Podcasts about sometimes god

Sometimes God makes seemingly strong people weaker so that his divine power will be the more evident.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 46-49; 1 Peter 5 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, host Hunter guides us through the readings for July 26th, journeying into Isaiah chapters 46 through 49 and concluding with 1 Peter chapter 5. Together, we'll reflect on God's enduring faithfulness to His people, even when they find themselves returning to the ruins of their past. Hunter reminds us that God's grace is always at work—even in our brokenness—and assures us that our names are written on the palms of His hands. If you're feeling forgotten, weighed down by life's trials, or searching for hope, this episode is a powerful reminder that God has not abandoned you. Join us as we listen to the living Word, pray together, and find encouragement to stand firm in God's love and grace. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Return to the ruins. Sometimes God calls you back to the ruins, but don't let those ruins fool you. God has not forgotten you. Out of the ruins, He's raising up something new, and you don't want to miss it. Don't miss it by running away or despairing at the destruction you see. God is bringing you back to do something new—to reveal His grace to you and to reveal Himself to you. This was Isaiah's message. The people were exiled, but they were not forgotten. Like a note that He can't afford to lose, Isaiah tells us that God has written your name on the palm of His hand. “See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands, always in my mind.” (Isaiah 49:16) God has not forgotten your name. He has your name in His mind, always in His mind, because He is about to do something new. Peter tells us, “My purpose in writing is to encourage you and to assure you that what you are experiencing is truly a part of God's grace to you. So stand firm in this grace.” God may be returning you to the ruins, but don't despair at the destruction you see. God's about to reveal something new—His grace, Himself. So return to whatever ruins God may be calling you to. Don't despair at what you see, but be assured and encouraged that He is with you, and you can stand firm in the grace that He offers you right now, this very moment. So stand firm. He is about to do something. He has not forgotten. He's exactly where you are. Your name is on His hand. And the prayer of my own heart today is that I will listen and that I will trust a God who meets me at life's lowest, in the darkest, among the ruins, that He does not desert me. That He is not repelled by me. No, He's never abandoned me. He was with me all along. Then I'll begin to see and understand and experience this grace more and more. That's a prayer I have for my own soul. That's a prayer I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, and my son. And that's a prayer I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Gracious and everlasting God, you have brought us through the shadow of night into the promise of a new day. You go before us with your mercy, sustain us by your grace and keep us from wandering paths of fear or pride. Let every word we speak and every step we take be formed by the goodness of Christ. O Lord, gather your people far and near. May every tribe and tongue come to know your peace. Let justice roll like a river and healing flow where there has been division. Pour out your spirit upon all flesh and bring us closer to the day when your kingdom comes in fullness through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. And now, as our Lord has taught us, we are bold to pray. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.   OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Sometimes God asks for your surrender before He gives you the strategy. Can you trust God's character even when you don't understand His plan? Can you live in your spiritual assignment without knowing all the pieces? God said go. No blueprint. Just belief in Him and your faith. You have already been created with divine propose. Do you believe? Will you say yes before the assignment is clear?“The Relentless Yes!”

Sometimes God chooses to intervene for us and sometimes He chooses not to. But in both instances, He is acting on our behalf, for our good and His glory. God chose to withhold His hand of protection towards David as a punishment for his sin. But He did not withdraw His protection completely or forever. He still had favor on David and took care of him until everything was restored back to him.

