that are mostly active at night.Tapetum Lucidum:...
Join Pastor Derek Neider in this inspiring episode of The Daily Devotional as he kicks off a powerful new series on the book of Matthew. Through thoughtful reflections, Derek encourages us to embrace our calling to serve Christ wholeheartedly and live out our faith with purpose and surrender.Tune in for insightful teachings, practical application, and a fresh perspective on what it means to live as servants of the gospel. This is just the beginning—there's so much more to come as we journey through Romans together!Thank you for listening! Here are some ways to learn more and stay connected!New to faith? Click here!Learn more about Pastor Derek NeiderFollow Derek on Instagramor FacebookSubscribe to email Subscribe to the daily devotionalExplore recent messages!This podcast was created by Pastor Derek Neider as a ministry of Awaken Las Vegas.Visit our website. We are located at 7175 W. Oquendo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89113. Our gathering times are 9am & 11am Sundays and 6:30pm Thursdays.
Today's Promise: Romans 15:13 Today's episode is a little different; slower, quieter, and deeply prayerful. In the middle of the holiday rush, when our hearts and minds can feel pulled in a dozen directions, the Lord brought to mind a verse that is less a promise to be explained and more a prayer to be received. In this episode, I share the Apostle Paul's prayer from Romans 15:13 and make it my personal prayer for you. We serve the God of hope. The One who fills His people with joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. This joy is not rooted in perfect circumstances but in confident trust in Jesus Christ. This peace comes from resting in the truth that God is sovereign and that nothing can separate us from His presence. As you listen, be reminded that hope is not something you manufacture; it is something God graciously gives. And He gives it in abundance, overflowing and life-giving. This Christmas, my prayer is that the God of hope fills your heart with joy, peace, and a renewed confidence in Him.
Small Business Sales & Strategy | How to Grow Sales, Sales Strategy, Christian Entrepreneur
As we close out 2025 and step toward a new year, I'm sharing something personal, prayer-led, and foundational for how I'm approaching business in 2026: my word of the year—UNCOMMON. In this episode of How to Grow My Small Business, I walk you through how God gave me this word early, what it means biblically and practically, and how it's shaping the way I'm thinking about business growth, relationships, income, community, and obedience in the year ahead. If you're a Christian entrepreneur, faith-led business owner, or small business leader who wants results that don't come from hustle culture, burnout, or copying what everyone else is doing—this episode is for you. We talk about what it really looks like to be set apart in business, how to build uncommon relationships instead of chasing visibility, and why faith + profit belong together when stewardship is done well. In this episode, you'll learn: Why “uncommon” is my word for 2026 and how God revealed it What uncommon means biblically (set apart, distinct, not conforming to the world) How to pursue uncommon business results without doing more or being everywhere What uncommon looks like in: business relationships and community building serving clients with excellence and discernment income, stewardship, and money mindset Why uncommon businesses are built on relationships—not algorithms The difference between chasing money and stewarding revenue What I'm intentionally leaving behind in 2025 How obedience (not pressure) will define my strategy in 2026 Reflection questions to help you discern your word for the year Scripture referenced: Romans 12:2 – Do not conform to the pattern of this world Colossians 3:23–24 – Working with excellence as unto the Lord Resources mentioned: Screen-Free Challenge (21 Days)
Today is day 357 and we are studying the Section on Justification and Sanctification: Living in Forgiveness and Healing. 357. Is it possible for you to keep these commandments? No. I fail to keep them perfectly, however hard I try. They show me my inability to obey God's Law and my need for God's grace in Christ Jesus. (1 Kings 8:46; Psalms 53:2–3; 130:3; Proverbs 20:9; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:9–20; 1 John 1:8, 10) 358. Since you cannot perfectly keep God's Law, what has Jesus done on your behalf? As the perfect human and unblemished Lamb of God, Jesus lived a wholly obedient and sinless life. He suffered death for my redemption upon the Cross, offering himself once for all as a “full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world.” (“Holy Communion, Anglican Standard Text,” Book of Common Prayer 2019; see also Isaiah 53:4–6; Mark 10:45; John 1:29; Romans 8:3–4; Colossians 2:13–15; Hebrews 10:10–14) Our prayers today are Proper 17 found on page 619 and The Pascha Nostrum on page 16 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners David's actions and declaration after his child had died.Scripture References: Ephesians 5:15-17; 2 Samuel 12:23; Psalm 119:160; John 17:17; 1 Corinthians 10:6; Romans 3:23; 2 Samuel 11; 2 Samuel 12:9-23; Mark 10:13-16 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible. “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code. I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters in the Holy Bible. The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals. Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING? CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up. https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website: https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com Support the show
In Part 3 of our Foretold Christmas series, Pastor Robey explores how the story of Christmas has always pointed beyond the manger to the resurrection of Jesus. Beginning with a lighthearted family tradition of cutting down a Christmas tree, this message uncovers the deep biblical symbolism behind Christmas and shows how Jesus' resurrection was foretold throughout the Old Testament. Walking through Romans 1 and key prophetic passages, Pastor Robey reveals how the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus are inseparably connected—fueling our faith, giving hope in suffering, and calling us to trust fully in Christ this Christmas.
