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Bride's Ministry to the Lost (1) (audio) David Eells – 7/12/26 Our Brother's Keeper Eve Brast - 12/19/2015 (David's notes in red) Since yesterday afternoon, the Holy Spirit in me has been very grieved. I felt sadness from the Father's heart but I didn't understand why. Then again, on the way home from the Friday night meeting, His sadness and grieving were heavy upon me again. I began to pray as I pulled into my driveway that Father would help me to help His people and that He would make me His eyes and ears and mind and that He would help me to be His hands and feet. I understood in general that this was what the Spirit was grieved about, and He desired that this would be the desire of His people above all else. (Please read my word below from the Father on 12/07/15. It's so very important to Him that my heart breaks at the earnest longing from His Spirit that He allowed me to feel.) Eve Brast - 12/07/15: I asked Father what was on His heart to say to us today and He told me to get a pen and paper. He said, “My people who are called by My name, humble yourselves before Me this day. Fast and pray with weeping and lamentations for your brethren who are in this land, for swift destruction is coming and distress from every side and there shall be none to deliver! But I will deliver, by My power and strong arm, those who will repent and turn to Me in that day. Take care to be mindful of your fellow brethren! Lay down your lives, for you are your brother's keeper. Offer up to Me the sweet smell of sacrifice and I will honor it. Fast! Pray! For the day draws near. All things will be accomplished according to My Word”. (Pray for gifts to be able to help the brethren.) When I lay down to sleep last night, I asked Father for a dream to share with the brethren at the morning prayer meeting on Saturday morning. I received it on 12/19/15. I dreamed that I was making rounds with David and Michael in a nursing home/mental hospital. (The Church is supposed to be gifted to heal the spiritually old and mentally sick in the body.) David was a surgeon dressed in light blue scrubs, and Michael was a resident surgeon in training dressed in royal blue scrubs. (They represent the Man-child ministry “who is like God”.) (Which is the meaning of “Michael”. To be like God, we need His fruit and gifts to be able to help the brethren.) There were others with us from UBM and some nurses I currently work with at the hospital in real life. David was a very talented and important doctor and was well-respected in this dream. He had come there to perform a new procedure that would restore these patients in this facility. We all desired to assist him in this procedure. (Those who followed are like the disciples of Jesus' day who followed Him.) As we all followed David, he would stop at the different rooms and areas of this nursing home/mental hospital and point out different patients and explain to us what he needed us to do to help him. Many of the patients were demented or just old and feeble (in spirit). Many were half naked (not dressed up with the works of Christ) and very obese (meaning overcome by flesh). They wandered around aimlessly and out of their right minds (which is the renewed mind of Christ). (These are our brothers and sisters in Christ who have not come out of the ways of the Harlot church yet or who have fallen back into worldly lusts and the mind of the flesh and their old beastly nature. {Isa.63:9} In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.) It was dark as we approached some double glass doors that led out into a courtyard filled with green grass. And as we stood outside on the lighted, covered porch area, it began to rain very large drops of water. (Michael Hare says these represent the trials and sacrifices we endure for the sake of our brethren. As faithful priests, this is what is required of us.) (Also, the rain can be the anointing and gifts God gives to those who sacrifice their lives to help the brethren. As we give of ourselves, He gives to us.) David and Michael stepped out into the rain, and they turned to face us. David held out his hand and said, “I need someone to come and get the stretcher in order to transport these patients”. (The word “stretcher” is a play on words. In order to be at rest, you must “stretch” your faith.) (Those who are able are called to help carry a spiritually sick Christian until they can walk for themselves.) All the others who had been following David and Michael were unwilling to step out into the rain with them in order to go get the stretcher for the “patients”. They began to turn and walk back into the nursing home/mental hospital and murmur as they went, saying that this was too hard, too difficult. {Joh.6:66} Upon this many of his disciples went back and walked no more with him. My heart sank as they walked away and I felt so alone and sad for David. I said, “I'll go”. (The true Bride will help to save God's people, like Esther did.) I didn't want to get out in the rain either, but to my surprise, even though it was cold as the large raindrops hit my face and my arms, I wasn't getting wet. The water was just soaking into my skin and filling me up inside. I felt encouraged and strengthened. {Isa.28:11} Nay, but by men of strange lips and with another tongue will he speak to this people; {12} to whom he said, This is the rest, give ye rest to him that is weary; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. People avoid the rain as though it were acid, but in actuality, it doesn't hurt at all and is refreshing; so it is with tribulations and trials, but the refreshing of the Spirit will help us. {Rom.5:3} And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness; {4} and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope: {5} and hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given unto us. {Jas.1:2} Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; {3} Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. {4} And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. (Missy said this reluctance to help God's people reminds her of the book of Esther, where it says: {Est.4:14} For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then will relief and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place, but thou and thy father's house will perish: and who knoweth whether thou art not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? When we choose obedience, Father will strengthen us for the task, just like He did for Jesus. {Rev.22:17} And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And he that heareth, let him say, Come. And he that is athirst, let him come: he that will, let him take of the water of life freely.) (The verse that came to M.L. the morning when I shared this dream was: (Jas.4:17} To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. Please, brethren, fast and pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ. (Ask for the Holy Spirit and gifts from God for them.) Ask for ears to hear the Holy Spirit's pleadings with us on their behalf. {Rom.9:3} For I could wish that I myself were anathema from Christ for my brethren's sake, my kinsmen according to the flesh: {Luk.12:50} But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished.) The three of us walked across the grassy courtyard together (with the flesh under our feet) to another building on the other side that was white brick (representing righteous works to serve the needy). This was where David would perform the new procedure. (Jesus said, “Behold, I make all things new”.) (I asked Eve, and she thought that the following correction applies well to some in all of UBM. I believe it speaks of many who have had much training but as yet have not entered into the work of restoring their brethren in whatever capacity they have a gift for.) There were many UBM members sitting in the doctor's lounge, along with all the children of UBM, including my two sons, Elijah and Josiah. (Even the two witnesses at this time need the anointing to serve.) They were all sitting around waiting for David to come and perform the new procedure. They were all busy and absorbed in their conversations. They all wanted to talk about the procedure but didn't want to take any action. (Like perpetual students needing to put their knowledge to work.) The children were all over the floor and sitting in chairs and on ottomans that were blocking the path to the procedure room. David told me to move the chairs and ottomans out of the way and clear a path for the stretcher to go through. (Take away their resting in the flesh so they have to stand on their own feet.) This was difficult because the children wouldn't get up off the furniture, and the room was very crowded with people and furniture. (Insisting on resting in the flesh.) The adults wouldn't make the children obey and wouldn't help me move anything. It was like they were unable to hear my requests. I found the strength to move the furniture with the children still on it and clear a path. (In short, we can't be perpetual students; it's time for the more mature to get to work restoring the Kingdom people. Even the children can do something to help. Not all are ordained to be elders, but all have gifts, or should have, to help in restoring the Kingdom. In 1 Corinthians 12, the Lord says to forsake the idols and seek the gifts to be able to help God's people become a defensible body.) After this, Michael and I went to find the right stretcher that would accommodate a very obese patient. (Representing those overcome with flesh.) We finally found an old, faded forest green recliner that was very wide, and when we reclined it all the way, it transformed into a stretcher with wheels. We rejoiced when we found it. (Representing enabling the spiritually sick Christians to rest from their labors through faith.) When I woke up, I asked Father for a word for this dream and received Isaiah 33:16. In context: {Isa.33:10} Now will I arise, saith Jehovah; now will I lift up myself; now will I be exalted. (First, the Lord addresses the fate of those who believe themselves to be a part of Zion but do not have the fruit.) {11} Ye shall conceive chaff, ye shall bring forth stubble: your breath (Hebrew: “spirit”) is a fire that shall devour you. (In other words, be careful of the spirit that goes forth from you through what you speak because that is what you will receive.) {12} And the peoples shall be as the burnings of lime, as thorns cut down, that are burned in the fire. (Jesus said, “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit is cast into the fire”.) {13} Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might. {14} The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling hath seized the godless ones: Who among us can dwell with the devouring fire? who among us can dwell with everlasting burnings? (The sinners cannot stand to dwell among those who offer up their flesh as a continual burnt offering; their fear drives them out.) (So who can dwell in the fire? Who can keep their flesh on the altar?) {15} He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from taking a bribe, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from looking upon evil: {16} He shall dwell on high; his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks (meaning those who are defended by the Word); his bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. (He shall have God's supply.) {17} Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: (They shall see the visitation of the Lord in His body.) they shall behold a land that reacheth afar: (They shall have much freedom living in their Promised