Podcasts about Savior

It’s easy to get weighed down by life here—by suffering, distraction, temptation, and the constant pull of what feels urgent or important in the moment. This devotional gently lifts our eyes upward, reminding us that as followers of Christ, this world is not our final destination. Our true citizenship is in heaven. Using the image of citizenship, the reflection invites us to consider how our lives reflect where we truly belong. Our values, choices, habits, and hopes are meant to point beyond the temporary and toward eternity. When our focus drifts too heavily toward earthly desires, it becomes easier to feel discouraged, anxious, or spiritually entangled. Scripture reminds us that Jesus is preparing a place for His people and that one day, everything broken will be made right. Even now, while we live on earth, God is at work sanctifying us—shaping us to look more like Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. This process of transformation is not wasted; it’s leading us home. When the world feels dark or overwhelming, fixing our gaze on our heavenly home restores perspective and hope. We are not just surviving here—we are living with purpose, carrying the message of Christ, and waiting with confidence for the return of our King. Main Takeaways Believers live on earth, but their true citizenship is in heaven. Eternal perspective helps guard our hearts against worldly distraction and temptation. Sanctification is a daily process that prepares us for eternal glory. Fixing our eyes on heaven brings hope when life feels heavy or dark. Remembering our heavenly home strengthens our obedience and gospel mission. Today’s Bible Verse “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself” (Philippians 3:20-21, ESV). Your Daily Prayer Here is a brief excerpt from today’s prayer: “Help me to have a heavenly perspective… When the world gets dark, help me to fix my eyes on my heavenly home.” You can listen to the prayer here or read the full prayer and devotional at the links below. Looking for more daily encouragement and faith-filled content? LifeAudio – Christian podcasts, devotionals, and prayers at LifeAudio.com Crosswalk – Faith, Bible study, and Christian living resources at Crosswalk.com This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.orgTrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments, Trinity has the knowledge and resources to make a difference. https://trinitycredit.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In our weekly rhythm of worship, we are confronted with our sin and cleansed by our Savior. Today, Sinclair Ferguson considers the effect that worship should have on us, drawing from the experience of Isaiah in the temple of God. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/cleansed-and-renewed/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

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Getting closer to God often requires more surrender than we expect. In this episode, we talk about the quiet cost of spiritual growth... The things God gently asks us to let go of so we can mature, be refined, and walk more closely with Him.This conversation explores why growth with God isn't always comfortable, how consecration and sanctification shape our faith, and what it means to choose obedience even when it feels costly. If you've been sensing a call to deeper intimacy with God, this episode will help you discern what might be standing in the way.Whether you're navigating a season of conviction, spiritual pruning, or simply feeling the weight of growth, this episode is an invitation to trust that God's refining process is always purposeful.PRAYER OF SALVATION“HEAVENLY FATHER, I come to you in the name of JESUS. I acknowledge to YOU that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; and I recognize that I need YOUR forgiveness.I believe that YOU are the only begotten SON OF GOD, and that YOU shed YOUR PRECIOUS BLOOD on the cross of Calvary and died for my sins, were resurrected on the third day, and are seated at the right hand of GOD. I repent of my sins, and I turn to YOU.YOU said in YOUR Word that if we confess with our mouth, and believe in our hearts that GOD raised JESUS from the dead, we shall be saved.I ask YOU FATHER to forgive me of all my sins, and ask You to fill me with The HOLY SPIRIT. This very moment I accept JESUS CHRIST as my own personal LORD and SAVIOR and according to YOUR Word, right now I am saved. LORD have full control of my life and help me to serve YOU and glorify YOUR HOLY NAME and praise YOU forever. Amen.”~ welcome, homeTAGSChristian podcast, spiritual growth, getting closer to God, consecration, sanctification, surrender to God, Christian faith, obedience to God, spiritual maturity, letting go for God, Christian encouragement, walking with God, faith refinement

What happens when a generation openly pursues the supernatural while turning away from God, searching for meaning and identity in everything but Him? Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar dive into the rising tide of paganism, astrology, witchcraft, and spiritual experimentation among Gen Z, exploring why young people are so drawn to these practices and what this reveals about both the culture and the church. The guys emphasize that this hunger points to a deeper spiritual void that only Christ can fill, and that understanding it is crucial for anyone seeking to disciple this generation.The guys examine whether Hollywood, social media, and platforms like TikTok are driving this movement or merely amplifying what has been quietly growing for years. They describe a rudderless generation marked by shallow conversions, suppressed truth, and a tendency to credit themselves rather than God for meaning. When sin is never crucified with Christ, the Spirit is quenched, and practices like tarot, astrology, or alternative spirituality rush in to fill the vacuum. Some of the guys share personal experiences from before their salvation, recalling encounters with the spiritual realm that they once dismissed but now recognize as very real.Rather than responding with fear, the conversation moves to hope and practical discernment. Oscar notes that a pagan is often closer to conversion than a hardened materialist, because the longing for transcendence reveals a God-given hunger. As secularism flattens culture into monotony, people seek healing and purpose wherever they can find it. Paganism may offer a sense of community, empowerment, or entertainment, but only Christ provides true identity, restoration, and lasting transformation. Healing is never about managing energies or seeking control—it is found solely in the Savior who gave Himself fully for humanity.The episode concludes with a sober call to vigilance and faithfulness. Witchcraft and paganism promise freedom without moral restraint, yet scripture clearly warns that they defile and deceive, and these influences now touch the church as much as the world. The guys caution that counterfeit spirituality and emotionalism often center on man rather than God, making discernment essential. Studying scripture is the key to recognizing false teachings, because counterfeits constantly evolve. Jesus is not one spiritual option among many; He is the singular way, truth, and life, and genuine repentance requires turning away from every other doorway and following Him completely, embracing the hope and transformation only He can offer.Send us a textThanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

The Hidden Lightness with Jimmy Hinton – At its best, music brings people together. Jelly Roll's speech was a reminder of that truth. In a room filled with tension, he brought peace. In a night heavy with politics, he offered perspective. In a culture addicted to outrage, he modeled gratitude. It was a moment that felt unmistakably American—unifying a nation by highlighting our Savior...

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“Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.” (Matthew 7:20 NLT) Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ? Not every Christian necessarily is. Some people go no further than making a decision to accept Christ as Savior. They treat their Christian faith as an eternal life insurance policy or a “Get out of Hell free” card. They will take a few steps in their walk with Christ, but only if the path is smooth or the route is pleasant. In their reluctance to commit wholeheartedly, however, they don’t get to experience the transformative power of discipleship. When you submit to becoming a disciple of Christ—to live as He lived, to love as He loved, and to prioritize what He prioritized—you will see things happen in your life that are unimaginable otherwise. And you won’t be the only one who sees those things happening in your life. A disciple of Jesus Christ will bring forth spiritual fruit. Jesus said, “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father” (John 15:8 NLT). He also said, “Just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions” (Matthew 7:20 NLT). If you’re a disciple of Jesus Christ, people will be able to tell based on the spiritual fruit they see in your life. In the parable of the sower, Jesus talks about seeds falling on different kinds of ground. Each type of ground represents a different reaction to the gospel. The final type represents people who bring forth fruit after hearing the gospel. “And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” (Mark 4:20 NLT). Those who last as disciples spiritually embrace this truth and produce spiritual fruit. Spiritual fruit makes itself known in a variety of ways. The author of Hebrews says, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name” (13:15 NIV). Praising God is a way of producing spiritual fruit. What we say is also evidence of the spiritual fruit in our lives. Jesus said, “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart” (Luke 6:45 NLT). Our change in conduct and character is also a type of spiritual fruit. Galatians 5:22–23 tells us, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” (NLT). Can people see these traits in your life? A Christian’s life should be characterized by these things. Are you bringing forth spiritual fruit? Reflection question: What spiritual fruit do you want people to see in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maybe it's because my father-in-law was a corrections officer for a while, and I've heard his stories about the wasted lives behind prison bars. Whatever the reason, I've always admired the men who minister as prison chaplains. That's a tough ministry, but it's a ministry so desperately needed. My friend Bill works as a prison chaplain. This particular incident he shared with me touched me then and touches me now. Bill had been visiting this cell block and as chaplain, he went out to the exercise yard for some fresh air. Three tough young inmates walked up to him and one said, "Hey, mister, are you broke?" Bill kind of fished around in his pocket and didn't find any money in there. And the inmate said, "It doesn't matter, man. Your money's no good in here anyway. Now, are you broke?" This time the inmate was insistent about it. Here's what he said, "Mister, don't try to minister to people in here if you ain't broke, because we all are." I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "A Broken Savior for Broken People." You don't have to go inside a prison to find people who are, in the words of that inmate, broke. There's so much pain today and so much heartache from broken things: broken families, broken health, a broken heart, and broken trust. You may be "broke" perhaps even in spite of a life that's successful and an outward image that's looking fine. Now, our word for today from the Word of God, Hebrews 4:14 - "Since we have a great High Priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess." Here Jesus is called High Priest. And we learn from the Old Testament that those are the ones who represented people to God. So Jesus is now our personal representative with God in heaven. Let's say that young inmate could walk up to Jesus and ask, "Are you broke?" He would need to hear that next verse, verse 15. Here's what it says, "We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence." He's walked in our shoes. He's felt what we feel and we can come to Him with confidence. We're coming to a Savior who has lived the feelings that we are bringing to Him. He knows what it is to be poor. He knows what it feels like to be turned on by your family; to be betrayed by someone very close. It all happened to Him. He knew what it was like to be lonely. He was all of those. This Savior knows our pain. He gets us! There are other people who could empathize. There are some counselors who can help you understand the pain, but only Jesus can carry your pain and begin to heal a lifetime of scars. He says, "I came to bind up the broken hearted." But the great tragedy could be this: You're needlessly carrying all your hurt alone, because this Savior isn't your Savior, because you've never given yourself to Him. We're all the victims of people's sin, and we're sinners ourselves. Sin is our personal rebellion against our Creator saying, "God, you run the universe and I'll run me" because we're away from the One we were made by. We keep making choices that increase our pain. But Jesus is saying to you today, "Why are you carrying that all alone? I died for you. Won't you let Me be your Savior? Let me pick up your pain. Let me begin to apply my love to your wounds." Don't walk alone one more day. Let this be the day you let this Jesus start driving the life that He died for and that He made. You ready for Him to take over? Well, then, why don't you tell Him that right now, "Jesus, I'm yours." Our website can help you get there. Please go there today. It's ANewStory.com. I hope you'll check it out. If a person says, "Jesus, I'm broke." Someone who's been broke can help you. You see that mangled body of Jesus on that blood-stained cross, and you see that the Son of God was broken so you don't have to be broken any more.