God Reminds Those Who Want a Deeper Relationship with Him of His Expectations for Their Management of His Resources He Provided Them MESSAGE SUMMARY: As followers of Jesus, we want to go deeper in our personal relationship with God. However, God tells some of us that we must start being more responsible for the material things that He has provided before we can go deeper into spiritual revelations. Also, many of us, while seeking to know the Lord better, want to know His will in our lives and for the World. At the same time, we want to be filled with the Holy Spirit. In Mathew 6:19-21, Jesus is telling us that all that we have, which we tend to call our own, really comes from God. God has expectations for our good management of His resources in our personal relationship with Him: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.". God tells us that we are to be good managers of His gifts; however, in Luke 12:19-21, Jesus completes a parable about a man who thought that all his assets were his and not from God: “'And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”. Pointedly, God is telling us that if we cannot be responsible for the earthly treasures, which He has provided us, then how can we be responsible for His Spiritual treasures that He wants to provide us as we seek to deepen our personal relationship with Him? TODAY'S PRAYER: Most merciful God I confess that I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbors as myself. I am truly sorry and I humbly repent. For the sake of your son Jesus Christ, have mercy on me and forgive me; that I might delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of Your Name. Amen. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Compulsions. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Patience. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Mathew 25:14-30; Luke 12:13-21; Romans 3:19-20; Psalms 21:1-13. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “A Christmas Message – What God Has Done For Us”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB
Joel continues his journey through the Book of Romans, chapter 6, verses 1-2.
Romans 10:8-17 Printable Outline: 12-21-25 Sermon audio: 12-21-25
Fourth Sunday of Advent | Rev. Danny Bryant | Isaiah 7:10-16 | Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 | Romans 1:1-7 | Matthew 1:18-25 | December 21st, 2025 | St. Mary of Bethany Parish (Nashville, TN)
Joel continues his journey through the Book of Romans, chapter 5, verses 11-12.
Joel continues his journey through the Book of Romans, chapter 5, verses 13-15.
Joel continues his journey through the Book of Romans, chapter 5, verses 15-19.
Joel continues his journey through the Book of Romans, chapter 5, verses 20-21.
Before Jesus could speak or walk, He was carried by ordinary people into the heart of the city. This Advent season, discover how God still chooses everyday people like you and me to carry His Son into our communities.In this message from our "Go Tell It" series, we explore Luke 2:22-38 and learn from Mary, Joseph, and a faithful man named Simeon about what it means to bring Jesus into the spaces we step into every single day.IN THIS EPISODE:How Mary and Joseph carried baby Jesus into bustling Jerusalem—and what that means for us todayWhy God chooses ordinary people to carry extraordinary news into our citiesThe powerful story of Simeon, who waited his entire life for a divine appointmentA practical DC Metro story about being obedient to the Holy Spirit's promptingUnderstanding that God has already prepared people to meet His SonWhy the outcome isn't up to us, but our obedience isA simple Advent challenge to carry Jesus to one person or place this weekKEY SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:22-38 | Romans 6:23KEY TAKEAWAYS:God chooses ordinary people like you and me to carry Jesus into every space we step into. If you're a follower of Jesus, you have God's Spirit IN you—and you carry Him wherever you go. Emmanuel means "God with us." Always with us.God has already prepared people to meet His Son. He goes before us. He prepares hearts. He arranges divine appointments. He orchestrates moments we could never plan. Your job is to show up and open your mouth!Someone in your city is waiting. Somewhere near you, someone is discouraged and waiting for hope, lonely and waiting for connection, hurting and waiting for healing, or searching and waiting for truth. God may be planning to meet them through YOU.THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE:Choose one person or one place to intentionally carry Jesus to this week. Grab our community blessing postcard (or choose your own location—emergency services, schools, medical offices, neighbors). Gather a few people and deliver cookies, coffee, a meal, or a simple gift.While you're there, say: "Because of what Jesus has done in my life, I wanted to do this one small act to share Him with you." Then ask how you can pray for them.Keep it simple. Set a date. And GO!REFLECTION QUESTIONS:Who is your "Simeon"—someone God has already prepared to meet Jesus through you?What conversation or divine appointment might God be preparing for you this week?How has someone else carried Jesus to you in your life?What's holding you back from speaking up about Jesus in your everyday spaces?Connect with Grand Point Church:
