Podcasts about this high priest

Honor the Woman in Your LifeProv 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired); Her husband also, and he praises her, saying…Children Honor MomProv 31:28  Her children stand and bless her. 3 Ways Children HONOR MOMHow do young children HONOR MOM by obedience. Honor means we show her value, respect and appreciation! Eph 6:2 Honor your … mother, which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth. Jesus was obedient to his mom. Luke‬ 2‬:51‬-52  (Jesus) was obedient to (his mother) and grew in wisdom, statute and favor.  Jesus honored his mother by obeying her How do teens and young adults HONOR MOM by respecting.Jesus gave us an example of respecting his mom. When Jesus didn't want to do what his mom was asking him to do. John‬ 2‬:3‬-11‬ AMP … the mother of Jesus said to Him, “[a]They have no more wine.” 4 Jesus said to her, “[Dear] woman, [b]what is that to you and to Me? My time [to act and to be revealed] has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”  7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the waterpots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim. 8 Then He said to them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter [of the banquet].” So they took it to him. 9 And when the headwaiter tasted the water which had turned into wine, .. you have kept back the good wine until now.” 11 This, the first of His signs (attesting miracles), Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed His glory [displaying His deity and His great power openly], and His disciples believed [confidently] in Him [as the Messiah—they adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Him]. Jesus honored his mother at a wedding by showing her respect.  3. How do adult children HONOR MOM by showing her appreciation Solomon, the wisest and richest man showed appreciation for his mother 1 Kings‬ 2‬:19‬-20‬ NLT‬‬ ‬‬‬‬‬‬…Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak … The king rose from his throne to meet her, and he bowed down before her. When he sat down on his throne again, the king ordered that a throne be brought for his mother, and she sat at his right hand. “I have one small request to make of you,” she said. “I hope you won't turn me down.” “What is it, my mother?” he asked. “You know I won't refuse you.”Solomon Honored His Mom 4 ways  He rose to greet her He bowed or we can hug and kiss herHe sat a chair next to him - a seat on his right hand is a position of honorHe talked with her and He listened to her Husbands Honor your WifeHonor is the greatest gift a man can give to the woman he loves.1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.3 Ways to Honor your wife from 1 Peter 3:7Live with your wife in an understanding way 1 Peter 3:7 husbands live with your wife in an understanding way because she is the weaker vessel. How do you live with your wife in an understanding way? AMP 1 Peter 3:7 …you husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way [with great gentleness and tact, and with an intelligent regard for the marriage relationship],The word understanding way means in an intelligent way.. gentle way… tactful way..Remember she is the weaker vessel 2. Honor your wife and yourself by being a loving leader – the priest of your home Heb‬ 4‬:14‬-16‬ NLT‬‬ ‬‬‬‬… we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, … This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, God's plan is for the husbands to be a loving leader and priest of their homes. Husband are the priests of their homes Jesus is our high priest and sympathize with our weaknessHusbands are the priest and sympathize with your wife's weaknessJesus was the defender of womenWhen a disciple criticized a woman …Jesus said leave her aloneMark 14:6 Jesus said, “Let her alone; why are you bothering her and causing trouble? She has done a good and beautiful thing to Me.Jesus said…Don't be harsh towards your wife Col 3:19 Husbands, love (be sympathetic) your wives and do not be harsh with them.3. If the husband doesn't honor his wife his prayers will be hindered. God doesn't answer his prayers. God does answer our prayers. But God will not answer your prayers  husbands.. if you don't honor your wife. Without answered prayer your prayers are a waste of time The Greek word honor means to greatly value her.Let me ask you husband's a couple questions  Do you recognize your wife for her great worth?  Do you reward your wife for her value to you?  Do you tell her how priceless she is? And if you do, when was the last time you did that?Husbands need to make a habit of daily praising their wife this shows them honor God says if you don't treat your wife in an understanding way-as the weaker vessel‘. God will shut your prayers off. God says I am not listening to youLearn to Solve the argument in 3 minutes with these 7 steps from 1 Peter 3:7! 1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.Remember -1 Peter 3:7 Men live with understanding (be intelligent) V- Vessel, remember God said.. she is the weaker vesselE-EASY, this is easy- I can do this. S- Say I'm sorry you're going through this. It must be hard.S-Say I want to love, you support you and protect you during this time.E-Every problem God has a miracle for- I don't always have the miracle but God does. L-Let's pray and L-lay low- let it rest- and let God do the miracle. Husband's Learn to Honor Your Wife- From 1 Peter 3:7 1 Peter 3:7 …understanding, giving honor … the weaker vessel … your prayers … not hinderedLive with understanding (intelligence)  because she is the weaker vesselGive honor by praising her, not laughing at her or being harsh with herDon't let your prayers be hindered because you don't honor your wife. Live with her in an understanding and intelligent way.Strong Godly Women Honor God 7 ways a godly woman honors GodA woman who honors God and her husband brings Honor to Herself  Titus 2:3-4 NLT/2:5 NKJV(3)…teach the older women (strong women of faith) to live in a way that honors God. (4)These older women (strong in the faith women) must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children,(5) to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.7 Things Strong Godly Women of Faith are to teach the newer women of faith1. Godly women teach …Love for their husbands. The word love here means affection 1Cor 7:5 Do not deprive each other of sexual relations…2.Godly women teach …Love for their children Be fond of your children 3.Godly women teach … Be discreetDiscreet means to be self controlled in your opinion and watch you say.4. Godly women teach … Be ChaseChase means modest and innocent5. Godly women teach … Be HomemakerMain goal is to build the home 6.Godly women teach…Be (have) Good Values - godly women - great worth to God 7.Godly women teach…Be Submitted - Submission to your husband Submission means to yield Women who HONOR GOD teach…Love your husband- be affectionate Love your children-be fond of themBe discreet- have self control over your opinions and what you say Be chaste - be modest outdoorsClean- value what God values Homemaker - make your home your focus Be submitted - yield to your husband

“A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, ‘It is finished!’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:29–30 NLT) Ever since I was a little kid, I have always had a great admiration for the historical person known as Jesus. I had seen all His movies. I thought very highly of Him. I would thumb through my grandmother’s big family Bible and look at the illustrations of Jesus. She had a picture of Jesus on the wall. I would sit and stare at it and think, I wish I could have known that man Jesus. The one thing I didn’t like about the life of Jesus was the way the story ended. I thought whoever wrote the story ought to rewrite it with a happier ending. The whole part of His being crucified wrecks everything. He is on this great roll. He is healing people. He is teaching people. Little children are flocking to Him. He is becoming more popular. This ending is ridiculous. Why do they have to put Him on a cross and kill Him? It wasn’t until after I became a Christian that I realized the crucifixion of Jesus was the primary reason He came to earth in the first place. He came to earth, fully God and fully human. He lived among us, as one of us. He experienced the things that are common to all of us, including the temptation to sin. Hebrews 4:14–15 says, “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin” (NLT). Jesus destroyed the power of sin. He lived a sinless life so that He could be the perfect sacrifice for the sins of everyone else. He lived humbly, in perfect obedience to God. The apostle Paul put it this way: “When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7–8 NLT). He did what no one else could do: pay God’s price for the sins of the world. Ephesians 1:7 says that God “is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins” (NLT). Jesus’ blood covers the sins of everyone who believes in Him. That means when God looks at us, He doesn’t see our sin; He sees His Son’s righteousness. That’s why Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NLT). And “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NLT). Jesus gives us hope, joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. He gives us “a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NLT). That’s the work Jesus completed on the cross. That’s why He was able to say triumphantly, “It is finished.” Reflection question: How can people see the finished work of Jesus in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we face tough times, when we don't know what to do as a parent, when disappointment and heartache comes, we have to remember Jesus came and experienced all these same hurts and emotions and so He understands how we feel. Listen to Hebrews 4:14-16 … So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (NLT) How often have you been in a dark moment and thought, “I just wish someone could understand what I'm going through right now. How I feel.”? How amazing is it that God tells us when we are weak and failing the test, that actually is the best time to come boldly before Him … to receive mercy and find grace. … Help when we need it most.Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible … Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.What part of this passage stood out to you? Spoke to you?How great is it that we are told to … walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help?Knowing that God has experienced what you are feeling and is ready, waiting to give you the mercy and strength you need. Can I do that now? Imagine in your mind your Father is with you now, He knows the struggle already, can you boldly walk to him and ask for what He promises He is ready to give? Ask for mercy and then ask for help.What if you wrote that message across your bathroom mirror? To see it first thing every morning and the last thing at night? Take the mercy, accept the help. … amen.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, when I'm weak, when I'm being tested by my kids, when I have no idea what to do, remind me to “take the mercy and accept the help.” As above, so below.”

“When I'm deep in a hole, lower a rope, not a shovel.” The last thing we need when we've dug ourselves profoundly into pain or confusion or sin is more of the same. Our best efforts got us there: our best efforts won't deliver us. The pit only gets deeper—and so does our frustration. As Scripture says, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death” (Prov 14:12). Rescue only comes from above—from Someone who both sees our plight and can do something to change it. God's Word reveals that Jesus fully understands how desperate our condition is—and He—uniquely—can change the ending of our story: “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Heb 4:15-16). Common sense can tell us to stop digging. Wisdom urges us to accept the grace that doesn't leave us where we are. “He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God” (Psa 40:2-3). Let yourself be lifted. And stay in grace. -Bill Knott

“When I'm deep in a hole, lower a rope, not a shovel.” The last thing we need when we've dug ourselves profoundly into pain or confusion or sin is more of the same. Our best efforts got us there: our best efforts won't deliver us. The pit only gets deeper—and so does our frustration. As Scripture says, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death” (Prov 14:12). Rescue only comes from above—from Someone who both sees our plight and can do something to change it. God's Word reveals that Jesus fully understands how desperate our condition is—and He—uniquely—can change the ending of our story: “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Heb 4:15-16). Common sense can tell us to stop digging. Wisdom urges us to accept the grace that doesn't leave us where we are. “He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God” (Psa 40:2-3). Let yourself be lifted. And stay in grace. -Bill Knott

Hey Everyone Thanks for tuning in! Today I am starting a series of topics, which is some of the basic fundamentals of the Christian faith. Today's topic is Salvation, what does it mean to be born again? You will hear me read an interesting discussion between Jesus Christ and a High Priest by the name of Nicodemus. This High Priest asks Jesus “how can someone go back into His mother's womb?” Tune into today's topic as we unpack the words of Jesus to this fascinating question. I hope you enjoy this episode also leave me a comment or question and I will do my best to answer in my next episode. Please don't forget to share and subscribe, have a wonderful and blessed day!!

The diet lasts a dozen days. The treadmill hasn't spun 10 miles. The Bible sits where it was left, unopened and unsavored.  We grieve the effortless unraveling of all the goals we wanted to achieve—to lose the weight; increase the steps; find hope and quiet in God's Word.   We are too close to dreams undone, to lofty visions gone awry. So how does God address our lack of grit and gratitude?  “I will be faithful to you and make you Mine, and you will finally know Me as the Lord,” God says (Hosea 2:20). “He knows our frame,” the psalmist says. “He remembers we are dust” (Psa 103:14). And so Christ came, to walk our dust, to know our pain, to understand how irresolute we are.  “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin” (Her 4:15). Grace always moves toward us, redeems our goals, and tells us we are loved.  We fall in step with One who holds us when we stumble.  He is resolved when we are not, and faithful when we wander. Receive His strength.  And stay in grace. -Bill Knott

The diet lasts a dozen days. The treadmill hasn't spun 10 miles. The Bible sits where it was left, unopened and unsavored.  We grieve the effortless unraveling of all the goals we wanted to achieve—to lose the weight; increase the steps; find hope and quiet in God's Word.   We are too close to dreams undone, to lofty visions gone awry. So how does God address our lack of grit and gratitude?  “I will be faithful to you and make you Mine, and you will finally know Me as the Lord,” God says (Hosea 2:20). “He knows our frame,” the psalmist says. “He remembers we are dust” (Psa 103:14). And so Christ came, to walk our dust, to know our pain, to understand how irresolute we are.  “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin” (Her 4:15). Grace always moves toward us, redeems our goals, and tells us we are loved.  We fall in step with One who holds us when we stumble.  He is resolved when we are not, and faithful when we wander. Receive His strength.  And stay in grace. -Bill Knott

