Podcasts about sometimes god

Have you ever looked back on a situation and realized it could have gone much worse? A relationship could have ended differently. A mistake could have cost more. A crisis could have hit harder. Sometimes God's mercy shows up in ways we don't even recognize until later. In this message, Laveda Jones explores the story of the ten lepers Jesus healed. All ten received mercy, but only one returned to thank Him. The question isn't whether God has been good to us. The question is whether we've remembered. This message will help you: • recognize God's mercy in your everyday life • stop taking God's goodness for granted • develop a heart of gratitude that grows your faith • remember the moments God carried you through At Fierce Church, we're Helping You Walk with Jesus Step-by-Step because The Best U is in Community. Subscribe for weekly sermons, encouragement, and practical next steps in your walk with Jesus. #Gratitude #ThankGod #ChristianMotivation #Faith #Jesus #FierceChurch #GodsMercy #ChristianSermon

We are jumping into a new series on Jonah. The book of Jonah isn't primarily about a fish--it's the story of a faithful God pursuing a wayward heart. Through Jonah, we will learn together about God's relentless mercy for everyone. Sometimes God sends storms not to punish us, but to rescue us.  Theis morning, Pastor Karla discusses how Jonah loved his comfort more than compassion. God uses small things to expose our big idols. Sermon challenge: What "plant" are you clinging to that keeps you from sharing God's heart for others? Sermon challenge: How do you respond when God blesses someone who doesn't seem to deserve it? Passage: Jonah 4:1–4 We have three worship opportunities for you to experience: 9:00 a.m. - Sanctuary Service 9:30 a.m. - Online Service 10:30 a.m. - Chapel Service  Please consider joining us for one of these services.  To view past worship services along with other digital content, go to our Youtube Channel @PointLomaChurchOnline.  To get involved in what God is doing within our community, please visit our website at www.pointlomachurch.org. For event happenings: http://pointlomachurch.org/connect/events/ To register for any event: http://pointlomachurch.org/register If you would like to give to the ministry: http://pointlomachurch.org/give/ or through our Venmo account: @Point-Loma-Church

Have you ever found yourself in a season you never saw coming?In Part 2 of Overwhelmed, Pastor Daniel Foster walks through Psalm 23 and reminds us that valleys are a reality of life, but they are never our final destination. When circumstances feel heavy, confusing, or overwhelming, God's presence remains constant.In this message, you'll discover:• Why valleys are temporary• How to keep moving when faith feels difficult• What it means to trust God through uncertainty• Why God's presence matters more than having all the answers• How courage can exist even when fear is presentSometimes God gives peace before He gives perspective. Sometimes He gives presence before He gives answers.The valley may test your faith, but it can also become the place where trust in Jesus grows deeper than ever before.

Elisha's servant was in a panic, Elisha prayed that his servant could see God's forces all around them that were on their side. Sometimes God only shows us part of the picture. We need to trust Him with the Big Picture.

Welcome to Be Bold for Jesus MinistriesToday's Message: "When Faithfulness Feels Forgotten"Speaker: Lee Arnold LiveScripture: Jeremiah 45:1–5Have you ever thought, "Lord, I've been faithful... so why does it feel like everyone else is getting aheadexcept me?" Jeremiah 45 is the shortest chapter in the book, but it contains a powerful lesson for anyone who feelsoverlooked, discouraged, or forgotten. It centers on Baruch, Jeremiah's behind-the-scenes secretary. After years of faithful service, Baruch hit a breaking point amid national collapse. God met his discouragement byexposing his heart: "Do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not." God wasn't rebuking success; He was rebuking self-centered ambition. Sometimes God's greatest blessing is teaching usthat His glory is greater than our recognition.Key Takeaways & ReflectionVisibility vs. Significance: God notices the vital work done behind the scenes. Heaven's Hall of Fame isfilled with people most have never heard of.Faithful People Get Discouraged: Discouragement isn't proof you are outside God's will; sometimes itmeans you are right in the middle of it.Success is Obedience: Kingdom success is measured by obedience, not earthly applause or results.The Ultimate Reward: The greatest reward for serving God is not what He gives us—it is God Himself.Questions to Ask: What area am I refusing to surrender? Am I mistaking God's patience for Hispermission? If God removed everything except Himself, would He still be enough?Our mission is to equip believers to live boldly for Christ with discernment, obedience, andunwavering trust in God. Led by Lee and Jaclyn Arnold, we teach God's Word with clarity andconviction, challenging believers to surrender fully to His will.Be Bold for Jesus Conference 2026Dates: October 2–3, 2026 | Spokane, WashingtonJoin thousands of believers for powerful worship and biblical teaching. Featuring: Dennis Quaid, Greg Laurie,Ray Comfort, Nick Vujicic, Rob McCoy, Crystal Evans Hurst, John Amanchukwu, Allie Beth Stuckey, DavidNasser, Tedashii, Bryce Crawford, Brilyn Hollyhand, Travis Rosen, Hannah Gronowski Barnett, Lecrae, JosiahQueen, and Rend Collective.Center. Tickets & Info: BB4J.comSupport the Mission: Give online at BeBold4Jesus.org#BeBoldForJesus #Jeremiah45 #WhenFaithfulnessFeelsForgotten #LeeArnold #Obedience #SpokaneWA #BB4J2026#GregLaurie #DennisQuaid #Lecrae #JosiahQueen #ChristianConference

What if the separation you're feeling is not rejection... but preparation? In this episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards shares a powerful message about calling, wilderness seasons, spiritual preparation, and trusting God when people, opportunities, or familiar places seem to disappear from your life. After hearing a simple but profound statement, "Before God elevates you, He clears the room", Doug reflects on how God often prepares leaders by creating space, removing distractions, and drawing them closer before the next assignment. In this episode, Doug unpacks: • Why God sometimes separates you before He elevates you. • How Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness prepared Him for ministry. • Why David had to spend time in hiding before becoming king. • How seasons of loss, transition, and confusion can become preparation. • Why seeking God's kingdom first changes everything. • How God can redirect your life into a calling you never saw coming. • Why wilderness seasons are often where leaders are formed. Doug also shares from his own journey—how a music career path suddenly disappeared, how that season felt confusing and painful, and how God used it to prepare him for decades of student ministry. Whether you are a youth pastor, ministry volunteer, Christian educator, parent, or leader walking through transition, this episode will encourage you to trust that God may be doing more in the quiet than you realize. ✨ Sometimes God clears the room not to punish you—but to prepare you for what He has already planned. _________________________________________________________________________________

Purpose in pain- A Gentile woman came to Jesus and "kept asking" Him to cast a demon out of her daughter. Sometimes God uses our pain and heartache to bring us face to face with Him, so we can gain a greater understanding of His love.

Sometimes God moves in quiet tectonic shifts that no one feels on the surface in the moment, but that shift will ultimately lead to massive earthquakes in life down the road. A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 16. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

Sometimes God brings us to the end of ourselves so we finally learn to depend on Him. In Genesis 32, Jacob finds himself in the middle of fear, uncertainty, and crisis. As he prepares to face Esau, the brother he wronged years earlier, God meets him in a way he never expected — through a […]

We are jumping into a new series on Jonah. The book of Jonah isn't primarily about a fish--it's the story of a faithful God pursuing a wayward heart. Through Jonah, we will learn together about God's relentless mercy for everyone. Sometimes God sends storms not to punish us, but to rescue us.  God's grace is relentless, reckless, and does not discriminate. Maybe that's why we love it for ourselves, but get frustrated when it is offered to others we feel are less "deserving". This week, Pastor Karla has us engage with Jonah as he pouts about God being slow to anger and bountiful in love. z Sermon challenge: How do you respond when God blesses someone who doesn't seem to deserve it? Passage: Jonah 4:1–4 We have three worship opportunities for you to experience: 9:00 a.m. - Sanctuary Service 9:30 a.m. - Online Service 10:30 a.m. - Chapel Service  Please consider joining us for one of these services.  To view past worship services along with other digital content, go to our Youtube Channel @PointLomaChurchOnline.  To get involved in what God is doing within our community, please visit our website at www.pointlomachurch.org. For event happenings: http://pointlomachurch.org/connect/events/ To register for any event: http://pointlomachurch.org/register If you would like to give to the ministry: http://pointlomachurch.org/give/ or through our Venmo account: @Point-Loma-Church

