Podcasts about theword

This episode of the Armed Forces & Society AI podcast series is a conversational-style AI summary of Anthony King's article entitled, 'The Word of Command: Communication and Cohesion in the Military'. All podcasts, videos, and content listed below are AI-generated adaptations of scholarly articles originally published in Armed Forces & Society. These derivative products are intended solely as supplementary means of engaging with academic research. The content was generated using Google's NotebookLM and does not constitute an authoritative or complete representation of the original article. While care has been taken to reflect the themes and arguments of the source material, AI-generated summaries may contain omissions, simplifications, or inaccuracies. Use the original articles to verify all claims and to cite the work. The AI-generated media is not for citation. Audiences seeking a full, accurate, and nuanced understanding of the research should consult the original published work. The authors have elected to give permission for Armed Forces & Society to derive AI-generated videos and podcasts from their work. Because of the possibility for AI to misconstrue or misrepresent the author's original work, Armed Forces & Society and Sage absolve the authors from all responsibility for the AI-generated statements and inferences. All rights to the original articles and any derivative media are reserved by the authors, Armed Forces & Society, and Sage Publishing.

Today we continue our study of 2 Thessalonians chapter 1 bylooking at verses 3 and 4: “We are bound to thank God always for you,brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith grows exceedingly, and thecharity of every one of you all toward each other abounds; So that we ourselvesglory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all yourpersecutions and tribulations that you endure.” When Paul wrote his firstletter to these believers, he had commended them for their faith, love, andhope. Now some time has passed. And Paul has received another report aboutthem. The persecution hasn't stopped. Their problems haven't disappeared. Butsomething wonderful has happened. They have grown. Paulsays, “Your faith grows exceedingly.” I love that expression. Theirfaith wasn't standing still. It was growing! And interestingly, their faith wasgrowing while they were suffering. Sometimes we think spiritual growthoccurs when everything is going well. But often our greatest spiritual growthtakes place during the most difficult seasons of our lives. When everything isgoing well, it is easy to say we trust God. But when we don't understand whatGod is doing, when our prayers don't seem to be answered the way we hoped, andwhen the road becomes difficult—that is when our faith is tested. And testedfaith can become stronger faith. James1:3 says: “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” Perhapsyou are going through a trial today. Don't automatically assume that somethinghas gone wrong. God may be using that very difficulty to develop something inyour life that could never develop any other way. But Paul noticed somethingelse. Not only was their faith growing, but their love was growing. Hesays: “The charity of every one of you all toward each other abounds.” Theword “charity” here means love. Their growing faith in God was producing agrowing love for one another. And that is an important measurement of spiritualmaturity. Aperson may know a great deal about the Bible. They may be able to explaindoctrine. They may attend church faithfully. But one of the clearest evidencesthat we are growing spiritually is that we are becoming more loving towardothers. Jesus said in John 13:35: “By this shall all men know that you areMy disciples, if you have love one to another.” And notice Paul's language.Their faith “grows exceedingly.” Their love “abounds.” Thesebelievers weren't satisfied with yesterday's faith or yesterday's love. Theywere continuing to grow. ThenPaul mentions a third quality: Patience. He says they demonstrated “patienceand faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure.” Theword patience here carries the idea of steadfast endurance. They were stayingfaithful under pressure. They didn't quit. They didn't abandon their faith. Theycontinued trusting God even when following Christ was costly. And Paul was soencouraged by their testimony that he told other churches about them. Thinkabout that! This young church that had experienced so much difficulty became anexample to other believers. Their suffering became a platform for theirtestimony. Myfriend, we don't always get to choose what happens to us. But by God's grace,we can choose how we respond. Our trials can make us bitter, or they can makeus better. They can drive us away from God, or they can drive us closer to Him. Andperhaps today would be a good time for each of us to ask ourselves threequestions: Is my faith growing? Is my love increasing? Am I learning topatiently endure the difficulties God allows in my life? The Thessaloniansremind us that spiritual growth isn't measured by how easy our lives are. Sometimesthe strongest faith grows in the hardest soil.

Yesterday Paul spoke about our relationship with spiritualleaders. Today, in 1 Thessalonians 5:14–15, he reminds us that ministry is notsomething that belongs only to pastors. Every Christian has a ministry to otherbelievers. Paul writes: “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who areunruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” NoticePaul is speaking to the brethren. These instructions are for the whole church. Thennotice something very important: Paul does not tell us to treat everyoneexactly the same way. Different people have different spiritual needs. Firsthe says: “Warn those who are unruly.” Some people need correction. Theword “unruly” was sometimes used of a soldier who was out of line. There aretimes when a believer begins walking in a direction that is spirituallydangerous. Love does not simply ignore that. Galatians 6:1 says that if someoneis overtaken in a fault, spiritual believers should seek to restore that person“in a spirit of gentleness.” Correction should never come from pride. Itshould come from love. ThenPaul says: “Comfort the fainthearted.” Some people do not needcorrection. They need encouragement. The fainthearted are those who have becomediscouraged, fearful, or overwhelmed. Maybe life has hit them hard. Maybe theyhave suffered a loss. Maybe they are battling anxiety about the future. Maybethey simply feel like giving up. Paul says: Comfort them. Come alongside them. Remindthem of God's promises. Sometimes the greatest ministry we can give someone issimply being present and saying: “I'm here, and I'm praying for you.” ThenPaul says: “Uphold the weak.” Some believers are spiritually weak. Perhapsthey are new Christians. Perhaps they struggle with temptation. Perhaps theirfaith has been shaken. Paul doesn't say criticize the weak. He says: “Uphold”them. Hold on to them. Support them. Help them keep standing. Then comes aphrase that probably applies to all three groups: “Be patient with all.” Thatmay be the hardest part! People don't always change as quickly as we wouldlike. Spiritual growth takes time. And we need to remember how patient God hasbeen with us. Second Peter 3:9 speaks of the longsuffering of God. If God hasbeen patient with me, surely I should learn to be patient with others. Thenverse 15 says: “See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but alwayspursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.” Our natural reactionwhen someone hurts us is to hurt them back. They criticize us—we criticizethem. They say something unkind—we respond with something unkind. They mistreatus—we want to get even. But Paul says: “Do not render evil for evil.” Jesustaught the same thing. He told us to love our enemies and pray for those whomistreat us. Romans 12 says: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evilwith good.” That is completely contrary to our natural instincts. Itrequires the grace of God. Paul says instead:“Alwayspursue what is good.” The word “pursue” is strong. Don't merely wait for anopportunity to do good. Go after it. Look for ways to bless people. Look forways to encourage. Look for ways to restore. Look for ways to strengthen. Lookfor ways to respond to hurt with grace.  Thinkabout the different people God may place across your path today. One may need aloving warning. Another may need encouragement. Another may need someone tohold them up. And all of them need patience. The Christian life was neverintended to be lived alone. God has placed us in a spiritual family where weare to help one another keep walking with Jesus. So today ask: “Lord, who needsme to come alongside them?” And when He puts someone on your heart, don't justthink about it. Call them. Visit them. Pray with them. Encourage them. Ministerto one another. Godbless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!

Today,in verses 15 through 18, Paul gives us more details about what will happen whenJesus comes again.Paulbegins in verse 15: “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord.” Ilove that expression. Paul wants them to understand that what he is about totell them isn't speculation. It isn't Paul's personal theory about the future. Hesays it is “by the word of the Lord.” Then Paul says: “That we whoare alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precedethose who are asleep.” Verse16 says: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, withthe voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.” The Lord Himself is coming! The same Jesus who left this earth is comingagain. Acts chapter 1 tells us that when Jesus ascended into heaven, two angelstold the disciples: “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven,will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”  Thensomething incredible happens: “And the dead in Christ will rise first.”  ThenPaul says in verse 17: “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught uptogether with them in the clouds.” That expression “caught up” means to besuddenly seized or taken away. It is from the Latin translation of thisexpression that we get our familiar word “rapture.” Someone might say, “Theword rapture isn't in my English Bible.” That's true, but the truthdescribed by that word certainly is. Paul says believers who are alive whenChrist comes will be “caught up.” First Corinthians 15:51–52 describesthe same wonderful event: “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not allsleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.”  Butnotice something else that I especially love. Paul says we will be caught up “togetherwith them.” Remember what the Thessalonians were worried about? Their lovedones who had died. Paul says there is going to be a reunion! The dead in Christwill rise, living believers will be changed, and together we will meet theLord. I've often thought about what that reunion will be like. Parents reunitedwith children. Husbands reunited with wives. Brothers and sisters togetheragain. Friends and fellow believers separated by death embracing once more. Whata day that will be! Butas wonderful as that reunion will be, it isn't even the greatest part of thepromise. Paul continues: “To meet the Lord in the air.” We are going to seeJesus! The One we have believed in but never physically seen. The One we haveprayed to. The One whose Word we have read. The One we have worshiped. The Onewho loved us and gave Himself for us. One day, we are going to see Him face toface. And then comes what I believe may be the greatest phrase in this entirepassage: “And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” Forever withJesus. Never separated again. No more death. No more funerals. No more hospitalrooms. No more cancer. No more heartache. No more goodbyes. No more temptation.No more sin. Forever with the Lord. Andnotice how Paul finishes this great prophetic passage. He doesn't say: “Therefore,argue with one another about these words.” He doesn't say: “Therefore,speculate about dates and times.” He says in verse 18: “Therefore comfortone another with these words.” Bible prophecy isn't given merely to satisfyour curiosity. It is given to produce hope, holiness, faithfulness, andcomfort. When we stand beside the grave of a believer, we can comfort oneanother with these words. When the world seems increasingly uncertain, we cancomfort one another with these words. When our bodies grow older and weaker, wecan comfort one another with these words. When we miss those who have gonebefore us, we can comfort one another with these words.Jesusis coming again. The dead in Christ will rise. We will be caught up together. Wewill see Jesus. And best of all: “We shall always be with the Lord.”

