Podcasts about sovereign lord

Psalm 711 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;    let me never be put to shame.2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;    turn your ear to me and save me.3 Be my rock of refuge,    to which I can always go;give the command to save me,    for you are my rock and my fortress.4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,    from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord,    my confidence since my youth.6 From birth I have relied on you;    you brought me forth from my mother's womb.    I will ever praise you.7 I have become a sign to many;    you are my strong refuge.8 My mouth is filled with your praise,    declaring your splendor all day long.9 Do not cast me away when I am old;    do not forsake me when my strength is gone.10 For my enemies speak against me;    those who wait to kill me conspire together.11 They say, “God has forsaken him;    pursue him and seize him,    for no one will rescue him.”12 Do not be far from me, my God;    come quickly, God, to help me.13 May my accusers perish in shame;    may those who want to harm me    be covered with scorn and disgrace.14 As for me, I will always have hope;    I will praise you more and more.15 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,    of your saving acts all day long—    though I know not how to relate them all.16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord;    I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,    and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.18 Even when I am old and gray,    do not forsake me, my God,till I declare your power to the next generation,    your mighty acts to all who are to come.19 Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens,    you who have done great things.    Who is like you, God?20 Though you have made me see troubles,    many and bitter,    you will restore my life again;from the depths of the earth    you will again bring me up.21 You will increase my honor    and comfort me once more.22 I will praise you with the harp    for your faithfulness, my God;I will sing praise to you with the lyre,    Holy One of Israel.23 My lips will shout for joy    when I sing praise to you—    I whom you have delivered.24 My tongue will tell of your righteous acts    all day long,for those who wanted to harm me    have been put to shame and confusion.

"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights." Habakkuk 3:17-19 NLTTake time to reflect on this year, and identify areas where you could rejoice more in God and rely more on His strength— no matter what 2026 holds.

On this Christmas Eve, I want to share with you one of my favorite Christmas scripture passages. Perhaps you can share it around your table tomorrow. In the Gospel of Luke, we are told that eight days after his birth, Jesus was brought by Mary and Joseph to Jerusalem to be circumcised. While there, they took Jesus into the temple where an upright man by the name of Simeon took the infant in his arms. God had promised Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Christ with his own eyes. As he looks upon the Messiah, Simeon says, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” I can only imagine the joy that Simeon felt. This Christmas, our desire for you and your family is that you will all rejoice with great satisfaction in the coming of your Savior. 

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --How did so many miss on the miracle of the messiah in the manger, and do we miss the miracle too? At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. Luke 2:25-31 NLTRighteous devotion is the heart posture and perspective necessary to recognize God's promised provision.You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life. John 5:39 NLT The surrendered heart, fine tuned by God's word, will always see what the head alone is likely to miss.Eagerly waitingPreconceived notions often keep us from noticing God's miraculous favor as it play out in our lives.Anna, a prophetess, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38 NLT You are less likely to miss a miracle if you hang out with people who also have a persistent faith.Then Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up. “There's a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?” John 6:8-9 NLT Andrew recognized a miracle was possible because he had His eyes firmly fixed on the Messiah.The God gift to see the miracle before it has fully manifested is a powerful gift. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” Luke 2:32 NLTThe greatest miracle from the story of Simeon and Anna is that they didn't miss on the presence of Jesus,-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --How did so many miss on the miracle of the messiah in the manger, and do we miss the miracle too? At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. Luke 2:25-31 NLTRighteous devotion is the heart posture and perspective necessary to recognize God's promised provision.You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life. John 5:39 NLT The surrendered heart, fine tuned by God's word, will always see what the head alone is likely to miss.Eagerly waitingPreconceived notions often keep us from noticing God's miraculous favor as it play out in our lives.Anna, a prophetess, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38 NLT You are less likely to miss a miracle if you hang out with people who also have a persistent faith.Then Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up. “There's a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?” John 6:8-9 NLT Andrew recognized a miracle was possible because he had His eyes firmly fixed on the Messiah.The God gift to see the miracle before it has fully manifested is a powerful gift. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” Luke 2:32 NLTThe greatest miracle from the story of Simeon and Anna is that they didn't miss on the presence of Jesus,-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

Every superhero has a _________. [Judges 13:5] You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and his hair must never be cut. For he will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. He will begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines.” You don't need to _________ strong to _________ strong. [Judges 15:16] NIV Then Samson said, "With a donkey's jawbone I have made donkeys of them. With a donkey's jawbone I have killed a thousand men." Every strong person has a _________. [Judges 16:15-17] Then Delilah pouted, “How can you tell me, ‘I love you,' when you don't share your secrets with me? You've made fun of me three times now, and you still haven't told me what makes you so strong!” [16] She tormented him with her nagging day after day until he was sick to death of it. [17] Finally, Samson shared his secret with her. “My hair has never been cut,” he confessed, “for I was dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as anyone else.” Samson was strong _________ but weak _________. [Judges 16:20-21] Then she cried out, “Samson! The Philistines have come to capture you!” When he woke up, he thought, “I will do as before and shake myself free.” But he didn't realize the Lord had left him. [21] So the Philistines captured him and gouged out his eyes. They took him to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze chains and forced to grind grain in the prison. Disobedience to God will result in losing your _________. Those things that _________ us can eventually _________ us. [Judges 16:22] But before long, his hair began to grow back. God can restore what was _________. [Judges 16:28] Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me just one more time. With one blow let me pay back the Philistines for the loss of my two eyes.” Never underestimate the _________ on the inside!

Isaiah 61:10-1110 I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God.For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow,so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.

We continue our progress through the book of Romans in Chapter 9, verses 14-18. Paul continues his explanation of how God worked in history to bring about His purpose through the Jewish people. He takes head on the questions we might be asking. God seems to be playing favorites in a completely arbitrary manner. How is this right? The answer is simply that He is God and He does as He pleases. As we study passages like this one, it is helpful to remember the other things we know about God. As the creator of everything that is, he defines what is good and what is just. He cannot lie, so we know that He will keep His word. Theologians will argue over free will until He returns and sets us all straight, but all we need to know is that "if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)

Isaiah 61:1,3The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent meto comfort all who mourn,3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