December 29 2024 Sunday Week 35 / Your Place In Him / T. Stacy Hayes #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word.  That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. Isaiah 53:5  Healing… Matthew 18:19  Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34  God is no respecter of persons… “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2:14-15 KJV “Because God's children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.” Hebrews 2:14-15 NLT “Since, therefore, [these His] children share in flesh and blood [in the physical nature of human beings], He [Himself] in a similar manner partook of the same [nature], that by [going through] death He might bring to nought and make of no effect him who had the power of death–that is, the devil– And also that He might deliver and completely set free all those who through the [haunting] fear of death were held in bondage throughout the whole course of their lives.” Hebrews 2:14-15 AMPC “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” Hebrews 2:18 KJV “Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.” Hebrews 2:18 NLT “For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering].” Hebrews 2:18 AMPC “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16 KJV “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:14-16 NLT “Inasmuch then as we have a great High Priest Who has [already] ascended and passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith in Him]. For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning. Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].” Hebrews 4:14-16 AMPC “For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (for those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchisedec:) By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.” Hebrews 7:19-22 KJV “For the law never made anything perfect. But now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God. This new system was established with a solemn oath. Aaron's descendants became priests without such an oath, but there was an oath regarding Jesus. For God said to him, “The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow: ‘You are a priest forever.'” Because of this oath, Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God.” Hebrews 7:19-22 NLT “For the Law never made anything perfect–but instead a better hope is introduced through which we [now] come close to God. And it was not without the taking of an oath [that Christ was made Priest], For those who formerly became priests received their office without its being confirmed by the taking of an oath by God, but this One was designated and addressed and saluted with an oath, The Lord has sworn and will not regret it or change His mind, You are a Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. [Ps. 110:4.] In keeping with [the oath's greater strength and force], Jesus has become the Guarantee of a better (stronger) agreement [a more excellent and more advantageous covenant].” Hebrews 7:19-22 AMPC “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.” Hebrews 8:6 KJV “But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.” Hebrews 8:6 NLT “But as it now is, He [Christ] has acquired a [priestly] ministry which is as much superior and more excellent [than the old] as the covenant (the agreement) of which He is the Mediator (the Arbiter, Agent) is superior and more excellent, [because] it is enacted and rests upon more important (sublimer, higher, and nobler) promises.” Hebrews 8:6 AMPC Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… Romans 10:17  Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16  God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2  Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1  No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…  Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19  God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20  Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:17  We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21  We are The Righteousness of God In Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8  We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com  YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 …  Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical  Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15 NLT) It is mind-boggling to think that the Creator of the universe became an embryo. He who created the solar system chose to become an infant. The Almighty appeared on Earth as a helpless human being, unable to do anything more than wiggle and make noises. Jesus didn’t arrive with His full faculties intact. He was a baby who cried and needed His diaper changed. That is the mystery of the Incarnation—that God would allow Himself to live within the limitations of a human body. There wasn’t a moment when Jesus suddenly became God or ceased to be God. First John 1:1 tells us, “We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life” (NLT). Jesus was God before Bethlehem. He was God in the manger. He was God as a young man. And He was God during His earthly ministry. He also was God as He hung on the cross, and He was God when He rose from the dead. Jesus came to live among us. As the prophet Isaiah wrote, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (9:6 NLT). At Christmas we celebrate the arrival of God’s Son on Earth. But it also was a departure from Heaven. Jesus came and walked among us, enduring the limitations of a human body. He experienced the things we experience. Jesus knew what it was like to be hungry and thirsty. And like anyone else, He got tired and had to sleep. While He had the ability to perform miracles—and He did so–He never performed a miracle for His own benefit. Also, Jesus knew what it was like to be lonely. Imagine how He felt when His disciples deserted Him. When He hung on the cross and all the sin of the world was placed upon Him, at that moment He was the loneliest man who ever lived. He knew what it was like for His friends to betray Him. And He knew what it was like for someone to lie about Him. Jesus experienced all those things. That is why the Bible says of Him, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15 NLT). When we go to God, we’re not talking to some distant celestial being who has no idea of what it’s like to live on Planet Earth. We’re talking about God who became a man. He knows exactly what we’re going through. Therefore, He can help us in our time of need. It is hard for us to imagine both deity and humanity in one person. Yet when Jesus came to Earth and walked among us, that is who He was. — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Message for 11/10/2024 "My Failure His Faithfulness" by Justin McTeer. *All verses are NLT unless otherwise noted* Colossians 1:15a - Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. Hebrews 1:3a - And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature 1. Malicious Murderous Betrayal 2. Let's You Down 3. Cuts & Runs 4. Breaks Your Heart. Matthew 26:6-13 - Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. 7 While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head. 8 The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. 9 “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.” 10 But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? 11 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. 12 She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. 13 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman's deed will be remembered and discussed.” Matthew 26:20-25 - When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the Twelve. 21 While they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.” 22 Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, “Am I the one, Lord?” 23 He replied, “One of you who has just eaten from this bowl with me will betray me. 24 For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!” 25 Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, “Rabbi, am I the one?” And Jesus told him, “You have said it.” Matthew 26:31 - On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' Matthew 26:33-35 - Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” 34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 35 “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same. Matthew 26:36-46 - Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” 37 He took Peter and Zebedee's two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. 38 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 40 Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn't you watch with me even one hour? 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” 42 Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away] unless I drink it, your will be done.”43 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn't keep their eyes open. 44 So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.46 Up, let's be going. Look, my betrayer is here!” People Let You Down Matthew 26:55-56 - Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn't you arrest me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day. 56 But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.” At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled. People Cut & Run Matthew 26:69-76 - Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don't know what you're talking about,” he said. 71 Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don't even know the man,” he said. 73 A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.” 74 Peter swore, “A curse on me if I'm lying—I don't know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 Suddenly, Jesus' words flashed through Peter's mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly. Ezekiel 6:9a - Then when they are exiled among the nations, they will remember me. They will recognize how hurt I am by their unfaithful hearts and lustful eyes that long for their idols. People Break Your Heart Matthew 26:40-41 - Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn't you watch with me even one hour? 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” Hebrews 4:15 - This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 2 Timothy 2:13 - If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.

Send us a text"This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses." Heb 4:15 NLTOne of Satan's most successful strategies for keeping us away from our quiet time with God is reminding us of our sins and shortcomings.That's a lie; don't believe it. In the Old Testament, the High Priest went into the Holiest of Holies to atone for the sins of the people. When he came back out, the people rejoiced, knowing that they were fully accepted by God. With that in mind, read this Scripture: "[Jesus] understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most" (vv. 15-16 NLT). Another strategy that Satan will use to intimidate you and keep you away from your quiet time is to remind you that the greatest saints spent hours each day praying and studying the Scriptures. That's true, and one day you may become like them. Meanwhile, what should you do? Start small but begin! Pastor Greg Laurie sees spiritual hunger as the opposite of natural hunger: "When you're hungry in the natural, you eat and are satisfied. But with spiritual hunger, it isn't until you begin eating that you discover how hungry you really are!" So when you fail to keep your quiet time with God, you shouldn't feel guilty; you should feel hungry. When you "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Ps 34:8), you will want more and more time with Jesus--which is wonderful because He longs for time with you.Support the showChanging Lives | Building Strong Family | Impacting Our Community For Jesus Christ!

Some Things to Hold On To Hebrews 4:14-16 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Intro: Hebrews 9:11-12 So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With his own blood-not the blood of goats and calves-he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. Hold Firmly to What We Believe Hebrews 4:14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. Ephesians 6:12-14 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. Hold Firmly That God Understands Hebrews 4:15 This High Priest of ours undersands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. Hebrews 2:18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. 1 Corinthians 10:13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Hold Fimly to Your Boldness to Come Before God Hebrews 4:16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. Luke 15:22-24 But his father said to the servants, "Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found." So the party began. Hebrews 10:19-22 And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God's house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Hold Firmly That Grace Will Meet You There Hebrews 4:16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Psalm 103:8, 10, 13-14 The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Isaiah 30:19 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will be gracious if you ask for help. He will surely respond to the sound of your cries.

Trusting in the Lord Psalm 121:1-8 I look up to the mountains-does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Introduction 1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. The Lord is Our Helper Psalm 121:2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. Hebrews 4:14-16 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. The Lord Watches Over Us Psalm 121:3-5 He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. 1 Peter 3:12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ars are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil. Psalm 139:15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. The Lord Stands Beside You Psalm 121:5 The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. Matthew 28:20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Psalm 23:4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. The Lord Keeps You From Harm Psalm 121:6-7 The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. Proverbs 19:23 Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm. Psalm 91:9-11 If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. The Lord is With You Wherever You Go Psalm 121:8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalm 139:7-10 I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. Romans 8:38-39 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow-not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below-indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

When we face tough times, when we don't know what to do as a parent, when disappointment and heartache comes, we have to remember Jesus came and experienced all these same hurts and emotions and so He understands how we feel. Listen to Hebrews 4:14-16 … So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (NLT) How often have you been in a dark moment and thought, “I just wish someone could understand what I'm going through right now. How I feel.”? How amazing is it that God tells us when we are weak and failing the test, that actually is the best time to come boldly before Him … to receive mercy and find grace. … Help when we need it most. Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible … Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. What part of this passage stood out to you? Spoke to you? How great is it that we are told to … walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help? Knowing that God has experienced what you are feeling and is ready, waiting to give you the mercy and strength you need. Can I do that now? Imagine in your mind your Father is with you now, He knows the struggle already, can you boldly walk to him and ask for what He promises He is ready to give? Ask for mercy and then ask for help. What if you wrote that message across your bathroom mirror? To see it first thing every morning and the last thing at night? Take the mercy, accept the help. … amen. Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, when I'm weak, when I'm being tested by my kids, when I have no idea what to do, remind me to “take the mercy and accept the help.” As above, so below.”

Devotional Prayer by Be Inspired by His Word © Song by Marvin Sapp He sees the tears you cry He shares your pain inside And sometimes you wonder why He allows you to go through what you go through Just know He has His hands on you. He has his hands on you He says He'll see you through When you cry He's holding you So just lift your hands up high For He will provide Just know He has his hands on you Sometimes you feel so alone Like a child lost with no home They keep telling you to be strong But you say when will it end? When will I win? But just know He has His hands on you. He has His hands on you He says He'll see you through When you cry He's holding you So just lift your hands up high For He will provide Just know he has his hands on you. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:15‭-‬16 NLT Prayer Abba I honour your name and give you praise because you are God Mighty God I thank you for this amazing new dawn and grace to be among the living Lord thank you for your word that you send to me daily to uplift my soul Lord thank you for your divine strength even when my spirit man is weary and weak Lord thank you for showing me that you care even when it feels like the burden of life is overwhelming Lord thank you for proving to me that your hands are on me and you will see me through Lord in your mercy direct me and wipe away all tears caused by different challenges replace them with songs of praise Lord terminate the feelings of loneliness and abandonment in my life Lord I want to feel your embrace in my life, show me that you are closer to me than I can ever imagine Lord for every situation that has questioned my faith in you give me a life transforming testimonies Lord for every word that has been spoken, every accusations against me vindicate me Lord come through for my household and I crown all our prayer and waiting period with undeniable testimonies Lord concerning the vessel used for this daily prayers all impacted by it and our household, that very area that we are praying and desperately in need of your mighty power show up for us and give us testimonies in Jesus name *Pray for anyone going through any challenge* Thank you abba father for answered prayers in Jesus name *Confess Daily: Sin shall not have dominion over me, I am operating in the power of the word of God. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus by faith as Jesus is so am I in this world. The Lord has heard my cry, the king of kings has ruled in my favour. God has caused a divine turn around to occur over every verdict. What the enemy meant for evil, God has turned it around for my good. Look at me, I am more than a conqueror, Jesus has set me free. Hallelujah!* Today's Prayer by Be Inspired (by His Word) © 7th December 2023 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/be-inspired-by-his-word/message

James 4:2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. (NIV) 6 Reasons We Don’t Ask God 1. Because God already knows my needs Matthew 6:8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (NIV)  John 16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. (NIV) 1a. You don’t believe God will help you Mark 6:5–6 And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief. (NLT) 1b. Pride 2 Chronicles 16:12 In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the LORD, but only from the physicians. (NIV) 1c. Unworthy feelings  Hebrews 4:15–16 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (NLT) 1d. Disappointment Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (NIV) 2. Asking is Biblical Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (NIV) Matthew 21:22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (NIV) Matthew 7:11- If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (NIV) Matthew 9:38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. (NIV) Matthew 18:19 Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. (NIV) Matthew 7:7-8 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (NIV) 3. Ask with the right motives  James 4:3-4 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. (NIV) 3A. Motived by selfishness and worldliness 3B. Motivated by your will 1 John 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (NIV) 4. Ask with Faith Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. (NIV)  Hebrews 11:11 And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. (NIV) Hebrews 11:29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned. (NIV) Matthew 9:2 Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” (NIV) Matthew 9:22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment. (NIV) Matthew 9:29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; (NIV) Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. (NIV). Mark 10:52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. (NIV) Acts 14:9 He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed (NIV) REVIEW: 1. You don’t receive a miracle because you don’t ask God 1a. God already knows my needs 1b. You don’t believe God will help you 1c. Pride 1d. Unworthy feelings 1e. Disappointment 2. Asking is biblical 3. Ask with the right motives  4. Ask with faith

September 17 2023 Sunday T. Stacy Hayes  Week 36 / We Have The Same Father As Jesus #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word.  That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. This In Him Scripture Study Started On June 21 2021 Go Back And Listen From The Beginning…  The Study In Romans Started on March 30 2022 Go Back And Listen To This Study From The Beginning… Isaiah 53:5  Healing… Matthew 18:19  Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34  God is no respecter of persons… “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,” Hebrews 2:9-11 KJV “What we do see is Jesus, who for a little while was given a position “a little lower than the angels”; and because he suffered death for us, he is now “crowned with glory and honor.” Yes, by God's grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation. So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.” Hebrews 2:9-11 NLT “But we are able to see Jesus, Who was ranked lower than the angels for a little while, crowned with glory and honor because of His having suffered death, in order that by the grace (unmerited favor) of God [to us sinners] He might experience death for every individual person. For it was an act worthy [of God] and fitting [to the divine nature] that He, for Whose sake and by Whom all things have their existence, in bringing many sons into glory, should make the Pioneer of their salvation perfect [should bring to maturity the human experience necessary to be perfectly equipped for His office as High Priest] through suffering. For both He Who sanctifies [making men holy] and those who are sanctified all have one [Father]. For this reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren;” Hebrews 2:9-11 AMPC “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2:14-15 KJV “Because God's children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.” Hebrews 2:14-15 NLT “Since, therefore, [these His] children share in flesh and blood [in the physical nature of human beings], He [Himself] in a similar manner partook of the same [nature], that by [going through] death He might bring to nought and make of no effect him who had the power of death–that is, the devil– And also that He might deliver and completely set free all those who through the [haunting] fear of death were held in bondage throughout the whole course of their lives.” Hebrews 2:14-15 AMPC “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” Hebrews 2:18 KJV “Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.” Hebrews 2:18 NLT “For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering].” Hebrews 2:18 AMPC “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16 KJV “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:14-16 NLT “Inasmuch then as we have a great High Priest Who has [already] ascended and passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith in Him]. For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning. Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].” Hebrews 4:14-16 AMPC “For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (for those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchisedec:) By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.” Hebrews 7:19-22 KJV “For the law never made anything perfect. But now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God. This new system was established with a solemn oath. Aaron's descendants became priests without such an oath, but there was an oath regarding Jesus. For God said to him, “The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow: ‘You are a priest forever.'” Because of this oath, Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God.” Hebrews 7:19-22 NLT “For the Law never made anything perfect–but instead a better hope is introduced through which we [now] come close to God. And it was not without the taking of an oath [that Christ was made Priest], For those who formerly became priests received their office without its being confirmed by the taking of an oath by God, but this One was designated and addressed and saluted with an oath, The Lord has sworn and will not regret it or change His mind, You are a Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. [Ps. 110:4.] In keeping with [the oath's greater strength and force], Jesus has become the Guarantee of a better (stronger) agreement [a more excellent and more advantageous covenant].” Hebrews 7:19-22 AMPC Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… Romans 10:17  Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16  God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2  Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1  No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…  Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19  God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20  Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:17  We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21  We are The Righteousness of God In Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8  We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com  YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 …  Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical  Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured                    

Hebrews 4:16Christ Is Our High Priest14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.2 Corinthians 9:8Amplified Bible8 And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity.Ephesians 3:20-21Amplified Bible, Classic Edition20 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]—Highlights-Know your role-Observing protocol of address-Sincere praise and worship- Have joy- Remain in submission and humility- Ask big and expect bigger-Access mercy-Remain in a broken and contrite heart-Sacrifices and offerings have been given-The throne of grace is ratified by the blood of our Lord and saviour. Observe the covenantMusic by: - Ascension by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoonMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Magic Lights by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoonMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

When we face tough times, when we don't know what to do as a parent, when disappointment and heartache comes, we have to remember Jesus came and experienced all these same hurts and emotions and so He understands how we feel. Listen to Hebrews 4:14-16 … So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (NLT) How often have you been in a dark moment and thought, “I just wish someone could understand what I'm going through right now. How I feel.”? How amazing is it that God tells us when we are weak and failing the test, that actually is the best time to come boldly before Him … to receive mercy and find grace. … Help when we need it most. Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible … Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. What part of this passage stood out to you? Spoke to you? How great is it that we are told to … walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help? Knowing that God has experienced what you are feeling and is ready, waiting to give you the mercy and strength you need. Can I do that now? Imagine in your mind your Father is with you now, He knows the struggle already, can you boldly walk to him and ask for what He promises He is ready to give? Ask for mercy and then ask for help. What if you wrote that message across your bathroom mirror? To see it first thing every morning and the last thing at night? Take the mercy, accept the help. … amen. Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, when I'm weak, when I'm being tested by my kids, when I have no idea what to do, remind me to “take the mercy and accept the help.” As above, so below.”

