Podcasts about sometimes god

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:  Isaiah 46–49; 1 Peter 5 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible for July 26th. On today's episode, we journey through Isaiah chapters 46 to 49 and 1 Peter 5, exploring God's ongoing faithfulness in the midst of ruins and exile. Together, we'll hear words of hope—that God hasn't forgotten you, that your name is inscribed on His hands, and that even in seasons of destruction, He is at work bringing forth something new. Join Hunter, your Bible Reading Coach, as he guides us in reflection, encouragement, and prayer, reminding us to stand firm in God's grace and to trust in His unfailing love. 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 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. They 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. Isaiah 49:16: "See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands, always in my mind." 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's 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 that I have for my own soul. That's a prayer that I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, and my son. And that's a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  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 tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  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  

Last week we explored "waiting without answers." This week we're looking at a different kind of uncertainty: not knowing which way to go. Summer is often a season of transition. Decisions need to be made. Some of you are facing big questions: Should I take this job? Should I move? Should I change directions? Should I stay where I am? How do I care for my aging parents? How do I prepare for retirement? You're praying. You're seeking direction. You're hoping God will make the path clear. Unlike last week's message, this uncertainty involves choice. You're not just waiting for something to happen; you're trying to discern what you should do. And that's its own kind of burden. Every decision opens some doors and closes others, and you want to choose wisely. One of the greatest explorers in history understood what it was like to need direction. In 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton's ship, Endurance, became trapped and crushed by Antarctic ice, leaving his crew stranded in one of the harshest places on earth. Months later, Shackleton and five companions climbed into a 22-foot lifeboat and set out on an astonishing 800-mile voyage across the Southern Ocean to bring rescue to the rest of the crew. Their survival depended on the navigator, Frank Worsley. There was no GPS, no radar, no electronic navigation. Most days the sky was completely overcast. But whenever the clouds parted—even for a few seconds—Worsley would quickly take a reading of the sun and determine their course. Those brief glimpses of light kept them from drifting hundreds of miles off course. He didn't need sunlight all day. He just needed enough light for the next bearing. I think that's where many of us live. We wish God would hand us a detailed roadmap for the next ten years. Instead, He often gives us enough light for the next faithful step. That's exactly where David finds himself in Psalm 25. David wrote this psalm when he was lost—spiritually, emotionally, and practically. He needed direction, and he brought that need to God in prayer: "Show me Your ways, LORD, teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long." (Psalm 25:4–5) Notice what David asks for. He doesn't ask for a map. He asks for a Guide. And that's one of the great lessons of this psalm. Seeking God's direction is not primarily about getting an immediate answer. It's about becoming the kind of person who trusts God enough to follow Him, even when the whole path isn't yet visible. Today we'll discover that God's guidance is less about revealing every step ahead and more about walking closely with the Shepherd who already knows the way. THE PSALM: LISTEN TO DAVID'S PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE Psalm 25:1-5, “To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You; do not let me be ashamed; do not let my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed; those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed. Make known to me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long.” Notice the movement. David starts by lifting his soul to God. He's not trying to figure this out alone. He's bringing his confusion to God. Then he makes a declaration: “I trust in You.” Not “I feel like I trust You.” But “I choose to trust You.” Then comes the request: “Make known to me Your ways. Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth.” He's asking for guidance. But notice—he's also asking to be taught. He's asking to understand, not just to know the right move. Then verse 8-10: “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble His way. All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth, to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.” David is reminding himself of something true: God is good. God wants to guide us. God leads the humble. THE CHALLENGE: THE PATH ISN'T ALWAYS CLEAR Here's the reality that no one talks about: Sometimes God makes the path crystal clear. A door opens. An opportunity presents itself. The answer is obvious. But sometimes—and maybe more often than not—God doesn't make the path completely clear. You're standing at a crossroads. Both directions seem possible. Both have merit. One has security but less meaning. One has meaning but more risk. You're praying. You're seeking. And the answer still isn't obvious. Both feel right and wrong at the same time. And that's when doubt creeps in. You find yourself thinking: If God really wanted to guide me, wouldn't He make it obvious? If He cared about this decision, wouldn't He remove all the uncertainty? But that's not how God usually works. Psalm 25 teaches something different. It teaches that God's guidance often comes through a process. Through seeking. Through prayer. Through wisdom from others. Through testing. Through small clarities that add up to a direction. Notice that David doesn't ask for a thunderbolt. He asks to be led and taught. “Lead me in Your truth and teach me.” He's asking for an ongoing process of being guided and learning, not a one-time answer that settles everything. And notice verse 9: “He leads the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble His way.” God leads the humble. Humility is the key. Humility means admitting you don't have all the answers. Humility means trusting God enough to take the next step even when you can't see the whole path. APPLICATION: SEEKING DIRECTION IN UNCERTAINTY Some of you are facing a decision right now. Maybe it's a big one. A job change. A relationship decision. A move. A calling you're sensing but can't quite name. Maybe it's smaller—how to spend your time, what to invest in, where to go next. You've prayed. You've sought counsel. You've searched the Scriptures. Yet the answer still isn't crystal clear. I think of a man who spent two years wrestling with whether to leave a secure career for work that better aligned with his faith and sense of calling. He kept waiting for God to send a lightning bolt of certainty—but it never came. Instead, clarity came gradually. Trusted people affirmed his gifts. An unexpected opportunity opened. The inner conviction grew stronger until he realized he couldn't ignore it any longer. He didn't have complete certainty before he stepped out in faith. But he had enough light for the next step. Looking back, he realized something important: the certainty came after the step of obedience, not before it. That's often how God guides us. He rarely hands us a detailed roadmap. Instead, He gives us enough light for the next faithful step. As we walk in obedience, He provides the light for the step after that. THE DISCIPLINE OF SEEKING Psalm 25 teaches us that seeking God's direction is itself a spiritual practice. It's not something you do once and move on from. It's something you return to whenever you're at a crossroads. It's also not passive. You're not sitting back hoping God will telegraph the answer. You're seeking. You're asking. You're praying. You're listening. You're seeking counsel from wise, godly people who know you well. You're exploring opportunities and paying attention to how God opens and closes doors. Dallas Willard once wrote, "The life of faith is not about having all the answers. It's about learning to trust the One who does." That's the heart of Psalm 25. You don't need to see the entire path. You need to trust God enough to take the next faithful step. And often, as you take that step, more clarity comes. Here's what's remarkable: the seeking itself strengthens your faith. As you pray, listen, and seek wise counsel, you're not merely looking for an answer—you're learning to know God. You're learning to recognize His voice, trust His character, and discern His guidance through Scripture, circumstances, godly counsel, and the quiet work of the Holy Spirit. Some people think of guidance as a transaction: "God, just tell me what to do." But Psalm 25 presents something much richer. Guidance is relational. In seeking God's will, you're drawing near to Him, and in the process, He is shaping you into the kind of person who can follow Him faithfully whether the path is clear or not. That's why David prays, "Teach me." He doesn't simply want directions—he wants to become the kind of disciple who knows the Shepherd's voice. THE PROMISE: GOD LEADS THE HUMBLE Here's the promise of Psalm 25: "He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble His way" (Psalm 25:9). God leads the humble—not those who have everything figured out, but those who admit they need His guidance. Those who are willing to be taught. Those who trust that God sees what they cannot. If you're facing uncertainty today, you're in exactly the right place to be led by God. Your confusion isn't necessarily a sign that God is silent. It may be His invitation to deeper humility and greater trust. And here's the beautiful part: the path God leads is always marked by "steadfast love and faithfulness" (Psalm 25:10). The destination may not be what you expected, and the journey may not be easy, but it will be good because it is guided by the loving heart of God. That's a promise worth trusting. HOW TO PRAY THIS PSALM First: Pray it when you're facing a decision. Use David's own words if they help: "Show me Your ways, Lord. Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me." Sometimes borrowing Scripture's prayers is easier than finding your own. Second: Don't rush the answer. Our culture tells us to decide quickly and move on. Psalm 25 invites us into a process: seek, pray, ask wise people, explore possibilities, and give God time to work. His guidance often comes gradually, not instantly. Third: Pay attention to how God opens and closes doors. Sometimes His guidance comes more through providence than through a dramatic feeling. An unexpected opportunity, wise counsel, or a door that quietly opens may be how He is leading. Fourth: Remember that God is good. "All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness." Even when His path is difficult or unexpected, it is marked by His goodness and loving care. Fifth: Be willing to take the next step without seeing the whole path. David prays, "Lead me...and teach me," describing an ongoing journey. As you walk in faith, God often provides the light for the step after that. Finally: Don't confuse waiting with passivity. Seek wise counsel. Search the Scriptures. Pray. Explore your options. Waiting on God isn't doing nothing—it's faithfully doing what you can while trusting God to do what only He can do. CONCLUSION Some of you will come out of your season of uncertainty soon. The decision will become clear. You'll see which way to go. And you'll step forward with confidence, knowing that God led you. Others of you may remain in uncertainty for longer. The answer might not come quickly. You might have to live with ambiguity while you continue seeking. And that's okay. God's timeline for clarity is not always our timeline. Either way, Psalm 25 teaches you this: God is not far away. God has not forgotten you. God is willing to guide the humble. And your seeking itself is a form of prayer that God honors. Your willingness to admit you don't know, to seek wisdom, to listen carefully—that's the kind of humble faith God loves to guide.