Good News of Great Joy Culture of Gospel Share this with someone in your life who doesn't know Jesus  Christmas announces that God didn't step into the world to shame us or control us, but to rescue us from what's destroying us, heal what's broken inside us, and give us the life we've been longing for. If that kind of hope exists, it's worth taking a serious look at Jesus. Sermon Summary Introduction: The Eucatastrophe of Christmas Coleton begins with the angelic announcement in Luke 2:8–11, where shepherds—ordinary, overlooked people—are met by the glory of God in the middle of the night. “There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby… An angel of the Lord appeared to them… ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'” (Luke 2:8–11) Coleton introduces the idea of eucatastrophe, a term coined by J.R.R. Tolkien, meaning “an unexpected breaking in of goodness that changes everything.” A catastrophe is an unexpected disaster that alters life for the worse; a eucatastrophe is the opposite—unexpected goodness that permanently alters reality for the better. That, Coleton says, is exactly what the angels are announcing. Christmas is not sentimental nostalgia—it is the declaration that something has happened that changes everything. And the angel insists this news is meant to produce great joy. Coleton then asks the central question of the message:  Why should the birth of Jesus cause great joy? He gives three reasons. 1. Jesus Came to Rescue Us from Sin “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you.” (Luke 2:11) The first word the angel uses to describe Jesus is Savior. Coleton emphasizes that this is not accidental—this is the core announcement of Christmas: a rescuer has come to you. Matthew clarifies what kind of rescue Jesus brings: “He will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) Coleton explains that many in Israel expected a rescuer from Roman oppression, but God identified a deeper enemy. From God's perspective, sin is a greater threat than any external circumstance. Sin is not just rule-breaking; it is a destructive power that poisons life from the inside out. Scripture says: “The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23) Sin always pays out in destruction—relationally, emotionally, spiritually. Coleton illustrates this with a personal story from a home renovation: exposed live wires in the wall when his son Teddy was three years old. He wanted Teddy to obey him—but not simply because “I said so.” The deeper reason was that touching the wire would cause serious harm or even death. In the same way, God's commands are not arbitrary. Sin is dangerous. God forbids it because it kills us. The problem is not just that sin is harmful—it's that we are drawn to it. Coleton traces this reality through Scripture: Adam and Eve fixated on the one forbidden tree. Genesis 6:5 describes humanity's hearts as bent toward evil. Romans 7 shows Paul describing sin like an addiction he wants to resist but can't. “Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?” (Romans 7:24) Coleton names experiences we all recognize: Wanting to stop being angry but feeling trapped Wanting to forgive but being unable Wanting to stop fearing, lusting, worrying, or discontentment He quotes John Piper: “Sin is the suicidal abandonment of joy.” This is why Christmas is good news: Jesus has come to rescue us from the addictive desire to do what destroys us. Paul answers his own question: “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25) Through the cross, sin's power is broken. “Our old self was crucified with him… that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” (Romans 6:6) Coleton quotes Jackie Hill Perry: “When Jesus died and rose, He gave you power to defeat sin… You are not a slave. You are free. You just have to believe that and walk in it.”  — Jackie Hill Perry, Gay Girl, Good God Jesus doesn't just forgive sin—He breaks its authority and reshapes our desires. 2. Jesus Came to Give Us an Abundant Kind of Life The angel also calls Jesus the Messiah—His job reminder, not just His title. Coleton walks through Isaiah 61, the Messiah's job description: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me… to proclaim good news to the poor… bind up the brokenhearted… proclaim freedom for the captives… bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes…” (Isaiah 61:1–3) This describes a life transformed—not patched up, but renewed. Jesus explicitly claims this mission in Luke 4, declaring that Isaiah's prophecy is fulfilled in Him. Coleton shows how Jesus lived this out: The paralytic who believed nothing could change Jairus' daughter, declared hopeless and dead The woman with the issue of blood Lepers, demoniacs, the blind, the broken Every encounter demonstrates the same truth: when people come to Jesus, His job description becomes their lived experience. Coleton makes a bold claim:  If this kind of transformation has never begun in someone's life, they may know about Jesus without truly knowing Him. He shares his own story—how his life changed dramatically after coming to faith. His friends loved the change but resisted the source. They wanted transformation without surrender. He quotes A.W. Tozer: “We treat Jesus the way Saul treated David. We want him to fight our battles for us… but we don't want him to be our king.” Coleton explains that who you believe your Messiah is will shape your life. If the world is your messiah, the world will form you—and it is broken. If Jesus is your Messiah, He will form you into His image—and He is full of life. Jesus doesn't offer occasional help; He offers fullness of life under His leadership. 3. Jesus Came to Remove Our Shame The angel calls Jesus Lord—God Himself with us. Coleton defines shame: “Shame is not guilt. Guilt is ‘I did something wrong.' Shame is ‘there is something wrong with me.'”  — Jon Tyson & Jeff Bethke, Fighting Shadows In Genesis, Moses repeatedly says Adam and Eve were “naked and unashamed.” Their identity, value, and security came from God's presence. Coleton quotes Donald Miller: “All of the glory, all of the security, all of the value that came from God was gone… and for the first time ever, they were pining for something to tell them they were okay.” That's when they hid. God's question—“Who told you that you were naked?” (Genesis 3:11)—reveals the source: shame. Coleton shows how humanity has been trying to silence shame ever since: Relationships Success Approval Humor Anger Perfectionism Underperforming Substances Money, appearance, status All of it is an attempt to quiet the whisper: something is wrong with me. Christmas declares something different: Immanuel—God with us.  Through Jesus, we are welcomed back into God's presence. “Come to me… and I will give you rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28) Coleton ends by pointing to the cross: Jesus chose not to save Himself to save us He was broken so we could be made whole He was crucified naked and shamed to carry the shame of the garden—and remove ours Jesus is the ultimate eucatastrophe—the unexpected goodness that changes everything. Questions for Reflection Which of the three reasons—rescue from sin, abundant life, or removal of shame—do you most need to experience right now, and why? In what ways do you see sin acting more like an addiction than just bad behavior in your own life? Where are you tempted to want the benefits of Jesus without surrendering to Him as King? What are some ways you've tried to silence shame apart from God's presence? How have those strategies fallen short? What would it look like practically this week to trust Jesus to fulfill His “job description” in your life?

Isaiah 61:1-2The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the blind,2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God,

Today's message looks at the words of John the Baptist from Matthew 11:2-3, "When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?'" John although a deep believer came to a point where he had his doubts. Such big doubts that he had his own disciples travel 100 miles to ask Jesus that question. Matthew 11:4-5 "Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor."  These are words from the Old Testament's prophecies, Jesus quoted from Isaiah 35:5-6 "Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy."  And Isaiah 61:1 "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor." Jesus quoted these verses about the prophecies of the Messiah to show that He was the Messiah, that He and the prophecies were one. John's disciples are still listening as Jesus goes on and says in Matthew 11:11-15 "Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist...For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Whoever has ears, let them hear." Again, these words are quotes from Old Testament Scriptures found in Malachi 3:1, Malachi 4:45-6 and Isaiah 40:3 that tell about the one who will prepare the way for the coming Messiah.  These are words about John the Baptist. The Controversy: What kind of Messiah?      ⁃    Will he be prophetic, priestly or kingly?      ⁃    Will he be a Messiah of mercy or judgment?     ⁃    Would he suffer or reign?     ⁃    Will there be 2 Messiahs who come once or 1 Messiah who comes twice? The Biblical Evidence for Messiah:     ⁃    Birthplace Micah 5:2     ⁃    Lineage Isaiah 11:1      ⁃    Miracles Deuteronomy 18:15      ⁃    Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11     ⁃    Resurrection Isaiah 53:11 We close with Pastor's heartfelt encouragement to let the word of God speak to our hearts, to search the scriptures and find what Jesus the Messiah has to say to us. No matter who you are, think about this: If Jesus really is who He claimed to be, there is nothing more important than knowing Him and being known by Him. Jesus is different than what we expected…. But He is exactly what the Bible predicted! If God loved us so much He was willing to take on human flesh and fulfill everything spoken beforehand by the prophets, lay down His life on a cross, rise from the grave and announce forgiveness to all who believe, who would reject such an offer?  It's true He was different than what was expected, but He is exactly what was predicted and He's coming back!  Therefore, we need to know Him and be known by Him.   Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

When we see Jesus as He really is, the Sovereign Lord of creation changes everything about our lives. There is no part of life that He is not sovereign over.