“It has often been said that prayer is the greatest force in the universe. This is no exaggeration. It will bear constant repetition. In this atomic age when forces are being released that stagger the thought and Imagination of man, it is well to remember that prayer transcends all other forces.” F. J. Huegel   “Sinned as we have as a nation, yet to our sin we have added pride in our sinning. The world has lost the power to blush over its vice; the Church has lost her power to weep over it.” -Leonard Ravenhill   I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike. And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth… Joel 2:28-30 NLT   That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don't tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.  Joel 2:12-13 NLT   Blow the ram's horn in Jerusalem! Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting. Gather all the people— the elders, the children, and even the babies. Call the bridegroom from his quarters and the bride from her private room. Let the priests, who minister in the Lord's presence, stand and weep between the entry room to the Temple and the altar. Joel 2:15-17 NLT   Blow the ram's horn - Everyone needs to hear this message Sanctify a Fast - Twofold. Understanding the seriousness of the situation and desiring to be totally dependent on God. Call a Solemn Meeting - A designated time of prayer Gather All the People - There must be Unity Ministers of the Lord Weep - Leaders Go First   “This is what the lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the lord of Heaven's Armies. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel's way” Zechariah 4:6 NLT   Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT   PRAYER MUST BE A COMPASS THAT GUIDES US NOT A FLARE GUN TO RESCUE US.    At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 NLT   Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. John 15:4 NLT   AN AUTHENTIC CHRISTIAN LIFE IS WHERE THOSE SPIRITUAL MOMENTS ARE NOT SPURTS IN OUR LIFE, BUT DAY-TO-DAY EXPERIENCES.      Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NLT   LIFESTYLE OF PRAYER   THE PRIORITY OF PRAYER   But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. Daniel 6:10 NLT   MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH GOD AND KEEP IT!   2. THE PLACE OF PRAYER   Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Mark 1:35 NLT   3. THE PLAN OF PRAYER   Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Jesus said, “This is how you should pray: Luke 11:1-2 NLT   4. THE PERSONS OF PRAYER   YOUR VIEW OF GOD DETERMINES YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.   The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you. 2 Corinthians 13:14 MSG   THE AMAZING GRACE OF JESUS   So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.  Hebrews 4:14-16 NLT   “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT   THE EXTRAVAGANT LOVE OF THE FATHER   For this reason I kneel before the Father. Ephesians 3:14 NLT   The lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. Psalms 103:8-13 NLT   THE INTIMATE FRIENDSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT   And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--the Spirit of truth. John 14:16-17 NLT

Gifts of Christmas2. Frankincense: The Gift of Understanding Dan Bidwell, Senior PastorIsaiah 40:3-5; Mark 1:1-8, 14-15 Sunday 11 December, 2022 In a small Southern town, the children in Sunday school were drawing pictures of the nativity. As the teacher went around, she complimented the children on their pictures of Mary, and Joseph and the baby Jesus. As she got to little Timmy, she noticed something unusual about his picture. The wise men were wearing firemens helmets. She said to Timmy: Timmy, I love your picture. But why are the wisemen wearing firemens helmets? Little Timmy says: Because, Miss, you told us that the wise men came from afar! ~ Well we are continuing today in our sermon series called Gifts of Christmas. Last week we began with the gift of preparation. And today we jump into the gifts that the Wise Men brought to Jesus, and from now until Christmas well look at one of those gifts each week. Gold, frankincense and myrrh. These were incredibly valuable gifts, but also very practical. Gold is money, and frankincense and myrrh had many uses in the ancient world. But these gifts were not just valuable and practical. Each gift actually foreshadows something of what Jesus would become, some of the aspects of Jesus character that would be revealed as he grew into the savior of the world. So those are the gifts were looking into over the next few weeks. Why dont we pray that God would reveal those insights to us now as we open the Scriptures? Heavenly Father, we thank you for Christmas and the gift of a little baby who would bring forgiveness and life to the world. Will you reveal to us the gift that it is to have Jesus in our life. We pray in his name, Amen. So I have a couple of little facts about the wise men before we continue. We often call them the three wise men, because of the three gifts they brought to Jesus (gold, frankincense, and wait theres myrrh). But actually the Bible doesnt say how many wise men there were it just says in Matthew 2 (on your handouts) 1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. (Matthew 2:1-2) We actually dont know much about the magi. The word magi has the same root as our word magic, so it could refer to magicians or sorcerers. However in this case, it probably refers to those wise in interpreting the stars. Modern academic consensus is that the magi were astrologers from Persia (modern-day Iran). Early Christian tradition said that they were kings (carol: We three kings from orient are bearing gifts weve traveled so far) They were given names Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. It was speculated that they might have been the kings of Persia, and then later that they were kings representing Europe, Asia and Africa. But that is all speculation. We just have what is recorded for us here in Matthew 2, and so we have to live with the mystery. I read somewhere that wise men and women are still seeking Jesus. I like that. So, onto our gift for today. Frankincense. What is frankincense? Frankincense is the resin from a species of tree that grows on the Arabian Peninsula, and the Horn of Africa. The sap dries out into a resin, and the resin is very fragrant, very aromatic. The resin was added to essential oils, and became a very expensive perfume. The ancient Egyptians used frankincense as one of the embalming ingredients when a person died. It was used in the preparation of mummies. It also had many other uses. Here are some other uses I read online: Antiseptic; astringent; carminative; diuretic; digestive; sedative; and vulnerary therapeutic properties. In some parts of the world frankincense is still used to treat diabetes, and asthma, and blood disorders. A very useful product. But there's a second use for frankincense and I think this is what points to Jesus. In God's temple, the priests would burn frankincense or incense or as part of the priests duties. They would burn incense and the smoke would rise, and as it rose it represents the prayers of the people going up to God as a fragrant offering that he would accept that their prayers in faith. So frankincense is a kind of representative idea. The gift of frankincense foreshadows the fact that Jesus would be the high priest over all of God's people. 1. The Gift of a High Priest So why do we need a High Priest? This comes back to the Old Testament. We need to understand priests and what they did. In the Old Testament the priest had two functions and basically what they did is they represented the people to God. They did that by presenting sacrifices to God on the behalf of the people, so that God would forgive them. And they prayed on behalf of the people, interceding for them, raising prayers for the people so that God would accept them. The priest was an intermediary between the people and God. Now why do we need a priest? The reason is that sinful people can't approach a holy God and hope to survive. God in His Holiness, God in his purity, God in his goodness, God in all of the radiance of his pure holiness can't stand anything to come into his presence that is impure or unclean or sinful. And so sinful people can't approach God on their own. If we did we would die. (Do you remember that image in Isaiah 6 where Isaiah sees God on his throne, in all his holiness, and Isaiah falls down on his knees and says: I am ruined, Im a man of unclean lips and Im a sinful man, and my eyes have seen the King Isaiah was in the presence of the Holy God and he thought he would die until God sends the angel to cleanse him by touching a burning coal to his mouth) You see, sinful people cant come into the presence of God, otherwise we would die. And this is a difficult concept for the world to understand. Because we think of sin as something trivial, something a bit old fashioned, just an idea to scare kids into behaving. A bit like Santa Claus making a list and checking it twice. Sin is just there to find out if were naughty or nice. Speaking of which, have you heard about Elf on a Shelf? (Check if there are kids in the room) We didnt have this when my kids were growing up, perhaps its something that Santa launched more recently. But basically the Elf on a Shelf is there to keep an eye on the kids behavior and sends a daily report to the North Pole. The elves move around each night as well, and sometimes play tricks on the kids So we often see sin as something trivial. But when we look at the Old Testament temple, we see that sin is anything but trivial. Sin is so serious that it required the sacrifice of an animal. It required the shedding of blood in order for sinful people to be able to approach the holy God. It required death as an atonement for sin. An innocent animal would die in place of the guilty person. It worked like this. A person would bring an animal to the temple, which was kind of a representative of themselves. They would pay for the animal, they would bring it to the priest and the priest would slaughter the animal, and he would sprinkle the blood around. There was something in the temple called the mercy seat. And the priest would sprinkle the blood on the mercy seat and it represented God accepting the sacrifice of the animals blood, the sacrifice on the persons behalf so that they could receive mercy and forgiveness. And then the priest would light the frankincense and pray for the people. And those prayers would go up in faith and trust that God would offer his forgiveness. Thats how the Old Testament sacrificial system worked. And it reminds us that sin is anything but trivial. Sin requires death. God is so holy and sin is so bad, that God requires death in order for sin to be atoned for. You might be asking where is the gift in all of this gore? Well the gift is that God doesn't want us to die. God didn't create us so that he could punish us. He didnt create us so that he could kill us. He didnt create us in order to say well you've been terrible, you're bad. That's not it at all. God created us, and he loves us, and he wants us to be able to approach him and be confident and know that were loved. Thats what the whole story of the Bible is about God overcoming our sin problem so that we can return to him. Have a look at the Hebrews 10 reading: 10 For Gods will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. (Hebrews 10:10) So God actually wants us to be holy, and he will be the one who provides the sacrifice in Jesus Christ. Jesus body will be the sacrifice for us and it's not a sacrifice that has to happen again and again. It is once for all, once for all time. And this also marks a change to the old covenant. Under the Old Covenant, in Old Testament times, people had to keep coming back to the temple and they had to keep buying animals and to keep bringing sacrifices and to keep the to keep killing things. It's kind of an abhorrent idea, isn't it? I mean it's very bloody, they splashed the blood around, and it's a very vivid illustration of the punishment for sin. But that was the old covenant and so read on. BTW Ive chosen the New Living Translation for this reading today because it really helps to bring the idea through clearly. Other translations wont say under the old covenant but it gives the context for v11. 11 Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. (Hebrews 10:11) In the Old Testament the sacrifices were never finished. You had to keep coming back year after year, sacrificing animal after animal. Because it says there that old system could never take away sins. Elsewhere in Hebrews it says the blood of bulls and goats can never atone for human sin. But look at v12: 12 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Jesus doesnt offer the blood of an animal. He offers his own blood. And that one sacrifice is good for all time. It is enough. His blood alone can pay for our sin. Jesus alone can make us right with God. And that is our first gift for today the gift of Jesus as High Priest, who lays down his life for us. 2. The Gift of Understanding British statesman and financier Cecil Rhodes was famous for endowing the Rhodes Scholarship, a prestigious scholarship to the University of Oxford. He was also renowned as a stickler for correct dress. One night a young man was invited to dine with Rhodes, and he arrived by train and had to go directly to Rhodes's home in his travel-stained clothes. Once he arrived he was embarrassed to find the other guests already assembled, wearing full evening dress. After what seemed a long time Rhodes appeared, in a shabby old blue suit. Later the young man learned that his host had been dressed in evening clothes, but put on the old suit when he heard of his young guest's dilemma. Cecil Rhodes had empathy, didnt he? He had empathy for the young mans situation. He didnt want him to be exposed and publicly shamed. And thats the second gift we receive when Jesus is our high priest. Just like Cecil Rhodes had empathy for that young man, Jesus has empathy for us. And he doesnt want us to be exposed and publicly shamed. Look at Hebrews chapter 4:13. Because it exposes a truth about sin and a truth about us that would potentially bring us to public shame: 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. (Hebrews 4:13) Its not the Elf on the Shelf that we need to worry about. Its God. Because he sees everything about us. And one day well be held to account for everything weve done. Every sin. Every unkind word. Every hurtful deed. The things weve done and failed to do. He sees them all. And on the day of judgment, for those exposed in sin it will be far more uncomfortable than turning up to a party in the wrong clothes. But heres the thing. Jesus doesnt want us to be left exposed. He doesnt want us to be publicly humiliated. He wont stand and point a finger in judgment, because he knows what it is like to be us. Have a look at v15: 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15) In chapter 5 of Hebrews, it tells us about the High Priests back in the Old Testament temple. It says that the High Priest is able to treat us gently when we go astray, because he knows what it is to be subject to weakness. Hes human, just like us. I think thats why Im not a fire and brimstone preacher I couldnt imagine speaking words of judgment when I know that I deserve the very same judgment. Im subject to weakness, and I know how hard it is to live a life obedient to God. And so does Jesus. Thats what it says there in Hebrews 4:15. Jesus knows what it is like to be human, to be tempted. He understands the pull of all those things that we know arent good for us. He understands us in our weakness. With Jesus, we sometimes think of Jesus turning up on earth as the Son of God, completely impervious to all the temptations that we face. Like the Terminator, this robotic, unfeeling, unmoveable cyborg. But that wasnt Jesus at all. Jesus knows what its like to be us. He gets us. He gets you. Whatever your go-to sin is, Jesus felt all the same inducements to sin. He felt all the same pressures, all the same triggers, all the same temptations. And thats why he treats us gently. He doesnt stand back in his priestly robes shaking his finger. No, he has walked a mile in our shoes and he knows what its like to be us. Jesus understands us. Jesus isnt surprised by our weakness. He embraced it, and he overcame it. And thats why we dont need to fear God. We dont need to fear judgment, if Jesus is our High Priest. Read from v15 with me again: 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (Hebrews 4:15-16) When Jesus is our High Priest, we can come to God boldly. We can approach his throne, not with trembling, but with confidence because of Gods grace. Do you see it there twice? 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Just like Jesus understands us, God understands us. And he treats us gently. He offers grace, not judgment. Mercy, not condemnation, to all who are friends with Jesus. And that leads us to our third gift when we have Jesus as our high priest. The third gift is a new understanding of our relationship with God. 3. The Gift of Grace When I was in High School, the Deputy Principal was the school disciplinarian. If he called your name, you knew you were in trouble. And I found myself on the wrong side of his discipline once when I was in my first year or two at the school. But as a senior, it was a great joy to see another side to that teacher. The gruff exterior disappeared completely when he took over our homeroom when our regular homeroom teacher fell ill. And it turned out this disciplinarian figure was actually very friendly, very kind, very humorous and he became a huge support to me in a difficult time of my life. Sometimes we get the entirely wrong impression of a person, and it only changes when you get to know them personally that you find out the truth. And thats what Jesus wants us to understand. God is not an angry judge. Hes a loving advocate. Hes not a disciplinarian, he is a grace-filled friend. And when we know God like that, our whole relationship changes. From fear to freedom. From terror to trust. From exposure to embrace. And if you understand God like that, thats a true gift. A gift I hope youll unwrap this Christmas. Shall we pray? ~ Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of Jesus, the gift of a high priest who understands, the gift of a high priest who brings forgiveness. We pray that we would be able to approach you with confidence and boldness. We know that we have sinned and we confess the things that we've done that are unpleasing, and we plead for you to forgive us by the blood of Christ. We thank you for your promise that you will forgive. Help us to live that truth. Help us not to feel shame anymore, but to come to you with confidence, and more than that, Lord, help us to live a new life to the glory of Christ alone. Amen