Delivered by Oscar Hadisandjaja, Gracia Meirissa, Antonius Fitrianto, and Bernadetta Lembayung Hapsari from Saint Peter's School Kelapa Gading, Jakarta Utara, in the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Indonesia. Ezekiel 33: 7-9; Rs psalm 95: 1-2.6-7.8-9; Romans 13: 8-10; Matius 18: 15-20.ONE IN LOVE The theme for our meditation today is: One in Love. Ina family room, gathered all the family members: they were father, mother andtheir three teenage children. There were also two cousins ​​who joined them.They had a play which is commonly known as to deliver the correct message,which is received by guessing the gesture being played by the one has firstreceived the message. The message started from the father of the family whoreceived a written message from someone about an event or an animal. Hedelivered that message by showing his gestures to his wife and the other familymembers—who were standing with their backs to the person delivering themessage—followed suit one by one. We can imagine how complicated and difficultit is to receive a message and deliver it correctly and properly. According to one of the children, it is normal to havedifficulty in receiving messages and passing them to others. There are alwaysdifferences of opinion and misunderstanding that happen among us in the family,community, church and society. However, it is true to say that God neverdisagrees with us and creates conflict with us. He surely enlightens and guidesus with His words, but on our side, we normally have limited understanding thatcauses disagreement and conflict among us. The owner of the Word is only one, namely the God. TheWord conceives one main teaching, namely the law of love, which is the subjectfor all other teachings, rules, exhortations and reflections. Saint Paul, whowas inspired by the teaching of Jesus Christ, says that all the teachings aboutgoodness and truth of God are summed up in the main law, which is love forothers as we love ourselves. One of the main functions of love is to unite. Thosewho act in the name of love through sacrifices and hard works but do not buildunity, do not love in its true sense. An act of love is prohibited fromdestroying the existing differences by dividing and creating conflict. Everyact of love really values and respects the differences and encourage thebuilding up of unity and togetherness between us. Our readings today encourage us to overcome our faultsand shortcomings with the power of love, not with curses or punishments. Wemust be able to create closeness towards one another, especially among thosewho involve in dispute or conflict, so that they can find way to communicatebetween them over the problems that they together face. They need to promote anapproach which we call a brotherly correction that prioritizes mutual respect foreach party. This brotherly correction should not cause hurt, division andprolong conflict, but to bring peace, joy and healing. Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... O good Father, may this Sunday celebrationsanctify us with Your blessings and love. May we grow in this love to fosterunity among us your beloved children. Our Father who art in heaven ... In thename of the Father ...

Christian; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST       Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZBio:Combat Veteran; U.S. Marine Corps Urban Warfare Instructor;       S.R.T. Commander Active Shooter Response Team Law Enforcement Los Angeles Police (L.A.P.D.) Police Officer / Fugitive RecoveryF.B.I. Instructor N.R.A Instructor Competition Shooter; Multi Time State Rifle Pistol Champion Hunting; Life Long Hunter Professional Hunter and Guide Private Security Contractor; Several Agencies,  Current.Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gunfighter-life-survival-guns-ammo-hunting-defense-tactics--4187306/support.Have a Blessed Day 

Christian; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST       Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZBio:Combat Veteran; U.S. Marine Corps Urban Warfare Instructor;       S.R.T. Commander Active Shooter Response Team Law Enforcement Los Angeles Police (L.A.P.D.) Police Officer / Fugitive RecoveryF.B.I. Instructor N.R.A Instructor Competition Shooter; Multi Time State Rifle Pistol Champion Hunting; Life Long Hunter Professional Hunter and Guide Private Security Contractor; Several Agencies,  Current.Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gunfighter-life-survival-guns-ammo-hunting-defense-tactics--4187306/support.Have a Blessed Day 

Paulwas thankful because when these people heard his preaching, they recognizedthat there was something different about his message. They realized that thiswas not merely Paul's opinion. It was not simply another philosophy. It was notanother religious theory. They received it “as it is in truth, the word ofGod.” And then Paul tells us what happened: “Which effectively worksalso in you that believe.” I have often used this verse over the yearsbecause it reminds us of a wonderful truth: When we receive the Bible as theWord of God and believe it as the Word of God, it begins to work in our lives. Thereis transforming power in God's Word! Notice the progression in this verse. First,they heard the Word. Paul says, “the word of God which you heard of us.”Romans10:17 tells us: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word ofGod.” Somebody has to proclaim the Word before people can hear it. That iswhy preaching and teaching the Scriptures is so important. That is why weshould share God's Word with our children and grandchildren. That is why weshould send it around the world through missions. And that is one of thereasons I enjoy sharing these Pastor's Chats every day.  Buthearing the Word alone is not enough. Second, they received the Word. There isa difference between hearing something and receiving it. You can sit in churchand hear the Bible preached every Sunday without allowing it to change yourlife. You can read your Bible every morning and close it without responding towhat God has said. James 1:22 reminds us: “But be you doers of the word, andnot hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” The Thessalonians didn'tmerely hear the message. They welcomed it into their hearts and lives.Butnotice something even more important. Third, they recognized it as God's Word. Paulsaid they received it: “Not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, theword of God.” That makes all the difference. If I believe the Bible ismerely the words of men, then I can take what I like and reject what I don'tlike. I can say, “I agree with this part, but I don't agree with that.” Butwhen I believe that this Book is God's Word, my attitude changes. Instead ofstanding in judgment over the Bible, I allow the Bible to judge me. Instead oftrying to change the Scriptures to fit my life, I allow the Scriptures tochange my life to fit God's will.  Thennotice the final truth. Fourth, they believed the Word. Paul says that the Word“effectively works also in you that believe.” That little phrase is soimportant—“in you that believe.” The Bible sitting unopened on a shelfwill not transform your life. Even knowing Bible verses intellectually will notnecessarily change your life. The Word becomes effective in us as we believeit, receive it, obey it, and allow the Holy Spirit to apply it to our lives. I haveseen this truth demonstrated countless times over the years. I have watchedpeople hear the Gospel, believe the Word of God, trust Jesus Christ as theirSavior, and become completely different people. I have seen marriages changed. Ihave seen families restored. I have seen people delivered from destructivehabits. I have seen discouraged people find hope. I have alsoseen grieving people find comfort. I have seen believers discover God's willand give their lives to serving Jesus Christ. And it wasn't because of theeloquence or ability of the preacher. It was the Word of God working in thosewho believed! Thatis why, as a preacher, I have always believed that my primary responsibility isnot to entertain people or impress people with my knowledge of the deepermeaning of the Scripture. My responsibility is simply to faithfully give themthe Word of God. Because my words cannot change a heart. But God's Word can! Myopinions cannot produce spiritual life. But God's Word can!   

Christian; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST       Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZBio:Combat Veteran; U.S. Marine Corps Urban Warfare Instructor;       S.R.T. Commander Active Shooter Response Team Law Enforcement Los Angeles Police (L.A.P.D.) Police Officer / Fugitive RecoveryF.B.I. Instructor N.R.A Instructor Competition Shooter; Multi Time State Rifle Pistol Champion Hunting; Life Long Hunter Professional Hunter and Guide Private Security Contractor; Several Agencies,  Current.Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZ

Corretion After Looding at my Load Data its maybe the 15th-ish Load Christian; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST       Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZBio:Combat Veteran; U.S. Marine Corps Urban Warfare Instructor;       S.R.T. Commander Active Shooter Response Team Law Enforcement Los Angeles Police (L.A.P.D.) Police Officer / Fugitive RecoveryF.B.I. Instructor N.R.A Instructor Competition Shooter; Multi Time State Rifle Pistol Champion Hunting; Life Long Hunter Professional Hunter and Guide Private Security Contractor; Several Agencies,  Current.Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gunfighter-life-survival-guns-ammo-hunting-defense-tactics--4187306/support.Have a Blessed Day 

A friend of ours is an avid hunter. In fact, so much that he's been known to skip church occasionally during duck hunting season. He's well known in the church, so the pastor notices when he's not there. With a twinkle in his eye, our friend explained recently how he's prepared to handle pastoral questions like, "Where were you on Sunday?" He said he's actually named his duck blinds where he hides to hunt those birds. One he has named "The Word." The other is named "Prayer." So when the pastor asks where he was on Sunday, he simply answers, "I was in 'The Word,'" or, "I was in 'Prayer.'" That's messed up! I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Knowing the Words, Knowing the Lord." Obviously, this is a hunter who understands the value of camouflage, as in the value of hiding behind some wonderful spiritual words. While his words are meant to be more whimsical than deceptive, they illustrate a deeper and more dangerous issue that is rampant among us church folks. We know how to use all the right Christian words and have just the right Christian look. We put it on every time we walk in the church door, but often it's camouflage that's covering up some issues in our life that aren't Christian at all. Jesus put it this way in Mark 7:6, our word for today from the Word of God: "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." You can say all the good, God-honoring things and still underneath have a heart that is far from Him. A life that has, beneath all that spiritual camouflage, some attitudes or actions that have no place in a child of God, someone who's been rescued at the price of the blood of God's Son. We forget that God doesn't look at the "outward appearance" but "at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). In other words, the only One who really matters is not fooled by our Christian words. Your whole relationship with Him, His blessing on your life, is all about the condition of your heart. Could it be that you've been hiding some serious un-repented sin under the camouflage of those beautiful spiritual words? You can be talking about prayer and Bible study in the morning and swimming in the cesspool of Internet pornography at night. Your Christian words can mask all kinds of hidden bitterness, lust and deception, or a compartmentalized life that's all about Jesus in the God-compartment, but all about you at work, at school, or at home. You can even try to put Christian words on things that are anything but Christian. You can call it conviction, God calls it stubbornness; you call it compassion, God calls it compromise; you call it love, God calls it immorality or adultery. Isn't it time you looked in the mirror and maybe saw the hypocrite behind the beautiful words? There's freedom, there's forgiveness and there's integrity waiting for you at the cross of Jesus Christ, where you need to bring all the sin that's been hiding behind all that spirituality. One of the greatest dangers of being in a Christian environment is that you can know the words and never know the Lord. You can have a religion that's all about Jesus and never have Jesus. Jesus said there will be people like that on Judgment Day to whom He will say, "I never knew you." Could it be you've got Christianity but you don't have Christ? You've mistaken agreeing with Jesus for being committed to Jesus, and that mistake will cost you heaven. But today Jesus brought us together so you can experience what it is to know Him for real. Make this the day you say, "Lord, all this time I've missed You. But I want You in my heart, not just in my head. I'm Yours." Listen, our website is set up as a place where you can go and actually make sure you belong to Him. Would you go there? It's ANewStory.com. It isn't the rhetoric of Jesus that matters; it's the reality of Jesus. So come to Him today as you really are. There's so much you've been missing. You can have it today.

