Podcasts about Saturate

Ephesians 5 shows us that marriage is not just about husband and wife, but meant to be a picture of something bigger: how Christ loves His Bride, the Church. His love is agape - sacrificial, faithful, and steady. It calls us to lay down pride, to forgive, to serve, and to live in a way that points back to Him. This matters because we live in a world where it's easy to walk away when things get hard. But Jesus never walks away from His Church, even in our brokenness. If we belong to Him, we can't treat His Bride like an option. Our hope is in the One who loved us first and showed us what real commitment looks like. Join us as Stacey Cutshall reminds us that loving God and loving His Church are not separate. Even when the Church is messy or painful, we're still called to love it. Because when the Church loves like this, even through hurt and hardship, it becomes the clearest picture of Jesus to a watching world.

The title of my sermon is a play on words. The beginning of this chapter we are told that what comes out of our mouths by way of teaching will incur a stricter judgment; therefore, anything we teach concerning God or His word must fall into the category of sound doctrine. On the other hand, the noise we make with our speech is evidence of what is really in our heart. Words matter. I will take it one step furtherwords matter to God. Proverbs 18:21 puts it this way: Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Words matter. The Bible and Creation begins with words! The first words in our Bible are about the first words responsible for everything beautiful and living: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was a formless and desolate emptiness, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, Let there be light; and there was light (Gen. 1:1-3). I love these verses in Genesis! In the beginning there was nothing but God... until He had something to say about it! His words brought life. Then what follows in Genesis 1 is a series of phrases like: God said... God called... What made all that exists a reality were WORDS! Not just any words from any old mouth, the Words that came from God made everything and all of it was good. On the sixth day, God spoke more words: Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the livestock and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls on the earth. So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them (Gen. 1:26-27). Then, God used Words to bless the first couple by telling them: Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth. Listen to me... WORDS MATTER. Three chapters later, after God used His words to speak beauty and life into existence out of nothing, we are introduced to a serpent. In an effort to tempt Eve to sin against God, he got her to doubt the words of God spoken to Adam: But the Lord God warned him, You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the gardenexcept the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die (Gen 2:16-17; NLT). Listen carefully to what the serpent said to Eve and her husband: Did God really say...? and then proceeded to get Eve to doubt the word of God and His goodness towards her (see Gen. 3:1-5). Not only does God value His words, but He is concerned about the words of people too. Jesus even said, I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgement. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned (Matt. 12:36-37). Our Words Matter Concerning What We Say About God Chapter 3 begins with these sobering words: Do not become teachers in large numbers, my brothers, since you know that we who are teachers will incur a stricter judgment. Here is how the ESV translates this verse: Not many of you should become teachers..., which is the way most of the major English translations translate this verse. What is the point? The point is that what we say about God is serious and God takes what we say about Him seriously. James is warning us not to take on the mantle of teacher in the Church recklessly, for those who speak on Gods behalf will be held to a stricter judgment. Many rightfully apply this verse to the serious call of pastors who are entrusted with preaching the word of God such as myself. The passage Dr. Ed Hardesty selected to deliver at my ordination charge was from 2 Timothy 4:1-2, I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction. In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul instructed a young pastor and son in the faith with these words: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. The Bible reserves some of the harshest words for those who use the word of God to lead others from the truth of His word. In the Old Testament, we are told that if anyone claiming to be a prophet speaks claiming to speak on Gods behalf prophetically that God did not command him to speak, was to be put to death (See Deut. 18:20-22). Similar language is used in 2 Peter regarding false prophets who claim to speak for God when they do not: But false prophets also appeared among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their indecent behavior, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. (2 Pet. 2:1-3) There is a stricter judgment that is coming upon those who teach and claim to speak on behalf of God. It doesnt matter what people think or what they want, the mandate is the same: Preach the word. Not just sometimes, not just when it is convenient, not even when you feel ready. Those who have been called to equip the church are to, preach the word and to, be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction. Why? Because the authority is not with the one preaching, but the word he has been called to preach! This is why, in my opinion, whatever church you find yourself in, ought to be a church where the regular diet of preaching is expository instead of topical preaching. Permit me to give you three reasons why: Topical preaching is the kind of preaching where the one preaching chooses a subject and builds a sermon around that subject with verses he believes to support that subject. Expository preaching is the kind of preaching where the one preaching choses a scripture passage and builds a sermon around that particular passage, so that the point of the scripture passage becomes the point of the sermon. The difference between topical and expository preaching is that with topical preaching, the one preaching determines the point of the sermon; with expository preaching, the scripture passage determines the point of the sermon. The one who regularly preaches topical sermons will never preach more than what he already knows. The one who regularly preaches expository sermons will have to study a particular passage to understand it in order to preach/teach it, forcing the one preaching to grow beyond what he already knows. Mark Dever, in his book, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, wrote the following helpful observation regarding the strengths of expository preaching: In being committed to preach a passage of Scripture in context, expositionallythat is, taking as the point of the message the point of the passagewe should hear from God things that we didnt intend to hear when we set out to study the passage.... And from your repentance and conversion to the latest thing the Holy Spirit has been teaching you, isnt that what it means to be a Christian? Dont you again and again find God challenging you and convicting you of some things you would never have thought about a year ago, as he brings to unearth the truth of your heart and the truth of his Word? What Dever says next, is so insightful: To charge someone with the spiritual oversight of a church who doesnt in practice show a commitment to hear and to teach Gods word is to hamper the growth of the church, in essence allowing it to grow only to the level of the pastor. The church will slowly be conformed to the pastors mind rather than to Gods mind. And what we want, what as Christians we crave, are Gods words. We want to hear and know in our souls what he has said.