Message for 11/13/2022 "Jesus and My Failure" by Justin McTeer. *All verses are NLT unless otherwise noted* John 13:18-38 - “I am not saying these things to all of you; I know the ones I have chosen. But this fulfills the Scripture that says, ‘The one who eats my food has turned against me.' 19 I tell you this beforehand, so that when it happens you will believe that I am the Messiah. 20 I tell you the truth, anyone who welcomes my messenger is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me.” 21 Now Jesus was deeply troubled, and he exclaimed, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me!”22 The disciples looked at each other, wondering whom he could mean. 23 The disciple Jesus loved was sitting next to Jesus at the table. 24 Simon Peter motioned to him to ask, “Who's he talking about?” 25 So that disciple leaned over to Jesus and asked, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus responded, “It is the one to whom I give the bread I dip in the bowl.” And when he had dipped it, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. 27 When Judas had eaten the bread, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus told him, “Hurry and do what you're going to do.” 28 None of the others at the table knew what Jesus meant. 29 Since Judas was their treasurer, some thought Jesus was telling him to go and pay for the food or to give some money to the poor. 30 So Judas left at once, going out into the night. 31 As soon as Judas left the room, Jesus said, “The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory, and God will be glorified because of him. 32 And since God receives glory because of the Son, he will give his own glory to the Son, and he will do so at once. 33 Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can't come where I am going. 34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” 36 Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?” And Jesus replied, “You can't go with me now, but you will follow me later.” 37 “But why can't I come now, Lord?” he asked. “I'm ready to die for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me. Matthew 26:69-75 - Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don't know what you're talking about,” he said. 71 Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don't even know the man,” he said. 73 A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.” 74 Peter swore, “A curse on me if I'm lying—I don't know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 Suddenly, Jesus' words flashed through Peter's mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly. Jesus anticipates our failure Matthew 26:33-35 - Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.”34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 35 “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same. Jesus understands our failures Hebrews 4:14-16 - So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Matthew 26:40-41 NIV - Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn't you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Jesus redeems our failures John 21:15-19 NIV - 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

Have you ever been treated like "second best"? Or maybe there is a time in your life that you have felt rejected? In this message, Chance Holt shares how to overcome feelings of rejection and walk in your identity in ChristIf so, you are in good company. We see in scripture where Jesus was rejected, on multiple occasions.Genesis 29:31-35 / Leah just wants to be accepted.What is Rejection?The act of not accepting, believing, or considering something.We have all had a time in our life when we felt not considered?There are multiple ways to respond to rejection. We see them expressed by emotions, but all these emotions start by believing a lie that the enemy is telling you. John 10:10 / the thief's purpose is to steal kill and destroy. Lie #1Jesus doesn't understand, because he didn't experience rejection like me.John 7:5 / for even his brothers didn't believe  in him. Jesus experienced a lot of rejection from family and friends. Lie #2He didn't experience the pain that I do though, because he is JesusHebrews 4:15/ This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testing we do, yet he did not sin. How do we overcome and make it through rejection?1) Pursue a relationship with Healthy ChristiansProverbs 18:24*Here at VFC. It looks like Lifegroups, school of ministry, MT's, Youth Group/children, Young Adults, Sunday mornings and other groupsaround town2) Expect rejectionMatthew 13:57*Jesus made sure that he looked different from the world.Therefore he expected to be rejected. Do you look different?(Don't be a people pleaser, speak the truth with love.)3) Live a life of forgiveness and loveLuke 6:28&29, 314) Base your worth on God's plan and love for you. Ephesians 1:5&6*The thing that got Jesus through this world, was knowing God's love and purpose for him.*The only way for us to not allow lasting results from rejection is by knowing God's love for us.(There is value in your purpose when your purpose is found in God)Christians have the same problems as the world, we just have a better solution. Matthew 27:39-44 / while experiencing some of the worst rejection and pain known to man, hanging on the cross. Jesus performed another miracle.This miracle was for us all. It was the miracle of REDEMPTION. Redeem- to gain or regain possession of (to buy back). The complete opposite of rejection.Matthew 1:1-16 / Our God is so big and mighty that he used a bloodline of a completely rejected and unwanted woman named Leah to bring our savior into this world.Are you believing the lies of the enemy? Or do you find your value through the rejection in God's purpose for you? 

Today's episode centers on Hebrews 4:13-16, which contains a beautiful invitation to be completely transparent with God. I love how these verses point out the beauty of being totally laid bare before God. We not only have nothing to fear when we approach the throne of grace, but we can approach with bold confidence, knowing that we are welcome and dearly loved by God. The New Living Translation says, “Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” That pretty much sums up the first part of our declaration: I have nothing to hide from God. No one can hide from God. He sees everything and holds us accountable for what he sees. But following close on the heels of that sobering truth is that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ empathizes with our weaknesses. The New Living Translation puts Hebrews 4:15 this way, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.” Jesus understands our weaknesses. He is not unable to empathize with our weaknesses because He was tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. You and I are more than welcome to approach God's throne of grace, and when we do, we have the promise from Hebrews 4:16 that we will find grace and receive mercy to help us in our time of need. Let's be completely transparent with God. Let's come before him in full agreement of what can't be hidden from him anyway. Let's ask him for the grace and mercy he so generously gives. Learn more about God's love for you on my website at shawnamariebryant.com. This week's scripture: Hebrews 4:13-16

One of Satan's temptations is to cause us to believe God has abandoned us in our times of suffering. But it's not true. Right now, wherever you are, whatever you are facing, God is with you.Main Points:1. As a result of sin there is suffering and pain in the world. But many wonder, “Does God care when we suffering? Does he know? Where is He when we go through pain and difficulty? These are normal questions that at some point, everyone asks.2. The answer is that God enters our suffering. He joins us in our pain.3. God can provide what you desperately need. He can give us strength, peace, comfort, guidance, wisdom, protection, provision, rest, and relief. Today's Scripture Verses:Romans 5:12 - “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.”Hebrews 4:15 - “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.”Hebrews 2:15 - “Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.”Quick Links:Subscribe to The 5 Minute Discipleship NewsletterDonate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group5 Minute Discipleship on Instagram

Welcome to Hope City Church! NEW If you are new to Hope City text “Welcome” to 502-754-3212 WORSHIP GUIDE Nehemiah 1:11-2:8 11O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.” In those days I was the king's cup-bearer. 1Early the following spring, in the month of Nisan, during the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes' reign, I was serving the king his wine. I had never before appeared sad in his presence. 2So the king asked me, “Why are you looking so sad? You don't look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.” Then I was terrified, 3but I replied, “Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” 4The king asked, “Well, how can I help you?” With a prayer to the God of heaven, 5I replied, “If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.” 6The king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked, “How long will you be gone? When will you return?” After I told him how long I would be gone, the king agreed to my request. 7I also said to the king, “If it please the king, let me have letters addressed to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River, instructing them to let me travel safely through their territories on my way to Judah. 8And please give me a letter addressed to Asaph, the manager of the king's forest, instructing him to give me timber. I will need it to make beams for the gates of the Temple fortress, for the city walls, and for a house for myself.” And the king granted these requests, because the gracious hand of God was on me. Proverbs 24:16 The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. Favor = God doing for me what I cannot do for myself. 1. Stop underestimating who you are and where you are 2. Dream bigger 3. Pray for God's favor Hebrews 4:14-16 14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. CONNECT Connect with us! Visit the Hope City Church website at https://realhopenow.com/ , connect through the Hope City Church Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/realhopenow or download the Hope City Church Louisville app from the android or apple app store. CARE If you or a loved one is in need of prayer or care, we would love to help! Simply open the Hope City Church Louisville app, click on "Pastoral Care" or "Prayer Request" and fill out the form so that we can know how we can help. Or go to https://app.textinchurch.com/groups/webform/MjYxMDg4 and send us your prayer request. GIVE Our heart is to share as much hope with as many people as possible, and you make that happen because of your generosity. Click the link below to give. http://www.realhopenow.com/give/ Thank you for tuning in to today's service. We'll see you soon!

Lady V's Devotional Episode  Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT) says:  So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.   Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT)  Devotional  As believers in Jesus, we face daily challenges and testing that come like clockwork. We want life to be a cakewalk, but instead, it's filled with temptations that reveal our weak areas.   But our weaknesses don't define who we are in Christ, because Jesus has given us a new identity in Him. Jesus made us righteous when we chose to have faith in Him for our righteousness.  So, when we mess up and miss the mark, we can go to the throne of grace in prayer to receive mercy. The grace of God awaits our need to make a withdrawal from heaven.  So much so, God expects us to come to HIM when we need help.   He has provided Grace for a Lifetime!  It is a privilege to approach the throne of grace to receive favor with confidence and without fear. Our failures should no longer separate us from God, but draw us closer to HIM. That's SAVING grace!  And, when you believe that God loves you, you know that everything that concerns you—CONCERNS HIM. So, when you struggle with sin, you no longer have to fight against it alone. You now have a Savior living within your heart who is close and merciful.  Jesus is able to sympathize with what tempts us and our weaknesses. He too understands how it feels to be human. Only—Jesus never sinned!  Beloved, don't get caught up on your failures—get caught up to the throne of grace in HIS presence. God loves you! You can receive mercy and grace at the right moment.  Jesus made it possible to receive GRACE FOR A LIFETIME.  Let's pray...  Heavenly Father,   We come to YOU in the Name of Jesus with thanksgiving in our hearts. Father God, we thank YOU for YOUR goodness in our lives. We thank YOU that we can always depend on YOU.  Father God, I lift up every believer in Christ, that our dependency will always be upon YOU. And, I pray that every heart of the believer is eagerly awaiting the return of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS!  Father God, as we wait for Jesus, YOU know that we face temptations and trials, which reveal where we are weak. Help us to come to you immediately in prayer for help.   Holy Spirit, remind us that there is mercy and grace waiting at the throne of grace for us to lean on and rely on for help in the time we need it.   Thank you, Father God, that YOUR WORD tells us that as people sinned more and more, YOUR wonderful grace became more abundant—Lord God, help us to desire more to do what is pleasing unto YOU, and deny our flesh of those things that are not.   And, LORD, YOUR WORD tells us that we can do everything through Christ, who gives us strength. YOU O'LORD are our strength.  Help us to draw our strength from YOU in times of weakness, in Jesus' GREAT name. Amen, Amen, Amen.   Grace and Peace to you all! And remember that JESUS IS LORD!!!  Lady V  Prayer Scriptures  Hebrews 4:14-16 (AMP) Philippians 4:13 (NLT) Romans 5:20 (NLT)   Bible Study Resources  Holy Bible [NKJV, NLT, Amplified, MEV, ESV] Get the Bible App by YouVersion NLT Chronological Life Application Study Bible  More devotionals you may like   In HIS Presence – S3-DE17  Heart of Compassion – S3-DE16  New Things to Come – S2-DE20  Listen to We R S.H.E.Talks Podcast with SD and Lady V  Use the web player above this blog post to listen or subscribe and listen via your favorite podcast platform.  We R S.H.E.Talks Podcast episodes you may enjoy  HIM: The Importance of God's Presence – S3E17 

Matthew 27:45–46   From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46  About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”.  (NIV) 3 Right Responses When You Feel Abandoned By God 1. Remind yourself God loves you and is with you Hebrews 13:5   Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  (NIV) 1. Because God is with you, you’re not alone Matthew 28:20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV) 2. Because God is with you, take your hard questions to God Hebrews 4:15–16 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16  So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (NLT) 3. Because God is with you, this season is a part of your story not the entire story 1 Corinthians 13:12   For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (ESV) 2. Turn why God? Into What God? 1. Ask God what do you want to teach me? Hebrews 5:8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. (NLT) 2. Ask God what do you want to do in me? 2 Corinthians 12:7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. (NIV) 3. Ask God what do you want to do through me? Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NIV) 3. When you can’t trace God’s hand trust God’s heart Luke 23:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. (NIV) Hebrews 13:5,"Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you," Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV) Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (NLT) Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,  (KJV) 1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.  (ESV) Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (NIV) Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (NIV) Lamentations 3:22-23 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (NIV)

When we face tough times, when we don't know what to do as a parent, when disappointment and heartache comes, we have to remember Jesus came and experienced all these same hurts and emotions and so He understands how we feel. Listen to Hebrews 4:14-16 … So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (NLT) How often have you been in a dark moment and thought, “I just wish someone could understand what I'm going through right now. How I feel.”? How amazing is it that God tells us when we are weak and failing the test, that actually is the best time to come boldly before Him … to receive mercy and find grace. … Help when we need it most. Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible … Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. What part of this passage stood out to you? Spoke to you? How great is it that we are told to … walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help? Knowing that God has experienced what you are feeling and is ready, waiting to give you the mercy and strength you need. Can I do that now? Imagine in your mind your Father is with you now, He knows the struggle already, can you boldly walk to him and ask for what He promises He is ready to give? Ask for mercy and then ask for help. What if you wrote that message across your bathroom mirror? To see it first thing every morning and the last thing at night? Take the mercy, accept the help. … amen. Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, when I'm weak, when I'm being tested by my kids, when I have no idea what to do, remind me to “take the mercy and accept the help.” As above, so below.”