“So that you were examples to all that believe in Macedoniaand Achaia.” Yesterday we saw in verse 6 that the Thessalonian believershad become followers of Paul and of the Lord. They had received the Word in themidst of much affliction, but they received it “with joy of the Holy Spirit.”Now Paul tells us what happened next. They went from being followers tobecoming examples. I love that progression. First, we follow the rightexample. Then, as we grow in Christ, we become the right example for someoneelse. Paul says, “So that you were examples to all that believe.” Theword translated examples has the idea of a pattern, a model, or animpression that can be reproduced.  Then in verse 6, they receivedthe Word despite affliction and persecution. And now in verse 7, otherbelievers were looking at them and saying, in effect, “That's what followingJesus looks like.” What an amazing testimony! Notice also how far theirinfluence had spread. Paul says they were examples “to all that believe inMacedonia and Achaia.” Macedonia was the northern region of Greece whereThessalonica and Philippi were located. Achaia was the southern region wherecities such as Athens and Corinth were located. So their testimony had spreadfar beyond their own city. They probably never dreamed that people hundreds ofmiles away would hear about their faithfulness to Christ. And there is a lessonhere for us. You never know how far theinfluence of a faithful Christian life will reach. Sometimes we think thatunless we have a large ministry, preach to thousands of people, or accomplishsomething that receives public recognition, our life doesn't make muchdifference. But that's not how God measures influence. A faithful mother orfather can influence generations of a family. A faithful Sunday school teachercan influence a child who someday influences thousands. A faithful pastor maynever have a large church, but the people he disciples may carry the Gospelaround the world. A faithful Christian neighbor may quietly demonstrate thelove of Christ to someone who desperately needs hope. We may never know on thisside of eternity how far our influence has reached. There is another importanttruth here. The Thessalonians didn't set out to become famous. They simply setout to be faithful. Their influence was the result of their faithfulness, notthe goal of their faithfulness. That is important in our day when so muchemphasis is placed on being noticed, gaining followers, and building anaudience. The Christian life isn't about people noticing us. Jesus said inMatthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see yourgood works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” The purpose of ourinfluence is not that people would say, “What a wonderful person.” It is thatthey would say, “What a wonderful Savior!” Paul could tell the Thessalonians,“You followed us, and now others are following your example.” That isdiscipleship. Someone helped us follow Jesus, and now we should be helpingsomeone else follow Jesus. So today, maybe we should askourselves a simple question: If someone followed my example, where would myexample lead them? Would they learn to pray? Would they learn to love God'sWord? Would they learn to forgive? Would they learn to serve? Would they learnto trust God during difficult circumstances? Most importantly, would our livespoint them to Jesus Christ? My friend, you may never stand behind a pulpit. Youmay never teach a Bible class. Your name may never be widely known. But you canlive such a faithful Christian life that someone else sees Jesus in you andwants to follow Him. First we become followers, and then, by God's grace, webecome examples. 

Notice that he does not introduce himself here as “Paul, anapostle of Jesus Christ,” as he does in several of his other letters. Why? Probablybecause he did not need to defend his apostolic authority with these believers.They knew him. They loved him. Paul had personally brought the Gospel to them. Thenhe mentions two men who had served alongside him: “Paul, and Silvanus, andTimotheus.” Silvanus is the longer form of the name Silas. Silas hadtraveled with Paul on this second missionary journey. He had been there inPhilippi when Paul was beaten and thrown into prison. He was there at midnightwhen they prayed and sang praises to God. And now he had helped Paul establishthis church in Thessalonica. Timotheus, of course, is Timothy. Paul had metthis young man at Lystra and invited him to join the missionary team. Timothywould eventually become one of Paul's most trusted fellow workers. What awonderful picture of ministry. God'swork has always been about one generation passing the truth to anothergeneration. Butthen Paul says something especially important: “Unto the church of theThessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ.” Theword “church” comes from the Greek word ekklesia, which basically means acalled-out assembly. These people lived in Thessalonica, but spiritually theywere in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ. Think about that. Geographically,they were in Thessalonica. Spiritually, they were in Christ. Thessalonica was apagan city filled with idolatry and immorality. These new Christians weresurrounded by a culture that did not share their faith or their values. Theywere already experiencing opposition and persecution because they followedJesus. But their environment did not determine their identity. They were in Godthe Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ. Andthe same is true for us today. We live in a world that increasingly seems to bemoving farther away from God. We are surrounded by temptation. We hearphilosophies that contradict the Word of God. We see values changing around us.But the believer's identity is not determined by the world in which he lives. Weare in Christ. Paul uses that little expression again and again throughout hiswritings. Second Corinthians 5:17 says,“Thereforeif any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” Romans 8:1 says, “Thereis therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” Oursecurity is not found in our circumstances. Our security is found in ourrelationship with Jesus Christ. You might say that these Thessalonian believershad two addresses. Their earthly address was Thessalonica. Their spiritualaddress was in Christ. And every believer has those same two addresses. We livesomewhere on this earth. We have a street address, a city, a state, and acountry. But if we have trusted Jesus Christ as our Savior, our most importantaddress is this: We are in Christ. ThenPaul gives them two wonderful words: “Grace be unto you, and peace.” Wejust finished our study of Philippians by noticing how often Paul begins andends his letters with grace. And here it is again. Grace. Then peace. Noticethe order. Grace comes before peace. We cannot experience the peace of Goduntil we have first experienced the grace of God. Grace is God giving us whatwe could never earn and could never deserve. Salvation is by grace. Forgivenessis by grace. Our relationship with God is by grace. Our strength for each dayis by grace. And when we experience God's grace, we can also experience God'speace. Grace and peace. Their circumstances might change.Their friends might turn against them. Persecution might increase. But theirposition in Christ was secure.  Andperhaps that is the great truth we should carry with us today. Our peace doesnot come from living in a peaceful world. Our peace comes from knowing that weare securely in Christ.

Christian; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST       Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZ

Welcome to the latest edition of The Whole Bloody Discussion Series. This month we will be discussing what criteria we believe is required for a needle drop in a film to be considered iconic and what additional requirements my guests feel are needed for a needle drop in a Tarantino film to be considered the Ultimate Tarantino Needle Drop. Joining me for this discussion is Ian Harries (The Podcast Nobody Asked For), Heather Baxendale-Walsh (The Word of Hell Mouth Podcast) & Jason Kleeberg (Force Five Podcast). So grab yourself a tasty burger, wrap your lips around a nice cool drink and enjoy the show! Show Notes: Ian Harries: Listen to The Podcast Nobody Asked For: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-podcast-nobody-asked-for/id1531618753 Follow The Podcast Nobody Asked For on their Socials: Instagram, Threads & Blue Sky - @ThePodcastNobodyAskedFor Website - ThePodcastNobodyAskedFor.co.uk   HB Walsh: Listen to theWord of Hell Mouth Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/word-of-hell-mouth/id1654712678 Listen to A Pod of Wings and Filth: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-pod-of-wings-and-filth/id1812628934 Follow HB Walsh on her Socials: Facebook: @HBaxWalsh Instagram: @H.B.WalshAuthor Website: www.heatherbaxendale.com   Jason Kleeberg: Listen to the Force Five Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/force-five/id1525024019 Follow Jason on his Socials: Facebook & Instagram - @forcefivepodcast YouTube Channel - https://youtu.be/wmuTGDPf6K8?si=1VRBMCBswx6YjSQi Website: www.forcefivepodcast.com   Become a member of The Church of Tarantino: Follow us on our Socials: Facebook / Instagram / Threads / Blue Sky & Letterboxd: @ChurchOfQTPod YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@thechurchoftarantino Email: ⁠TheChurchOfTarantino@gmail.com⁠ We're also on the Rabbit Hole Podcast Network: ⁠https://rabbitholepodcasts.com/the-church-of-tarantino/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Christian; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST       Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZBio:Combat Veteran; U.S. Marine Corps Urban Warfare Instructor;       S.R.T. Commander Active Shooter Response Team Law Enforcement Los Angeles Police (L.A.P.D.) Police Officer / Fugitive RecoveryF.B.I. Instructor N.R.A Instructor Competition Shooter; Multi Time State Rifle Pistol Champion Hunting; Life Long Hunter Professional Hunter and Guide Private Security Contractor; Several Agencies,  Current.Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gunfighter-life-survival-guns-ammo-hunting-defense-tactics--4187306/support.Have a Blessed Day 

Delivered by Valeria Sandra Hendrawinata from the Parish of Saint Paul in the Diocese of Bandung, Indonesia. Jeremiah 3: 14-17; Rs psalm: Jer 31: 10.11-12ab.13; Matthew 13: 18-23.LISTENING AND UNDERSTANDING The theme for our meditation today is: Listening andUnderstanding. There is a question that is often raised to the people and alsoto the priests which goes like this: "Why in the moments of teaching,reflection, and homily, the listeners are not quite comfortable in listening toit but they are more often found sleepy? Just look at the time the priest givesa homily in the holy Mass, quite a lot of people who are sleepy." There are so many reasons. Weaknesses or deficienciescan be found out from the priest side and the people side as well. The weaknesspoint can be from the preacher himself or can be from his listeners. Quite anumber of people say that the listeners apparently can hear what is beingpreached or proclaimed but they do not understand it. This is considered as oneof the reasons why they are easilly bored and sleepy. These two mental andintellectual abilities, listening and understanding, play important roles inthe growth of our mental, spiritual, and social life. Listening is an activity that is supported by humanears, the instrument that is the first to receive messages that come to us.This activity is the same as seeing with the eyes and feeling with the skin.The messages that come and we are able to hear them are still raw. Forinstance, we feel a drop of water on our skin. This feeling does not meananything before it is processed in the brain so that it becomes a thought or anidea. Only then can an understanding occur in us. A new understanding is made fromthe listening process which is then made up by the mind, which eventuallyshapes new attitude, behavior and way of life. That is why Jesus is very firm in saying that a goodperson is the one who can hear and understand the Word of God that isproclaimed to him. If he only listens to it, he does not have a completegoodness from God. His understanding will never happen if he does not hear theWord of God. Such person with adequate ability to listen and understand is likethe good soil, that is when the Word of God comes to him, it will grow and bearmuch fruit in his life. In the activity of hearing and understanding we mustbe able to avoid some of these things: our hearts and minds seem to be like bigand small streets where the word of God falls there, then birds or chickenscome to eat it, and finally the word of God does not grow. We seem also likerocks with so little soil on it, and where the word of God grows on it, it doesnot take roots, and eventually withers when the sun becomes hot and it dies.Our hearts and minds seem like thorns and shrubs, then when the word of Godgrows, it will be crushed and threatened to death. By avoiding all thosedefects in ourselves, what remains is we as the good and fertile soil. Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... O God almighty, we pray that by Yourprovidence, we may become good and fertile soil so that your Word will flourishand ultimately bear much fruit. Hail Mary, full of grace... In the name of theFather ...

