Podcasts about serving god

We open the Bible to Matthew 6 and 2 Corinthians 9 and let them expose the real fight behind our finances: trust in the Father or trust in fear. We challenge mammon as a rival master, then pray for courage, repentance, and open-handed obedience that makes room for God's provision and purpose. • Abundance as a blessing meant to bless others • Priorities in the kingdom shaping every dollar • Stewardship mindset that refuses self-made pride • Treasure as a heart indicator and a practical audit • Serving God versus serving mammon as a real tension • Sowing and reaping as worship rather than pressure • Planned generosity instead of accidental generosity • Provision posture purpose as the order of kingdom giving • Cheerful giving that offers God our best • Jewish covenant lens in Matthew 6 and the shock of deifying mammon • Roman patronage culture and the temptation to give for credit • Kingdom versus mammon as two systems of security • Repentance as the fastest way back to trust • Dismantling stored security and self-protection agreements • Faith that works and refuses laziness 

Subject: Romans 12:11-12 Speaker or Performer: R.G. Murray Scripture Passage(s): Romans 12:11-12 Date of Delivery: March 8, 2026

In this message from our Genesis series, we look at the story of Joseph in Genesis 40, a chapter that begins and ends with Joseph still in prison.Joseph's situation is difficult and uncertain. Despite being wrongly imprisoned and seemingly forgotten, he continues to trust God, serve others, and remain faithful in the place where he finds himself. This passage invites us to reflect on how we respond during seasons of waiting or disappointment. Joseph's example reminds us that even in challenging circumstances, we can continue to rely on God, use the gifts He has given us, and trust His timing.Key themes from the message include: • Recognising God's presence in difficult seasons • Serving others even while we are struggling • Trusting God rather than placing our hope in people • Persevering while we wait for God's timing

Ps. Merlyn teaches about serving God is an Honor

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20260304fam.mp3 Listen to Devotion Read: Romans 4:1-5,13-17 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. Romans 4:4-5 Salvation Is Not a Chore In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Would you rather earn $5 by taking out the trash, or just be handed $5 as a gift? Most of us would rather get the gift! If you earn it, you have to grab the smelly garbage, tie the bag, carry it outside, and put in a new bag. You worked for that money. You earned it. But if someone gives you $5 as a gift, you don't have to do anything at all. You didn't earn it. They just gave it to you because they care about you. Now think about something even bigger—salvation. Would you rather earn your way to heaven, or receive heaven as a gift? We might say “gift,” but sometimes we act like we have to earn it. “If I'm good enough, God will love me more.” But that's not true. The Bible says even our best good deeds are like dirty rags because we still sin. No matter how many good things we do, we can't earn heaven. Your sin makes your good deeds look like rotten trash. Here's something that is worth praising God! You don't have to earn salvation at all. Jesus already did the work for you. He died on the cross and rose again, so your sins are forgiven. Heaven is a gift. God gives it to you because he loves you—not because you earned it. And now, when you obey God or help others, you're not trying to earn anything. You're simply saying, “thank you.” Serving God isn't a chore. It's a joyful way to show love back to him. Prayer: Lord, I praise you for giving me your salvation without expecting anything in return. Inspire me to live for you and others, not out of obligation, but out of thanksgiving for all you have done for me. Amen. The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire. Questions for Younger Children How has God shown his love to you? Does Jesus ask us to pay him back? Why or why not? Questions for Elementary Age Children “All our righteous acts like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Why can't our good deeds earn us heaven? What makes salvation different from earning money for chores? Questions for Middle School and Above When does obeying or helping feel like a chore? How does knowing heaven is a gift make you want to live for God and others? Download Family Devotions Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship. 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.