[1] James 3:1 is to warn those who wish to or do teach, to do so faithfully to the word of God because this is the best way to serve His people and to protect the church from the wolves who would seek to harm Gods people. However, that warning is not only for pastors and teachers and we know this because of the following verses. Our Words Matter Concerning What We Say to Others James 3:1 is not just for pastors, but for anyone who claims to speak on behalf of God. Think about what we know; the heart of Jesus great commission includes the responsibility every Christian has for teaching: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations... teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matt. 28:19-20). The apostle Peter wrote in epistle, ...always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect (1 Pet. 3:15). And what is it that we are to be ready to testify with words? In the words of the apostle Paul: We proclaim Him, admonishing every person and teaching every person with all wisdom... (Col 1:28). Christ has gifted His church with pastors, teachers, and evangelists to help His people to speak what they have been called to say with clarity and in accordance with what God has actually said (see Eph. 4:11-13). And when we get it wrong, Christ also called men who are able to teach the word of God, to serve as elders whose responsibility includes: holding firmly the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it (Titus 1:9). What we say about God matters, and for those like myself, who have been entrusted with teaching the word of God, we will be held to account for the words we have spoken in His name, so we dare not be reckless with our words. But it is not just what we say about God that matters to Him, it is also what we say to others in general that matters to God. What we say can do so much good for our neighbors, but our words can bring so much harm as well. Verses 2-12 is for all who have been redeemed by Jesus and therefore born again. James continues in verse 2, For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to rein in the whole body as well. It is true that if you are a Christian that you have been born again, however, that does not mean we still do not have a nature that gravitates towards sin. Perfection is coming for the Christian, but not until after death or a resurrection when our sin nature is finally and categorically put to death. It is true that when you placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ as savior and Lord over your life, you were born again.When you were born again, you received what was promised in Ezekiel 36:26, in that God, gave you a new heart and put a new spirit within you... and replaced your heart of stone with a spiritual heart of fleshyou received a new nature. However, we still must contend with that part of us that is tethered to our old nature of sin. We still stumble in many ways and because we do, we still say stupid stuff! We can still use our tongues to speak great harm. What Jesus said about the heart is still true of the Christian: The good person out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil person out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart (Luke 6:45). James gives us three illustrations that convey just how powerful the tongue is and why we must exercise great caution over what comes out of our mouths: The tongue is like the bit in a horses mouth. A bit weights about 2 pounds while the average weight of a horse is about 1000 pounds. A bit is used to communicate with the horse, but if used by an unskilled and undisciplined rider, a bit can become the source of stress and anxiety for the horse. An unskilled rider can use the horses bit to injure the horse. An unskilled rider can use the horses bit to cause the horse to become confused. An unskilled rider can use that little 2-pound bit to harm his 1,000-pound horse. The tongue is like the rudder on a large ship. A rudder controls the direction of a ship, it is used to avoid harmful obstacles, it contributes to fuel efficiency by minimizing drag and optimizing water flow, a rudder helps provide stability, and it is critical for the captain of the ship to maintain the right course. However, without a skilled captain maintaining control of the rudder, it can be catastrophic to the rest of the ship. The tongue is like a fire. Instead of using oxygen for life, fire consumes oxygen as fuel. In enclosed spaces, a fire depletes the available oxygen so that it can continue to kill and destroy. The effects of a fire are also harmful, for it irritates the respiratory system, it can exacerbate heart conditions, and it can even cause certain cancers over time. Think about the damage a persons tongue can cause. James points out that we are able to tame wild animals, but no one among mankind can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison (vv. 7-8). The reason why we cannot tame the tongue is because our problems are deeper than what comes out of our mouths. The irony is that there is good that can come out of our mouths, but we will spend a lifetime needing to keep what comes out of our mouths in check.We can train and tame veracious and giant creatures, but not our tongues! James continues: With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing (vv. 9-10a). How can we sing songs of worship about our great and awesome God and at the same time use destructive words against another person who is made in the image of the God we claim to love? In reaction to this, James concludes: My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way (v. 10b). So what do we do? How do we address the problem within for those of us who have been born again? How can we make sure our words are life-giving instead of destructive? How can we have the fruit of our words flow out of our new heart instead of our old nature? Well the good news is that as a Christian, you have been sealed and are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live and speak in a way that is pleasing to the God who redeemed you (Eph. 1:13-14; Acts 1:8). Permit me to leave you with five things to remember and practice that will help : Remember that you are now a child of God. As a child of God, you have been sealed by His Holy Spirit and empowered to life, His way over your ways; you have been given power through the Holy Spirit to live the life God has called you into (Eph. 1:3-14; Acts 1:8). Saturate your heart with Gods word. You cannot know how to live for God if you do not know what God has said about living for Him. We are told, Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh (Gal 5:16). Whatever you are putting into your mind, you are filling your heart with, and whatever you are filling your heart with, will come out through your speech. So, read your Bible. Listen to songs about the things that please God. Consume more of what lines up with the things of God than what dishonors Him. Be quick to listen and slow to speak. You will be less reckless with your words, if you carefully consider your words before you say them (Jas. 1:19) Ask God to guide your speech by asking Him to give you wisdom in what you say (Jas. 1:5-8). When you honestly seek God for wisdom to guide your speech, besides the fact that God honors such prayers, your prayer alone will give you the kind of awareness that assists in being less reckless with your words. Remember the image of God. Remember that you bear the image of the living God not to make much of yourself, but much of God. Be mindful that regardless of a persons performance, that person was carefully created by God to bear the image of God too, so do not curse those who were created in the image of God. [1] Mark Dever, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church (Weaton, IL: Crossway; 2021), 47.