Jesus Delivered Us (5) (audio) David Eells – 7/16/25 Saints, I want to point out to you that if you want deliverance from any demon, do not put the responsibility for the sin upon the demon. What did Peter say to Ananias and Sapphira? (Act.5:3) … Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Spirit …? Was Peter blaming the lying spirit, or was he blaming Ananias? Some people have demons they inherited through the bloodline (Exodus 20:5, 34:7; Numbers 14:18; Deuteronomy 5:9), but we are born in sin. Psa 51:5  Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity; And in sin did my mother conceive me.  If you have a demon because of what you have done, guess what? You are still guilty. The Bible does not let you get off without being guilty. So the solution is 1Jn 1:9  If we confess our sins (not the demons sins), he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  (Pro.26:2) As the sparrow in her wandering, as the swallow in her flying, So the curse that is causeless alighteth not. See, there are people who just run from ministry to ministry looking for somebody to give them deliverance, but they will not first repent. They think all they need is deliverance, but God says they need to repent, because you can get delivered of anything and everything if you repent and believe. So there may be things you have never been delivered of yet, but God's plan is to deliver you from lusts of the flesh and demon spirits that take advantage of them. Let's look at some Old Testament types and shadows about delivering the Promised Land that show us the way God leads us from the time we come to know Him. This “house,” your body, is supposed to be ruled over by the spiritual man, and for that to happen, the carnal man who lives in your house has to be driven out and killed. This is a type of taking the Promised Land. Those Israelites represent the spiritual man, and those Canaanites represent the carnal man. God told them the Canaanites had to be driven out and killed, and the Israelites had to live in their houses. God said in (Deu.7:2) And when the Lord thy God shall deliver them up before thee, and thou shalt smite them; then thou shalt utterly destroy them: thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor show mercy unto them. And He also commanded, (Exo.23:33) They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me; for if thou serve their gods (demons), it will surely be a snare unto thee. You see, if you leave one of the lusts of the flesh in your land, it is going to cause you to sin, so don't leave them and don't bow down to their gods. (Exo.23:20) Behold, I send an angel before thee, to keep thee by the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. By the way, you have an angel, too, as the Bible says in (Heb.1:14) Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation? These spirits are with us to bring us into this salvation that Jesus provided. Exodus 23 is an exact parallel. (Exo.23:21) Take ye heed before him, and hearken unto his voice; provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgression: for my name is in him. God's Name, which is His Nature, Character, and Authority, is in those angels. His Nature is so strong in them that they are perfect prophets for the Lord, and when an angel speaks to you, he speaks to you with the Voice of God. In the Book of Acts, Stephen said it was an angel who spoke out of the burning bush to Moses. (Acts 7:30) And when forty years were fulfilled, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. An angel spoke to Moses with the Voice of God. (Exo.23:22) But if thou shalt indeed hearken unto his voice, and do all that I speak; (We see the Lord is speaking, but it is the angel's voice.) then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies. If you obey His Voice, He will be an enemy to your enemies. If you do not obey His Voice, He is not going to be an enemy to your enemies. You may run around everywhere looking for your deliverance from flesh and spirit, but you will fail when you are not obeying His Voice. (Exo.23:23) For mine angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Canaanite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite: and I will cut them off. These are the original inhabitants of the land. They represent the lusts of the flesh that live in our Promised Land right here, and the Lord is going to lead us to sanctification from every one of these lusts. Each group of these original inhabitants represents the old man ruled over by demon gods with matching specialties and each of their names has a meaning. “Canaanite” means “to bend the knee, to humiliate, to subdue.” “Amorite” means “prominent,” and of course, one of the evils of the flesh is pride. “Hittite” means “terror, fear.” There are many different kinds of demons of fear, and God wants to deliver us from all kinds of fear. Your flesh fears many things; you could have a fear of rejection or a fear of heights and so on. “Perizzite” means “to separate.” Think about it; religions separate from religions and nations separate from nations. Factions separate. When religions separate from each other, it's “sectarianism,” which Paul listed among works of the flesh. (Gal.5:19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these:] fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, (20) idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, (21) envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like… Paul called them “lusts of the flesh”; we call them “denominations.” And countries naturally have a bias toward the people who live in their nation, but we are not supposed to be divided from Christians anywhere in the world. We are a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9). We are “one man in Christ Jesus.” (Gal.3:28) There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one [man] in Christ Jesus. That means a Christian over in Russia is my brother; I am not going to fight for America to kill a Christian over in Russia, or anywhere else. It is wrong! This is worldly thinking and we need to understand that Jesus said, (Joh.18:36) My kingdom is not of this world… We are one holy nation, so no matter where on earth we are living, we are supposed to be a part of (Heb.12:22) … the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. “Jebus” was the old name for Jerusalem, and it's interesting that “Jebusite” means “trodden down.” The Bible says that Jerusalem will be “trodden down.” (Luk.21:24) Jerusalem will be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. Revelation 11 talks about the outer court being trodden down. (Rev.11:2) And the court which is without the temple leave without, and measure it not; for it hath been given unto the nations: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. Jesus told us in (Mat.5:13) Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men. It's the old Jerusalem, not the New Jerusalem, who is going to be trodden down. Old, unregenerate Jerusalem was Jebus. They were trodden down that New Jerusalem could take their place. Going on in (Exo.23:24) Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works… Notice two things in this verse: “their gods” and “their works.” If you live after the lusts of your flesh, that is your works, and if you “bow down to their gods,” then you're being ruled by demons. It says in (1Co.10:20) But [I say,] that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have communion with demons. You see, every one of the lusts of the flesh has a demon spirit that rules over it. Jesus Christ sowed a Seed in us to bring forth the fruit of the Spirit, but the demons have sown other seeds in mankind. They have sown seeds of anger, seeds of lust, and seeds of rebellion, and the flesh has been bringing forth what is called the “lusts” of the flesh, which is another way of saying “fruit” of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21; 2 Peter 2:10-19). Demons are the ones who sowed the seeds that have brought this forth. They are the gods of the lusts of the flesh and God commanded us to kill them and not to serve their gods. (Exo.23:33) They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me; for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee. He is talking about marching through this Promised Land, and putting to death, one by one, the lusts of the flesh. And He is talking about not submitting, not bowing down, to their gods. If you are throwing out their “flesh,” you are throwing out the demon gods' power. If you simply throw out the demon gods and hold on to the flesh, they will be back. We are this Promised Land that has to be sanctified. The word “sanctified” means “separated from sin, separated from the curse, and separated unto God.” As God led the Israelites through their Promised Land and they put to death the original inhabitants with a physical sword, so we are led of the Holy Spirit through our promised land to put to death the lusts of the flesh with the “sword” of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. (Heb.4:12) For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. And it is two-edged because one edge is for you. We are commanded to Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (Col.3:5) The devil fears you if you know your authority and you are walking with God. Now, what about casting out demons from the lost? Are we authorized to do that? One time, I had been asking God about casting demons out of my mother. She had come to live with us in our house, but she didn't know the Lord. Most people do not know you need permission from God to cast demons out of a lost person, but it's biblical. (Luk.11:24) The unclean spirit when he is gone out of the man, passeth through waterless places, seeking rest, and finding none, he saith, I will turn back unto my house whence I came out. (25) And when he is come, he findeth it swept and garnished. (26) Then goeth he, and taketh [to him] seven other spirits more evil than himself; and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man becometh worse than the first. You see, the lost person will get them seven times worse if you cast the demons out without the person turning to God. There are “loopholes” in the Bible, and so I asked God for permission to cast the demons out of my mother on the basis that my house is not cursed, but she was in my house and bringing me under a curse. I asked, “God, I am not under the curse. Can I cast the demons out of her because she is bringing a curse upon me?” God gave my daughter Jennifer a dream that night. She saw my mother's house in the middle of my house, except it was three stories tall, sticking out of the top of my house. Out of the second floor, representing the soul, there was a plank leading out to the street. Five chickens, representing unclean spirits, were on it and they were walking the plank to the street. Well, I knew exactly what the Lord was saying. That night, Mama, full of demons, came to our bedroom door and her demons threatened us, “I am going to keep you awake all night!” I said, “Oh no you're not!” My wife and I jumped up and went into her room, and as we stood there, God gave us five spirits to cast out. We didn't even wait to see them come out. We just commanded, “Come out in the Name of Jesus!” as fast as we could name them. Then we marched out, went back to bed, and slept peacefully all night. The next day, we noticed that it was awfully quiet in that room. Not knowing what was going on, we opened the door and peeked in to see that her room was a total mess. And there was my mother, crawling out from under the bed! She had been wrestling in there with something all night long, but when she came out, she was humble, meek, and submissive. I never knew my mother to be that kind of person. She had been demon-possessed all of her life; she had been taking medication all of her life to keep those demons in subjection. Her “religion” had kept her from turning to God when she had the opportunity, but as long as she was in my house, we had peace. When the demons started drifting back, the Lord took her out of my house. As she was dying she returned to peace. There are several reasons why God will give deliverance to the lost, and we should read the Bible like a lawyer because God put loopholes in there so you can step through them sometimes. Another great loophole that the Lord showed me is that if somebody is a blessing to you, you can be a blessing to them. It does not matter if they are lost. We have the example of when Paul was shipwrecked on Melita and the natives of the island came to the rescue. They were very kind to Paul and the others who were cold and wet. The natives dried their clothes and got them out of the rain (Acts 28:1-2). (Act.28:7) Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us, and entertained us three days courteously. (8) And it was so, that the father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery: unto whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laying his hands on him healed him. He never preached the Gospel to him; he just healed him. Then they brought all the sick people on the island to Paul. He prayed for them and God healed them. (Act.28:9) And when this was done, the rest also that had diseases in the island came, and were cured. You do not see this elsewhere in the Bible because “healing is the children's bread” (Matthew 15:26), so I asked, “Why is this, Lord?” The Lord answered, “They were kind to them.” God will let you pray for somebody and heal them because they were good to you. He said, (Gen.12:3) And I will bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will I curse: and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed. This is talking about us; we are the “Israelites.” There's one loophole, too, that's the mercy of God. The demoniac described in the Gospels was so far gone that you could not expect the man to have faith or make a rational decision, and Jesus cast the demons out of him, knowing what kind of decision he was going to make afterward (Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39). Sometimes God does this, but He does not have to do it. Now let me share with you the following testimony: Delivered from Scoliosis by D. M. My brother-in-law once bought me a book by Henry W. Wright entitled “A More Excellent Way: A Teaching on the Spiritual Roots of Disease.” I found the book to be fascinating and, as the British say, “spot-on” in many ways. (There is definitely a connection between a sin and its curse. Quite often, a sickness can identify the sin.) I have a good friend named “A” whom I've known since I was saved. We have conversed via phone for years, since we live in different states. A couple of years ago, he mentioned that he'd had scoliosis since childhood. I didn't say anything to him, but I went to Henry Wright's book and looked up what he had to say about scoliosis. I kept this to myself because I didn't feel right bringing it up to “A.” I knew the time would come as the Lord gave me freedom to do so. Today, I received an email from “A” asking me to pray for him for deliverance from a particular sin. He did not go into detail but gave me a hint. I replied that I would pray for him in a moment. But first I wanted to know when his scoliosis had begun, and if, in fact, it had begun about the time of his traumatic incident. He replied back that it did begin right afterwards. I decided to give him a call. We talked. He made a full confession of the incident. I quoted (Jas.5:16) Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working. And I told him that there was now nothing in the way of his deliverance. I prayed over the phone with him in agreement. Glory be to God, a hundred-pound weight came off my friend and he was delivered from the evil spirit of scoliosis and was healed! Awesome! Praise the Lord! Saints, we need to be led of the Spirit and wait for the Lord's leading so He can open the way for us to minister to others. Here's another testimony I'd like to share with you. Delivered from Lung Cancer by Linda L. (This lady was healed of a spirit of cancer when I for the brethren in our meeting rebuked it, although she was not present at that meeting. She related to us how, later that same night, what looked like smoke came out of her nose and she knew she was healed. Please note that she had faith to be healed.) My doctor's office called to tell me I had an inconsistency on my chest x-ray. I needed to go to the hospital for another x-ray. The second x-ray was not any better than the first. A CT scan was ordered. The suspicious spot was a ten-centimeter (approximately two inches) sized nodule in the upper right lobe. That night after numerous internet searches, I was devastated to learn that most nodules are malignant. My father had died of lung cancer in 1998. I am very familiar with the disease. At this point I started to do a lot of praying. Even though I knew Jesus heard my prayer, I did not have peace yet. My doctor sent me to a pulmonary specialist. The first thing Dr. Wagner told me was that I was not to worry. The surgeon would remove my lobe. I would not have to undergo chemotherapy or radiation. He started to ask questions about health, lifestyle, etc., and we talked more. He decided to wait and repeat the CT scan in two months. At this point, I told Dr. Wagner that God would heal me. He did not say anything, but I am sure he thought I was deluded. I am a very reserved person. I usually do not share information of this nature with many people. However, the Holy Spirit prompted me to tell Dr. Wagner how Jesus would heal my lung. When I saw Bob, a UBM elder, I told him my predicament. And as we talked, I asked his group to pray for my healing. Jesus would heal me. This was a Tuesday. I did not see Bob during the week, but I KNOW his prayer group prayed for me. A peace beyond all understanding came over me Saturday night. During the middle of the night, I saw an evil spirit leave my lungs! I KNEW I was healed. The next month arrived. It was time to repeat the CT scan. The doctor at the Imaging Center observed the entire scan. He reported the nodule was starting to calcify. In his opinion the nodule was now benign. Tears and praise flowed, as Jesus had healed me. Dr. Wagner told me I was one lucky lady. I reminded him that Jesus would heal me. The doctor did not acknowledge anything yet, but he knows that this healing from a deadly lung nodule was a miracle. Jesus hears our prayers and heals those who ask and have faith. He knows our pain. He honors His commitment to us when we believe Him and the works of His hands. Amen! That's so true! Praise You, Lord! Let's look at this parable in the Old Testament, how God delivers us. The Lord says in (Exo.23:27) I will send my terror before thee, and will discomfit all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee. (28) And I will send the hornet before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee. You know, it's easy to win a battle when your enemy is afraid, and making your enemy fearful is a proven strategy of warfare. There have been great battles won by very small armies against very large armies, all because fear was in the larger army. This happened to Israel in the 1967 Arab-Israeli War when Arabs attacked them from all sides. Israel won overwhelming victories against all odds because God put fear in the hearts of their enemies. It's a quick battle when the enemy is fearful. Only God is able to do this! He did this in many places in the Scriptures, giving the Israelites tremendous victories. We have a good example where they sent spies into the Promised Land to understand their enemies' thinking. (Jos.2:1) And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men as spies secretly, saying, Go, view the land, and Jericho. And they went and came into the house of a harlot whose name was Rahab, and lay there… (8) And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof; (9) and she said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that the fear of you is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. (10) For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you, when ye came out of Egypt… Going through the Red Sea was their salvation experience. Guess who knows immediately about our salvation experience? Demon spirits. They know who we are, but the problem is not that they know; the problem is, do we know? This is why we need to study the Scriptures; it's important that we find out who we are. Unless we know who we are, demon spirits can, and do, take advantage of us, but when you know who you are according to Scripture, the demons are fearful. In the dream that the Lord gave my daughter, the Lord had a sense of humor because He pictured the five demons as five chickens. Our enemies know that they cannot keep us from taking our land. (Jos.2:10) For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond the Jordan, unto Sihon and to Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. (11) And as soon as we had heard it, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more spirit in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and on earth beneath. All of these verses are types and shadows of our enemies being fearful of us. (Jos.1:5) There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee; I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. (6) Be strong and of good courage; for thou shalt cause this people to inherit the land which I sware unto their fathers to give them. (7) Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest have good success whithersoever thou goest. (8) This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Spiritually speaking, the Lord is talking about taking this “land” in which we live, taking this land of the soul, which is our mind, our will, and our emotions. God says, (Exo.23:29) I will not drive them out from before thee in one year, lest the land become desolate, and the beasts of the field multiply against thee. From this example, we see that it is not God's plan to purify us instantly, but almost every Christian religion teaches some form of “instantaneous sanctification.” They say all you need to do is get saved and you're sanctified. A number of them also believe that you're automatically filled with the Holy Spirit. In other words, there's a line you just step over and that's all there is to it; then you can sit down and take it easy. No, we can never sit down and take it easy because we have a land to conquer. God goes on to say, (Exo.23:30) By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land. “Little by little” is God's plan. People who have their “instantaneous sanctification” theology do not understand that sanctification is when you are delivered of all the lusts of the flesh to the point where you're not even going to be tempted anymore. The ultimate end of sanctification is when the flesh is dead. We can all think of things in our lives from which God delivered us. They do not even tempt us anymore because that flesh is dead, but God wants to continue that process until He goes through all of our “Promised Land.” God wants to lead you to your enemy, give you the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17), and put the fear of God in you (Psalms 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; etc.) He wants to give you understanding to know that you have victory through the Gospel and through the Blood of Jesus. So the Lord said, (Exo.23:22) But if thou shalt indeed hearken unto his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. But He also says, (Exo.23:29) I will not drive them out from before thee in one year… and (Exo.23:30) By little and little I will drive them out from before thee… Well, the people of Israel did not “hearken unto his voice” to do all that the Lord spoke. We read in (Jdg.21:25) In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (Jdg.2:20) And the anger of The Lord was kindled against Israel; and he said, Because this nation have transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice; (21) I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations that Joshua left when he died; (22) that by them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of The Lord to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not. (23) So the Lord left those nations, without driving them out hastily; neither delivered he them into the hand of Joshua. If you break God's Covenant, He is not going to do a quick work of delivering your enemies into your hand. The Blood is our weapon to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The New Testament says, (1Jn.1:7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (8) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The Blood cleanses as we walk in the light and as we obey what we know to obey. We cannot do anything about what we do not know, but as we do what we know to obey, the Blood cleanses. These “lusts of the flesh” and their “gods,” which have the same names, have to be driven out. Every lust of the flesh has a “god.” It's the demon spirit, having the same name, that rules over that particular lust. God said He is not going to be in a hurry to drive out your enemies if you are going to rebel. The Bible says in (Luk.12:48) And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required. If you do something with what God gives you, He will give you more, but if you do not do something with what He has already given you, He is not going to give you anymore. You're going to stop right in your tracks because God is a merciful God. Otherwise, you would be condemned for not doing even more, and so when you stop doing something with your Sword against your enemy, God is going to stop. God does not flood us with knowledge of our every evil. He leads us to each individual evil, step-by-step, and He expects us, at that point and time, to do something about it. If He were to just flood our minds with the knowledge of all of the evil in us, we would be overwhelmed and probably lose faith. And if we didn't do something with all that knowledge, we would be condemned. When you have a lot of knowledge, Scripture warns us, (Jas.4:17) To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. When you have a lot of knowledge, yet do nothing, you have a lot of sin. God brings these enemies up, one at a time, in front of our face. This usually occurs through temptation, through something happening around us. When He brings these enemies up in front of our face, we have an opportunity to use the Sword to come against that enemy. We can reject that lust of the flesh and command it to go in the Name of Jesus. If there is any demon spirit in our flesh, or if there is any demon spirit using that lust of the flesh to exercise authority in our soul, we can come against it, and we can win right there. We do not have to live with these demons all of our lives or go searching for some deliverance ministry, because we have authority over demon spirits and the flesh (Matthew 28:18-19; Luke 10:19; etc.) We're told, (Rom.6:11) Even so reckon ye also yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in Christ Jesus. This is what we have to believe. We are dead unto sin, but alive unto God. We have total authority over the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, the Canaanites, and so forth. We have total authority over them and their gods. Every one of us can learn to exercise our Sword, the Word, against the lusts of the flesh and those spirits. We don't have to live with them anymore, but God is only going to continue this process as long as we cooperate. We are here to conquer our Promised Land, and there's no time for us to rest in the flesh. Our rest is in the Spirit. Our rest is in the promises of God. We can safely rest in His Word. The quicker we submit to him and resist the devil, the quicker we win. It says in (Psa.81:10) I am the Lord thy God, Who brought thee up out of the land of Egypt (He delivered you from the power of the old man at the Red Sea baptism.): Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. That is, “Say what I say,” speak as an oracle of God (1 Peter 4:11). And (11) But my people hearkened not to my voice; And Israel would none of me. (12) So I let them go after the stubbornness of their heart, That they might walk in their own counsels. (13) Oh that my people would hearken unto me, That Israel would walk in my ways! (14) I would soon subdue their enemies (If we obey and fight the enemy, we will “soon” win.), And turn my hand against their adversaries. And they will be conquered. (15) The haters of the Lord should submit themselves unto him: But their time should endure for ever. (16) He would feed them also with the finest of the wheat; And with honey out of the rock would I satisfy thee. It's our obedience that brings the blessings. Remember, we are to be vigilant when we are in a trial because it's our opportunity to come against that particular enemy in our Promised Land and win. God brought us to this enemy for us to conquer it, and to do it now. This is why we are here. He has given us total authority over that enemy. There is no such thing as a “giant” in our Promised Land since even the least of us has total authority over the mightiest demon that comes into contact with us. God is walking with you. You need to realize that He wants your enemies to be conquered here and now, day by day, little by little. (Psa.81:11) But my people hearkened not to my voice; And Israel would none of me. (12) So I let them go after the stubbornness of their heart, That they might walk in their own counsels. You see, if you're resting in the flesh, rather than resting in the Spirit, then you are not doing anything. We are here to redeem the time and to win a battle. (Eph.5:15) Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; (16) redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (17) Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. What is His Will for us if we walk in His ways? (Psa.81:13) Oh that my people would hearken unto me, That Israel would walk in my ways! (14) I would soon subdue their enemies, And turn my hand against their adversaries. You may say, “Well, David, that's exactly my problem, walking in His ways,” but there is always a step you can take, however small it may be. If He makes us responsible to walk in His ways, then we can walk in the light. (1Jn.1:7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin. We can take those steps. (Pro.4:18) But the path of the righteous is as the dawning light, That shineth more and more unto the perfect day. You can take one step at a time, and God will be with you each step.