In this episode of The Leader's Notebook (Ep. 302), I preach from Luke chapter 5 and the call of Christ to Simon Peter, “Launch out into the deep.” Serving God is not meant to be safe, shallow, or merely comfortable. Biblical Christianity is an adventure of obedience and faith. When Jesus steps into your boat, He will always call you beyond routine, beyond fear, and beyond what you can manage on your own. The deep water is where faith is tested, where surrender becomes real, and where the power of God is revealed. I share how obedience opens the door to Spirit-filled living, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and a life that is led, not by comfort, but by calling. From the baptism of the Holy Spirit to moments of risk, provision, and divine guidance, this message is a call to courageous faith. Leaders especially must learn to obey God step by step, right where they are, and trust Him with the outcome. The greatest catch is always in the deep.– Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - Adventures of Serving God in Faith(00:07:14) - The Adventure of Walking With Jesus(00:15:25) - The Adventure of Preaching in the Desert(00:20:30) - A Mexican Mission in the Desert(00:26:54) - God's call to come to Ghana(00:31:58) - How I was robbed at the airport(00:37:16) - An American Mission in Africa(00:42:39) - The Power of Ruth(00:47:45) - The Adventure of Serving God

Send a textIn this week's MMD, Pastor Jackson stresses the importance of unity and collaboration as it relates to being servants. God hasn't called us to a ministry of solo servanthood. We must do this together. Take a listen and share!Support the showBe sure to find us at www.facebook.com/krjministriesTo become a patron, visit www.patreon.com/PurposeAndBeyond

We continued on My Church & Devotion.We were reminded that an act of devotion is right thinking. Our thinking powers our living, so we must guard our hearts diligently. God doesn't only desire that we live right, but that we think right; aligning our minds with His Word, because whatever He instructs is wisdom.From right thinking flows right serving. Serving God's cause is devotion, and He pays attention to it. When we show kindness to a member of the body, we are showing kindness to Jesus.Be blessed as you listen to this message

Believers learn to serve God acceptably by clinging to His grace, which empowers grateful hearts to offer worship and service marked by deep reverence and awe. Recognizing God as a consuming fire—holy, just, and powerful—guards against presumption, fostering humble, joyful obedience in light of our secure, eternal inheritance.

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Should Christians still tithe? And why do people lose their minds when a pastor wears a nice watch?In this episode, PF, Kenneth, and Esther tackle one of the most divisive topics in church culture — money, tithing, and what pastors actually deserve to earn.PF gets vulnerable about his own lifestyle, reveals he works 80 hours a week on 5 hours of sleep, and explains why he'll never apologize for owning a Rolex. The conversation digs into the theology behind tithing — Old Covenant law versus New Covenant freewill giving — and why so many Christians are confused about what the Bible actually teaches on the subject.PF breaks down why tithing was originally about food (not money), why Malachi 3:10 is the most misquoted verse in church, and what giving should actually look like for believers today.But this isn't just theology. The crew gets real about church operations — from a $50,000 emergency HVAC replacement to why pastors are among the most underpaid professionals in America. PF shares why pastoral suicide rates are alarming, and makes the case that the laborer is worthy of his wages.In this episode:• Why tithing as we know it isn't actually a New Testament command• PF's honest take on pastor compensation and lifestyle scrutiny• The $50K HVAC story: what it really costs to run a church• "Serving God is not a sentence of poverty" — why PF won't apologize• Old Covenant vs. New Covenant: what the Bible actually says about giving• Why pastors are underpaid, underloved, and burning outTIMESTAMPS00:00 - Cold Open: The Pastor's Tattoo Controversy02:00 - Introduction: Kenneth, Esther & PF04:00 - Should Christians Judge Their Pastors?07:00 - "Teachers Will Be Judged More Strictly" — James 3:110:00 - The Tithing Question: Old Covenant vs. New Covenant14:00 - Malachi 3:10: The Most Misquoted Verse in Church?18:00 - Tithing Was About Food, Not Money22:00 - New Testament Giving: Freewill, Not Mandatory26:00 - Why Do People Get Mad at What Pastors Own?30:00 - PF's Rolex: "I Work 80 Hours a Week on 5 Hours of Sleep"34:00 - "Serving God Is Not a Sentence of Poverty"37:00 - The $50,000 HVAC Story: What Running a Church Actually Costs40:00 - Why Pastors Commit Suicide: Underpaid and Underloved44:00 - The Laborer Is Worthy of His Wages47:00 - Prosperity Gospel vs. Honest Compensation50:00 - How Should Christians Give Today?53:00 - Closing Thoughts: Give Cheerfully, Not Under Compulsion

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Send a textIn this weeks MMD, Pastor Jackson talks about being equipped and empowered to serve God. We must allow God to do a work on us and in us before we do work for Him. Take a listen and share!Support the showBe sure to find us at www.facebook.com/krjministriesTo become a patron, visit www.patreon.com/PurposeAndBeyond