The title of my sermon is a play on words. The beginning of this chapter we are told that what comes out of our mouths by way of teaching will incur a stricter judgment; therefore, anything we teach concerning God or His word must fall into the category of sound doctrine. On the other hand, the noise we make with our speech is evidence of what is really in our heart. Words matter. I will take it one step furtherwords matter to God. Proverbs 18:21 puts it this way: Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Words matter. The Bible and Creation begins with words! The first words in our Bible are about the first words responsible for everything beautiful and living: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was a formless and desolate emptiness, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, Let there be light; and there was light (Gen. 1:1-3). I love these verses in Genesis! In the beginning there was nothing but God... until He had something to say about it! His words brought life. Then what follows in Genesis 1 is a series of phrases like: God said... God called... What made all that exists a reality were WORDS! Not just any words from any old mouth, the Words that came from God made everything and all of it was good. On the sixth day, God spoke more words: Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the livestock and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls on the earth. So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them (Gen. 1:26-27). Then, God used Words to bless the first couple by telling them: Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth. Listen to me... WORDS MATTER. Three chapters later, after God used His words to speak beauty and life into existence out of nothing, we are introduced to a serpent. In an effort to tempt Eve to sin against God, he got her to doubt the words of God spoken to Adam: But the Lord God warned him, You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the gardenexcept the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die (Gen 2:16-17; NLT). Listen carefully to what the serpent said to Eve and her husband: Did God really say...? and then proceeded to get Eve to doubt the word of God and His goodness towards her (see Gen. 3:1-5). Not only does God value His words, but He is concerned about the words of people too. Jesus even said, I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgement. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned (Matt. 12:36-37). Our Words Matter Concerning What We Say About God Chapter 3 begins with these sobering words: Do not become teachers in large numbers, my brothers, since you know that we who are teachers will incur a stricter judgment. Here is how the ESV translates this verse: Not many of you should become teachers..., which is the way most of the major English translations translate this verse. What is the point? The point is that what we say about God is serious and God takes what we say about Him seriously. James is warning us not to take on the mantle of teacher in the Church recklessly, for those who speak on Gods behalf will be held to a stricter judgment. Many rightfully apply this verse to the serious call of pastors who are entrusted with preaching the word of God such as myself. The passage Dr. Ed Hardesty selected to deliver at my ordination charge was from 2 Timothy 4:1-2, I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction. In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul instructed a young pastor and son in the faith with these words: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. The Bible reserves some of the harshest words for those who use the word of God to lead others from the truth of His word. In the Old Testament, we are told that if anyone claiming to be a prophet speaks claiming to speak on Gods behalf prophetically that God did not command him to speak, was to be put to death (See Deut. 18:20-22). Similar language is used in 2 Peter regarding false prophets who claim to speak for God when they do not: But false prophets also appeared among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their indecent behavior, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. (2 Pet. 2:1-3) There is a stricter judgment that is coming upon those who teach and claim to speak on behalf of God. It doesnt matter what people think or what they want, the mandate is the same: Preach the word. Not just sometimes, not just when it is convenient, not even when you feel ready. Those who have been called to equip the church are to, preach the word and to, be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction. Why? Because the authority is not with the one preaching, but the word he has been called to preach! This is why, in my opinion, whatever church you find yourself in, ought to be a church where the regular diet of preaching is expository instead of topical preaching. Permit me to give you three reasons why: Topical preaching is the kind of preaching where the one preaching chooses a subject and builds a sermon around that subject with verses he believes to support that subject. Expository preaching is the kind of preaching where the one preaching choses a scripture passage and builds a sermon around that particular passage, so that the point of the scripture passage becomes the point of the sermon. The difference between topical and expository preaching is that with topical preaching, the one preaching determines the point of the sermon; with expository preaching, the scripture passage determines the point of the sermon. The one who regularly preaches topical sermons will never preach more than what he already knows. The one who regularly preaches expository sermons will have to study a particular passage to understand it in order to preach/teach it, forcing the one preaching to grow beyond what he already knows. Mark Dever, in his book, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, wrote the following helpful observation regarding the strengths of expository preaching: In being committed to preach a passage of Scripture in context, expositionallythat is, taking as the point of the message the point of the passagewe should hear from God things that we didnt intend to hear when we set out to study the passage.... And from your repentance and conversion to the latest thing the Holy Spirit has been teaching you, isnt that what it means to be a Christian? Dont you again and again find God challenging you and convicting you of some things you would never have thought about a year ago, as he brings to unearth the truth of your heart and the truth of his Word? What Dever says next, is so insightful: To charge someone with the spiritual oversight of a church who doesnt in practice show a commitment to hear and to teach Gods word is to hamper the growth of the church, in essence allowing it to grow only to the level of the pastor. The church will slowly be conformed to the pastors mind rather than to Gods mind. And what we want, what as Christians we crave, are Gods words. We want to hear and know in our souls what he has said.[1] James 3:1 is to warn those who wish to or do teach, to do so faithfully to the word of God because this is the best way to serve His people and to protect the church from the wolves who would seek to harm Gods people. However, that warning is not only for pastors and teachers and we know this because of the following verses. Our Words Matter Concerning What We Say to Others James 3:1 is not just for pastors, but for anyone who claims to speak on behalf of God. Think about what we know; the heart of Jesus great commission includes the responsibility every Christian has for teaching: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations... teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matt. 28:19-20). The apostle Peter wrote in epistle, ...always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect (1 Pet. 3:15). And what is it that we are to be ready to testify with words? In the words of the apostle Paul: We proclaim Him, admonishing every person and teaching every person with all wisdom... (Col 1:28). Christ has gifted His church with pastors, teachers, and evangelists to help His people to speak what they have been called to say with clarity and in accordance with what God has actually said (see Eph. 4:11-13). And when we get it wrong, Christ also called men who are able to teach the word of God, to serve as elders whose responsibility includes: holding firmly the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it (Titus 1:9). What we say about God matters, and for those like myself, who have been entrusted with teaching the word of God, we will be held to account for the words we have spoken in His name, so we dare not be reckless with our words. But it is not just what we say about God that matters to Him, it is also what we say to others in general that matters to God. What we say can do so much good for our neighbors, but our words can bring so much harm as well. Verses 2-12 is for all who have been redeemed by Jesus and therefore born again. James continues in verse 2, For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to rein in the whole body as well. It is true that if you are a Christian that you have been born again, however, that does not mean we still do not have a nature that gravitates towards sin. Perfection is coming for the Christian, but not until after death or a resurrection when our sin nature is finally and categorically put to death. It is true that when you placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ as savior and Lord over your life, you were born again.When you were born again, you received what was promised in Ezekiel 36:26, in that God, gave you a new heart and put a new spirit within you... and replaced your heart of stone with a spiritual heart of fleshyou received a new nature. However, we still must contend with that part of us that is tethered to our old nature of sin. We still stumble in many ways and because we do, we still say stupid stuff! We can still use our tongues to speak great harm. What Jesus said about the heart is still true of the Christian: The good person out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil person out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart (Luke 6:45). James gives us three illustrations that convey just how powerful the tongue is and why we must exercise great caution over what comes out of our mouths: The tongue is like the bit in a horses mouth. A bit weights about 2 pounds while the average weight of a horse is about 1000 pounds. A bit is used to communicate with the horse, but if used by an unskilled and undisciplined rider, a bit can become the source of stress and anxiety for the horse. An unskilled rider can use the horses bit to injure the horse. An unskilled rider can use the horses bit to cause the horse to become confused. An unskilled rider can use that little 2-pound bit to harm his 1,000-pound horse. The tongue is like the rudder on a large ship. A rudder controls the direction of a ship, it is used to avoid harmful obstacles, it contributes to fuel efficiency by minimizing drag and optimizing water flow, a rudder helps provide stability, and it is critical for the captain of the ship to maintain the right course. However, without a skilled captain maintaining control of the rudder, it can be catastrophic to the rest of the ship. The tongue is like a fire. Instead of using oxygen for life, fire consumes oxygen as fuel. In enclosed spaces, a fire depletes the available oxygen so that it can continue to kill and destroy. The effects of a fire are also harmful, for it irritates the respiratory system, it can exacerbate heart conditions, and it can even cause certain cancers over time. Think about the damage a persons tongue can cause. James points out that we are able to tame wild animals, but no one among mankind can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison (vv. 7-8). The reason why we cannot tame the tongue is because our problems are deeper than what comes out of our mouths. The irony is that there is good that can come out of our mouths, but we will spend a lifetime needing to keep what comes out of our mouths in check.We can train and tame veracious and giant creatures, but not our tongues! James continues: With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing (vv. 9-10a). How can we sing songs of worship about our great and awesome God and at the same time use destructive words against another person who is made in the image of the God we claim to love? In reaction to this, James concludes: My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way (v. 10b). So what do we do? How do we address the problem within for those of us who have been born again? How can we make sure our words are life-giving instead of destructive? How can we have the fruit of our words flow out of our new heart instead of our old nature? Well the good news is that as a Christian, you have been sealed and are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live and speak in a way that is pleasing to the God who redeemed you (Eph. 1:13-14; Acts 1:8). Permit me to leave you with five things to remember and practice that will help : Remember that you are now a child of God. As a child of God, you have been sealed by His Holy Spirit and empowered to life, His way over your ways; you have been given power through the Holy Spirit to live the life God has called you into (Eph. 1:3-14; Acts 1:8). Saturate your heart with Gods word. You cannot know how to live for God if you do not know what God has said about living for Him. We are told, Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh (Gal 5:16). Whatever you are putting into your mind, you are filling your heart with, and whatever you are filling your heart with, will come out through your speech. So, read your Bible. Listen to songs about the things that please God. Consume more of what lines up with the things of God than what dishonors Him. Be quick to listen and slow to speak. You will be less reckless with your words, if you carefully consider your words before you say them (Jas. 1:19) Ask God to guide your speech by asking Him to give you wisdom in what you say (Jas. 1:5-8). When you honestly seek God for wisdom to guide your speech, besides the fact that God honors such prayers, your prayer alone will give you the kind of awareness that assists in being less reckless with your words. Remember the image of God. Remember that you bear the image of the living God not to make much of yourself, but much of God. Be mindful that regardless of a persons performance, that person was carefully created by God to bear the image of God too, so do not curse those who were created in the image of God. [1] Mark Dever, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church (Weaton, IL: Crossway; 2021), 47.