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The great Reformer, Martin Luther, once said that prayer is the breath of the soul. Christians pray! We are a people called to live and to walk in close fellowship and communion with our Savior and King. And as He speaks to us in his word, so we speak and enjoy fellowship with the Lord through prayer. In Ephesians 3:14–21, we see the Apostle Paul at prayer. What moves him to prayer? What sustains his prayer life? What does he pray for? What is Paul's burden for the church? What is the Lord's burden for you and for me? Join us as we listen in and learn from the great Apostle as he goes to the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need. 

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260204dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 Jesus Gives Us Comfort At first glance, Jesus’ words sound contradictory. Blessed are those who mourn? Most of us spend our days trying to avoid sorrow, rather than embracing it. We fill our schedules, distract our minds, and tighten our emotional armor so we don’t have to face the things that hurt. Mourning doesn’t feel like a blessing. It feels like breaking. But Jesus knows something we often forget. Sorrow has a way of bringing us to the end of ourselves so that we can find our beginning in him. When Jesus speaks of those who mourn, he certainly includes those weighed down by the griefs and losses that come with living in a broken world. But Jesus also speaks of a deeper mourning: sorrow over sin. There is a particular kind of ache that comes when God's Word exposes truths we’d rather not face. And here is Jesus’ promise: “They will be comforted.” Not “might be.” Not “if they pull themselves together.” They will be comforted. The comfort Jesus gives is not the shallow reassurance that things aren’t so bad. It is the deep comfort of forgiveness fully won at the cross. It is the comfort of a Savior who sits with you in the ashes and lifts your chin to remind you that your sins are nailed to his cross and cannot condemn you anymore. It is the comfort of a Shepherd who walks with you through the darkest valleys and promises that no grief will have the final word, not even death. His empty tomb guarantees it. So, if you live today with sorrow, whether sorrow over life’s wounds or sorrow over your own sin, hear Jesus’ gentle blessing. You are not abandoned, forgotten, or cursed. You are blessed because Christ comes near to comfort you with mercy that does not run dry. Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach me to bring my sorrows and my sins to you. Comfort me with your forgiveness, strengthen me with your presence, and fill my heart with the hope only you can give. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

“Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” Peter's reaction to a miraculous catch of fish is more fearful than joyful in the presence Jesus' holiness. In final episode of The Magnificent 37, we examine three miracles involving the disciples' work and witness: the initial calling of the fishermen in Luke 5, the post-resurrection catch in John 21 that restores Peter, and the healing of Malchus' ear in Gethsemane. These signs reveal a Savior who provides abundantly for His Church, restores the fallen to service, and extends mercy even to His enemies in the hour of darkness.   The Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 5:1–11, John 21:1–14, and Luke 22:50–51.   To learn more about St. Paul's in Minot, visit anchoredminot.com. Thy Strong Word kicks off the new year by dedicating our time to study "The Magnificent 37: The Miracles of Jesus." Christ didn't just speak the Word; He demonstrated it with power. From the quiet intimacy of water turning to wine at Cana to the earth-shaking reality of the empty tomb, the Gospels record thirty-seven distinct moments where Jesus suspended the laws of nature to reveal the power of his grace. This isn't just a list of "neat tricks" from history. It is a systematic walkthrough of how God breaks into our broken world to fix it. Why did Jesus curse a fig tree? Why did He need mud to heal a blind man? What does the coin in the fish's mouth teach us about being citizens of heaven and earth?  Host, Pastor Phil Booe and a lineup of guest pastors will take you through each event, verse by verse. We'll move past the Sunday School summary and get into the meat of the text, including the Old Testament connections, the cultural context, and the immediate comfort these signs bring to your life today.   Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

From Czech Courts to a Global CallingOndrej Plasil grew up in the Czech Republic with a basketball in his hands and a competitive spirit in his heart. The game gave him direction, discipline, and drive. But underneath it all, he was quietly searching for something more.In a country where faith is often absent or minimized, Ondrej didn't grow up in a strong Christian environment. He knew about God, but the idea of following Jesus personally felt distant. That began to change when he encountered believers who lived differently — people whose lives radiated joy, purpose, and hope that couldn't be explained by talent or success alone.Through a series of providential moments, Ondrej and his family came to know Christ as Savior, Lord, and Friend. That decision changed everything. His identity was no longer rooted in performance or approval but in grace. His view of life, success, and even basketball was transformed.That journey brought him to Cedarville University, where he's now a sophomore studying business management. Here, he stepped into a community that nurtures his young faith and challenges him to grow deeper. Surrounded by fellow students who love Jesus and live with boldness, Ondrej found accountability, inspiration, and a renewed sense of calling.What was once a quiet faith became a passionate pursuit. He began to see his gifts and his story as part of something bigger than himself.Ondrej's dream is bold: to see revival in the Czech Republic. Whether through launching a Christ-centered academy, planting seeds of faith through education, or simply walking faithfully with the people of his country, he longs to be used by God.He shared his story on the Cedarville Stories podcast, offering a glimpse of his hope-filled vision: to be a faithful voice in his homeland, pointing people to the truth of Jesus.Wherever God sends him, Ondrej is ready. He's living proof that when Jesus captures a heart, everything changes.https://share.transistor.fm/s/da12250ehttps://youtu.be/rqrunn4aGhA

It’s never a mistake to follow Jesus’ example. In fact, that’s implied in the definition of “follower” or “disciple.” We’re walking in the footsteps of Jesus. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie takes us to the dramatic moment when Jesus had a confrontation with the Devil himself. It was the moment the Savior of our souls crossed paths with the accuser of the brethren. But Jesus chose to make it a teaching moment for all of us as believers who encounter the scourge of temptation. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

his segment opens with a full takedown of what the Pro Bowl has become and why it no longer means what it used to. Justin Fields turning down the Pro Bowl earns respect, while seeing Shedeur Sanders labeled a “Pro Bowler” highlights how hollow the honor has become. The crew argues the solution is simple: keep Pro Bowl selection as a standalone honor, then separate it from the exhibition event entirely, possibly reimagined as a fan focused showcase tied to flag football and the future Olympic push. From there, the conversation swings back to New York football. The New York Giants are praised for leaning into real coaching and teaching under John Harbaugh, with callers emphasizing fundamentals like catching, tackling, and development, especially with young players such as Theo Johnson. The takeaway is that this staff feels deliberate and built to improve players, not just manage games. Meanwhile, the New York Jets spiral continues. Calls center on ownership dysfunction, whether Woody Johnson is driving the franchise into a dead end, and the bleak reality that even big name saviors like Mike Tomlin feel unrealistic. The hour circles the same haunting question Jets fans cannot escape: who, if anyone, can actually save this franchise.