Dry Bones Coming Alive Through The Word Of The Lord And The Power Of The Holy Spirit Ezekiel 37:3-5 3He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” 4Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath a enter you, and you will come to life.

Rev. Dr. Jeremy Vaccaro | Modern Service | Isaiah 7:1-171When Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, King Rezin of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel marched up to fight against Jerusalem, but they could not overpower it.2 Now the house of David was told, “Aram has allied itself with Ephraim”; so the hearts of Ahaz and his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind.3 Then the Lord said to Isaiah, “Go out, you and your son Shear-Jashub, to meet Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, on the road to the Launderer's Field. 4 Say to him, ‘Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood—because of the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah. 5 Aram, Ephraim and Remaliah's son have plotted your ruin, saying, 6 “Let us invade Judah; let us tear it apart and divide it among ourselves, and make the son of Tabeel king over it.” 7 Yet this is what the Sovereign Lord says:“‘It will not take place,    it will not happen,8 for the head of Aram is Damascus,    and the head of Damascus is only Rezin.Within sixty-five years    Ephraim will be too shattered to be a people.9 The head of Ephraim is Samaria,    and the head of Samaria is only Remaliah's son.If you do not stand firm in your faith,    you will not stand at all.'”10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, 11 “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.”13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. 15 He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, 16 for before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste. 17 The Lord will bring on you and on your people and on the house of your father a time unlike any since Ephraim broke away from Judah—he will bring the king of Assyria.”

Have you ever begged God for something that mattered more than anything — and He didn't come through the way you hoped? That very thing happened to the great King David. After years of conquest, Israel was now unified and at peace. But, Israel was still worshiping Yahweh at a tent—the Tabernacle that had made the trek through the wilderness with God's people. Nestled in his cedar-lined palace, David—the man after God's own heart—began to dream. “The Lord has been so good to me, and He is such a great God. It isn't right that I should live in such splendor and luxury while God's presence is still relegated to a tent. God deserves better. I want to build Him a glorious temple!” Nathan, the prophet, heard David's dreams and could see that the king's motives were pure and his dreams noble. So, he immediately told David, “Sounds like a great idea. Go for it!” But what was God's response to David's dream? In a word, His answer was…no. He affirmed David for his desire to honor Him, but he would not be the one to build God a temple. God had a better plan in mind. And that leads us to our four main points: 1.    It's not wrong to dream great dreams and pray great prayers. 2.    Sometimes, though the dream is noble, it's not God's plan.3.    When God says “No” to our dreams, it's because He has better ones in mind.4.    When disappointed with God, the best response is thoughtful reflection and humble submission. How did David respond to God's “no”? The Bible says he “sat before the Lord and said, ‘Who am I, Sovereign Lord…” He paused to reflect on all the dreams that were fulfilled, the times God had answered prayer. And then he humbly submitted his dreams to the sovereignty of God. God's ways are not our ways. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. When faced with the mystery of unanswered prayer, may we, like David, trust in the Sovereign Lord who is strong and loving and does all things well.   Text: 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17Originally recorded on September 12, 2004, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

Luke 2:25-32Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,    you may now dismiss your servant in peace.For my eyes have seen your salvation,    which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles,    and the glory of your people Israel.”

Isaiah 7:1-17 When Ahaz, son of Jotham and grandson of Uzziah, was king of Judah, King Rezin of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah, the king of Israel, set out to attack Jerusalem. However, they were unable to carry out their plan.2 The news had come to the royal court of Judah: “Syria is allied with Israel against us!” So the hearts of the king and his people trembled with fear, like trees shaking in a storm.3 Then the Lord said to Isaiah, “Take your son Shear-jashub and go out to meet King Ahaz. You will find him at the end of the aqueduct that feeds water into the upper pool, near the road leading to the field where cloth is washed. 4 Tell him to stop worrying. Tell him he doesn't need to fear the fierce anger of those two burned-out embers, King Rezin of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah. 5 Yes, the kings of Syria and Israel are plotting against him, saying, 6 ‘We will attack Judah and capture it for ourselves. Then we will install the son of Tabeel as Judah's king.' 7 But this is what the Sovereign Lord says:“This invasion will never happen; it will never take place; 8 for Syria is no stronger than its capital, Damascus, and Damascus is no stronger than its king, Rezin. As for Israel, within sixty-five years it will be crushed and completely destroyed. 9 Israel is no stronger than its capital, Samaria, and Samaria is no stronger than its king, Pekah son of Remaliah. Unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm.”The Sign of Immanuel 10 Later, the Lord sent this message to King Ahaz: 11 “Ask the Lord your God for a sign of confirmation, Ahaz. Make it as difficult as you want—as high as heaven or as deep as the place of the dead.”12 But the king refused. “No,” he said, “I will not test the Lord like that.”13 Then Isaiah said, “Listen well, you royal family of David! Isn't it enough to exhaust human patience? Must you exhaust the patience of my God as well? 14 All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us'). 15 By the time this child is old enough to choose what is right and reject what is wrong, he will be eating yogurt and honey. 16 For before the child is that old, the lands of the two kings you fear so much will both be deserted.17 “Then the Lord will bring things on you, your nation, and your family unlike anything since Israel broke away from Judah. He will bring the king of Assyria upon you!”Matthew 1:18-25 18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord's message through his prophet:23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.'”24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

The Thrill of Hope - Week 2December 07, 2025Introduction: Pastor Dave BrownTeacher: Glen PetersonThe Story we live in..... is the Story we live out. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace…” Isaiah 9:2-6 (niv)The Kingdom of God-Life in God's presence and God's power-has now become available to ordinary people like you and me.Its right here, right now.“Son of man, can these dry bones live?” “Sovereign Lord, you alone know."“Non-discipleship costs abiding peace, a life penetrated throughout by love, faith that sees everything in the light of God's overriding governance for good, hopefulness that stands firm in the most discouraging of circumstances, power to do what is right and withstand the forces of evil. In short, it costs exactly that abundance of life Jesus said he came to bring (John 10:10).” Dallas Willard