Land.) Seek the gifts of God to build up His people. {1Co.12:1} Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. {2} Ye know that when ye were Gentiles ye were led away unto those dumb idols, howsoever ye might be led. {3} Wherefore I make known unto you, that no man speaking in the Spirit of God saith, Jesus is anathema; and no man can say, Jesus is Lord, but in the Holy Spirit. (So forsake the worldly idols and seek gifts to edify God's weak people.) {4} Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. {5} And there are diversities of ministrations, and the same Lord. {6} And there are diversities of workings, but the same God, who worketh all things in all. {7} But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal. {8} For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom; and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit: {9} to another faith, in the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, in the one Spirit; {10} and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discernings of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; and to another the interpretation of tongues: {11} but all these worketh the one and the same Spirit, dividing to each one severally even as he will. {12} For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. {13} For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit. (They were all filled with the Holy Spirit that manifests the gifts to defend the body. {Act.19:2} and he said unto them, Did ye receive the Holy Spirit when ye believed? And they said unto him, Nay, we did not so much as hear whether the Holy Spirit was given.) {1Co.12:14} For the body is not one member, but many. {15} If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; it is not therefore not of the body. {16} And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; it is not therefore not of the body. {17} If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? {18} But now hath God set the members each one of them in the body, even as it pleased him. {19} And if they were all one member, where were the body? {20} But now they are many members, but one body. {21} And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee: or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. {22} Nay, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be more feeble are necessary: {23} and those parts of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness; {24} whereas our comely parts have no need: but God tempered the body together, giving more abundant honor to that part which lacked; {25} that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. {26} And whether one member suffereth, all the members suffer with it; or one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. {27} Now ye are the body of Christ, and severally members thereof. {28} And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, divers kinds of tongues. {29} Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? {30} have all gifts of healings? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? {31} But desire earnestly the greater gifts. And moreover a most excellent way show I unto you. {13:1} If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. {2} And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. {3} And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing. {4} Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, {5} doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil; {6} rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth; {7} beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. {8} Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall be done away; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall be done away. {9} For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; {10} but when that which is perfect (complete) is come, that which is in part shall be done away. {11} When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things. {12} For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known. {13} But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love. {14:1} Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. ... {12} So also ye, since ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound unto the edifying of the church. ...{26} What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. {27} If any man speaketh in a tongue, let it be by two, or at the most three, and that in turn; and let one interpret: {28} but if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. {29} And let the prophets speak by two or three, and let the others discern. {30} But if a revelation be made to another sitting by, let the first keep silence. {31} For ye all can prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted; {32} and the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets; {33} for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. Pray the Church Will Hear and Go Back to School G. M. 2/27/18 (David's notes in red) I was an observer in this dream. I was in a place where there were classrooms with clear glass walls. There was a wooden coat rack in the hall. There were several boys walking in the hall who were very focused on where they were going. (12-14 years old [man-child], not messing around or wasting time, like they were on a serious assignment). (These are the teachers in this school who themselves hear the Holy Spirit) There was a very cute little girl (the Church or the ‘little sister') with blonde hair jumping rope in the hallway (appeared to be about 5 years old (Grace). She was dressed all in pink with a pink puffy winter coat (Time of winter - tribulation). She had on pink snow boots and was also wearing a pink headband with fuzzy muffs over her ears. I could tell these were special earmuffs and were not just to keep her warm, but had a headset built into them so the teacher was able to speak to her wherever she was. (She is capable of hearing the teacher, the Man-child by the Holy Spirit.) The little girl was having a good time singing and jumping rope in the hall. (The young and immature play games.) I could hear the teacher calling her name and trying to get her attention. The teacher had called to the little girl often to get her attention, but she didn't hear because of all her singing and jumping. Finally, she did hear the voice. (Pray for this) She stood real still and cupped her hands over her earmuffs so she could hear clearly. A big smile came over her face as she heard her teacher call her to the classroom. (Father will see to it that she goes to the class of the Holy Spirit.) I felt this little girl could represent many in the apostate church who are busy doing their own thing and not hearing the voice of the Lord. He is calling each of us to spend time with Him each day. Sometimes He has to use an extra-loud voice or circumstances to get our attention. Once we hear Him, we gladly come to Him and let Him teach us those things dear to His heart. I was given by faith at random for this dream Luk.24:23 and when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. (The Church does not know the Living Risen Lord, the Jesus of promises and miracles, Who they were talked out of by false shepherds. Jesus and His disciples are our examples of what a Christian is. Heb.13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and to-day, yea and for ever. Joh.14:12: Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father. Joh.7:38: He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water.) The scripture that came to my mind was Rev.3:20 Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and him with Me. 21 He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with Me in My throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with My Father in His throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. I believe He may use v19 to get the attention of His children. As many as I love, I reprove and chasten: be zealous therefore and repent. Other verses that spoke to me were: Joh.8:47 He that is of God, heareth the words of God: for this cause ye hear them not, because ye are not of God. Joh.10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: 28 and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of My hand. Bearing Our Cross Will Save Souls Sean Lynch - 07/01/2009 In a dream last night, the Lord showed me about a coming crucifixion for the brethren. In the dream, I was in either a hotel or some type of big castle. During this dream, there were many events going on, but the Lord is only bringing certain things to my remembrance. In one of the events, I remember I was outside of the hotel, and I heard on a loudspeaker tuned to a secular radio station, David's voice. He was preaching the gospel to the world. I thought this was awesome because now David's message was going to the whole world and was reaching many people. (Representing the David Man-child reformers.) The next event I remember, I was inside this hotel, and I saw a group of people approaching me. Then the fire of God fell upon me with holy boldness because I started preaching the Word with boldness and no fear, like the early apostles did when the Holy Spirit fell upon them. (Normally, I'm very shy and not bold. The Lord has been working on me with this, and I believe He has shown me that He is going to make me speak with boldness. “God's power is made perfect in our weakness”. However, these people did not receive the message of the gospel, as they started laughing and scoffing and went their own way. The next scene I remember, I was in a long walkway with doors on both sides. I believe I was with another brother in Christ. Suddenly, a mountain of a man with long hair, very strong and looking like a professional wrestler, walked in to pummel whoever got in his path. The other brother took off, and both doors shut, and I was left alone with this man. (The Lord was forcing me into crucifixion.) I decided I was going to preach the gospel to him, which at the time seemed crazy because this man looked like he wanted to rip me limb from limb; however, I felt holy boldness rise up in me and went and stood by the man and preached the Word with boldness to him. After I was done preaching, he just stood there and looked at me and then proceeded to beat me up very badly. I did not strike back but let him pummel me. I do not know if he had killed me or not, but I knew the Lord was showing me to turn the other cheek. I was then taken to another scene where I saw this same man had changed because I did not fight back. He was now a fire-breathing gospel evangelist and was preaching to other people. I then remember him preaching to a group of people, and then he was beaten, as well. I do not know if he was killed. (The Lord had shown me that because of my testimony of turning the other cheek and going to my cross, this man was saved and was allowed to go to his cross.) I remember being deeply touched by this brother who had gone to his cross. I remain touched even now as I'm writing this because the Lord is truly showing me how to lay my life down for the brethren and what is meant to go to our cross. The Lord has shown me that there are many brothers and sisters in the world who will come into the kingdom as a result of our willingness to turn the other cheek and overcome evil by laying our lives down. Please read our book, How Shall We Die. Are You a Yielded Vessel? Sandy Shaw - 11/03/2015 (David's notes in red) In a dream, I was high in the air with a big angel on each side of me; each of them was about 10 feet tall. They glowed and stood arm-to-arm with me. One angel asked, “Sandra, what do you see?” I said, “I see a storm approaching; a lot of