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Send a textIn this week's MMD, Pastor Jackson warns against seeking seats of honor in the Kingdom before seeking to serve in the Kingdom. Take a listen and share!Support the showBe sure to find us at www.facebook.com/krjministriesTo become a patron, visit www.patreon.com/PurposeAndBeyond

Our heart is connected to wherever we put our treasure. We FEED whatever is most important to us. So, if your heart is in two children while ignoring five other children, that means that your treasure is going to go to those two children, right? If your heart is in your career and not in your family, then your time is going to go to your career. Or maybe your heart is in your stuff — the accumulation of things. If that's where your heart is, then your money's going to go there too. Which means that your money isn't going to God. Because we subsidize what we love. Where our heart is, where our passion is, where our love is … will be where we put our attention, our time, and our money. The Bible challenges us to put God first. And the Bible challenges us to prove it with our money. It's one thing to say that you've made God the priority in your life — your money will rat you out. Your money will reveal whether or not God is first.

Rather than living to please ourselves, God has called us to please Him. Too often we question what He asks of us, or simply choose to ignore Him and please ourselves. The only pleasure we will find in life is when we live to please Him.

Send us a textPastor Jackson returns to the podcast with a new series that asks the question: Does anybody want to be a servant? We have begun coming to church for all kinds of reasons these days, but are we still coming for the same things that Jesus called us to? Are we still looking to serve? Or, are we "members only"? Take a listen and share!Support the showBe sure to find us at www.facebook.com/krjministriesTo become a patron, visit www.patreon.com/PurposeAndBeyond

Anna is one of the Bible's most unusual women. She, along with a man named Simeon, had spent a lifetime in loyal service to God and was finally able to meet her Messiah. Though only three verses give us all the information we have about her, it's sufficient to get a profile of her.I. SpiritualII. VenerableIII. SingleIV. FaithfulV. VocalTalk with God: Meditate on Lamentations 3:25–26 this week, and surrender the things you've been holding too tightly, trusting the Lord and His perfect timing.Talk with others: Encourage your Connect Group to remain deeply rooted in God's Word as they walk through their present season.Talk with kids: Why is knowing God and following Him most important?

February 1, 2026 - "Shaped For Serving God!"

Let's talk about three tips for serving God where you are with what you have.Got questions about the Bible? Email info@femionline.com.Learn more or join our support family at femionline.com.

Hebrews 11:6

What is like to serve God under the siege of the war in Ukraine? What theological questions are raised as a result of the war, especially about the goodness and sovereignty of God? And how are the churches dealing with the trauma of war? We'll address these questions and more with our guest Anna, faculty member at Talbot's Kyiv Theological Seminary. ==========Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California. Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically. To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.

Division does not start outside the church. It starts when vision is unguarded. In this message, we expose what Scripture clearly says God hates, the hidden behaviors that destroy unity, weaken spiritual authority, and drain the life out of God given vision from within the church. Using Genesis 15, Proverbs 6, and key New Testament warnings, you will learn how disunity, bitterness, rebellion, and unchecked attitudes become vision vultures that feed on what they did not build. This teaching brings biblical clarity, spiritual alignment, and practical instruction for protecting church unity, honoring God's design, and building His church His way.- - -Want to accept Jesus and have Him change your life? Pray the Prayer of Salvation here: https://youtu.be/WqO4Ok43NH4- - -DISCIPLESHIP COURSE FOR NEW CHRISTIANS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvtOxUmP46cy1xzLz2rzXbmnleMloQ--h- - -• New Here? https://bit.ly/FWCGuest• Give Online: https://bit.ly/FWCGive• Mobile Giving: Text GIVE to (888) 635-2110• Zelle: cola@fwcchurches.com • Cash App: $FWCColumbia• Mail your gift to: Family Worship Center, PO Box 23992, Columbia, SC 29224-- Thank you for your generosity! God bless you!Stay Connected:• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fwccolumbia• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fwccolumbia• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@fwccolumbia• Twitter https://twitter.com/fwccolumbia- - -Music licensed through SoundstripeChapters:00:00 Church Is God's Idea and Must Be Protected 00:58 Abraham's Vision and the Vultures (Genesis 15) 03:52 Vision Vultures and Why God Hates Discord 05:20 Know Your Role in the Church 09:24 God-Given Personalities and Avoiding Clashes 10:48 Right Motive and Right Attitude 14:25 Remove Bitterness Before It Spreads 15:22 Submission to Authority and Same Value Different Function 21:42 Five Supernatural Benefits of Unity 27:22 Eternal Rewards for Serving God 29:22 The ABCs of Biblical Submission 36:21 Right Timing Right Tone Right Target- - -Want to accept Jesus? Click here: https://youtu.be/WqO4Ok43NH4Support our Ministry: https://fwcchurches.com/givecolaThis sermon was recorded at Family Worship Center in Columbia, SC on Sunday, January 25, 2026.#FWCColumbia #ChristianLiving #FaithTeaching#churchunity #biblicalauthority #vision