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Rather than trying to act like Jesus, we need to let Him live in and through us, acknowledging Him as our Lord, not just our Savior. Jesus comes to live inside of us when we become Christians, but more than a ticket to Heaven, it's about letting Him be more and more Himself in our lives.

It’s never a mistake to follow Jesus’ example. In fact, that’s implied in the definition of “follower” or “disciple.” We’re walking in the footsteps of Jesus. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie takes us to the dramatic moment when Jesus had a confrontation with the Devil himself. It was the moment the Savior of our souls crossed paths with the accuser of the brethren. But Jesus chose to make it a teaching moment for all of us as believers who encounter the scourge of temptation. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Day 2789 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2789 – A Sacrifice, A Savior, a Sword – Luke 2:21-38 Putnam Church Message – 12/28/2025 Luke's Account of the Good News - “A Sacrifice, A Savior, a Sword”   Last week, we continued our year-long study of Luke's Narrative of the Good News in a message titled: “The Nativity Revisited – Love Came Down.” This week is the final Sunday of 2025 – in some ways, it flew by in a flash, but in others, it has been a very long year. Today, we find the newborn Christ eight days old, and he is taken to the temple for circumcision and naming of the child, as every devout Hebrew did. Today's passage is the story of “A Sacrifice, A Savior, a Sword.” Our Core verses for this week are Luke 2:21-38, found on page 1591 of your Pew Bibles. Jesus Presented in the Temple  21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. 22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”[b]), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”[c] 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” 33 The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul, too.” 36

Jesus Christ meets us in our mess—but He never intends to leave us there. In this episode, Scott and Deb explore a crucial gospel distinction that often gets blurred: we are saved from our sins, not in them. Drawing from the Book of Mormon, the New Testament, and lived experience, they unpack how grace is not moral indifference, mercy is not permission, and love does not excuse stagnation. Together they discuss why Christ's Atonement invites real transformation without condemnation, how sin clouds spiritual perception, and what it means to yield—rather than justify or self-condemn. This conversation is an invitation to clarity, alignment, and renewed trust in the Savior who rescues us so we can become new.

It used to be a lot simpler to take out the garbage. The only decision we had to make that day was to take it to the curb. Not so much anymore! Now you've got to make sure you don't put out any grass clippings or limbs with your regular trash. We recycle everything! And those items are supposed to be separated. When we lived in the Metropolitan New York area their rules about garbage disposal were even more complicated. My friend Craig had recently moved there and wasn't familiar with the regulations. He let his garbage pile up for the first few weeks with odoriferous results. He finally found the instructions on handling trash and he told me, "It wasn't that I didn't want to get rid of that garbage, I just didn't know how to." I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Saying Goodbye to the Garbage in Your Life." Some of us face a quandary similar to my friend's, only with the emotional and spiritual garbage of our lives. Things we've done that we wish we could undo. Things we hope no one ever finds out about. The guilty memories that keep replaying in our brain. Not to mention the pain we carry inside. We want to get rid of our garbage, we just don't know how to, and it continues to pile up in our soul. Well, there is a designated dumping ground for our lifetime of garbage. It's on a skull shaped hill with a rugged cross at the top. Our word for today from the Word of God comes from 1 Peter 2:24. Speaking of Jesus, it says, "'He Himself bore our sins in His own body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.'" See, all the guilt of all the sins that you and I have ever done, God's Son absorbed when He was dying on that cross paying our death penalty for our sin. In Isaiah 53, God graphically describes this dumping of all our sin garbage on His Son. It says, "He carried our sorrows, He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him." Just think! Every lie we've ever told, every angry, hurting word we've ever spoken, Jesus carried it on that cross. Every lustful thought, every immoral act, every adulterous act, every act of violence or selfishness, Jesus the sinless Son of God absorbed it into His soul on that cross. Why? In the words of the Bible, "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son." And today this Jesus invites you to bring the accumulated garbage of your life to the cross where he died to forgive it. Jesus said of those who nailed Him to that tree, "Father, forgive them." If He could forgive that, there's nothing you've done that He cannot and will not forgive! But you have to come to Jesus willing to admit that you're a sinner, willing to tell Him that you're putting all your trust in Him to erase your sin from God's book and to give you life forever. You can trade in your guilt for His forgiveness. You can trade in your pain for His healing. You can trade in death for eternal life when you ask the One who died for you to be your own Savior. Have you ever done that? If you're not sure you have; if you're ready to finally be forgiven and clean, let me encourage you to go to our website where we have laid out very simply how you can begin your personal love relationship with Jesus Christ. Go to ANewStory.com. There is no reason to deal with the garbage of your life again. Not when Jesus Christ has shown you what to do with it. Bring all of that garbage of all of your life to Skull Hill where it was already dealt with by Jesus, and leave it there.

To truly follow Jesus as a born-again believer, it will cost you everything.Are you ready to die to yourself so Christ can be made known to the world?Genuine surrender to your Savior demands your whole life—nothing held back.The question is simple: will you pay the price?Give financially to our mission of spreading the Gospel message: https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/5727676Aunt DD's site: auntddslakesidekitchen.comJoin our Evangelism On Fire Community: https://evangelismonfire.com/Get Your EOF Merch at our Store -

Living Water for Thirsty Souls | John 4In John 4, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well and offers her something far deeper than water—a life that truly satisfies.In this message, Teaching Pastor John Ciesniewski explores one of the longest and most intimate conversations Jesus has in the Gospels, revealing a Savior who lingers in places of pain, knows our stories completely, and offers living water to thirsty souls.This teaching invites us to consider:Where we've been drawing from wells that never satisfyHow Jesus meets us with compassion, not shameWhat it means to be truly known and deeply lovedHow encountering Jesus reshapes our lives and our missionIf you've ever felt weary, stuck, or caught in the in-between, this message is an invitation to stop running, come into the light, and receive the living water Jesus freely gives.

Near our home is a famous garden where we often take walks with a young boy our family cares for. His favorite area is the Children’s Garden, which has a small door large enough for him to run through but small enough to force me to crouch. He laughs as I drop to my knees and wiggle through the small opening to chase him. The small garden gate reminds me of Jesus’ object lesson in Matthew 18 where Jesus calls a little child to His side to explain the type of person who will enter the kingdom of heaven (v. 2). It was a bold example, for in Christ’s day to be a child was to be inconsequential and overlooked. Unlike today, their opinions and desires didn’t matter. Jesus uses this description to highlight our human tendency to be noticed and seek power and influence. Of course, Jesus wasn’t asking His disciples to become children again, but rather pointing to the traits that mark those who serve him. The biggest marker is humility—the person who “takes the lowly position” (v. 4) and serves others. The small garden door is a reminder that humility doesn’t come naturally to us. Believers in Jesus, however, are to be this way. We’re to follow our Savior, who modeled this way of living by making “himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:6).

Send Us Your Prayer Requests --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

We tend to want to go to a church that is full of people who look right and know how to act right. Jesus came to seek the lost, and if we are going to follow Him that means we are going to encounter lost people whose lives are a mess. Rather than shy away from the mess of this world, we can introduce them to the Savior who came to offer hope and salvation.