The Big Idea: We don't have to stay bound and captive to sin. We don't have to be held hostage by sin, failure, addictions, and unhealthy habits. Jesus has come to personally rescue us from the prison of sin. On the cross, once and for all, Jesus broke the power of sin in our lives. We now can go free.Main Points:1. Christianity is a rescue religion. It declares that God has taken the initiative in Jesus Christ to rescue us from our sins.2. I want you to see today that you and I can trust Jesus. He is our savior and our rescuer. He didn't ask us to come to him. He came to us. He knew we could not rescue ourselves, so the God of eternity came to rescue us. 3. The reason we are able to trust Jesus and to follow Him is because He became one of us. Jesus became a human. He didn't save us from far away. No, He came to us. He lived as we do.Today's Scripture Verses:John 1:14 NLT - “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.”Hebrews 4:15 says “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.”Galatians 1:4 - “(Jesus) gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.”Colossians 1:13 - “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves”Quick Links:Subscribe to The 5 Minute Discipleship NewsletterDonate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group5 Minute Discipleship on InstagramLoren Hicks on InstagramRecent Episodes:#547: Learning to pray with confidence#546: Finding rest in God#545: Freedom from our fears

Because of Jesus, we no longer need a priest to represent us to God. In fact, as believers, Jesus has made us priests, who can come bodly into God's presence. Key Verses: Hebrews 9:12 12 With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. Hebrews 4:14-16 14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. 1 Peter 2:9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

The diet lasts a dozen days. The treadmill hasn't spun 10 miles. The Bible sits where it was left, unopened and unsavored. We grieve the effortless unraveling of all the goals we wanted to achieve—to lose the weight; increase the steps; find hope and quiet in God's Word.   We are too close to dreams undone, to lofty visions gone awry.   So how does God address our lack of grit and gratitude?   “I will be faithful to you and make you Mine, and you will finally know Me as the Lord,” God says (Hosea 2:20). “He knows our frame,” the psalmist says. “He remembers we are dust” (Psa 103:14).   And so Christ came, to walk our dust, to know our pain, to understand how irresolute we are. “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin” (Her 4:15).   Grace always moves toward us, redeems our goals, and tells us we are loved. We fall in step with One who holds us when we stumble. He is resolved when we are not, and faithful when we wander.   Receive His strength. And stay in grace. -Bill Knott

The diet lasts a dozen days. The treadmill hasn't spun 10 miles. The Bible sits where it was left, unopened and unsavored. We grieve the effortless unraveling of all the goals we wanted to achieve—to lose the weight; increase the steps; find hope and quiet in God's Word.   We are too close to dreams undone, to lofty visions gone awry.   So how does God address our lack of grit and gratitude?   “I will be faithful to you and make you Mine, and you will finally know Me as the Lord,” God says (Hosea 2:20). “He knows our frame,” the psalmist says. “He remembers we are dust” (Psa 103:14).   And so Christ came, to walk our dust, to know our pain, to understand how irresolute we are. “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin” (Her 4:15).   Grace always moves toward us, redeems our goals, and tells us we are loved. We fall in step with One who holds us when we stumble. He is resolved when we are not, and faithful when we wander.   Receive His strength. And stay in grace. -Bill Knott

The diet lasts a dozen days. The treadmill hasn't spun 10 miles. The Bible sits where it was left, unopened and unsavored. We grieve the effortless unraveling of all the goals we wanted to achieve—to lose the weight; increase the steps; find hope and quiet in God's Word.   We are too close to dreams undone, to lofty visions gone awry.   So how does God address our lack of grit and gratitude?   “I will be faithful to you and make you Mine, and you will finally know Me as the Lord,” God says (Hosea 2:20). “He knows our frame,” the psalmist says. “He remembers we are dust” (Psa 103:14).   And so Christ came, to walk our dust, to know our pain, to understand how irresolute we are. “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin” (Her 4:15).   Grace always moves toward us, redeems our goals, and tells us we are loved. We fall in step with One who holds us when we stumble. He is resolved when we are not, and faithful when we wander.   Receive His strength. And stay in grace. -Bill Knott

Dear God I'm Grateful For Jesus, The High Priest.“Every high priest is a man chosen to represent other people in their dealings with God. He presents their gifts to God and offers sacrifices for their sins. And he is able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people because he himself is subject to the same weaknesses..That is why he must offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as theirs. And no one can become a high priest simply because he wants such an honor. He must be called by God for this work, just as Aaron was. .That is why Christ did not honor himself by assuming he could become High Priest. No, he was chosen by God, who said to him, “You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.” And in another passage God said to him, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” .While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. .Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him.” - Hebrews‬ ‭5:1-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬.“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” - Hebrews‬ ‭4:14-16‬ ‭NLT‬‬.#Linkinbio #DearGodImGrateful #IronWifey #DGIG #JesusChrist #theperfecthighpriest #praisethelord #faith #grateful #gratitude #blessed #JesusChrist #faith #gratitudechallenge #Jesus #Ironwifeymagazine #God #ironwifeypodcastnetwork #christianpodcast #podcastersofinstagram #podcast .STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH ALL THINGS IRONWIFEY:Instagram: @deargodimgrateful | @ironwifey_ | @ironwifeymagazineTwitter: @ironwifey_Facebook: IronWifeyIronWifey Magazine & Podcasts: https://www.ironwifeymagazine.comPlease Rate & Review, Like , Comment, & Subscribe!FEATURED MUSIC: Track: SkyHigh — Enine [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/q-lf6x9cVXwFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/skyhigh

The Lord understands what you are going through today because He has been where you are. The Bible says: ‘This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do…So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most' (vv.15-16 NLT). That means: 1) Jesus understands your family problems. He had a family of His own. And on one occasion they said, ‘He's out of his mind' (Mark 3:21 NLT). 2) Jesus understands when you feel overwhelmed. ‘Then Jesus said, “Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat.' (Mark 6:31 NLT). Jesus not only dealt with on-the-job pressures, He had to organise, train and correct His own followers, including a group of uneducated fishermen, a bigot, and a despised tax collector. 3) Jesus understands when you feel rejected. The town He grew up in had no use for Him: ‘He came unto his own, and his own received him not' (John 1:11 KJV). When Philip said, ‘We've found the One Moses wrote of…Jesus…from Nazareth!' Nathanael said, ‘Nazareth? You've got to be kidding' (v. 45 MSG). And Jesus' family tree was nothing to write home about either. Rahab was a prostitute, Jacob was a crook, David was an adulterer – to name just a few. Yes, Jesus understands. He knows where you're at today and He's able to help you. So talk to Him!

Consumer Christianity part 1 Series: Looking October 31, 2021 Elwyn Johnston Matthew 16:21 - 23 Verse of the Week: “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 1. It's okay not to be okay “From then on Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things” Matthew 16:21 “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.” Matthew 16:22 “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” Isaiah 53:3 “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 2. Suffering matures you “When God has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10 3. Suffering develops trust “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's.” Matthew 16:23 “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin.” Hebrews 4:15

When we add up all our failings; when we see how frequently we fall, it seems we'll never find the exit to this sad amusement ride. Our angers still routinely flare; our pride leaps higher day by day; our self-absorption is a carousel of serving just ourselves. The happiness we thought we'd find—in being kinder, wiser, gentler, free—feels always, always out of reach. We circle ‘round and ‘round: there is no merry to this ride.   We need an end to what we've been. With the apostle Paul we cry, “Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?” (Rom 7:24).   To all who hope for better things, the gospel speaks with clarity: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God, in His grace, freely makes us right in His sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when He freed us from the penalty for our sins” (Rom 3:23-24).   Our past need not predict our future: grace abounds at every turn. “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Heb 4:15-16).   Your life can change. Your hope will grow.   So stay in grace. -Bill Knott

When we add up all our failings; when we see how frequently we fall, it seems we'll never find the exit to this sad amusement ride. Our angers still routinely flare; our pride leaps higher day by day; our self-absorption is a carousel of serving just ourselves. The happiness we thought we'd find—in being kinder, wiser, gentler, free—feels always, always out of reach. We circle ‘round and ‘round: there is no merry to this ride.   We need an end to what we've been. With the apostle Paul we cry, “Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?” (Rom 7:24).   To all who hope for better things, the gospel speaks with clarity: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God, in His grace, freely makes us right in His sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when He freed us from the penalty for our sins” (Rom 3:23-24).   Our past need not predict our future: grace abounds at every turn. “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Heb 4:15-16).   Your life can change. Your hope will grow.   So stay in grace. -Bill Knott

When we add up all our failings; when we see how frequently we fall, it seems we'll never find the exit to this sad amusement ride. Our angers still routinely flare; our pride leaps higher day by day; our self-absorption is a carousel of serving just ourselves. The happiness we thought we'd find—in being kinder, wiser, gentler, free—feels always, always out of reach. We circle ‘round and ‘round: there is no merry to this ride.   We need an end to what we've been. With the apostle Paul we cry, “Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?” (Rom 7:24).   To all who hope for better things, the gospel speaks with clarity: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God, in His grace, freely makes us right in His sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when He freed us from the penalty for our sins” (Rom 3:23-24).   Our past need not predict our future: grace abounds at every turn. “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Heb 4:15-16).   Your life can change. Your hope will grow.   So stay in grace. -Bill Knott

Your areas of vulnerability will change as the seasons of your life change, but the truth is that you'll always be tempted in some way. But the good news is that you can be tempted and triumphant. Jesus showed us how to do it. When He faced the tempter in the wilderness He stood on God's Word. Here are some Scriptures you can stand on when you're tempted. 1) ‘The Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials' (2 Peter 2:9 NLT). 2) ‘This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and…find grace to help us when we need it most' (Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT). 3) ‘Put on every piece of God's armour so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm' (Ephesians 6:13 NLT). 5) ‘The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet…the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you' (Romans 16:20 NLT). 6) ‘I give unto you power…over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you' (Luke 10:19 KJV). 7) ‘The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure' (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT).

Our weekly worship service and message from St. Augustine, Florida with Pastor Josh Hersey. So glad you are joining in with us for our online worship service. New Here? Did you Make a decision to follow Christ today? Fill out our digital connection card: https://www.churchontherock.net/digitalconnect-card How Can we pray with you? www.churchontherock.net/prayer Give online at: https://www.churchontherock.net/give NOTES: (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT) Never stop praying. (Hebrews 5:1-2 NLT) Every high priest is a man chosen to represent other people in their dealings with God. He presents their gifts to God and offers sacrifices for their sins. 2 And he is able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people because he himself is subject to the same weaknesses. (Jeremiah 31:33 NLT) “But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the LORD. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people…” Bold Walk (1 Corinthians 3:16 NKJV) Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (Hebrews 4:14-15 NLT) So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testing we do, yet he did not sin. (Hebrews 4:16 NLT) So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Hebrews 4 NLT read aloud by Simon MacFarlane. 1 God's promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. 2 For this good news—that God has prepared this rest—has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn't share the faith of those who listened to God. 3 For only we who believe can enter his rest. As for the others, God said, “In my anger I took an oath: ‘They will never enter my place of rest,'” even though this rest has been ready since he made the world. 4 We know it is ready because of the place in the Scriptures where it mentions the seventh day: “On the seventh day God rested from all his work.” 5 But in the other passage God said, “They will never enter my place of rest.” 6 So God's rest is there for people to enter, but those who first heard this good news failed to enter because they disobeyed God. 7 So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David much later in the words already quoted: “Today when you hear his voice, don't harden your hearts.” 8 Now if Joshua had succeeded in giving them this rest, God would not have spoken about another day of rest still to come. 9 So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. 10 For all who have entered into God's rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. 11 So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall. 12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. 14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

“I’m sorry for the tears,” he says with obvious embarrassment. “It’s just that I miss her so much.” He shields his eyes like the toddler he was 60 years ago, perhaps again imagining he can’t been seen behind his hands. We have it as a social rule that anything so personal as tears must stay discreetly out of sight. Others feel uncomfortable, we think, imagining that even those who know us well expect us to be dry-eyed in the face of loss. But tears and all that causes them are proof of life—of being fully human, blessed—yes blessed—with deep capacity to care, to feel, to love, to cherish. Our losses are no less a part of us than all our victories. Those who truly love us never struggle when we weep. The shortest verse in all the Bible—“Jesus wept” (Jn 11:35)—gives us the longest view of who He is. “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do” (Heb 4:15). The prophet called Him a “man of sorrows, and acquainted with our grief” (Isa 53:3). He doesn’t only preach from mountaintops. He sits with those who grieve; holds those who weep; heals those who hurt. Grace is for all moments—good and bad, happy and sad, celebrating or grieving. “I am with you always,” Jesus says, “even to the end of the world” (Matt 28:20). Accept the company of One who never was afraid of tears. And stay in grace. -Bill Knott