Have you ever listened to someone tell a story and thought, “Please get to the point.” Some people include every detail, every side story, every random moment. And when they say, ‘To make a long story short,' you know the story is about to get longer. Now, when it comes to your Bible, long stories are kept short. One encounter with Jesus would be an entire best selling book, and instead we read about it in a single paragraph. Many details are left out for the sake of not losing our attention. How sweet of God to get to the point and keep it short. However, when studying our Bible, it’s important to remember, there’s always more to the story than you read. You have to read between the lines and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the details and feelings that apply to you today. Don’t just speed read the story, slow down and imagine it fully. What you will find is a lesson that applies to you today. Let’s practice together today. Take a few minutes and read Acts 3. In my Bible, this story is titled, “Peter Heals a Crippled Beggar.” Acts 3: 1-10, “Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o'clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.” “Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, ‘Look at us!' The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said ‘I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!'” “Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping and praising God, he went into to the Temple with them.” Now, let’s dig deeper. Let’s read between the lines and find more in this story. First, get the visual. This gate outside the temple is not just an ordinary gate. It is the Beautiful Gate, literally. It is 75 feet tall, made of solid bronze. It is the massive entrance to the temple where people would gather to pray. And here this man sat at a beautiful gate while living a broken life. Isn't it interesting that a broken man was laid daily at a gate called Beautiful? You can be surrounded by beauty and still feel broken inside. You can sit at the entrance of worship while silently carrying disappointment, pain and unanswered prayers. It was customary to give to those in need on the way to the temple, so the gate was the gathering place for anyone seeking spare change. But don’t you know, God is interested in more than spare change, he is interested in soul change! He wants to create a change in you that cannot be denied, and he wants to use that change in you as a display of his undeniable power to everyone around you. Now this man who was born unable to walk was over 40 years old. And we’re told that he was carried there each day to beg from those entering the temple. This is the same temple Jesus himself had gone to just weeks earlier. Jesus had likely walked through this exact gate. And if this man was carried there every day, odds are Jesus had passed right by him. Weeks earlier, Matthew 21:14 says, “The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.” Yes, this same temple with this same gate. Jesus had been there. Jesus had healed other. So, why hadn’t Jesus healed this man when he was there? I want you to imagine for a moment being this man, laying by the temple every single day, begging for a little change, and one day Jesus shows up and heals people just like you, BUT NOT YOU. Imagine seeing others get their miracle, but not you. Why are you left still begging and waiting? Why couldn’t Jesus change your situation when he so clearly changed others? And maybe that’s exactly how you feel right now. Other people have gotten what you’re still begging for, so why were you overlooked? If God has the power to do it for everyone and you’ve seen him do it for someone else, why won’t he do it for you? You’ve heard those love stories of the girl finally finding the man who could love her so perfectly … but why not you? You’ve heard about people with your exact same illness being miraculously healed, but why not you? You’ve heard about God showing up and providing in the wildest ways, but why hasn’t he shown up for you? Nothing tests your faith quite like watching God do for someone else what you've been begging Him to do for you. Or maybe someone you love has been left still waiting and wondering ‘why not them'? If Jesus can do it, and he has done it for others, why hasn’t he done it for them? What do you say to that? Could Jesus have passed by this man before? Could he have chosen not to heal him? Could this man have been left out when others were healed? Absolutely. But why? Everything God does and doesn’t do is for the perfect timing for the greatest glory and eternal purposes. There’s always a much bigger story unfolding. We only see the current page in our present chapter, but God knows the whole story and he’s not rushing to get to the end. God is not willing to waste a single opportunity or miss one detail. God's purpose is always greater than our understand, even when the outcome is different than we expected. Before Peter ever noticed this man laying at the gate called Beautiful, Jesus already knew his name, his pain and every day he had spent waiting. Jesus always knew about this lame man laying at the gate called Beautiful. Remember, Jesus is God in the flesh. They are one. God created this man. God knew every detail about him. He wasn’t overlooked. He wasn’t forgotten. Delay is not denial when God is still writing the story. He was left still waiting and begging in the weeks after Jesus had come to the temple and healed others, and he was waiting for a greater purpose. It was for the greater glory of God that Jesus would heal this man from Heaven, through Peter and John. We need to see that Jesus doesn’t have to personally be seen for his power to be at work. He heals from Heaven, and he does it through us! So, yes, Jesus likely had walked by this man at the gate before. And no, Jesus didn’t heal him when he was there, he left him waiting. Waiting but not without purpose. My sister, you are still waiting because there’s a greater purpose. There’s a bigger story. Let’s read between the lines. Just a few days before the cross, Jesus came to the temple. He helped the blind and the lame. People saw his wonderful miracles live and in person. But, scripture says they were indignant, meaning they were annoyed, irritated and angry. But now when Peter and John come to the temple a few weeks after Jesus, they heal this one man and something huge happens. Acts 4:4, “Many who heard the message believed, and the number of the men came to about 5,000!” Could this crippled man have been left waiting for healing because God had bigger plans to use his later healing for the saving of thousands of lives? YES!!!! And could you be left still waiting, not because God has overlooked you, but because God has bigger plans for things you can’t even imagine? YES!!!! My sister, your story is part of a bigger story. Have faith in God’s perfect timing to show up for you, then use you for his glory. Now, let’s dig even deeper. Remember, you’re getting a very long story made very short, but the Holy Spirit wants to show you more. This man was begging for money to just get through the day, and there’s no fault in that. There were no government programs to assist him. They had no special jobs for those who couldn’t walk. The only thing he could do was beg. But God can do more than make our current condition more bearable, he can radically change it! This man would have settled for a little change that day to buy his next meal, but what God had in mind was a big change so he could earn his next meal. We would all be so quick to settle for a little change to make our current conditions more bearable. But God wants to change something within you and empower you to live like you’ve never lived before. Are you up for that change? Are you up for never sitting where you’ve been stuck before? Are you up for being strengthened to show up different? Are you ready to leave behind the identity you've carried in your brokenness? Are you ready to stop living limited by what once held you down? Not everyone is ready for that, so really consider what you would do if your excuses were stripped from you and you have absolutely no viable reason why you can’t show up in life. If you’re ready for that, God’s got something for you! One more aspect of this story I feel the Holy Spirit is prompting us to see is the details of the healing. Let's read verse 7 & 8 again, “The man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk!” It's so interesting that the word translated “feet” only occurs in this scripture. It is never used anywhere else. It was a word used to differentiate between parts of the human heel. The word “ankle” is a medical term also found no where else in scripture. The phrase “jumped up” describes the coming suddenly into socket of something that was out of place. This is literally a medical description of what happened for this man. The power of God put what was out of place into place. What’s out of place in your life? Do you need God to suddenly put it into place? GOD CAN DO THAT!!!!!! He can take what has always been out of place in your life and put it right where it needs to be so that you can do what you’ve never been able to do before. And maybe he’s never put it into place before, but it’s not because he can’t. He knows exactly what needs to happen, and he knows precisely the right time for it to happen. Sometimes God's great purpose leads to immediate breakthrough. Sometimes it leads to endurance, deeper faith, or a testimony built over years instead of moments. But either way, your waiting is never wasted. The man at the Beautiful Gate thought he needed enough change to survive another day. But God had planned complete transformation. And maybe what feels like delay in your life is actually God preparing a moment that will reveal His power in a way you could never have imagined. Do NOT lose heart in the waiting. Heaven has not overlooked you. Jesus still sees you. And there is still more to the story. Follow Pamela on Instagram – Have you ever listened to someone tell a story and thought, “Please get to the point.” Some people include every detail, every side story, every random moment. And when they say, ‘To make a long story short,' you know the story is about to get longer. Now, when it comes to your Bible, long stories are kept short. One encounter with Jesus would be an entire best selling book, and instead we read about it in a single paragraph. Many details are left out for the sake of not losing our attention. How sweet of God to get to the point and keep it short. However, when studying our Bible, it’s important to remember, there’s always more to the story than you read. You have to read between the lines and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the details and feelings that apply to you today. Don’t just speed read the story, slow down and imagine it fully. What you will find is a lesson that applies to you today. Let’s practice together today. Take a few minutes and read Acts 3. In my Bible, this story is titled, “Peter Heals a Crippled Beggar.” Acts 3: 1-10, “Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o'clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.” “Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, ‘Look at us!' The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said ‘I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!'” “Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping and praising God, he went into to the Temple with them.” Now, let’s dig deeper. Let’s read between the lines and find more in this story. First, get the visual. This gate outside the temple is not just an ordinary gate. It is the Beautiful Gate, literally. It is 75 feet tall, made of solid bronze. It is the massive entrance to the temple where people would gather to pray. And here this man sat at a beautiful gate while living a broken life. Isn't it interesting that a broken man was laid daily at a gate called Beautiful? You can be surrounded by beauty and still feel broken inside. You can sit at the entrance of worship while silently carrying disappointment, pain and unanswered prayers. It was customary to give to those in need on the way to the temple, so the gate was the gathering place for anyone seeking spare change. But don’t you know, God is interested in more than spare change, he is interested in soul change! He wants to create a change in you that cannot be denied, and he wants to use that change in you as a display of his undeniable power to everyone around you. Now this man who was born unable to walk was over 40 years old. And we’re told that he was carried there each day to beg from those entering the temple. This is the same temple Jesus himself had gone to just weeks earlier. Jesus had likely walked through this exact gate. And if this man was carried there every day, odds are Jesus had passed right by him. Weeks earlier, Matthew 21:14 says, “The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.” Yes, this same temple with this same gate. Jesus had been there. Jesus had healed other. So, why hadn’t Jesus healed this man when he was there? I want you to imagine for a moment being this man, laying by the temple every single day, begging for a little change, and one day Jesus shows up and heals people just like you, BUT NOT YOU. Imagine seeing others get their miracle, but not you. Why are you left still begging and waiting? Why couldn’t Jesus change your situation when he so clearly changed others? And maybe that’s exactly how you feel right now. Other people have gotten what you’re still begging for, so why were you overlooked? If God has the power to do it for everyone and you’ve seen him do it for someone else, why won’t he do it for you? You’ve heard those love stories of the girl finally finding the man who could love her so perfectly … but why not you? You’ve heard about people with your exact same illness being miraculously healed, but why not you? You’ve heard about God showing up and providing in the wildest ways, but why hasn’t he shown up for you? Nothing tests your faith quite like watching God do for someone else what you've been begging Him to do for you. Or maybe someone you love has been left still waiting and wondering ‘why not them'? If Jesus can do it, and he has done it for others, why hasn’t he done it for them? What do you say to that? Could Jesus have passed by this man before? Could he have chosen not to heal him? Could this man have been left out when others were healed? Absolutely. But why? Everything God does and doesn’t do is for the perfect timing for the greatest glory and eternal purposes. There’s always a much bigger story unfolding. We only see the current page in our present chapter, but God knows the whole story and he’s not rushing to get to the end. God is not willing to waste a single opportunity or miss one detail. God's purpose is always greater than our understand, even when the outcome is different than we expected. Before Peter ever noticed this man laying at the gate called Beautiful, Jesus already knew his name, his pain and every day he had spent waiting. Jesus always knew about this lame man laying at the gate called Beautiful. Remember, Jesus is God in the flesh. They are one. God created this man. God knew every detail about him. He wasn’t overlooked. He wasn’t forgotten. Delay is not denial when God is still writing the story. He was left still waiting and begging in the weeks after Jesus had come to the temple and healed others, and he was waiting for a greater purpose. It was for the greater glory of God that Jesus would heal this man from Heaven, through Peter and John. We need to see that Jesus doesn’t have to personally be seen for his power to be at work. He heals from Heaven, and he does it through us! So, yes, Jesus likely had walked by this man at the gate before. And no, Jesus didn’t heal him when he was there, he left him waiting. Waiting but not without purpose. My sister, you are still waiting because there’s a greater purpose. There’s a bigger story. Let’s read between the lines. Just a few days before the cross, Jesus came to the temple. He helped the blind and the lame. People saw his wonderful miracles live and in person. But, scripture says they were indignant, meaning they were annoyed, irritated and angry. But now when Peter and John come to the temple a few weeks after Jesus, they heal this one man and something huge happens. Acts 4:4, “Many who heard the message believed, and the number of the men came to about 5,000!” Could this crippled man have been left waiting for healing because God had bigger plans to use his later healing for the saving of thousands of lives? YES!!!! And could you be left still waiting, not because God has overlooked you, but because God has bigger plans for things you can’t even imagine? YES!!!! My sister, your story is part of a bigger story. Have faith in God’s perfect timing to show up for you, then use you for his glory. Now, let’s dig even deeper. Remember, you’re getting a very long story made very short, but the Holy Spirit wants to show you more. This man was begging for money to just get through the day, and there’s no fault in that. There were no government programs to assist him. They had no special jobs for those who couldn’t walk. The only thing he could do was beg. But God can do more than make our current condition more bearable, he can radically change it! This man would have settled for a little change that day to buy his next meal, but what God had in mind was a big change so he could earn his next meal. We would all be so quick to settle for a little change to make our current conditions more bearable. But God wants to change something within you and empower you to live like you’ve never lived before. Are you up for that change? Are you up for never sitting where you’ve been stuck before? Are you up for being strengthened to show up different? Are you ready to leave behind the identity you've carried in your brokenness? Are you ready to stop living limited by what once held you down? Not everyone is ready for that, so really consider what you would do if your excuses were stripped from you and you have absolutely no viable reason why you can’t show up in life. If you’re ready for that, God’s got something for you! One more aspect of this story I feel the Holy Spirit is prompting us to see is the details of the healing. Let's read verse 7 & 8 again, “The man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk!” It's so interesting that the word translated “feet” only occurs in this scripture. It is never used anywhere else. It was a word used to differentiate between parts of the human heel. The word “ankle” is a medical term also found no where else in scripture. The phrase “jumped up” describes the coming suddenly into socket of something that was out of place. This is literally a medical description of what happened for this man. The power of God put what was out of place into place. What’s out of place in your life? Do you need God to suddenly put it into place? GOD CAN DO THAT!!!!!! He can take what has always been out of place in your life and put it right where it needs to be so that you can do what you’ve never been able to do before. And maybe he’s never put it into place before, but it’s not because he can’t. He knows exactly what needs to happen, and he knows precisely the right time for it to happen. Sometimes God's great purpose leads to immediate breakthrough. Sometimes it leads to endurance, deeper faith, or a testimony built over years instead of moments. But either way, your waiting is never wasted. The man at the Beautiful Gate thought he needed enough change to survive another day. But God had planned complete transformation. And maybe what feels like delay in your life is actually God preparing a moment that will reveal His power in a way you could never have imagined. Do NOT lose heart in the waiting. Heaven has not overlooked you. Jesus still sees you. And there is still more to the story. Follow Pamela on Instagram – Have you ever listened to someone tell a story and thought, “Please get to the point.” Some people include every detail, every side story, every random moment. And when they say, ‘To make a long story short,' you know the story is about to get longer. Now, when it comes to your Bible, long stories are kept short. One encounter with Jesus would be an entire best selling book, and instead we read about it in a single paragraph. Many details are left out for the sake of not losing our attention. How sweet of God to get to the point and keep it short. However, when studying our Bible, it’s important to remember, there’s always more to the story than you read. You have to read between the lines and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the details and feelings that apply to you today. Don’t just speed read the story, slow down and imagine it fully. What you will find is a lesson that applies to you today. Let’s practice together today. Take a few minutes and read Acts 3. In my Bible, this story is titled, “Peter Heals a Crippled Beggar.” Acts 3: 1-10, “Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o'clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.” “Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, ‘Look at us!' The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said ‘I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!'” “Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping and praising God, he went into to the Temple with them.” Now, let’s dig deeper. Let’s read between the lines and find more in this story. First, get the visual. This gate outside the temple is not just an ordinary gate. It is the Beautiful Gate, literally. It is 75 feet tall, made of solid bronze. It is the massive entrance to the temple where people would gather to pray. And here this man sat at a beautiful gate while living a broken life. Isn't it interesting that a broken man was laid daily at a gate called Beautiful? You can be surrounded by beauty and still feel broken inside. You can sit at the entrance of worship while silently carrying disappointment, pain and unanswered prayers. It was customary to give to those in need on the way to the temple, so the gate was the gathering place for anyone seeking spare change. But don’t you know, God is interested in more than spare change, he is interested in soul change! He wants to create a change in you that cannot be denied, and he wants to use that change in you as a display of his undeniable power to everyone around you. Now this man who was born unable to walk was over 40 years old. And we’re told that he was carried there each day to beg from those entering the temple. This is the same temple Jesus himself had gone to just weeks earlier. Jesus had likely walked through this exact gate. And if this man was carried there every day, odds are Jesus had passed right by him. Weeks earlier, Matthew 21:14 says, “The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.” Yes, this same temple with this same gate. Jesus had been there. Jesus had healed other. So, why hadn’t Jesus healed this man when he was there? I want you to imagine for a moment being this man, laying by the temple every single day, begging for a little change, and one day Jesus shows up and heals people just like you, BUT NOT YOU. Imagine seeing others get their miracle, but not you. Why are you left still begging and waiting? Why couldn’t Jesus change your situation when he so clearly changed others? And maybe that’s exactly how you feel right now. Other people have gotten what you’re still begging for, so why were you overlooked? If God has the power to do it for everyone and you’ve seen him do it for someone else, why won’t he do it for you? You’ve heard those love stories of the girl finally finding the man who could love her so perfectly … but why not you? You’ve heard about people with your exact same illness being miraculously healed, but why not you? You’ve heard about God showing up and providing in the wildest ways, but why hasn’t he shown up for you? Nothing tests your faith quite like watching God do for someone else what you've been begging Him to do for you. Or maybe someone you love has been left still waiting and wondering ‘why not them'? If Jesus can do it, and he has done it for others, why hasn’t he done it for them? What do you say to that? Could Jesus have passed by this man before? Could he have chosen not to heal him? Could this man have been left out when others were healed? Absolutely. But why? Everything God does and doesn’t do is for the perfect timing for the greatest glory and eternal purposes. There’s always a much bigger story unfolding. We only see the current page in our present chapter, but God knows the whole story and he’s not rushing to get to the end. God is not willing to waste a single opportunity or miss one detail. God's purpose is always greater than our understand, even when the outcome is different than we expected. Before Peter ever noticed this man laying at the gate called Beautiful, Jesus already knew his name, his pain and every day he had spent waiting. Jesus always knew about this lame man laying at the gate called Beautiful. Remember, Jesus is God in the flesh. They are one. God created this man. God knew every detail about him. He wasn’t overlooked. He wasn’t forgotten. Delay is not denial when God is still writing the story. He was left still waiting and begging in the weeks after Jesus had come to the temple and healed others, and he was waiting for a greater purpose. It was for the greater glory of God that Jesus would heal this man from Heaven, through Peter and John. We need to see that Jesus doesn’t have to personally be seen for his power to be at work. He heals from Heaven, and he does it through us! So, yes, Jesus likely had walked by this man at the gate before. And no, Jesus didn’t heal him when he was there, he left him waiting. Waiting but not without purpose. My sister, you are still waiting because there’s a greater purpose. There’s a bigger story. Let’s read between the lines. Just a few days before the cross, Jesus came to the temple. He helped the blind and the lame. People saw his wonderful miracles live and in person. But, scripture says they were indignant, meaning they were annoyed, irritated and angry. But now when Peter and John come to the temple a few weeks after Jesus, they heal this one man and something huge happens. Acts 4:4, “Many who heard the message believed, and the number of the men came to about 5,000!” Could this crippled man have been left waiting for healing because God had bigger plans to use his later healing for the saving of thousands of lives? YES!!!! And could you be left still waiting, not because God has overlooked you, but because God has bigger plans for things you can’t even imagine? YES!!!! My sister, your story is part of a bigger story. Have faith in God’s perfect timing to show up for you, then use you for his glory. Now, let’s dig even deeper. Remember, you’re getting a very long story made very short, but the Holy Spirit wants to show you more. This man was begging for money to just get through the day, and there’s no fault in that. There were no government programs to assist him. They had no special jobs for those who couldn’t walk. The only thing he could do was beg. But God can do more than make our current condition more bearable, he can radically change it! This man would have settled for a little change that day to buy his next meal, but what God had in mind was a big change so he could earn his next meal. We would all be so quick to settle for a little change to make our current conditions more bearable. But God wants to change something within you and empower you to live like you’ve never lived before. Are you up for that change? Are you up for never sitting where you’ve been stuck before? Are you up for being strengthened to show up different? Are you ready to leave behind the identity you've carried in your brokenness? Are you ready to stop living limited by what once held you down? Not everyone is ready for that, so really consider what you would do if your excuses were stripped from you and you have absolutely no viable reason why you can’t show up in life. If you’re ready for that, God’s got something for you! One more aspect of this story I feel the Holy Spirit is prompting us to see is the details of the healing. Let's read verse 7 & 8 again, “The man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk!” It's so interesting that the word translated “feet” only occurs in this scripture. It is never used anywhere else. It was a word used to differentiate between parts of the human heel. The word “ankle” is a medical term also found no where else in scripture. The phrase “jumped up” describes the coming suddenly into socket of something that was out of place. This is literally a medical description of what happened for this man. The power of God put what was out of place into place. What’s out of place in your life? Do you need God to suddenly put it into place? GOD CAN DO THAT!!!!!! He can take what has always been out of place in your life and put it right where it needs to be so that you can do what you’ve never been able to do before. And maybe he’s never put it into place before, but it’s not because he can’t. He knows exactly what needs to happen, and he knows precisely the right time for it to happen. Sometimes God's great purpose leads to immediate breakthrough. Sometimes it leads to endurance, deeper faith, or a testimony built over years instead of moments. But either way, your waiting is never wasted. The man at the Beautiful Gate thought he needed enough change to survive another day. But God had planned complete transformation. And maybe what feels like delay in your life is actually God preparing a moment that will reveal His power in a way you could never have imagined. Do NOT lose heart in the waiting. Heaven has not overlooked you. Jesus still sees you. And there is still more to the story. Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com