What if every home in America heard about Jesus Christ? On today's edition of Family Talk, Gary Bauer welcomes Mike and Brenda Baller, who are blanketing neighborhoods with the gospel through Saturate USA. They share how churches can reach entire zip codes with free resources and prayer. Discover how you can help transform our nation, one doorstep at a time. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/707/29

In 1 Samuel 16:1–13, God bypasses the impressive and chooses David, the overlooked shepherd boy, to be king. It's a reminder that He sees what people miss—He looks at the heart. In every generation, God is raising up leaders who may not fit our expectations. They might be young, unpolished, and unproven, but they are already chosen, gifted, and anointed for His purposes. The next generation is not the future of the Church—they are the Church. Our calling is to see them, believe in them, and make space for them to lead, even if it disrupts our routines or stretches our comfort. A vibrant church is one filled with the energy of kids, the passion of teens, and the innovation of young adults. When we step aside and lift them up, the Spirit of God moves in ways that can change everything—right now.

What if God's plan to reach your neighborhood, your workplace, your city… is you? In Luke 10, Jesus sends out ordinary people with an extraordinary mission—to go ahead of Him and prepare the way. No titles. No platforms. Just faith, authority, and obedience. This is a wake-up call: you and I aren't on the sidelines of God's story—we are the strategy. There is no Plan B. Heaven is still sending, and the harvest is still ready. The work is gritty, the world is hostile, and still, we go—not relying on our strength, but on His Spirit. Along the way, we learn to recognize the people of peace, to shake the dust when needed, and to rejoice—not in what we do for Jesus, but in who we are because of Him.

Experience healing and deliverance through this anointed prayer and declaration session. Speak life, break demonic strongholds, and walk in your prophetic destiny.   Purchase Kathy's book Healed at Last – Overcome Sickness to Receive your Physical Healing on Amazon https://a.co/d/6a6mt8w or at: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/healed-at-last/   Purchase Anointing Oil with a prayer cloth that Kathy has personally mixed and prayed over on Kathy's Website or Amazon. Order anointing oil by Kathy on Amazon look for her brand here https://amzn.to/3PC6l3R  or Kathy DeGraw Ministries https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/product-category/oils/    Training, Mentorship and Deliverance! Personal coaching, deliverance, e-courses, training for ministry, and mentorships! https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/training/#   Do you need a breakthrough in your health, freedom from torment, or deliverance from demonic oppression? In this anointed video, Kathy DeGraw leads you through a powerful session of spiritual warfare declarations that target sickness, disease, fear, and demonic hindrances. These intense healing prayers are the same ones that brought her a medically verified miracle after a witchcraft attack. Now, they are available to release over your life. This video is more than prayer—it is warfare. You'll be guided to stand in agreement with heaven, decree freedom, and shut down every assignment of the enemy against your body and mind. Kathy shares how anointing oil and her book Spiritual Warfare Declarations became weapons of victory in her personal battle—and how you too can receive the same deliverance and healing by putting this video on repeat and declaring with faith. Don't miss your moment of divine intervention. Saturate yourself in this word, break the spirit of death, and activate your healing. Miracles happen when the Word is spoken with authority. Are you ready? #healingprayer #spiritualwarfare #deliveranceprayers #breakdemonicstrongholds #kathydegrawministries **Connect with Us** - Website: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathydegraw/  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathydegraw/    Podcast - Subscribe to our YouTube channel and listen to Kathy's Podcast called Prophetic Spiritual Warfare, or on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/3mYPPkP28xqcTzdeoucJZu  or Apple podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prophetic-spiritual-warfare/id1474710499    **Recommended Resources:** - Receive a free prayer pdf on Warfare Prayer Declarations at https://kathydegrawministries.org/declarations-download  - Kathy's training, mentoring and e-courses on Spiritual Warfare, Deliverance and the Prophetic: https://training.kathydegrawministries.org/  - Healed At Last ~ Overcome Sickness and Receive your Physical Healing: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/healed-at-last/  - Mind Battles – Root Out Mental Triggers to Release Peace!: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/product/mind-battles-pre-order-available-january-2023/  -Kathy has several books available on Amazon or kathydegrawministries.org   **Support Kathy DeGraw Ministries:** - Give a one-time love offering or consider partnering with us for $15, $35, $75 or any amount! Every dollar helps us help others!  - Website: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/donate/   - CashApp $KDMGLORY - Venmo @KD-Ministries - Paypal.me/KDeGrawMinistries or donate to email admin@degrawministries.org - Mail a check to: Kathy DeGraw Ministries ~ PO Box 65 ~ Grandville MI 49468  