We live in a fast paced, instant culture. We don't like to wait. Sometimes God has us waiting and we hold on to the promises. We hold on to hope. We trust in His Word. We continue to ask and seek and knock, but we just wait for him to respond.

The horrible flash floods in Texas have claimed almost 300 lives missing or dead. There was no warning, and the shallow rivers in the region are quickly filled to overflowing, roaring down stream and carrying trees and buildings and vehicles with it, as well as animal and human victims. Some will say, that God didn't want this to happen. He was standing by and watching, and couldn't do anything to stop the flooding. But the Bible refutes such nonsense! God works ALL THINGS after the council of His Will! God has a reason and purpose for these floods, but that doesn't mean that we know the why of it all at this time. The Bible teaches that God not only made the weather system and processes, but that God controls them also. Many texts bear this truth out. God sends the rain, the floods, the heat of the sun, earthquakes, storms, the wind, eclipses, droughts, and a host of other meteorological events. In these texts, God takes personal responsibility for bringing all these things to pass. Sometimes God sends these things for judgment and wrath against ungodliness. The global flood that destroyed almost all mankind is but one such incident, where God took personal responsibility for bringing it about. God carries out these things, rarely directly, but overwhelmingly by His providence. God is the ultimate cause of all things that exist or take place! The Psalmist proclaims that the wind, the floods, the lightnings, the fire, the hail, they all fulfill God's word! In the book of Job, both Elihu and God Himself give God the credit as the meticulous cause of whirlwinds, cold, rainstorms, etc., and of them all obeying God's commands.

Sophie explains from Isaiah 40:26-31 that "Sometimes God takes us the scenic route" to  prepare us or to prepare our destination. He doesn't ignore us - His timing is perfect.

You may not always feel like praising, especially in a battle. But that's when praise is most powerful. Worship isn't a soft response—it's a spiritual strike. When you lift your hands, the enemy loses his grip. When you raise your voice, chains start falling. Worship is how warriors breathe in the fire.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men... who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.” — 2 Chronicles 20:22 (ESV)Judah didn't win that battle with swords. They didn't fight it with strategy. They sent out worshippers—and God ambushed the enemy.Let that settle in.Sometimes God doesn't call you to fight harder—He calls you to sing louder.Worship shifts the atmosphere. It realigns your spirit. It reminds your soul who your King is—and who the enemy isn't. Worship tells hell, “I may be in a storm, but I'm not shaken. My God is still worthy.”You may think you need a breakthrough before you can praise. But it's often your praise that creates the breakthrough.When Paul and Silas were in prison, they didn't wait for the doors to open. They worshiped in chains—and the chains broke.Don't underestimate the power of your song. Even if it's off-key. Even if it's tear-soaked. Even if it's whispered through fear. Heaven hears it. Hell fears it.Worship reminds you that the battle belongs to the Lord—and He's never lost one yet.Question of the Day:When was the last time you worshiped in the middle of a fight—not just after the victory?Mini Call to Action:Put on a worship song today—not for background noise, but as your battle cry. Sing it. Mean it. Let it rise louder than the storm.Let's Pray:God, teach me to worship even when it's hard. Let praise rise in my heart before the victory is visible. I trust that You fight for me, and I'll meet You on the battlefield—singing. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Don't wait to feel strong. Worship now. Watch God move.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

You may not always feel like praising, especially in a battle. But that's when praise is most powerful. Worship isn't a soft response—it's a spiritual strike. When you lift your hands, the enemy loses his grip. When you raise your voice, chains start falling. Worship is how warriors breathe in the fire.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men... who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.” — 2 Chronicles 20:22 (ESV)Judah didn't win that battle with swords. They didn't fight it with strategy. They sent out worshippers—and God ambushed the enemy.Let that settle in.Sometimes God doesn't call you to fight harder—He calls you to sing louder.Worship shifts the atmosphere. It realigns your spirit. It reminds your soul who your King is—and who the enemy isn't. Worship tells hell, “I may be in a storm, but I'm not shaken. My God is still worthy.”You may think you need a breakthrough before you can praise. But it's often your praise that creates the breakthrough.When Paul and Silas were in prison, they didn't wait for the doors to open. They worshiped in chains—and the chains broke.Don't underestimate the power of your song. Even if it's off-key. Even if it's tear-soaked. Even if it's whispered through fear. Heaven hears it. Hell fears it.Worship reminds you that the battle belongs to the Lord—and He's never lost one yet.Question of the Day:When was the last time you worshiped in the middle of a fight—not just after the victory?Mini Call to Action:Put on a worship song today—not for background noise, but as your battle cry. Sing it. Mean it. Let it rise louder than the storm.Let's Pray:God, teach me to worship even when it's hard. Let praise rise in my heart before the victory is visible. I trust that You fight for me, and I'll meet You on the battlefield—singing. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Don't wait to feel strong. Worship now. Watch God move.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Prayer and Introduction Opening prayer expressing gratitude and seeking wisdom, discernment, and a joyful pursuit of God. Focus on the universal presence of God (omnipresence). God is everywhere, filling everything. Encouragement to seek God with one's whole heart. Experiencing spiritual joys by moving in and out of the spiritual world, which exists parallel to the physical world. Constant pursuit of God, trying to apprehend Him. Hearing Him The Speaking Voice John 1:1 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." The voice of God is a crucial reality. God's voice is more than just the Bible; it's the expression of His will spoken into all things. God's word is the breath of God, filling the world with living potential. The voice of God is the most powerful force in nature. Example: God spoke, "Let there be light," and there was light. The Bible is the inerrant word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit. The voice of God is not limited to the printed word. The greatest joy is hearing God's voice. Adam heard God's voice even after running from Him. Elijah heard God in a still, small voice after wind, fire, and earthquake. The importance of hearing God's voice for believers. The Bible is confined to ink, paper, and leather, but God's voice is not limited. Experiencing times of clearly hearing God and times when it's difficult. The soul is moved by the truth that God speaks to individuals. Some wake up hearing God speak. If one has never heard God's voice, they may not be saved. The drawing power of the Holy Spirit opens ears to hear God's voice. "You will know Him when He speaks." Sometimes God's voice booms, sometimes it's still and small. Preaching is near to hearing God speak. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. John 6:63 - "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." The unique power of God's voice. "My sheep hear My voice." God is not silent today; He has always spoken. Encouragement to trust that you will recognize God's voice when He speaks. The present voice of God makes the written word powerful. God speaks a book and lives in His spoken words. Even those who haven't heard of the Bible have been preached to sufficiently. Hearing Him is a necessity in the pursuit of God. The joy in the journey is hearing Him speak. Battles fought and the difficulty of overcoming the veil over hearts. Seeing Him: The Gaze of the Soul Hebrews 12:2 - "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." Seeing God is not with physical eyes but spiritually. To see God, one must worship Him in spirit and in truth. One must be born again to have the spirit of Christ and see Him. Faith is essential for seeing God. Without faith, it's impossible to please God, approach God, or have forgiveness, deliverance, salvation, communion, or spiritual life. Faith is a gift from God and comes by hearing the Word of God. Numbers 21:8 - "Everyone that is bitten, when he looketh upon it shall live." John 3:14-15 - "Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Looking and believing are synonymous. Faith is the gaze of the soul upon God. The danger of creating graven images of Jesus. Example: Being spooked by seeing the actor who played Jesus in "The Chosen" when closing eyes to sleep. The commandment against making graven images. When gazing upon God, no image comes back, but a bit of glory is seen. Faith causes us to take our eyes off the world and look into the spiritual realm. Believing is directing the heart's attention to Jesus. Faith is lifting the mind to behold the Lamb of God. At first, gazing upon God may be difficult, but it becomes easier with practice. Distractions may hinder, but the heart will return to Him. Constant pursuit of God trains souls to gaze upon His per...

Sometimes God gives us a glimpse of something so great that we fear. Some may try to convince us that we should give up faith because it is too good to be true, or that we should be afraid of something so magnificent. However, godly fear doesn't drive us away from God but to him. It is this fear of God that brings holiness to completion in our lives driving us to respond to the promises and presence of the living God by drawing near to the Lord Almighty. He is our joy. He is our peace. He is our fear.  

Persecution scattered the church—but it didn't stop the mission. In fact, it birthed the first Gentile church in Antioch. Through ordinary believers sharing Jesus in unfamiliar places, God built something extraordinary. Sometimes God leads us down unexpected roads to reach unexpected people. Will we see the opportunity?