We are jumping into a new series on Jonah. The book of Jonah isn't primarily about a fish--it's the story of a faithful God pursuing a wayward heart. Through Jonah, we will learn together about God's relentless mercy for everyone. Sometimes God sends storms not to punish us, but to rescue us.  So often, we examine or experience God's goodness and salvation in our lives from OUR perspective and the way it has benefitted  us. And why wouldn't we? It's OUR story!! And when we read the Bible we often read it from a perspective that also benefits us. Again, why wouldn't we? But this morning, we examine the passage for today from a unique perspective: not Jonah's, but the Ninevites. What led to such revival? What was going on that so many people repented and decided to live differently? This morning, Pastor Karla reveals how God's mercy reaches even the people we think are beyond saving. Sermon challenge: Who is your "Ninevite"-- the person or group you find hardest to love or forgive? How might you take steps of forgiveness this week? Passage: Jonah 3:5-10 We have three worship opportunities for you to experience: 9:00 a.m. - Sanctuary Service 9:30 a.m. - Online Service 10:30 a.m. - Chapel Service  Please consider joining us for one of these services.  To view past worship services along with other digital content, go to our Youtube Channel @PointLomaChurchOnline.  To get involved in what God is doing within our community, please visit our website at www.pointlomachurch.org. For event happenings: http://pointlomachurch.org/connect/events/ To register for any event: http://pointlomachurch.org/register If you would like to give to the ministry: http://pointlomachurch.org/give/ or through our Venmo account: @Point-Loma-Church