Jessi Green brings a powerful message on living a life of bold faith. Drawing from Scripture and personal revival stories, she unpacks how faith is not just belief but radical trust in God's character and promises. What does it look like to live fully convinced that God is who He says He is?Plan Your Visit to SALT Church:https://www.saltchurches.com/Ways to Support the Ministry:https://www.saltchurches.com/givingSubscribe:https://www.instagram.com/saltchurches/Subscribe @saltchurchNC Connect with Parker + Jessi Green:Instagram Parker / https://www.instagram.com/parkerrichardgreen/Instagram Jessi /https://www.instagram.com/jessi.green/Websites https://www.saltchurches.com/https://www.jessi-green.com/https://www.saturateglobal.com/#prayer #bible #biblestudy #saltchurch #revival #parkergreen #jessigreen

If you were at a particular public pool in Melbourne this week you may have seen an unusual sight. Saturate, is an underwater musical experience staged as part of the city's Rising festival. It involved around 60 people together in a public pool listening to the music, underwater. Saturate is the brainchild of sound artist Sara Retallick, who joins Jesse from Melbourne.

In this episode, Tina Tower welcomes entrepreneur, strategist, and storyteller Michelle Falzon to discuss how you can unlock your best creative work without getting burnt out. With over 20 years' experience catalyzing ideas into sustainable, soul-aligned success, Michelle shares insights from her signature “Creation Loop” framework—designed to help passionate business owners and creators strike a balance between serving their clients, delivering quality work, and sustaining their own wellbeing. Key Topics Covered: Michelle's Journey: From supporting multi-million dollar launches behind the scenes to stepping out front with her own ideas. The Creation Loop: Michelle breaks down her five-part framework—Saturate, Percolate, Create, Celebrate, Rejuvenate—that helps creators avoid the cycle of constant output and burnout. Maintaining Creativity in a Busy World: How to protect your signal (your true vision) from the daily “noise” and distractions of business. Boundaries and People Pleasing: Why women especially struggle with saying no, and how working on personal boundaries is an ongoing process. The Power of Self-Compassion: Practical tools, including the RAIN process (Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture) for being kinder to yourself through the ups and downs of business. Sustainable Scheduling: The importance of allowing time to percolate (think and process) between absorbing information and executing, plus how celebration and genuine rest fuel creativity. Perfectionism vs. Progress: Why taking action before everything is “ready” is crucial, especially for women prone to over-preparing. Trusting Intuition: How to build trust in your gut instincts and natural creative rhythms, letting go of what you think you “should” do. Defining Success: Michelle closes by sharing her outlook on true success—freedom, love, relationships, and staying connected to the simple joys of life. This conversation is a powerful reminder that your most meaningful creative work doesn't come from pushing harder, but from aligning deeply with who you are and what matters most. By embracing frameworks like the Creation Loop, you can sustainably grow your business while honoring your wellbeing, intuition, and joy. Where to find Tina: Her Empire Builder: https://www.herempirebuilder.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tina_tower/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@herempirebuilder   Where to find Michelle Falzon: Michelle Falzon: www.michellefalzon.com Her Business: www.contentsellspodcast.com Women's Business Mastermind in Australia: www.herbusinessmastermind.com Free Guide: Create Without Burnout: www.createwithoutburnout.com Free Guide: The Ultimate High-Converting Offer Blueprint for Women Business Owners: https://her-business.lpages.co/high-converting-offer-blueprint/

Ed Piorek shares a powerful message about living in the power of the Holy Spirit and the love of the Father. Drawing from Jesus' baptism, revealing how this moment is a model for centering our lives in God's presence. What it means to live from a place of rest, intimacy, and trust in the Father's love?Plan Your Visit to SALT Church:https://www.saltchurches.com/Ways to Support the Ministry:https://www.saltchurches.com/givingSubscribe:https://www.instagram.com/saltchurches/Subscribe @saltchurchNC Connect with Parker + Jessi Green:Instagram Parker / https://www.instagram.com/parkerrichardgreen/Instagram Jessi /https://www.instagram.com/jessi.green/Websites https://www.saltchurches.com/https://www.jessi-green.com/https://www.saturateglobal.com/#prayer #bible #biblestudy #saltchurch #revival #parkergreen #jessigreen

Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob explains how the rain is helping saturate the ground and why you should mow your lawn if it needs it. Also, can […]

Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob explains how the rain is helping saturate the ground and why you should mow your lawn if it needs it. Also, can […]

Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob explains how the rain is helping saturate the ground and why you should mow your lawn if it needs it. Also, can […]

Both the biblical narrative and church history are full of examples of the gospel being proclaimed in the "open-air." Nevertheless, many today claim such an approach is outdated and counterproductive. The guests on this episode of The Lancaster Patriot Podcast beg to differ. Listen in as Chris Hume asks three seasoned open-air preachers about their work and the reason they believe there is still a place to proclaim the gospel of Christ in the open-air.About the guests:Bill Adams is the overseer for SFOI.org, an organization with a vision is to "Mobilize the Next Generation of George Whitefields to Saturate the Western World with the Gospel." Bill has preached at and often led evangelism teams to 24 Super Bowls, 12 NBA & 13 MLB All-Star Celebrations, 16 Final Fours, 2 World Cups, 4 Summer and 3 Winter Olympic Games and 3 Rugby and 3 Cricket World Championships.Scott Smith heads up Schoolmaster Ministries and has preached on numerous college campuses across the nation. Originally from New England, God sovereignly converted Scott in October, 1979 when he was in Hawaii on his way to Australia.Ryan Denton is a church planter, open air preacher, and evangelist under Vanguard Presbyterian Church. He is author of seven books, as well as a contributor to DesiringGod, Founders Ministries, Ref21, The Confessional Presbyterian, Heidelblog, and others. He has a Th.M from Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and lives in Texas with his wife and 3 sons. For more information about Ryan, visit RyanDenton.com.