"Notwithstanding you have well done,that you did communicate with my affliction."  At first glance, this verse appears to besimply a "thank you" for a financial gift. But it is much more thanthat. Paul is introducing a wonderful truth that we might call the grace ofgiving. Noticewhat he says first: "You have done well." Paul commends thePhilippians. He isn't praising the amount of their gift. He is praising thelove that motivated it. God has always been more interested in the heart thanin the size of the gift. Jesus reminded us of that when He watched the poorwidow place her two mites into the Temple treasury. Others gave much more, butJesus said she had given the most because she gave out of her poverty whileothers gave out of their abundance. God measures giving differently than we do.He measures sacrifice. He measures love. He measures faith.  ThenPaul says something very interesting: "You did communicate with myaffliction." Today we usually think of the word"communicate" as talking or sending a message. But that is not whatPaul means. The Greek word is koinōneō. It means to share, to participate, orto have fellowship together. The Philippians were not merely sending money.They were sharing Paul's burden. They were entering into his suffering. Thoughthey were hundreds of miles away, they were saying, "Paul, you are notalone. We are standing with you." Isn't that what Christian fellowship isall about? Theword koinōnia, which is translated "fellowship," appears at the verybeginning of this letter. In Philippians 1:5 Paul thanked God for their"fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now." Now, at theclose of the letter, that same fellowship is still evident. Their partnershiphad not ended. It had continued through prayer... Through encouragement... Andnow through generous giving. True Christian fellowship is much more thanenjoying a meal together or shaking hands after church. It means sharing lifetogether. Romans 12:15 tells us, "Rejoice with them that do rejoice,and weep with them that weep." When one believer hurts, we all hurt.When one believer rejoices, we all rejoice. That is the family of God. ThePhilippians could not remove Paul's chains. They could not release him fromprison. But they could stand beside him by sharing what God had given them. Andthat made all the difference. The same is true today. Not everyone can become amissionary. Not everyone can preach. Not everyone can travel around the worldsharing the Gospel. But every believer can have a part in God's work bypraying, encouraging, and giving. When we support those who are taking theGospel to others, we become partners in that ministry. We share in the workthat God is doing through them. Ioften think about the people who faithfully pray for missionaries around theworld. Others give faithfully each week to support God's work. Some writeencouraging letters. Others quietly meet practical needs. None of those actsmay seem very spectacular. But God sees every one of them. Every act of love isan expression of His grace. That is why I like to call this section "TheGrace of Giving." Giving is not something God wants from us. It issomething His grace produces in us. ThePhilippians did not give because they were pressured. They gave because God'sgrace had filled their hearts. Theirgenerosity was evidence of God's grace at work in their lives. The same is truefor us. When Christ has our hearts, He also has our hands, our time, ourtalents, and yes, even our resources. Giving is never about losing something.It is about sharing in what God is doing. Perhapstoday God is giving you an opportunity to share in someone else's burden. Maybethrough prayer. Maybe through an encouraging word. Maybe through meeting apractical need. Remember, when we share the burdens of others, we arereflecting the heart of Jesus Christ Himself. Let's ask God to make us thatkind of believer.

Christian; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST       Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZBio:Combat Veteran; U.S. Marine Corps Urban Warfare Instructor;       S.R.T. Commander Active Shooter Response Team Law Enforcement Los Angeles Police (L.A.P.D.) Police Officer / Fugitive RecoveryF.B.I. Instructor N.R.A Instructor Competition Shooter; Multi Time State Rifle Pistol Champion Hunting; Life Long Hunter Professional Hunter and Guide Private Security Contractor; Several Agencies,  Current.Link Survival Podcast https://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/nefhr-handi-riflePatreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gunfighter-life-survival-guns-ammo-hunting-defense-tactics--4187306/support.Have a Blessed Day 

Welcome to the latest episode of our Ranking Tarantino Series, where each month we unveil The Church's official Top 5 rankings in a number of Tarantinoverse related categories. This month we will be ranking the Top 5 Male Smoke Shows from the Tarantinoverse. Joining me for this discussion are Lani Harms (The Upright Citizen's Brigade) and Heather Baxendale-Walsh (The Word of Hell Mouth Podcast). So grab yourself a tasty burger, wrap your lips around a nice cold drink and enjoy the fucking show! Show Notes: Lani Harms: Website: www.laniharms.com Follow Lani on her Socials: Facebook & Instagram: @laniharms YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCHEFwxlbf_-v4VV1Fs2hxVA HB Walsh: Listen to theWord of Hell Mouth Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/word-of-hell-mouth/id1654712678 Listen to A Pod of Wings and Filth: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-pod-of-wings-and-filth/id1812628934 Follow HB Walsh on her Socials: Facebook: @HBaxWalsh Instagram: @H.B.WalshAuthor Website: www.heatherbaxendale.com   Become a member of The Church of Tarantino: Follow us on our Socials: Facebook / Instagram / Threads / Blue Sky & Letterboxd: @ChurchOfQTPod YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@thechurchoftarantino Email: ⁠TheChurchOfTarantino@gmail.com⁠ We're also on the Rabbit Hole Podcast Network: ⁠https://rabbitholepodcasts.com/the-church-of-tarantino/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"The Pursuit ofMoral Excellence"Philippians 4:8 Welcometo Pastor's Chat. Today we come to the final two descriptions in Paul'swonderful list found in Philippians 4:8. "Finally, brethren, whateverthings are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whateverthings are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of goodreport; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on thesethings." Notice how Paul begins to summarize everything he has justwritten. "If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise."  Theword virtue speaks of moral excellence. It describes the highest qualities ofChristian character. It is the kind of life that reflects the excellence ofJesus Christ Himself. Peter uses this same word in 2 Peter 1:3 when he tells usthat God has called us "to glory and virtue." Then in verse 5he challenges us, "Giving all diligence, add to your faithvirtue..." God never saved us simply to escape hell. He saved us sothat our lives would increasingly reflect the character of His Son. That is whyPaul tells us to fill our minds with whatever is morally excellent. Thesecond phrase is, "If there be any praise..." This is notspeaking primarily about receiving praise from people. It speaks of whatever isworthy of approval before God. We should ask ourselves this question: "IfJesus were sitting beside me, would He approve of what I am thinking aboutright now?" That one question can become a powerful guide for dailyliving. Aswe have studied this verse together, Paul has given us a wonderful checklistfor every thought that enters our minds. Is it true? Is it honorable? Is itjust? Is it pure? Is it lovely? Is it of good report? Does it demonstrate moralexcellence? Would it receive God's approval? If the answer is yes... Paul says,"Think on these things."Thewords “think on” mean much more than having a passing thought. They meanto continually dwell upon these things. To weigh them carefully. Tointentionally fill your mind with them. Godmade us in such a way that our minds cannot think two thoughts at the sametime. If we are thinking what we should be thinking, we cannot be thinking whatwe shouldn't be thinking. Our minds are never neutral. If we do notdeliberately fill them with God's truth, the world will gladly fill them withits own values. Thatis why daily time in God's Word is not optional. It is essential. The psalmistwrote, "Blessed is the man... whose delight is in the law of the LORD;and in His law doth he meditate day and night." (Psalm 1:1-2). Noticethe word meditate. God never intended His Word to be merely read. He intendedit to be pondered. Turned over in our minds. Applied to our lives. As wemeditate on God's truth, the Holy Spirit gradually transforms our thinking. Themore we think like Christ... The more we live like Christ. Yearsago, someone wisely observed, "You are today where your thoughts havebrought you. You will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you." There ismuch truth in that statement. Our thoughts shape our choices. Our choices shapeour habits. Our habits shape our character. Our character shapes our influence.Thatis why the battle for the Christian life is first won or lost in the mind. Today,determine to make Philippians 4:8 your daily filter. Before you entertain athought, run it through Paul's checklist. If it passes...Think on it. If itfails... Replace it with the truth of God's Word. Let'sPray: Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to lives of moral excellence.Help us to measure every thought by Your holy Word. Renew our minds day by dayuntil our thinking reflects the mind of Christ. May our lives become worthy ofYour approval and useful for Your glory. In Jesus' precious name, Amen. Godbless and may you have a wonderful wonderful day!

Theword honest in our King James Bible means much more than simply telling thetruth. It carries the idea of whatever is honorable, noble, dignified, worthyof respect, and deserving of reverence. It describes that which lifts our mindsupward instead of dragging them downward. Paul uses this same Greek word inspeaking about the qualifications of deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8, where they areto be "grave," or dignified. Titus 2:2 uses the same idea to describeolder men who are to be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, love, andpatience. The Christian should have a mind that delights in things that arenoble. Thatraises an important question.  Whatoccupies our thoughts? Much of the entertainment in our world today feeds theopposite of what Paul is describing. We are surrounded by mockery instead ofrespect, vulgarity instead of purity, violence instead of kindness, andfoolishness instead of wisdom. It seems that many people today laugh at whatGod calls sacred and celebrate what God calls sinful. As believers, we must becareful about what we continually allow into our minds. Remember, whateverfills the mind eventually shapes the life. Solomonwisely wrote in Proverbs 4:23, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; forout of it are the issues of life." The word keep again means to guard.We guard our homes by locking the doors. We guard our valuables by placing themin a safe. Should we not be even more careful to guard our minds? Someone oncesaid, "You become like what you admire." There is a great deal oftruth in that statement. If we continually admire what is worldly, our thinkingwill become worldly. If we continually admire what is holy, our thinking willbecome holy. Oneof the greatest examples of honorable thinking is found in the Lord JesusChrist Himself. Every conversation He had was marked by dignity. Every actionreflected the holiness of His Father. Even when He rebuked sin, He did so withperfect righteousness and perfect love. Peter tells us, "Christ alsosuffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps."(1 Peter 2:21) If Christ is our example, then our thoughts should increasinglyreflect His character. Thisalso affects the conversations we enjoy. Have you noticed that people usuallytalk about what they think about? If our minds are filled with things that aretrivial, foolish, or corrupt, our speech will reveal it. Jesus said,"For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." (Matthew12:34) What fills the heart eventually comes out through the lips. Perhaps onepractical application today is this: Ask yourself, "Does what I amwatching, reading, listening to, or thinking about encourage dignity,reverence, and respect for God? Does it help me become more like Christ?" Ifthe answer is no, then it probably does not belong in the mind of a believer. TheChristian mind should never be captivated by what is cheap when it has beeninvited to dwell upon what is noble. Paul is reminding us that our minds shouldcontinually rise above the gutter of this world to the greatness of our God. Themore we fill our minds with Christ, His Word, His works, and His glory, theless attractive the things of this world become. That is why the greatestsafeguard for the Christian mind is not merely saying "no" to thewrong things. It is saying "yes" to the better things. Fill your mindwith Scripture. Fill your mind with the character of Christ. Fill your mindwith the greatness of God. Then you will discover that honorable thoughtsproduce honorable living. Tomorrowwe'll look at the next filter Paul gives us: "Whatever things arejust." We'll discover that God not only wants us to think nobly, butHe also wants us to think righteously.