Sometimes God shows up in a powerful way that nobody saw coming. That's what happened on the day of Pentecost. As a result, the church was launched into the world to share the inclusive love of Jesus, and the world was forever changed. In today's sermon, we'll explore the church's origin story, why it matters, and what it means for our lives today.  Scripture Reading: Acts 2, selected verses Share: Know someone who needs this message right now? Send them the link! Connect: https://rb.gy/0gguyc Give: https://pushpay.com/g/kindredumc Prayer: https://rb.gy/xwmuok Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/kindrednc.church/kindreds-latest-5-24-2026

There are moments in life when God's plan feels impossible to understand. Storms come unexpectedly—grief, uncertainty, disappointment, financial pressure, broken relationships, or seasons where nothing seems clear. In those moments, we often try to “trace” God by searching for answers, explanations, or visible signs that everything will work out.But faith is not built on having all the answers. Faith is built on trusting the character of God.In Book of Daniel chapter 6, Daniel faced a situation that could have filled him with fear. A law had been passed that threatened his life, yet he continued praying just as he always had. Daniel trusted God's presence more than he feared the lions' den. Even when he could not trace what God was doing, he trusted that God was still with him.Sometimes God allows us to walk through difficult seasons because He is placing something valuable in our spiritual “tool belt.” The pain you survive today may become the encouragement someone else desperately needs tomorrow. God can use every storm for purpose.When life feels uncertain, stay faithful. Keep praying. Keep worshiping. Keep trusting. God has not abandoned you, and He is still working behind the scenes for your good.

Following the path of faith is not easy.  The life from faith to faith must be in God's direction.  Sometimes God will test us to see if we will lean on him. VF-1829 Genesis 13:14 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott. Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel. ©2026 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Get your Hosea Scripture Journal now. Our shout-out today goes to Jerry DeVries from Cleveland, GA. Thanks for your partnership in Project23. Have you ever chased something you were convinced would make life better—only to watch the door slam shut? Plans fall apart. Opportunities disappear. The road suddenly becomes hard. In Hosea 2:6-8, God explains why that sometimes happens. Listen to our text today. Therefore I will hedge up her way with thorns, and I will build a wall against her, so that she cannot find her paths. She shall pursue her lovers but not overtake them, and she shall seek them but shall not find them. Then she shall say, 'I will go and return to my first husband, for it was better for me then than now.' And she did not know that it was I who gave her the grain, the wine, and the oil, and who lavished on her silver and gold, which they used for Baal. — Hosea 2:6-8 Israel was chasing other "lovers"—the fertility gods of Baal. They believed these idols were the ones providing rain, crops, prosperity, and success. So they ran after them. But God steps in and blocks the road. Not because he hates them. Because he loves them. Sometimes God makes the wrong path difficult, so we will stop running down it. He frustrates the pursuit. He closes the doors. He removes the illusion that the idol can deliver what it promised. Eventually, the people begin to realize something: "It was better for me then than now." This is the moment of awakening. But verse 8 reveals the deeper tragedy. "She did not know that it was I who gave her the grain, the wine, and the oil." Everything Israel thought Baal provided had actually come from God all along. Even worse, the silver and gold God gave them were being used to worship the very idols that replaced him. This is the madness of idolatry. We use the gifts of God to run from the God who gave them. Our abilities. Our money. Our influence. Our success. All of it can slowly become fuel for the very idols that pull our hearts away from him. That's why God sometimes blocks the road. Because the most loving thing God can do is interrupt a path that leads to destruction. And when that happens, it's not rejection. It's rescue. So if you're facing a closed door today, pause before assuming God is against you. He may be guiding you back to what matters most. DO THIS: Think about one closed door or frustration in your life recently and ask God if he might be redirecting you toward him. ASK THIS: Have you ever experienced a time when a closed door later proved to be God's protection? Why do we often give credit to other things for blessings that ultimately come from God? Is there anything in your life that might be slowly replacing your dependence on him? PRAY THIS: Father, help me recognize you as the source of every good gift in my life. Redirect my heart whenever I begin chasing things that cannot truly satisfy. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Gratitude + Great Are You Lord"