Whether we realize it or not, we all serve something. Moreover, what we serve is often what we worship. What's that one thing you choose to serve? When Christ truly transforms us, a shift occurs. We begin turning from the pursuit and worship of temporary things toward something infinitely greater.

Scripture: Malachi 3:13-4:6 / Scott Riessen

A sundry talk from 2026. More information can be found here: https://first164.blogspot.com/

Consider the last time you chose Jesus as your 'portion.' Does your agenda mean more to you than the presence of Christ in your life?

We begin a new series this week, looking at how God's plans are bigger than you, but they include you. This week, we study how the enemy tries to lie and convince us that there is not a bigger plan and that Jesus has not come to give us life and life abundantly. Pastor Brandon shows us, through the scriptures, that the enemy's lies are the same ones he has always used; the big lies of, "You have to take care of yourself first", "If God has you, then you can be reckless and irresponsible", and "Serving God means missing out on everything." But, through the responses of Jesus in Matthew 4, we are taught that what "is written" reveals the bigger picture! - Key Verses // Matthew 4 - For Sermon Notes, the Connect Card, and our other online resources: https://linktr.ee/Celebrationchurchlive

In this message from Luke 17:1–19, we walk step by step with Jesus and discover what genuine discipleship looks like in everyday life. As we return to the Gospels following Advent, Jesus invites us to examine faith that walks, forgiveness that releases, service that humbles, and gratitude that returns. Jesus teaches us that: • Offenses will come, but we must guard our influence so we never become a stumbling block to another's faith. • Forgiveness is not optional, even when it's costly—because grace frees us from bitterness. • Faith isn't about quantity, but about who our faith rests in—even mustard-seed faith can uproot deep roots of resentment. • Serving God is not about entitlement, but joyful obedience flowing from already being accepted in Christ. The chapter culminates in the powerful story of the ten lepers—ten healed, but only one who returned in gratitude. While many received physical healing, only one experienced something greater: salvation. Gratitude turned healing into relationship. This message reminds us that: • Obedience often comes before the miracle • Grace is received, not earned • True worship flows from gratitude, not convenience • Faith that saves is faith that returns to Jesus As we journey toward Easter, this teaching calls us to live as forgiven people—quick to forgive, willing to obey, eager to serve, and always returning in gratitude to the feet of Jesus. “Your faith has saved you.” Sermon Date: January 4, 2026 Speaker: Pastor Landon Churchill ComeToFreedom.com

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

✨ Episode SummaryAre you serving God out of fear or out of love? This week, Relationship Coach Keana W. Mitchell invites you to explore one of the most important questions in your spiritual journey.Too often, Christians obey God because they're afraid of punishment, rejection, or failure. But God doesn't want slaves He wants sons and daughters. In this episode, Keana breaks down the difference between fear-driven faith and love-led devotion, showing how intimacy with God transforms obedience into joy.