Why We Build Arks When We are Saved By Grace by Autumn Dickson Moses 7 is powerful. There is so much. I have so many thoughts, but let's keep it to a few. One of those thoughts came to me while reading this verse. Moses 7:43 Wherefore Enoch saw that Noah built an ark; and that the Lord smiled upon it, and held it in his own hand; but upon the residue of the wicked the floods came and swallowed them up. Noah and his family were surrounded by wickedness and danger. They built an ark, and the Lord protected them. The rest of the people were wiped out by the flood. I want to draw your attention to two details. Noah built an ark, and the Lord held it in His hand. There is a type in this. Let's talk about one of my favorite subjects: grace and works. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is frequently attacked for not being Christian because we believe that we will be judged by our works and desires and not just by whether we believe in the right Jesus. Other Christians believe that it's just about accepting the Savior, not following Him. They believe that you don't have to do anything. Some believe that if you try to do anything, you're only taking away from His glory (or so I've been told by some of my friends; I recognize that there are nuanced beliefs within the Christian faith in general). I know others believe that it's all about belief and works simply follow belief, but the works are just not necessary. It is extremely important to note that Latter-day Saints believe 100% in grace. We believe that works are necessary, but works don't save us. Christ saves us. Works are necessary, but they perform a different function, not saving As I read the bible, over and over and over and over and over I get the message that the Lord does require works even if it's not ultimately the works that do the saving. There are places in the bible that more directly teach this concept, namely in the letters of Paul, but there is also story after story after story that teaches this principle. Noah and the ark is just one of these stories. Noah and the ark can teach us about how Christ does the saving, and it teaches us about why the Lord requires works and will judge us by our works. What do we learn from Noah's story? How does Noah's story teach us about grace and works? Let's talk about it. First of all, let's look at it before Noah even builds the ark. The Lord saved Noah and his family because they were righteous. There is a type in this. Noah and his family weren't perfect, but they were righteous. And even though they loved God, it didn't save them. It just meant that God saved them. Would God have saved them if they hadn't built the ark? My personal opinion is no. Why would He command Noah to build an ark if He didn't actually care whether Noah built it? Let's look more specifically at Noah and the ark and not everyone who died in the flood. Our verse teaches us that the Lord held Noah's ark in His hand. That's the grace right there. The Lord protected Noah. The Lord saved Noah. The verse could have said, “Noah obeyed God and built the ark, and it saved him.” But that's not what it said because that's not what Latter-day Saints believe. In fact, it doesn't even specifically say that God looked upon Noah, smiled at him, and saved him. It very specifically says that God looked at “it,” as in, the ark. God looked at the works of Noah. The works didn't save Noah, but God looked at the works, judged them as good and smiled at them, and saved Noah. If God is the one who saved Noah, then why did He have him build an ark? Why perform works? That's the million dollar question for Latter-day Saints. We believe that we are saved by grace, 100%. So why build an ark? Why do we believe in doing our best and performing works if the ark doesn't do the saving? It's because God has to judge. He has to judge who will destroy heaven and who will be able to appreciate heaven and preserve it. He could have saved all the wicked by smiling at them and holding them in his hand, but the wicked would have destroyed heaven. They would have made it as miserable as they were making the earth with their violence and idolatry. They wouldn't have been able to enjoy heaven because of their choices, because of their works. Beyond that, they would have ruined heaven. Our works don't save us, but God judges us by our works and saves us accordingly. That's what Noah's story is teaching us. The works don't save us; they just allow us to appreciate heaven and preserve it. They determine whether God steps in with the atonement of Jesus Christ, saves us, and brings us back into our heavenly home. So do Latter-day Saints believe that we are saved by works? No. We believe we are judged by them, but we believe that Christ does the saving with His atonement. I think parents of addicts understand this more than most. If you have a child who is extremely addicted to dangerous drugs, you don't keep bringing them back into your home just because they love you. They would destroy your home and any heavenly feelings that reside there. Even if you have the power to keep taking care of everything despite their addiction, I would hope that you wouldn't bring them back in to destroy everything (unless God says differently, listen to Him for specifics). If you do choose to bring them back in, then it's not home anymore. It's not heaven so no one really got saved anyway. So you make a judgment call. You pray your guts out for the child. You love the child, but you separate the child because of their works. You judge their works and preserve the home. If they repent and truly change, then they get to come back home. Not because of their works. Quitting drugs doesn't pay for the house; it just makes it so that you trust them enough to bring them home. I think it's important to also note that not everyone's ark looks the same. That's one of the beautiful things about the atonement of Jesus Christ. It removed the absolute justice that kept us from heaven. It enabled Christ to be the judge and save who He decides to save. Some of us will build an ark. Some of us will look at the barren desert before us and be lucky to build a canoe, but you know what? The Lord judges perfectly. He looks at your entire situation and what you have, and He judges perfectly. I testify that the Lord saves us with His grace. I testify that your ark is not enough to save you. I testify that even though your ark can't save you, it builds you and God judges you by your circumstances and your ark and determines whether you're going to contribute to our heavenly home. I testify that the relationship of works and grace is taught all throughout the bible. 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 – Moses 7 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Share a commentA God who cries at a graveside and prays through sweat and sorrow isn't distant from our pain—and that truth frames one of the most breathtaking true stories of mission and redemption. We start where many believers secretly live: wondering whether tears are wasted and whether apparent failure means God has gone silent. From the compassion of Jesus at Lazarus's tomb to the anguish of Gethsemane, we ground the journey in a Savior who validates grief and transforms it into hope.Against that backdrop, we walk with David and Svea Flood into the Belgian Congo: malaria, shut gates, and a single boy allowed to sell eggs at their tent. Svea shares the gospel with him; soon after, she dies following childbirth. David, shattered, buries her on the hill and abandons faith, convinced the mission failed. Their newborn, Aina, is adopted, brought to the United States, and grows up with only fragments of her story. Years later, a Swedish magazine lands in her mailbox with a photo of a simple cross: “Svea Flood.” Translated lines tell of the boy who became a teacher, won his village, and helped plant a thriving church.What unfolds next is restoration. Aina finds her father in Sweden, bitter and broken. She tells him the truth: the seed did not die in vain. Hope returns; grace does its quiet work. Then, at a London conference, Aina meets the very man her mother led to Christ—now a national church leader representing more than a hundred thousand baptized believers. Together they journey back to the hill, to the grave beneath the palm, and to a village alive with faith.This is a story for anyone who has sown in tears and seen nothing bloom—yet. It's about unseen seeds, long timelines, and the God who weeps with us while turning loss into a harvest beyond our imagination. Listen, share with a friend who needs courage today, and if this moved you, subscribe and leave a review so more people can find hope.Support the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback

“So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God.” (Hebrews 6:1 NLT) As a father and a grandfather, I know from personal experience that babies are a lot of work. For instance, it takes a great deal of effort to teach a baby how to eat. You start with baby food, which presents its own unique set of challenges. And then comes solid food, which must be cut into baby-sized bites. Of course, a baby doesn’t always want to eat, so you must think of creative ways to get the baby to take the food. Children need to learn how to eat their food, cut up their food, and ultimately prepare their food. That’s all part of growing up. The author of Hebrews reframes this idea of growing up in spiritual terms. Many people have never grown up spiritually. They made an initial commitment to Christ but have never really understood what it means to be a totally committed follower of Jesus. In short, they have not responded to what the Bible calls discipleship. This isn’t just a matter of ignoring biblical exhortations such as “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18 NLT). It’s also a matter of missing vital opportunities and life experiences. Think of all the culinary delights you’ve enjoyed since you progressed from baby food to solids. Think of how your palate has changed and matured. Think of all the different tastes you’ve experienced. Think of the many ways you’ve been nourished. The same principle applies to Christian growth. Progressing from spiritual milk to spiritual meat, as described in Hebrews 5:11–14, requires effort and a willingness to stretch, to step outside your comfort zone. But the rewards are more than worth the effort. The Christian life is more than simply saying a prayer of commitment to Christ. It involves following Jesus not only as your Savior but also as your Lord. If your only source of spiritual intake is hearing other people preach sermons, then you will be in a relatively weakened state spiritually. There is a place for teaching and preaching, but you must learn how to cut your own food, so to speak. You must learn how to feed yourself spiritually. Hebrews 6:1 says, “So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God” (NLT). We need to mature as believers and refuse to be spiritual babies forever. We need to grow up to be men and women of God. Reflection question: In what areas do you need to grow spiritually? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the parable of the vineyard, Jesus exposes the religious leaders as those who kill the Son and reject the cornerstone. Reminding us that those who refuse Him as Savior will one day face Him as Judge.

In this opening message of The Greatest Lie series, Dr. Michael Youssef exposes the ancient falsehood that still deceives millions: that all paths lead to God. Rooted in Genesis 3:15, Dr. Youssef reveals how the first lie whispered in Eden continues to corrupt hearts and pulpits alike. He confronts the seductive appeal of religious pluralism, calling it what it is—a satanic distortion that leads to spiritual ruin and eternal condemnation. But amid the deception, God declared a promise: a Savior who would crush the serpent's head. This episode calls believers to reject compromise, embrace the inerrant Truth of God's Word, and boldly proclaim that Jesus Christ alone is Lord and Redeemer. For more original podcasts from Leading The Way, please visit ltw.org/subscriptions