We are jumping into a new series on Jonah. The book of Jonah isn't primarily about a fish--it's the story of a faithful God pursuing a wayward heart. Through Jonah, we will learn together about God's relentless mercy for everyone. Sometimes God sends storms not to punish us, but to rescue us.  This morning, we find Jonah "vomited" onto the shore by the whale, and Jonah experiencing the consequences of him being swallowed by the whale. Even as Jonah feels the results of him being in the whale, on the shore he hears God's call on him - and it is the same call as before! Jonah was not disqualified from grace, and he was recommissioned to carry out the same mission God gave him earlier. This story demonstrates that God is the God of second chances. Not only are we forgiven, but we are also recommissioned.  Sermon challenge: Where is God calling you to obey Him again? Passage: Jonah 3:1-4 We have three worship opportunities for you to experience: 9:00 a.m. - Sanctuary Service 9:30 a.m. - Online Service 10:30 a.m. - Chapel Service  Please consider joining us for one of these services.  To view past worship services along with other digital content, go to our Youtube Channel @PointLomaChurchOnline.  To get involved in what God is doing within our community, please visit our website at www.pointlomachurch.org. For event happenings: http://pointlomachurch.org/connect/events/ To register for any event: http://pointlomachurch.org/register If you would like to give to the ministry: http://pointlomachurch.org/give/ or through our Venmo account: @Point-Loma-Church

King David had a noble plan to build God a magnificent temple, but God said no. This wasn't because David's plan was sinful, but because God had something better in mind. When God redirects our good plans, we can respond like David did: sit and listen to God's perspective, rest in His character and sovereignty, and obey what He has revealed while trusting His bigger picture. David wanted to build God a house, but God promised to build David an eternal kingdom through his lineage, ultimately pointing to Jesus. Sometimes God's no leads to something far greater than we could have imagined.

Years ago, I heard a life-changing quote that has stayed with me for years. It said, “Everything you need is on the other side of surrounding your life to God.” I believe this statement is absolutely true. Everything we need, God can provide. I pray you take that truth to heart. Everything you need God can provide. Yet, often the provision doesn't come until we surrender to God. Main Points:1. As long as we think we can do it without God, he'll let us try. When we come up empty, it's then that we realize surrender is a good idea. God wants us to love him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. When we put God first in our lives, when we give him control, we'll experience the joy of God's provision in every area of life. 2. God's plan is not about depriving us of good things. He delights to give his children good gifts. He also desires, above all else, for us to follow him and delight in him. Sometimes God will make us sacrifice something we want to secure our heart for the greatest good: himself. 3. Is there an area of your life in which God is calling you to surrender? Have you been holding on tightly out of fear and uncertainty for the future? Take a step of faith and let go. Surrender. Trust our loving Father with everything that is important to you. He won't fail.Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 26:39 - “Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

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Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Get your Hosea Scripture Journal now. Our shout-out today goes to Jeffrey Nelson from Mooresville, NC. Thanks for your partnership in Project23. Our text today is Hosea 1:3. So he went and took Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. — Hosea 1:3 Hosea doesn't argue. He doesn't delay. He doesn't negotiate the terms. He simply obeys. "So he went and took Gomer…" That short phrase reveals something powerful about Hosea's character. When God spoke, Hosea acted. Even though the assignment was painful. Even though it would affect his reputation. Even though the cost would follow him for years. Hosea marries Gomer, the woman God told him to take as his wife. And just like that, the prophet's life becomes the message. The marriage itself would be difficult, but God was revealing something deeper through it. Hosea's faithful love for an unfaithful wife would mirror God's covenant love for a people who continually turned away from him. Throughout the Bible, marriage often reflects the covenant relationship between God and his people. The prophets described Israel as God's bride. Later, the New Testament describes the church as the bride of Christ. Marriage is meant to reflect covenant faithfulness. That's why Israel's idolatry was so serious. It wasn't just disobedience—it was betrayal. The people who belonged to God were giving their hearts to other gods. Hosea's obedience allowed the nation to see this truth in a way they could not ignore. Sometimes God asks his people to obey in ways that stretch their comfort and challenge their understanding. Obedience may cost time, reputation, relationships, or personal plans. But faithful obedience always begins the same way. God speaks. And we respond. So today, consider this: is there an area where God has already made his will clear, but hesitation or fear has kept you from acting? Faith grows when obedience moves from intention to action. Take one step today toward doing what you already know God has called you to do. DO THIS: Identify one clear step of obedience God has already placed in front of you—and take that step today without delay. ASK THIS: Where in your life might God be asking for obedience right now? What fears or concerns sometimes keep you from acting on what God has already made clear? How might your obedience influence the people around you? PRAY THIS: Father, give me the courage to obey you even when obedience feels costly or uncomfortable. Help my life reflect faithfulness to you. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Trust and Obey"

Sometimes God's will isn't what we would have picked out for ourselves. It isn't what we want. And it's difficult to accept.Esther's life didn't turn out how she wanted it to. She found herself separated from her family and married to the unbelieving King of Persia. Through these trials, God made Esther into a Supernova, shining even more brightly in the hardships. But before she could get there, she had to die to her own dreams and her own plan. Are you willing to do the same? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1141/29?v=20251111

This week, Pastor Kenny brings a powerful standalone message centered on trusting God through every season of life. Drawing from the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, this message reminds us that even in the middle of trials, God is present and faithful. When these men refused to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar, they were thrown into the fire—but the flames did not destroy them. Instead, the only things burned away were the chains that had been binding them. Sometimes God uses difficult seasons to remove the very things that have been holding us back. As we place our trust fully in Him, He can use trials to strengthen our faith, deepen our dependence on Him, and bring freedom where there was once bondage. No matter what fire you may be facing, this message will encourage you to trust that God is with you in the middle of it all.

We are jumping into a new series on Jonah. The book of Jonah isn't primarily about a fish--it's the story of a faithful God pursuing a wayward heart. Through Jonah, we will learn together about God's relentless mercy for everyone. Sometimes God sends storms not to punish us, but to rescue us. Today, we examine the story of the big fish (not whale!!). Pastor Karla enlightens us when it comes to our personal journeys that even when we've hit bottom, grace runs deeper. Sermon challenge: What would it look like to pray from the belly of your own storm? Passage: Jonah 1:17-2:10 We have three worship opportunities for you to experience: 9:00 a.m. - Sanctuary Service 9:30 a.m. - Online Service 10:30 a.m. - Chapel Service  Please consider joining us for one of these services.  To view past worship services along with other digital content, go to our Youtube Channel @PointLomaChurchOnline.  To get involved in what God is doing within our community, please visit our website at www.pointlomachurch.org. For event happenings: http://pointlomachurch.org/connect/events/ To register for any event: http://pointlomachurch.org/register If you would like to give to the ministry: http://pointlomachurch.org/give/ or through our Venmo account: @Point-Loma-Church

Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done Introduction In this message, Coleton walks through one of the most important lines in the Lord's Prayer: “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” — Matthew 6:10 Jesus is not giving His followers empty religious words to repeat. He is teaching them how to partner with God in the renewal of the world. This prayer is not passive resignation. It is an invitation into participation with God. Coleton structures the sermon around three major questions: What is Jesus telling us to ask for? Why doesn't God just do it without our prayers? What does this mean for our prayers practically? Throughout the message, Coleton emphasizes a central truth: prayer matters because God has chosen to work through the prayers of His people. 1. What Is Jesus Telling Us to Ask For? We Are Asking for God's Kingdom and God's Will Coleton explains that Jesus teaches us to pray for two connected realities: God's Kingdom to come God's will to be done These cannot be separated. God's Kingdom is the place where God's will is actually happening. Coleton uses a quote from Dallas Willard to explain this idea clearly: “God's own ‘kingdom,' or ‘rule,' is the range of His effective will, where what He wants done is done.” — Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy The sermon explains that every person has a small “kingdom” — a sphere where their choices shape reality. God's Kingdom is the sphere where His desires, purposes, goodness, and authority reign completely. So when Jesus teaches us to pray, “Your kingdom come,” He is teaching us to pray: Let more of what God wants happen here. Let more of heaven invade earth. Let the qualities of God's reign spread into places where they are absent. Coleton says we see the qualities of God's Kingdom most clearly in Jesus. When Jesus walked the earth, He announced: “The Kingdom of God has come upon you.” Then He demonstrated what that Kingdom looked like. Coleton walks through example after example from the Gospels: Abundance Where There Was Scarcity John 2 Mark 6 Jesus multiplies provision and turns lack into overflowing abundance. Truth Where There Was Hypocrisy John 3 Matthew 23 Jesus exposes false religion and reveals truth that leads to life. Freedom Where There Was Bondage Mark 5 Jesus delivers people oppressed by evil and restores them to wholeness. Healing Where There Was Disease Matthew 8 Mark 5 The Kingdom of God pushes back sickness and brokenness. Restoration Where There Was Alienation John 4 Jesus restores dignity and relationship to the Samaritan woman. Hospitality Where There Was Hatred Luke 19 Jesus welcomes Zacchaeus when everyone else rejected him. Life Where There Was Death John 11 Jesus raises Lazarus and reveals that death does not get the final word. Hope Where There Was Despair Mark 5 Jesus enters impossible situations and brings hope again. Love Where There Was Hatred Acts 9 The Gospel transforms persecutors into followers of Jesus. Justice Where There Was Oppression Acts 16 God breaks chains and overturns systems of darkness. Coleton repeatedly reminds the church: When Jesus extended the Kingdom, He extended these qualities into people's lives. So praying “Your Kingdom come” means praying: Bring freedom here. Bring healing here. Bring justice here. Bring peace here. Bring restoration here. Bring hope here. This prayer is asking for the realities of heaven to invade earth. 2. Why Doesn't God Just Do It Without Our Prayers? This becomes the heart of the sermon. Coleton addresses a question many people quietly wrestle with: “If God is sovereign, why does prayer matter at all?” His answer is simple and profound: Because God has sovereignly chosen to work through people. God Has Always Worked Through Human Partnership Coleton goes back to Genesis. God did not need Adam and Eve to tend the garden. He could have done everything Himself. Yet He intentionally gave humanity responsibility, authority, and participation. God chose partnership. Coleton quotes Dallas Willard again: “We are meant to exercise our ‘rule' only in union with God, as He acts with us.” Human beings were designed to work alongside God in stewarding creation. Prayer is part of that design. Prayer Is Not an Afterthought — It Is Part of the Way God Ordered the World Coleton strongly emphasizes: God does not need intercessors. He chooses intercessors. He quotes Tyler Staton: “Prayer is the means by which we push back the curse that's infected the world and infected us.” This is one of the central ideas of the sermon: Prayer is how God has chosen for His Kingdom to advance. Coleton gives practical analogies: God could have nourished us without food — but He chose food. God could have sustained life without oxygen and blood — but He chose those means. God could have worked without prayer — but He chose prayer. Prayer is not magic. Prayer is partnership. Your Prayers Actually Matter Coleton passionately confronts the idea that prayer changes nothing. He says believing prayer does not matter fundamentally misunderstands how God designed the world. He points to passages showing the consequences of prayerlessness: We Miss Things When We Don't Pray 2 Chronicles 16:9 We Make Bad Decisions Without Seeking God Joshua 9:14 Some Things Do Not Happen Apart From Prayer Mark 9:29 Coleton makes an important clarification: This is not because God is angry or withholding. It is because this is the structure God established. He quotes Charles Spurgeon: “If you may have everything by asking, and nothing without asking, I beg you to see how absolutely vital prayer is.” Even Jesus intercedes now for believers. If prayer did not matter, Jesus would not still be praying. 3. What This Means for Our Prayers There Is Power in Your Praying Coleton wants believers to leave with confidence. Not confidence in themselves. Not confidence in perfect wording. Confidence that God has chosen to work through prayer. He says: Prayer works powerfully because God has set it up that way. Coleton quotes Skye Jethani: “We are active participants with God in the writing, directing, design, and action that unfolds.” Prayer is participation in God's work in the world. Because of that, believers should actually expect God to move when they pray. Leonard Ravenhill's quote drives this home: “You cannot estimate the power of prayer… because He has committed Himself to answer it.” 4. Practical Ways to Pray “Your Kingdom Come” Coleton closes the sermon with deeply practical guidance. Pray for Kingdom Qualities Where They Are Missing He encourages believers to look for brokenness and pray specifically for God's Kingdom to invade those places. Tyler Staton's quote summarizes this beautifully: “Ask for Jesus to come anywhere and everywhere you know God's kingdom of love and peace is lacking.” Examples: Pray for friends who do not know Jesus. Pray for healing. Pray for Memphis. Pray for injustice. Pray for broken families. Pray for mental and emotional struggles. Coleton encourages practices like: Prayer walks Prayer drives People watching and praying Using reminders like a “Pray for Memphis” hat Prayer becomes a lifestyle of seeing the world through the eyes of God's Kingdom. Pray the Promises of God Coleton teaches believers to pray Scripture because God is faithful to His promises. He quotes John Wesley: “The best we can say to God in prayer is, what he hath said to us.” He then walks through promises believers can pray confidently: Comfort “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4 Freedom and New Life “If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 Peace Philippians 4:6–7 Greater Works John 14:12 Rest Matthew 11:28–29 Provision Matthew 6:33 Philippians 4:19 Malachi 3:10 Wisdom James 1:5 Restoration Joel 2:25–26 Isaiah 61:3–4 Strength 2 Corinthians 12:9 Isaiah 40:31 Coleton encourages believers to pray these promises boldly because they reveal God's heart and His Kingdom. Pray for the Things Jesus Did Coleton says the Gospels reveal what the Kingdom of God looks like. So believers should read about Jesus: healing, restoring, forgiving, freeing, reconciling, and pray for those same Kingdom realities to happen around them today. Trust God When Prayers Aren't Answered the Way You Want Coleton ends with honesty and pastoral wisdom. Not every prayer is answered the way we expect. Paul prayed for the “thorn in the flesh” to leave, but God said: “My grace is sufficient for you.” Sometimes God's Kingdom advances through weakness rather than the removal of suffering. Coleton reminds the church: The apostles experienced miracles. The apostles also experienced tragedy. Yet they never stopped believing in prayer. The call of the believer is not to understand everything perfectly, but to trust God in the mystery. Final Challenge Coleton closes by bringing everything back to one foundational truth: Prayer has power because this is how God designed the world to function. Just as: food satisfies hunger, water quenches thirst, oxygen sustains life, God has chosen prayer as one of the primary ways His Kingdom advances in the earth. Jesus teaches His followers to pray because prayer truly matters. Discipleship Group Questions When you hear the phrase “Your Kingdom come,” what do you naturally think about, and how did this message expand your understanding of it? Which “Kingdom quality” from Jesus' ministry (healing, restoration, justice, freedom, hope, etc.) do you most long to see break into your own life or your community right now? Why do you think God chose to work through human partnership and prayer instead of simply doing everything Himself? What keeps you from believing your prayers truly matter, and how did this sermon challenge that mindset? What is one practical way you can begin intentionally praying for God's Kingdom to come in Memphis, your family, your workplace, or your neighborhood this week? Culture of Gospel Share this with someone in your life who doesn't know Jesus What if prayer is not about escaping the world, but partnering with God to heal it? Jesus taught that God's Kingdom brings hope where there is despair, healing where there is brokenness, and love where there is hatred—and He invites ordinary people to become part of that renewal.  

Sometimes God answers our prayers only partially (or He does so in a way we never considered). Today's message is centered on the miraculous healing of a young boy in John 4, revealing how we can remain confident that Jesus is on our side - whether he grants all, some, or none of a particular prayer request. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada.