lightning; sheets of water and wind coming closer and closer”. Then the angel asked me, “Sandra, do you hear the Master speaking?” I had to get very quiet and still. And then I said, “Yes, I do”. Then the angel of the Lord said, “Do it without ceasing”. (It is better to find the will of God in the quiet before the storm. {1Ki.19:11} And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before Jehovah. And, behold, Jehovah passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before Jehovah; but Jehovah was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but Jehovah was not in the earthquake: {12} and after the earthquake a fire; but Jehovah was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. (Ah, there He is!) {13} And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entrance of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? Uh-oh, he should have asked before the storm. The flesh is impulsive, moved by fear and self-preservation. Don't obey these enemy spirits or you will end up in deeper trouble. {14} And he said, I have been very jealous for Jehovah, the God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. {15} And Jehovah said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, thou shalt anoint Hazael to be king over Syria; {16} and Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel; and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. Uh-oh, lost his ministry, just like Saul, who got ahead of God.) Don't be moved by fear; it is an evil spirit; it is their job to lead you wrong. {Amo.5:19} As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him. (Do not be reactionary; get quiet and ask for the Lord's instructions concerning direction and judgments to come.) {Isa.28:16} therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner- stone of sure foundation: he that believeth shall not be in haste. (We don't have to get in a hurry because the Lord must go before us, as with Israel in the wilderness. {Isa.52:12} For ye shall not go out in haste, neither shall ye go by flight: for Jehovah will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rearward.) I started praying in tongues and I put my right hand out and I could feel the cold rain and the wind. I could see the wind make depressions in my skin as the force of it blew against my arm. {2Co.5:7} (for we walk by faith, not by sight). {Heb.10:38} But my righteous one shall live by faith: And if he shrink back, my soul hath no pleasure in him. Now I'm a little farther up, higher than before, and the angel of the Lord said, “Sandra, what do you see?” I said, “I see a second storm approaching me and five tornadoes”. I could see beyond these storms and see the devastation that they left. Buildings were gone and turned to rubble. But some weren't even touched. {Psa.91:11} For he will give his angels charge over thee, To keep thee in all thy ways. {Mat.7:24} Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock: {25} and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon the rock. {26} And every one that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand: {27} and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and smote upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall thereof. The angel asked, “Do you hear the Master's instructions?” I had to get really quiet and still so I could hear. And I said, “Yes”. Then he said, “Do it without ceasing”. (Be trained to seek, hear and act on the Lord's instructions concerning the coming judgments so that when they come you may act in the rest of faith and have a Passover and be able to help others.) The first time I couldn't hear because of the storm, the crackle of the lightning, and the thunder. And the whole time I kept hearing John 4:21-24. John 4:21-24. John 4:21-24 ... {Joh.4:21} Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, shall ye worship the Father. {22} Ye worship that which ye know not: we worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews. {23} But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers. {24} God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth. (Worship = Greek: Proskuneo, meaning “to kiss toward”. A reverential act of love toward God. Any act of love toward God. Every act of obedience is an act of love toward God, for we love Him when we keep His commandments, as He said. We are commanded to worship God with our whole being, with songs, with instruments and dance, etc. Worship should be in spirit, with the heart, meaning not in flesh. It should be in truth, meaning not an act of show to impress others.) 11/07/15 I dreamed this all again. The difference this time was that I could hear the Lord. He spoke very softly, barely above a whisper. He kept saying, “Pray in the spirit and in truth without ceasing. Pray in the spirit and in truth without ceasing”. {1Th.2:13} And for this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that, when ye received from us the word of the message, even the word of God, ye accepted it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also worketh in you that believe. {5:17} pray without ceasing; {18} in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward. Everything was completely tuned out. I did not hear the storm. 11/08/15 When I woke up in the night, the clock showed 3:33. And the Lord asked me a question: “Are you a yielded vessel?” {Jer.33:3} Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and will show thee great things, and difficult, which thou knowest not. (Call to the Lord in the quiet of the night, when men don't see.) {Mat.6:6} But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee. I went back to sleep and woke up at 4:44. And I heard the same question: “Are you a yielded vessel?” (The Greek gematria for “perfect love” is 444.) Then I went back to sleep and in the dream, He showed me and reminded me of something that happened when I was a child. In the dream, I was reminded that there was a Pentecostal church across the street from my mom's house. And my dad was related in some way, to most of the people in that church. Great aunts and uncles and cousins went to that church. Now they were having a special Jubilee celebration with lots of music on Saturday because nothing could interfere with the Sunday service. There were three much older women who asked if I could go to the Jubilee, but Mom said, “No!” Then my dad's great-aunt asked, “Why not?” And Mom said, “Because I'm teaching her Catholicism”. So I went to my room and cried myself to sleep. I really didn't understand at four, almost five years old. Then my dad knocked on my door and grabbed a blanket. He took my hand and we went to the front yard, putting the blanket on the ground, and I sat down. And he went to the kitchen and got some grapes and cheese. Mom came out a few minutes later, very upset with my dad. She said in Spanish, “Why are you deliberately trying to go against what I said? He said, “What you are teaching her is wrong. As long as they are praying and singing and lifting up Jesus, that is all that matters”. She went back into the house, slamming the door. Then the music started. The songs that I remember were “This Little Light of Mine” and “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”. I learned that song that day with all its verses and I knew I was singing that from my heart. I woke up again and the clock showed 5:55 (grace multiplied), but later that day I went to sleep and dreamed all of that again. But this time the dream went further. Dad came home from work and said, “Why don't you sing that song again, ‘I Have Decided to Follow Jesus'?” Then I did. And when the part came, “Though none go with me, still I will follow”, I started to cry and then sob. Then my dad said, “I thought you liked that song”. And I answered, “Daddy, someday I will be by myself. Jesus has to be enough”. And that's when I heard again, “Are you a yielded vessel?” (Meaning, would we follow Jesus if none of our family or friends or people we respected went with us? Obviously, God's grace, 555, will help us, if we desire this.) Because we know the storms are going to come, He is constantly giving us instructions. So are we yielded vessels? Are we listening and obeying God? We are supposed to be hearing Him, even in the midst of chaos. {Joh.4:21} Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, shall ye worship the Father. {22} Ye worship that which ye know not: we worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews. {23} But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers. {24} God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth. (Are we willing to love and obey Him when no man sees?) {2Co.4:7} But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves; {8} we are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair; {9} pursued, yet not forsaken; smitten down, yet not destroyed; {10} always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body. {11} For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. (If the life of Jesus is manifested in our mortal flesh, we will say with Him. {Joh.5:30} I can of myself do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is righteous; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. He will speak to those who are willing to do His will. {7:17} If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from myself. Love Your Neighbor as Yourself My Hiding Place 8/23/22 (1 Cor.13:1-8a)(KJV) Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 Charity never faileth. Dear brothers and sisters, Lately, my prayer has been for Father to teach me His way to love. Here is how He responded to my prayer. On August 17, 2022, I needed to run a few errands. I got ready with my 2 boys when my daughter popped her head through the door and said, ‘Hey Mom, do you still need to go to the store? I can take you. My car needs to go for a spin.' Off we went to the first and second stores. On the way back, I needed to stop at a third store, but my daughter decided she needed to go home. So I made arrangements to be dropped at the last stop with the boys, and then my husband would come to pick us up. While shopping, I received a call from my husband that he was on the way. But when he reached us, he made a strange announcement. He said that our daughter had arrived home accompanied by a homeless man who desired to get baptized! I have to confess that my initial reaction was not very friendly. I thought, ‘Why did our daughter bring someone to our home without asking for permission? Why did she bring in a stranger knowing my husband was heading out to get me and the boys from the store?' I was not pleased and couldn't come up with any good answer. But on the way back home, I told my husband, ‘Let's just pray for wisdom that Father will help us to deal with whatever may be going on this evening'. We got home and sure enough, there was a homeless man sitting in our kitchen. He looked very shy and spoke very quietly. My first approach was to get my boys situated with their snacks and their bedtime routine, while my husband had a chance to talk to the man. Once I felt my husband was a little more comfortable, I took the time to come over and offer the man some food and drink. Then I asked him to share his testimony. While telling his story, he asked in a rhetorical way, “Why can't people just love? Do you see me? Because I see you.” He wasn't trying to address the question at us, but that didn't matter. To me, it pierced my heart! It was as if the Holy Spirit had uttered those words through his mouth, convicting me. Why was my heart not immediately happy at this man coming to our home? Would I have acted differently if he had shown up wearing fancy clothes? Had