“I’m sorry for the tears,” he says with obvious embarrassment. “It’s just that I miss her so much.” He shields his eyes like the toddler he was 60 years ago, perhaps again imagining he can’t been seen behind his hands. We have it as a social rule that anything so personal as tears must stay discreetly out of sight. Others feel uncomfortable, we think, imagining that even those who know us well expect us to be dry-eyed in the face of loss. But tears and all that causes them are proof of life—of being fully human, blessed—yes blessed—with deep capacity to care, to feel, to love, to cherish. Our losses are no less a part of us than all our victories. Those who truly love us never struggle when we weep. The shortest verse in all the Bible—“Jesus wept” (Jn 11:35)—gives us the longest view of who He is. “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do” (Heb 4:15). The prophet called Him a “man of sorrows, and acquainted with our grief” (Isa 53:3). He doesn’t only preach from mountaintops. He sits with those who grieve; holds those who weep; heals those who hurt. Grace is for all moments—good and bad, happy and sad, celebrating or grieving. “I am with you always,” Jesus says, “even to the end of the world” (Matt 28:20). Accept the company of One who never was afraid of tears. And stay in grace. -Bill Knott

“I'm sorry for the tears,” he says with obvious embarrassment. “It's just that I miss her so much.” He shields his eyes like the toddler he was 60 years ago, perhaps again imagining he can't been seen behind his hands. We have it as a social rule that anything so personal as tears must stay discreetly out of sight. Others feel uncomfortable, we think, imagining that even those who know us well expect us to be dry-eyed in the face of loss. But tears and all that causes them are proof of life—of being fully human, blessed—yes blessed—with deep capacity to care, to feel, to love, to cherish. Our losses are no less a part of us than all our victories. Those who truly love us never struggle when we weep. The shortest verse in all the Bible—“Jesus wept” (Jn 11:35)—gives us the longest view of who He is. “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do” (Heb 4:15). The prophet called Him a “man of sorrows, and acquainted with our grief” (Isa 53:3). He doesn't only preach from mountaintops. He sits with those who grieve; holds those who weep; heals those who hurt. Grace is for all moments—good and bad, happy and sad, celebrating or grieving. “I am with you always,” Jesus says, “even to the end of the world” (Matt 28:20). Accept the company of One who never was afraid of tears. And stay in grace. -Bill Knott

Cutting Straight “Fighting Temptation" Luke 4:1-13   “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) “Do your very best to present yourself before God as one who has passed the test – a workman who has no need to be ashamed, who can carve out a straight path for the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NTE)   We are all on a Trip “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit … led by the Spirit … into the wilderness where he was tempted…” John 16:33 (NIV), “In this world you will have trouble…”   Matthew 6:34 (NIV), “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”   We all get Tripped-up Satan’s ‘old tricks’: pacify cravings prestige of power presumption of pride   We all need Recovery Hebrews 4:15, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.” John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”   Link to the “Word Hand”     Final Thought:  

Who else gets excited when it comes to apps?! Specific apps can be so helpful when it comes to our wellness journey. I saved you some time by going through a bunch and filtering out which work and I’m sharing five of them with you in this episode. From how you, too, can wake up without an alarm clock... getting fed Scripture even on days when we have a jam-packed schedule… planning out your meals and grocery shopping for an entire month… to automating and personalize your exercise sessions with a customized warm-up, cool-down, and rest interval time periods, and more! I’ve been using some of these apps for years and live by them. And I believe they will help you as you grow in your wellness journey! So excited to share with you what these apps are in this episode! Let’s keep on walking with Jesus, Jaclyn P.S. Did you hear? I’m giving away a 1-HOUR coaching session! HERE’S HOW TO ENTER: STEP 1: Write a review on iTunes. (How has this podcast impacted you in your journey or shifted your perspective regarding fitness?) STEP 2: Send this podcast to at least 1 girlfriend. THAT’S IT! Listen out to see if you’re the winner as I announce it in the first episode of May! CURIOUS TO KNOW WHO are the women who come to me? They are women who... Want to know how to approach fitness in a God-centered way Desire to reshape their mind and heart attitudes because of past beliefs, diets, participation in challenges, being surrounded by others who center their journey around how they look, etc. Want to take a faith-based approach in their health journey INSTEAD OF what they were taught (by personal trainers, etc.) whose main focus is on the outward appearance/aesthetics and/or working towards performance-based results Tired of diets, worldly tips and tricks, counting calories, and macros Feel spiritually deficient when it comes to fitness and food approaches THESE LINKS BELOW ARE IN THE ORDER MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: (*referral link: I will earn a small commission should you make a purchase using my link) Audible: https://www.audible.com/ Find tons of books in audio format so you can finally “read” that book! *Plan to Eat: https://www.plantoeat.com/ref/courageous Plan to Eat is an online meal planner app that allows you to add and organize recipes (of your choice and from a variety of sources) and drag those recipes onto a calendar to plan them. Their software then automatically creates your shopping list based on your planned recipes. It's that simple! Tabata HIIT Interval Timer https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tabata-hiit-interval-timer/id664563975 Customize and personalize your time-based workouts with this interval timer app. (Available for iPhone & iPad only) Sleep Cycle: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sleep-cycle-sleep-tracker/id320606217 Sleep better and wake up rested with Sleep Cycles’ smart alarm clock. (Available only for iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch) A - YouVersion bible app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bible/id282935706 B - Courage For Life bible app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/courage-for-life-bible/id1449271833 THIS SHOW IS NOT SPONSORED NOR ARE ANY OF THE APP I MENTION. READY TO WORK WITH ME AS YOUR SPIRITUAL FITNESS COACH? I have ONE spot open for this month! Email me to book for coaching OR for my coaching menu. HERE’S HOW: Email me at jaclyn@courageousfitfemale.com  (Subject line: Coaching with Jaclyn OR Coaching Menu) Expect my email for your next steps BIBLE VERSES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Hebrews 4:14-16 14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Galatians 6:7b for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. ⭐️-----------------⭐️ YOUR “TINY TASK” (aka HOMEWORK) FROM THIS EPISODE: DOWNLOAD one app that stood out to you. USE IT CONSISTENTLY and see how it helps you to become more effective for the Kingdom! EMAIL me to let me know how it’s been helping you. I’d love to know! ⭐️-----------------⭐️ EPISODE MENTIONED IN TODAY’S MESSAGE: 52: Shame, Frustration, & Emotional Eating? This One App Was The Answer To My Prayers! WANT MORE EPISODES??

When every tire we ride is losing air and going flat . . . When there are miles to go in this day’s marathon but never knees enough to make the finish line . . . We wonder why our race is all about endurance, and little about joy.   Ahead of us—some far ahead—are all the ones with bright and shiny faith—so sleek, so well-equipped, so sure. And we imagine this is how they always race because of gifts not given us. They breathe the air of heaven, so it seems, while we go panting in this smog of trouble and dejection.   But there is one who traveled all our roads, who knows the drama of flat tires, and remembers His own Heartbreak Hill. “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin” (Heb 4:15). And He is still content to travel at our pace. He knows that weariness and doubts don’t ever mean we are disqualified.   For “the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to the skillful” (Eccl 9:11).   Grace travels with us when we ride, or run, or walk, or crawl. There is no stretch of road on which we ever are alone.   So stay with grace. -Bill Knott

When every tire we ride is losing air and going flat . . . When there are miles to go in this day’s marathon but never knees enough to make the finish line . . . We wonder why our race is all about endurance, and little about joy.   Ahead of us—some far ahead—are all the ones with bright and shiny faith—so sleek, so well-equipped, so sure. And we imagine this is how they always race because of gifts not given us. They breathe the air of heaven, so it seems, while we go panting in this smog of trouble and dejection.   But there is one who traveled all our roads, who knows the drama of flat tires, and remembers His own Heartbreak Hill. “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin” (Heb 4:15). And He is still content to travel at our pace. He knows that weariness and doubts don’t ever mean we are disqualified.   For “the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to the skillful” (Eccl 9:11).   Grace travels with us when we ride, or run, or walk, or crawl. There is no stretch of road on which we ever are alone.   So stay with grace. -Bill Knott

When every tire we ride is losing air and going flat . . . When there are miles to go in this day’s marathon but never knees enough to make the finish line . . . We wonder why our race is all about endurance, and little about joy.   Ahead of us—some far ahead—are all the ones with bright and shiny faith—so sleek, so well-equipped, so sure. And we imagine this is how they always race because of gifts not given us. They breathe the air of heaven, so it seems, while we go panting in this smog of trouble and dejection.   But there is one who traveled all our roads, who knows the drama of flat tires, and remembers His own Heartbreak Hill. “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin” (Heb 4:15). And He is still content to travel at our pace. He knows that weariness and doubts don’t ever mean we are disqualified.   For “the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to the skillful” (Eccl 9:11).   Grace travels with us when we ride, or run, or walk, or crawl. There is no stretch of road on which we ever are alone.   So stay with grace. -Bill Knott

On this episode, our focus scripture is HEBREWS 4:14-16 (NLT): 14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. As read by Dr. Ugonma #DailyWordBytes #JesusOurHighPriest #DrUgonma --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dailywordbytes/message

When we face tough times, when we don’t know what to do as a parent, when disappointment and heartache comes, we have to remember Jesus came and experienced all these same hurts and emotions and so He understands how we feel. Listen to Hebrews 4:14-16 … So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (NLT) How often have you been in a dark moment and thought, “I just wish someone could understand what I’m going through right now. How I feel.”? How amazing is it that God tells us when we are weak and failing the test, that actually is the best time to come boldly before Him … to receive mercy and find grace. … Help when we need it most. Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible … Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. What part of this passage stood out to you? Spoke to you? How great is it that we are told to … walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help? Knowing that God has experienced what you are feeling and is ready, waiting to give you the mercy and strength you need. Can I do that now? Imagine in your mind your Father is with you now, He knows the struggle already, can you boldly walk to him and ask for what He promises He is ready to give? Ask for mercy and then ask for help. What if you wrote that message across your bathroom mirror? To see it first thing every morning and the last thing at night? Take the mercy, accept the help. … amen. Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, when I’m weak, when I’m being tested by my kids, when I have no idea what to do, remind me to “take the mercy and accept the help.” As above, so below.”

Names, are they important? Is “Jesus” the magic word? What was Jesus’ last name? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares biblical insight about the power found in the name of Jesus. Philippians 2:9-11 “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”What is Jesus’ name? Yeshua in Hebrew (Joshua), Iēsoûs in Greek (Jesus)The names means “Jehovah is salvation” Mashiach in Hebrew (Messiah), Christos in Greek (Christ) Using the name of Jesus is not magic. John 14:13-14 “You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” When you do something in Jesus’ name you are doing it in His authority, His ability and His attitude. Praying in Jesus name is not as much about the words you use when you pray, but the nearness of your heart to His when you pray. If it’s not about His purpose and His power, it’s not in His name. The name of Jesus provides: 1. Access. Hebrews 4:15-16 “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” John 16:23-24 “At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.” 2. Power. Acts 4:7-10 “They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?”Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead.” Luke 10:17 “When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” 3. Salvation. Acts 4:12 “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” John 14:6 “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” Have you discovered the power that’s in the name of Jesus?

Welcome to Day 1553 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomPatience With Ourselves – Daily WisdomWelcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! Wisdom is the final frontier in gaining true knowledge. Our mission is to create a legacy of wisdom, seek out discernment and insights, and boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Hello, my friend; this is Gramps; thanks for coming along on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Today is Day 1553 of our Trek, and it's time for your daily snippet of wisdom, which includes an inspirational quote along with some wise words from Gramps for today's trek. If you apply the words you hear today, over time, it will help you become healthy, wealthy, and wise as you continue your daily trek of life. So let's jump right in with today's nugget: Today's quote is from Evelyn Underhill, and it is:  Patience with ourselves is a duty for Christians and the only humility. For it means patience with a growing creature whom God has taken in hand and whose completion he will effect in his own time and way.  Patience With Ourselves It happens so often; we become impatient and frustrated with others, because we are impatient and frustrated with ourselves. We need to realize that we are still imperfect in our current earthly state as an imager of God. We need to show patience with ourselves and others because we are a growing creature whom God has taken in His hands, and if we follow His Word and the precepts found therein, we will become more and more like Jesus Christ, who was a perfect imager of God. God is perfecting us in His own time and way, not according to our schedule. In this new year, we need to resolve to accept our shortcomings and the shortcomings of everyone we meet and interact with.  God's timing is perfect, and he is willing to accept our imperfections because He sees us as we are in Christ. When we do stumble and fail, which we will, we can still go boldly before God's throne and receive mercy and find grace to help us when we need it most. Consider this also when you are frustrated and impatient with others. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%204%3A14%2D16&version=NLT (Hebrews 4:14-16)  So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. As you ponder this nugget of wisdom for yourself, I would ask you to please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.' If you would like to listen to any of our past 1552 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com.  I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player so that each day will be downloaded to you automatically. Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day. As we take this Trek of life together, let us always: Live Abundantly (Fully) Love Unconditionally Listen Intentionally Learn Continuously Lend to others Generously Lead with Integrity Leave a Living Legacy Each Day I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to 'Keep Moving Forward,' ‘Enjoy your Journey,' and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday'! See you on Monday for more daily wisdom!