Send us Fan MailPruning can feel like loss until you realize it is actually room being made for growth. We get personal about what it looks like when God starts cutting back the things we rely on, the busywork we hide in, and even the “good” options that keep us from a clear, focused calling. Stephanie opens up about the behind-the-scenes shifts in her health coaching business, from financial stewardship to time stewardship, and how simplifying her systems gives her more capacity to serve people well without burning out. We also go deeper on a topic that touches nearly every family: metabolic health. If you have brain fog, low energy, stubborn middle weight gain, gut issues, or you have heard words like insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, or prediabetes, this conversation brings both hope and a plan. We talk about why inflammation often sits underneath the symptoms, why many people leave the doctor's office with a diagnosis but no real roadmap, and why identifying your personal “pattern” matters before you chase protocols. This is faith-based wellness with practical science, built for real life, not perfection. Stephanie shares the simple path she is building to help clients reverse the “metabolic mess” early, including a new workshop focused on understanding how you got here, plus step-by-step coaching and tools like continuous glucose monitoring for personalized insight. We zoom out to the bigger takeaway too: when God leads, the next step can feel uncomfortable, but pruning can be the exact thing that creates space for better health, better relationships, and better fruit. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs encouragement, and leave a review so more women can find faith-first guidance for metabolic health and sustainable healing. We're so glad you're here. In this quick pause, Melissa shares why Heart & Soul Elevation exists, how Stephanie's and Melissa's coaching work together beautifully, and what you can expect along the way. From time to time, we'll pop in to invite you into things we're creating - always as an invitation, never a sales pitch. Thanks for listening. You belong here. Support the showConnect with Melissa: Lemon Balm Coaching and Subscribe to the Lemon Balm Coaching Newsletter: lbcnewsletter.subscribepage.ioConnect with Stephanie: SJP Health and Wellness or Be the BOSS, Be Well FB CommunityMusic by Adipsia  

Send us Fan MailLet' face it. The storms of life will come. And a big one came in the life of Jonah. The interesting thing is, God sent it. Sometimes God uses extreme measures to get our attention or to change our direction. Has this ever happened to you?It would do us well to pay attention how God is working in our lives. It could just be Him and not people who is bringing the storm.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, overcommitted, or constantly being asked to do more? Sometimes God's answer isn't to work harder—it's to pause. In this episode of The Integrated Life Podcast, host Diana Romero shares a deeply personal journey through a 46-day season of Selah—a biblical invitation to pause, reflect, rest, and listen for God's direction. As she surrendered her time, talents, and treasure back to the Lord, He faithfully met her with peace, clarity, unexpected confirmations, and an open door she never could have orchestrated herself. Discover: What Selah really means in Scripture. Why intentional pauses create space to hear God's voice. How God confirmed His leading through His Word, prayer, and even the significance of biblical Hebrew numbers. Why slowing down may be the very thing that prepares you for your next open door. If you're navigating major decisions, feeling stretched thin, or simply longing for more of God's peace, this episode will encourage you to stop striving and start listening. Your next breakthrough may begin with one simple word: Selah.

Sometimes God's refusal isn't rejection. It is redirection toward something larger than I can yet imagine.A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 7. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

Sometimes God leads us into situations that only He can get us out of. When circumstances become impossible, we often assume God has abandoned us when He may actually be positioning us for a miracle. The Israelites find themselves trapped between Pharaoh's army and the Red Sea. From a human perspective, there is no way out. Yet what appears to be a dead end becomes a defining moment of trust as God demonstrates His power and faithfulness. God's greatest displays of power often happen when our options run out. About the Series: Life is full of questions we wish God would answer. Why did the diagnosis come? Why did the relationship end? Why did the opportunity disappear? Why does the waiting continue when we've prayed for so long? Most of us want explanations, but throughout Scripture, God often offers something different. Instead of revealing the entire plan, He invites us to trust Him one step at a time. The life of Moses is a powerful example of that kind of faith. From being born into slavery and raised in a palace to leading God's people through impossible circumstances, Moses repeatedly found himself in situations that didn't make sense. Yet through every season of uncertainty, God was present, faithful, and at work in ways Moses couldn't fully see. In this series, we'll follow Moses' journey and discover what it means to trust God's character when we don't understand His timing, His methods, or His plans. Because faith isn't trusting God when He explains Himself. Faith is trusting God when He doesn't. Join us as we learn that the most important question isn't, "Do I understand what God is doing?" but "Will I trust Him anyway?" This week's notes in the Bible app: https://www.bible.com/events/49633712 Pastor Matt Pineda | When God Doesn't Explain Himself | Exodus 13:17-22; 14:1-31 CONNECT WITH US Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mpccgreenwood Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpccgreenwood Instagram: https://instagram.com/mpccgreenwood Website: https://mpcc.info/

Send us Fan MailWhat if the very weakness you've been asking God to remove is the place where He wants to reveal His greatest strength? Sometimes God doesn't take away the thorn, but He always provides the grace to endure it. Discover why His power is most clearly displayed in lives that have learned to depend completely on Him.HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Your Prayers Are Never Wasted 1 John 5:14–15 “And this is the boldness we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of him.” I love this verse because God is reminding us that we can trust Him. He reminds us that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. If we know that He hears us, then we know we have obtained the requests we made of Him. I don't know about you, but I can get caught up in the words "according to His will." I have asked the Lord for many things that I don't think He has given me. It can be frustrating when we pray for someone or ask for something we believe is good, and it seems like God isn't listening. I know God's ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are greater than our thoughts, but that doesn't always make it easier to understand. If you've ever struggled with this, let me share what has helped me. Have you ever had a child, niece, nephew, or friend's child ask for something they were convinced they needed? They had thought it through and believed it was the best thing for them, but you could see it wasn't because you knew where that choice would lead. For example, imagine a teenager begging to drop out of school because they're tired of the work and already have a job lined up. They think it's the best decision, but you know it will limit so many opportunities in the future. Because you love them, you say no. I think this is often how God answers our prayers. Good thing He doesn't give us everything we ask for because, just like children, we sometimes ask for things that aren't truly good for us. We think we know what we want, but God sees the whole picture. We may pray for a new job, only to later discover that job would have required constant travel or an unhealthy work environment. God protects us from countless things we never even know about because He is a good Father. I heard a song on the way to Adoration this morning—and you know how much I love songs. It's called "Somebody Prayed" by Crowder. The song is all about the power of prayer and reminds us that many of the blessings we experience today are the result of someone faithfully praying for us. It also reminds us that God hears every prayer, even when we don't immediately see the results. The song begins: Every night there by your bed You fold your hands and bow your head Throwing out another prayer in faith When you're wondering if He's hearing you Look at me, I'm living proof I'm only right where I am today Because somebody prayed These lyrics remind us that when we pray and do not see results, we can look at those around us and be confident that if God answers their prayers, He will answer ours, too. I think it is vital to remember that the answers to our prayers may not look like we want them to and may not come in the timing we want them to. I like how Crowder can realize that the reason he is where he is today is because his mom prayed for him a lot. So I hit my knees 'cause I've Seen all Heaven move (don't matter if you hit rock bottom My God pick you up when you call Him.) I pray, "Father, please" 'cause I've Seen what He can do (don't matter if the storm cloud coming My God come through when you call Him) I love this verse too because it says that it doesn't matter if you hit rock bottom because God will pick you up when you call Him. This reminds us that we are never too far down for God to pick us back up again. It also says it doesn't matter if the storm cloud is coming because God will come through when we call Him. Crowder says he has seen all heaven move, and he has seen what our heavenly Father can do. You might be in a storm right now, or you might be at your lowest point yet. Either way, you can rest assured that when you call on the Lord, He is going to answer that call. He is going to lift you up out of that pit or get you safely through that storm. That is just who He is. If you wonder if this is true, look around you at all the people you know who are struggling, or the ones who were struggling and have made it through to the other side.  They were not alone. God helped them, and if he helped them, he can help you too! These hands have no power There ain't an hour He don't come through That's why when mountains move, I say "Looks like somebody prayed” This verse is reminding us that we can do nothing without God. He is our source of power. He is our Savior. This is why, when something amazing happens in our lives, we should automatically know that someone was praying for us. Our default should be to thank God and to thank whoever was praying for us. Sometimes we think that because we didn't pray, then it wasn't God who helped us. However, there are so many people praying all the time. There were many saints who would send up prayers for anyone who needed them. Or they would pray for those who had no one else to pray for them. You might have a whole army of people praying for you, and yet you might not even know it. For instance, when someone asks me for prayer I usually ask my parents to also pray for them because I know my parents are mighty prayer warriors. I also ask my prayer group to pray, my Encounter Ministry fellow students, and the prayer line at my church. Then sometimes I would also add their request to these three online prayer requests websites, one of which is the Lourdes website. Do you see how someone could have a whole army of people praying for them and not even know it? For the child of God that's far from home The one who thinks they're too far gone I'm throwing out another prayer in faith (prayer in faith) Worn-out altars, tear-stained pews Still I won't give up on you I believe that anything can change When somebody prays I love this verse because he is talking to anyone who feels like they are far from home. Anyone who feels like they are too far gone. Then he tells them that he is praying for them. We all need to be praying for those who are far from home and think they are too far gone. There is no too far gone with the Lord. He is always willing to take us back. He is always waiting for us to realize that and to come home. I love it when he says he won't give up on us because he believes that anything can change when somebody prays. This is an important thing for us all to believe. It is so true. Anything can change when somebody prays. The enemy often tries to make us believe that our situation is too bad and that there is no solution. He tries to convince us that we don't need to pray because there isn't anything God can do for anyone. There isn't anything anyone can do. This is ridiculous! God can do anything! We might not see a way out, we might not think things can get better, but God can always make a way, even when we can't see how. It is always worth it to say a prayer. It can make all the difference in the world. Sometimes God is just waiting for you to ask. He is waiting for you to invite Him into it all. Why wouldn't we want God to be in all of it? I've seen miracles come from feeble words I've seen hospital rooms turned into cathedrals I've seen freedom come to the prisoner You can't tell me that prayer don't work The first line says, “I've seen miracles come from feeble words.” Do you know why I love this? I love it because it reminds us that we don't have to know what to say. We don't have to pray these long, eloquent prayers. We don't have to ask for the exact thing or say the exact right words in order for our prayers to be answered. It's not like in all those movies about making a wish on a genie in a bottle. If you don't get the wording perfectly, then something bad happens. God is not like that. We don't have to know the perfect thing to say. We just have to call upon his name and ask him for what we want. It goes on to say, “I've seen hospital rooms turned into cathedrals.” I think what he means by this is that hospital rooms can be a powerful place for prayer. Sitting by a loved one's bedside can prompt people to pray more. It can also help us to be bold and ask for more from the Lord. Desperation to save our loved ones can be a powerful motivator. He also says, I've seen freedom come to the prisoner.  This is another great result of prayer. You might know someone who is stuck in their past. They may be an actual prisoner in jail, or they may be a prisoner to guilt, shame, and unforgiveness. Either way, prayers can free them from their prison. I have seen it happen many times!! The song ends with: So every night there by your bed When you fold your hands and bow your head Not a single word you've ever said in vain 'Cause He hears everything I like this verse too because it reminds us that not a single word you've ever said is in vain. When we pray to God, He hears us. We can be confident in this, just as the scripture verse for today reminds us. God hears it all, whether you are in church praying or you are crying out to him in your car. Wherever you are, no matter how far gone you think you are, He always hears every word of it, and none of it was said in vain. He hears you, and He will answer your prayers according to his will and according to His timing. 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