Sermon Summary: "In the Lions' Den" - Daniel 6:10-28 Series: Unshakeable (Final Message) Main Message: Unshakeable faith is built through consistent spiritual disciplines that connect us daily to the unshakeable God. Overview What would it take for you to stop praying? For 80-year-old Daniel, not even a death sentence could break his daily spiritual routine. When jealous officials made his prayer life illegal, Daniel faced a choice: compromise his spiritual disciplines or face hungry lions. His response concludes our "Unshakeable" series with the most important truth of all—unshakeable faith isn't built in moments of crisis, but through years of consistent spiritual discipline. The Ultimate Test After decades of faithful service through multiple kingdoms, Daniel's enemies could find no fault in his character or work. Their only option was to trap him through his faithfulness to God. They convinced King Darius to issue a decree: anyone who prayed to any god except the king for thirty days would be thrown into the lions' den. They knew Daniel well enough to know he wouldn't compromise. When Daniel learned of the law, he went home to his upstairs room, opened his windows toward Jerusalem, and prayed three times a day—just as he had done before. He didn't pray in secret, skip prayer for safety, or change his routine. His spiritual disciplines were stronger than his danger. Key Points 1. Spiritual Disciplines Are Daily Choices That Shape Our Character Daniel's integrity wasn't built overnight—it was the result of daily choices made over decades. His exceptional character came from consistent spiritual discipline. When crisis came, he didn't have to think about what to do; his habits had prepared him for this moment. 2. Genuine Faith Continues Its Practices Regardless of Consequences Daniel understood that spiritual disciplines aren't just about getting things from God—they're about staying connected to God. Even knowing it could cost his life, his prayers were filled with thanksgiving, not complaints. His relationship with God was more valuable than his safety. 3. Consistent Spiritual Habits Produce Peace in the Storm While King Darius was "greatly distressed" trying to save Daniel, the text gives no indication of panic or fear from Daniel. Decades of daily prayer had taught him that God is bigger than any crisis. His peace didn't come from knowing he'd be delivered—it came from knowing he was in God's hands regardless. 4. God Honors Faithful Devotion and Displays His Power Through It God sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths, and Daniel emerged without a scratch. The king's response led to an empire-wide declaration about the power of Daniel's God. One man's faithful spiritual disciplines became a testimony to the true God across the known world. Applications for Building Unshakeable Faith Establish Non-Negotiable Daily Spiritual Disciplines: Identify specific practices you'll maintain regardless of circumstances—prayer, Bible study, worship, and service. Build Your Disciplines Around Relationship, Not Just Results: Daniel prayed "giving thanks to his God." When our disciplines are rooted in love for God rather than fear of consequences, they become joyful rather than burdensome. Prepare for Crisis Through Daily Faithfulness: Crisis doesn't build character—it reveals character built through daily choices. Practice obedience in small things to prepare for big tests. Trust God's Timing and Methods: Daniel didn't know he'd be delivered, but he trusted God regardless. Sometimes God delivers us from the lions' den; sometimes He gives us grace to go through it. The Challenge Daniel shows us that unshakeable faith is possible—but it's built one day at a time, one prayer at a time, one choice at a time. The same God who shut the mouths of lions for Daniel is your God today. The question is: Are you building that kind of faith through daily spiritual discipline, or are you waiting for crisis to drive you to prayer? Character isn't built in crisis—it's revealed in crisis. But it's built through daily choices over time. Start today. Start small if you need to, but start building the spiritual disciplines that will sustain you through whatever lions' dens you may face. Listen to the full sermon audio above. This concludes our five-part "Unshakeable" series on building faith that cannot be shaken. For the complete series and other sermon resources, visit our sermon archive.

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: “Five Needs of Fathers”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Sometimes God has to prune us down to a stump in order for new life to sprout up.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 55:8-9Gunner ran to the garage when he heard his parents drive in. "Is Grandpa okay?" he asked anxiously as they got out of the car.Dad put his hand on Gunner's shoulder. "Your grandfather isn't suffering anymore," he said quietly. "He died this afternoon--he's in heaven now." Gunner swallowed hard, forcing back tears that choked his throat. He walked away while Dad was still talking.In his room, Gunner thought about all the things he and Grandpa had planned to do. "It's not fair!" he muttered. He looked up as Dad came in. "I don't get it," Gunner said. "I prayed all day for Grandpa. God can do anything, can't He? So why didn't He heal Grandpa?""Sometimes God's answer to what we ask is no," Dad said gently. "I don't know why He didn't heal Grandpa, but I know Jesus promises to be with us in our pain and sadness. Grandpa is in heaven with Him now, and someday we'll see him again." Gunner turned away. He wasn't ready to give up his grandfather. "But I wanted Grandpa to stay here with us."Dad sat down beside him. "When you ask Mom and me for something we don't think is good for you, we tell you no. You don't like it when we say no. You might be upset about it--maybe even angry sometimes. But you know we love you and want what's best for you, right?" Gunner nodded. "We talk about what's happening and how all of us feel, and we go on loving each other," continued Dad. "We're a family even though we disagree. Well, that's how it is with God too. When we don't get what we ask Him for, we're unhappy and sometimes get angry with Him. It's okay to tell Him how we feel, but we need to remember that God loves us so much He sent His Son to die for us. He wants what's best for us--and for Grandpa.""But I'm going to miss Grandpa so much," Gunner said, resting his face against his dad's shoulder."Me too," Dad said. "We can cry together." Gunner slipped his arm around his dad and hung on tight. "But let's thank Jesus that Grandpa is with Him now," said Dad. "And let's trust Him even though we're hurting." –Janet BoulterHow About You?Has someone you love died? Is someone sick? Tell Jesus about your hurts and fears. You may not always understand why He allows certain things to happen, but He will always be there with you and help you through times of pain and sorrow. Remember that He is good and that He loves and cares for you, even when you don't understand.Today's Key Verse:As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways. (Isaiah 55:9)Today's Key Thought:Trust Jesus when you're hurting

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/508/29

Sometimes it's hard to wait on God. Sometimes it's hard to obey God. That innate desire for instant gratification, along with a desire to go our own way, runs through us fiercely sometimes. But God, in His infinite wisdom, knows what we can take (and take care of) at a given time. He gives us His wisdom to protect us from pain and sorrow in this world. He promises that He'll never put more upon us than we can bear, that He'll provide for all of our needs, and that His timing is perfect. Hold strong, my friends, to the path that God has set for you.  Join us in this episode of the Woman at the Well Ministries podcast as Erika Klose teaches from Deuteronomy chapter 7, focusing on verse 22, “And the LORD thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little: thou mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee.” Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode Deuteronomy 7:22 – Quoted multiple times and emphasized throughout: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+7%3A22&version=KJV  Deuteronomy 7:1–5 – Explained in the teaching: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+7%3A1-5&version=KJV  Deuteronomy 7:6–11 – Used to explain Israel's special status: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+7%3A6-11&version=KJV  Deuteronomy 7:17–21 – Referenced when addressing fear: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+7%3A17-21&version=KJV  1 Peter 2:9 – Quoted: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+2%3A9&version=KJV  2 Corinthians 6:14 – Referenced regarding being unequally yoked: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6%3A14&version=KJV  Hebrews 13:4 – Referenced regarding purity: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13%3A4&version=KJV  Proverbs 28:22 – Referenced regarding financial caution: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+28%3A22&version=KJV  Isaiah 55:9 – Quoted: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+55%3A9&version=KJV  1 Corinthians 10:13 – Quoted: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+10%3A13&version=KJV  Philippians 4:19 – Quoted: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A19&version=KJV  Ecclesiastes 3:1 – Quoted: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+3%3A1&version=KJV  Did you enjoy this podcast? Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can listen to us on all major podcasting platforms like Apple Podcasts,  Spotify,  Google Podcasts,  YouTube, and Podbean. Check out Kim's latest Bible Bit book on Amazon! Do you want to bring Kim Miller to your church, upcoming retreat, or conference? Contact us! This podcast is brought to you by Woman at the Well Ministries and is supported by our faithful listeners. To support this podcast, please visit our support page. 

Sometimes God finds us hiding in the lowest places and still calls us to stand tall. This episode is for anyone who feels unqualified, unseen, or unsure.

Main Point. The God we forget is also the God who faithfully delivers us. Driving Question. What happens when God is forgotten? (3 lessons from this text): Drifting from Truth – (vv. 6–10). Devotion to Counterfeits – (vv. 11–15). Delivered by God – (vv. 16–19). 1. Drifting from Truth (6–10) "All it takes is one generation to forget the gospel, and we are always one generation away from losing it". D.A. Carson Apply: Love God and prioritize Christ and the Gospel. Be diligent to teach your children the goodness and glory of God. 2. Devotion to Counterfeits (11–15) What do you trust in and treasure more than God? 3. Delivered by God (16–19) Interpretive key for the book of Judges: Idolatry Judgment and bondage to a foreign enemy Cries out to the Lord Salvation: through a Judge (12 judges in the book) Judge dies, people return to idolatry God's evaluation (20–3:6) Application. Sometimes God doesn't remove trials immediately, because they reveal what we really love. Takeaways. Pluralism is a great evil in God's sight. God disciplines his people who compromise. Build your family on the word of God and the One who saves.

Sometimes God calls you into battle before you're ready.Countryside Christian Church - https://www.countryside.cc#biblestories #Jesus #churchonline #truth #setback #freedom #strength

Going deeper and letting go.Have you felt like you have been in the shallow end of life and God is calling you to go deeper? Do you feel like God it's been shifting things in your life in this season and is calling you to step out and faith towards the vision He has for you? .God is calling the first disciples, and he uses the miracle of catching an unlimited number of fish in a different way . He has commanded the disciples to go to the deeper end of the lake and to let down their nets again, even though they were not successful all night and the most profound words Simon Peter tells Jesus “ but because you say so I will let down the nets!”.1) Jesus tells the disciples to go to the deeper water.- Sometimes God is going to call you to go to an unfamiliar place a place that is uncomfortable so that you can receive the blessings and the harvest and the gifts and promises that you are believing for.- Jesus is telling us to step out of the shallow area and go further and deeper with him.2) Jesus gives them a command and tell them to let down their nets for a catch.- Jesus is giving them a specific instruction and commandment that we must obey.- What has God manage you to do and have you obeyed? - when the disciples stepped out to obey the command of the Lord, he tells them what to do and why to expect they catch.- the Nets represent our position of influence or our career and our gifts that bring provision in our lives. - the catch represents the blessings the fruit in the return from our labor and God's promises.3) God will bring you partners for the catch.- when we step out by faith and we walk in in obedience to God and we let down our nets. God will give us an overflow of blessings. - he will provide people in your life to help carry the vision and the burden and bear arms with you so that you can walk out what God has called and commanded you to do.Call to action: - What are the things in your life that you need to let go to God? What are the nets that you need to let down so that you can receive all of the blessings that God has promised you? Go and like follow and subscribe to she_envisions on IG and hear more encouraging messages.

Often as God redirects us it is easy to get focused on ourselves rather than God. In this second teaching from Acts chapter 15, we look at the character of God on display through the redirection of Paul.

Often as God redirects us it is easy to get focused on ourselves rather than God. In this second teaching from Acts chapter 15, we look at the character of God on display through the redirection of Paul.

As sorrow filled the disciples' hearts over Jesus' departure, He gently reminded them: “It is to your advantage that I go.”Only through His leaving would the Spirit come. What felt like loss would become their greatest gain. Sometimes God's greatest victories are disguised as painful goodbyes. Trust what He's doing, even when it's hard.

Sometimes God puts people in our lives who are mirrors who help you get glimpses of yourself you wouldn't otherwise notice… tune in as I share some raw thoughts about things recently revealed…My YouTube, Social Media & ALL OTHER LINKS!

Sometimes God has us wait on Him to answer us. Here's a little perspective on how to handle the wait. 