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260202dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 1 Corinthians 1:26 The Only Credential If we were to ask people at your church the reason God chose them to be believers in Jesus, you’d probably see some uncomfortable shifting in the pews. A few smiles. Maybe even a laugh. We know better. Left to ourselves, none of us has a list convincing enough to impress God. The apostle Paul invites us to “think of what you were when you were called.” Not to shame us, but to assure us. God didn’t wait for us to become wise, influential, impressive, or spiritually polished. He called us when we were helpless and unworthy, when we had nothing to offer him but our sin. His calling was not based on our qualities but on his compassion. This is the upside-down beauty of grace. The world celebrates strength, status, intelligence, and achievement. God delights in rescuing the weak, the unknown, the ordinary. In a world obsessed with proving ourselves, the gospel frees us from the exhausting effort of self-validation. God’s love didn’t choose us because of who we are. Instead, it helped us become what we could never be on our own. Think of what that means for you today. Your worth does not rise or fall with your productivity. Your identity is not anchored in your accomplishments. Your hope does not depend on whether you feel spiritual enough. God’s call came to you through water and Word, through promise and proclamation, and it rested entirely on Christ’s finished work. His perfect life replaced your broken one. His cross absorbed the judgment you deserved. His empty tomb wrapped you in a future that cannot be undone. So, walk today with confidence, the kind that comes from hearing your Savior say, “You are mine.” When doubts whisper that you are not enough, return to the truth the Bible proclaims. God chose you deliberately, joyfully, graciously. You may not be wise by the world’s standards. You may not be influential or noble. But you are Christ’s. And that is the only credential that matters. Prayer: Lord Jesus, remind me daily that your call is pure grace. Quiet my pride and insecurity and let my confidence rest in you alone. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Jesus can be present right in front of us—and still be missed. This Crosswalk Devotional reflects on John 1:11–13, inviting us to examine how easily familiarity, pain, or assumptions can blind us to the presence of Christ. When Jesus came to earth, many failed to recognize Him for who He truly was. Yet Scripture reminds us that those who did receive Him were given the right to become children of God. This Christian devotional challenges us to consider how we see Jesus today. Do we recognize Him as Lord, Savior, and faithful Friend in the middle of ordinary life, hardship, or disappointment? Or do distractions, expectations, and appearances cloud our spiritual vision? God is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent—and He is still at work, even when we struggle to perceive Him. Highlights Jesus was rejected because many did not recognize who He truly was God’s presence can be missed when we judge by appearances or expectations Pain, disappointment, and distraction can dull our spiritual awareness Christ is still present, powerful, and actively working in our lives Recognizing Jesus begins with faith, humility, and openness When we receive Christ, we are reborn as children of God God calls us to reflect Christ’s love in how we treat others Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: If We Only Knew By Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading:“He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.” - John 1:11-13 NLT While scrolling on social media a few weeks ago, I saw several skits with similar themes: a hotel concierge or a fancy purse store employee who treated someone poorly based on their appearance and denied service to them. However, after finding out who they were (famous, prominent, important, and influential), these people apologized profusely, but it was too late to take back their bad behavior and negative comments toward that person. A real, modern-day example of how people may treat you when they don’t know you’re rich and famous or influential happened several years ago when a famous American broadcast journalist was traveling in Europe. She visited a local store to shop for a purse. When she saw a purse she liked, she asked the clerk to see it. But the clerk said no because it was too expensive. The clerk proceeded to try to show the journalist other purses that she assumed were in the customer’s budget. The journalist decided to leave the store. Later, when management received news of what had happened and realized who this famous person was, they apologized and said that they didn’t know it was her. They implied that if they only knew who this famous woman was, then they would have treated her better and let her see the purse she wanted because she could afford it. After all, this woman is a billionaire. Reflecting on this real-world situation caused me to think of the Bible stories about how most people didn’t recognize the Messiah. I realized how often we can be just as shortsighted as the Pharisees and other Bible characters who didn’t recognize our Savior (Jesus Christ) when He was there with them. When Jesus was living on Earth, His own people rejected him and treated him poorly because they didn’t know who He was. It wasn’t until Christ’s death on the cross that a Roman soldier nearby said in Mark 15:39 (NIV), “Surely this man was the Son of God!” This made me think: If Jesus Christ were standing right in front of us, would we know Him? Would we recognize Him as our Lord and Savior? Would we know Him as the most faithful friend we ever had? Would we treat Him well or would we treat Him poorly based on how He appeared? It boggles my mind to know that when our Savior came to save humankind, most people didn’t recognize Him. Even the disciples of Jesus Christ had trouble realizing they were walking with Jesus on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection (Luke 24:13-35). Did they not feel His comforting Presence? Did they not experience His peace? Did they not feel that familiarity with the man whom they followed for several years? How did they not know that this was their Savior who had risen from the dead and now lives forever, just like He said would happen when they were part of His ministry prior to His death? Perhaps the disciples of Jesus were too traumatized and depressed by all the events that unfolded leading up to Christ’s crucifixion. Maybe they felt too hurt to see the hope who was walking right beside them. I can understand that because I also have felt too weighed down by the woes of the world at times, making it nearly impossible to sense God’s Presence in our broken planet. But the good news is that Jesus is here. The Bible says God is omniscient, which means He knows all and nothing is hidden from Him (Psalm 139:1-4 and Jeremiah 23:24). God is also omnipresent, which means His Presence is everywhere (Psalm 139:7-10). God is omnipotent, and that means He is the most powerful force in this world and the entire universe (Psalm 147:5). What a mighty God we serve! When you feel burdened by the problems in our world, turn to Jesus. Know Him for who He is: Our Lord, Savior, Redeemer, and most Faithful Friend. It is my hope and prayer that we will always recognize God in our lives. Let’s not be like the people of the Bible era who missed the Messiah even when He was with them. Let’s be like the ones who recognized the Son of God and welcomed Him with open arms. Let’s allow the bright light of Jesus Christ to shine through us and fill the world with His pure love for humankind. May we also treat each other with agape love, kindness, and respect, no matter how we look (Leviticus 19:18). In closing, I’d like you to listen to these songs listed below. Song of Reflection #1: “How Beautiful” by Twila Paris. Listen HERE. Song of Reflection #2: “Love God Love People” by Danny Gokey. Listen HERE. Song of Reflection #3: “Each One, Reach One” by Babbie Mason. Listen HERE. Intersecting Faith & Life: Will you know Jesus Christ when you see Him? Further Reading: Micah 6:8Matthew 5:162 Corinthians 5:20Hebrews 7:24-25Romans 10:9 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In 2020, after surviving a long season of hardship, Janell believed the valley was finally behind her. Life was opening up. Freedom was ahead. Then, on a familiar freeway, everything spiraled out of control. The car wouldn't slow down. The engine screamed louder. The brakes failed. The emergency brake did nothing. Seventy miles an hour… climbing. No way out. No one to help. Except One. In the moment where death felt certain, a voice spoke from behind her: “Do you trust Me? You have to jump.” What followed wasn't just survival—it was an encounter. An ER room. A presence. Eyes filled with peace. A Good Shepherd who draws near when control is gone and fear is everywhere. This is a story about obedience in terror, faith in the shadow of death, and the quiet power of a Savior who does not leave His sheep—before the jump, during the fall, or long after the moment passes. Sometimes the valley you never expected is where you finally meet the Shepherd.Janell Kremer has written a book about her experience called: Now My Eyes See You: When Pain Becomes an Invitation to Encounter God Face-to-Face ---------------------------------------------------------------If you're a fan of true crime but crave a dose of inspiration instead of tales of darkness, The Miracle Files is your perfect alternative. With the same storytelling intensity as true crime podcasts, The Miracle Files delves into the details of each miraculous story, exploring the people and circumstances that turned these moments into something unforgettable. Whether you believe in divine intervention or human perseverance, this podcast will leave you feeling uplifted and amazed. Website: www.themiraclefiles.comPodcast/RSS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-miracle-files/id1714203488Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_miracle_files_podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.phpid=100093613416005&mibextid=LQQJ4dTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.miracle.files?_t=8rB5ooQd482&_r=1

Share a commentA God who cries at a graveside and prays through sweat and sorrow isn't distant from our pain—and that truth frames one of the most breathtaking true stories of mission and redemption. We start where many believers secretly live: wondering whether tears are wasted and whether apparent failure means God has gone silent. From the compassion of Jesus at Lazarus's tomb to the anguish of Gethsemane, we ground the journey in a Savior who validates grief and transforms it into hope.Against that backdrop, we walk with David and Svea Flood into the Belgian Congo: malaria, shut gates, and a single boy allowed to sell eggs at their tent. Svea shares the gospel with him; soon after, she dies following childbirth. David, shattered, buries her on the hill and abandons faith, convinced the mission failed. Their newborn, Aina, is adopted, brought to the United States, and grows up with only fragments of her story. Years later, a Swedish magazine lands in her mailbox with a photo of a simple cross: “Svea Flood.” Translated lines tell of the boy who became a teacher, won his village, and helped plant a thriving church.What unfolds next is restoration. Aina finds her father in Sweden, bitter and broken. She tells him the truth: the seed did not die in vain. Hope returns; grace does its quiet work. Then, at a London conference, Aina meets the very man her mother led to Christ—now a national church leader representing more than a hundred thousand baptized believers. Together they journey back to the hill, to the grave beneath the palm, and to a village alive with faith.This is a story for anyone who has sown in tears and seen nothing bloom—yet. It's about unseen seeds, long timelines, and the God who weeps with us while turning loss into a harvest beyond our imagination. Listen, share with a friend who needs courage today, and if this moved you, subscribe and leave a review so more people can find hope.Support the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback

“I am the resurrection and the life.” Nowhere is this claim more vividly demonstrated than at the tomb of Lazarus. In this episode of The Magnificent 37, we stand with the weeping sisters of Bethany and the weeping Savior to witness the seventh and greatest sign in John's Gospel. While death seems final and the stench of the grave is real, Jesus proves that He is the Master over death itself. With a loud command, He calls the dead to life, foreshadowing His own victory over the grave and the future resurrection of all believers.   The Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in New Haven, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 11:1–44.   To learn more about Trinity in New Haven, visit trinitynewhaven.com. Thy Strong Word kicks off the new year by dedicating our time to study "The Magnificent 37: The Miracles of Jesus." Christ didn't just speak the Word; He demonstrated it with power. From the quiet intimacy of water turning to wine at Cana to the earth-shaking reality of the empty tomb, the Gospels record thirty-seven distinct moments where Jesus suspended the laws of nature to reveal the power of his grace. This isn't just a list of "neat tricks" from history. It is a systematic walkthrough of how God breaks into our broken world to fix it. Why did Jesus curse a fig tree? Why did He need mud to heal a blind man? What does the coin in the fish's mouth teach us about being citizens of heaven and earth?  Host, Pastor Phil Booe and a lineup of guest pastors will take you through each event, verse by verse. We'll move past the Sunday School summary and get into the meat of the text, including the Old Testament connections, the cultural context, and the immediate comfort these signs bring to your life today.   Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Who is God? Pastor Heath Lambert presents six foundational truths from Scripture: God is real, spirit, creator, sovereign, perfect, and savior. This comprehensive teaching explains the nature of the God who made everything and offers salvation through Jesus Christ.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and the question0:48 - The challenge: So much to say in 10 minutes1:27 - Truth 1: God is real (Exodus 3:14)2:20 - We all know God is real deep down2:45 - Truth 2: God is spirit (John 4:24)3:19 - Why invisibility doesn't defeat God's existence3:44 - Truth 3: God is creator (Isaiah 40:28)4:32 - Truth 4: God is sovereign (Psalm 115:3)5:23 - The one being who does all He pleases5:45 - Truth 5: God is perfect (Deuteronomy 32:4)6:32 - Why God's perfection matters6:59 - Truth 6: God is our savior (Titus 3:4-6)7:43 - The terrible reality: We are not perfect8:21 - God's mercy through Jesus Christ9:11 - Final answer: Knowing God through salvationKey Topics Covered- God's Reality - Exodus 3:14 and the self-existent "I Am"- Universal Knowledge - Romans 1:19 and why everyone knows God exists- God as Spirit - John 4:24 and why God is invisible to our eyes- The Air Analogy - Why invisibility doesn't equal non-existence- God as Creator - Isaiah 40:28 and everything made by God- God's Sovereignty - Psalm 115:3 and divine control over all- The Only One Who Pleases - Why God alone does whatever He desires- God's Perfection - Deuteronomy 32:4 and complete righteousness- Trust in God's Justice - Why we can have confidence in His reign- Our Imperfection Problem - The contrast between God's perfection and our sin- God as Savior - Titus 3:4-6 and salvation through grace not works- The Gospel Path - How knowing ourselves as sinners leads to knowing God as Savior- Complete Knowledge - How salvation opens the door to fully knowing GodScripture ReferencesExodus 3:14 - God's name as "I Am Who I Am"Romans 1:19 - What can be known about God is plainJohn 4:24 - God is spiritIsaiah 40:28 - The Lord as everlasting God and creatorPsalm 115:3 - Our God does all that He pleasesDeuteronomy 32:4 - God's work is perfect, all His ways are justTitus 3:4-6 - God our Savior appeared in mercy through ChristLike this episode? Subscribe for more biblical teaching from Marked by Grace. Share your thoughts in the comments below about which of these six truths about God most impacts you.Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

For the last few weeks, we have been in our series The Way of Jesus. Throughout this series, we've explored what it truly means to be a disciple—a follower of Jesus. In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us that we are “truly His disciples if we hold to His teachings,” and together we have been examining what those teachings are. What does it mean to develop a life that follows after Him? What rhythms and practices must I put in place to help me become a better disciple to my Savior? This episode, as we close out our series, Pastor Lydia Miller takes us back to the very beginning. Because often, when we lean into disciplines, practices, and rhythms of the Christian life, it can be easy to fall back into the idea that these disciplines and practices contribute something to the salvation we receive from our Father. This week, we are going to study the final phrase of the scripture we have looked at each week: "... and the truth will set you free." Together, we will discover how we lean into the true freedom we have in the sacrifice of Jesus and the grace of God.--WebsiteFacebookInstagramSunday SetlistSunnybrook App (ios)Sunnybrook App (Google)Connect with us!How can we prayer for you? Let us know.

Savior, I need healthy community.Scripture: Matthew 18:20Keywords: Connection: community; together; isolation; brave; stronger together.

The Gospel is OFFENSIVE. Why? It's equal. It's honest. It's definitive. In this world and generation, none of these words are comfortable but convicting. God did not bring His Word to please us but to give us TRUTH. Prepare your hearts to hear the truth of God's Word. ▶SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/SouthernHillsLV ▶Do you know Jesus as your Savior? https://www.southernhillslv.com/the-gospel ▶ DONATE: https://pushpay.com/g/southernhills?src=hpp&r=monthly ▶ Visit Southern Hills: https://www.southernhillslv.com/ ▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southernhillslv ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernhillslv/ Pastor Josh Teis is the founder and senior pastor of Southern Hills Church in Las Vegas. He has a Masters Degree in Bible Exposition from Pensacola Theological Seminary, and he is a Master of Divinity with Liberty University. He coaches pastors in practical leadership and time management and is a nationally sought-after speaker. #joshteissermon #bibleteaching #southernhillschurch #churchsouthwestlasvegas #Bible #Christian #gospel #accountability #conviction #repentance #salvation

The Seven Attributes of Jesus (Christology 1)Big Idea: Jesus Christ is not just a chapter in the story of God; He is the Author, the Hero, and the Ending. When we see Jesus for who He truly is, every other priority in our lives finds its proper place.Today we begin a nine-week journey through the Book of Hebrews, a letter written to magnify the greatness of Jesus Christ. Hebrews isn't primarily about religious rules, moral improvement, or spiritual techniques. It's about Jesus—who He is and what He has done. Everything else flows from that foundation.The original audience was likely Jewish Christians living under Roman rule, facing intense persecution. As pressure mounted, many were tempted to abandon their faith in Jesus and return to the familiarity and safety of traditional Judaism. Hebrews speaks directly into that tension with one clear message: Jesus is greater than anyone or anything that came before Him. To walk away from Him would be to walk away from the fulfillment of all God's promises.The author of Hebrews remains anonymous, one of the great mysteries of the New Testament. While Paul may have influenced it, the writing style is far more polished and rhetorically sophisticated than Paul's letters. Hebrews chapter 1 proves this immediately. Verses 1–4 form a single, majestic sentence in the original Greek—an exordium, designed to grab attention with both beauty and weight.Hebrews 1:1–4 (NLT) sets the stage:“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son…”In the Old Testament, God spoke in fragments—a dream here, a burning bush there, a prophet's warning along the way. But in Jesus, God didn't just send messages; He sent the Message. This is Christology—the study of the person and work of Jesus Christ—and Hebrews wastes no time getting to the point.In verses 2–3, the author unleashes a rapid-fire description of Jesus using seven distinct attributes. In Scripture, the number seven represents completeness and perfection. Together, these form a full portrait of the Son.Jesus is the Heir—the goal of history. God has promised everything to Him as an inheritance. History is not random; it is moving toward the coronation of King Jesus. He is the “why” behind all creation.Jesus is the Creator—the architect of reality. Through Him, God made the universe. Jesus is not a created being; He is the source of all things. Nothing exists apart from His will.Jesus is the Radiance—the shining glory of God. He doesn't merely reflect God's glory like the moon reflects sunlight; He radiates it. The Son is the visible manifestation of the invisible God—“Light from Light.”Jesus is the Expression—the exact imprint of God's nature. The Greek word charaktēr refers to a stamp or seal. Jesus doesn't resemble God; He perfectly represents Him. To see Jesus is to see God.Jesus is the Sustainer—the glue of the cosmos. He holds everything together by the power of His word. The universe doesn't persist on autopilot; it endures because Jesus commands it to.Jesus is the Savior—the cleanser of sin. When He purified us from our sins, the work was finished. Unlike Old Testament priests who never sat down, Jesus completed the work once for all.Finally, Jesus is the Ruler—the seated King. He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven, a position of total authority. The victory is won.Hebrews 1:4 reminds us that Jesus is far greater than angels, traditions, or anything else we might be tempted to trust. For believers facing hardship, this truth re-centers everything.The message of Hebrews is clear:...