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20260713fam.mp3 Listen to Devotion Read: Isaiah 55:6-11 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11 God's Word Always Works In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Have you ever planted a seed? Maybe it was a bean seed in a cup at school or a flower seed in a garden. What would happen if that seed never got any water? It would stay dry. It wouldn’t grow. But when it rains or someone waters it, something amazing happens. Little roots begin to grow. A tiny plant pushes up through the dirt. Before long, there are leaves, flowers, or even food to eat. A science teacher might call this part of the water cycle. Water goes up into the clouds and then comes back down as rain or snow. You don't have to remember any big science words to know something important: God sends water, and water does what God wants it to do. Rain helps flowers bloom. Water helps crops grow. Animals need water to live. People need water to drink. God sends water for a reason, and it does its job. God says his Word works the same way. When God’s Word is shared, read, taught, or preached, it always does something. Sometimes God’s Word helps someone believe in Jesus. Sometimes God’s Word helps a Christian grow stronger in faith. Sometimes God’s Word shows a person that they are doing something wrong and need God’s forgiveness. Sometimes people don’t want to listen to God’s Word at all. But no matter what happens, God’s Word is never wasted. God promises that his Word will always do exactly what he wants it to do. That means we can tell people about Jesus without being afraid. We don’t have to wonder, “Will this matter?” We don’t have to think, “Maybe sharing Jesus is a waste of time.” God says it isn’t. His Word is living and active. His Word is powerful. His Word works. And God’s Word doesn’t leave us empty either. Because of Jesus, we are forgiven. Because of Jesus, heaven is our home. Because of Jesus, we have peace with God. Since God has filled our hearts with joy, peace, and hope, we can gladly share that same good news with others. Who knows? God can use his powerful Word to fill their hearts too! Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your powerful Word that always accomplishes your good purpose. May we trust its power to create and strengthen faith in us and those with whom we share it. Bless everyone who hears your Word, and through your Holy Spirit bring many people to trust in their Savior. Amen The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire. Questions for Younger Children What happens to plants when they get the rain and water they need? What does God say his Word always does? Questions for Elementary Age Children Why do you think God compares his Word to rain and snow? Have you ever told someone about Jesus or invited someone to church? What was that like? Questions for Middle School and Above If someone doesn’t want to listen when we talk about Jesus, does that mean God’s Word failed? Why not? God promises that his Word will always accomplish his purpose. How does that promise help us be brave when we share our faith with others? Download Family Devotions Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

As we kick off our series leading up to PK Conference, Pastor Damien teaches us about the man Jesus healed at the pool of Bethesda. Sometimes God asks us to do things and our response is "I can't", but God's not looking for our ability, He's wanting our willingness! - Listen to the message here!

Sometimes God's strategy won't make sense to us but obedience isn't about understanding, it's about trusting. If His instruction made sense there is little need for faith. Our prayer is that this message encourages your walk with Him and helps you learn to trust Him fully.Pursuit Church on Social Media:facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PursuitChurchDenver/?ref=bookmarksinstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuit_church/Pursuit Worship on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pursuit-Worship-671274439695803/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuit.worship/

Sometimes God works through the moments we least expect.A chance meeting.A closed door.A difficult season.Or an opportunity that seems to come out of nowhere.In this encouraging conversation, John Martin sits down with artist and entrepreneur Cole Saul to share a story about faith, surrender, and learning to trust God's plan even when it doesn't make sense.Cole's journey began with a simple suggestion from his wife.Although he had always been creative and enjoyed drawing, it was his wife who encouraged him to pick up a paintbrush and begin painting seriously. What started as a hobby quickly turned into something much bigger as his artwork began gaining recognition throughout the Emerald Coast and beyond.But like many entrepreneurs and artists, Cole eventually found himself at a crossroads.Despite years of hard work, there were moments when he questioned whether his passion could truly become a sustainable career. There were seasons of uncertainty, frustration, and wondering what God was doing behind the scenes.Then one unexpected event changed everything.After being invited to participate in an art festival, Cole entered with no major expectations. Although he didn't sell any artwork during the event, something far more significant happened.A simple introduction led to an opportunity he never could have planned on his own.Within days, several of his original paintings were purchased by a collector who immediately recognized the value of his work. What seemed like a disappointing weekend suddenly became a defining moment that opened new doors and gave Cole confidence that God was directing his path.But the greatest transformation wasn't financial.As Cole reflected on everything that had happened, he felt God drawing him into a deeper commitment of faith. Although he had always believed in Jesus, he realized God was calling him to take the next step publicly.Soon after, Cole made the decision to be baptized in the Gulf of Mexico, publicly declaring his faith and fully surrendering his life to Christ.Since then, he has seen God move in ways he never expected.Whether through his artwork, opportunities to serve others, or even the ability to support causes close to his heart, Cole continues to see God's hand guiding every step of the journey.One of the most powerful lessons he shares is learning to release control.Instead of constantly trying to force outcomes, Cole has learned to trust God with the details and remain faithful to the opportunities placed in front of him.He believes that many people miss God's blessings because they become consumed with worry, fear, or trying to control every outcome themselves.This conversation is especially encouraging for:Artists.Entrepreneurs.Business owners.Young families.And anyone facing uncertainty about the future.Cole reminds listeners that:God is still working even when you can't see it.Prayer changes perspective.Faith requires trust.And God often answers prayers in ways we never expected.He encourages everyone to:Spend daily time in God's Word.Stay connected to a Bible-believing church.Build relationships with strong Christian community.And trust God with the areas of life that feel uncertain.You may not see the entire path today.But God already knows where He is leading you.What is one area of your life where God may be asking you to stop worrying and start trusting Him more fully?Contact Cole Sauls:granderhomeinspections@gmail.comFor more information contact us atrtrdestiny@gmail.com