Christian; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST       Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZBio:Combat Veteran; U.S. Marine Corps Urban Warfare Instructor;       S.R.T. Commander Active Shooter Response Team Law Enforcement Los Angeles Police (L.A.P.D.) Police Officer / Fugitive RecoveryF.B.I. Instructor N.R.A Instructor Competition Shooter; Multi Time State Rifle Pistol Champion Hunting; Life Long Hunter Professional Hunter and Guide Private Security Contractor; Several Agencies,  Current.Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gunfighter-life-survival-guns-ammo-hunting-defense-tactics--4187306/support.Have a Blessed Day 

Welcome to the latest edition of The Whole Bloody Discussion Series. This month we will be discussing what criteria we believe is required for a dialogue scene in a film to be considered iconic and what additional requirements my guests feel are needed for a dialogue scene in a Tarantino film to be considered the Ultimate Tarantino Dialogue. Joining me for this discussion is Shon Wheeler (Terror Vision Records), Frank Hannen (Bachata Talk & Aventura's World Podcasts) & Heather Baxendale-Walsh (The Word of Hell Mouth Podcast). So grab yourself a tasty burger, wrap your lips around a nice cool drink and enjoy the show!   Show Notes: Shon Wheeler: Follow Shon on his Socials: Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/5zKTn Website: https://www.terror-vision.com/   Frank Hannen: Follow Bachata Talk on the shows Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @bachatatalk Listen to the Bachata Talk Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bachata-talk/id1626371650 Follow Aventura's World on the shows Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @aventurapodcast Listen to the Aventura's World: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aventuras-world/id1733891852   Heather Baxendale-Walsh: Listen to theWord of Hell Mouth Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/word-of-hell-mouth/id1654712678 Listen to A Pod of Wings and Filth: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-pod-of-wings-and-filth/id1812628934 Follow HB Walsh on her Socials: Facebook: @HBaxWalsh Instagram: @H.B.WalshAuthor Website: www.heatherbaxendale.com   Become a member of The Church of Tarantino: Follow us on our Socials: Facebook / Instagram / Threads / Blue Sky & Letterboxd: @ChurchOfQTPod YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@thechurchoftarantino Email: ⁠TheChurchOfTarantino@gmail.com⁠ We're also on the Rabbit Hole Podcast Network: ⁠https://rabbitholepodcasts.com/the-church-of-tarantino/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcometo Pastor's Chat. Today we come to one of the best-known verses in the entirebook of Philippians. In many ways, this verse captures the heartbeat of thewhole letter. Paul writes: "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say,Rejoice." Think about who is writing these words. Paul is not sittingin a comfortable home enjoying the blessings of retirement. He is under housearrest in Rome. He is chained to a Roman soldier. He is awaiting trial beforeCaesar. Humanly speaking, he has every reason to complain. Yet instead ofcomplaining, he commands us to rejoice.  Thatis one of the great lessons of Philippians. Joy is not determined by ourcircumstances. Joy is determined by our relationship with Jesus Christ. Noticecarefully what Paul says. He does not say, "Rejoice in yourcircumstances." He does not say, "Rejoice because everything is goingwell." He says, "Rejoice in the Lord." Our circumstancesconstantly change. Our health changes. Our finances change. Our emotionschange. People disappoint us. Plans fall apart. But the Lord never changes. Hebrews13:8 reminds us, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, andforever." Because He never changes, our joy can remain constant evenwhen life is uncertain. Noticealso the little word "alway." That means at all times. When life isgood, rejoice in the Lord. When life is difficult, rejoice in the Lord. Whenprayers are answered, rejoice in the Lord. When you are still waiting for theanswer, rejoice in the Lord. This is not a command to ignore sorrow or pretendthat pain doesn't exist. Paul himself wept. He suffered. He knewdisappointment, persecution, imprisonment, and hardship. Yet beneath all ofthose experiences was a deep confidence that God was in control and that Christwas enough. That is biblical joy. It is possible to have tears in your eyes andjoy in your heart at the same time. ThenPaul adds, "And again I say, Rejoice." Why does he repeathimself? Because we are prone to forget. Throughout this letter Paul hasreturned again and again to this theme. In chapter 1 he rejoiced that Christwas being preached. In chapter 2 he rejoiced in serving Christ alongsideothers. In chapter 3 he told us, "Rejoice in the Lord." Now,as he nears the end of the letter, he repeats the command once more. Apparently,joy is something we all need to hear about again and again. Theword "rejoice" is not merely a suggestion. It is a command. God istelling us that joy is not just an emotion we wait to feel. It is a choice wemake as we focus our hearts on the Lord. How do we cultivate that joy? Werejoice by remembering who Christ is. We rejoice by remembering what He hasdone. We rejoice because our sins are forgiven. We rejoice because our namesare written in heaven. We rejoice because He has promised never to leave us norforsake us. We rejoice because He is coming again.          We rejoice because nothing can separate us from His love. Myfriend, if your joy has begun to fade, don't spend all your time looking atyour circumstances. Lift your eyes to the Lord. The closer we draw to Christ,the deeper our joy becomes. A joyful Christian is not someone who has noproblems; it is someone who has learned that Jesus Christ is greater than everyproblem. Today, no matter what you may be facing, hear Paul's words as thoughhe were speaking them directly to you: "Rejoice in the Lord alway: andagain I say, Rejoice." Let'spray. Heavenly Father, thank You that our joy is not rooted in changingcircumstances but in our unchanging Savior. Forgive us for the times we allowour problems to rob us of the joy that is ours in Christ. Help us to keep oureyes fixed on Jesus and to rejoice in You at all times. May our joy become atestimony to those around us that You are faithful, good, and worthy of ourtrust. We pray this in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Godbless and may you have a wonderful wonderful day!

"Forour conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, theLord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashionedlike unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able evento subdue all things unto himself." What a contrast to verse 19! TherePaul described those whose minds are fixed on earthly things. But in verse 20he says, "Our conversation is in heaven." Theword "conversation" here does not refer to our speech. Itmeans our citizenship or our commonwealth—where we really belong. ThePhilippian believers immediately understood this illustration. Philippi was aRoman colony. Although it was located hundreds of miles from Rome, its citizensenjoyed all the rights and privileges of Roman citizenship. They lived inMacedonia, but they belonged to Rome. They dressed like Romans, followed Romanlaws, and were proud to be Roman citizens. Paul says that is exactly howChristians should live. We live on earth, but we belong to heaven. This worldis not our home.  Petercalls us "strangers and pilgrims" in this world. We are simplypassing through. Our names have been written in heaven. Our King is in heaven. Ourtreasure is in heaven. And one day, we are going to heaven.Thatis why our values should be different. Our priorities should be different. Ourconduct should be different. As citizens of heaven, we should represent theKing of heaven here on earth.  Paulgoes on to say that from heaven "we look for the Saviour, the LordJesus Christ." The word "look" means to wait eagerlywith expectation. The early Christians lived every day believing that JesusChrist could return at any moment. Oh, my friend, this same hope should fillour hearts today. Titus 2:13 calls it, "Looking for that blessed hope,and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."The return of Christ is not merely a doctrine to debate. It is a promise toencourage us, comfort us, and motivate us to holy living. John also wrote in 1John 3:2-3: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yetappear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall belike him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope inhim purified himself, even as he is pure." Jesus Himself said, "If I go away, I will come again."(John 14:3).  ThenPaul goes on to tell us that Christ, "shall change our vile body, thatit may be fashioned like unto his glorious body." The word "vile"here does not mean sinful. It refers to our lowly, humble, earthly body. Thisbody grows tired. It grows old. It becomes weak. It experiences sickness, pain,and sorrow. One day, unless the Lord returns first, it will die. But when JesusChrist returns, He will transform these mortal bodies into glorified bodieslike His own resurrection body. No more sickness. No more pain. No moreweakness. No more death. No more tears. What a glorious hope we have! We willbe like Jesus. Howwill He accomplish this? Paul says, "According to the working wherebyhe is able even to subdue all things unto himself." Now listen—this ispowerful. The same Lord who spoke the universe into existence...Thesame Lord who calmed the storm... The same Lord who conquered death and walkedout of the tomb... The same Lord who reigns over every king and everykingdom... has all power to complete His work in us. My friend, nothing is toohard for Him. Aswe conclude Philippians chapter 3, remember the great contrasts Paul has givenus. Do not put your confidence in the flesh—put your confidence in Christ. Donot look backward—press forward. Do not follow worldly examples—follow thosewho follow Christ. Do not set your mind on earthly things—remember that yourconversation, your citizenship, is in heaven. And do not lose hope. Jesus iscoming again. May we live today as faithful citizens of heaven while we eagerlywait for our Lord Jesus Christ to return. He could come at any moment.