Brett Sanner Luke 5:1-11

  Allow God's Love to saturate you. Transcript: My children, I am pouring out a special love upon you this night, right now. A love that has come directly from the Heavenly Throne Room from My heart.I want you to receive from Me right now. The enemy is trying to steal what I am trying to do here this night. You have to enter in. You have to determine to be changed by My love. You have to grasp it to your bosom. Feel it flowing through your being and when you are totally saturated, then you will have something to flow out of you into others. I love you with an everlasting love. I gave My son for you to prove our love for you. Come, come into My heart. Come into the stream of love and never allow the enemy to ever steal your love ever again. It is pure love. It is a love that transcends all other love. It's not love as the world gives. It is My love, My perfect love. Breathe in that love right now. Saturate yourself in that love right now. My children when two people who love each other hold each other in their arms, all they do is cherish the moment. They don't break it by words, they just cherish the moment this night. We are lovers, you and I. I don't want you to speak, I want you to cherish the moment. I want you to remember this night always, for love has come down and saturated your very being. You will find that the love you had in your heart already It's going to go deeper and deeper still. You who are who are lovers right now, you will find a greater bonding than what you had when you walked through these doors.   This love that I have saturated with you with tonight goes far beyond your imagination, your understanding. This love has nothing to do with this world. I am love. I came tonight for this purpose to love you, to be your one and only, to take away the hurt, the pain, to seal those who are already in love. Husbands and wives, love one another. If you're in a relationship and it's love, love even deeper still, never allow the enemy to steal this love that I have given you. You will find yourself feeling differently, more at peace. You'll be resting in My arms of love. Even though the battles will rage round about, the enemy will not be able to steal this peace and this love that I have dropped within you this night. There's so much of you in here, you've been crying out and crying out and you need answers from God as you marinate in My love you will receive those answers and when I give them to you keep them close to your bosom.   You need to understand that no one-- nothing can separate that I have joined together and I have joined you together with Me this night. The love of God will be spread abroad throughout the lands. You are My beloved ones.

Believers Must Meditate on Scripture      The Lord instructed Joshua, saying, “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success” (Josh 1:8). This command involves a deep, reflective engagement with Scripture, allowing its truths to shape one's thoughts, actions, and decisions. The word “meditate” translates the Hebrew verb hagah (הָגָה), which means “to growl…to moan…to read in an undertone…to mutter while meditating.”[1] According to Warren Wiersbe, “It was the practice of the Jews to read Scripture aloud (Acts 8:26–40) and talk about it to themselves and to one another (Deut 6:6–9). This explains why God warned Joshua that the Book of the Law was not to depart out of his mouth (Josh 1:8).”[2] The practice of speaking the text while reading it implies concentration, allowing the mind to process and absorb its content.      Similarly, David wrote of the righteous man, saying, “His delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psa 1:2; cf. Psa 119:148; Phil 4:8-13). The word “law” translates the Hebrew noun torah (תּוֹרָה), which means “direction, instruction, the law.”[3] Allen Ross states, “To be blessed and remain untarnished in the world, the faithful must live according to God's word. The word ‘law' (תּוֹרָה) can refer to instruction in general, or an individual teaching, or the commandments, or the books of the Law, or Scriptures as a whole.”[4] And the one who adheres to this pattern of meditating on God's Word “will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers” (Psa 1:3). The imagery of a tree firmly planted by streams of water vividly illustrates the stability, nourishment, and fruitfulness that comes from a life rooted in Scripture. Just as a tree by the water remains lush and productive regardless of external conditions, so too does the person who immerses themselves in God's Word remain spiritually vibrant and effective, no matter the challenges they face. Peter Craigie states: "A tree may flourish or fade, depending upon its location and access to water. A tree transplanted from some dry spot to a location beside an irrigation channel, where water never ceases to flow, would inevitably flourish. It would become a green and fruitful tree. The simile not only illustrates colorfully the prosperity of the righteous, but also makes a theological point. The state of blessedness or happiness is not a reward; rather, it is the result of a particular type of life. Just as a tree with a constant water supply naturally flourishes, so too the person who avoids evil and delights in Torah naturally prospers, for such a person is living within the guidelines set down by the Creator. Thus the prosperity of the righteous reflects the wisdom of a life lived according to the plan of the Giver of all life."[5]      James wrote, “The one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:25). The word “intently” translates the Greek verb parakuptō (παρακύπτω), which carries the idea of stooping down or bending over to take a closer look at something with careful attention. The aorist tense suggests a focused and intentional effort at one point to deeply examine the law of God. The active voice means the Christian is performing the action, showing that the believer must actively engage in this careful examination of God's Word. Once learned, the believer must be “an effectual doer” of what God commands, and the one who obeys the Lord “will be blessed in what he does.” Fruchtenbaum notes, “The blessing lies in the doing, and he will be blessed further in the future life as the future tense of the verb indicates. The voluntary doing of God's will, as revealed by Scripture, is the secret of true happiness.”[6] Christians who are “doers” of the Word are blessed not merely because they follow God's rules for life, but because living in harmony with God's truth brings divine favor.[7] This includes experiencing the benefits of God's wisdom and protection, a growing relationship with Him, and, ultimately, spiritual fruitfulness (Gal 5:22-23). By obeying God, the believer moves beyond theoretical faith into a transformative, lived experience of grace and divine blessing.      Master the doctrines you learn from God's Word. Let them consciously and constantly circulate in your thoughts. Saturate your mind with Bible doctrine, reviewing and reflecting until it becomes integrated into your thinking. The spiritual life is built by repeatedly studying, processing, and applying God's truth, not by racing through it. A slow, steady rain results in greater ground saturation than a flash flood, where most of the water runs across the surface. Likewise, slow reading with thoughtful meditation penetrates more deeply into the heart. Take in the Word deeply—study it, think about it, live it. God Uses Bible Teachers to Help Us Grow Spiritually      Almost anyone can be used by the Lord to communicate divine revelation. Even a jackass can be the mouthpiece of God (Num 22:28-30). Biblically, Christians are directed to “teach and admonish one another” (Col 3:16), which shows that all believers can teach and counsel one another with the Word of God. Of course, this assumes they've been “constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine” (1 Tim 4:6), are spiritually mature in their walk with the Lord (Heb 5:14), and can “speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine” (Tit 2:1). New believers are to “long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Pet 2:2).      Throughout Scripture, God has used various persons to communicate His Word to others for their instruction and edification. God used mothers and fathers (Deut 6:6-7; Eph 6:4; 2 Tim 1:5; 3:15),[8] wise men (Prov 13:14), noble women (Prov 31:26), older mature women (Tit 2:3), prophets (Deut 4:1; 4:5; Eph 4:11), ruling officials and Levites (2 Ch 17:7-9; Neh 8:7-8), and priests (Lev 10:11; Mal 2:7; Ezra 7:10). In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul listed several communication gifts that Christ gave to His church, saying, “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers” (Eph 4:11). This is a list of gifted men who are tasked by the Lord to provide education to Christians. Jesus gave these men to His church “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature person, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:12-13). Christ gave these gifted men to His church to help Christians advance spiritually so that they, in turn, can serve others in their walk with the Lord. Dr. Steven R. Cook   [1] Ludwig Koehler et al., The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1994–2000), 237. [2] Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Strong, “Be” Commentary Series (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 27–28. [3] Willem VanGemeren, ed., New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1997), 284. [4] Allen P. Ross, A Commentary on the Psalms 1–89: Commentary, vol. 1, Kregel Exegetical Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2011–2013), 188. [5] Peter C. Craigie, Psalms 1–50, vol. 19, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 1983), 60–61. [6] Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, The Messianic Jewish Epistles: Hebrews, James, First Peter, Second Peter, Jude, 1st ed. (Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries, 2005), 237. [7] God's Word also strengthens the heart of the believer who regularly meditates on it. The psalmist wrote, “My soul cleaves to the dust; revive me according to Your word” (Psa 119:25), and “My soul weeps because of grief; strengthen me according to Your word” (Psa 119:28), and “This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your word has revived me” (Psa 119:50), and “I am exceedingly afflicted; revive me, O LORD, according to Your word” (Psa 119:107), and “Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live” (Psa 119:116a), and “Plead my cause and redeem me; revive me according to Your word” (Psa 119:154). The idea in these verses is that stressed-out-believers recharge their batteries by means of God's Word, which is “alive and powerful” (Heb 4:12). [8] The Mosaic Law instructed the parents, saying, “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up (Deut 6:6-7). The phrase, teach them diligently, translates the Hebrew verb שָׁנָן shanan, which means to engrave or chisel on stone. The verb is in the Piel stem, which makes it intensive (i.e., teach diligently). Here, the tongue of the parents is likened to a chisel they keep applying to their children's minds in order to engrave God's Word into their thinking (cf. Prov 6:20-23). Where and when was this activity of training to take place? Moses says, you “shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up” (Deut 6:7b). Sitting suggests times of rest, and walking speaks of activity. When you lie down suggests evening time, and when you rise up suggests the morning hours. These form a double merism which encompass of all of life. In this way, Deuteronomy is aimed at subsequent generations, that they might learn God's will and faithfully transmit it to their children, who will pass it along to their children, and so on.