Today's Bible Verse: "The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people." — Daniel 4:17 God Is Still in Control Daniel 4:17 is a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty. Spoken during King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, this verse reminds us that no ruler, nation, or earthly authority exists outside of God's knowledge and control. The purpose of God's message was clear: everyone should recognize that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the earth. Want to listen without ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Membertoday: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribeLooking for a peaceful way to end your day? Listen to "Your Nightly Scripture" to end your day with God's word Meet Today’s Host: Carol Ogle McCracken Carol Ogle McCracken is a dynamic Christian speaker, author, and Bible teacher known for her warmth, humor, and transparency. She brings biblical truths to life through real-world stories and relatable experiences—whether navigating alcohol recovery, parenting a child with special needs, or walking through divorce. Today, she serves as Minister of Discipleship at her local church and shares God’s Word through women's retreats, conferences, and online devotionals. Her book, Wisdom: Where to Find It if You’ve Lost, Forgotten, or Never Had It, was released in 2020 and continues to encourage readers in their pursuit of godly wisdom. Full Transcript Below: Hello, thank you for listening to Your Daily Bible Verse, the podcast that examines one verse each day to learn more about God and His will for us. I'm your host, Carol McCracken, and after a short word from our sponsor, we'll dive into today's Bible verse, Daniel 4:17. Today's Bible Verse: Daniel 4:17 "The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people." Have you ever noticed that power seems to change people? I'm in the middle of watching some small-town politics publicly clashing, and it got me thinking. It doesn't seem to matter whether we're talking about a president, a mayor, a CEO, a pastor, or even the president of the neighborhood homeowners association. Give someone enough authority, enough influence, and enough people who stop asking hard questions, and something begins to surface. Sometimes power reveals remarkable humility and wisdom. Other times it exposes pride that had been quietly growing for years. We've watched enough public scandals to know the pattern. Someone rises to a position of influence. They're admired, respected, maybe even trusted. Little by little, accountability begins to disappear. People look the other way. Those closest to the situation either become afraid to speak or convince themselves that someone else surely will. Then one day, what had been hidden becomes impossible to ignore, and everyone asks the same question: How did this happen? As followers of Christ, we often ask another question: If God is sovereign, why does He allow people to misuse power for so long? Why doesn't He step in sooner? Why does it sometimes seem as though arrogance, manipulation, and corruption continue unchecked? Those aren't new questions. In fact, the Bible answers them through the life of one of history's most powerful men. King Nebuchadnezzar ruled Babylon during the sixth century B.C. Under his leadership, Babylon became the dominant empire of the ancient world. The city itself was breathtaking. Massive walls surrounded it. Magnificent temples and palaces displayed unimaginable wealth. Ancient historians even described the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon as one of the wonders of the world. Humanly speaking, Nebuchadnezzar had every reason to believe he'd built something that would outlast him. But there was one problem. He slowly began to believe that the success of Babylon was ultimately because of him. Daniel tells us that God gave Nebuchadnezzar a disturbing dream. In the dream was an enormous tree that provided shelter, food, and security for the nations. Then suddenly, the tree was cut down. Daniel explained that the tree represented the king himself. God was warning Nebuchadnezzar that unless he humbled himself and acknowledged the Lord's authority, his kingdom would be taken from him for a time. What strikes me is what happened next. Nothing. Not immediately, anyway. God didn't judge him the next day. He didn't remove him from office that week. In fact, Daniel tells us an entire year passed. Think about that—a full year between the warning and the judgment. Now, that wasn't weakness on God's part. It was patience. Scripture consistently reveals a God who warns before He disciplines, who calls people to repentance before He brings judgment. The apostle Peter later writes that God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. Nebuchadnezzar experienced that same patience firsthand. Then came the defining moment. Daniel says the king was walking on the roof of his royal palace overlooking the magnificent city of Babylon. Imagine the view. Everywhere he looked were monuments to his accomplishments. It must have been breathtaking. And as he surveyed the city, he said: "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?" Listen to those personal pronouns: "I have built." "My mighty power." "My majesty." His problem wasn't appreciating good leadership. It was forgetting where every opportunity, every ability, and every position of authority had come from in the first place. Before the words had even left his mouth, God fulfilled the warning He had given a year earlier. Nebuchadnezzar lost both his kingdom and his sanity. For a season, he lived apart from society until, as Daniel records, he finally lifted his eyes toward heaven. Only then did his understanding return. And the first thing he did was praise the God he had once ignored. That's the backdrop for today's verse: "The Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth." Daniel wasn't simply making a statement about Babylon. He was revealing a truth that applies to every generation. Every throne on earth is temporary because there is only one throne that is eternal. That truth changes how we view the headlines. It's easy to become discouraged when we see leaders fail. It's tempting to believe that corruption is winning or that evil has escaped God's notice. But Daniel reminds us that God has never surrendered His authority. He's never been surprised by human pride, and He's never lost control of history. Sometimes God's patience is mistaken for His absence. It isn't. Throughout Scripture, God often allows time for a person's true character to become unmistakably clear. What looks hidden to us has always been fully visible to Him. There comes a moment when what has been cultivated in private is revealed in public. That should certainly make us pray for our leaders. But it should also make us examine our own hearts. Because here's the uncomfortable truth: This passage isn't only about kings. Most of us will never govern a nation, but every one of us has some measure of influence. We lead families. We supervise employees. We volunteer at church. We mentor younger believers. We make decisions that affect other people. Power isn't reserved for politicians. Influence is something God entrusts to every one of us in different ways. And the temptation is always the same: To believe the success is ours. To begin protecting our position instead of our character. To crave recognition more than faithfulness. Or maybe to slowly believe that we're indispensable. That's why humility isn't something we achieve once and keep forever. It's something we practice daily by remembering that everything we have is ultimately a gift from God. The older I get, the more convinced I become that power doesn't create character nearly as much as it reveals it. Pressure exposes what's already there. Authority magnifies what already lives in our hearts. And that's why Daniel's message remains so relevant. When we watch the rise and fall of leaders, we're reminded that no human being sits on an ultimate throne. God alone does. Our confidence isn't found in the wisdom of elected officials, church leaders, business executives, or anyone else. Our confidence rests in the One who raises leaders up, removes them when His purposes require it, and whose kingdom will never end. Daniel wanted every generation—including ours—to know this simple but life-giving truth: The Most High still rules. That means we don't have to panic when earthly kingdoms shake. We don't have to lose hope when people disappoint us. And we certainly don't have to believe that evil will have the final word. Because while every earthly position of power is temporary, God's reign is eternal. Prayer Will you pray with me? Dear Lord in heaven, Sometimes the world is a scary place, and we watch in horror at how people are acting. A little power corrupts, doesn't it? Or so it seems. You sit on Your throne, and nothing is a surprise to You. You see everything with perfect wisdom, and You love us even in our brokenness. Lord, reveal our character to us. Show us the places where pride has taken root. Help us become more like You each day, growing in humility, faithfulness, and dependence on You. We praise You, dear Lord, and we thank You. In Your precious name we pray. Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Habakkuk 1 | Wrestle... Don't Run Key Scripture Habakkuk 1:1–7 Big Idea God isn't afraid of your honest questions. Faith isn't pretending everything is okay—it's bringing your pain to God and choosing to stay close, even when His answers are difficult. Main Points 1. God welcomes honest wrestling. Habakkuk doesn't hide his frustration. He brings his questions directly to God. Real faith includes honest prayer. Key Passage: Habakkuk 1:1–4 2. Running from pain always costs more than wrestling through it. We all have ways of escaping: Success Sports Humor Work Entertainment Relationships Busyness—even church activity God invites us to bring our wounds to Him instead of hiding them. 3. God often meets us before He explains Himself. Prayer isn't presenting a polished version of yourself. God already knows your heart. He wants your honesty more than your performance. 4. Staying close changes everything. Like grappling in jiu-jitsu, creating space leaves us vulnerable. The safest place is staying close to God, especially when life is confusing. Distance from God rarely produces healing. 5. God's answers aren't always what we expect. Habakkuk asks God to deal with injustice. God responds by raising up Babylon. Sometimes God's plan is harder than we imagined, but His purposes remain trustworthy. Key Passage: Habakkuk 1:5–7 Memorable Quotes "Wrestle with God. Don't run from Him." "Prayer isn't presenting a polished version of yourself; it's bringing the real condition of your heart into God's presence." "When God tells you something you don't want to hear, will you create distance—or stay close?" "God isn't asking for perfect faith. He's inviting honest trust." Questions for Reflection What difficult questions have you been afraid to ask God? What do you typically run to instead of wrestling with God? Where have you been creating distance between yourself and God? Can you identify a season when God's answer didn't make sense until later? What would it look like this week to stay close instead of running? Challenge Bring your real thoughts, fears, and frustrations to God this week. Instead of escaping, choose to stay close. Trust that even when you don't understand His ways, His character remains faithful.