Today we move on to the last section of Philippians chapter3. As we close this chapter, we want to focus specifically on verse 17, wherePaul writes: “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who sowalk, as you have us for a pattern.” NowPaul says, "Brethren, be followers together of me." At first,this might sound surprising. It almost sounds like Paul is being proud. But wehave just been reminded of what Paul said earlier: "Not as though I hadalready attained, either were already perfect." Paul knew he was stillgrowing. He was not asking believers to follow a perfect man. He was invitingthem to follow someone who was faithfully following Jesus Christ. Notice hesaid the same thing in 1 Corinthians 11:1: "Be ye followers of me, evenas I also am of Christ." In other words, Paul is saying, "Walkthe same path I am walking because I am following Jesus." Everyone of us needs godly examples. God never intended for us to grow in isolation.He places mature believers in our lives to encourage us, teach us, and show uswhat it looks like to live for Christ day by day. So Paul goes on to say,"And note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” Theword “note” (sometimes translated "mark") means toobserve carefully or to keep your eye on. We get our English word scope fromthe same Greek root. It means to fix your attention on someone. NoticePaul doesn't say to mark those who merely talk about Christ. He says to markthose who walk with Christ. Anyone can say the right words. Anyone can quoteBible verses. Anyone can appear spiritual for an hour on Sunday morning. Butthe true test of Christianity is a consistent walk with God. Our daily conductshould match our profession, and our character should support our testimony.Our lives should point people to Jesus. Oh,I am so thankful when I look back over the years of my life for the faithfulbelievers God placed in my path. There were pastors who preached God's Wordwith conviction. There were missionaries who sacrificed everything to take theGospel to the nations. There were schoolteachers who were dedicated to thecause of Jesus Christ every day. There were humble church members who quietlyserved the Lord year after year without seeking recognition. Their livespreached sermons long before their voices were silent. I often say at funerals,"This dear person has already preached this service with their life."I truly believe that Christianity is more caught than taught. Peopleare always watching us. Children watch their parents. Grandchildren watch theirgrandparents. Young Christians watch older Christians. Whether we realize it ornot, someone is following our example. That makes this verse very personal. It'sone thing to ask, "Who am I following?" But perhaps the greaterquestion is, "Who is following me?" If someone patterned hisChristian life after yours, would he become more like Jesus? Would he become aperson of prayer? Would he love God's Word? Would he faithfully serve in thechurch? Would he have a heart for souls?  Paulunderstood that the Christian life is never lived in private. Every believer isleaving footprints that someone else may choose to follow. So today, Paulleaves us with a very simple challenge. Choose your examples carefully. Followpeople who are following Christ. Learn from believers whose lives consistentlyhonor the Lord. And then ask yourself another question: Am I becoming the kindof example that others should follow? May God help us to leave footprints that lead people to Christ. Let'spray.  Heavenly Father, thank You for thefaithful men and women You have placed in our lives who have shown us what itmeans to follow Christ. Help us to learn from their example, but even more,help us to become examples that others can safely follow. May our walk matchour words, and may our lives always point people to the Lord Jesus. In Hisprecious name we pray. Amen. 

Christian; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST       Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZBio:Combat Veteran; U.S. Marine Corps Urban Warfare Instructor;       S.R.T. Commander Active Shooter Response Team Law Enforcement Los Angeles Police (L.A.P.D.) Police Officer / Fugitive RecoveryF.B.I. Instructor N.R.A Instructor Competition Shooter; Multi Time State Rifle Pistol Champion Hunting; Life Long Hunter Professional Hunter and Guide Private Security Contractor; Several Agencies,  Current.Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gunfighter-life-survival-guns-ammo-hunting-defense-tactics--4187306/support.Have a Blessed Day 

the LORD is a Man or War, Exodus 15 

Christian; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST       Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZBio:Combat Veteran; U.S. Marine Corps Urban Warfare Instructor;       S.R.T. Commander Active Shooter Response Team Law Enforcement Los Angeles Police (L.A.P.D.) Police Officer / Fugitive RecoveryF.B.I. Instructor N.R.A Instructor Competition Shooter; Multi Time State Rifle Pistol Champion Hunting; Life Long Hunter Professional Hunter and Guide Private Security Contractor; Several Agencies,  Current.Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gunfighter-life-survival-guns-ammo-hunting-defense-tactics--4187306/support.Have a Blessed Day 

Today we come to one of the most remarkable statements, andperhaps one of the most quoted, made by the Apostle Paul. In Philippians3:10-11, he writes: "That I may know Him and the power ofHis resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Hisdeath, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." Afterstudying verse 9, we learned about the great exchange. Paul had received arighteousness not his own. He had been justified by faith and accepted by Godthrough Jesus Christ. Now,in verses 10 and 11, Paul moves from justification to sanctification. He movesfrom being found in Christ to growing in Christ. Notice the first phrase: "ThatI may know Him." These words reveal the passion of Paul's heart. Thinkabout who is speaking here. This is not a new convert. This is not a youngbeliever just beginning his Christian journey. This is the Apostle Paul, a manwho had walked with Christ for nearly thirty years. He had preached the gospelacross the Roman Empire. He had suffered greatly for Christ. Yet after all those years, hisgreatest desire remained the same: "That I may know Him." Theword "know" here speaks of personal, intimate, experiential knowledgeof Jesus Christ. Paul was not asking for more information about Jesus. Hewanted a deeper relationship with Him. This is the goal of the Christian life.  Sometimeswe become more interested in knowing about God than actually knowing God. Welearn Bible facts, study Bible doctrines, and memorize Bible verses, yet weneglect a closer walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Christianity is not merelyabout information. It is about transformation through a daily relationship withJesus Christ.  ThenPaul says: "And the power of His resurrection." What does this mean? Paulwanted to experience the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Theresurrection was not merely a historical event. It is a present reality in thelife of every believer. Romans 8:11 tells us: "But if the Spirit of Himwho raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from thedead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells inyou." Think about that. The power of Christ's resurrection gives usvictory over sin. It gives us strength for daily living. It gives us courage intimes of trial. It gives us hope when circumstances seem impossible. Pauldoes not stop there. He also says: "And the fellowship of Hissufferings." That sounds very different. Most of us want resurrectionpower, but few of us want fellowship in His sufferings. Yet Paul understoodthat suffering often draws us closer to Christ than anything else. When we walkthrough trials, disappointments, hardships, losses, and difficulties, we learnto depend upon the Lord in ways we never would have otherwise. Peter wrote in 1Peter 4:13: "But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ'ssufferings." This does not mean that Christ's sufferings for oursalvation were incomplete. Rather, it means that as we suffer for His sake, weidentify more closely with Him. We often learn more about Jesus Christ in ahospital room than in a classroom, more through tears than through triumphs,and more through trials than during times of ease. ThenPaul says: "Being conformed to His death." Do you know what thismeans? It means that we die toself. We deny ourselves, as Jesus taught, and we learn to walk with Him. Oh, myfriend, may God help us realize that we can walk with Jesus Christ more closelyevery day, enjoy a deeper relationship with Him every day, and become more likeChrist because we are getting to know Him more intimately every day. You see,the Christian life begins by trusting Christ, continues by knowing Christ, andends with being forever with Christ. That is what it means to attain to theresurrection from the dead. We have a glorious and blessed hope. One day wewill see Him, and we will be like Him.

Today, I want us to focus on the next phrase: "for theexcellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." This is thereason Paul gladly counted everything else as loss. Nownotice carefully. Paul does not say, "for the excellence ofreligion." He does not say, "for the excellence of theology." Hedoes not say, "for the excellence of church membership." He says,"for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." Christianityis not primarily about a system. It is about a Person. It is about Jesus.  Theword "knowledge" here means much more than intellectual information.Paul is not talking about knowing facts about Jesus. He is speaking aboutknowing Jesus intimately and personally. There is a great difference betweenknowing about someone and actually knowing that person. You can read abiography about a famous person and know where that person was born, where theylived, what they did, and so forth. But that does not mean you know thatperson. You see, many people today know about Jesus. They know that He was bornin Bethlehem. They know that He died on the cross. They know that He rose fromthe dead. They know Bible stories and verses. Yet they do not truly know Him. Paulis speaking about a living relationship with a living Christ. Remember whatJesus said in John 17:3. This is a key verse in the New Testament: "Andthis is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and JesusChrist whom You have sent." Notice that eternal life is not merely aplace where we go when we die. It is a relationship that we enter into when wetrust Christ. The Christian life begins by knowing Christ, and it continues byknowing Christ better. Themost wonderful thing about Jesus is that we never reach the end of knowing Him.After decades of serving Christ, Paul still yearned to know Him even more. Infact, later in this chapter, in verse 10, Paul says, "that I may knowHim and the power of His resurrection." Think about it. This is not anew believer talking. This is a man who had walked with Christ for nearlythirty years. Yet his desire was still the same: "that I may knowHim." The more Paul learned about Jesus Christ and walked with Him,the more he wanted to know Him. The more he experienced Christ's faithfulness,the more he loved Christ. The more he understood Christ's grace, the more heworshiped Christ. This is a mark of genuine spiritual growth. Christianityis not simply about learning more Bible facts. It is about growing in apersonal relationship with Jesus Christ. We know Him through His Word. We knowHim through prayer. We know Him through obedience. We know Him throughfellowship with His people. We know Him through the trials that teach us todepend upon Him. We know Him through daily communion with Him. NoticePaul's personal language when he says, "Christ Jesus my Lord."It was not merely Jesus the Lord. It was Jesus my Lord. That is why we can saywith Psalm 23: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." Canyou say that? Not merely that Jesus is a Savior. Not merely that Jesus is theSavior. But that Jesus is your Savior and your Lord. Oh, there is a differencebetween knowing about someone and actually knowing that person. The greatesttreasure in all the world is not wealth. It is not success. It is not fame. Itis not even religious achievement. The greatest treasure in life is knowingJesus Christ personally. Thatis why Paul could count everything as loss, because he found somethinginfinitely better. He found a relationship with Jesus Christ. Do you know Jesuspersonally? If you know Him, are you growing in that relationship? Is your lovefor Jesus Christ increasing daily? Is it your desire to know Him in a deeperway? Oh, my friend, may we be able to say with the Apostle Paul: "forthe excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord."