Strategy is often one of most ill-defined and ill-fulfilled facets of modern organizations—from businesses to nonprofits to churches. And it's not hard to see why: “strategy” is often comprised of vague cheerleading-style words that are not really very concrete or actionable. But, for the Christian, there no reason to be completely ill-equipped regarding strategy. Kevin's episode today begins and ends with seven bold words: you can't most fully understand strategy if… Come join in! // Download this episode's Application & Action questions and PDF transcript at whitestone.org.

On this episode of Youth Group Chronicles we were live in Rochester, NY at Saturate Youth Conference. One of the stories was wild! The bus driver for the youth group was on the run from the police for murder... WILD! Join Sam, Isaiah, and Cole for this special episode of Youth Group Chronicles. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pastor Mark Balmer preaches a message called "Saturate to Send: Why Rising Leaders?" from Luke 10:2.---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

Pastor Thomas Hoak preaches a message called "Saturate To Send: Why the City?" from Matthew 5:13-16.---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

Pastor Mark Balmer preaches a message called "Saturate to Send: Why Vision?" from Ephesians 1:15-23.---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

Your Nightly Prayer

We often think the world we see is all there is, but the Bible reveals that we live in two realities—one physical, one spiritual. While we interact with the seen world every day, there's an unseen spiritual realm that impacts us just as much. Understanding this is essential to navigating life's challenges.The Bible teaches that behind every situation in the physical world, there's a spiritual battle. Angels work on behalf of God, while Satan and his fallen angels strive to oppose His plans. From the very beginning, Satan's goal has been to lead humanity away from God by using lies and deception. And his tactics are often subtle—disguising evil as good and convincing us of "almost truths."Charles Spurgeon said, “Discernment is knowing the difference between right and almost right.”Satan thrives on counterfeits—ideas that sound good but are not aligned with God's truth. His goal is to make us doubt God's goodness, twist His word, and lead us to trust in ourselves rather than in Him. Discernment helps us spot these deceptions and keep us on the right path.At the heart of spiritual warfare is the question of trust. Just as Satan tempted Eve to doubt God's word in the Garden of Eden, he tempts us to question God's goodness and take matters into our own hands. When we trust God and rely on His truth, we can stand firm against these attacks and experience the abundant life He promises.So, how do we guard ourselves against these subtle half-truths that look almost right? Here are some practical steps to help you grow in discernment.Replace lies with truthSaturate yourself in God's Word so that when the enemy tries to deceive you, you can stand on the truth. When Satan whispers lies about your worth or identity, remind yourself of what God says about you.Replace worry with worshipTurn your focus away from fear and anxiety by choosing to worship God. Worship helps us remember who God is and re-centers our hearts on His power and goodness.Replace pride with humilityPride was Satan's downfall, and it's a key way he tries to trap us. Stay humble before God and others, recognizing that we need His grace and guidance every day.Replace distraction with devotionOur lives are full of distractions, but staying devoted to God's purpose helps us keep the main thing the main thing. Prioritize time with God, and be mindful of the distractions that pull you away from Him.Replace isolation with communityWe need each other. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you, pray for you, and remind you of the truth when you're in the thick of the battle.In this unseen battle, discernment is our greatest defense. We must ask God for the wisdom to see through Satan's schemes and the strength to stand firm. Spiritual warfare isn't something to fear—it's something to engage in with the confidence that God has already won the victory through Christ.As we grow in our understanding of this reality, we can live with greater awareness, not only of the battle around us but also of the resources God has given us to overcome. Victory comes when we trust God, stand on His truth, and rely on His strength.