In Podcast Episode 93, “The Lord of Heaven's Armies Is Not at Your Beck and Call,” Kim discusses the belief that the God of the universe can be accessed from a position of human pride. There are big differences between truly seeking God and only seeking Him for what He can do for you. In today's story, the Israelites acted as though the Lord of Heaven's Armies was at their beck and call, and, instead of an automatic victory, this led to a humiliating defeat.   The primary scripture text for this episode is 1 Samuel 4:1-11, with focal verses 3-5.   1 And Samuel's words went out to all the people of Israel.   At that time Israel was at war with the Philistines. The Israelite army was camped near Ebenezer, and the Philistines were at Aphek. 2 The Philistines attacked and defeated the army of Israel, killing 4,000 men. 3 After the battle was over, the troops retreated to their camp, and the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the Lord allow us to be defeated by the Philistines?” Then they said, “Let's bring the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord from Shiloh. If we carry it into battle with us, it will save us from our enemies.”   4 So they sent men to Shiloh to bring the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord of Heaven's Armies, who is enthroned between the cherubim. Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli, were also there with the Ark of the Covenant of God. 5 When all the Israelites saw the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord coming into the camp, their shout of joy was so loud it made the ground shake!   6 “What's going on?” the Philistines asked. “What's all the shouting about in the Hebrew camp?” When they were told it was because the Ark of the Lord had arrived, 7 they panicked. “The gods have come into their camp!” they cried. “This is a disaster! We have never had to face anything like this before! 8 Help! Who can save us from these mighty gods of Israel? They are the same gods who destroyed the Egyptians with plagues when Israel was in the wilderness. 9 Fight as never before, Philistines! If you don't, we will become the Hebrews' slaves just as they have been ours! Stand up like men and fight!” 10 So the Philistines fought desperately, and Israel was defeated again. The slaughter was great; 30,000 Israelite soldiers died that day. The survivors turned and fled to their tents. 11 The Ark of God was captured, and Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were killed. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:   Origin of “Beck and Call” at https://www.theidioms.com/beck-and-call/   14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (Hebrews 4:14-16)   SUGGESTED RESOURCES (All approached the newborn king with humble hearts and praise.):   “O Come, Let Us Adore Him: The Shepherds” “O Come, Let Us Adore Him: The Magi” “O Come, Let Us Adore Him: Simeon and Anna” BIG NEWS—COMING SOON: “A Country Girl in a City World—Loving Jesus” will be renamed as “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus.” You will get the same great content, but a new look and a new website. The website will contain podcast information, Bible study blog posts, and more.   RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Samuel PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group:   Our NEW Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus. Online Bible Study Courses:   Would you like to take a deeper dive into the book of Joshua and learn more about the Israelite story, join Kim as she teaches “Finding Courage for Life's Battles: Life Lessons from the Book of Joshua.”   To take her FREE 3-Day Online Bible Study entitled “Let  God Transform U through His Word: Why Is Personal Bible Study So Important to Your Christian Life?”.   Check out Kim's website at https://gettinghealthyall4hisglory.com for blog posts and her PDF Printable collection.   Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!”   If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com.   National Suicide Prevention Lifeline   1-800-273-8255   https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/   Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004.

As I was preparing notes for this episode, God reminded me that in many of the things we pray for there is a period of waiting. Even when God has spoken a word over our lives that will be sure to come to pass, it may not be as quick to come or instantaneous as we expect or want it to. Tony Evans stated that "waiting on God does not mean doing nothing. It means not going outside of his will while you do something." Even though we may know these things, it is hard especially when situations or circumstances occur (much like 2020) that we can not understand. It may appear as though God is not still working out his divine, perfect plan, or that God has gone back on his word. This week, God took me through the book of Habakkuk to remind me that it is okay to go back to God with our questions, concerns, and requests especially when we get to this place of confusion or doubt. Join me as I share what God has been uncovering concerning requests. My prayer is that you, too, would be reminded that God's word WILL come to pass despite what your eyes may see and perceive. I pray you recieve a fresh perspective from God!Visit podcast website (https://powerfulfreechosen.buzzsprout.com) for the links belowSongs:-Promises by Maverick City Music-A God like you by Kirk Franklin-Man of your word by Maverick City Music-Holy Ghost by Maverick City MusicVerses'Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.'1 Thessalonians 5:16-18'Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord . Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.'Psalms 5:3'“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 'Matthew 18:19'And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.'1 John 5:14-15'So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 'Hebrews 4:14-16'Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.'Proverbs 3:5-6

Hebrews 4:14-16a NLT  'Since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.' Every Lent I ponder the temptations of Jesus. There, he was invited to satisfy his human appetites; for food, recognition and power. All three, over the years, have tried to draw me from my first desire to serve God. There is always that small yet persistent inner voice that justifies slight adjustments, so that I might apparently love God and myself at the same time.   I find it easy to look beyond myself to establish a frame of reference against which to measure my decisions. But the reference points I select owe little to God. I’m also consistently invited to consider God who is within me when making my decisions, and these may well fly in the face of the external landscape, together with its apparent demands, that surrounds me. This external landscape is particular and limited to its own context. I share common humanity with those born in war-torn Syria or poverty-stricken Zimbabwe, yet our contexts are light years apart. The only shared context we can access is the truth of God. Since God is Omniscient, Omnipresent and Omnipotent, our experience of God is the only trustworthy reference we share across the whole of humanity.  Evidence of our growing Christian maturity is revealed in the extent to which we make life decisions based upon this shared God context rather than our local, transient one. I may point to my local context to prove a point, yet it’s only relevant in as far as it measures up to God’s universal context. It’s what makes us world Christians; who recognise their citizenship is in heaven and God’s values alone, clearly revealed within scripture, are permanent. It’s one of the reasons Jesus was regarded with such suspicion by those who wielded power. He owed nothing to anyone, but everything to an unseen God.   QUESTION: Have you opened your eyes, ears and heart to the universal call of God to humanity?  PRAYER: Show me how to make the decisions you want me to make, Lord.    

Audio from Instagram Live Devotional - Thursday, 5/14/2020 based on Hebrews 4:15-16. "This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT Check us out on Instagram Live Thursdays at 7 PM PDT - https://www.instagram.com/remixadventist/

In this episode, Amy discusses some practical implications of PTSD. Many times, survivors of trauma are unaware of symptoms that can and often does affect lives on a daily basis. Also in this episode, Amy begins to tell her story as it pertains to her journey to the diagnosis of Complex PTSD. There is Hope for PTSD and survivors of trauma, but sometimes getting to the road to healing feels like an insurmountable task, but HEALING COMES! Amy challenges trauma survivors as well as those who love them, to put in the hard work, because healing sits at the beautiful intersection of Joy and sorrow. Come! Learn about how healing is for all of us and the first step in that journey is surrender.Hebrews 4:15-16“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses. For He faced the same testings we do, yet without sin, so let us approach the throne of Grace with confidence” Important phone numbers:National Suicide Prevention: 1-800-273-8255National Domestic Violence Prevention: 1-800-799-7233

Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane. Matthew 26:36 NLT“Sit here while I go over there to pray.” He took Peter and Zebedee's two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Matthew 26:36-38 NLT (read through and briefly elaborate.) Jesus' heart was heavy with the weight of the entire world, with all its sin and separation: past, present, and future. (While the divine Jesus was determined the human Jesus was hurting!)This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. Hebrews 4:15 NLTFor everyone who's ever felt a desperation beyond description; understand this, Jesus understands! He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying. Matthew 26:39 NLTAnd being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Luke 22:44 NLT2 Corinthians 5:21 - He became sin who knew no sin so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God!“My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Matthew 26:39 NLTYet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Matthew 26:39 NLTAn incredible load of guilt met the undefeated love of our surrendered Savior, in Gethsemane. Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn't keep their eyes open. Matthew 26:42-43 NLTSo he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. Then he came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Up, let's be going. Look, my betrayer is here!” Matthew 26:44-46 NLTAll those who journey soon or late, Must pass within the garden's gate ; Must kneel alone in darkness there, And battle with some fierce despair. God pity those who cannot say : “Not mine, but thine;” who only pray, “Let this cup pass;” and cannot see The purpose in Gethsemane. Ella Wheeler WilcoxJesus did not come into the world to make bad men good. He came into the world to make dead men live! - Leonard Ravenhill We have to die to our will before we can live His!I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 KJVThe power of the resurrection is released in the lives of the ones who give themselves to God in Gethsemane. Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last. And when I am dying, how happy I'll be, If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee. Charles Studd

The Revelation Series – The Son of Man in the Seven Golden Candlesticks                                The High Priest Garments   For months now, I have been caught up in John’s seeing of Christ in the Seven Golden Candlesticks (Revelation 1:9-20).  Of His fullness and completion, we have received of His Grace.  Here, the picture of Him in the Candlesticks speaks of His fullness.  Walking, being revealed, and dwelling in the Church is the Son of Man in Glory.  I do not know how we can approach the Book of Revelation and miss this reality that John turned to see, “JESUS CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH.”   In His description of Christ, John writes that he was clothed with a garment down to His feet.  What I hear and see in this statement is the High Priest of our souls.  I see the garment of praise and salvation.  As our High Priest He has taken us with Himself into that within the veil, into the Presence of God to be presented whole, complete, righteous, and without lack.  Oh, that we may know Him as our Great High Priest, and no longer look to the Priesthood of Aaron, which spoke of Christ.     There is no perfection there, only a continual remembrance of sins with every sacrifice and every offering made by that priesthood.  Yes, Aaron’s priesthood was of God.  It came to speak for the time that was present of what God would do in Christ.  It was sanctioned and ordained of the Most High Himself, but could never take away the sin and guilt of the conscience in man.  It was imperfect but ordained to speak of the PERFECT ONE.    Hebrews 8:1 “Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;”   This is the summation of the thought we have such a High Priest who has sat down in authority, the right hand of God.  What does it mean He has sat down?  Why not just say who is in Heaven?  Who is with the Father?  Because He has sat down in rest and has all power and authority.  What His Priesthood speaks is what is true of the believer that has come to God by Him.  The believer is not destined to live in a sin conscience life, but in a life empowered by the Holy Spirit.  This High Priest cleared our conscience of sins (Hebrews 9:14), to present you holy and complete, perfect, before God our Father (Hebrews 10:10, 14).   This is what we can live in NOW, completion in Christ.  No longer having to succumb to the fear of death.  No longer having to succumb to whether God accepts me or not.  We are made accepted in the beloved.  We live through Christ in His Life.  The work He did at Calvary is enough.  It is this work that we must know and understand in our hearts.  It is this Priesthood that frees us from the conscience of sin that we must turn to SEE.  Going back to the old priesthood, to be told over and over you are not good enough, you do not measure up, will never complete your soul.   Unfortunately, this is where many in the Body of Christ are held, in the conscience of sin.  Much of the teaching that we sit under is like we are still under the priesthood of Aaron, the Old Covenant, where man was incomplete.  However, when our heart turns to the LORD, we see a New and living way, a NEW PRIEST, who has perfected forever them that come to God by Him.  Who clothes those that He loves in His own robe of righteousness?  Who fills those that are His in His own glorious life.  This is the Sum.  This is the Priesthood of Christ Jesus our Lord.  Here is where we have come.  Glory to God.  “We have such a High Priest.”  Who accomplished, fulfilled, completed all things in the body of His flesh and has made us complete in the Body of His Resurrection.     

Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT)Christ Is Our High Priest14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Some churches are not meeting in person for worship this Sunday to avoid possibly spreading the virus. But that doesn’t prevent us as the Body of Christ from coming before the Lord, kneeling in prayer, and pouring our hearts out to Him. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/yourdailybible)

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Matthew 7:13-14    “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24    “The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” John 15:19   “At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God. ” John 6:66-69    1. JESUS THE CHRIST “When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon...”Matthew 16:13-17 NKJV   “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” Revelation 3:15-16    “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation...for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth... and he holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body… For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.” Colossians 1:15-20 NLT   • JESUS THE CHRIST PERFECTLY REVEALS GOD   • JESUS THE CHRIST IS SUPREME.   “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11    • JESUS THE CHRIST LEADS THE CHURCH AND REDEEMS THE BODY.   “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6    2. JESUS GOD'S ONLY SON “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16   God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17    “Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.” Hebrews 2:14, 17-18    “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of oursunderstands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:14-16    3. JESUS OUR LORD   TAKE HOME   • I WILL SURRENDER MY LIFE TO THE LORD OF MY LIFE My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10      • I UNDERSTAND THAT MY PERSONAL FAITH CONFESSION IS A COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY OF FAITH.   • I WILL LIVE THE MISSION OF MY LORD   This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God! 2 Corinthians 5:17-20

  Hebrews 4:14-16 (New Living Translation) ~~~      So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same things we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.     Key Points ~~~        Sometimes we believe God's promises are true for us...but that they will prove true later on, at some point in the future (just not right now).   God's promises are for the "Right NOW"!   We are "Right NOW" to hold firmly to what we believe.   Hebrews 12:12 (NLT) says this: "So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen you weak knees."      Take a firm grip - grab hold and refuse to let go!   You have a gracious God who totally understands you. All that He is asking you to do right now is to hold firmly to what you believe.   Think about a king who describes his throne as "gracious" - that is profound! We have an enormously gracious God!   God's help is truly beneficial to us. When we receive His help, it benefits us in this very moment in time.e 18 for moer   See Luke 11 & Luke 18 to learn more about praying with importunity.   The Burt (Not Ernie) Show - getting the promises of God into the people of God.   Find me here:   Titus 2 Discipleship with Jan L. Burt membership site (Titus2DiscipleshipwithJanLBurt.com)        on Instagram ~ @titus2disciplejanburt        on Facebook ~ Titus 2 Discipleship with Jan L. Burt        sign up for my newsletter ~ God's Promises for You    

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testing we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:14-16

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testing we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:14-16