Today, we are goingto look at the second mark of a genuine believer: “We rejoice in ChristJesus.” NoticePaul did not say we rejoice in our accomplishments. He did not say we rejoicein our denomination. He did not say we rejoice in our church attendance. Rememberwhen Jesus sent out the seventy-two, two by two, and they came back reportingwhat they had experienced. They said they had seen this and that, and that eventhe demons were subject to them. Jesus said, "Do not rejoice in that,but rejoice in the fact that your name is written in heaven" (Luke10:20). Jesus teaches us that our joy should be found in our relationship toHim. That is what Paul reminds us of here. Theword rejoice literally carries the idea of boasting or glorying in. So what arewe proud of? Jesus! What do we celebrate? Jesus! Who do we talk about? Jesus! Religionboasts about what people do. Christianity boasts about what Christ has done. Rememberthe Pharisee in Luke 18. He prayed, "God, I thank You that I am notlike other men." Then he proceeded to list all of his accomplishments.The publican, however, bowed his face before God, beat his breast, and criedout, "God, be merciful to me a sinner." Jesus said that manwent home justified rather than the Pharisee who had done so much. You see,true believers boast in Christ alone. Ilove the words of Galatians 6:14: "But God forbid that I should boastexcept in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." So when someone praisesus, we reflect that praise back to God. We thank Him. When something goodhappens in our lives, we thank God. When we see spiritual fruit, we give gloryto God. Why? Because we know where it all came from. Remember, Jesus said inJohn 15:5, "Without Me, you can do nothing." Now,the third mark that distinguishes a genuine believer is probably the mostimportant of all. Paul says here that: “We have no confidence in the flesh.”This statement strikes at the heart of human pride. The flesh refers to ourfallen nature. Paul says that true believers place no confidence in themselves.None. Zero. Our culture today teaches just the opposite. Believe in yourself.Trust yourself. Follow your heart. Depend on your abilities.  Scriptureteaches something very different. Jeremiah 17:9 says: "The heart isdeceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" InRomans 7:18, Paul proclaimed: "For I know that in me (that is, in myflesh) dwells no good thing." The flesh cannot save us. The fleshcannot please God. The flesh cannot produce righteousness. The flesh cannotearn heaven. Only Jesus Christ can do that. John19:30 records the triumphant words from the cross of Calvary, where Jesusproclaimed: "It is finished." Not partly finished. Not almostfinished. But finished. Completely. Totally finished. His death on the crossand His shed blood accomplished propitiation and satisfied God completely forour sins. Everything necessary for salvation was accomplished in Jesus Christ. Thatis why true believers have no confidence in the flesh. Our confidence is not inourselves. Our confidence is in Jesus Christ and in Who He is. The Holy Spiritnow dwells in us, and whatever He leads us to do, we can accomplish because itis God who works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Solet me ask you a personal question today. Which of these three marks bestdescribes your life? Do you worship God from the heart? Do you rejoice in JesusChrist? Do you have any confidence in the flesh, or is your confidence inChrist alone? Or are you still trusting your own goodness, your churchmembership, your baptism, or your religious activities? My friend, the truebeliever worships God in the Spirit, rejoices in Christ Jesus, and placesabsolutely no confidence in the flesh. That is the difference between religionand a relationship with Christ. 

Today, as we come to Philippians 2:12-13, we move from theexample of Christ to the everyday experience of the Christian life. Paul hasjust shown us the humility and obedience of Jesus Christ. Now he tells us howthat same mind of Christ is to be lived out in us. Listen to these powerfulwords in verses 12 and 13: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have alwaysobeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work outyour own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you bothto will and to do for His good pleasure.” Theword “therefore” connects this passage to everything Paul has just saidabout Jesus Christ. Because Christ humbled Himself, obeyed the Father, and gaveHimself for us, we are now to live differently. Paul begins by calling thePhilippians “my beloved.” Oh, what tenderness and affection are found in thesewords from Paul. He loved these believers. Even from prison, his heart was withthem. Thenhe says, “As you have always obeyed.” Obedience is one of the clearestevidences of genuine salvation. Remember, Jesus said in John 14:15, “If youlove Me, keep My commandments.” My friend, true faith always bringsobedience into our lives. As you continue through this verse, Paul wanted theirobedience to continue whether he was present or absent. They were to live forthe approval of God, not for the approval of men. They were to live for thepleasure of God. That is a challenge for all of us today. Sometimes we do rightonly when others are watching. But mature Christianity is doing right when noone is watching because we know God is watching. ThenPaul gives this command: “Work out your own salvation with fear andtrembling.” Now this verse has often been misunderstood. Paul is not sayingthat we work for our salvation. Salvation is by grace through faith. Ephesians2:8-9 says, “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not ofyourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Paulis writing to believers who are already saved. The phrase “work out” meansto bring to completion, to carry something to its intended result. It was usedof working a field or mining out valuable ore. The idea is this: God has placedHis life within you, and now He wants that life expressed through you. Howimportant is this? Salvation is not merely something we possess; it issomething that transforms us daily. The Christian life is not about tryingharder in our own strength. It is about cooperating with what God has alreadyworked within us. Then Paul says we are to do this “with fear andtrembling.” That is not fear of losing our salvation. It is reverence, awe,and seriousness before a holy God. It is recognizing the incredible privilegeand responsibility of belonging to Jesus Christ.  Sowhy should we take the Christian life seriously? Verse 13 gives the answer: “Forit is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Nowthis is an amazing truth. The Christian life is not merely imitation; it isincarnation. Christ lives in us through the Holy Spirit. God works in us beforeHe works through us. The word “works” here is related to the word fromwhich we get our English word “energy.” God energizes the believer fromwithin. He gives us the desire to obey Him and the power to obey Him.  Aswe look at this passage of Scripture, Philippians 2:13 reminds us that we arenever alone in the Christian life. God is actively at work within us. Maybetoday you feel weak, discouraged, or spiritually dry. Remember this: if youbelong to Jesus Christ, God has not abandoned you. He is still working in you.Sometimes His work is slow and hidden, but He never stops shaping His children.Like a sculptor chiseling stone, God patiently removes what does not belong inus, and He forms Christ within us. Remember Romans 8:29 says that we arepredestined “to be conformed to the image of His Son.” God's goal for our livesis to make us like Jesus Christ. 

This week, David Streitfeld takes us to Earthsea and the wonderful imagination of Ursula K. Le Guin; and Samantha Ellis on Charlotte Brontë's relationship with material reality.'The Word for World: The maps of Ursula K. Le Guin', edited by So Mayer and Sarah Shin'Searoad: Chronicles of Klatsand', by Ursula K. Le Guin'Ursula K. Le Guin's Book of Cats''So Far So Good: Final Poems: 2014-2018''A Larger Reality', edited by Conner Bouchard-Roberts'Charlotte Brontë's Life Through Clothes', by Eleanor HoughtonProduced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let this mind be in youwhich was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not considerit robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking theform of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. Todaywe're looking at Philippians 2:6, where Paul wrote, “Who, being in the formof God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God.” Yesterday inverse 5, we saw Paul's command: “Let this mind be in you.” We arelooking at the greatness of the One who perfectly lived that mind—that mindwhere “He did not cling to His own rights.” Today, we're talking about Christ'smind and the importance of understanding the deity of Jesus Christ.  Thisis one of the clearest declarations of the deity of Jesus Christ in the Bible.The word “form” means the very essence and nature of something. Jesuswas not merely like God—He is God. Jesus never became God. He always was God. John1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and theWord was God.” In verse 14, John said, “And the Word became flesh anddwelt among us,” speaking of Jesus Christ. Colossians1:15-17 declares that Jesus Christ created all things: “He is the image ofthe invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things werecreated that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible,whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things werecreated through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all thingsconsist.” What a powerful statement on the deity of Jesus Christ and Hiseternal being. Hebrews1:3 says, “The brightness of His glory and the express image of His person.”Jesus did not become God at Bethlehem or in the Virgin Mary. He was, andhas always been, eternally God the Son. Yet Paul says here that He “did notconsider it robbery to be equal with God.” The idea here is that Jesus did notselfishly cling to His divine privilege. Thinkabout it. The One who was worshiped by angels, the One seated in heavenlyglory, the Creator of the universe, willingly laid aside His rights to come andrescue sinners. Contrast that with Lucifer in Isaiah chapter 14, where we aretold that Lucifer said, “I will exalt my throne. I will be like the Most HighGod.”Pridesays, “I deserve more.”Pride says, “I want recognition.”Pride says, “I will promote myself.”ButJesus demonstrated just the opposite spirit. Adamand Eve grasped for equality with God in the garden. But Jesus, who already wasGod and possessed equality with God, released His privilege for our salvation. Oh,my friend, what humility. Here is the application for us today: What rights arewe clinging to?Theright to be appreciated.The right to be comforted.The right to always be understood.The right to win every argument.The right to have our preferences met. Myfriend, the mind of Jesus Christ says, “I will surrender my rights for the goodof others.” This is the heart of Christian maturity. In 1 Corinthians 10:24 weread, “Let no one seek his own, but each one the well-being of others.” Imaginewhat would happen if, in our homes, husbands and wives stopped fighting forpersonal rights and started serving one another. Imagine churches filled withbelievers saying, “How can I help?” instead of, “How can I be recognized?” Oh,my friend, this is the mind of Christ. Humility is not weakness. It is strengthunder control. Jesus could have remained in His heavenly glory, but love movedHim toward the cross. We must continually remind ourselves to examine any areaof our hearts where pride has taken root. Then, consciously surrender that areato Jesus Christ.Maybelet someone else have the last word today.Maybe give up recognition.Maybe quietly serve without needing any praise. Thatis Christlike thinking. May God help us to have this mind which was also inChrist Jesus. Godbless you and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!

Thereis nothing more important than practicing the presence of the Lord and desiringto be in His presence on the holy hill. That is Mount Zion. That is where thetemple was. That is where God made known the glory of His presence among Hispeople. You dwelt in His presence there. Today, we can dwell in His presenceevery day. Asa matter of fact, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. So what does“the fear of the Lord mean? It means being continuously aware of and consciousof the presence of the Lord in your life—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Youknow He is there. As Brother Lawrence put it, you “practice His presence.” Thatis what David is asking here. Now,who can do that? Who has the right, the privilege, and the experience ofdwelling in the presence of the Lord? David begins to answer the question inverse 2: “He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks thetruth in his heart.” Three things are mentioned right off the bat. First, “walkinguprightly”. Second, “working righteousness”, and “speaking thetruth in his heart”.  Lookat what he says: “He who walks uprightly.” This speaks of integrity. Itmeans a life that is sincere, genuine, and consistent—not perfect, but real. Theword “walk” reminds us that this is a daily lifestyle. Remember, God toldAbraham in Genesis 17:1: “Walk before Me blamelessly.” That is walkinguprightly. That is walking in the right direction following Jesus every day! Youfind this same truth mentioned in Psalm 23:3 “He leads me in paths ofrighteousness for His name's sake.” Righteousness is doing that which isright. So first, we walk with the Lord uprightly. We are cleansed of our sin.We are enjoying fellowship with Him. We are listening to His voice, payingattention to His Holy Spirit, and walking in obedience by faith. We areenjoying a life of experiencing God. We walk uprightly, and it shows forth tothe world around us. That is so important. Thenwe “work righteousness”. Now this is interesting. Righteousness is doingwhat is right. I will never forget, as a young Christian, hearing someone say: “Doright. Do right. Do right. If the stars fall from heaven, do right.” People havecome to me asking for counseling or advice on how to handle a certain situation,and my answer—because of how I have been influenced—is simply this: “Be aChristian. Be a Christian.” “Just do right!” Thatmeans you do right according to God's Word. It means you follow Jesus. You dowhat Jesus would do in that situation, my friend. The only way you can do thatis by first walking uprightly. You walk in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Remember,our righteousness is as filthy rags. What we do on our own, without the HolySpirit helping us, guiding us, and directing us, “is as filthy rags”. Itmight impress people and make us feel good, but it actually stinks in the sightof God (Isaiah 64:6). Butmy friend, when we follow Jesus, when we are in love with Jesus, when we areenjoying His presence, when we have the fear of the Lord, and when we arewalking in a path that brings glory to His name, people can see the differencein our lives. That is a powerful thing. So our walk matches our profession whenwe walk uprightly. James 1:22 says: “But be doers of the word, and nothearers only, deceiving your own selves.” Abeliever who enjoys close fellowship with God seeks to obey the Lord. Oh, myfriend, that is not sinless perfection, but it is a heart that desiresholiness. May God help us to have that kind of heart. Let us continue over thenext few days looking at Psalm 15. I hope you will take time to memorize it tooand hide it in your heart, that you might not sin against the Lord.Godbless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!