Sometimes God leads us through fire before revealing the lightning within.Dr. Michael Jenkins thought his greatest battles were behind him. After surviving a terrorist attack that changed his life forever, he returns home determined to heal and reconnect with family. Instead, he is pulled into the mysterious realm of Aras, a world unlike anything he has ever known.There, danger lurks in the shadows, powerful forces stir, and the line between courage and fear grows thinner with every step. As Michael struggles to survive in this unfamiliar land, he begins to understand that his scars may hold purpose, his trials may carry meaning, and his faith may be the key to something far greater than he imagined.Tales of Aras: Becoming Fire & Lightning is the first installment in an exciting, clean speculative fiction series designed to entertain, build rich and memorable worlds, and introduce unforgettable characters who remind readers that God is always at work, even in the most unexpected places.Adventure awaits. Purpose calls. Faith endures.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/houseofmysteryradio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pray for God's Healing Grace Because Jesus “spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing” MESSAGE SUMMARY: Jesus knows the aches and wounds of your soul, and He wants to bring you healing. Jesus does not want you living in pain, heartache, or emptiness. The Apostle Luke tells you, in Luke 9:10-11, that Jesus wants to cure those who need His healing: “On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing.". We are in an “instant society”, but healing is a process; and your healing may take a long time. Sometimes God wants you to wait, or He may see your need for healing differently from your perspective. However, in your personal relationship with God, you must pray and ask for His healing. In Matthew 7:7-11, Jesus tells us: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!". Pray for God's healing grace for your soul and your body.     TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, fill me with the simple trust that even out of the most awful evil around me, you are able to bring great good — for me, for others, and for your great glory. In Jesus' name, amen.     Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 91). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, I can do what he asks of me. (Philippians 4:13). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Luke 9:10-11; Revelation 22:1-3; 2 Chronicles 7:14-16; Psalms 146:1-10. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “The Resurrection -- Part 3: Jesus Gives Us His Great Commission Just Before His Ascension”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Walking in God's path doesn't always mean that you get to live a comfortable life. It's more like going to war with the enemy. You never know when he will strike. Sometimes God even allows certain difficulties in your life, not to harm you, but to help you grow in your faith. Today, Pastor Richard motivates you to faithfully walk with God. His plan for you is the best. Even if difficulties come into your life, God will help you find a way through them!

WATCH ON YOUTUBE Scripture: Daniel 3Big Idea: Real faith stands firm even if the outcome is uncertain. 1. Expect the pressure. 2. Decide before the fire starts. 3. Believe God will do it. 4. Stand no matter what. Sometimes God saves us from the fire.Sometimes God saves us through the fire.Sometimes God saves us by the fire.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Cooke-5-3-26-1.mp3 We tend to think of patience & grace as basically synonyms. But biblically speaking, that is not always the case. Sometimes God delays judgment in order to display mercy. But sometimes He delays judgment in order to expose rebellion, harden the self-righteous in their chosen path, and vindicate the justice of His wrath. In Matthew 23:34–36, Jesus announces that He will send prophets, wise men, & scribes to that generation—not because they will receive them, but because they will reject them. Their treatment of Christ's messengers will prove that they are true sons of those who murdered the prophets. From Abel to Zechariah, the blood of the righteous has cried out. And Jesus declares that all of it will come upon that generation. This is a sermon about covenantal bloodguilt, delayed judgment, AD 70, the end of old covenant Israel, and the terrifying reality that God's patience is not always mercy. Sometimes God gives men enough rope with which to hang themselves.

In this episode, we talk about the upcoming Worship House music and how it's more than just songs—it's a move of God. We explore how He's been setting things in place behind the scenes, aligning people, purpose, and sound in ways we may not fully understand yet.Sometimes God gives us direction that doesn't immediately make sense. In this conversation, we reflect on what it means to trust Him in those moments—when the vision isn't clear, but His presence is.Join us as we lean into faith, stay open to His leading, and embrace the process of building something that carries His heart and His sound.If you want to connect with Brinks https://youtube.com/@theworshiphouseexperience?si=RmPTqZkoq0JVeEOlhttps://www.tiktok.com/@twhe_djbe?_r=1&_t=ZT-95sT8Qr7bo6theworshiphouseexperience.netlify.app

This chapter teaches us a powerful spiritual lesson: Sometimes God allows us to experience silence after obedience, teaching us the difference between asking people for help and fully trusting God's timing. Joseph did nothing wrong, yet deliverance did not come immediately. Instead, God was shaping Joseph's character, deepening his patience, and preparing him for a higher calling. In the place of confinement, God was still at work. -Do you want to be an active member of 21c Moses? Then, consider becoming a 21c Moses Patreon! Click the link for more info: https://patreon.com/user?u=45306220&utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link -If you want to donate to 21c Moses Ministry, please click the link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=P4LC3BE2S3JGA -Please check our website: https://21cmoses.com ©2026 21c Moses #21cMoses #BibleTeaching #DailyBibleStudy

When the Inspirations stepped onto the Grand Ole Opry stage beside the Oak Ridge Boys, it wasn't just a performance — it was proof that gospel and country were never really that different. Darien draws a powerful parallel between that unforgettable night and the bold vision behind 101.1 The Pulse. Sometimes God doesn't call you to stay in a lane — He calls you to build a road. A reminder that doing what's right won't always be popular, but it will always be worth it. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram or download our app to stay connected! www.1011thepulse.com The Porch with Darien and Asa The Pulse IG Darien's IG ios App Android App Advertise With UsWant to reach loyal, engaged listeners who support local businesses? Advertise on our shows and put your brand in front of the right audience. Click below and an account executive will contact you. Advertise with UsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes God's direction doesn't look like the fastest route—but it's always the right one. In this episode, Jason Ford shares how God often leads His people the long way to build character, deepen trust, and prepare them for the promise ahead. What feels like delay may actually be divine development.

The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. — Acts 16:14 I would love to have been there, watching Lydia turn into a new creation. As our story begins, she has no idea who Jesus is. She worships and prays to God, but she doesn't know Jesus, God's Son, the Savior. But as she listens to Paul's message about Jesus, the Lord opens her heart to believe in Christ. She is then baptized, along with her household, and she generously hosts Paul and his companions. What an amazing transformation!This is what the Spirit of God loves to do—lead people to Jesus, ignite faith in them that Jesus' death has rescued this broken world from sin, help them to know that the benefits of Jesus' death and resurrection are theirs too, and change them to become like Jesus. Sometimes God works in the heart of an adult like Lydia. Sometimes he starts with a child of Christian parents, like me. In every case, it's the start of a process, a lifelong journey of renewal in which we grow more and more like Christ.Like Lydia, all who are “in Christ” are new creations, as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:17. They are being renewed and restored for full life with God. And, again, their transformation points to the colossal project God is working on, the renewal and restoration of his entire broken world. And when that is complete, his new creation will be fully here! Father, you love to transform people. We love to see and hear about you doing that. Do it more and more. Keep the project going in each of us. We want to see more signposts of the new creation. Amen.

In tonight's prayer and reflection, Greg Grandchamp invites us to reflect on the spiritual discipline of surrender—letting go of our perceived control and resting in the God who sustains. In a world that often teaches us to grasp tighter, God offers something far more powerful: His sustaining presence. In this devotional, we’re reminded that: Surrender isn’t weakness—it’s trust in God’s sovereign care. God doesn’t ask us to cast only the “big” anxieties on Him. He says “all.” The outcome may not change immediately—but you will, as you learn to rely on His strength. If you’re lying awake tonight burdened by what you can’t fix or what tomorrow holds, be encouraged: God invites you to hand it over. And He promises to hold you up. Tonight’s Scripture Psalm 55:22 (NIV) “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.”

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260420dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.” Luke 24:18-21 God’s Promises and Our Perception In 1928, scientist Alexander Fleming returned from vacation to find that one of his petri dishes had been contaminated with mold. It looked like a failure and ruined work. But when Fleming looked closer, he noticed something remarkable. Around the mold, the bacteria had died. What looked spoiled was actually powerful. That mold, penicillin, would go on to save hundreds of thousands of lives during World War II and millions more in the years that followed. Three days after Jesus’ death, two disciples were walking away from Jerusalem. With their faces downcast and their hearts full of disappointment. They said, “We had hoped…” They had hoped for redemption, freedom, and restoration for Israel. But Jesus had been crucified. To them, the cross looked like failure, like God’s plan had been ruined. But the cross wasn’t failure; it was success. There, Jesus satisfied God’s wrath. There, he paid for every sin. And three days later, Jesus proved it with an empty tomb. We know the feeling of having hope disappointed. We hoped the diagnosis would be different. We hoped the relationship would heal. He hoped the door would open. Sometimes God’s work in our lives looks like a ruined plan. But the cross teaches us it is better to trust God’s promises than our perceptions. What looked like defeat became salvation. What looked like death became life. In Jesus, your greatest problem has already been cured. Prayer: Lord Jesus, when plans don’t match my expectations, help me trust your promises. Remind me that your cross is never failure, but always my cure. 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.

The resurrection power of Jesus transforms not just our eternal destiny, but our present reality. Through the story of Jesus healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, we learn that God wants us to stretch out what we consider our greatest weakness so His strength can be manifested. Faith without works is dead, and we're called to activate our faith by using what God has given us - our spiritual gifts, abilities, personality, and even our struggles. Sometimes God delivers us through trials rather than out of them, meeting us in our difficulties like He met Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. Our perceived limitations can become platforms for God's power when we make ourselves available to Him.Thank you for joining us at NorthRidge Church! For more information please visit us online at http://www.northridgethomaston.com.