I been too busy to notice the needs of those less fortunate? While the Holy Spirit did the job of convicting me, it became clear that I needed some repenting. As he continued to share, I was overcome with Jesus' compassion. Tears began streaming down my face while remembering Jesus saying, ‘They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick'. So I gave my daughter the go-ahead to get the bathroom ready. I grabbed some clothes for the baptism and a clean change of clothes for afterwards and within a half hour, all was ready to go. There was our new friend, in our bathtub, ready to confess Jesus as His Saviour and turn from his sins, acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God and renouncing Satan for good. Hallelujah! Afterwards, we got a chance to share a tea and some refreshments around the table and we encouraged him to pray. Then it was time to drop him off at his request while I tidied up. As I said my goodbye for the night, he reiterated how thankful he was for our hospitality. Then I gave him a big hug and blessed him in the name of the Lord. Everything had happened so fast, too fast for me to absorb it all. While I wiped down the bathroom, I examined my heart. ‘Father, I'm sorry that my heart was not ready to have this gentleman over at first, that I questioned what You had in mind rather than just trusting in You.' As I continued with my cleaning, I remembered that our home is not ours but the Lord's. On this night, Father had welcomed one of His prodigal sons home through us. We rejoiced with the angels in heaven for this awesome occasion. My heart still felt heavy and desperate for Father's intimacy. I wanted my alone time with Him and have a chance to properly confess my shortcomings. That's when I retreated into our secret place to pray and to listen. This is when the Holy Spirit came upon me with such sweet presence and impressed these words into my Spirit. Mat.25:34-40 (KJV) Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Thank You, Father, for knowing the desire of my heart so intimately – that of seeing many souls come into Your kingdom. Thank You, Lord, for giving me a heart to share with those less fortunate on various occasions and to open our home to our new friend this evening. May Your Word be engraved on his heart and may he follow You all the days appointed for him. May his life bring You glory and may he share Your salvation with many more. Dear Father, empty me of all of me and fill me with more of Your Spirit. I pray I may be found worthy to be used mightily for Your Kingdom. To You is all power and glory, forever and ever, in Jesus' name. Amen! Titus 3:3-5 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. That's right, brothers and sisters. It wasn't that long ago when we also wandered around without the Lord, chasing after the things of the world, giving ourselves over to sin. And Father had great mercy on us. Now, it's our turn to do the same to others. The harvest is ready; the fields are ripe. Let's pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out His laborers. Let's also pray for His love to abound and overflow in us to be able to share generously. (Hos.6:6a) For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice. 1 John 3:16-18 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. Today, the Lord is calling us to love His way, through actions and not just words. The kind of love our Saviour displayed for us is so deep. Lord, help us to keep dying to ourselves daily and to embrace our crosses, laying our lives down for our brethren. Let us not grow weary of doing good. May the Lord find us occupied in His work and loving each other when He returns! 1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 1John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Mark 12:30-31 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. 1 Tim.6:17-19 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. A Cry For Souls Solitary Man 4/4/25 So many souls! So many souls hanging in the balance! So many souls perishing. With the whole world being shaken as never before, who in My body is focusing on what really matters? Which one of My servants still dwells on what is most dear. Do My people think that the world of mammon is what they should pay attention to? Do My children think their finances are what matters most? How about patriotism? Should pledging allegiance to this empire or that be what dominates your soul? Perhaps it should be politics. Or seeking ever more information on one topic or another. Maybe more facts and figures are what you need! The planet has never resembled Babel as much as it does today. Voices are crying out over every cause and crusade imaginable. Lies piled upon lies. Ignorance coupled with anger and unholy passions. The noise is deafening. And My people have fallen into this bottomless pit of the unending babble of Babel. Where is the voice of My church today? How is it, as the knowledge of God being all but erased out of the land, that My people have forgotten the first principles? Where is the cry over the lostness of souls? Have you ever seen such a great multitude hurtling themselves towards the eternal flames of hell as you see today? Have you ever witnessed such a hatred of all things holy and pure as you do at this time? While you fight for your freedoms, you pay, oh so little heed to those perishing all around you. While you focus all your energy worrying and fretting over what comes next, those even in your own household that are destined for eternal torment, you have made accommodations for in your own soul. While you lament over others' political persuasions, unless they all repent, they will all likewise perish, regardless of which leaders they admire or hate. The curse of social media has deceived your souls. Do you ever stop and consider exactly how you are spending your life? When was the last time you took stock of how you are using the days that I have allotted you? Where is your heart? Remember what I have told you. Where your heart is, that is where your treasure is to be found. Is your heart consumed with mammon? Is it obsessed with current evils? Maybe it's your entertainment. Or the latest conspiracy of wicked men. Perhaps all you care about is your children. Identify your passion, and there is where your treasure lies. But what about the lost? Have the cares of the world so choked the flame of the Spirit of God that souls no longer matter? Have you convinced yourselves that there is nothing that you can do? Since no one seems to want to listen to the things of God, have you given up? But what about prayer? Have you given up on the power of prayer as well? Did I not wonder whether, when I return, I would find faith on the earth? Is there anyone left who believes that prayer will move heaven? But will you pray, not on your own behalf, but rather die to your own desires, and spend yourself by standing in the gap for those who are dead in sin? Many are in terror, not knowing what comes next. Yet, what does it matter what comes next if one does not know Me? What does it matter if this nation is made great [again], or that war is averted, or this economic collapse is halted, if one loses his own soul? Why has My church stopped weeping over the lost? I said My burden would be easy, and My yoke light. But only for those who have truly put their desires aside and fully embraced Mine. I guarantee that those who refuse to lose their own lives shall never find satisfaction, fulfilment, or peace. But those who lose their life for My sake shall not only find purpose and meaning, but a fulfilment that only I can provide. Children, you know that the time is short. Unless you choose to stop what you are doing and find your way back to the cross, your heart will never become one with Mine. And My heart beats for the lost. For every soul that slips off into eternity without Me, I am wounded anew. Will you not go forth and be My hands and feet, My voice to those who have no one else? Will you find the courage to obey Me when I call you to spread the good news before it's too late? Will you put down your phones and sacrifice your time to petition heaven unceasingly, until I send My Spirit to open the eyes of the blind once again? Who amongst you shall find the resolve to return to your first love, and be that light to those who grope about in darkness? Which of My children shall decide to re-enlist in the Lord's army of prayer warriors, of soldiers who are fearless and unashamed in their witness of Me? To those who let My words of challenge sink in and once again reignite the fire of evangelism, there is great reward that awaits you. Let not this day pass without asking My Father to quicken the truths found here, so that you will not be found wanting on that final day. I long to tell each and every one of you that you have done well, and now it is time to enter into the joy of your Master! Heed the warning, and this shall be yours. Heed it not, and risk it all. The choice is yours alone to make. Scripture References Mat.6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Luk.6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Mat.6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Luk.8:14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. Luk.21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. Mat.10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Lam.2:11 Mine eyes do fail with tears, my bowels are troubled, my liver is poured upon the earth, for the destruction of the daughter of my people; because the children and the sucklings swoon in the streets of the city. Joe.2:12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Mat.11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Mat.6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Mat.16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Joh.12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. Joh.17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Joh.3:35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. Rom.10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Luk.18:2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? 2Jn.1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Dan.12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. Mat.25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been fa
New Hampshire Unscripted talks with the performance arts movers and shakers
(Celebrating 80yrs of the finest community radio) WKXL's NH Unscripted takes us down the path of being free! Mainly free from a relationship but we toss the wilderness, the wind, a band of gold and maybe a song about a light of mine.The roster:1) “People Got to Be Free" – The Rascals (1968)2) “Born Free" – Roger Williams (1966)3) “Don't Set Me Free" – Ray Charles (1963)4) ”Blowin' in the Wind" – Peter, Paul and Mary (1963)5) ”Set Him Free" – Skeeter Davis (1959/1960s)6) "I Will Survive" – Gloria Gaynor (1978)7) “It's Too Late" – Carole King (1971)8) “I Am Woman" – Helen Reddy (1972)9) "You're So Vain" – Carly Simon (1972)10) "Band of Gold" – Freda Payne (1970):11) “This Little Light of Mine” The Seekers12) "She's Gone" – Hall & Oates (1973)Bonus track: 13) "Release Me" – Esther Phillips (1962)(NH Unscripted airs M/W/F at 9am on 1450AM/103.9FM Concord, and 101.9FM Manchester)
With the 250th Year Celebration just behind us we thought that the theme of being “free” or of “freedom” must have surely been a popular one during the 60's. Well, yes and no. It's there, but, we had to grab a 70's tune (or three) to fill out our playlist! But anyway think: “People Have to be Free”, “I Am Woman”, “This Little Light of Mine” and more! Happy (belated) 4th of July Unscripters!!!