In "Asking," Pastor Dave Gustavsen shares five principles that should guide us when we pray. God invites us to pray boldly, like kids asking a loving Father. At the same time, we should pray with humility, trusting that God sees what we cannot and knows what is best. When we don't know what to pray, the Holy Spirit helps us. Sometimes God answers quickly, and sometimes He doesn't - but we're encouraged to keep asking, trusting in HIs love and wisdom. Dave Gustavsen | June 1, 2025Visit our website or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

How Do I Repent?Ezekiel 18:30 " Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, all of you according to your ways, says the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your transgressions; otherwise, iniquity will be your ruin.”This first sentence is letting us know that we will be judged based on our own actions. At one time, it was believed that we would be judged based on the actions of our ancestors. This verse corrects this thought. When I looked up this verse on the Enduring Word Commentary, it said, “The error in believing in communal or family salvation or damnation is so serious and dangerous that God unmistakably emphasized the individual's responsibility before God.“It may be true that in my physical being I have inherited tendencies to some forms of evil from my father, but in the fact of my essential relation to God, there are forces available to me more and mightier than all these tendencies. Neither righteousness nor evil is hereditary.” (Morgan)This is important for each of us to understand. We are not bad because our parents were bad. We are not good because our parents are good. We are responsible for our own actions. This is good news. This means we don't have anyone to blame but ourselves.  This also means all the responsibility falls on our own shoulders. I want to take a minute to look at one line in particular in the Enduring Word Commentary. It said, “In the fact of my essential relation to God, there are forces available to me more and mightier than all those tendencies we might have inherited.” In other words, we don't have to do this on our own. Even though we will be judged on our actions, we don't have to have the strength to make the right choices all on our own.Because we are children of God, we can call on Him to give us strength and to help us make the right choices. The second part of the verse above says to repent and turn from all your transgressions. The verse I discussed in yesterday's episode told us to repent and return to the Lord. Today's verse is telling us to repent and turn away from our transgressions. When I was trying to think about what to talk about in this episode it dawned on me that we might not all know how to repent. Repent is one of those words that we all kinda know what it means but we don't necessarily know how to define it or how to do it. Repentance is more than just saying “I'm sorry.” It's a heartfelt turning away from sin and turning toward God. Here's a biblical and practical step-by-step understanding of how one repents:1. Recognize the SinRepentance begins with awareness. We often live unaware of how our choices, attitudes, or habits go against God's will.Ask God for clarity. Sin can be obvious (like lying or cheating) or subtle (like pride, bitterness, or fear that blocks faith). Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart.Listen with humility. Sometimes God uses other people, Scripture, or conviction during prayer to expose what needs to change.Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”Reflection prompt: Where in my life am I resisting God's way? What attitudes, habits, or relationships might be leading me away from Him?2. Feel Godly Sorrow (Not Just Guilt)This isn't about shame. It's about recognizing how our sin hurts our relationship with God and others, and it grieves us deeply—not just because of consequences, but because of love.Worldly sorrow says, “I'm sorry I got caught or hurt someone.”Godly sorrow says, “I've grieved the heart of the One who loves me most. I want to be changed.”2 Corinthians 7:10 “ For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly grief produces death.”Reflection prompt: Do I feel sorrow because of what my sin cost, or just because it was exposed?3. Confess the Sin to GodConfession is honest communication with God. It's naming the sin and agreeing with Him about its seriousness, without hiding or blaming.Openly admit your sin to God in prayer. Be specific and honest. No excuses or blaming.“God, I've been dishonest in my work,” or “I've held unforgiveness toward ___."Confession is not groveling—it's returning to a loving Father who already knows and still welcomes you.1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”Reflection prompt: What do I need to confess out loud to God today, trusting in His mercy?4. Turn Away from the Sin (Change Direction)This is the literal meaning of repentance: to turn. It means letting go of the old and moving toward a new way of living.Make a conscious decision to change direction.You may need to delete contacts, change your routine, stop certain conversations, or set up boundaries. This part is hard—but repentance without change is just regret.Acts 3:19 “Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out,”Reflection prompt: What do I need to let go of today so I can move toward God?5. Turn Toward God (Restore Relationship)Repentance isn't just about stopping sin—it's about renewing intimacy with God. When we turn from sin, we turn to grace, peace, purpose, and healing.Pray, even if you feel unworthy. God is not holding your sin against you—He's welcoming you home.Dive into Scripture, worship, community, and His promises.James 4:8a “ Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”Reflection prompt: How is God inviting me to return to Him—not in fear, but in love?6. Bear Fruit That Shows RepentanceThis is the outward evidence of an inward change. You don't earn God's love by being good—but real repentance produces visible fruit.Fruit might look like changed speech, different choices, seeking reconciliation, or serving others with a humble heart.This fruit grows over time—don't rush it. Stay connected to God and He'll transform you.Matthew 3:8 — “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”Reflection prompt: What new actions or habits is God inviting me to develop that reflect a changed heart?Summary: True Repentance Involves…Head (Recognizing the wrong)
Heart (Feeling sorrow over it)
Hands & Feet (Turning around and walking in a new direction)Repentance is not about being perfect—it's about being real before God. It's how you return home to His love, over and over again. He's not angry; He's ready to embrace you.Luke 15:20 “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”Dear heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening. Lord, help us to understand repentance more. Move our hearts and show us where we need to repent. Show us where we have sin in our hearts and in our habits. Please help us to recognize sin in our lives and to repent and turn back to you. Please help us to repent and turn away from that sin. Give us the strength to ask you to show us the sin in our lives and the courage to change our habits so that we can walk away from that sin. We love you, Lord, and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name, Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. Today's episode was an example of what I teach in mentoring. Tonight I will go deeper and give more detail into each one of those six steps to repentance. At the end of each mentoring session, I give 2-3 reflection questions to help us stop, talk to the Lord, and really reflect on what we just learned and how it relates to us personally. We look at how we can use what we just learned to make lasting changes in our lives. I invite each one of you to join the mentoring tonight. There is a link below or you can go to the mentoring tab on my website, walkboldlywithjesus.com. I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed day!Tuesday: Today's Word from the Lord was received in October 2024 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “Do not be afraid to go forward. I am with you each step of the way. Do not go in the shadows, I keep telling you. Come to me. Come, and I will reveal my light. I will make you a light to others, so that they may come to me and know my love.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

If you're bummed out, struggling, things not going well, and you don't know where to go, join Chip as he begins this series and shares how a divine equation can change your world.Main PointsThe Divine Equation:C+P=E (Circumstance + Perspective = Experience)KEY #1: FocusWhere is my focus? -Philippians 1:1-11How to develop an upward focus -Philippians 1:3-6A choice = GratitudeAn action = PrayerAn Attitude = ConfidenceThree observations about an outward focus -Philippians 1:7-8Difficult circumstances reveal our true affections.Living above our circumstances occurs when our hearts are so full of people that there is no room for self-pity.Sometimes God allows adverse circumstances to realign our affections!How to develop an outward focus -Philippians 1:9-11Think about those who have loved you the most.Pray for those you think about the most.Conclusion: Where's your focus?Upward or Inward?Outward or Inward?Broadcast ResourceDownload Free MP3Message NotesAdditional Resource Mentions"I Choose Joy" Book"I Choose Joy" Home Church StudyMid Year MatchMid Year MatchConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

Sometimes as God calls us, the path he takes us on during that calling is not what we would have expected. This week we look at the ministry of Paul in Acts chapter 15 and see how God redirected him to end up exactly where He wanted Paul to be. 

Sometimes as God calls us, the path he takes us on during that calling is not what we would have expected. This week we look at the ministry of Paul in Acts chapter 15 and see how God redirected him to end up exactly where He wanted Paul to be. 

What's the toughest situation you're facing today? A relationship? A negative boss? Financial pressure? Join Chip as he shares truth from God's Word that will begin to neutralize that issue in your life and allow you to experience joy in the midst of your most perplexing problems.Main PointsThe Divine Equation:C+P=E (Circumstance + Perspective = Experience)KEY #1: FocusWhere is my focus? -Philippians 1:1-11How to develop an upward focus -Philippians 1:3-6A choice = GratitudeAn action = PrayerAn Attitude = ConfidenceThree observations about an outward focus -Philippians 1:7-8Difficult circumstances reveal our true affections.Living above our circumstances occurs when our hearts are so full of people that there is no room for self-pity.Sometimes God allows adverse circumstances to realign our affections!How to develop an outward focus -Philippians 1:9-11Think about those who have loved you the most.Pray for those you think about the most.Conclusion: Where's your focus?Upward or Inward?Outward or Inward?Broadcast ResourceDownload Free MP3Message NotesAdditional Resource Mentions"I Choose Joy" Book"I Choose Joy" Home Church StudyMid Year MatchMid Year MatchConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

If you're bummed out, struggling, things not going well, and you don't know where to go, join Chip as he begins this series and shares how a divine equation can change your world.Main PointsThe Divine Equation: C+P=E (Circumstance + Perspective = Experience)KEY #1: FocusWhere is my focus? -Philippians 1:1-11How to develop an upward focus -Philippians 1:3-6A choice = GratitudeAn action = PrayerAn Attitude = ConfidenceThree observations about an outward focus -Philippians 1:7-8Difficult circumstances reveal our true affections.Living above our circumstances occurs when our hearts are so full of people that there is no room for self-pity.Sometimes God allows adverse circumstances to realign our affections!How to develop an outward focus -Philippians 1:9-11Think about those who have loved you the most.Pray for those you think about the most.Conclusion: Where's your focus?Upward or Inward?Outward or Inward?Broadcast ResourceDownload Free MP3Message NotesAdditional Resource Mentions"I Choose Joy" Book"I Choose Joy" Home Church StudyMid Year MatchMid Year MatchConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

This week, we're taking you back to April of 2016 with a full episode pulled straight from the archives—completely unedited and just as good as we remember it. If you've been with us for a while, we hope it brings back a few laughs or memories. And if you're newer here, think of it as a time capsule from the early Oddcast days. Either way, we hope it brings you some joy, encouragement, and maybe a new favorite moment. Enjoy! Topics: TV Guide Nostalgia, Joke Spa, Administrative Amateurs, Anxiety & Prayer, NFL Drafting Friends, Trusting God's Timing, Sci-Fi Dinner Decision, Working With Difficult People, The Bible Is Not A Fairy Tale, The Sherry Show Plan, Wombat Cuddler Job Update BONUS CONTENT: Honesty Café, Selfies at Lincoln's Grave, Listener Voicemails Quotes: “We live in a time where everyone thinks they're really, really smart.” “God is a loving Father that actually wants you.” “Why don't you ever see hippos hiding in trees? Because they're really good at it.” “Stay in your car for three weeks and listen to our show.” “Sometimes God uses difficult people to refine our character. Sometimes that's the only way it's going to happen.” . . . Holy Ghost Mama Pre-Order! Want more of the Oddcast? Check out our website! Watch our YouTube videos here. Connect with us on Facebook! For Christian banking you can trust, click here!  

Sometimes God's providence may seem counterproductive or clash with our plans. But God has our best in mind. In this message, Pastor Lutzer provides three insights about God's sovereign purpose for nations and even individuals. Will we trust His wisdom even when we don't understand His ways? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29

Sometimes God's providence may seem counterproductive or clash with our plans. But God has our best in mind. In this message, Pastor Lutzer provides three insights about God's sovereign purpose for nations and even individuals. Will we trust His wisdom even when we don't understand His ways? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337. 