In this episode of Sound Words, Dr. David W. Jones of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary helps us think biblically about money, work, wealth, and generosity.We ask:– What does it mean to honor God with our finances?– How do we avoid making money an idol?– Is financial success wrong—or can it glorify Christ when stewarded well?– What does Scripture teach about helping the poor, giving generously, and making wise financial decisions?This conversation offers guidance for everyday life—whether you're just trying to pay the bills or wrestling with stewardship, contentment, and the world's view of success.00:00 Welcome to the Sound Words Podcast01:44 The Bible and Economics03:25 "How do I handle money"05:33 The Desire to be Financially Successful09:46 Financial Desire VS Temptation14:56 Helping the Poor19:24 How Not to Enable Poverty23:20 Contentment27:19 Work#ChristianEthics #Money #Stewardship #SoundWordsPodcast #SoundWordsSound Words is a ministry of Indian Hills Community Church, a Bible teaching church in Lincoln, NE. Sound Words is also a partner of Foundations Media, a collective of Christian creators passionate about promoting biblical theology and applying it to everyday life. Learn more at https://foundationsmedia.org. Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Follow on YouTube Follow on Twitter Follow on Threads Visit https://ihcc.org

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Valentyn Syniy, president of a theological seminary in Kherson, to explore what it means to lead, shepherd, and hold on to hope in the midst of war. When Russia invaded Ukraine, Valentyn lost almost everything - his home, his church community, and the entire seminary campus he helped build. Yet in the chaos of evacuation, the trauma of displacement, and the destruction of his city, he discovered a deeper sense of calling and a renewed understanding of God's presence in suffering. We talk about spiritual leadership under siege, the impossible decisions families face when war arrives at their doorstep, the wound and weight of leaving or staying, the formation of pastors for a traumatized nation, and the surprising ways God rebuilds what has been shattered. Valentyn's story, captured in his book Serving God Under Siege, is both heartbreaking and hopeful - a gripping reminder that faith can survive the fire and that the voices of Ukrainians must be heard. This episode invites you into a story of resilience, courage, and a theology forged under pressure.Valentyn Syniy holds master's degrees in theology and history and a doctorate in theology. Since 2006, he has served as president of Tavriski Christian Institute, an evangelical seminary in Ukraine.Valentyn's Book:Serving God Under SiegeConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowFind the Presence Over Power collection at www.shiftingculturepodcast.com/store Get Your Sidekick Support the show

Read Online“A nobleman went off to a distant country to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return. He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, ‘Engage in trade with these until I return.' His fellow citizens, however, despised him and sent a delegation after him to announce, ‘We do not want this man to be our king.'” Luke 19:12–14There are three categories of people in this parable. The first includes those who received a gold coin and followed the master's request to “engage in trade” until he returned. The second has those who received the same command but were lazy and failed to produce any good fruit from that which our Lord has given them. And the third includes those who “despise” our Lord and do not want Him as their King.Upon the king's return, this first category of people are represented by the two servants who took the gold coins, engaged in trade, and made five and ten more. These are those who have much apostolic zeal. God not only calls us to use the gifts we have received to expand His Kingdom on earth, He also expects it of us. His expectation is a command of love. For those who understand this command, they see it as a glorious invitation to make an eternal difference in the lives of many. They do not see the apostolic works to which they are called as a burden. Rather, they see them as a joy, and that joy fuels their efforts. The result will have exponential effects for God's Kingdom.The second category of people is illustrated by the one servant who kept the one gold coin “stored away in a handkerchief” out of fear. These are the people who avoid evangelizing and furthering the Kingdom of God out of fear. Fear is paralyzing. But giving in to fear is a sin. It's a lack of faith and trust in God. Serving God will inevitably require courage on our part. It will demand that we step out of our comfort zone and do that which we may not immediately feel comfortable doing. But as that servant in the parable foretold, God is a demanding God. And He will not accept fear as an acceptable excuse not to zealously help to build the Kingdom of God.The third category of people is the category in which you definitely do not want to fall. These are those who actively work to undermine God's Kingship and reject Him as God. The world is filled with these people. The only thing we need to say about those who fall into this category is that which our Lord said of them. “Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and slay them before me.”Reflect, today, upon which category of people your life most fully resembles. Most likely it is one of the first two. Do you have great zeal for God's Kingdom? Are you willing to do all that you can to help build His Kingdom? Are you willing to do so even at the cost of great personal sacrifice? If so, then rejoice and know that an abundant reward awaits. But if you are one who struggles with fear, specifically, if you struggle with a fear to evangelize, to share the Gospel and to live your faith openly with humility and love, then spend more time with this parable and the fate of that one servant who hid the coin in the handkerchief. Engage in the apostolate. Commit yourself to the furtherance of God's Kingdom. Dispel all fear and know that you will never regret putting your whole heart and soul into the service of God and the building of His Kingdom. My demanding Lord, You have entrusted me with much, and You demand that I use all that You have given me to help build Your Kingdom of grace. What a privilege it is to be called by You and used by You for this apostolic mission. Please free me from all fear, dear Lord, so that I will never hesitate to serve You in the ways that You call me to serve. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Willem de Poorter, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Explore what it truly means for men to serve God today. Chris Harper shares biblical principles, stories of faith, and practical steps to live out genuine service—at home, at work, and in the community.   Featuring Chris Harper At Men Serving God Arlington Texas Gathering 2025