Sometimes God gives us a clear next step and calls us to act. Other times, our need to “figure it all out” steals our peace. Instead of relying on God, we default to striving, hustling, and people-pleasing, asking what builds our kingdom rather than God's. But what if we paused to pray and seek wise counsel? It may feel counterintuitive to let go of constant productivity, yet the more we say yes to God's ways, the more peace we find, even when we produce less. In Jesus, we find abundant life.

Why aren't you making money in your business yet? The answer may not be your pricing, your niche, or another course you need to buy.In this episode of The Peaceful CEO Podcast, Angelica Stanley unpacks the real reasons many Christian women entrepreneurs struggle to generate consistent revenue and why the issue is often clarity, visibility, or systems rather than money itself.If you've ever found yourself thinking:• "Maybe my audience isn't buying."• "Maybe I need another certification."• "Maybe I need a new offer."• "Maybe I just need to work harder."This conversation is for you.Inside this episode you'll learn:✔ Why people cannot buy what they do not understand.✔ Why visibility matters more than perfection.✔ The hidden cost of giving away too much expertise for free.✔ Why burnout creates inconsistency and confusion.✔ How structure creates sustainable growth.✔ Why revenue often follows clarity instead of hustle.✔ What stewardship looks like before expansion.Angelica shares lessons learned while building a business alongside homeschooling, motherhood, and family responsibilities and explains why more effort was never the answer.Sometimes God is asking us to steward what is already in our hands before He entrusts us with more.If your business feels stuck, scattered, or inconsistent, this episode will help you identify the real bottleneck and focus your energy where it matters most.Resources mentioned in this episode:• The Peaceful CEO Podcast• The Biz Collective• Bold & Beautiful Branding Masterclass• Authority Builder• Anointed AutomationsSubscribe for weekly conversations on Christian entrepreneurship, biblical leadership, AI and automation, digital products, peaceful productivity, YouTube growth, and building a Kingdom-aligned business that serves your family instead of competing with it.#ChristianBusiness #ChristianEntrepreneur #FaithBasedBusiness #OnlineBusiness #KingdomEntrepreneur

This sermon asks a deeply personal question: What role does faith play when we're sick? It begins with the promise in James 5:15, reminding us that God hears and helps when we pray. But it also acknowledges the hard reality that healing does not always come the way we ask or expect.  The central message is that God has more than one way to heal. Sometimes God gives the miracle of a triumphant crossing, in which one is healed through death and brought home to eternal life. Sometimes God gives the miracle of sufficient grace, granting strength to endure pain that is not immediately removed. Sometimes God leads us to a remedy through doctors, medicine, counseling, support, or other people. Sometimes healing comes through the body's natural ability to recover. And sometimes we are given a mysterious healing, a powerful and unexplained restoration that goes beyond medical understanding.  The sermon makes it clear that dramatic healing does not mean someone has greater faith, and the absence of such healing does not mean God has ignored us. Faith is not about having all the answers. It is about trusting God's heart when we cannot understand God's ways.  The message calls us to pray boldly, ask the church for prayer, and bring sickness, fear, grief, pain, and questions to God. At the same time, it warns against measuring God's love only by whether we receive the exact miracle we wanted.  The sermon closes with hope: because Jesus died, rose again, and promises to wipe away every tear, sickness, and death, do not get the final word. The question is not only “Will God heal?” but also “Will we trust God with the miracle given?”

Sometimes God calls us to do what feels uncomfortable so He can accomplish something extraordinary through us. This message explores the dangerous prayer, "Send me," through the story of Ananias and Saul, reminding us that faith is more than good intentions—it's obedient action.

Life is a lot like a beach. The tide is always changing. The wind shifts. The waves come without warning. You can't control the conditions, but you can control how you respond.In Episode 3 of the Summer of Separation series, we explore why growth requires adaptation and why purpose demands alignment. Sometimes God doesn't change your destination—He changes you so you're prepared for where you're headed.This episode dives into:* Why resisting change keeps you stuck.* How to adapt without losing who you are.* The difference between movement and alignment.* Letting go of what's familiar so you can embrace what's next.* Choosing peace over pressure and purpose over comfort.Just like the beach teaches us to respect the waves instead of fighting them, life teaches us to trust the process, stay flexible, and remain aligned with the vision God has placed inside us.Your next season isn't about becoming someone else—it's about becoming the person you were always meant to be.Dreams By Any Means Motivation Podcast“Separate from distractions. Align with purpose. Adapt to the season. Become the new you.”

One of the greatest shifts in the Christian life is moving from believing we own everything to recognizing that everything belongs to God. Our lives, talents, relationships, finances, time, and even our future have been entrusted to us by the Lord. We are not owners—we are stewards.Living as a steward changes our perspective. Instead of asking, "What do I want?" we begin asking, "Lord, what would You have me do?" Stewardship requires surrender, trust, and obedience. Sometimes God asks us to release something we value, not because He wants to take from us, but because He wants to deepen our trust in Him and shape our hearts to reflect His.This truth also applies to the burdens we carry. Our fears, worries, disappointments, and pain belong to God as well. We don't have to carry them alone. When we surrender every part of our lives to Him, we discover the peace that comes from trusting the One who owns it all and works everything for His glory and our good.

Morning Offering, June 24, 2026 is brought to you by  Catholic Coffee: https://bit.ly/3Q9gM32A powerful reflection on Jeremiah, St. John the Baptist, and why destruction sometimes precedes God's greatest works.Every morning, join Father Brad as he begins the day with prayer and reflection. In a few short minutes, Father Brad guides you in prayer, shares a brief reflection grounding your day in the Church's rhythm of feast days and liturgy, and provides you with the encouragement necessary to go forward with peace and strength. Disclaimer: The ads shown before, during, or after this video have no affiliation with Morning Offering and are controlled by YouTubeLet us do as the saints urge and begin our days in prayer together so as a community of believers we may join the Psalmist in saying, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3-4)________________

Have you ever felt like you're doing all the right things but seeing little to no results?In this heartfelt episode of Healing Her Halo, Pae Murray shares a personal story about unexpectedly discovering her performance video for "Champion" had surpassed 21,000 views—after years of questioning her music journey, doubting herself, and wondering if anyone was listening.This episode is a reminder that your story is still being written.Whether you're waiting for healing, financial breakthrough, restoration, confidence, purpose, or a dream you've carried for years, don't give up before the miracle happens. Sometimes God is working behind the scenes in ways you cannot see.If you've been feeling discouraged, exhausted, or tempted to quit, this conversation will help you reconnect with faith, hope, and the possibility that your greatest chapter may still be ahead of you.✨ Remember: Have patience. It's already done. In this episode: • Why results don't always show up immediately • The power of staying obedient when you feel discouraged • How faith grows in seasons of uncertainty • The surprising lesson behind 21,000 views • Why your story isn't finished yet • Learning to let God write the next chapter

Sometimes God allows us to go through the trials, sometimes He rescues us from them all together. Today we're looking at Daniel 3 to understand what our position should be no matter what He allows us to endure.

In this episode of The BE Show, Brandy shares how healing changed the way she sees life, opportunities, and purpose. From the National Guard to pageantry to a successful corporate career, she opens up about seasons that looked right on the outside but ultimately didn't align with who God created her to be.Sometimes God opens doors not because we're meant to stay there forever, but because there's something He wants us to learn along the way.If you've ever felt confused about your next step, questioned whether you're on the right path, or struggled to let go of something that no longer fits, this episode will encourage you to pursue alignment over appearances and purpose over performance.Because when you heal, you see clearly. And when you see clearly, you can finally walk confidently in the direction God is leading you.