Job makes his plea before God in chapter 10. He loathed his life and requests his death. He says, since You, God, have made me You are responsible for my sufferings. It is true that Job's sufferings were allowed by his Maker (42verses11), and it was for a purpose - James 5verses10-11 - but it was wrong for the patriarch (Job) to challenge the Almighty in this regard. Nonetheless Job acknowledged the chasm between mortal man and his Maker. He protests his innocence and says he ought not therefore suffer. Here is the crux of the book - suffering is not only for sin (it is the rightful human condition, as we are inevitable and constant sinners, who need God's mercy, grace and forgiveness). Through sufferings we may learn patience and develop character. With poetic words Job tells of the LORD's creative hand. Sovereign Lord you seem, he says, to be relentless in Your pursuit of me. "Why?", he asks. Please end my life and suffering he asks.   In his 6th chapter the prophet Micah, speaking on the LORD's behalf, condemns the nation. God asks, is there a reason My people have turned from Me. What have I done to cause this. The reality was the very reverse. He had so often pardoned them though they spurned Him in response. Think how great was His love and forgiveness why they grievously transgressed at Baal Peor in Numbers 24-25. God's righteousness is inextricably associated with His mercy, grace and forgiveness. From verses 6-8 is the crux of what God asks of us in response to His pardon. The Law of Moses similarly summarised what God requires from His people in Deuteronomy 10verses12-13. It is not the sacrifice of offering that establishes a relationship with our Maker, but rather a humble recognition of what He has done for us. A humbling of ourselves to walk with the One whose condescension to be our God is beyond our capacity to comprehend (Isaiah 57verses15). Read verse 8 aloud - pause and ponder. Verses 9-16 tell of God's determination to destroy the wicked. This is the character and ways of our God (see Exodus 34verses5-7; and Romans 11verses22-23). James 2 was a hotly debated chapter at the time of the Reformation. Martin Luther totally misunderstood the message of James 2 and declared the letter of James to be, "A straw letter". The atonement is not based on faith alone; but upon a faith that actively works, being energised by love to purify our hearts (Galatians 5verses1-6). Paul and James do not present conflicting arguments, but they are in fact complementary - John Thomas, a Christadelphian writer wrote in 'Elpis Israel' (published in 1850), "Abraham the sinner was justified by faith, but Abraham the saint was justified by his works". Ephesians 2verses4-10 express the truth that works are the response in gratitude to God's grace of His children. Verses 1-13 of James 2 deal with the sin of partiality. This is a sin to which we are all prone. We are all equal in God's eyes. James says the prominent, the posers, the powerful are shown preference. How evil is this. The Bible stresses the need to look after the poor and the vulnerable. Chapter 1 ended on this note. How magnificent and majestic are the words of verse 5 - read slowly, pause and ponder. We must modify our attitudes and behaviours to be the children of our Father. James declared that the very ones to whom you are partial are your persecutors and oppressors. God's royal law is the law of Love. It is Royal as it reigns supreme above all other laws. It cannot be measured, nor legislated. And yet it will be the basis of our being judged by our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming - compare Romans 13verses8-10. Mercy is received when mercy is the basis of our dealings with others. From verses 14-26 the writer establishes from the Scripture the uselessness of a faith without works. He gave the example of sensitivity to spiritual needs, yet totally insensitivity to life's essentials - how incongruous, and yet this often happens. Faith cannot be demonstrated in a vacuum. Even demented people can show a fearful, but pointless faith (belief). The evidence of faith is seen in action (the writer to the Hebrews showed this in the 11th chapter). Abraham and Rahab are the evidence of James' argument. Faith without works is as useful as a corpse without breath. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

'After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. ” But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord , what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” ' Genesis 15:1-2

1- The fitting character of His wrath 2- The faithful confession in His wrath

Guest preacher, Dr. Jeff Gaskins reminded us from Haggai 2:20-23 that because the Sovereign Lord will prevail in His eternal plan, His servants should be encouraged to trust Him and do His will even when the circumstances are difficult.

In this episode, Artist Mindi Oaten shares about her collection,” Garments of Praise: Mantled to Reign.” The collection draws its inspiration from the rainbow and Mindi shares the heart behind it all at a prior Entourage Ministries event. This collection expresses a bright, new season for the bride of Christ; to come up higher, to shine and reflect God's glory, in the midst of darkness. To rule and reign with Him. To throw off the grave clothes and be mantled with the garment of praise, fully embracing our purpose and new assignments on the earth. Declaring heavens glorious colors in unity, like a rainbow after a storm. Making herself ready.... Isaiah 61:1-3 1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise..." To view the collection online, purchase art, or book Mindi for ministry, visit: www.mindioatenart.com