This is the final week in our study of 400 years of Kings and Prophets from Solomon to Jeremiah. King Josiah • Young King seeks God • Spiritual cleansing of Jerusalem • Book of the Law discovered • Reform beyond Judah • Passover observance - King Josiah gives an order to all people to observe God's Passover. This had not been celebrated according to what was written, not even in the days of the judges, nor in the days of any of the kings of Israel and Judah. Josiah made sure the celebration was carried out according to what was written in the Book of the Covenant. He, like David, was a man after God's own heart. He reads the scriptures and applies them and a time of revival begins. We read in 2 Kings 23:25 "Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did - with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses." • Death at Megiddo - A prophetic word comes from Huldah telling Josiah of the judgment that is coming from God against the people, but that because Josiah's heart was repentant he would not see the judgment that would come. During this time there was great international upheaval between Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon. 2 Kings 23:29 "While Josiah was king, Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt went up to the Euphrates River to help the king of Assyria. King Josiah marched out to meet him in battle, but Necho faced him and killed him at Megiddo." Jeremiah and the nation were devastated by the loss of king Josiah. Then Josiah's 3 sons reign. None were the king that their father was. They returned to the old ways for faithlessness to God. Josiah's 3 Sons • Jehoahaz - 2 Kings 23:31-33; 2 Chronicles 36:1-3 - reigned 3 month doing evil in the eyes of the Lord. He was imprisoned by Pharaoh Necho of Egypt, who was the one who had killed his father. Jehoahaz dies in Egypt. • Jehoiakim - 2 Kings 23:34 - 24:7; 2 Chronicles 36:4-8 - reigned 11 years and did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He was an evil and inefficient ruler. Constructed a new palace and Jeremiah denounces him for ignoring the people and ignoring God. Jehoiakim rejects Jeremiah and even burns the first copy of the book of Jeremiah. (Jeremiah 36:23) The city of Jerusalem is overtaken in 605 BC by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and many of the people are deported to Babylon. (Daniel was one that was taken - Daniel 1:1-2). When Jehoiakim dies he is given the "burial of a donkey." Jeremiah 22:13-19. Johoiachin, his son reigns for 3 months doing evil like his father and was taken captive by Babylon - 2 Kings 24:8-16; 2 Chronicles 36:9-10 • Zedekiah - 2 Kings 24:17 - 25:21; 2 Chronicles 36:11-21; Jeremiah 39:1-10 - reigns for 11 years and he did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Zedekiah breaks the treaty with Babylon (Ezekiel 17:18). He looks to Egypt for deliverance but didn't receive any. The false prophets encouraged him in his evil ways. Jeremiah warns Zedekiah of coming suffering and prophecies. But Zedekiah does not change his way and Jerusalem falls to the Babylonians and Zedekiah dies in a tragic way. Jeremiah 39:6-7. And so ends our study with the nation, the city of Jerusalem a the Temple destroyed in 586 B.C. Interestingly enough the Temple would once again be destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D. in the same month, on the same day. This was a day Jesus predicted because they did not recognize Him and had rejected Him. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class Join us Sundays https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.
#36 in our series, "The Book of Romans: A Theology of Hope"
Series: Romans (Brenneman 2024-2026)Service: Wednesday Bible StudyType: Bible ClassSpeaker: Mike Brenneman
Tuesday, 23 December 2025 Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.” Matthew 15:14 “You leave them! They are blind, blind-conductors. And blind, if they should conduct, both – they will fall into a pit” (CG). In the previous verse, Jesus told His disciples that every plant His heavenly Father had not planted would be uprooted. He now says, “You leave them!” The words are imperative. Their instruction is based on corruption, not the truth. What the Father plants is truth, but the devil only sows lies, confusion, etc. To explain further, Jesus says, “They are blind, blind-conductors.” A new word is seen here, hodégos. It is from hodos, way, and hégeomai, to lead. Thus, it speaks of one who leads in the way, and thus a conductor. With the adjective blind attached to the thought, they are conductors of the blind. And yet, Jesus notes that they, too, are blind. Paul, speaking to the Jews in Romans 2, uses the opposite terminology to describe the way they felt about themselves, even though they acted contrary to their teachings – “Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, 18 and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, 19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law. 21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say, ‘Do not commit adultery,' do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? 24 For ‘the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,' as it is written.” Romans 2:17-24 This is the attitude that Jesus rebukes in these leaders of Israel. They were blind leading blind people. It is a recipe for disaster. He next says, “And blind, if they should conduct, both – they will fall into a pit.” It is an obvious truth. When a blind person is conducted, it is where the conductor takes him. He is placing his trust in the one leading him. But if the conductor himself is blind, any step he takes could bring him to the edge of a pit. The next step will see him tumbling in along with the one he was charged to lead. Now imagine one who is willfully blind, like these leaders of Israel. They were disregarding the law and causing others who were untrained in the law to follow them – “One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination. 10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, He himself will fall into his own pit; But the blameless will inherit good.” Proverbs 28:9, 10 Isaiah prophesied of Israel's blindness. It was a chronic condition with them – “Hear, you deaf; And look, you blind, that you may see. 19 Who is blind but My servant, Or deaf as My messenger whom I send? Who is blind as he who is perfect, And blind as the Lord's servant? 