God, How Can I Help You Today? Ezekiel 37:7 “So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold, a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to its bone.” I like this verse for many reasons. First, I love that it shows Ezekiel's obedience to God. God wasn't asking him to do something easy. He was asking him to prophesy over dry bones and make them live again. Let me read the whole section: Ezekiel 37:1-6 says, “The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me round among them; and behold, there were very many upon the valley; and lo, they were very dry. And he said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?' And I answered, ‘O Lord God, thou knowest.' Again he said to me, ‘Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.'” Take a minute and put yourself in Ezekiel's shoes. God asks you to speak to a valley full of dry bones and tell them to come back to life. I wonder what Ezekiel was thinking. Did he know it would work? Did he have a moment of doubt? What must it have felt like when he obeyed and suddenly heard the rattling of bones coming together all around him? It must have been incredible. Another reason I love this passage is because it shows that God likes to use us to do His work. God could have raised those bones Himself, but He chose to involve Ezekiel. Did you know God wants to use you too? I know many of you immediately counted yourselves out when I said that. Maybe you think you're too old, too young, too shy, too busy, or not holy enough. Maybe you think you're not bold enough or not qualified enough. Those are lies from the enemy. God calls us exactly where we are. He may not be calling all of us to raise the dead or travel the world preaching the Gospel, but He does have a role for each one of us in His plan. What if we started asking God every morning: “God, what can I do for you today?” How do you think your life would change if you started each day that way? God usually doesn't begin by asking us to do huge things. He often starts with small acts of obedience. As we become faithful in the small things, He entrusts us with more. Sometimes we're afraid to ask God what He wants because we're worried He'll ask us to do something uncomfortable. The truth is, He probably will ask us to step outside our comfort zone from time to time. That's how we grow. But God also knows us better than we know ourselves. He isn't trying to set us up for failure. He loves us. And if we miss it sometimes, that's okay. We can try again next time. In our prayer group, we spend time in silence listening to the Lord. Over the years we've noticed that if someone feels prompted to share a word but is too nervous to do it, God often gives that same word to someone else. I find that comforting. It takes some of the pressure off. However, I don't think we should use that as an excuse not to step out when we feel God calling us. I was reminded of a story this weekend that illustrates this perfectly. A girl was at church camp when a pastor shared a story about his daughter. One day she felt God telling her to do a handstand next to the soda machine at a gas station. She didn't want to do it. It seemed ridiculous. But the feeling wouldn't go away. Finally, she drove to the gas station. She walked in, saw only one employee behind the counter, awkwardly waved, walked over to the soda machine, and did a handstand. As she was leaving, the employee stopped her and asked, “Why did you do that?” She replied, “I felt like God told me to do a handstand by the soda machine.” The man stared at her for a moment, pulled a gun from beneath the counter, and placed it on top. He said, “Today after work I was planning to kill myself. I prayed and asked God that if He was real, He should send a girl to do a handstand by the soda machine.” Every time I hear that story, I get emotional. She had no idea why God was asking her to do something so strange. She only knew He was asking. Sometimes God calls us to do things and we never find out why. Other times He lets us see the impact. I don't know why God doesn't always tell us the reason ahead of time. Maybe part of it is building our trust and faith. What I do know is that God wants to use you. He wants to speak to you. He wants you to be part of His plan. What if, after listening to this episode, you took a minute and asked Him: “God, how can I help You today?” Don't worry if you don't hear perfectly. None of us do. Don't worry if you don't always have the courage to do everything He asks. God doesn't stop loving you. He simply invites you to try again. Being part of God's plan isn't a burden. It's an honor. And it is an invitation He freely offers to each of us. Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening to this episode today. Lord, we love you so much, and we can't believe you invite us into your plan. Help us to say yes. Give us courage, boldness, and trust. Help us make time each day to listen for your voice. Help us ask how we can help you and then give us the grace to respond. We are so grateful for your love. We ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name, Amen. Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus.   If you've been feeling distant from God lately, but you're not sure why, I created a free quiz called "What's Quietly Blocking Your Connection With God?" In just a few minutes, you'll discover one of four common obstacles that may be affecting your relationship with God. At the end, you'll receive a personalized result, a short podcast episode, and a mentoring replay chosen specifically for your result. CLICK HERE for the quiz. I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow.  Have a blessed day! Today's Word from the Lord was received in November 2025 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, “I know your interior struggles. I know every single thought that the devil feeds you in order to make you curse yourself and burn yourself. I love you, my precious ones. Stay strong. Keep trying. Keep moving forward. I will let nothing hold you from me or your purpose. I kiss each of you.” 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

Shalom from Israel,I hope you are doing well and walking in the peace and strength of Yehovah.This week on our Zoom fellowship, I want to continue the journey we began with The Shalom of Surrender. Many believers have come to understand what it means to rest in God's presence, but the next question is just as important:How do we guard the calling and significance that flow from that relationship?The world is obsessed with success.Success is measured by achievement, recognition, growth, influence, and results.The Kingdom measures something entirely different.The Kingdom measures obedience.The Kingdom measures faithfulness.The Kingdom measures surrender.The Kingdom measures eternal impact.This week, we will be exploring a message that has challenged business leaders, ministry leaders, and believers from all walks of life:Going Beyond Success to SignificanceTogether, we will examine five subtle compromises that many believers dismiss as "no big deal," yet they quietly rob us of spiritual impact and eternal fruitfulness.We will look at:Busyness disguised as obedienceReplacing intimacy with informationComparison: the silent assignment killerSeeking approval over assignmentLiving for gratification instead of transformationThe danger is that spiritual drift rarely occurs through a single major failure. It happens one decision at a time, one compromise at a time, and one distraction at a time until we wake up and discover that something precious has been lost.The good news is that significance is not built through striving. It is built through daily obedience, daily intimacy, daily faithfulness, and daily responsiveness to the voice of Yehovah.I will also share a personal testimony from a season when the Holy Spirit instructed me not to speak publicly for eight years. Looking back, what appeared to be a season of stepping back became one of the most significant periods of growth, revelation, and intimacy with Yeshua in my life. Sometimes God's definition of significance looks very different from man's definition of success.If you have ever struggled with comparison, people-pleasing, spiritual pressure, or uncertainty about your calling, I believe this fellowship will encourage and strengthen you.Join us as we seek the heart of the Father, pray for one another, and learn what it truly means to walk in significance that impacts eternity.There is always room for you at the table.Blessings from Israel,Dr. Kenny RussellBulldozerFaith™From Israel to the Nations"Success impresses people. Significance impacts eternity. And significance is always found on the path of obedience."

Do you ever feel stuck in how to serve? Like you have the desire to make a difference but aren't sure where to start? This Sunday, we'll explore a powerful lesson from the cross, where even in His final moments, Jesus showed us how to live with purpose. Phil will give us three simple questions that can help bring direction to your life and point us to the right path. Sometimes God's greatest opportunities are closer than we think.

Through the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, we discover that God cares more about people than platforms, more about roadside encounters than revival crowds. Philip is called away from a breakthrough revival in Samaria to a desert road where he meets a wealthy, powerful official who is simultaneously religiously marginalized. This Ethiopian treasurer had spent ten months of wages on a scroll of Isaiah, desperately hungry for spiritual truth despite being excluded from full temple worship. The passage reveals three transformative principles: we hear God's voice to be sent to hear others; those who feel heard are more likely to hear what we have to say; and the heard are more likely to share what they've heard. Philip's simple obedience didn't just change one life—it launched the gospel across an entire continent, establishing what would become the 50-million-strong Ethiopian church. The message challenges us to recognize that success in God's kingdom isn't measured by crowd size but by faithful obedience to His voice, even when it makes absolutely no sense to us in the moment. Sometimes God asks us to leave the revival to reach the one person waiting on a desert road.