Join us for the first episode of our brand new series, where we dive deep into the concept of Jesus as God's final King and the establishment of His everlasting kingdom. In this thought-provoking discussion, we explore how traditional views of Jesus as merely a Savior can limit our understanding of His true role and purpose. In this episode, we unpack the historical context of Jesus' title, the significance of the term "Christ," and how it relates to the kingdom of God. We challenge listeners to reconsider their faith frameworks and encourage them to engage with the New Testament in a fresh way. Whether you grew up in a specific faith tradition or are exploring these ideas for the first time, this episode aims to shift your perspective and invite you to participate in the transformative kingdom that Jesus came to establish. Tune in as we set the stage for the next four weeks of exploration and discovery, and prepare to see the scriptures—and your faith—in a whole new light! Read along with our chosen scripture: Luke 1:30–33; John 19:12 The Main Idea: If we re-center our faith around the arrival of a King rather than a ticket to heaven, we will discover why his arrival and his kingdom is good news for all people. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are an alternative to church as usual. Our Sunday worship service is approximately a 75-minute experience designed to introduce people to the message of Jesus and equip believers to live their lives in response to the Gospel while their kids enjoy one of our safe children's environments. Centerpoint is designed to meet you wherever you are on the journey whether you are just checking out the "church thing" or you are a committed Christ follower. Centerpoint is a casual environment that combines today's music with creative media and relevant teaching. We hope you will visit us at Centerpoint Church regardless of what your past church experience has looked like.

Marshall Segal | Jesus's sheep are happy to be his, and Jesus will never leave them behind. But why would anyone reject this patient, kind, and powerful Savior?

“But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.’” (Mark 6:4 NKJV) Imagine being the half brother of Jesus. You could never blame Him for anything. Think about it. Who were Mary and Joseph going to believe—you or the only sinless human being who ever lived? Imagine trying to compete for your parents’ attention with the long-awaited Messiah, the Son of God, the Savior of your people. That was the lot in life for James, the author of the New Testament book that bears his name. It’s noteworthy that neither James nor any of Jesus’ other half brothers believed in Jesus prior to His resurrection. In fact, at one point, Jesus’ family came to take Him home, thinking that He had taken leave of His senses. John 7:5 states plainly, “For even His brothers did not believe in Him” (NKJV). Yet James starts his epistle by identifying himself as “a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1 NKJV). He doesn’t identify himself as “James, the brother of the Lord” or even “James, the half brother of Jesus.” Instead, he writes, “James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Still, it seems hard to believe that James came to recognize the truth about Jesus so relatively late in life. After all, Jesus lived a flawless life. He never lied or stole or lost His temper. He never even sinned inwardly. Yet as Jesus Himself said, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house” (Mark 6:4 NKJV). That just goes to show that even living a perfect life is not necessarily enough to convince someone of the truth about Jesus. And, for believers who are trying to share that truth, it becomes even more difficult because all of us have fallen short at times in living out the witness we ought to live. The hardest people for many Christians to reach are those who are closest to us, especially in our own families. Many of us were raised in non-Christian homes. We know how difficult and hostile an environment that can be. It took the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to finally reach His brothers. That’s when they all believed. It took the power of the gospel. Reaching family with the gospel message is still a challenge. But it’s a challenge we must rise to. The questions that the apostle Paul poses in Romans 10:14–15 still apply. “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’” (NKJV). Reflection question: How can you help the people who are closest to you understand the Good News of Christ? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260131dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23 The Lamb of God Takes Away Our Sins Matthew uses the word “kingdom” fifty-four times in his Gospel. The “kingdom” Jesus is talking about is not a place, but rather the saving activity of God. For example, in Matthew 13:24, we see that “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed seed…” This is a picture of the way God gathers people into heaven by means of the gospel. The “good news (gospel) of the kingdom” is the message about how God gathers us to be his people. Part of the message is repentance—sorrow for sins and turning to Jesus for forgiveness. Another important part is God’s assurance that our sins are forgiven. For people living in an uncertain world, a world filled with tragedy, disaster, war, anger, fear, doubt, loneliness, and guilt, the assurance from God that our sins are forgiven is the only remedy. Jesus spread this remedy around and also gave people convincing proof that his message was true by performing miracles. No wonder people came from all around. He spoke words that gave people eternal life and true hope. Jesus has also spoken to us. We have his gospel message, which assures us that our sins are forgiven. We are not held accountable before God for our sins because the guilt of all our sins was laid on Jesus. As our Savior, he rescued us from the death we deserved for our sins. He fully completed the work of our salvation. Yet the activity of God's kingdom continues. The message about Christ and his completed work still needs to be spread through the saving Word of God. Who better to do that than you and me, who have the peace of Jesus in our hearts? Prayer: Jesus, amid many difficulties and challenges of my life, I am so grateful for the peace that comes from knowing you as my Savior. You established your kingdom in me by faith, now rule my life always with your loving power and tender mercy. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Life rarely unfolds without surprise, hardship, or moments that test our emotional and spiritual limits. This Christian devotional explores how God prepares believers to live with courageous faith, even in the face of fear, uncertainty, and overwhelming circumstances. Rooted in John 16:33, this devotion reminds us that while trouble is unavoidable, peace and victory are found in Christ—who has already overcome the world. Highlights God prepares His people for hardship before it arrives Jesus offers peace even while acknowledging life’s troubles Courageous faith grows when we remain connected to Christ The Holy Spirit strengthens, guides, and sustains believers God’s grace meets us before and after moments of failure Abiding in Christ replaces fear with peace and clarity Victory comes through reliance on Jesus, not self-effort Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Divinely Prepared to Live with Courageous FaithBy: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33, NIV Most of us don’t like to be caught off guard, hit with something we weren’t expecting. Those situations can feel disorienting if not overwhelming. Not long ago, a friend shared an experience with me that, in the moment, triggered all of her internal alarm systems, resulting in her landing in total freak-out mode. In short, she and her husband decided to attend a small group for those enduring chronic anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. She went to receive encouragement in her long and arduous healing journey from complex trauma, and her husband accompanied her to offer support. She walked into the meeting room expecting something similar to a Bible study with sharing opportunities similar to what occurs with Alcoholics Anonymous. Mentally and emotionally unprepared for a deep discussion on trauma, she quickly found herself overwhelmed and embarrassed by her intense reaction. The following week, however, she responded much differently, largely because she now knew what to expect and had been able to talk through this with her therapist. This allowed her to bring tools, like her current knitting project, as a grounding tool when she sensed herself becoming overwhelmed. The disciples Jesus spoke with in today’s verse would soon face numerous overwhelming and life-threatening circumstances that could’ve easily triggered panic, causing them to lash out physically or verbally, flee or withdraw from the danger, and therefore their calling, or become paralyzed by their fear. The Lord knew this. He grasped how difficult life would soon become for His first-century followers. That understanding, coupled with His incomprehensible love, motivated Him to prepare them for what lay ahead. First, He told them that one of them would betray Him, Peter would deny Him, and all of them would abandon Him during His darkest hour. But recognize, He didn’t say this to shame them but instead to help them, post failure, to return to Him and receive His grace. He also said that they’d experience persecution and even death for their faith. First, however, He spoke powerful promises to encourage and strengthen their trembling souls. Although He told them that He’d soon be leaving, and they couldn’t join, He also assured them that He wasn’t abandoning them. He was going to prepare a place for them and would eventually return for them, thereby declaring that their hardship wouldn’t get the final say. His love and grace would. He also let them know that they wouldn’t have to face their upcoming difficulties, or any other aspect of life, alone. He’d send them God the Holy Spirit, to strengthen, guide, and teach them, and speak through them. Then, in John 15:1-8, He spoke words that, when applied, have the capacity to bolster the most timid souls. In verses 4-5, He said, Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. That was their survival plan. Their freak-out escape route. When overpowered and overwhelmed, they weren’t to rely on themselves. They needed to turn and draw near to, remain vitally connected to, and spiritually alert to, His presence at work within them. He would give them everything they needed to live as the victorious conquerors He was calling them to be. They would overcome because He, their Savior, had already overcome. Intersecting Life & Faith: God still prepares His children for the hard things to come. Throughout Scripture, we read numerous warnings of the unavoidable difficulties ahead–sickness, wars and rumors of wars, natural disasters, relational storms with people who act antagonistically to our faith. But the Lord also describes, in detail, how to stand strong even when the ground beneath us feels ready to give way. As we “abide” or “remain” in Him through prayer, Bible reading, connecting with other Christ-followers, listening for His voice, and resting in His presence, He steadily and progressively replaces our fear with courage and peace, our confusion with clarity, and our heartache with joy. Equally important, He speaks of His grace before our moment of moral failure so that we know we can return to it and rely upon it. Phrased differently, He reminds us that His grace wasn’t His backup plan. It has been His life-saving, soul-nurturing strategy since the beginning of time. No matter what we encounter, we can trust that His grace is sufficient, for His strength is perfected, or reaches its full expression, in our weakness–when our weakness draws us closer to Him, that is. Further Reading:Matthew 26:411 Corinthians 16:13-14Proverbs 22:3 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