20 Seeing many things, but you do not observe; Opening the ears, but he does not hear.” Isaiah 42 Life application: Think of the variety of doctrinal disputes between Christian instructors: *Israel are God's people vs. Israel are not God's people. *The church replaced Israel vs. Israel and the church are separate entities. *Salvation is eternal vs. Salvation can be lost. *There is such a thing as the rapture. There will be a pre-trib rapture. There will be a mid-trib rapture. There will be a post-trib rapture. *The church began at Pentecost vs. the church began with Paul's conversion. *Believers are free from the law. Believers must adhere to the law. Believers are free from the civil law but are bound to the moral law. *The Sabbath must be observed. A Christian Sabbath must be observed. No Sabbath is necessary. *Bacon is bad vs. bacon is good. On and on it goes, with ten thousand points of doctrine. When a teacher is wrong in his doctrine, he is blind, at least in that area. But he is now leading others who are blind because they have never been taught to see properly. Imagine something as critical as law observance, and what Paul says about that – “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:8, 9 People who teach observance of the law, the subject of Paul's letter to the Galatians, are exactly the type of people Jesus was speaking about. They are blind, and they are leading others into the same pit they are in. How can you know if you are being taught something incorrectly? The only way to even have a hint of it is by at least being aware of the source of what you are being taught. In the case of Christianity, the source is Jesus. The place to find instruction about Him is in His word. So be sure to read your Bible daily. It is important. Glorious God, wisdom is found within You. Help us to pursue You and to desire to know the truth of what Your word tells us. So many people teach so many different things. So, Lord, as we read Your word, give us sound and proper insight into what it says. Help us to be wise as we look for instructors of Your word to guide us. Amen.
Appointed by the Romans as king of Judaea, King Herod's reign was defined by great architectural projects and canny diplomacy. But he could also be cruel and paranoid, with scandal and family intrigue marring his rule. King Herod even appears as an unlikely and unlikeable character in the Christmas tale; the king who ordered the execution of children in an effort to kill Jesus. But did this really happen?Dan is joined by Seth Schwartz, professor of Classical Jewish Civilisation at Columbia University, to explore the life of this ancient king and the Hellenistic world in which he ruled.Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.This episode was first released in December 2023.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.We'd love to hear your feedback - you can take part in our podcast survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on.You can also email the podcast directly at ds.hh@historyhit.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When God gives you a calling, He is not putting pressure on you to achieve it all within a certain time frame. He has given you your entire life to fulfill your calling. If you feel pressure, that pressure is coming from Satan, not God. Therefore, don't condemn yourself for not having achieved more by some artificial due date. Instead, enjoy the journey, and achieve your calling free from time considerations. Take a listen to today's message to learn more about this concept. Proverbs 13:12 KJV, Proverbs 21:2 KJV, Proverbs 20:5 KJV, Romans 8:1 KJV, Revelation 12:10 KJV __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com Leave a Comment: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/comments __________
In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, Kristen Hatton unpacks the five P's of parenting to help parents become more self-aware, stay motivated toward their children, and lead their homes with gospel-centered purpose and hope.Kristen is a counselor who works with teenage girls, parents, and families. She's the author of Parenting Ahead, Face Time, Get Your Story Straight, and The Gospel-Centered Life in Exodus for Students. Kristen lives in Dallas with her pastor husband and is the mom of three young adults and a son-in-law. Learn more at www.kristenhatton.com. Romans 8:31-37Psalm 61:1-4 Romans 8 for ParentsWhy Teenagers Need to Know that God is For Us by Steve Eatmon Mom and Dad, Nothing Can Separate You from the Love of Christ by Dan Hallock Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates Register for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago
In this special Christmas episode of the Blended Kingdom Families Podcast, Scott and Vanessa Martindale reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and how families can experience joy and hope even during stressful seasons of life.They discuss how blended family dynamics, busy schedules, grief, and unresolved relationships can make the holidays challenging, yet remind listeners that the birth of Jesus brings good news of great joy for all people. Using scripture from Luke 2 and Romans 15, Scott and Vanessa encourage families to pause, reflect, forgive, and choose gratitude as they close out the year.This episode offers practical ways to keep Christ at the center of Christmas through prayer, reflection, family traditions, and meaningful conversations. Listeners are invited to end the year well and enter the next season with renewed faith, hope, and joy.We pray this episode blesses you today! Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community? Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/ For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website