I urge . . . first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people. . . . — 1 Timothy 2:1 Maybe you have seen a plaque or a sign that says “Prayer Changes Things.” Indeed, God has shown in the Bible that he uses the prayers of his people in his kingdom-building work in this world. Many examples show that God often provides what his people ask for in prayer. But that doesn't mean God is something like a good-luck charm or a magic genie that grants our wishes. Our prayers need to be in line with God's will for our lives and for his kingdom work in this world (see Matthew 6:9-13; 1 John 5:14-15). And while God will often answer our prayers aligning with his will, there are times when the answer may be different from what we ask. At times we don't understand God's will or his plans or even his ways (Isaiah 55). Sometimes God's answer may be “Yes, but not yet” or “Not in the way you think” or even “No.” (See Luke 22:42.) In 1 Timothy 2 Paul urges believers to intercede (pray) for everyone—including “kings and all those in authority”—because “this is good, and pleases God our Savior.” When we intercede faithfully for others, we become personally involved in God's redemptive work. Each spiritual victory, I believe, is a testament to the fact that someone has been praying. Lord and Savior, help us to pray faithfully for others, that they may come to know you and have faith in you. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. And when we struggle, Lord, please give us your peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

From day-to-day living to the biggest challenges in your life … are you relying upon yourself, or on God? That’s the subject today on Bold Steps, with Pastor Mark Jobe. We’re sharing a message that he first preached at a Moody Bible Institute Student Chapel service … and it’s a lesson that we all need to consider very seriously. Sometimes God wants to downsize your strength to prepare you for the greatest battles in your life. We should be as prepared as possible, but God wants to make sure that our trust and dependance is in HIM alone and not in ourselves. Bold Steps Gift: LIES GIRLS BELIEVE: AND THE TRUTH THAT SETS THEM FREEBecome a Bold Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/boldsteps/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bride Sanctified for the Marriage Feast (audio) David Eells, 5/14/25 Let me begin by saying that the Man-child and the Bride have been going through the sanctification process and overcoming in their personal trials to be ready in time for the anointing of the Man-child. They have passed the “love tests,” been cleansed and sanctified, becoming stronger in faith, in unity with one another, and proven to be faithful and obedient. I believe that the end of these tests and trials is coming and the Lord is coming with His reward and will reveal His chosen Bride to those who have eyes to see. But also the same trials that came to the Bride will then come to the Church in the tribulation and then these revelations below from 2011 will be very important.     Cleansing the Bride for the Feast (David's notes in red) A faithful pastor friend for many years called me and asked my advice. He said he was being slandered behind his back by some people in order to separate disciples. I shared with him that this was happening all over the world, according to many witnesses who have come to us. I told him that we had been told several years ago that an army of demons would come to try to destroy me and UBM. I shared what the Lord told us, that His purpose was to separate people from us because they were leavened and were polluting His Bride, who must now be pure to celebrate the wedding feast for the last seven years. I said Esther was separated from the virgins in the house of the women to go to the King's house before the seven-year reign of the beast, represented by Haman. We received revelations I want to share to help us understand this. (This was just after the first faction in 2011.)     Sons of Perdition Attack the Saints  Ellie McBride - 10/05/2011 (David's notes in red) In a dream, I was at home visiting with Cynthia Marks. (In the natural, Cynthia is one of my co-workers.) She ordered something and was having it delivered to our house for some reason. After she left, I discovered that she had left something behind, so I called her on the phone to let her know. (It seems that Cynthia represents the sons of perdition in whom the false Jesus, Apollo, lives. In ancient times, Cynthia was a cultic title of the Greek god Apollo. Cynthia means “from Mount Kynthos”, which is on Delos Island, on which Apollo was supposed to have been born. Webster's Dictionary says that “Apollyon” used to be a common variant of “Apollo” until recently. Many scholars identify “Apollyon” as the Greek god “Apollo”, the god of death. Apollyon's Mountain, Kynthos or Cynthia, represents his kingdom of those who are destroyed, which in Greek is Apoleia. This is what the word says also: Apollyon is the King of the Abyss and those in it. Rev.9:11 They have over them as king the angel of the abyss: his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in the Greek [tongue] he hath the name Apollyon [meaning Destroyer]. His kingdom is over those he destroys. 2Th.2:3 let no man beguile you in any wise: for [it will not be,] except the falling away come first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition [ which is in Greek: Apoleia; those who are spiritually destroyed]. Rev.17:8 The beast [which is in spirit a corporate entity of demons ruling over flesh] that thou sawest was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss, and to go into perdition [Apoleia]. The demons enter into the corporate body of the sons of perdition to destroy them and they are brought into the abyss. Jud.10 But these rail at whatsoever things they know not: and what they understand naturally, like the creatures without reason, in these things are they destroyed. 2Pe.2:12 But these, as creatures without reason, born mere animals to be taken and destroyed, railing in matters whereof they are ignorant, shall in their destroying surely be destroyed. Railing in Greek is “blasphemeo”, which means “to speak evil of or slander”. Dear friends, let no man beguile you. Don't let the sons of perdition, these modern-day Judases, deliver anything to your house or leave anything behind as this dream warns us. In the natural and just like this dream, these people visited Ellie to leave some slander behind but she refused it because she had seen a vision of several of them spiritually dead. Others we are hoping will repent and come out from among them.) Cynthia's mother came to our house on a different day while they delivered the item Cynthia had ordered. (The Harlot is the mother of the corporate body of the son of perdition.) It turned out to be a very large blue stuffed animal. It looked like it might be a dog. (A stuffed dog is an unclean beast with no heart or mind of the Spirit. It is blue because they want to present this life of theirs to you as heavenly but it is born of destruction. What they want to give to the saints is a traitorous life of self-will, ego, rejection, faction, slander, unforgiveness, hatred, retaliation and lusts of all kinds. The Church is about to learn this of them.) It had a very long body with long floppy legs. (These people cannot stand or walk in the Kingdom.) I wondered why she ordered that and thought that maybe it was a present for her granddaughter named Promise. (The children of the Promise will not receive from the son of perdition.) Cynthia's mother said she would take it and deliver it to Cynthia. I told her it was okay and that Cynthia was to come over to pick it up and was also to pick up the other item she left behind. (In other words, “get that garbage out of my house”.) Since Cynthia and her mother don't get along that well, I was not comfortable with allowing her to take the items. (Just as Judas, the son of perdition, and the Sanhedrin, head of the Harlot, didn't get along but they did business in order to crucify the body of Christ.) After Cynthia's mother left, I learned of some sort of attack going on. (Any time the sons of perdition leave anything at your house it's an attack on you. They tried to do this with Ellie in the natural but she refused it.) I no longer remember how I learned of it. I might've looked outside and seen it after hearing some shots. Psa.11:2 For, lo, the wicked bend the bow, They make ready their arrow upon the string, That they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. I saw some people with weapons shooting round balls or pellets of various sizes, but never any bigger than a baseball. When these pellets hit their target they would burst and splash blood all over their target. Lev.17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood... Life here is the soul or nature. Shooting represents speaking slanderous accusations against someone, which puts their evil nature in those who receive their words. When we do not warn the wicked, rather than be partakers of their sin, their blood [or nature] is upon us. Tit.3:10 A factious man after a first and second admonition refuse; 11 knowing that such a one is perverted, and sinneth, being self-condemned. Eph.5:11 and have no fellowship [giving and receiving] with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them 12 for the things which are done by them in secret it is a shame even to speak of. We are warned not to eat the unclean beasts which was revealed to Peter in Acts 10 to be speaking of partaking of the nature of unclean people.) I became curious about this and desired to understand why it was happening and why the blood. (I believe the projectiles are people being sent out to target certain brethren and if they are able to “hit” them or have an effect on them, the victims become contaminated with their blood or nature [through their evil spirits as we have seen].) I watched for a while. In the meantime, Cynthia came to our house to pick up her things and then tried to leave, but when she stepped out the front door there was a bad storm raging. She went back into our house to wait out the storm. (The sons of perdition have no faith because of their sinful life but they also know that the house of the righteous is the only safe place from the storms, so they decide to stick around for fear but not for long.) I was still busy studying this private war. The people were not attacking everyone, only members of a certain group. (As Judas did to Jesus, they attack mostly the David heads of the Bride but to a lesser extent the Bride because they cannot be a member of that body, which is so contrary to their nature. Psa.15:1 Jehovah, who shall sojourn in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? [The answer is Jerusalem, the Bride as in Revelation 21:9,10.] 3 He that slandereth not with his tongue, Nor doeth evil to his friend, Nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor) By watching, I learned that the attackers' projectile weapons had a limited reach. Once I figured that out, I stepped outside where it was happening and stood just out of the reach of the projectiles where I could face them and watch them safely without being hit. (I have been able to observe the war on the righteous from a safe distance without being affected.) (The Lord is saying, do not come in contact in any way with these people, lest they put something of their evil nature in your house.) I stood there and watched as they fired at different targets and watched as blood would cover the targets. (Defiling those who do not separate from them, meaning sanctifying themselves from them.) I saw a pellet that had not burst and picked it up to study it. I stood there for a long time observing when I heard my telephone ringing. I heard the phone number being called out and I recognized it as Annie's phone number. (In real life, I had attempted to contact her by phone on 10/04/11 but got the recorder and was only able to leave a message.) (“Annie” means “blessed with grace”.) In the dream, I believed she was returning my call. I apologized to her for taking so long to answer the phone. I informed her of the attack that I was observing take place. (Those who are blessed with grace will receive the warning to avoid the factious.) After talking to Annie, I received another call. This time from a man who was calling to check on me for some reason. (I believe this might have been David.) (I did this in real life and she informed me of an attack there.) I informed him of the attack I was observing as well and let him know that I had in my possession one of their pellets. I told him I intended to study it. I was very curious as to why they were attacking, and I was desirous to understand their weapons. (Ellie is being used to show what not to do here. Studying their weapons of slander is contrary to the commands and very dangerous. Curiosity has caused some to be infected with their slander and faction spirits. People find it hard to believe that “Christians” can lie like these do and are tempted to believe them. This curiosity could lead to something worse, as in the next scene.) The scene changed and I was in the shower with the water running. I did not notice right away, but I soon saw that it was not water coming out of the shower head, but blood. I quickly stepped back and thought it was gross that I had this blood on me. I called out to those in the house to caution them that somehow the attackers had managed to contaminate the water with their blood. I wondered to myself how they managed to do this. (Examining their words and thoughts is receiving a seed of demons and will bring a flood [shower] of temptation to overcome those who do not obey. Pro.8:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.) I let the water run until it was clear water again and no longer blood and I was then able to bathe. (I believe this is referring to them misusing the Word to persuade their targets into seeing things their way. Brethren should beware that if they are continuing to fellowship with some of these attackers that they are using the Word in such a way as to bring confusion and doubt.) The Lord spoke this verse to me concerning this dream: Isa.4:3 And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem; 4 when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof, by the spirit of justice, and by the spirit of burning. See also Christian Snipers.   Separating Goats from Sheep   B.A. - 10/04/2011 (David's notes in red) At 4:30 a.m. this morning, I had a vision: It was dark, but in the darkness, I saw a house. The house was shining very brightly on the right side; it appeared to be glowing. I saw people gathered in a circle; they were very tall and they seemed at peace. They were praying and singing praises to the Lord. (This is the UBM house and on a larger type the house of God. They were on the right side because they were sheep which Jesus put on His right. That side was shining brightly because the glory of God was there. They were tall because they were big and mature in the ways of the Lord.) I saw how the left side of the house was very dark and smoke was coming out of the walls. The people looked like dwarves. They were angry and agitated, and they kept pacing back and forth. (Those on the left, of course, are the ones who act as goats, which Jesus put on His left. It was very dark because they were walking in darkness. Smoke is coming out of the walls because the judgment of God is upon it. They were dwarves because they had been stunted in their growth and were small and immature in the ways of the Lord. They are angry and agitated because they are full of faction, anger, slander, criticism, wrath, etc. They are pacing back and forth because they are nervous and stirred up by these demon spirits.) There was a door that separated the two sides of the house. There were no handles on either side of this door. (God has made a separation between the righteous and the wicked. They may not get at the truly righteous who obey His Word to separate from them and we may not minister to them, for God has given them over to this.) The people on the left were angry because they could not figure out how to get this door open to get into the other side. (The goats have been bitter and angrily trying to get at the righteous with their slander.) They wanted to stop those people from singing and praising the Lord. (The demons hate peace and praise among the righteous.) There was a crack about 3/4 of the way down through the center of the house. It looked like at any time the house would split apart. (This is the spiritual earthquake we have seen that is bringing separation of the wicked from the refuge and Bride. The separation will soon be physical, and they will leave our house as a purified house. The Lord said to me as I meditated on this that His foot was pushing down on the left side of the house. It looks like possibly there is a quarter of the way left to go but as the weight of their sin becomes greater they will break off. Father has been showing us for several years through dreams, visions and prophecy that an army of demons would make war with UBM and me in an attempt to destroy us but at the same time we were shown we would become greater in holiness, power, and ministry. (2025 update Note: This has been happening since 2011.) I noticed that the right side of the house was firmly on the foundation, whereas the left side of the house had no ground beneath it. I thought to myself, if that house splits all the way, the left side is going to fall and there's nothing to catch it! (We were told by the factious they would leave peaceably but they lied because they had their eye on carving up UBM from the cover of darkness. God also had His plan to separate those who could give in to these lusts and so He has. We pray constantly for our brethren that they would come to repentance and we know that a few ultimately will.)   