"Family Secrets" - that was the bold headline on a Newsweek magazine. The story was inspired by what happened in the life of then Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, who was, as she was being considered for that position, learning a secret her family had kept for decades. She thought her grandparents had been Czechoslovakian Catholics who died peaceful deaths. But they were, in fact, Jews who'd been murdered in a Nazi concentration camp. But Newsweek was using that incident to point out how many families have secrets in their closets, from hidden adoptions to hushed-up romances, sometimes with painful consequences. Like one lady the story told about, a lady named Deborah. She was a student at a music conservatory when she married an African American man. She's white and she had two sons. Later that marriage ended in divorce. When Deborah moved back to her parents' white neighborhood, her sons were not accepted there, so she decided they'd be better off living with an African American family. She put them up for adoption and tried to resume her life. But she was tormented by that decision. In fact, she lost her trained lyric-soprano voice. She said, "I was never able to sing after that." When she remarried, she kept her past a secret for ten years. When she finally confessed it to her husband, he responded compassionately, they went on a search for her sons and there's a happy ending. In the magazine's words, "The family was reunited, the secrets were told, and almost miraculously, her singing voice came back." I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Secret That Keeps You From Singing." It's amazing the torment that can come from a dark secret. Maybe you know that firsthand. In a sense, it can keep you from singing, from experiencing all the joy and all the freedom that you were created to have. It's even more amazing the release that can come from dealing with the dark secret. Maybe there's a dark secret or more than one secret that are tying you up inside. It may be your secret sins, or the sins of someone else against you. But as long as it's a secret, you're a prisoner to it. And even though others may not know the dark secrets you carry, they're feeling the effects of it. They feel it in your anger, your depression, or some other way it comes out in your personality. Usually when you continue to store a dark secret, it just continues to multiply the pain and keep you from singing. Well, our word for today from the Word of God, it's got hope in it! John 8:32 - "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free." Now we live like this: "the truth will scare you to death, or the truth will ruin you." Jesus said no, it will "Set you free." Like that woman who could no longer sing, you can't be free until you face and deal with the dark secrets. Jesus goes on to say, "Everyone who sins is a slave to sin, if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed." Jesus is the Liberator from the bondage of your past! Maybe it's time for you to open up your hurting heart to the Liberator so He can do what only He can do. If you're going to face the dark secret, you need someone to go with you there who will not condemn you, and that would be Jesus. He's known your secret all along. He died to pay for all that sin. He died to forgive it. You need someone who is also strong enough to carry that secret, to heal its wounds, to restore you. Isaiah 53 says of Jesus, "He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him." That actually happened on Jesus' cross where every sin and every secret of your life was dealt with and paid for. And today He's saying, "I'm ready to help you face it, to make you clean, to become your personal Savior." Would you tell Him today, "Jesus, I'm Yours." Our website will help you cross that line. It's ANewStory.com. You've been a slave to those secrets long enough, haven't you? Maybe this is your day to finally be free and to finally sing again.

Brother Eric Richards teaches Institute and Seminary in the Utah North Area, is a member of the Veritas society, a contributing author for the Patheos project, and a member of the International Writers and Editors Association. He has served in several Bishoprics, twice on High Councils, in the Stake Presidency, and now serves as a Bishop. For five years, Brother Richards and his team wrote the Online Seminary Curriculum. He presents at BYU and BYU-Idaho Education Week and is the author of Preparing for the Second Coming, Come Follow Me: Words of the Week, and was a contributing author for Deseret Book's “Hear Him” project. He's a certified Neuroscience Coach, and a great pickleball player in his free time. Brother Richards grew up attending the Mountain View Baptist Church in San Diego before missionaries baptized him and his mom. He served a mission in Honduras, and his son later served in the same mission. He first moved to Utah after meeting his future wife at EFY, and taught Seminary and played water polo and volleyball for Utah State University. They have been married for 27 years. Most of all, he loves teaching and being with valiant Christians around the world. Links Preparing for the Second Coming Come Follow Me: Words of the Week Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights How can we lead in a way that connects members deeply to Jesus Christ? This conversation moves beyond administrative duties to explore practical frameworks for empowering members, delivering difficult counsel, and fostering a revelation-driven ward culture. 00:02:37 – Eric Richards’s Background and Experience 00:06:05 – Core Messages and Focus on Jesus Christ 00:07:42 – Approaching Leadership and Interviews 00:12:21 – The Importance of the Bishop’s Helpline 00:13:05 – Interview Techniques for Revelation 00:20:03 – The Role of Hope in Leadership 00:24:11 – Addressing Pornography in Ministering Interviews 00:30:51 – Supporting Speakers and Teachers in Sacrament Meetings 00:35:07 – Encouraging Discussion in Sunday School 00:39:26 – Inspired Counsel on Callings 00:45:12 – The Bishop’s Prayer List and Personal Ministry 00:46:33 – Ministering Interviews and Strengthening Faith Key Insights Connecting to Christ: All leadership efforts should ultimately prioritize helping individuals develop a personal relationship with the Savior rather than simply maintaining organizational functions. Four Levels of Problem Solving: Leaders can empower members by identifying their current “level” of problem-solving: Level 1 (bringing a completed solution), Level 2 (proposing options), Level 3 (sharing findings/research), or Level 4 (simply asking for the answer). The “Hot Sauce” Technique: Delivering difficult correction is most effective when used as a “compliment sandwich,” where hard truths are encased in genuine love to ensure the counsel is “metabolized” rather than rejected. Facilitating Personal Revelation: Leaders should serve as a “Sherpa” or “guide on the side,” asking questions that invite the member to receive their own answers from the Spirit rather than providing them directly. Wellness Baselines: Richards emphasizes checking a member’s physical (sleep, diet, exercise) and spiritual (prayer, scripture, temple) “baselines” to address holistic needs before tackling complex emotional or behavioral issues. Heart-Led Vulnerability: To create safety, leaders should model vulnerability in sacrament meetings and classes, prioritizing personal, “heart-led” experiences over purely informational “head-led” teaching. Leadership Applications Member Empowerment: Instead of solving every problem, a leader can ask a member where they are on the 1–4 problem-solving scale, encouraging them to find and present their own solutions for the leader’s approval. Ward Council Dynamics: Councils are most effective when members “check their ego” and evaluate every proposal through “three hats”: their perspective as an individual, as a friend/neighbor, and through their specific stewardship. Joyful Ward Culture: Leaders can foster a “Church of Joy” by normalizing post-meeting interactions and using specific roles, such as “stenographers” to document the ward’s spiritual history and community connections. The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Professor Danny Ricks continues to examine Moses 7, showing how Enoch's sorrow turns to peace and hope through Jesus Christ and covenant faith.YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/W9iEsGXcmmwALL EPISODES/SHOW NOTESfollowHIM website: https://www.followHIM.coFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBook  WEEKLY NEWSLETTER https://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletter  SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE:00:00 Part 2 - Brother Danny Ricks2:31 Youth Theme: Walk with Me5:04 Meridian of time?7:34 Losing a mother10:40 Covenantal power13:15 Veil of darkness16:01 Lame Duck President Satan17:41 What did President Oaks teach recently?19:21 Joy and sadness23:06 Like a movie24:20 Becoming like Jesus and Danny29:02 Joseph Smith preaches compassion32:35 Righteousness from heaven36:30 Best kept secret38:52 Savior's mercy42:28 Can't save them, love them45:11 Weakness vs rebellion47:21 Testimony of the power of Jesus Christ to heal52:02 End of Part 2 - Brother Danny RicksThanks to the followHIM team:Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish TranscriptsAmelia Kabwika: Portuguese TranscriptsHeather Barlow: Communications DirectorSydney Smith: Social Media, Graphic Design "Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com