Mini: Let's review the Fiery Furnace with the songs: "This Little Light of Mine", "Them That Honor Me", "O, Friend Do You Love Jesus", and our memory verse Dan.3:17 "Our God, whom we serve, is able to deliver us." Recorded and produced by: Ashley B. Larson Don't forget to check out the coloring pages that go along with each lesson! https://startingwithjesus.com/spb-cp/ If you have enjoyed this program and would like to know more, go to our website: www.startingwithjesus.com The Bible and nature story material used in today's devotional podcast has been used with permission from My Bible First. If you would like your own copy, please visit their website-or call 1-877-242-5317. If you would like to purchase your own Memory Verse CD or Songbook, go to Ouachita Hills Store (https://www.ouachitahillsacademy.org/store?page=1&store_category_id=0&sort_by=title&is_ascending=1&search=). Songs from: Little Voices Praise Him, SDA Hymnal, Sabbath Songs For Tiny Tots, New Sabbath Songs For Tiny Tots, Memory Verse Verse Songs for Cradle Roll, Children's Songs For Jesus, and Scripture Songs and Little Lessons All Bible verses are from the NKJV. Singers for this Quarter: Tory, Caleb, and Enoch Hall, Hudson Reeves, Michael and Amy Nelson Editing assist: Dillon Austin and Josh Larson Music Recording and Editing: Rachel Nelson and Kristy Hall Coloring Pages: Rachel Lamming, Lily Canada, and Evie Rodriguez Theme Music: Lindsey Mills- www.lindseymillsmusic.com God: who gives talents for us to use for Him
After a 2½-year break, Steve and Angi are back for a brand-new season of Knowing Hymn! In this episode, they explore one of the newest hymns from Hymns—For Home and Church: “The Power of the Holy Ghost” by Delys Waite Snyder.Together, they discuss the doctrine and inspiration behind the hymn, the role of the Holy Ghost in our daily lives, and the powerful scriptural themes woven throughout the text. Along the way, they reflect on personal experiences with guidance, comfort, testimony, repentance, and learning to “speak with the tongue of angels.”This episode also includes a full performance of the hymn.Returning to Knowing Hymn after 2½ yearsThoughts on the new Hymns—For Home and Church collectionFavorite newly released hymnsThe story behind “The Power of the Holy Ghost”The influence of the Holy Ghost in times of trialSpeaking with “the tongue of angels”The Holy Ghost as Comforter, teacher, and guideSinging the hymn togetherHymn 1055 – “The Power of the Holy Ghost”Words and music by Delys Waite Snyder2 Nephi 32:2–3Mosiah 4:3Mosiah 5:2John 14:16–17John 14:26–27President Wilford Woodruff on the gift of the Holy GhostPresident Henry B. Eyring (April 2015 General Conference)Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Tongue of Angels” (April 2007 General Conference)Come Thou Fount of Every BlessingFaith in Every FootstepIt Is Well with My SoulHis Eye Is on the SparrowWere You There?This Little Light of MineGethsemaneHoly PlacesAnytime, AnywhereI Know That My Savior Loves MeEmail: knowinghymn@gmail.comWebsite: https://knowinghymn.weebly.com/Facebook Group: Knowing HymnInstagram: KnowingHymnListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6a5S3nTSwztTYqSfvateld?si=JnIbvw4IRGOZbY4fktQfXgIf you enjoyed this episode, we'd love to hear from you! Send us your thoughts, favorite hymns, or suggestions for future episodes.Thanks for listening, and join us next time as we sing our way to knowing Him.
Billy Vaughn AHO The Church's One Foundation Ethna Campbell The Old Rugged Cross Phil Coulter Morning Has Broken Living Voices Everything Is Beautiful Franck Pourcel AHO Day By Day Ella Fitzgerald Just a Closer Walk With Thee Floyd Cramer How Great Thou Art Nat 'King' Cole Steal Away Mantovani AHO A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Longines Symphonette Easter Parade Sammy Kaye AHO Chapel in The Valley Ralph Carmichael Peace In The Valley Anita Bryant Shall We Gather at The River Richard Abel & Francis Goya Angel Perry Como Abide With Me Percy Faith & Mahalia Jackson Nearer My God To Thee Roger Williams Theme From "The Cardinal" Dale Warland Singers Deep River BBC Big Band Jesus Christ Superstar Jim Reeves Whispering Hope Mantovani AHO Abide With Me Karen Gibson & Kingdom Choir Amen & This Little Light of Mine Norma Zimmer Rock of Ages David Rose AHO "King of Kings" Roma Downey & Phil Coulter But Beautiful The Norman Luboff Choir Bringing In The Sheaves The Sons of the Pioneers Lead Me Gently Home Father Sammy Kaye AHO When The Organ Played at Twilight Andy Williams May Each Day Mantovani AHO The Holy City Perry Como I Believe Dean Franconi & Hollywood Strings The Bells of St. Mary Pat Boone He Mantovani AHO Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring Roger Wagner Chorale Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head David Rose AHO Love & Ambition
I. Welcome and Mission of Victory Church Podcast welcome and explanation: messages from pastoral staff and guest speakers from Sunday worship services. Statement of Victory's mission: reaching the lost, restoring the broken, and reviving believers. Brief personal remark from the speaker about still feeling new when coming up to preach. II. Introduction to Psalm 27 and Context Request for Psalm 27 to be put on the screen; announcement that this will be the main text. Expression of gratitude to volunteers who cleared snow in the parking lot and reminder about tight parking conditions. Mood set: “We're here to worship the Lord” despite inconveniences with snow and parking. Personal memory of an elderly woman at the former Admiral Street location who would quote Psalm 27:1 with conviction. Pivot from original planned message to God's redirection toward Psalm 27 and the theme of light. III. Theme Stated: The Light of the World Working sermon title given: “The Light of the World,” referring to Jesus. Explanation that light in the Bible symbolizes God, His holiness, and the only true light for the world. Connection of light and salvation as inseparable in Psalm 27:1. Reference to Jesus' “I Am” statements in John, especially “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), and other Johannine references to Jesus as light. Reference to Matthew 4:16: those who sat in darkness have seen a great light. IV. Exposition of Psalm 27:1–3 – My Light and My Salvation Reading Psalm 27:1–3 and identifying it as a psalm of David. Explanation: David expresses jubilant confidence and courageous trust in the Lord despite many enemies and constant threats. Clarification that courage is not human toughness but trust in God's strength in our weakness. Application: believers also face struggles, conflicts, curveballs, and unexpected changes in life. Definitions: Light dispels darkness, brings understanding, joy, and life. Salvation moves us from a bad place to a good place, is a stronghold—a fortified place where harm cannot ultimately penetrate. Rhetorical question: If God provides light and salvation as a stronghold, whom shall we fear? Encouragement not to be moved by what we see, hear, or feel, but to rest in the Lord as our light and salvation. V. We Are Also Called Light Jesus is the light of the world, but believers are also called the light of the world. Exhortation not to hide our light “under a bushel,” alluding to the children's song “This Little Light of Mine.” Emphasis that this is not only about outward evangelism but about the inner personal light Christ places within each believer. Warning against living in a semi-dead or dim spiritual state; God wants His light to permeate and shine through our lives. VI. Example of persevering faith: The Elderly Woman Return to the story of the elderly woman who quoted Psalm 27:1 every week with conviction. She did not allow age, aches, or pains to diminish her confidence that the Lord was her light and salvation. Personal connection: the preacher knew her family's challenges, including a wayward grandson he once chased as a police officer. Point: her declaration flowed from real experience of God's faithfulness, and she repeated it to impress the same mindset on others. Application: adopt that same resolute mindset when life throws curveballs and when darkness tries to extinguish our light. VII. Light Versus Darkness in Everyday Life Illustration: physical darkness in a room and how even a small light (like an alarm clock display) helps navigate. Spiritual point: darkness cannot snuff out light; light forces darkness to flee when switched on. Observation that sinful and harmful acts often take place under cover of darkness, but God's light exposes and displaces them. Encouragement that if a believer's light feels dim, turning to Scripture (God's Word as lamp and light) brightens the path. VIII. God's Presence in Our Circumstances – He Never Leaves Us (Psalm 27:8–10) Reading Psalm 27:8–10: call to seek God's face and plea that God not hide His face or forsake His servant. Explanation: David felt circumstances getting the best of him—delays, disappointment, and possible abandonment even by parents. Emphasis that God never leaves or forsakes His people even when others do or when we are imperfect. Illustration: the “hound of heaven” image for the Holy Spirit persistently pursuing believers. Personal story: driving past the soccer coach's broken-down car and joking that he did not make the team—contrast with God never passing us by on the roadside. Teaching that God is already present in our troubles before we arrive there; He walks on the storms and invites us, like Peter, to trust Him. IX. Seeking God's Perspective and Fullness David's turning point: he inquired of the Lord and let God's presence enter his doubts and struggles. Call to put God's will first rather than our own, as Jesus prayed “not my will but yours.” Encouragement to seek God's fullness—fullness of faith, joy, and strength—rather than settling for half measures. Analogy: we often try to clean ourselves up before coming to God, but that is why we got into a mess; God wants us to come as we are. X. God's Faithfulness Across Scripture and Time Affirmation that God's promise to never leave or forsake His people runs from Deuteronomy through the New Testament. Reference to Jesus' promise in Matthew 28: He will be with His disciples to the very end. Explanation of “forever and ever”: God doubles the language to emphasize that His faithfulness truly does not end. Reminder that