Today we're trashing feminism some more, because it obviously deserves it. Feminism is not only unbiblical, it's extremely destructive for all of society. We'll talk about why Christian podcasters like Allie Beth Stuckey shouldn't defend their feminism while claiming to follow Christ, and why Christianity itself is a patriarchy, by God's design. It's time for biblical men to stop waiting for permission from feminists and take back the authority God gave them. We'll also discuss more of the Trump administration's mistakes, including this ridiculous new 50-year mortgage idea that proves how far from wisdom our leaders have fallen.

We may be putting ourselves above where we should be.Registration is OPEN at the retreat!Sign up for updates on the retreat home and news letters right here!

Sermon Series: Serving GodThank you for listening to the Disciple City Church Podcast! To learn more about us or to connect with us, please visit our…Website: ⁠https://disciplecitychurch.org⁠Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/disciplecitychurch⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://facebook.com/disciplecitychurch

Did you know that the concept of spiritual covering originated from the "Shepherding Movement" in the 1970s? Many prideful leaders are pounding ungodly doctrine down the throats of many wounded Christians ... manipulating and trying to gain control over souls, which is a form of witchcraft. This pattern is still being witnessed in various churches and on social media as a worldly recognition; often involving occult impartations and the glorification of self! A spiritual covering is NOT required for accountability. Let's be clear: You're covering and ultimate authority belongs to God, NOT man! Be wary of leaders who twist Scripture and prioritize submission to themselves over God. There are dangers of occult traditions and rituals that glorify self and place humans as divine authority, my friends! Spiritual coverings are a SCAM: You're covering comes from our Creator, not His creation! Chapters: *   00:00:00 Welcome Melia & The Vertical Relationship Show *   00:00:20 Vertical Relationship with Jesus is Vital *   00:00:50 Ungodly Spiritual Coverings Exposed *   00:01:25 Ungodly Pride & Stealing God's Glory *   00:02:00 Accountability to God, Not Man *   00:02:40 The Roots of Spiritual Covering *   00:03:30 Occultic Impartations and False Authority *   00:04:15 The Shepherding Movement's Downfall *   00:05:00 Leaders' Mistakes and the Need for Humility *   00:05:45 The Deception of Spiritual Coverings *   00:06:30 The Holy Spirit as Our Guide *   00:07:00 Submission to God vs. Man *   00:07:45 Ministry Without Covering *   00:08:30 Fivefold Ministry: Co-laboring, 1 Body under 1 Christ *   00:09:15 God's Direct Order and Avoiding Control *   00:10:00 God Raises His Chosen Leaders, Not Systems *   00:10:45 God's Pick for our Calling, Appoint, Anointing & Commissioning *   00:11:30 Biblical Examples of God's Final Authority  *   00:12:15 Understanding Scripture in Context *   00:13:00 Leaders' Accountability and Responsibility *   00:13:45 Serving God, Not Titles of Man *   00:14:30 The Importance of Discernment & Testing the Spirit *   00:15:15 Walking Alone & Relying on God *   00:16:00 Seeking Truth Through Repentance *   00:16:30 Spreading the Love of Jesus *   00:17:00 Support God's Mission *   00:17:30 Love & Blessings Blessings xo- Melia's Courses -> https://meliadiana.com/vertical-relationship-academy Melia's Services -> https://meliadiana.com/our-services Melia's Books ->https://meliadiana.com/books Melia's Prophetic Mentorship-> https://meliadiana.com/vertical-ambassador-mentorship  