Episode Summary: If you have ever been in a place where you just feel like you've hit rock bottom, I’m glad you’re here. Last week we talked to Julie Seals who was born with Spina Bifida, had her leg amputated, lost her father, became addicted to drugs, lost custody of her son, and ended up in Federal Prison for trafficking illegal drugs. But God was not done with Julie! This episode is part 2 of Julie’s story, and I promise you will be encouraged that God can turn your biggest messes into something beautiful! Quotables from the episode: I was sitting in prison sitting on the metal bunk bed and crying and I forgot that the night before I crossed the border I had cried out to God and said, "I'm done. I need you, come into my life and change everything." And all I was looking at were my current circumstances. And in comes this group of women doing prison ministry. And one of them looked at me crying on my bunk and she marched over and sat down on my bunk. And she said, "Did you know that Jesus loves you very much. And I said, "Not me!" And I'm crying. And she kept insisting that no matter what I did, no matter what had happened, that Jesus Christ loved me and that if I would repent of my sin and turn towards him and ask him to be my Lord and Savior, he would make me a brand new person. I felt hope rise in my heart as this woman was speaking. And that evening, as all the other inmates were off eating dinner, I stayed behind at my prison bunk and I got down on my knees on that cold hard cement prison floor and I was weeping and I asked Jesus Christ to become my lord and my savior and forgive me or everything I had done wrong, and I felt freedom. I literally, I felt chains, invisible chains break off my chest and tears of repentance turned into tears of freedom and joy. I thought I was going to do life in prison when I got up from that prayer but all of a sudden, I had this realization that I was a free woman on the inside and I had joy real joy for the first time in my life. All of a sudden, I had the Holy Spirit living in me and the joy of the Lord and the Holy Spirit was now going to take me through the challenging journey of dealing with my past and realizing oops, I made a whole bunch of mistakes that got me here. So now we move forward in strength and in power and in victory with hope. I read the Word every day, and I spoke the Word out loud every day over my life and circumstances. And as I did, my faith in God’s Word became unshakeable. The One who rescued me from addiction and darkness saw my great grief. And He loved me so much that when I was cut off from society, living in a razor-wire-enclosed cage, He gave me what can only be described as a miraculous message. Other inmates began to notice that one-legged lady who passionately loved Jesus was working hard to keep her heart pure. Those inmates came to me and started asking me about this Jesus that I loved so much. They were noticing that I was a new person, and even in federal prison, facing a life sentence, I had crazy, ridiculous joy. I smiled constantly. I laughed often. The joy on the inside of me was so infectious that everyone around me wanted some of it. I was hurting. My mom was gone. She was dead, I was like just desperate, broken, I didn't think anybody, there was nobody for me there. And as I looked at that computer screen, I didn't see a patent because on that computer screen were written different scriptures from the Psalms and encouraging things that talk about how God heals the brokenhearted. He binds up their wounds. He sees us. He saves our tears. I started screaming for the other ladies, the other inmates. I'm like, God's talking to me on my computer! I read this love letter from God, who saw me in this 40 acre cage prison and came to me in my moment of desperation to let me know he saw me. He loved me and he was right there beside me in my most broken place. It was God himself speaking to me, one little one-legged, ex -addict federal inmate inside of a federal prison locked away from society. That God who rescued me, gave me joy and saved my soul came to me in that dark moment to tell me and remind me that he loved me and that there was still hope for my future. At a time where you felt lost and unseen, you no longer had your mother or your father or anyone else around you. Right. God made sure that you knew that he saw you and he was with you. Friends, if that is not an encouragement to you, Julie has been sharing how the seemingly impossible happened time after time after time again, but her heart was surrendered. One of the things that drew me to you and your story is your perspective. You wrote in the book, life is so good. Now friends, what I want you to know is this was her perspective sitting in federal prison. “Life is so good. I had a great job. I had a new leg. I was clean and sober and healthy. For the first time in 17 years, it mattered not to me that I was on the wrong side of the razor wire fence. I was sober, happy, and even in prison, I was free." That's an incredible statement, that you could find freedom within the razor walls of prison. Forgiveness is like a chain around our neck or unforgiveness is and if we are able to let go and especially towards our self. You know, I had so much shame, I had so much guilt and at times it was tormenting and in those moments what I learned is that I needed to stop looking inward at myself and at what I had done. I had to stop looking in the rearview mirror at my past and simply look up to the Savior who forgave it all and washed me clean. I made up my mind I was going to replace my old stinking thinking with God's thinking and I was in my Bible probably up to five hours a day. It was like Jesus boot camp…I would get index cards and I would write the scripture on an index card and I was on the bottom metal bunk of a two, bunk, metal bunk bed. And I taped like wallpaper all the way around my bunk bed on the inner little ledge and every day at lunch I would not eat lunch I would come to my room sit on the bed and I would start at one place and I would go through every single card and read every single scripture out loud speaking it out loud over my life. I've been out of prison for 23 years and I've been married to my prison chaplain husband for 19 years. We are prison ministers, we're ordained ministers and 11 years ago my husband drove me to the Jacksonville, Florida International Airport and my son at the age of 20 years old got off a plane and came running to his mama arms wide, open, and full forgiveness. Not only is he saved, not only is he a Christian, but his moment of giving his life to Jesus happened exactly the way I prayed. When he told me about it, he said, "You're going to think this is weird, mom, but..." And it was exactly what I prayed. This is the favorite part of my story. And the part of my story that gives me probably the most joy. God delivered me from the pit of prison so that I could spend the rest of my life going back in. When I was in prison, I told God, I made him a promise, and I said, "If you let me out of here, I will spend the rest of my life going back in," and telling inmates who are hopeless, who think that they have messed up beyond repair, who think there is no way out of their situation that Jesus died to set the captive free and make them a new creation and that there is hope in him. And God let me do that. Scripture References: Psalm 18:16-19 “He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters…He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me.” Isaiah 61:1 “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.” Recommended Resources: All My Hope: A Prisoner No More by Julie Seals Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host: Connect with Julie Seals: Website / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Guest: Julie Seals is an ordained minister and prison evangelist. Having left her life as a drug addict and dealer behind, Julie Seals is now a Hope Dealer as she inspires and challenges people from all walks of life to encounter, know, and live for Jesus. She co-founded Her Hope Recovery Ministry in 2022. Julie is married to prison chaplain, Mike Seals. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This is what the Sovereign Lord says. For more resources on reading through the Bible in a year, visit my church's website at this link or text us at 888-644-4034. God bless - Doyle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Then Jeremiah said to them all, including the women, “Listen to this message from the Lord, all you citizens of Judah who live in Egypt. This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘You and your wives have said, “We will keep our promises to burn incense and pour out liquid offerings to the Queen of Heaven,” and you have proved by your actions that you meant it. So go ahead and carry out your promises and vows to her!' “But listen to this message from the Lord, all you Judeans now living in Egypt: ‘I have sworn by my great name,' says the Lord, ‘that my name will no longer be spoken by any of the Judeans in the land of Egypt. None of you may invoke my name or use this oath: “As surely as the Sovereign Lord lives.” For I will watch over you to bring you disaster and not good. Everyone from Judah who is now living in Egypt will suffer war and famine until all of you are dead. Only a small number will escape death and return to Judah from Egypt. Then all those who came to Egypt will find out whose words are true—mine or theirs!”‭‭- Jeremiah‬ ‭44‬:‭24‬-‭28‬ ‭NLT‬

Psalm 97 WorksheetThe NKJV Heading reads “A Song of Praise to the Sovereign LORD.” That's a good title, because Psalm 97 is all about the LORD'S power and ________________________. As I read Psalm 97, think about all the statements that demonstrate God's great power! Rejoice because our LORD reigns over the whole _____________________! V. 1-6What are some reasons earthlings can rejoice that the LORD reigns over the earth?Verses 2-6 describe God's power and characteristics through the awesome phenomena He is back of. Righteousness and justice are a great ________________________ of the teachings the LORD gave Moses and the people on Mount Sinai. Remember that God gave the commands to the people He had already delivered. The law revealed God's character and His care for His people. No one was able to obey it perfectly, so it also revealed their need for the coming Messiah. Moses had previously met with the great I Am at the burning bush that burned but was not consumed. Jesus said, “Unless you believe that I Am, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).Last week we saw the great verses in Isaiah that say God will look on the one who ________________ at His word (Isa. 66:1-2). We think of Proverbs 1:7 that says the “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Mountains often represent __________________ people who need to be humbled, and valleys represent humble people whom God will raise up. “Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low.” -Isaiah 40:4“Humble yourselves in the sight of the LORD, and He will lift you up!” -James 4:10The call to ____________________ of idol worship and worship the Most High God V. 7-9Why should idolators be ashamed? Because their worship is steeped in ignorance and ______________________. In contrast, the living God gives truth for those He has created to live by!The call to _____________________ evil and love righteousness V. 10-12Believers are called to love God and hate evil; to love the sinner but hate the sin, starting in their _________________ lives.The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. -Proverbs 8:13The Psalm ends with the same call with which it began – the call to ______________________.Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! -Phil. 4:4The Bible commands us to rejoice as a matter of obedience to the Lord Jesus. The quest for happiness is often dependent on good circumstances, but joy is based on our secure salvation that can't be taken away and the kind of ___________________________ our faith alone can give. The joy of the Lord is my strength! -Nehemiah 8:10

❓ What is God?

When life feels like it’s falling apart, Megan J. Conner reminds us in Salvation and Strength that true peace isn’t found in control, hustle, or quick fixes—it’s found in surrender. Drawing from Isaiah 30:15, this devotional calls believers to embrace repentance, rest, quietness, and trust as the pathway to strength and salvation. Even when the world shakes, God remains steady, guarding, guiding, and granting peace to those who rest in Him. Highlights Isaiah 30:15 teaches that salvation and strength come through repentance, rest, quietness, and trust—not striving. When everything feels unstable, God remains our unshakable source of peace and protection. Biblical examples like Joseph, Elijah, and Esther reveal that deliverance often comes through stillness and surrender. Our efforts can fuel anxiety, but rest allows God to work on our behalf. Silence is powerful—when we quiet distractions, we can hear God’s gentle whisper and receive renewed strength. Join the Conversation Where do you turn when your world feels unsteady? How has God met you in moments of stillness and surrender? Share your reflections with @LifeAudioNetwork and encourage others to find strength in quiet trust. Use #RestInGod #FaithOverFear #QuietStrength to join the conversation.