We are jumping into a  new series on Jonah. The book of Jonah isn't primarily about a fish--it's the story of a faithful God pursuing a wayward heart. Through Jonah, we will learn together about God's relentless mercy for everyone. Sometimes God sends storms not to punish us, but to rescue us. Pastor Karla labels these "storms of grace". What would you call them? God's love interrupts our rebellion before it destroys us. Sermon challenge: How might God be using a storm in your life to get your attention? Passage: Jonah 1:1-3 We have three worship opportunities for you to experience: 9:00 a.m. - Sanctuary Service 9:30 a.m. - Online Service 10:30 a.m. - Chapel Service  Please consider joining us for one of these services.  To view past worship services along with other digital content, go to our Youtube Channel @PointLomaChurchOnline.  To get involved in what God is doing within our community, please visit our website at www.pointlomachurch.org. For event happenings: http://pointlomachurch.org/connect/events/ To register for any event: http://pointlomachurch.org/register If you would like to give to the ministry: http://pointlomachurch.org/give/ or through our Venmo account: @Point-Loma-Church

Sometimes God uses strange ways to reach us!

Are you holding on to a recent failure? Peter was too. He went back to fishing — back to what was familiar — because he thought his time with Jesus was over. But here's what he didn't know: God operates in seasons. In this Walk It Out Wednesday message from John 21:1-14, Pastor Don Johnson unpacks something you need to hear: Sometimes God orchestrates empty nets in one season so you can't go back when He's calling you forward. The disciples' failure was actually the best thing that happened to them. It severed their relationship with who they used to be. When Jesus showed up on that shore, everything changed. That's what happens when God meets you after failure. You get a personal restoration plan. God will make sure you catch nothing in one season so He can position you for something greater in the next. Stop focusing on the blessing. Focus on the Blesser. Message: “Walk It Out Wednesday: He Always Provides” Scripture: John 21:1-14 (NIV) Speaker: Pastor Don Johnson Date: April 15, 2026 ✨ Welcome to Your Moment of Transformation You don't have to walk this journey alone. Let Jesus guide your steps and fill your life with purpose and peace.

How do you know if a prophetic word is truly from God? 2 Peter 1:21 reminds us that prophecy comes from the Holy Spirit—not human will—which means it must be tested, discerned, and handled with humility. While spiritual gifts like prophecy can be powerful and encouraging, they also require wisdom. Not every impression is perfectly interpreted, and not every word is immediately understood. That’s why Scripture calls us to weigh prophetic words carefully. Sometimes God reveals only a small piece of a bigger picture, and our role is not just to receive or deliver a word, but to discern it in community and align it with God’s truth. When approached with humility, patience, and accountability, prophecy becomes a tool that builds up the church, strengthens faith, and deepens our relationship with God. Highlights Prophecy originates from the Holy Spirit, not human effort Misinterpretation doesn’t always mean the message is false God often reveals only part of the full picture Prophetic words should be tested and discerned in community Not all words are fulfilled immediately—timing matters Humility is essential when giving or receiving prophecy Properly handled, prophecy strengthens and encourages the church 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! Full Transcript Below: Test Prophetic Words CarefullyBy: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading:“For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as the Holy Spirit carried them along.” - 2 Peter 1:21 During a recent retreat for mothers and daughters to connect, learn about God's attributes, and hear his voice, we had a time of prayer in which we blessed the mothers and daughters and commissioned them to go out and spread the gospel. At one point during prayer, the mother and daughter sat before me. Placing my hand on her left shoulder, I immediately got a word for the daughter. It was a picture of a violin. I had no other words or explanation as to its meaning. I told her that I didn't understand what the picture was, but that it had appeared. After everyone had prayed, I went to get a tissue for the mother and daughter. Upon my return, the daughter explained that she had played violin but then stopped. We laughed because we realized that that was what the Holy Spirit was saying. He was telling her to pick up her violin and make music for him. In the church body, we are wired with spiritual gifts. Some of those gifts are considered miraculous gifts, including the gift of prophecy. Prophecy is a message delivered to someone by God. Although it is exciting to deliver a prophetic word to another person, we often misinterpret it. This is where errors and other issues become a problem. Although we are quick to call someone a false prophet simply because they made an error in delivering their message, that doesn't mean the message itself was wrong. It simply means the person delivering it misinterpreted it. The difficult part of prophecy is that we only get small snippets of a bigger picture. When I got that picture of the violin, I had no idea the daughter had played the violin before. Whether he wants her to resume playing the violin remains to be seen. However, he clearly had a message for her regarding her music with that instrument. If a person does not know how to interpret prophetic words for their lives, they can often be dismissed or ignored completely. Scripture tells us to test prophecy and to allow two or three people to weigh what is being said. Although those kinds of things can get tricky at times because many people are not trained in the prophetic, it is important that, even in community, we explore the miraculous gifts together. The above verse tells us that prophecy comes from the Holy Spirit, not from human will. However, because we have difficulty distinguishing between our own human emotions, thought processes, and prophecy, it can be difficult to discern whether a word is truly from God. However, that does not mean you should not deliver a word. Rather, it is important to test that word with two or three people who have discernment or wisdom to be able to know whether that word is truly from God or not. It is also important for an individual to test and weigh that word for themselves. Because prophecy is not often practiced in churches today, it is difficult for people to interpret prophetic words or to wait for them to come to fruition. In Scripture, people gave prophetic words that didn't come to pass until generations later. In our instant-gratification world, we want prophetic words to come to pass now. If they don't come to pass, we assume that means they are untrue. However, that's a misinterpretation of scripture. Receiving and giving prophetic words can be an exciting spiritual experience for any person. It is part of a person's spiritual growth and can completely transform them, helping them go deeper in their relationship with the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you words to edify your brothers and sisters in Christ. You (and your church) will be better for it. Father, let us be people who do not treat prophecy with contempt. Rather, let us weigh the words that we receive and deliver them accordingly. Let us, in humility, help discern and dissect prophetic words together. Let the body of Christ be edified through the gift of prophecy. Amen. Intersecting Faith & Life: Have you ever had a gift of prophecy? In what way can you deliver a prophetic word to someone today? Further Reading:1 Corinthians 12 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Hey guys, welcome to this episode of the Anchored by the Sword Podcast!I am so excited about today's episode because we are kicking off something really special—this is Part 1 of a 3-part series all about the brand new television series, Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries! And you guys… this one is extra close to my heart because I actually got to be involved in it, and I loved every second of it.This beautiful new series is coming to UP Faith & Family, with premiere dates starting April 16 and continuing April 21—and trust me, you are going to want to tune in.In today's episode, I sit down with the producer, Chevonne O'Shaughnessy, to talk about all things Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries—from how she got started in the film industry to the powerful moment that completely shifted her focus toward creating faith-filled, family-friendly content.We dive into: •Her journey from producing action films to faith-based storytelling •A personal story involving her daughter that changed everything •The heart behind creating movies families can watch together •Why the Sugarcreek, Ohio area is so special (and why it feels like peace the moment you arrive) •How the Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries books started as first a movie and now a TV series •Staying grounded in faith when things feel uncertain (including a wild behind-the-scenes moment where the entire series almost didn't happen!) • Practical wisdom for anyone pursuing creative dreams—especially in mediaWe also talk about the first movie, Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries: Blessings in Disguise, which pulled from the first two books in the series—and how it has stayed in the Top 10 on UP Faith & Family for months.

speech What do you do when heaven feels silent? When you've prayed, believed, and done everything right… but the answer is still NO? In this powerful kickoff message of From Setbacks to Comebacks, Pastor Jarod Phillips dives into one of the most difficult realities of the Christian life—unanswered prayers and unexpected suffering. Through the story of Lazarus (John 11), we uncover a deeper truth: God's delays are not denial—they are divine setup. This message will challenge your theology, strengthen your faith, and remind you that: God is still PRESENT, even when you don't feel Him God is still PREEMINENT, even when life feels out of control God's PLAN is still working, even when it doesn't make sense

Sometimes God trims things back in our lives, and it can feel like loss. But He's not taking away without purpose… He's making room for something new to grow.

Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today!How do you keep singing when enemies surround you and fear closes in on all sides? Join Jaime on the Praying Christian Women Podcast for a devotional on Psalm 59 — a deeply personal cry for deliverance that moves from terror to triumph, anchored in the unshakeable truth that God is our fortress no matter how thin the walls around us feel. Jaime walks through David's harrowing reality — surrounded at night by men sent to kill him — and shares a vivid story from her experience at a safari in Kenya's Maasai Mara, where the sound of circling lions in the dark brought this ancient psalm to life in the most visceral way. Sometimes God is the only thing standing between you and what's closing in. We also explore the surprising tension in David's prayer — asking God not to destroy his enemies outright, but to scatter them as living witnesses of His power, while still crying out for ultimate justice. And through it all, the refrain that carries the whole psalm: as for me, I will sing. Come ready to name what's surrounding you, find refuge in the God who is your stronghold even when your "tent" feels paper-thin, and make the bold, faith-filled decision to sing His praises before your heart fully catches up — because that's exactly what David did. Discover More: Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts! Connect with Us: Stay updated and engage with our community: On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sometimes God will strengthen your faith directly. But most of the time, he does so through another person.