The Lamp Of God B.A. - 10/07/2011 (David's notes in red) First Vision Mat.5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do [men] light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. 16 Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Psa.119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path. I had a vision of a large, green wicker floor lamp. As I looked at this lamp, I was drawn to it, so I went over and touched it. When I touched the lamp, it suddenly sprang open and revealed a refrigerator on the inside. This lamp appeared to be breathing (the breath of the Holy Spirit [in the lamp of the saints]). I believe this refrigerator in a lamp represents the Word of God in the saints. The fact that it was made of wicker (wood) and green (the color of life) represents the true people of God. The lamp revealing its inner self as a refrigerator is showing us the hidden manna in God's people. Also, a refrigerator preserves food (the spiritual food of the Word of God stored within our hearts) for future preparation when needed. Only God's true people are this lamp and have this refrigerator. The Lord is showing me that He is using faction to strengthen His Body. The Lord is drawing His Body together to feast on His Word and to pray in unity to combat this evil attack. We are being prepared as spiritual warriors. The Lord is pleased to see His David being defended and lifted up by the true Body of Christ. These factious spirits will not be able to penetrate the hedge of protection that the Lord has placed around His David and the true Body at UBM. The Holy Spirit is telling me to tell the Body to wait on and trust in the Lord. Psa.37:7 Rest in Jehovah, and wait patiently for him: Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, Because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.     Preparation for the Bride Second Vision I saw the Body of UBM dressed up like brides. Some of the brides were in the kitchen preparing a large meal (feasting on the Word of God) (the wedding feast of the last seven years), some setting tables (preparation for the feast), others sweeping the floor (purging out the leaven) and washing windows (clearing our perception and discernment). This vision is very encouraging. Everyone seemed to know their gifts and were going about their tasks with joy and love. The righteous are preparing spiritually for their role as the Bride.     Bride to Be Separated M.C. - 03/25/2012 (David's notes in red) In my dream, I was in a very large building along with many thousands of people who were slowly milling around. There was white lighting overhead that appeared to be fluorescent. Facing ahead of me, the building seemed to be open with no wall. Most of the people in the building were to my left and there was a wall to my right. Our position in the building was critical. I knew I needed to be praying, especially in tongues, for the people in this room, particularly the people whom I knew. It was urgent that I pray that they would be in the right position. (Note that in this dream, every time I was impressed by the importance of prayer, a priority was placed on praying in tongues.) (The Spirit knows who the Bride is and what those left behind need in order to go with the Bride who follows the Man-child as it was with Jesus.) We were running out of time. (At this time, people must choose to be obedient by being in the process of putting on the lampros garment of the Bride, which is their righteous acts, according to the scripture. Those who are content to walk in a leukos garment are not yet ready to escape greater tribulation, which is needed for sanctification. Rev.19:7 Let us rejoice and be exceeding glad, and let us give the glory unto him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright [lampros] [and] pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints [or sanctified ones].) Suddenly, those on the right side of the building started moving out of the building straight ahead through the opening. We were accelerating very quickly. As I glanced to my left, I noticed that there was a distinct line forming between the people who were still standing motionless and the people who were being moved out. In fact, the people who were left were lined up perfectly at the very edge of the line. The group left behind were all facing us. We hadn't known where that line was before. (There will be a distinction between the Bride and the rest of the church at the beginning of the Marriage Feast of seven days/years of the tribulation. Is this separation geographical? No, it's spiritual: it is authority, dominion, holiness, anointing, etc.) I realized we were out of time to pray for people to be in the group that was leaving (because the Bride was chosen to follow the Man-child reformer body as it was with Jesus.). I was very anxious for the people who were being left behind. I desperately tried to scan the faces of people right at the demarcation of the line, since there was a space between us now, but we were moving out so fast that I couldn't seem to recognize anyone. It was terrible. Behind the people remaining to the left, the light seemed to be fading; it got darker and darker the further to the left one went. (They are going into the darkness of tribulation for sanctification.) There were many thousands of people left behind whom I could see and an almost infinite number of people behind them were off in the darkness. I didn't recognize anyone in the dream. The separation was terrible and very sudden with no announcement. Once we started being moved out of the building, I couldn't seem to do anything by praying as to who was on which side. (The Bride is chosen to be the Bride at the beginning of her own Marriage Feast with the Groom.) At first I was very upset about the people being left behind and then I thought to myself that I needed to stop worrying and start praising God and thanking Him for what He was doing, and to leave the people whom we left behind in His hands. (Some of these people will be lost, as 1/3 of the stars of Abraham's seed fall from their heavenly place in Christ to the earth to be trampled under the feet of the Beast. Some of these people will overcome to walk in purity and holiness through the crucifixion of the tribulation.) I somehow felt that I could still pray for them, but the priority for that prayer was now on the back burner. Now I needed to concentrate on what was ahead of us that we were all moving toward. (Those chosen will recognize the new leadership of the Man-child as they did in Jesus' time. Joh.3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom ... As in the book of Esther, she is taken into the King's house at the beginning of the people of God's tribulation but she is also to use her position to save them. The Philadelphia Church of brotherly love escaped the hour of trial because they had already been through many trials and became beautiful to their Lord.) As we were being moved out of the building, our speed got faster and faster as we flew into the darkness. There was a strong wind blowing in the same direction as we were flying. I felt that it was really important to pray, especially in tongues. Eventually, we started coming down to the ground here and there in the darkness. When I came down, I noticed there weren't very many others around and we were all separated. There seemed to be a high metal roof overhead, like you might see over a large train station with an occasional light here and there. We were still moving, but now we needed to adjust to our new situation. There were white envelopes (the shape looked like #10, but their size was slightly larger) with white paper inside with instructions and encouragement for us that came flying past us in the wind parallel to the direction we were going. They weren't fluttering around. (These letters sailing by were kind of a “cool” phenomenon. We, the wind and the letters were all going in the same direction.) I think we had to collect them. Some were in tongues. We needed to get together, adjust to our new environment as we kept moving, read what was in these envelopes to find out what to do next and start working as a group. (The Bride will learn to work as a true Body of Christ by the individual messages of the Holy Spirit.) We also had much praying to do, especially in tongues. My takeaway from this dream at the time of this writing is that I need to be praying for people to be in this group that leaves. Praying made a difference in this dream. I had regrets when the separation happened in the dream. I don't want to have any regrets when this really happens. The first time I opened my Bible the morning I dreamed this, it opened not to a Bible verse, but to the Bible Study Helps section entitled “This Bible in Your Hand”. I opened to chapter nine, “Sooner Than You Think”.     Cleansing for the Marriage Feast C.P. - 12/27/2011 (David's note in red) I received this dream from the Lord, which I believe is a warning about preparing for the marriage feast. I feel it's important to share this because it relates to keeping your house filled with Christ. Our physical bodies serve no purpose except to house Christ and if we're not serving Him then we are serving other gods (which 1 Corinthians 10:20 says are actually demons). I dreamed we were at our home and my husband was on his way out. I somehow knew I'd be joining him later. I left the door open and the next minute my mother was at the front gate and just walked in (uninvited guest). She went straight to the “guest room” and told me she'd be staying with us from now on (I think my mother represents unclean spirits of anger, rejection, unforgiveness, condemnation, as well as the apostate church). Also, if we do not guard our gates (being the mouth, ears, and minds), we can expect the spirits we cast out to try to come back and make a home out of us. We read this in Mat.12:45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man becometh worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this evil generation. I protested and told her that she could not do so. She said that I had prepared a room for her and that she was now staying with us. (Whatever place in our hearts the husband, Jesus, vacates, it is prepared for other spirits to return.) I was very uneasy about this because I knew my husband would not be happy about this (this is the fight between our flesh and our spirit. We know what the spirit requires of us; we need to keep our spiritual house clean and abiding in Christ). However, I acquiesced to her demand. Just then, my younger sister also walked into the house. (She represents the immature Christians who are easily swayed by the older, fallen-away church). They both sat at the dining room table and I thought of feeding them, but never put any food in front of them to eat. (These spirits and demons need to be fed, but it's our choice whether we'll add fuel to their demands to make us fall away from the promises of God.) They immediately started bad-mouthing my marriage to my husband (who represents Jesus). (The true Gospel and the true Bride are a threat and an insult to the apostate church because it preaches salvation instead of bondage.) They told me it was unnatural to be that close to him and that he had changed me; they did not even recognize me anymore (Jesus changes us to the extent that these spirits of apostasy are not at peace in us or in others concerning us.) (The true Bride will not be recognized in the tribulation because people will not want to accept the truth). My sister was particularly loose with her mouth and after a while, I calmly said to her that it was unfair to talk about my husband that way because he had helped her so many times and was very loyal to her. (The Lord has been loyal to the apostates but they do not return that love through obedience.) I told her that if she had nothing good to say, she should leave. She got up to leave, but just before doing so she and my mother asked me to “prove” my love for my husband (the saints will surely be tested). I said, surely I would do that. They told me to go out the back door (the past) of my house and take a shower in the street. (Nakedness represents sin and washing in front of others represents confessing our sins so that God will cleanse us. 1Jn.1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Jas.5:16 Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working. Notice you are to confess most sins to a righteous person who has faith so they can pray for you. Others are not trustworthy but gossipers. Sins against an individual most of the time, should be confessed to them so that they will forgive you. However, if they do not know about it, it may cause them to stumble. Sometimes God would have you confess publicly so others will fear God and recognize evil.) The scene changed and I was in the middle of Oxford Street in London at night. (Europe's busiest and densest shopping street, which represents Babylonish buying and selling the church does in darkness.) I took a shower in a transparent cubicle on the left sidewalk of the street. (Literal and physical nakedness is not permitted scripturally. Only spiritual nakedness can be seen as good in that we should not have any hidden sins. Pro.28:13 He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy. Psa.32:3 When I kept silence, my bones wasted away Through my groaning all the day long. 4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: My moisture was changed [as] with the drought of summer. 5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, And mine iniquity did I not hide: I said, I will confess my transgressions unto Jehovah; And thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. 6 For this let every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: Surely when the great waters overflow they shall not reach unto him. Also, we should reveal sin as sin so that the world will know that we agree with holiness.) But we will also be protected (as in the cubicle). The world will see us but will not be able to “touch” us. I noticed that there was a group of well-dressed, suited men walking out of a restaurant together with a pretty lady (those who want to look good to the world but not to God) who had dark hair (submission to darkness) and wearing a red dress (Sin is described as red in Isaiah 1:18. We see here the harlot spirit of apostate Christianity). I felt so vulnerable being naked in the shower, but I had never been more clean; my skin glistened. (Confessing our sin makes us vulnerable to others but we are cleansed.) The woman seemed to get very angry with me for showering in public and she came over to me and wanted to spray me with whipped cream (the perversion and sweetening of milk, symbolizing the sweetening of the truth to make it acceptable to more people). I kept ducking and diving out of her aim and she said, “Don't try to pretend to be different; you've done exactly the same as me”. To that I replied, “No, I have not. I have never defiled anyone”. She walked away and I managed to get back into my house. (We do not defile others when we are not hiding any sin and when we confess what we have done wrong as sin.) Then I was trying to get ready for a banquet (the Marriage Feast of 7 days -- the tribulation). My mother was still there, shouting insults at me and about my husband all the time. I asked her to help me get ready for the banquet, but she did not. (The nature and spirits of apostasy will not prepare one to be in the Bride or even to attend the feast.) (Sometimes we are so used to our demons and spirits that we think they are part of our nature and try to use our own characteristics to prepare for trials. We need to be mindful that everything that we exhibit that is not of God and does not liken us to Jesus needs to be cast down and told to depart from us; we cannot be slaves to two masters.) Instead, every time I put on a white garment, she either wet it or soiled it. (When apostasy is in our hearts, our life and actions manifest spots and blemishes on our spiritual garment.) I was getting a little frustrated with her and told her she must leave. I told her I needed my garment ready for when my husband came to take me to the banquet. Rev.19:7 Let us rejoice and be exceeding glad, and let us give the glory unto him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright and pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they that are bidden to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are true words of God. She said she could not leave because I'd left the door open for her and had a room for her. I then told her that I no longer had a guest room and that the room she was trying to inhabit belonged to my eight-month-old baby (the fruit of Jesus, 888 is his gematria in Greek) (the salvation and manifestation of Christ in us takes time and it is through faith that it can grow). She got angry and tested this but could not go into the room (Once Jesus is large enough in us, there will be no space for the spirits and demons. Once the saints have grown in faith, there will be no place for the apostate church). Eventually, I managed to get my white garment on and she left, and I waited for my husband. (After rejecting apostasy, it had to leave and the garment was pure for the Groom.) Rev.15:4 Who shall not fear, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy; for all the nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy righteous acts have been made manifest.