Read OnlineBut the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, said to the crowd in reply, “There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.” The Lord said to him in reply, “Hypocrites! Does not each one of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger and lead it out for watering?” Luke 13:14–15Why would the leader of the synagogue be “indignant” that Jesus cured a woman on the sabbath? She was crippled for eighteen years! Imagine, especially, her family. They would have seen her many years of suffering and shared them with her through years of compassion. If they were present when Jesus healed her on the sabbath, would they have immediately thought, “How dare Jesus do this healing of our mother, wife or sister on the sabbath?” Of course not! They would have rejoiced and been filled with awe, gratitude, and even tears. This normal reaction that her family would have had upon witnessing this miracle is the right response. And, of course, the reaction of the leader of the synagogue was deeply disordered. Why would this leader of the synagogue do such a thing? Though he and many other scribes, Sadducess, Pharisees and scholars of the law struggled with envy and hypocrisy, others may sometimes react similarly to this leader of the synagogue for other reasons. One such reason is scrupulosity.Scrupulosity is the tendency to see God and His holy will through the lens of legalism. “Legalism” is not just being faithful to the Law of God, because that is a good thing. Legalism is a misinterpretation of God's Law by which one tends to put more emphasis upon themselves than upon God. A scrupulous person is preoccupied with themself. They tend to be far more concerned with sin than with God Himself. And though it's vital to be concerned with sin, when fear of sinning becomes a form of obsession, then that obsession has the effect of clouding the pure will of God and leaves a person heavily burdened and unable to joyfully live out the authentic will of God.Saint Thérèse of Lisieux was one saint who openly shared her struggles with scrupulosity in her autobiography. Of this struggle, which she referred to as “oversensitivity,” she said, “One would have to pass through this martyrdom to understand it well, and for me to express what I experienced for a year and a half would be impossible.” However, she eventually experienced what she called a “complete conversion” by which the heavy burden of oversensitivity was lifted. Though this oversensitivity oppressed her in various ways, one way it affected her was that she feared that even some of her random thoughts were mortal sins and that she would be condemned for them.Though the leader of the synagogue was most likely not struggling with “oversensitivity” in the same way as Saint Thérèse, he was acting with an extreme scrupulosity which led him to be harshly judgmental and condemning of our Lord for His good deed done to this crippled woman.Reflect, today, upon any tendency you may have with these heavy burdens. Do you worry in an irrational way about sin? Do you ever find yourself obsessing over decisions, worrying that you may make the wrong one? Do you think about yourself far more than you think about God and others? If so, you may also be carrying a similar heavy burden that our Lord wants to lift. Serving God and His holy will must become the deepest joy of our lives, not a heavy burden. If you find your Christian walk more of a burden, then turn your eyes away from yourself and look to the merciful God. Run to Him with the utmost confidence of a child, as Saint Thérèse eventually did, and allow yourself to love Him more authentically, freed of scrupulous and self-imposed burdens. My merciful Lord, You desire to free me from all that burdens me. You desire that I turn to You with the confidence of a child. Please do free me, dear Lord, from any way that I impose burdens upon myself by my obsessions and irrational worries. May I always understand Your infinite love for me and always walk freely and joyfully in Your ways. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Museo Nacional de Arte, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

God aims to be our servant, because he aims to get the glory as the Giver.

Serving God is not a burden—it is a privilege. Psalm 100:2 reminds us to “Serve the Lord with gladness, come before his presence with singing.” In a world that encourages us to serve ourselves first, this passage calls us back to the joy of putting God above all. Keneesha Saunders-Liddie invites us to rediscover the beauty of living a life fully surrendered to God—whether through worship, our work, our relationships, or even the simplest acts of daily living. True service is not drudgery but gratitude in action, born from recognizing God’s endless blessings and faithful provision. Main Takeaways Serving God is a privilege, not an obligation. Every aspect of our lives can become an act of worship and service. Gratitude transforms service from a duty into joy. God is worthy of our glad-hearted praise in all circumstances. Bible Verse References Psalm 100:2 – Serve the Lord with gladness. 1 Corinthians 10:31 – Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Colossians 3:23 – Work at everything as if working for the Lord. Calls to Action (CTAs) Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for biblical encouragement each morning. Share this episode with a friend who needs a reminder of the joy of serving God. Leave a review to help others find hope and encouragement through prayer. Resources & Related Articles What Does it Mean to Serve the Lord with Gladness? – Crosswalk.com 10 Ways to Worship God Every Day – iBelieve.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.