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy Welcome to Day 994 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Does God Really Care? – Meditation Monday Thank you for joining us today for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is https://wisdom-trek.com/day-994/ (Day 994) of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You may utilize structured meditation practices. In my life meditation includes reading and reflecting on God's Word and praying. It is a time to renew my mind, refocus on what is most important, and make sure that I am nurturing my soul, mind, and body. As you come along with me on our trek each Meditation Monday, it is my hope and prayer that you too will experience a time for reflection and renewing of your mind.  Life is difficult at times, and we feel that pressure is so much that we are unable to continue. We may question ourselves, our relationships, and even our God. Jesus came to dwell among us – to be one of us, His creation. Jesus also understands us fully, especially when we are too weak to carry on under our own power. In our Meditation Monday today, I want us to reflect on… Does God Really Care? I bet all of us have wondered whether God really cares for us. Does He understand what we are going through? How could He? That is one reason that God sent His one and only son, Jesus, to become one of us. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews+4%3A15&version=NLT (Hebrews 4:15) tells us, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.” He also became one of us to bring us salvation and freedom from eternal death. Does this promise matter? If you ever wonder if God understands you, it does. If you ever wonder if God listens, it does. If you ever wonder if the Uncreated Creator can, in a million years, comprehend the challenges you face, then ponder long and hard the promise of the incarnation. Jesus is “able to understand our weaknesses.”  How can He? “Because He faced all of the same trials as we do.”  The One who hears your prayers understands your pain. He never shrugs or scoffs or dismisses spiritual, emotional, and physical struggles. He had a human body. He had a human mind. He was intimately spiritual. Are you troubled in spirit? Jesus was too. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+12%3A27&version=NLT (John 12:27) reads, “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ But this is the very reason I came!” Are you so anxious you could die? Jesus was too as he shared with his closest friends in https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt.+26%3A38&version=NLT (Matthew 26:38,) “He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.'” Have you ever prayed with loud cries and tears? Jesus did too. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+5%3A7&version=NLT (Hebrews 5:7) says, “While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God.” God knows what you are going through. God grieves with you. When you are at the bottom, look up to Jesus “for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.” Call out to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen and encourage you. God knows, understands, and provides. Trust in Him. That is a wrap for today's meditation. Next week we will continue our trek on https://wisdom-trek.com/day-999/ (Meditation Monday) as we take time to reflect on what is most important in creating our living

YOU CANNOT HAVE FAITH WITHOUT TRUST AND TRUSTING GOD MEANS YOU WANT HIS WILL OVER YOUR OWN!   And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6   Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time. -Oswald Chambers   TRUST SAYS THAT LIFE WILL NEVER MAKE SENSE APART FROM GOD AND I WILL TRUST HIS NATURE AND HIS TIMING DESPITE WHAT SEASON I AM IN.    While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. Hebrews 5:7-8   This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:15-16   While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. Hebrews 5:7-8   In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. Hebrews 5:9   Trust in the lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6   Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. Psalms 103:1-2 THE WAYS GOD IS FOR US  1. BY GIVING US UNCONDITIONAL FORGIVENESS AND RESTORATION  He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. Psalms 103:3   This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16   He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 1 Corinthians 5:15-20 2. BY GIVING US AN INHERITANCE. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. Psalms 103:4 No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9   We are God’s children But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12   We are heirs to God Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:7   We are royalty! But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. 1 Peter 2:9   We are Chosen, holy, and blameless Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. Ephesians 1:4   3. BY GIVING US TRUE FULFILLMENT.   He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! Psalms 103:5 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun. . . . So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:10-11, 17  “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” Mark 8:36-37  TAKE HOME   WE’RE NOT MOTIVATED BY REWARDS, BUT WE ARE MOTIVATED BY OUR CONFIDENCE IN THE GOODNESS OF THE GIVER OF SAID REWARDS.   PRAY WITH A HEART OF SUBMISSION   “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.” Luke 22:42-44   For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. Psalms 103:11-13

Led into Temptation  Matthew 4:1-11             The Season of Lent HAS to begin with the Temptation   > The great point of Hebrews 4:15 - " This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin." (NLT)   > It significantly effected Jesus; just look at the Lord's prayer:     * "Lead us not into temptation"     * "Give us our daily bread"     * "Thy Kingdom come on earth"   > Jesus was the only one who could have shared this story   Where is the evil or the harm in these requests?   > Stone to bread = feeding of 5,000; Physical safety = Resurrection; Authority now = Authority after the Resurrection   > Malcolm Muggeridge - What should the messiah look like?     * People's messiah?     * Torah messiah     * Kingly messiah?     * Certainly NOT the Suffering messiah!   Satan was tempting Him with a quick, non-suffering way to achieve the aims of the incarnation, the crown without the cross, to be human without the bad parts, to be the superhero rather than the Messiah   > Isn't that often temptation's way, offering us the shortcut to security or pleasure that are in themselves good, but can be grasped in the hurtful, destructive way?   > But looking over your own history, don't you sometimes wish God had been the conquering superhero, rather than the gentle Father?  Why does God seem to sit on His hands?     * Yet would we not find, like Elijah, that the Lord was not in the Wind, the Earthquake, or the Fire, but in the Still, Small Voice?     * Satan was tempting Jesus to do things his way, the way that forces obedience rather than the way that encourages Love   > "Yet what was offered Thee? There are three powers, three powers alone, able to conquer and to hold captive for ever the conscience of these impotent rebels [humans] for their happiness; those forces are miracle, mystery and authority. Thou hast rejected all three and hast set the example for doing so." - Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov   > Satan's power is external and coercive; God's is internal and persuasive   > Phillip Yancey, in The Jesus I Never Knew, "Only Love can summon the response of Love"  Yes. Coercive power would only compel fear...   Jesus chose...   > God's kingdom, God's will, God's methods that promote love rather than compel fear   > The path of self-sacrifice, the hard but GOOD path, the path that leads us to grace

Our Verse: Heb 4:15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So...how is it that Jesus is like me? When you think of Jesus Christ, what comes to mind? Kind, Supernatural, wise? We often see him smiling, helping, in every sense a divine person, unlike us humans. But the Bible has interesting things to say in describing Jesus as He really is, His real character and his real mission. Knowing what the Bible says helps because many popular descriptions of Jesus are tinged with imagination and fiction. (wander off into myths 2 Tim 4:4) God's Word, the Bible, is the true record of His life and personality. Let's consider some Jesus likenesses. Likeness to us and our struggles. He experienced sadness, the death of friends, and betrayal by a close friend. He experienced physical pain- He was hungry, cold, beaten and brutally executed. He was rejected by those He came to help- his own people. His family called Him crazy and didn't believe in His mission. Mark 3:21 John 7:5 He was tempted in all the ways we are with one great difference- He never fell to any sin. So in every way, Jesus can feel what we feel and truly understand us. This likeness to us helps us relate to Him and He to us. When we pray, Jesus Christ hears us and understands us... He has been where we are. Because He has all knowledge (omniscient) He instantly knows the best solution to help us. His answers to our prayers are wise and always work out for our ultimate good. Jesus came as the Son of Man, relating to each of us. He is our High Priest in Heaven. You can go to Him knowing He will understand your every need and desire! Next- Part 2- Jesus- Lamb of God!

Message Title: “PRAYER” Prayer = communication with God The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18-19 (NLT) Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:5:17 (NIV) What is the “Bathwater” of Prayer? Ignorance ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.' Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV) The worst thing you can do when it comes to prayer is to expect someone else to do it for you. Pride So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Come close to God, and God will come close to you. James 4:7-10 (NLT) Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. James 4:7-10 (NLT) Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy.  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. James 4:7-10 (NLT) Shame So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.  This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT)  So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT) What are the benefits of prayer? Prayer ALIGNS our Hearts Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) Prayer has the power to REALIGN your heart. Prayer BRINGS us Close Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord… Jeremiah 29:12-14 (NIV) Prayer CULTIVATES our Faith …If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT) Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 (NIV) “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:5-15 (NIV) Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Matthew 6:5-15 (NIV)  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:5-15 (NIV) For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:5-15 (NIV) P – PRAISE R – REPENT A – ASK Y – YIELD

Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16,(NLT) "So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.", Sunday Morning Worship Service

WHERE DID HE GO?Acts 1:9-11 “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”What a blessing it is to serve the Lord. If you really walk with the Lord there are very few dull moments. These verses describe the occasion of the Lord's ascension. I know the Lord had told them this would happen. But we all have a hard time understanding on the first go around. Here Jesus stands talking to them and all of a sudden Luke tells us “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up . . .” He had just taught one final lesson in his resurrection body to his disciples. And while they “beheld” (blepo). This word means “to see with the bodily eye.” It is present tense which means while they continued to see with the bodily eye. The words “he was taken up” describe what happened while they looked. This happened right before their eyes. They will be questioned at length about this in the future. Nothing just like this has ever happened before. There will be many who will doubt this story. They needed the drama of this scene so that they could tell it in a convincing way. The gospel is not only the death of Jesus it is also the resurrection and ascension of Christ.The words “he was taken up” (epairo) translate one word. It means “to lift up, raise up, raise on high.” It is an aorist passive indicative verb. The aorist tense refers to the fact and occasion of his ascension. The passive voice means that the Father took him. It could have said he went back to the Father's house, or he went to heaven and put it in the active voice. He had the power to do so. But it is not in the active voice, it is in the passive voice which means he, as the subject of this clause, is the recipient of this act. It suggest that this final service that he was sent to do with the disciples on this earth was finished, and the Father reached down and said, “Son it is time to continue your ministry from my right hand.” One of these days the Lord is going to say that to the church. And we will take our flight. Amen! “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”The words “and a cloud received him out of their sight” give us the physical explanation of his disappearance from their vision. And as they stood watching this scene, God sent two angels to give them added support and a message. These angels said according to verse 11: “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven?” The word “gazing” (emblepo) means “to turn one's eyes on.” It is a present tense and it means they were just gazing up to the place where they saw him last. I think they must have said, “Where did he go!” The angels said, “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” The Lord is so good. He told them where he went and where he is. And when he told them this, he told us. He has also told us some things about his ascension.Where did he go? He went to take up his ministry as High Priest. Jesus is Prophet, Priest and King. He is exercising his ministry as High Priest  +today. Heb 3:1 “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;” Heb  +4:15 “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” This High Priest represents us. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities and goes before the August Presence of a Holy God and on the grounds of those feelings toward us, and his on shed blood, and his own holy life, he represents us there.

You are not alone – Matthew 26 – [REBEL] – Encounter Houston – Brent Phillips When you feel alone nothing else matters. It doesn’t matter if it is really true or not. When you feel alone it is debilitating. We have been created to be in the community to receive and give love. And when we feel alone we feel completely out of our creation and what we are suppose to be. But there is something we must know, “You are not alone!” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” We can see that this scripture is true from the actions of people in society that have felt alone. When they have fallen down and their was no one there to help pick them back up. They choose to do things that aren’t necessarily the best decisions. But you must remember, “You are not alone!” There is one person that has been through it all Matthew 26:36-38 “Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Remember you are not alone, Jesus knows what you are feeling! We like to be able to relate with others that have walked a path that we are walking. Someone who can meet up where we are at and lets know that, “You are not alone” that we will get through whatever situation it is that we might be in. The problem with the God of religion is that we can’t relate to him. Which makes he distant and far, which makes him un-relatable. But that is not the God that we serve. Hebrews 4:14-16 “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” We serve a God who took on flesh so that He could go through everything that we go through and experience everything that we experience just so we could say “I am not alone.” He understands our weaknesses. The video to this Podcast http://www.neverjustexist.org

Tuesday, June 25, 2013 Life or death in God's presence! Leviticus 16:1-2 NLT 1 The Lord spoke to Moses after the death of Aaron’s two sons, who died after they entered the Lord’s presence and burned the wrong kind of fire before him. 2 The Lord said to Moses, “Warn your brother, Aaron, not to enter the Most Holy Place behind the inner curtain whenever he chooses; if he does, he will die. For the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—is there, and I myself am present in the cloud above the atonement cover. ________________________ See why I worry about my children? Emily Bode, Amy Westlake, Gwendolyn Bode, and Bethany Bode I can't imagine How Aaron must have felt at the death of his two sons. We read in chapter 10 of Leviticus that Aaron remained silent when Moses explained God's reason for his two sons being consumed with fire from God's presence. I'm not sure you caught it but although the rest of the Israelites were allowed to mourn officially for the death of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron and the rest of his family and the Levites were not allowed to mourn. The death of a child must be devastating. I worry nearly every day for the last 24 years about my children! And I've seen the grief parents have at the loss of their child up close and personal. Grief is important. Aaron was denied the normal outward signs involved in this process. Now his brother, Moses is asked by God to speak to Aaron and warn him about his own vulnerability in the presence of God. Leviticus is all about being able to have God's presence in the midst of his people! The presence of God is special. It is not ordinary. And for sinful people to be allowed to be in God's presence they have to be reminded they are sinful! They have to know all the ways in which they offend God. The people have to see that being close to God is a matter of life and death. Ever since the garden of Eden, all men have been under a death sentence. And every sin confirms that they can not live in the presence of God. Something has to be done to turn around the reign of death over each and every person. In the next chapter, God says that the only way that anyone can be made clean enough to be with him is to have someone or something give it's life in their place. Leviticus 17:11 NLT ...for the life of the body is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the Lord. It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible. Blood given in exchange for a life, All the dead animals in the sacrificial system, and all the barbecues for God alone, were meant to demonstrate the serious life or death situation between God and man! Your sin offends God. It stinks to him. It amounts to treason. Your rebellion is an affront to him. Your willful cocky disobedience deserves death! But God wants to be close to you. He wants you in his family. He made you to know him. He is worthy of being known. There is nothing other than you being in his presence and worshiping him that matters. And for God sake, get over yourself. He is holy. He is pure. He is righteous in everything he does. He is the all knowing one. He is the all seeing one. He is the all powerful one. He created you. How for a millisecond can you even think you know better? What makes you imagine for a moment that you are more righteous? How can you judge God? What makes you think you have all the information? Really you know very little. You are weak. You are not very clever. You are easily deceived and you need help. So God has a plan to bring you into his presence eternally. And his plan involved Jesus blood, given in exchange for your life. So he warns you as Moses warned Aaron; Don't come into God's presence without an invitation, don't come at the wrong time and don't come without being made pure by the sacrifice of someone's blood or you will loose your life. But you can come, safely and boldly because of Jesus. Look at what Jude says more than a thousand years later: Jude 1:24-25 New Living Translation (NLT) A Prayer of Praise 24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. 25 All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen. And we can further see that although Aaron, the high priest had to be very careful and Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu lost their lives for their carelessness, We can come into god's presence boldly because of Jesus. Hebrews 4:14-16 NLT Christ Is Our High Priest 14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Hebrews 4:14-16You can click the sermon title above to hear a message from our sermon series from Hebrews. This message, "Boldly Going Where You May Not Have Gone Before" was delivered by Pastor David Sweet on March 8, 2009. Note: Due to technical difficulties, the audio from the last few minutes of the sermon is missing from this recording.Hebrews 4:14-16: So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.