Who am I, Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? [NIV]

In the Bible, there's an intriguing passage in Ezekiel 37 where we speak for God's will to be fulfilled. In verse 4, he instructs me to prophesy to these dry bones and tell them, “Hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will give you breath, and you will come to life.”If I need help, I speak healthy words to my bones. If I need enthusiasm, happiness, I speak scriptures of love to myself. If I need wisdom and resources, I speak those to my bones or to my loved ones.Heavenly Father, we prophesy to our family members. May they come alive, be blessed in the name of the Lord, be sanctified, and be made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. May they be made the wisdom of God in Christ Jesus, and be made the redeem of the Lord. Amen.

In the Bible, there's an intriguing passage in Ezekiel 37 where we speak for God's will to be fulfilled. In verse 4, he instructs me to prophesy to these dry bones and tell them, “Hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will give you breath, and you will come to life.”If I need help, I speak healthy words to my bones. If I need enthusiasm, happiness, I speak scriptures of love to myself. If I need wisdom and resources, I speak those to my bones or to my loved ones.Heavenly Father, we prophesy to our family members. May they come alive, be blessed in the name of the Lord, be sanctified, and be made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. May they be made the wisdom of God in Christ Jesus, and be made the redeem of the Lord. Amen.

Acts 4:1-31The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “ the stone you builders rejected,      which has become the cornerstone.Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “ ‘Why do the nations rage     and the peoples plot in vain?   The kings of the earth rise up     and the rulers band together   against the Lord     and against his anointed one. ' Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.Acts 5:17-42Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.” At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to. Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them. The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood.” Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Isaiah 30:15–16 (NKJV) 16 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. 16 You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.' Therefore you will flee! You said, ‘We will ride off on swift horses.' Therefore your pursuers will be swift!

This is what the Sovereign Lord says. For more resources on reading through the Bible in a year, visit my church's website at this link or text us at 888-644-4034. God bless - Doyle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Praise From the Prison of Affliction, Dr. Michael Youssef delivers a bold message on the supernatural power of praising God in the darkest moments of life. Preaching from Acts 16, he reveals how Paul and Silas sang praises while bleeding in a prison cell—because their eyes were fixed not on their pain, but on the Sovereign Lord who rules over all. This kind of praise, born from a right view of God, shakes foundations—both literal and spiritual. Dr. Youssef urges believers to stop seeking escape and start glorifying Christ, even in affliction. True praise amid suffering is a weapon of spiritual warfare, a witness to the lost, and the legacy that every believer must pass on to the next generation.

“As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die?” (Ezekiel 33:11 NLT) How can a loving God send someone to Hell? The short answer is that God doesn’t send anyone to Hell. People send themselves there by the choices they make. The last thing that God wants is for any man or woman uniquely created in His image to spend eternity separated from Him in a place of torment. Hell was not created for people. In Matthew 25:41, Jesus says, “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons’” (NLT). Hell was created for the beings who rebelled against God in Heaven and who work to ruin His plan on earth. God doesn’t want anyone to go there. That’s why He says in Ezekiel 33:11, “As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die?” (NLT). Why do you think God sent Jesus to be murdered in cold blood? Because there was no other way that His perfect holiness and justice could be satisfied. Sin cannot exist in God’s presence. We have all sinned. Hell is the place where God has removed His presence. So, when we die, the only place we can go is to Hell, according to God’s righteous standards. The only way to satisfy those standards and save us from Hell was to send a perfect sacrifice, a sinless person to take the punishment we deserve, suffer and die in our place, and then rise from the dead to conquer death once and for all. God sacrificed His own Son so that we would not have to go to Hell. Everyone who receives Christ as Savior and Lord is given eternal life in Heaven, in God’s presence forever. They are saved from Hell. That is our spiritual reality. Anyone who winds up in Hell will be there because they made the choice to go there. No one will end up in Hell accidentally. Likewise, no one becomes a Christian accidentally. You don’t just wake up one morning and say, “Whoa, I’m a Christian! Praise God! I can’t believe I just said, ‘Praise God.’ I suddenly have this strange desire to read the Bible. It must have happened when I cut through that church parking lot last night.” You become a Christian because you make a choice to believe in Jesus. Those who go to Hell do so because they made a choice to reject Christ. No one goes to Heaven deservingly, and no one goes to Hell unwillingly. If you end up in that place on that final day, you will have no one to blame but yourself. And you will have to practically climb over Jesus to get there. No, friend, you don’t have to go to Hell. God wants you to join Him for all eternity in Heaven. Reflection question: How can you explain the reality of Hell to an unbelieving friend? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's an interesting question: Do you think God wants you to face your world, your life, with unwavering confidence? Is there anything to be gained by lacking confidence? What message does it send if you and I, as Christ-followers, appear uncertain or doubtful? Does that bring glory to God? On the other hand, does it bring glory to God if you have the kind of self-confidence the world says is necessary? This confidence is proud and self-focused, self-assured and braggadocious? It brings glory to yourself. We certainly need confidence. But putting a lot of it in yourself is risky, because it's undependable. You can feel confident one day or about one thing, and then the rug gets pulled out from under you the next day and there goes that self-confidence out the door. It's God-confidence you and I need, not self-confidence. His confidence makes a difference in the way we live and our ability to do what God put us here to do. And it will look different on each of us. However, there are certain things we must be confident of to face life with God-confidence. I want to share some necessary tools for the God-confident woman. The first tool you need is to be totally confident of your faith. Confident in your relationship to God through Jesus I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day (2 Timothy 1:12b). Confident in God's sovereignty For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth (Psalm 71:5). Confident in God's love For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39). Confident God will never leave you or forsake you God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5b). Confident that God answers prayer This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us (1 John 5:14). Now, if you are confident of those things, then you have the foundation for God-confidence. That's where it begins.