If you've been running on empty for months — chronic fatigue, autoimmune flares, a body that won't cooperate no matter how much you sleep — and part of you has quietly wondered whether God is doing this to you or just letting it happen, this episode is for you. We're walking through five biblical reasons God allows suffering, and what to actually do while you're still in the middle of it. Fair warning: these reasons aren't wrapped in a bow. A few of them are genuinely hard to sit with. But stay to the end, because there's real encouragement waiting there. This one is for the Christian woman who is done spinning her wheels and ready to take real steps toward healing — body and faith, together. As a Registered Nurse and holistic health coach, I bring both a clinical lens and a faith-centered one to this conversation, because holistic health was never meant to separate the two. Why God Allows Suffering: 5 Biblical Reasons 1. So God's Works Can Be Displayed — John 9 When Jesus's disciples ask who sinned to cause a man's blindness, him or his parents, Jesus answers plainly: neither. "It was not that this man sinned or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him." — John 9:3 Illness isn't always a verdict on someone's character. Sometimes it's simply the setup for what God plans to do next. If you've walked through healing, your story matters — telling it points other people back to Him. 2. Because God Works in Ways We Don't Fully Understand — Job The Book of Job is genuinely hard, and it's okay to say so. Job loses his family and his health, and when God finally speaks, He doesn't explain Himself. "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding." — Job 38:4 There's no tidy resolution here. Just a reminder that we serve a God whose understanding is bigger than ours — which means some suffering won't make sense from where we're standing, and that's allowed to be true without shaking our trust in Him. 3. Temporary Suffering Can Be Training Now, and Protection Later — Joseph, Genesis 50 Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned — roughly seventeen years between the dream God gave him and the day it came true. When his brothers later feared retaliation, Joseph told them: "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive." — Genesis 50:20 God used that season to train Joseph for the leadership he'd eventually need, and that same training is what positioned him to protect his entire family years later when famine hit. The suffering came first. The protection came after, once the training had done its work. If you're walking through chronic illness or a season of low energy right now, it's worth asking what this might be preparing you for, and who it might one day let you protect. 4. So God's Power Can Be Made Perfect in Weakness — 2 Corinthians 12 Paul asked God three times to remove his "thorn in the flesh." God didn't. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." — 2 Corinthians 12:9 Paul's conclusion was that his weakness became the very thing that made him strong. Self-sufficiency tends to pull us toward leaning on our own strength instead of God's. Sometimes the thorn stays so the credit goes to God's power, not ours. 5. So We Will Lack Nothing — James 1 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness... that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." — James 1:2-4 Nobody signs up for trials willingly. But if the process produces something in us we'd otherwise be missing, that reframes the waiting — even when it doesn't make it easy. What to Do While You're Waiting on God Faith Matters — But It's Not a Verdict on Your Healing (Luke 8) A woman who had been bleeding for twelve years touches the edge of Jesus's garment and is instantly healed. He tells her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well." Faith plays a real part in healing. But just because you haven't been healed yet doesn't mean you don't have enough faith. The man born blind in John 9 wasn't blind because of a lack of faith. Faith is a factor, but it's not the only one. There may be other things at work that have nothing to do with how much faith you have, so there's no need to carry guilt over it or pick yourself apart looking for what's missing. Obedience Is Part of the Process (2 Kings 5) Naaman was told to dip in the Jordan River seven times to be healed of leprosy — and he almost refused because it felt too simple. When he finally obeyed, he was healed. Sometimes God is asking for action alongside our faith — working with a doctor, researching natural remedies, changing a habit, simply doing the next obedient thing in front of you. Faith and action aren't in competition. And underneath it all is a quiet principle worth remembering: we reap what we sow. Good choices tend to bear good fruit, even when the harvest is slow to show up. Remembering God's Goodness in the Waiting There's a lot in Scripture that's genuinely hard to understand — Job's story, Ezekiel being told not to publicly mourn his wife, and plenty more. But understanding everything was never the requirement for trusting God's goodness. "He will never leave you nor forsake you." — Hebrews 13:5 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." — Romans 8:28 He's been proving that for thousands of years. He's still doing it now, even in the waiting. Key Takeaways Suffering is not automatically a punishment for sin or a sign of insufficient faith. Some of God's ways genuinely won't make sense from where we're standing — and that's allowed. Hard seasons can be preparation for something ahead that isn't visible yet. Faith and practical obedience — medical care, lifestyle changes, natural remedies — work together, not against each other. You're responsible for your next faithful step, not for forcing an outcome or understanding the whole plan. This episode is educational and faith-based reflection, not medical advice or a diagnosis.  Ready for Your Next Step? If you are experiencing low energy or autoimmune symptoms, I'd love to help you with your next steps. I have a few spots open for a More Energy Strategy Session, where we'll look at what's actually going on and build a clear path forward. You can book your session at herholistichealing.com/services.

Questions? Comments? Text Us!What if God is speaking, but not in the way you expected?In this episode, Jerry L. Martin reflects on how God may guide us through everyday life, through prayer, intuition, conscience, spiritual experience, and through other people.When Jerry first heard God ask him to “tell My story,” he was surprised by the idea that God could have a story at all. But as he was led through the sacred texts of the world's religions, he began to see divine reality as active, personal, many-sided, and deeply involved in human life.God's story is not only found in ancient scriptures or world religions. It continues in the lives of ordinary people.Jerry explores how to recognize divine guidance, how to listen for God's presence, and why spiritual discernment begins with paying attention. Sometimes God may speak through a friend's advice, a repeated message, a task that falls into your path, a feeling in the body, or a moment of unexpected help.For anyone who has ever felt abandoned by God, spiritually alone, or unsure how to hear God's voice, this episode offers a powerful reminder: you may not be alone. God may already be present through the people, signs, and quiet invitations around you.This From God to Jerry to You reflection explores divine signs, spiritual calling, religious experience, suffering, gratitude, and how God speaks through other people.***Continue the conversation with Ultimate Questions on calling, divine guidance, and how we recognize what is ours to do:https://substack.com/@ultimatequestions***Other Series:The podcast began with the Dramatic Adaptation of the book and now has several series:The Life Wisdom Project – Spiritual insights on living a wiser, more meaningful life.From God to Jerry to You – Divine messages and breakthroughs for seekers.Two Philosophers Wrestle With God – A dialogue on God, truth, and reason.Jerry & Abigail: An Intimate Dialogue – Love, faith, and divine presence in partnership.What's Your Spiritual Story – Real stories of people changed by encounters with God.What's On Our Mind – Reflections from Jerry and Scott on recent episodes.What's On Your Mind – Listener questions, divine answers, and open dialogue. Stay ConnectedShare: questions@godanautobiography.comUltimate Questions SubstackGet the books: God: An Autobiography, Radically PersonalShare Your Story | Site | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

If you've been hurt by someone you loved, you've probably replayed the “if onlys” and “what ifs” a thousand times. Maybe you're in a marriage without the love you long for. Maybe your marriage has already failed. Whatever your story, God is not through with you.In Scripture, we follow Leah's journey from heartbreak and unmet expectations to surrender and worship. Through her pain, God relentlessly pursued her, drawing her to lay down her dreams, hopes, and deepest desires at His feet.Sometimes God allows great pain to bring us to the place where we finally discover that He alone is enough. The key that unlocked Leah's heart was surrender to the Hound of Heaven. The result was praise—not just on her lips, but in her life.Tune in as we discover how God can transform broken dreams into unshakable praise.

We are jumping into a new series on Jonah. The book of Jonah isn't primarily about a fish--it's the story of a faithful God pursuing a wayward heart. Through Jonah, we will learn together about God's relentless mercy for everyone. Sometimes God sends storms not to punish us, but to rescue us. God's mission is to redeem, not to destroy. The story ends with a question because the story continues with us. Sermon challenge: How will you join God's heart for our city?  Passage: Jonah 4:10-11; Matthew 12:38-41 We have three worship opportunities for you to experience: 9:00 a.m. - Sanctuary Service 9:30 a.m. - Online Service 10:30 a.m. - Chapel Service  Please consider joining us for one of these services.  To view past worship services along with other digital content, go to our Youtube Channel @PointLomaChurchOnline.  To get involved in what God is doing within our community, please visit our website at www.pointlomachurch.org. For event happenings: http://pointlomachurch.org/connect/events/ To register for any event: http://pointlomachurch.org/register If you would like to give to the ministry: http://pointlomachurch.org/give/ or through our Venmo account: @Point-Loma-Church

Have you ever had a door close in your face and wondered if you missed God's will?In this encouraging message from Acts 16, we follow the Apostle Paul as he encounters a series of unexpected closed doors while trying to fulfill God's mission. What seemed like setbacks were actually divine redirections. The Holy Spirit prevented Paul from preaching in certain regions, not because God was withholding something good, but because He had something better ahead.Many of us struggle when God says "no." We assume a closed door means failure, rejection, or delay. But throughout Scripture we see that God's "no" is often His way of guiding us toward His greater purpose. A closed door may not be a dead end—it may be a redirect.This message reminds us that obedience doesn't always come with explanation. Paul continued moving forward even when he didn't fully understand God's direction. His faith wasn't rooted in knowing where he was going, but in trusting the One who was leading him. Often, the greatest seasons of sowing happen when we have the fewest answers and the greatest need for trust.As Paul remained faithful, God eventually revealed the next step through a vision of a man from Macedonia calling for help. What began as confusion became clarity. What looked like restriction became revelation.If you're facing unanswered questions, unexpected detours, or closed doors today, this message will encourage you to trust God's plan even when you can't see the full picture.Remember:• A closed door could be a redirect.• Obedience doesn't require understanding.• Clarity often comes after movement.Sometimes God says no to a place so you can sow into a person. Together, you may go farther than either of you ever could alone.God is still opening doors no one can shut and closing doors no one can open. Trust Him—His plan is greater than you think.