creation itself groans and anticipates His coming, and that we are made in God's image and likeness. XI. Do Not Lose Heart – Waiting with Faith (Psalm 27:13–14) Reading Psalm 27:13–14: “I would have lost heart unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Description of the human heart as fickle and deceitful, prone to discouragement and self-pity (“I'm the only one”). Encouragement to “let God arise” so that fears and doubts are scattered, echoing older worship songs. Clarification that God's goodness is not just future but is seen “in the land of the living,” in our present lives and situations. Exhortation to wait on the Lord—not passively, but in faith, expectation, and confidence that God will strengthen our hearts and align our desires and will with His. XII. From Psalm 27 to Psalm 28 – From Pleading to Praise Brief look ahead to Psalm 28 as a psalm of rejoicing for answered prayer. Reading Psalm 28:6–7 to show David's transition from trouble to praise: the Lord heard his supplications, became his strength and shield, and filled his heart with rejoicing and song. Application: as we trust God as light and salvation, He turns prayers into testimonies and darkness into worship. XIII. Corporate Communion and Response Instruction for the congregation to come out of their seats, fill the aisles, and gather together for communion as an act of koinonia (fellowship). Emphasis that believers are building relationships with those they will be with in eternity; encouragement to love one another now. Communion teaching: The bread represents Christ's body broken so ours need not be ultimately broken by sin's effects; He provides wholeness of mind, body, and spirit. The cup represents Christ's blood shed for forgiveness of sins so we can spend eternity with Him rather than separated. Note that no one is “worthy” in themselves; Jesus did this for us while we were ungodly. Congregational declaration: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; of whom shall I be afraid? The Lord is the strength of my life; whom shall I fear?” XIV. Final Blessing and Dismissal Pastoral prayer: asking God to bless and keep the people, cause His face to shine on them, give peace, strength, and joy of salvation. Reminder that the Lord is their light, strength, and provider today, tomorrow, and for eternity. Practical closing: caution to be careful in the parking lot and invitation to midweek service. Closing thanks to listeners of the sermon and mention of Victory's location at 321 Veazie Street.
Message: Great Steps Songs: Awesome God,The Churchman Sing; This Little Light of Mine,;All Creatures of God our King Host: Dennis Campbell – President/CEO – MissionGO The post Rev. George Francisco – Great Steps appeared first on MGO Radio/Canada's National Bible Hour.
Garrett Chaffin-Quiray and Ed Rosa discuss one of 2025's biggest blockbusters.***Referenced media:“Swingers” (Doug Liman, 1996)“The Parent Trap” (David Swift, 1961)“From Dusk Til Dawn” (Robert Rodriguez, 1996)“The Lost Boys” (Joel Schumacher, 1987)“Fright Night” (Tom Holland, 1985)“Lord of the Dance” (Michael Flatley, 1996)“Battlestar Galactica” (Ronald D. Moore, 2003-2009)“Star Trek: The Next Generation” (Gene Roddenberry, 1987-1994)“True Blood” (Alan Ball, 2008-2014)“Assault on Precinct 13” (John Carpenter, 1976)“Fruitvale Station” (Ryan Coogler, 2013)“Black Panther” (Ryan Coogler, 2018)“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (Ryan Coogler, 2022)“Creed” (Ryan Coogler, 2015)“Creed II” (Steven Caple, Jr., 2018)“Creed III” (Michael B. Jordan, 2023)“The Wire” (David Simon, 2002-2008)“Parenthood” (Jason Katims, 2010-2015)“Marty Supreme” (Josh Safdie, 2025)“School Daze” (Spike Lee, 1988)“True Grit” (Joel and Ethan Coen, 2010)Audio quotation:“Swingers” (Doug Liman, 1996)“Sinners” (Ryan Coogler, 2025), including the songs “Old Corn Liquor”, written by Joe Thompson and performed by Rhiannon Giddensa and Justin Robinson; “Séance” written and performed by James Blake and Ludwig Göransson; “I Lied to You”, written by Ludwig Göransson and Raphael Saadiq and performed by Miles Caton; “This Little Light of Mine” written by an unknown lyricist and performed by Miles Caton; “Rocky Road to Dublin” written by D.K. Gavan and performed by Jack O'Connell, Brian Dunphy, and Darren Holden; and “Sinners”, written by Rod Wave, Tarkan Kozluklu, Darius Poviliūnas, Kyris Mingo, Leonard Denisenko, and Travis Harrington and performed by Rod Wave, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYcUz4vv5NU&list=PLeuk4c_cVcyrflkPU-2bQLHXw71Q-f7GO&index=14
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/ece-devotions/20260209ECME.mp3 Listen to Devotion [Jesus said:] “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 4:13,14 Hide It Under a Bushel, NO! Many may remember the song from childhood Sunday School and VBS. It goes like this, “This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. Hide it under a bushel, NO!, I'm gonna let it shine. Don't let Satan *blow* it out, I'm gonna let it shine.” Be honest. Did a Sunday School memory come roaring back and make you sing along? A couple years ago, there was a video version of the song “This Little Light of Mine” which was circulating the early childhood world for a while. This version was by Listener Kids, and the video starts with a very catchy tune and one lightbulb walking down the road singing, “This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine!” Next, two other light bulbs come in, and now three light bulbs are walking down the road singing, “This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine!” Finally, more light bulbs are walking down their street, singing their song and letting their light shine for the whole neighborhood to see: “All around the world, I'll jump off the ground and shout. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.” I love the concrete illustration of that video for kids. If we let our light shine and share our faith, other people's faith is also strengthened, and others also want to tell the world about the light of Jesus! We share the best news with the world: Jesus loves you, and Jesus saves you. This is the best news we want to proclaim to all the ends of the earth because it enlightens a world darkened by sin. Have you heard the term, “childlike faith”? “Childlike faith” refers to how children believe and live their faith. Children hear the gospel, believe it, and tell everyone. They don't try to make it make sense, and they don't need it proved to them. They simply believe because they trust the person who told them. For this reason, kids can be the best evangelists. The Christian songs that you lead with your children at school become the songs the kids automatically sing at home. The prayers that you lead before snack time and lunch become their dinner prayers at home, too. Kids will tell anyone and everyone the Jesus loves them. What a blessing that they let their light shine! The world can look dark and daunting. Kids remind us to go back to the basics and to be the light Christ has called us to be. Jesus loves me; this I know. I am a light, and I'm going to let it shine. Prayer: Dear Jesus, Thank you for allowing us to be your messengers. Thank you for the little lives we get to share your amazing news with every day. It's a blessing to be able to grow your kingdom, and we are thankful for the opportunity to do so. Amen. A Question to Consider: Has there been a moment this week that you have seen a child have “childlike faith”? Can you think of a way in the next week that you can let your light shine? Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
What does the sanctuary candle really mean—and how can it help our children fall in love with Jesus in the Eucharist?In this powerful and heartwarming episode, we sit down with Catholic author Susan Joy Bellavance to discuss her new children's book from Sophia Institute Press, This Little Light of Thine. This beautifully illustrated story follows the sanctuary candle as it travels from church to church, gently teaching children (and adults) the profound truth it represents: Jesus Christ is truly present in the Tabernacle.Susan explains how the sanctuary candle points us to the same holy reality revealed in Scripture—from God's presence in the burning bush to His dwelling among us today in every Catholic church around the world. The book is a simple yet profound tool to help restore reverence, awe, and joy for the Eucharist, especially in the hearts of our children.But this conversation goes even deeper.Susan also shares the miraculous story that brought this book to life, along with unforgettable personal testimonies from the three years she spent discerning religious life in Mother Teresa's order. Living, praying, and serving alongside Mother Teresa herself, Susan witnessed extraordinary moments of faith, humility, and trust in God's presence—experiences that continue to shape her life and mission today.This episode will:Help parents teach children why the sanctuary candle mattersRekindle reverence for Jesus truly present in the EucharistOffer rare, firsthand stories of Mother Teresa's holiness and miraclesInspire deeper faith through powerful storytelling and witnessWhether you're a parent, catechist, or simply longing to grow in Eucharistic devotion, this episode will remind you that God is not distant—He is here, waiting for us, in every tabernacle.https://linktr.ee/bobbyfred85
1/4/2026 – Epiphany Sunday Matthew 2:1-12 Chris Breslin Slides for Sunday's worship gathering Music for Sunday's worship gathering This Little Light of Mine, Traditional Jubilee by Porter’s Gate WorshipSteadfast by McCracken/NouwenHoly, Holy, Holy by Heber/DykesBehold by Mission House Open Up by Rain for Roots May You Find a Light by Garrels Doxology