1 Chronicles 3 records the sons of David and their genealogy through Solomon to Zerubbabel the Governor under the returned exiles from Babylon around 537 BC. Jeconiah was a descendant of king Solomon David's son. But that man was disinherited by the LORD, who said of Jeconiah verses "write this man childless ... no son of his will prosper, nor sit on David's throne verses Jeremiah 22 verses 24-30. The two branches of David's family came together in Zerubbabel by way of a Levirate marriage. Matthew 1 records Jesus' legal right to the throne through Joseph (the guardian of our Lord) as recorded there. Whereas Luke 3 records Mary's genealogy and therefore that our Lord Jesus Christ's actual ancestral line through Nathan David's son. In Ezekiel 16 we have a description of Israel Yahweh's faithless wife. Her descent is said, spiritually, to be from Amorite stock - the earliest of the Canaanitish nations (meaning "great of mouth") and the Amorites were of giant stature as Deuteronomy tells us. Israel's father is said to be a Hittite from the powerful kingdom of the Hathi originally in Turkey and among the mightiest empires of that time - rivalling Egypt. Yahweh Israel's Sovereign Lord had pity on His people and took her unto Himself as His wife in love. How did Israel repay her God's loving kindness; only by scorning Him and prostituting herself without payment. God would judge her as the profligate covenant breaker that she was. But her younger sister, Judah, behaved no better. The Almighty describes them as being of the same sisterhood as Sodom, whose abominable lewdness was legendary. Nonetheless the time would come when the repentant daughters would again be covenanted by the everlasting kindness of Yahweh in the Kingdom of His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. In Luke 12 the Lord counsels regarding the destructive teachings of the Pharisees. Our Lord Jesus says to his followers to have no fear when they are tried and killed by the religious authorities. This is because our Father has power over everything - including life and death. When giving testimony before rulers believers would be aided in their witness. In the parable in this chapter of the rich fool (based on the life of Nabal in 1 Samuel 25) our Lord refuses to arbitrate in a property dispute between two brothers. Instead, Jesus turns the opportunity into a discussion about the dangers of covetousness and the need to be rich in loving service to God at all times. Christ urges the disciples to be free from anxiety. Look at nature and the Almighty's abundantly providing out of His richness. Disciples need, as wise and faithful servants, to be in a state of continual readiness for their Lord's coming. A constant challenge for disciples is that often times family opposition will be the result of a person's acceptance of Christ. As disciples we must be alert to the era in which we live. Our Master is standing at the doorpost of our hearts and knocking Revelation 3 verses 20-21. Finally, if believers find themselves in a dispute, they need to quickly reach agreement with their adversaries, or the results may be much worse. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Worship // Week 4 // In Our PausePastors JF & Ashley WilkersonPsalm 46:7-10 NIV7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. 8 Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;1. PRACTICE BEING STILLPsalm 46:10 NIV10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;Psalm 46:10 NASB10 Stop striving and know that I am God;Psalm 37:4-8 NIV3 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. 8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.Isaiah 30:15 NIV15 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.Isaiah 40:31 NASB31 Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.1. PRACTICE BEING STILL2. PRACTICE MEDITATINGPhilippians 4:4-9 NIV4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.Isaiah 26:3 NASB3 The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.1. PRACTICE BEING STILL2. PRACTICE MEDITATING3. PRACTICE SELAHTwo Hebrew Root Words for "Selah""Calah" (sä·lä' ) -  “weigh" or "value"."Salal" (saw-lal') - "build up", "lift up" or "exalt.”Selah - To pause and meditate; consider heavily and decide what to hold most valuable; a stopping to make a decision about what to focus on or lift up in our thoughts above all else.Psalm 3:1-8 NASB1 Lord, how my enemies have increased! Many are rising up against me. 2 Many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah 3 But You, Lord, are a shield around me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. 4 I was crying out to the Lord with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah 5 I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me. 6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. 7 Arise, Lord; save me, my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked. 8 Salvation belongs to the Lord; May Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah1. PRACTICE BEING STILL2. PRACTICE MEDITATING3. PRACTICE SELAH

When storms rage and darkness surrounds us, where do we find our anchor? In John 6:16-21, we see Christ's disciples battling rough seas in the dark: until Jesus walks on water declaring "It is I; do not be afraid." In a world of political chaos, economic uncertainty, and spiritual warfare, this passage reminds us that our Sovereign Lord reigns supremely over every storm. True peace isn't found in earthly securities but in the unchanging character of our great "I AM" who calms both wind and wave. Christ doesn't merely offer temporary comfort. He IS our peace. Through His perfect life, substitutionary death, and victorious resurrection, He provides the only lasting refuge from God's righteous wrath against sin. Are you trusting in worldly anchors that will fail, or resting in the One whose love cannot be separated from His people? Listen as we explore how only with Jesus can we experience joyful peace amidst life's fiercest trials.

It was one of those really special 90-degree days, when it is very humid and I was just finishing about eight miles on my bike. I was feeling all fit, and then I passed Tom running all ten and a half miles around that lake. Well, I realized that Tom did that every day. Nobody knew; nobody noticed actually. But I knew that he'd be in the headlines back home, and he'd be in the headlines a lot. Because he was one of the county's champion track stars. And I yelled to him from my bike, "No time off for vacation?" And he reminded me that running is a 12-month sport. Champions aren't made on the day of the race with the crowd applauding. It turns out they're made on like 1,000 unsung mornings. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Unseen Secret of Spiritual Champions." I've never understood people who get involved in a sport or an activity or in anything and just settle for like being mediocre. If you're going to get into something, well, aim to be all you can be. Right? If that's true in sports, it's really true when it comes to serving the King - the Lord Jesus Christ. Maybe you've looked at spiritual champions you know, or some leader, or somebody you admire as a spiritual person and you said, "Boy, I'd like to be used by God that way. I wish I could teach, or preach, or minister musically, or lead like that. I'd like to make a difference. I'd like to influence people for Christ like that person does." And you see them in a public setting at the pulpit, or you watch them on television or you hear them on radio. You read their book, maybe hear them in concert. But the ministry you see in a spiritual champion is because of something you don't see. Just like that championship runner, chugging out those miles on those back roads. Nobody noticed, nobody seeing him, but that's where the champion is built. Okay, Isaiah 50:4, our word for today from the Word of God says this: "The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue to know the word that sustains the weary." Now, how does he keep coming up with the words that people need? It says that "God wakens me morning by morning; wakens my ear to listen like one being taught." Okay, the great prophet of God says here, "morning after morning" there is a meeting with his Lord that nobody sees. And while others are resting, the champion is in God's Word, he's on his knees, not going on spiritual binges occasionally to get some great spiritual insight. No, no, no, no. He does it day after day, week after week, month after month. And finally there's all these years of accumulated time with God, and how He's touched you, and how He's changed you, and how He's moved you. So, when he speaks, he speaks with a "God-instructed tongue" because he shows up for class every morning. See, there's no glory there. There's no crowds applauding. It's just Christ's personal presence, and you're there with Him. Anything I have ever said for the Lord that has ever touched anyone has been because He touched me in private first where no one could see, no one else could hear. He wants to do that for you. He wants to do that for all His kids. Do you want to be used greatly by your Lord? Well, before you try to do a great work for Him, why don't you let Him do a great work in you? And you wake up each morning and let Him teach you before you leave. I saw that in a young track star; a picture of any of us who would like to be God's champion, a winner who's being built on 1,000 unsung mornings.