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

God takes us to a place of overflow where we can hear Him speak clearly about our purpose and promise beyond our struggles and daily needs. • The Lord is our shepherd who guides us to a place of not wanting or lacking anything essential• Sometimes God forces us to lie down and rest before we can properly receive from Him• Abraham heard about his greater purpose from a place of abundance, not deficit• The valley of the shadow of death is just that - a shadow we pass through, not death itself• God uses His rod to protect us from attacks and His staff to rescue us when we're stuck• Many can't experience overflow because their spiritual cups have holes from past hurts• The table God prepares for us after our trials is where He anoints and fills us to overflowing• Breaking barriers requires operating from overflow, not constantly from a place of lack• God often speaks about our purpose only after we've moved beyond survival-mode prayers• Rest is essential for spiritual nourishment - you can't eat when you're filled with anxietyIf you've been struggling to break through barriers in your life, ask God to fix the holes in your cup so you can retain what He's pouring into you. Your breakthrough comes from the overflow. Welcome To Chosen City Church! We are excited to you have worship with us today and we pray that this sermon blesses you!Partner With Chosen City Church:https://www.chosencitychurch.com/part...Support Chosen City Church:https://www.chosencitychurch.com/givePodcasts and More:https://linktr.ee/chosencitychurchConnect With Chosen City ChurchWebsite: https://chosencitychurch.com.comInstagram: @ChosenCityChurchYouTube: Chosen City ChurchFacebook: Chosen City ChurchIntro and outro created by Joe Anderson Jr. of Truflava Productions

Sometimes God doesn't remove the fire. Sometimes... He just holds you through it. In this episode, I'm sharing how God provided in the middle of my hardest moments—not by making things easy, but by giving me just enough strength, just enough grace, and just enough peace to keep going. Provision didn't always look like I expected. It wasn't flashy or instant. But it was exactly what I needed, right when I needed it. If you're walking through a season that feels too heavy, too exhausting, or too uncertain—this episode will remind you that God is still showing up, even in the smallest ways. You're not forgotten. You're being carried. Let's talk about what real provision looks like in the fire.     If you want to learn how to embrace the Dirt on your journey, come join me over on Substack at kawailani.substack.com

Sometimes God's providence may seem counterproductive or clash with our plans. But God has our best in mind. In this message, Pastor Lutzer provides three insights about God's sovereign purpose for nations and even individuals. Will we trust His wisdom even when we don't understand His ways? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001. 

3 mistakes to avoid with your Lead or Supervising PastorMistake #1: Wrong assumptionsIn the middle of a difficult moment with leadership relationships, it is very easy to assume the worst about them. A Christian counselor friend once said, “When we assume the motives of someone else we are wrong most of the time.” I have learned this is very true.We often forget is what it's like to be in their shoes. Remember when others misjudged you? What did you want from them? What did you wish for? It might be a good exercise to make a list of what you remember as a starting point for making changes in your relationships.The danger of assigning motives, of assuming someone's intent, is we never know all the facts. They maybe new to the church? To the role? To you? They come with their own often un-named values, beliefs, and assumptions about what we, their leadership, should or should not do. It's very complicated.The temptation is always to side with your own beliefs, to assume you are correct, because we know them…or think we do. But God is clear when He says, “You shall not be partial in judgment … For the Lord your God is God of Gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty and the awesome God, who is not partial …” (Deuteronomy 1:17; 10:17). Meaningful relations can't happen if we are assuming the worst or assigning blame without knowing all the data. And we will rarely have all the facts.Conclusion: Choose to believe the best. Ask God to give you His love and grace and to help you give grace, expecting nothing in return. You will never know the full impact of the Lead Pastor world! Help them see you as a “friend” not a “foe”.Mistake #2: ImpatienceWe've had a lifetime to get to know our ministry, but when it comes to being the Lead Pastor…not so much. It's all too easy to impatiently expect these relationships to gel perfectly. Relationships take time … lots of time with many investments of grace, love, and patience. There are so many factors to consider—working styles, age gaps, passion gaps, interest gaps, etc.Often what helps me in impatience is to know, that through PRAYER, God can make things go far faster than I can. Simple, huh? Along with that, you need to be good for your church. You are part of the team to help, not just have your way. You need to show up, but not throw up!Basically, be what a friend taught me, “Be a good General, not a bad General”. A bad General takes their assignment and does whatever higher ups tell them. A good General will assess the situation, give their advise and then execute on whatever leadership decides. If you feel it is wrong, PRAY, God will course correct.Conclusion: We are only responsible to suggest and pray.. God is more than able to work His will in their lives without our help. Our job now is to be patient with the process and trust Him to do the work. SOMETIMES God is working in the background and doesn't tell us! LOLMistake #3: DefensivenessWhen a Lead Pastor points out a flaw he or she sees in us, it hurts. Our natural inclination is to be defensive, to explain our position and how hard we tried to do our best rather than just apologize and say, “I'm so sorry that hurt you so much or wasn't done the way you expected.” We forget so easily that we are all flawed, broken people and no pastor is perfect. So why are we surprised when stuff happens and people give us issues?This next statement isn't natural but … instead of having defensiveness of those of we serve (our Lead Pastor), we should be grateful for the opportunity to mend and apologize for the mistakes we make! Even if it was 100% unintentional. Modeling an apologetic heart and seeking forgiveness will open the door for you to do the same with those that serve under you (staff or volunteer). A friend once said, “Seeing a flaw in ourselves is a joy because we now have the opportunity to be rid of it.” It takes maturity and humility to see our shortcomings this way, but it's liberating.Only when we own our mistakes and admit where we failed leadership will we grow rich relationships with them and church leadership. The truth is always your friend.Only humility produces the beauty of meaningfully deep relationships. And continually acknowledging our own shortcomings and failures before God makes beautiful our lives in the greater body of Christ. It's been quite a journey at Saddleback Church since March of 1998. I've known lots of misunderstandings and mistakes. Thankfully I've known forgiveness too. I love our church so much, including the staff and people LOL. Each difficulty brings uniqueness which challenges us to a greater faith, and that is always good.He's got us, He's got our ministry and He's got our Lead Pastor too!  ★ Support this podcast ★

Sometimes God, in His mercy, wrecks our plans before they wreck us.

Mental Man Monday: Saquon Barkley, Donald Trump, T.D. Jakes, and Building the Wrong LegacyThis week on Mental Man Monday, Izzy Baker leads a solo session packed with real talk about legacy, leadership, and trusting God's timing—even when it feels uncomfortable. The episode kicks off with a recap of the latest PSA: The Mental Health Podcast episode, reflecting on what it really means to build something lasting, not just something popular.Izzy shares the reality of the sacrifices that come with building for purpose instead of chasing clout. He also lightens the mood by commenting on the viral “100 men vs. 1 gorilla” debate that has taken over Threads and TikTok, showing how humor can briefly break the noise of today's culture wars. The conversation then gets serious as Izzy weighs in on the backlash Saquon Barkley received after golfing with President-elect Donald Trump.He challenges listeners to ask hard questions about alignment, integrity, and the real reasons behind the relationships they choose. The episode closes with a powerful reflection on Bishop T.D. Jakes stepping down from The Potter's House and passing the leadership mantle to Sarah Jakes Roberts and Touré Roberts. Izzy connects this transition to mental health, aging gracefully, scandal avoidance, and understanding spiritual timing.Sometimes God has to sit you down in order to prepare you for the future He has planned. Key themes in this episode include why building for legacy requires patience and sacrifice, how to evaluate relationships based on authenticity rather than status, and when to recognize that your assignment is shifting.If you have been wrestling with your career, your friendships, or your calling, this conversation will challenge you to think deeper and move wiser. Stream now for a fresh take on leadership, legacy, and masculine growth in today's world.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/p-s-a-the-mental-health-podcast--5520511/support.

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

Losing a loved one comes with grief, questions, longing… it can be overwhelming. But Jesus is with us through it all. Pastor Greg Laurie shares the powerful story of Jesus bringing comfort to Mary and Martha after the loss of Lazarus. Notes: Focus verse: John 11 Death interrupts our plans, our dreams, and our everyday lives.Death is harsh and final and real. ​“And the last enemy to be destroyed is death.”1Corinthians 15:26 (NLT) Mary and Martha were devastated by the unexpected death of their brother, Lazarus. ​Read John 11:1–3 ​#1 Life is filled with pain, sorrow, and the death of loved ones. The unexpected death of a friend or co-worker often reminds us of our own mortality. ​#2 God loves us even when we suffer. Mary and Martha provide us with an excellent example of what to do in a crisis. We should always bring our troubles to Jesus. #1 When the Israelites turned against Moses,“…he cried out to the Lord,…”Exodus 15:25 #2 When Hezekiah received a threatening letter,“…[he] went up to the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.”Isaiah 37:14 #3 When John the Baptist was beheaded, his disciples,“…went and told Jesus.”Matthew 14:12 “God is our refuge and strength,A very present help in trouble.”Psalm 46:1 Read John 11:4–7 When hardship, tragedy, and even death hit in our lives, we might ask the same thing,“If Jesus really loved me, why did He let this happen?” Jesus was looking at the big picture. ​Jesus waited. Read John 11:20–26 ​Death is not the end. It is a transition from this life to the afterlife.Death does not have the final word, Christ does. “Where were you, Lord?” Mary and Martha brought their doubts to Jesus. There is nothing wrong with asking God, “Why?” We live on promises not explanations. ​"And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"John 11:26 Read John 11:32–36 #3 Jesus weeps with us in our times of pain. Jesus was God and man. As a man He felt our pain and sorrows.Isaiah 53:3–4 ​Hebrews 2:17–18 ​Read John 11:33, 38 Jesus was angry with death itself. Jesus thanked his Father for hearing His prayer and then raised Lazarus from the dead.John 11:43–44 #4 God can be glorified through human suffering and bring good out of bad. Sometimes God will be glorified through the removal of the affliction.Other times He will be glorified through the enduring of the affliction. We develop hope through hardship.Romans 5:3–4 Our faith is real, and it will sustain us in our hour of need. The tomb is not the entrance to death, but to life. ​Jesus defeated death at the cross of Calvary.Death died when Christ rose.--- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.