 God desires that our lives producefruit. Taketime to read the entire chapter of John 15. It is in this chapter that Jesus isin the upper room with His disciples, and one of the things He speaks of thereis abiding in Him. If you abide in Him, He says that you will bear fruit. Inverse 5, “I am the vine, and you are the branches. He who abides in Me, andI in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” Inverse 8, He goes on to say, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bearmuch fruit; so you will be My disciples.” Then verse 16: “You didnot choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bearfruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Fatherin My name He may give you.” Wefind that the desire of the Father, the desire of Jesus Christ, is that weabide in Him and live a life that bears fruit—not just activity. So many of usbecome so active doing things for the Lord that we try to produce fruit by whatwe do. Activity is not the same as fruitfulness. We get so busy that weactually forget to take time to abide in Christ, to fellowship with Him, and toremember that our strength, grace, and power come from Him alone. Thisis real spiritual fruit. Remember Galatians 5:22: “The fruit of the Spiritis love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, meekness, kindness, temperance,self-control.” All these things—these are the fruit of the Spirit. Thefruit of the Spirit is something God produces within us. When we yieldourselves, when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, when we are filled with theWord of God, then we begin to see the fruit of the Spirit being produced in ourlives. Whatis the outward evidence of this fruit in our lives? It flows from an inwardrelationship with Christ. It is Christlike character. It is godly attitudes. Itis righteous activity. I cannot help but think of Psalm 23: “The Lord is myshepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leadsme beside the still waters.” Notice next: “He leads me in paths ofrighteousness for His name's sake.” Whenwe are following Jesus—our Shepherd, our Good Shepherd, our Great Shepherd, ourears are attuned to what He wants us to do. We are on mission with Him. We donot have our own agenda; we are His servants. We follow Him. We do what Hecommands us—to love one another, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and toshare with the world around us the wonderful good news of Jesus Christ. Thesefruits of righteousness, as you see in verse 11, “which are by JesusChrist.” Literally, it is the life that Christ is living in and through us.That is why Paul would later write, “I am crucified with Christ;nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me. And the life which Inow live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me andgave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Thatbrings me to James 3:13–15. We have been talking about the wisdom of God thatis in Christ and the knowledge of God to know Him. James asks the question, “Whois wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that hisworks are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy andself-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. Thiswisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. Butwhere envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle,willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and withouthypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those whomake peace.” Myfriend, that is the wisdom that is from above. “If you lack wisdom”—James1:5—"let him ask of God”. It is yielding your life to Jesus Christand allowing His life to live through you, and you will live a life full of thefruits of righteousness. Help us, O God, to have that kind of life.

Christian; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST       Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZ Bio:Combat Veteran; U.S. Marine Corps Urban Warfare Instructor;       S.R.T. Commander Active Shooter Response Team Law Enforcement Los Angeles Police (L.A.P.D.) Police Officer / Fugitive RecoveryF.B.I. Instructor N.R.A Instructor Competition Shooter; Multi Time State Rifle Pistol Champion Hunting; Life Long Hunter Proffessional Hunter and Guide Private Security Contractor; Several Agencies,  Current.Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZthe LORD is a Man or War, Exodus 15 

Christian; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST       Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZ Bio:Combat Veteran; U.S. Marine Corps Urban Warfare Instructor;       S.R.T. Commander Active Shooter Response Team Law Enforcement Los Angeles Police (L.A.P.D.) Police Officer / Fugitive RecoveryF.B.I. Instructor N.R.A Instructor Competition Shooter; Multi Time State Rifle Pistol Champion Hunting; Life Long Hunter Proffessional Hunter and Guide Private Security Contractor; Several Agencies,  Current.Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gunfighter-life-survival-guns-tactical-hunting--4187306/support.Have a Blessed Day 

Welcome to the latest Edition of Tarantino Speculation. The news and information series devoted to discussing and speculating on all the latest developments in the Tarantinoverse. Join the Reverend and his special guests Frank Hannen (Bachata Talk & Aventura's World Podcasta) and Heather Baxendale-Walsh (Word of Hell Mouth Podcats) as they dissect and discuss the biggest announcements in the Tarantinoverse from the beginning of 2026. So join in on the speculation and immerse yourself in the ever changing, chaotic world of the Tarantino fandom. SHOW NOTES: • Only What We Carry: https://deadline.com/2025/10/quentin-tarantino-simon-pegg-cast-in-only-what-we-carry-1236597119/ • One Spoon of Chocolate: https://deadline.com/2026/03/rza-quentin-tarantino-release-one-spoon-of-chocolate-1236751148/ Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYkhefDTiXk • Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair: https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2026/1/26/quentin-tarantinos-kill-bill-the-whole-bloody-affair-is-getting-a-4k-physical-media-release-in-2026 Boutique Talk Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?vfCDsqaX-E • The Adventures of Cliff Booth: https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2026/3/18/david-finchers-the-adventures-of-cliff-booth-sets-august-2026-release Teaser Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzZjVU3OUBw • Popinjay Cavalier: https://variety.com/2026/theater/global/quentin-tarantino-play-title-popinjay-cavalier-2027-west-end-debut-1236684451/ • Tarantino/Stallone 1930's Limited TV Series: https://www.tmz.com/2026/03/20/quentin-tarantino-partners-with-sly-stallone-for-new-series/   Frank Hannen: Follow Bachata Talk on the shows Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @bachatatalk Listen to the Bachata Talk Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bachata-talk/id1626371650 Follow Aventura's World on the shows Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @aventurapodcast Listen to the Aventura's World: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aventuras-world/id1733891852   Heather Baxendale-Walsh: Listen to theWord of Hell Mouth Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/word-of-hell-mouth/id1654712678 Listen to A Pod of Wings and Filth: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-pod-of-wings-and-filth/id1812628934 Follow HB Walsh on her Socials: Facebook: @HBaxWalsh Instagram: @H.B.WalshAuthor Website: www.heatherbaxendale.com   Become a member of The Church of Tarantino: Follow us on our socials: Facebook / Instagram / Threads/ Blue Sky & Letterboxd: @ChurchOfQTPod TikTok: @TheChurchofQT Email: TheChurchOfTarantino@gmail.com We're also on the Rabbit Hole Podcast Network: https://rabbitholepodcasts.com/the-church-of-tarantino/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Christian; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST       

Christian; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST         Combat Veteran; U.S. Marine Corps Urban Warfare Instructor;        S.R.T. Commander Active Shooter Response Team  Law Enforcement Los Angeles Police (L.A.P.D.) Police Officer / Fugitive Recovery F.B.I. Instructor N.R.A Instructor  Competition Shooter; Multi Time State Rifle Pistol Champion  Hunting; Life Long Hunter Proffessional Hunter and Guide  Private Security Contractor; Several Agencies,  Current. Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gunfighter-life-survival-guns-tactical-hunting--4187306/support.Have a Blessed Day 

Christian; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST         Combat Veteran; U.S. Marine Corps Urban Warfare Instructor;        S.R.T. Commander Active Shooter Response Team  Law Enforcement Los Angeles Police (L.A.P.D.) Police Officer / Fugitive Recovery F.B.I. Instructor N.R.A Instructor  Competition Shooter; Multi Time State Rifle Pistol Champion  Hunting; Life Long Hunter Proffessional Hunter and Guide  Private Security Contractor; Several Agencies,  Current. Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gunfighter-life-survival-guns-tactical-hunting--4187306/support.Have a Blessed Day 

Christian; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST        Combat Veteran; U.S. Marine Corps Urban Warfare Instructor;       S.R.T. Commander Active Shooter Response Team Law Enforcement Los Angeles Police (L.A.P.D.) Police Officer / Fugitive RecoveryF.B.I. Instructor N.R.A Instructor Competition Shooter; Multi Time State Rifle Pistol Champion Hunting; Life Long Hunter Proffessional Hunter and Guide Private Security Contractor; Several Agencies,  Current.Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZthe LORD is a Man or War, Exodus 15 

Christian ; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST        Combat Veteran; U.S. Marine Corps Urban Warfare Instructor;       S.R.T. Commander Active Shooter Response Team Law Enforcement Los Angeles Police (L.A.P.D.) Police Officer / Fugitive RecoveryF.B.I. Instructor N.R.A Instructor Competition Shooter; Multi Time State Rifle Pistol Champion Hunting; Life Long Hunter Proffessional Hunter and Guide Private Security Contractor; Several Agencies,  Current.Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZGOD Provides JESUS SavesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gunfighter-life-survival-guns-tactical-hunting--4187306/support.Have a Blessed Day 

Christian ; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST         Decorated Combat Veteran; U.S. Marine Corps Urban Warfare Instructor;        S.R.T. Commander Active Shooter Response Team  Law Enforcement Los Angeles Police (L.A.P.D.) Police Officer / Fugitive Recovery F.B.I. Instructor N.R.A Instructor  Competition Shooter; Multi Time State Rifle Pistol Champion  Hunting; Life Long Hunter Proffessional Hunter and Guide  Private Security Contractor; Several Agencies,  Current. Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZ GOD Provides JESUS SavesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gunfighter-life-survival-guns-tactical-hunting--4187306/support.Have a Blessed Day 

Christian ; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST        Decorated Combat Veteran; U.S. Marine Corps Urban Warfare Instructor;       S.R.T. Commander Active Shooter Response Team Law Enforcement Los Angeles Police (L.A.P.D.) Police Officer / Fugitive RecoveryF.B.I. Instructor N.R.A Instructor Competition Shooter; Multi Time State Rifle Pistol Champion Hunting; Life Long Hunter Proffessional Hunter and Guide Private Security Contractor; Several Agencies,  Current.Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZGOD Provides JESUS SavesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gunfighter-life-survival-guns-tactical-hunting--4187306/support.Have a Blessed Day 

Christian ; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST        GOD Provides JESUS Saves