Have you ever had a door close in your face and wondered if you missed God's will?In this encouraging message from Acts 16, we follow the Apostle Paul as he encounters a series of unexpected closed doors while trying to fulfill God's mission. What seemed like setbacks were actually divine redirections. The Holy Spirit prevented Paul from preaching in certain regions, not because God was withholding something good, but because He had something better ahead.Many of us struggle when God says "no." We assume a closed door means failure, rejection, or delay. But throughout Scripture we see that God's "no" is often His way of guiding us toward His greater purpose. A closed door may not be a dead end—it may be a redirect.This message reminds us that obedience doesn't always come with explanation. Paul continued moving forward even when he didn't fully understand God's direction. His faith wasn't rooted in knowing where he was going, but in trusting the One who was leading him. Often, the greatest seasons of sowing happen when we have the fewest answers and the greatest need for trust.As Paul remained faithful, God eventually revealed the next step through a vision of a man from Macedonia calling for help. What began as confusion became clarity. What looked like restriction became revelation.If you're facing unanswered questions, unexpected detours, or closed doors today, this message will encourage you to trust God's plan even when you can't see the full picture.Remember:• A closed door could be a redirect.• Obedience doesn't require understanding.• Clarity often comes after movement.Sometimes God says no to a place so you can sow into a person. Together, you may go farther than either of you ever could alone.God is still opening doors no one can shut and closing doors no one can open. Trust Him—His plan is greater than you think.

Change is rarely comfortable, but it is often the pathway God uses to grow us. Many of us want God to change our circumstances while resisting the changes He wants to make within us. Yet God is more concerned with who we are becoming than with our temporary comfort.Throughout Scripture, God transformed ordinary people through seasons of change. Abraham and Sarah waited for a promise. Joseph endured betrayal and imprisonment. Peter failed publicly before becoming a bold leader. In each case, God used challenges and uncertainty to shape character and prepare them for His purpose.The same is true for us. Sometimes God calls us to make changes that are within our control—changing our attitudes, forgiving someone, developing better habits, or taking a step of obedience. Other times, we face situations that only God can change. In both cases, our responsibility is to trust Him and remain firmly planted on the solid foundation of Christ.Today, instead of asking, "God, why am I going through this?" try asking, "God, what are You teaching me through this?" You may discover that the change you're experiencing is preparing you for the next level of God's purpose for your life.

Sometimes God asks us to leave behind everything familiar so He can lead us into the purpose we were truly created for.Comfort.Security.Plans.Even the life we thought we wanted.In this powerful and inspiring conversation, John Martin sits down with Felix Amwayi to share a testimony of radical surrender, bold faith, and living fully for the Kingdom of God.Originally from Kenya, Felix had what many people would consider a dream life. He held a respected government job, had financial stability, and was building a secure future. But in the middle of that success, God began speaking to his heart with an unexpected call:“Go to America.”At first, Felix resisted. In fact, he didn't even want to come to America. The culture felt unfamiliar, distant, and uncomfortable to him. But God continued to pursue his heart and eventually gave him a powerful dream that changed everything.In the dream, Felix saw a woman preparing to take her own life. As he pleaded with her not to do it, he suddenly heard himself say:“I'm going to resign my job tomorrow.”The moment he surrendered, the woman lowered the gun.When Felix woke up, he knew God was calling him to obey.Leaving behind security, career stability, finances, and everything familiar, Felix stepped out in faith and moved to Florida to attend Bible school—even though he knew almost no one there.What followed became a testimony of God's faithfulness.Felix shares how the Lord provided for him step by step: from housing, friendships, financial provision, and divine connections, to completely transforming his perspective on purpose and evangelism.While attending Bible school, Felix realized something that changed his life forever:We were not created to live for ourselves—we were created to make Jesus known.Since then, he has devoted his life to boldly sharing the Gospel everywhere he goes:On airplanes.In airports.On beaches.In businesses.On the streets.With strangers.With anyone willing to listen.Felix passionately explains that many people are simply waiting for someone to notice them, pray for them, and remind them that God loves them. He believes too many believers stay silent because of fear, insecurity, or distraction—while countless people around them are desperate for hope.One of the most powerful themes in this conversation is surrender.Felix reminds listeners that true purpose begins when we stop living only for ourselves and start living for what matters eternally. He challenges believers to stop allowing distractions, comfort, and fear to keep them from fulfilling the purpose God created them for.This conversation is filled with encouragement for anyone wrestling with obedience, fear, uncertainty, or purpose:God can be trusted.Obedience opens doors.And surrender leads to transformation.Felix encourages listeners to:Spend daily time with God in His Word.Get connected to a Christ-centered church.Surround themselves with healthy Christian community.And boldly share the love of Jesus wherever they go.You were created for more than survival.You were created for purpose.And your obedience may change someone else's eternity.What's one thing God may be asking you to surrender so you can fully walk in His purpose for your life?For more information contact us atrtrdestiny@gmail.com

God puts a calling on the life of all of His children… Life is way better when we follow His calling. Sometimes God directs us to a change of course. Whatever direction God sends us in life, we can rest assured that He is always preparing us for the future plans He has for us. There's an old saying that goes, "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it." On today's program we will hear from someone that has spent nearly half his life living out his calling as the host of a hunting show on national TV.  We will hear of his calling, his struggles and how God continues to use him in a very unique ministry.

Pastor Lonnie's sermon celebrates God's faithfulness throughout the church's life and history. It looks back to the early days, when the church was new, had no permanent home, and was unsure whether the city would approve land for church use. The sermon connects this story to biblical examples of people who faced situations too big for them, including Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Mary, and the early church. In each case, God demonstrated divine power when people trusted God. The message makes clear that believing in a big God does not mean life will be easy or that every answer will come quickly. Sometimes God works slowly, and sometimes the miracle is the endurance God provides along the way. The heart of the sermon is the reminder that God is still big. The same God who provided in the past still leads the church today. An anniversary is not only a time to remember what God has done but also to ask what God wants to do next. The sermon calls the congregation to honor the faith and sacrifice of those who came before by becoming a dedicated, praying, generous, and courageous church for the future.

Today we are continuing in Philippians chapter 2, lookingspecifically at verses 26–27. We are talking about Epaphroditus, a wonderfulservant of God from Philippi who was in Rome ministering to the Apostle Paul.We are going to find in this passage that he became very sick and almost died. Whenwe think about Epaphroditus, we are reminded of the four illustrations Paulgives us in Philippians 2 about being a servant, being a surrendered person,and having a submissive mind—the mind of Christ. Iam amazed at the many times in the book of Acts that Jesus is called God'sServant, the Servant of God. As you look through Scripture and history, you seemen like Moses. When Moses died, God referred to him in Joshua 1 as “Moses Myservant.” Then, at the end of the book of Joshua, when Joshua died, Godreferred to him as His servant, Joshua. Oh, my friend, great men and women ofGod are people who make themselves servants of God and serve Him by servingothers. Itis also what the Apostle Paul did. That is what Timothy did. And now we see itin the life of Epaphroditus as we read verses 26 and 27: “Since he waslonging for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and notonly on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.” Thinkabout this for a moment. Epaphroditus was the one who was sick. In fact, henearly died. Yet he was not primarily concerned about himself. He was concernedthat the Philippians were worried about him. What an incredible spirit! Most ofus naturally focus on ourselves when we are hurting, suffering, or sick. We areoften not thinking about what others might be going through because of ourillness. But Epaphroditus was different. His concern remained fixed on others. Thisreminds us of Jesus in Gethsemane. Even while facing the cross, Jesus thoughtabout His disciples. Even while dying on Calvary, He thought about His mother. Asa matter of fact, the word translated “distressed” in verse 26 is verysignificant. Some translations render it “full of heaviness.” This isthe exact same Greek word used to describe Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane inMatthew 26:37: “…He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed His spiritwas exceedingly heavy.” The burden was so great that Jesus sweat greatdrops of blood..Oh,my friend, we see something of that same spirit in Epaphroditus. Even in hissickness, even when he was near death, his heart was burdened for the believersback in Philippi. He worried because they were worrying about him. But then weread these wonderful words: “God had mercy on him.” God had mercy onEpaphroditus. Whata reminder that we are in God's hands. Even in suffering and sickness, God issovereign over our health. Notice that the passage does not say Paul healedhim. Paul had been used by God to perform miracles. There were times when evenhandkerchiefs associated with Paul were used by God to bring healing. Yet thatis not what happened here. The Scripture simply says, “God had mercy onhim.” Godis sovereign over our health. God is sovereign over our circumstances. God issovereign over our future. Sometimes God heals. Sometimes He sustains us in themidst of our sickness. But God is always faithful. He will never allow us tosuffer beyond His purposes for our lives, and He will always provide the gracewe need for every trial. Today,perhaps you are carrying a burden. Maybe you are facing an illness. Maybe youhave come to a place of discouragement in your life. I want you to know thatjust as God had mercy on Epaphroditus, God has not forgotten you. He knows yourneed today. He knows your suffering. And even in the midst of your suffering,God can still use you to encourage others through your service. What awonderful blessing to know that God has a perfect plan, even in the midst ofsickness and hardship.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If we don't recognize Jesus as Lord, we will end up fighting against him. If he is not Lord of all, he is not Lord at all. We can't follow him half-heartedly. Jesus' defeat of death proved he is Lord of all. We must come to believe it. Sometimes God lets our needs draw us to need him enough to believe him. When we join him and choose to fall under his authority, we get his authority to build his kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

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

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