We often think the world we see is all there is, but the Bible reveals that we live in two realities—one physical, one spiritual. While we interact with the seen world every day, there's an unseen spiritual realm that impacts us just as much. Understanding this is essential to navigating life's challenges.The Bible teaches that behind every situation in the physical world, there's a spiritual battle. Angels work on behalf of God, while Satan and his fallen angels strive to oppose His plans. From the very beginning, Satan's goal has been to lead humanity away from God by using lies and deception. And his tactics are often subtle—disguising evil as good and convincing us of "almost truths."Charles Spurgeon said, “Discernment is knowing the difference between right and almost right.”Satan thrives on counterfeits—ideas that sound good but are not aligned with God's truth. His goal is to make us doubt God's goodness, twist His word, and lead us to trust in ourselves rather than in Him. Discernment helps us spot these deceptions and keep us on the right path.At the heart of spiritual warfare is the question of trust. Just as Satan tempted Eve to doubt God's word in the Garden of Eden, he tempts us to question God's goodness and take matters into our own hands. When we trust God and rely on His truth, we can stand firm against these attacks and experience the abundant life He promises.So, how do we guard ourselves against these subtle half-truths that look almost right? Here are some practical steps to help you grow in discernment.Replace lies with truthSaturate yourself in God's Word so that when the enemy tries to deceive you, you can stand on the truth. When Satan whispers lies about your worth or identity, remind yourself of what God says about you.Replace worry with worshipTurn your focus away from fear and anxiety by choosing to worship God. Worship helps us remember who God is and re-centers our hearts on His power and goodness.Replace pride with humilityPride was Satan's downfall, and it's a key way he tries to trap us. Stay humble before God and others, recognizing that we need His grace and guidance every day.Replace distraction with devotionOur lives are full of distractions, but staying devoted to God's purpose helps us keep the main thing the main thing. Prioritize time with God, and be mindful of the distractions that pull you away from Him.Replace isolation with communityWe need each other. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you, pray for you, and remind you of the truth when you're in the thick of the battle.In this unseen battle, discernment is our greatest defense. We must ask God for the wisdom to see through Satan's schemes and the strength to stand firm. Spiritual warfare isn't something to fear—it's something to engage in with the confidence that God has already won the victory through Christ.As we grow in our understanding of this reality, we can live with greater awareness, not only of the battle around us but also of the resources God has given us to overcome. Victory comes when we trust God, stand on His truth, and rely on His strength.

How did God speak to you today?9/29/24 | Pastor Paul Mints Support the show

BIOS is the head of SATURATE! and their Artist Development Program.   SATURATE! is a digital and vinyl label for fresh music. "Bringing you the heat since 2010." Based in Hamburg, Germany, SATURATE! goes beyond being just a label—it's a pulsating hub for fresh and innovative music. Artists who dare to push boundaries find a home here, curating sonic gems that defy conventions. Their impressive catalog features releases from some of bass music's biggest names, including Chee, Herobust, G Jones, Zeke Beats, DJ Shadow, Om Unit, and Champagne Drip. These artists push the envelope with mind-bending sounds, creating an electrifying listening experience. But SATURATE! isn't just about releasing music; they're passionate about supporting producers who thrive on experimentation. That's why they've established the Artist Development Program. This program, designed by industry professionals, provides personalized guidance to artists at every stage of their careers. Whether it's honing songwriting skills, perfecting live performances, or navigating the complex music industry landscape, SATURATE!'s team of experts is there to support and elevate artists. To evaluate your struggles as a musician and elevate your journey to the next level you can book a free call here:  https://feedback.aboveandbelow.co/ Over the last decade, SATURATE! has evolved into a fully-fledged media company with multiple labels, millions of plays, and a dedicated fan base. Starting as a collective, the community of artists and fans has always been at the core of SATURATE!, creating a vibrant ecosystem where creativity and vibes thrive. Find them here: https://www.saturaterecords.com/ https://saturaterecords.bandcamp.com/https://soundcloud.com/saturaterecords Mr. Bill's Links: https://linktr.ee/mrbillstunes   Podcast Produced & Edited by: Robert Fumo

In this five-part mini-series, Ann is talking to five artists who were selected to be included in an exhibition called 5X5, that was part of Print Austin's winter festival this year in 2024. The juror of the show is Mysczka Lewis, who is a curator at Tandem Press. Next up is Teresa Cole, an artist and printmaker from New Orleans. She has taught at Tulane University for nearly thirty years.   Teresa's interest in the humanness of pattern has been a throughline in her work and she incorporates different cultures' methods of patternmaking and storytelling in beautiful installations. In their conversation, they talk about orizome (a Japanese method of folding and dyeing paper), commissioning printed fabric for saris in India, printing on aluminum mesh, and Tulane's tuition-free master's program.   Platemark website Sign-up for Platemark emails Leave a 5-star review Support the show Get your Platemark merch Check out Platemark on Instagram Join our Platemark group on Facebook Teresa Cole (American, born 1961). Exchange. Installation shot of printed stainless steel and aluminum cylinders. Freeman School of Business, Tulane University, New Orleans. Photo: Neil Alexander. Teresa Cole (American, born 1961). Exchange. Pre-installation shot of printed stainless steel and aluminum cylinders. Freeman School of Business, Tulane University, New Orleans. Teresa Cole (American, born 1961). Cosmati, 2021. Hand-cut Washi. 26 x 18 in. Courtesy of the Artist. Teresa Cole (American, born 1961). Tessellation Entanglement, 2021. Screenprinted porcelain. 4 x 8 feet. Courtesy of the Artist. Teresa Cole (American, born 1961). Redeem, 2023. Puff paint screenprinted on digital velvet. Installation view at WhiteSpace Gallery, January–February 2023. Teresa Cole (American, born 1961). Bee Pattern, 2014. Screenprint. 25 x 16 in. Courtesy of the Artist. Teresa Cole (American, born 1961). Infusion, 2017. Dyed relief printed Washi with bamboo. 48 x 117 in. Courtesy of the Artist. Teresa Cole (American, born 1961). Saturate 2.0, 2017. Dyed relief printed Washi with bamboo. Courtesy of the Artist. Printing fabric at Kanishka, India. Hand-carved printing blocks carved for the artist at Kanishka, India. Teresa Cole (American, born 1961). Seep, 2015. Process shot. Courtesy of the Artist. Teresa Cole (American, born 1961). Seep, 2015. Relief printed and dyed Japanese paper with bamboo sticks. Installation at Artfields. Courtesy of the Artist. Teresa Cole (American, born 1961). Seep, 2015 (left). Relief printed and dyed Japanese paper with bamboo sticks. Installation at Callan Contemporary, 2025. Courtesy of the Artist. Teresa Cole (American, born 1961). Tangled Conquest, 2015. Relief printed on folded and dyed paper with sumi and walnut. 65 x 77 x 25 in. Courtesy of the Artist.

Pastor Wes Shelnutt preaches on Matthew 28:1-20

Pastor Boyd Bettis preaches on Matthew 16:13-20

Read you Bible  You must endure  Get away from those who doubt  Saturate your mind with God's Word 

Saturate | Pastor Jeffrey Smith by City of Life Church

The words for today are: Grievous, Saturate, Abase, Chauvinist VictorPrep's vocab podcast is for improving for English vocabulary skills while helping you prepare for your standardized tests! This podcast isn't only intended for those studying for the GRE or SAT, but also for people who enjoy learning, and especially those who want to improve their English skills. I run the podcast for fun and because I want to help people out there studying for tests or simply learning English. The podcast covers a variety of words and sometimes additionally covers word roots. Using a podcast to prep for the verbal test lets you study while on the go, or even while working out!  If you have comments or questions and suggestions, please send me an email at sam.fold@gmail.com