Today’s Bible Verse: The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.” — Joshua 10:8 There’s a quiet strength that comes from knowing God is on your side. Isaiah paints the picture of a servant who faces opposition with unwavering resolve — not because the road is easy, but because the Sovereign Lord gives help. Setting your face “like flint” means locking your eyes forward, determined to stay the course no matter what storms arise. “Want to listen without ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe/ Let Scripture shape your heart today—begin with the Bible Verse of the Day on Biblestudytools.com MEET YOUR HOST: Chaka Heinze at https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Chaka Heinze is a writer, speaker, and lover of the Bible. She is actively involved in her local church on the Prayer and Healing team and mentors young women seeking deeper relationships with God.After personally experiencing God's love and compassion following the loss of her eleven-year-old son, Landen, Chaka delights in testifying to others about God's unfathomable and transformative love that permeates even the most difficult circumstances.Chaka and her husband of twenty-six years have five children ranging from adult age to preschool. Trained as an attorney, she’s had the privilege of mitigating sibling disputes for twenty-plus years.Follow her on Chakaheinze.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“So now, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will end the captivity of my people; I will have mercy on all Israel, for I jealously guard my hold reputation! They will accept responsibility for their past shame and unfaithfulness after they come home to live in peace in their own land, with no one to bother them. When I bring them home from the lands of their enemies, I will display my holiness among them for all the nations to see. Then my people will know that I am the Lord their God, because I sent them away to exile and brought them home again.” - Ezekiel 39:25-28My guest today has previously started his teaching on Ezekiel this way: “Why in the world would anybody want to read Ezekiel let alone study this unbelievable and incomprehensible book?” When I heard this - I immediately knew he was the guy I wanted to help us navigate this book. Ezekiel is a diamond in the rough in the canon of the prophets. It's message is similar to the prophets we've read already, Isaiah and Jeremiah, but with an element we hadn't quite seen before. Right away in chapter 1 Ezekiel says, “From the center of the cloud came four living beings that looked human, except that each had four faces and four wings.” Again - this is chapter 1. We're clearly off to something a little different with Ezekiel. And there's nobody better to help us navigate this different book than Dr. Daniel Block. Dan is the Gunther H. Knoedler Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Wheaton College and wrote a commentary on Ezekiel in 1998 that is still considered the gold standard commentary on Ezekiel. And you know what, Dan is still working on Ezekiel to this day. Doable Discipleship is a Saddleback Church podcast produced and hosted by Jason Wieland. It premiered in 2017 and now offers more than 400 episodes. Episodes release every Tuesday on your favorite podcast app and on the Saddleback Church YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/saddleback).Resources Related to This Episode:https://www.amazon.com/Ezekiel-Chapters-International-Commentary-Testament/dp/0802825354Subscribe to the Doable Discipleship podcast at Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doable-discipleship/id1240966935) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/1Zc9nuwQZOLadbFCZCmZ1V)Related Doable Discipleship Episodes: Navigating the Bible: Lamentations - https://youtu.be/6rrizlXeYXENavigating the Bible: Jeremiah - https://youtu.be/lXPjWl8PdRkNavigating the Bible: Isaiah - https://youtu.be/NZJLaPkgEgsNavigating the Bible: Song of Songs - https://youtu.be/Sg0CYlNBVMgNavigating the Bible: Ecclesiastes - https://youtu.be/-Wr7LCh8F9ENavigating the Bible: Proverbs - https://youtu.be/DytRT5AsZg8Navigating the Bible: Psalms - https://youtu.be/oZeesooAYUINavigating the Bible: Job - https://youtu.be/14jaf2T1eCQNavigating the Bible: Esther - https://youtu.be/7RZ7ATWQZucNavigating the Bible: Nehemiah - https://youtu.be/Gok4WDgwn5INavigating the Bible: Ezra - https://youtu.be/aBC0nEjYeyoNavigating the Bible: 2 Chronicles - https://youtu.be/OG3rHTgMgEINavigating the Bible: 1 Chronicles - https://youtu.be/lQ_Qc4zbfgANavigating the Bible: 2 Kings - https://youtu.be/04q9gDhBKTkNavigating the Bible: 1 Kings - https://youtu.be/aS-KoeQXl2kNavigating the Bible: 2 Samuel - https://youtu.be/ZbpafGgOW7cNavigating the Bible: 1 Samuel - https://youtu.be/lY8wPElSFMYNavigating the Bible: Rute - https://youtu.be/YaH-t-ZzTaMNavigating the Bible: Judges - https://youtu.be/qNGcOf2o0NUNavigating the Bible: Joshua - https://youtu.be/hF28aThBtFsNavigating the Bible: Deuteronomy - https://youtu.be/HzmNgPOM4zUNavigating the Bible: Numbers - https://youtu.be/H1HO6V9HDxsNavigating the Bible: Leviticus - https://youtu.be/08RhDCXYex4Navigating the Bible: Exodus - https://youtu.be/NB9UTpS1F3MNavigating the Bible: Genesis - https://youtu.be/ddhjMfOoasAInspiring Dreams by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoonMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, we confront the horrific attack at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. The shooter, Robert “Robin” Westman, once walked those same halls as a student. Years of unchecked mental illness and spiritual rebellion ended in bloodshed.America is in denial. We refuse to face the truth: the transgender movement is built on a Satanic lie. No one can change the sex God gave them. Pretending otherwise doesn't heal broken souls, it destroys them and puts others in danger.Christians must speak plainly. Love does not mean affirming sin or confusion. Love means pointing people back to Christ, who alone gives us our identity. Until our nation repents and turns back to God, tragedies like this will only increase.Pray for the victims and their families.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee

In this episode of The Gateway to Joy Podcast, we conclude our series "A Sovereign Lord" (https://elisabethelliot.org/osg). We share Gateway to Joy radio programs: - A Sovereign Lord & Human Powerlessness_A Sovereign Lord-3 - The Clouds You Dread_A Sovereign Lord-4 We also hear from: - Elisabeth reading from The Liberty of Obedience which is out of print but available on Audible - John Hanson --------- Special thanks to Mike Dize and the Bible Broadcasting Network. Theme music: John Hanson. Visit www.ElisabethElliot.org for more lectures, devotionals, videos, Gateway to Joy programs, and other resources.

In this episode of The Gateway to Joy Podcast, we begin our series on A Sovereign Lord (https://elisabethelliot.org/osg). We share Gateway to Joy radio programs: - What God Wants to Do, He Can Do_A Sovereign Lord-1 - Not According to Expectation_A Sovereign Lord-2 We also hear from special guest: - Juana Mikels --------- Special thanks to Mike Dize and the Bible Broadcasting Network. Theme music: John Hanson. Special music- Amazing Grace: Sergey M. Visit www.ElisabethElliot.org for more lectures, devotionals, videos, Gateway to Joy programs, and other resources.

Today’s Bible Verse: "Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced.Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame." – Isaiah 50:7 There’s a quiet strength that comes from knowing God is on your side. Isaiah paints the picture of a servant who faces opposition with unwavering resolve — not because the road is easy, but because the Sovereign Lord gives help. Setting your face “like flint” means locking your eyes forward, determined to stay the course no matter what storms arise. “Want to listen without ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe/ Let Scripture shape your heart today—begin with the Bible Verse of the Day on Biblestudytools.com MEET YOUR HOST: Chaka Heinze at https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Chaka Heinze is a writer, speaker, and lover of the Bible. She is actively involved in her local church on the Prayer and Healing team and mentors young women seeking deeper relationships with God.After personally experiencing God's love and compassion following the loss of her eleven-year-old son, Landen, Chaka delights in testifying to others about God's unfathomable and transformative love that permeates even the most difficult circumstances.Chaka and her husband of twenty-six years have five children ranging from adult age to preschool. Trained as an attorney, she’s had the privilege of mitigating sibling disputes for twenty-plus years.Follow her on Chakaheinze.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.