In the final episode of When We All Get to Heaven, we catch up on what's happened in the many years between the emergence of effective treatment for AIDS in the late ‘90s and the fall of 2025, when we recorded this episode. We linger on a moment back in June 1999, when Jim was still pastor and called on the church to remember that AIDS wasn't over. Because—advances notwithstanding—it still isn't over. For more on Gilbert Baker and the history of the rainbow flag see the Gilbert Baker Foundation. For more on Prep see San Francisco AIDS Foundation, What is PrEP? “The Path that Ends AIDS: 2023 UNAIDS Global Update” outlines a possible end to the AIDS epidemic. The story of Jacob's Ladder is in the book of Genesis chapter 28, verses 10-19. The text for “This is the Day that God Has Made” is biblical with music by Leon C. Roberts. “We are Climbing Jacob's Ladder” is a traditional hymn. “This Little Light of Mine” – text traditional, music by Penelope Gneisen “Song of the Soul” is by Cris Williamson and was sung by her at MCC San Francisco on April 24, 2000. For images and links about this episode visit https://www.heavenpodcast.org/episode-10. When We All Get to Heaven is produced by Eureka Street Productions. It is co-created by Lynne Gerber, Siri Colom, and Ariana Nedelman. Our story editor is Sayre Quevedo. Our sound designer is David Herman. Our managing producer is Krissy Clark. Tim Dillinger is our consulting producer and Betsy Towner Levine is our fact-checker. We had additional story editing help from Sarah Ventre, Arwen Nicks, Allison Behringer, and Krissy Clark. For a complete list of credits, please visit https://www.heavenpodcast.org/credits. This project received generous support from individual donors, the Henry Luce Foundation (www.hluce.org), the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, and California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities (www.CalHum.org). Eureka Street Productions has 501c3 status through our fiscal sponsor FJC: A Foundation of Philanthropic Funds. The music for this episode is from the Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco's archive. It was performed by MCC-SF's musicians and members with Bob Crocker and Jack Hoggatt-St.John as music directors. Additional music is by Domestic BGM. Thanks to Dr. Judy Auerbach of the University of California at San Francisco. Thanks to Sue Fulton for permission to use “This Little Light of Mine.” Thanks to Cris Williamson for permission to use “Song of the Soul.” Great thanks, as always, to the members and clergy of the Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco who made this project possible. Some links to good groups: The Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco – the congregation's current website. Metropolitan Community Churches – the denomination of which MCC San Francisco is a part. San Francisco AIDS Foundation – a place to seek information about HIV. POZ Magazine – a place to learn everything else about HIV (information included). Save AIDS Research – their recent, epic 24 hours to Save Research conference with all the latest HIV research is available on YouTube through this site. LGBTQ Religious Archives Network – the place to get lost in LGBTQ+ religious history. Get more Outward with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Outward and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Outward show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or visit slate.com/outwardplus for access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the final episode of When We All Get to Heaven, we catch up on what's happened in the many years between the emergence of effective treatment for AIDS in the late ‘90s and the fall of 2025, when we recorded this episode. We linger on a moment back in June 1999, when Jim was still pastor and called on the church to remember that AIDS wasn't over. Because—advances notwithstanding—it still isn't over. For more on Gilbert Baker and the history of the rainbow flag see the Gilbert Baker Foundation. For more on Prep see San Francisco AIDS Foundation, What is PrEP? “The Path that Ends AIDS: 2023 UNAIDS Global Update” outlines a possible end to the AIDS epidemic. The story of Jacob's Ladder is in the book of Genesis chapter 28, verses 10-19. The text for “This is the Day that God Has Made” is biblical with music by Leon C. Roberts. “We are Climbing Jacob's Ladder” is a traditional hymn. “This Little Light of Mine” – text traditional, music by Penelope Gneisen “Song of the Soul” is by Cris Williamson and was sung by her at MCC San Francisco on April 24, 2000. For images and links about this episode visit https://www.heavenpodcast.org/episode-10. When We All Get to Heaven is produced by Eureka Street Productions. It is co-created by Lynne Gerber, Siri Colom, and Ariana Nedelman. Our story editor is Sayre Quevedo. Our sound designer is David Herman. Our managing producer is Krissy Clark. Tim Dillinger is our consulting producer and Betsy Towner Levine is our fact-checker. We had additional story editing help from Sarah Ventre, Arwen Nicks, Allison Behringer, and Krissy Clark. For a complete list of credits, please visit https://www.heavenpodcast.org/credits. This project received generous support from individual donors, the Henry Luce Foundation (www.hluce.org), the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, and California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities (www.CalHum.org). Eureka Street Productions has 501c3 status through our fiscal sponsor FJC: A Foundation of Philanthropic Funds. The music for this episode is from the Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco's archive. It was performed by MCC-SF's musicians and members with Bob Crocker and Jack Hoggatt-St.John as music directors. Additional music is by Domestic BGM. Thanks to Dr. Judy Auerbach of the University of California at San Francisco. Thanks to Sue Fulton for permission to use “This Little Light of Mine.” Thanks to Cris Williamson for permission to use “Song of the Soul.” Great thanks, as always, to the members and clergy of the Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco who made this project possible. Some links to good groups: The Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco – the congregation's current website. Metropolitan Community Churches – the denomination of which MCC San Francisco is a part. San Francisco AIDS Foundation – a place to seek information about HIV. POZ Magazine – a place to learn everything else about HIV (information included). Save AIDS Research – their recent, epic 24 hours to Save Research conference with all the latest HIV research is available on YouTube through this site. LGBTQ Religious Archives Network – the place to get lost in LGBTQ+ religious history. Get more Outward with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Outward and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Outward show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or visit slate.com/outwardplus for access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the final episode of When We All Get to Heaven, we catch up on what's happened in the many years between the emergence of effective treatment for AIDS in the late ‘90s and the fall of 2025, when we recorded this episode. We linger on a moment back in June 1999, when Jim was still pastor and called on the church to remember that AIDS wasn't over. Because—advances notwithstanding—it still isn't over. For more on Gilbert Baker and the history of the rainbow flag see the Gilbert Baker Foundation. For more on Prep see San Francisco AIDS Foundation, What is PrEP? “The Path that Ends AIDS: 2023 UNAIDS Global Update” outlines a possible end to the AIDS epidemic. The story of Jacob's Ladder is in the book of Genesis chapter 28, verses 10-19. The text for “This is the Day that God Has Made” is biblical with music by Leon C. Roberts. “We are Climbing Jacob's Ladder” is a traditional hymn. “This Little Light of Mine” – text traditional, music by Penelope Gneisen “Song of the Soul” is by Cris Williamson and was sung by her at MCC San Francisco on April 24, 2000. For images and links about this episode visit https://www.heavenpodcast.org/episode-10. When We All Get to Heaven is produced by Eureka Street Productions. It is co-created by Lynne Gerber, Siri Colom, and Ariana Nedelman. Our story editor is Sayre Quevedo. Our sound designer is David Herman. Our managing producer is Krissy Clark. Tim Dillinger is our consulting producer and Betsy Towner Levine is our fact-checker. We had additional story editing help from Sarah Ventre, Arwen Nicks, Allison Behringer, and Krissy Clark. For a complete list of credits, please visit https://www.heavenpodcast.org/credits. This project received generous support from individual donors, the Henry Luce Foundation (www.hluce.org), the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, and California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities (www.CalHum.org). Eureka Street Productions has 501c3 status through our fiscal sponsor FJC: A Foundation of Philanthropic Funds. The music for this episode is from the Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco's archive. It was performed by MCC-SF's musicians and members with Bob Crocker and Jack Hoggatt-St.John as music directors. Additional music is by Domestic BGM. Thanks to Dr. Judy Auerbach of the University of California at San Francisco. Thanks to Sue Fulton for permission to use “This Little Light of Mine.” Thanks to Cris Williamson for permission to use “Song of the Soul.” Great thanks, as always, to the members and clergy of the Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco who made this project possible. Some links to good groups: The Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco – the congregation's current website. Metropolitan Community Churches – the denomination of which MCC San Francisco is a part. San Francisco AIDS Foundation – a place to seek information about HIV. POZ Magazine – a place to learn everything else about HIV (information included). Save AIDS Research – their recent, epic 24 hours to Save Research conference with all the latest HIV research is available on YouTube through this site. LGBTQ Religious Archives Network – the place to get lost in LGBTQ+ religious history. Get more Outward with Slate Plus! Join for weekly bonus episodes of Outward and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Outward show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or visit slate.com/outwardplus for access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're joined by Steve Ray, Catholic convert and pilgrimage leader, talks about the Immaculate Conception. Susan Joy Bellavance, author of the children's book This Little Light of Thine: Stories of the Sanctuary Lamp dives into her new book. Michael Acaldo, National CEO of Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA, with provides an update.
This Sunday, everyone's invited to join us at one of our two Sunday gatherings on November 30th for our Family Celebration Sunday services. These services will celebrate intergenerational worship: bringing all of our children and adults together! Expect a wonderful time of singing a few special songs with the kids, as well as many of our favourite hymns and choruses. It's also the 1st Sunday of Advent so we'll enjoy a Scripture Reading on the theme of Hope by one of church families. Pastor Glenn will also share a devotional message, This Little Light of Mine from Mark 4:21-25.
Mini: Lessons in song help to review the stories about Paul: "Fuzzy Wuzzy Bear", "We are His Hands", and "This Little Light of Mine." We review our memory verse Mark 16:15, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel." Recorded and produced by: Ashley B. Larson Don't forget to check out the coloring pages that go along with each lesson! https://startingwithjesus.com/spb-cp/ If you have enjoyed this program and would like to know more, go to our website: www.startingwithjesus.com The Bible and nature story material used in today's devotional podcast has been used with permission from My Bible First. If you would like your own copy, please visit their website-or call 1-877-242-5317. If you would like to purchase your own Memory Verse CD or Songbook, go to Ouachita Hills Store (https://www.ouachitahillsacademy.org/store?page=1&store_category_id=0&sort_by=title&is_ascending=1&search=). Songs from: Little Voices Praise Him, SDA Hymnal, Sabbath Songs For Tiny Tots, New Sabbath Songs For Tiny Tots, Memory Verse Verse Songs for Cradle Roll, Children's Songs For Jesus, and Scripture Songs and Little Lessons All Bible verses are from the NKJV. Singers for this Quarter: Tory, Caleb, and Enoch Hall, Hudson Reeves, Michael and Amy Nelson Editing assist: Dillon Austin and Josh Larson Music Recording and Editing: Rachel Nelson and Kristy Hall Coloring Pages: Rachel Lamming, Lily Canada, and Evie Rodriguez Theme Music: Lindsey Mills- www.lindseymillsmusic.com God: who gives talents for us to use for Him
Message: The Majesty of Christ Songs: Let Every Voice Sing; This Little Light of Mine Host: Dennis Campbell – President/CEO – MissionGO The post Rev. Art Larson – The Majesty of Christ appeared first on MGO Radio/Canada's National Bible Hour.
Elaine Heath is the abbess of Spring Forest, a new monastic community in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Spring Forest centers around communal prayer and meals, a vibrant farm, refugee support, and other ministries you can read about here. You can learn more about Elaine's work as an author and speaker on her website, or in articles like this one from the Center for Action and Contemplation.Many thanks to Elaine and her husband Randall for welcoming Ron and I and our audio producer, Colin, to the farm last June. Besides relishing the good company of our hosts, we enjoyed harvesting cabbage, feasting and praying with the Sunday evening group, walking through the woods, and petting some good-natured goats.Dr. Elaine HeathOn the farm.Someone had to help harvest the cabbage, so Ron and Colin and I pitched in.Elaine, husband Randall, and I in their lovely home.TRANSCRIPTElaine Heath If you are nurtured by traditional church—or let's say, conventional church—keep doing it, but also realize that for other people that's not nurturing. It feels dry and lifeless, and it's clear the Spirit is doing something new. So instead of insisting everybody stop doing the new thing, and everybody has to come and do the conventional thing, you can be conventional in your worship and bless and make space for others so that we have a plethora of experiments going on.Debra Rienstra Welcome to the Refugia Podcast. I'm your host, Professor Debra Rienstra. Refugia are habitats in nature where life endures in times of crisis. We're exploring the concept of refugia as a metaphor, discovering how people of faith can become people of refugia: nurturing life-giving spaces in the earth, in our human cultural systems, and in our spiritual communities, even in this time of severe disturbance. This season, we're paying special attention to churches and Christian communities who have figured out how to address the climate crisis together as an essential aspect of their discipleship.Today, I'm excited to introduce you to Dr. Elaine Heath. Elaine is founder and abbess of Spring Forest, a new monastic community centered on a 23-acre forest and farm property near Hillsboro, North Carolina. The farm supplies a CSA and supports food security for refugees and serves as the setting for outdoor programs for kids, cooking classes, potlucks, forest walks and more. But the Spring Forest community is a dispersed network of people who move in and out of the farm space in a variety of ways. They live on the farm for a time, they visit often to volunteer, or they simply join the community online for daily prayer. We got to visit the farm last spring, and I can tell you that Elaine's long experience with new monasticism, trauma-informed care, and contemplative practice make her an ideal curator of refugia space. The vibe on the farm is peaceful, orderly, and full of life. It's a place of holy experimentation in new ways to form Christian community and reconnect with the land. Let's get to it.Debra Rienstra Elaine, thank you for talking with me today. It's really great to be with you.Elaine Heath Yeah, I'm glad to be with you too.Debra Rienstra So you served in traditional parish ministry and in religious academia for many years, and then in 2018 you retired from that work to found Spring Forest. Why a farm and a new monastic community? What inspired and influenced this particular expression of faith?Elaine Heath I've always loved farms and forests. But actually, my dream to do this started about 25 years ago, and my husband and I bought a 23 acre property in North Central Ohio, right when I was right out of my PhD program and I got my first academic job at my alma mater, which is Ashland Theological Seminary. So I went there to direct the Doctor of Ministry program, and we bought this beautiful property. It had a little house that looked like the ranger station, and it had a stream and a big labyrinth cut in the field, and it had beautiful soil to grow, you know, for market gardening. And what we planned to do was gradually develop retreat ministries there. My husband was going to build some hermitages up in the woods, because I did a lot of spiritual direction with pastors who were burned out and traumatized, and we felt like that, you know, as I got older and phased out of academia, that would be something we could do together.So we were there for a couple years, and then I was recruited to go to Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. And we were very sad to leave our property behind, but we were clear that we were being called to Texas. So we bought a home in the city in a sort of mixed income, racially diverse neighborhood in Garland, and it was a big house with a nice yard, and soon after starting to teach evangelism—which, I kind of created my own path for how to teach evangelism, because I don't believe in selling Jesus or any of those kinds of colonizing things. So I was teaching about living a contemplative life and practicing social and environmental justice and being good news in the world, and being good neighbors to all our neighbors, and thinking of our neighbors as us and not them. And I had them reading Shane Claiborne and the people writing with the emerging church movement at the time, and pretty soon, I had students in my class coming to my office every week. It was a different student, but the same tears and the same kind of narrative: “Dr. Heath, I think I'm going to have to leave the church to answer my call. Tell me what I should do.” And it was because they were being called to do innovative, new monastic ministry, missional, new monastic kinds of things. But our denomination in particular didn't quite get it, even though early Methodism was very much like that.So I realized fairly quickly that this was God calling me through these students to focus my research and writing and my teaching in the area of emergence. Emergence theory, what's happening in the world. How do these currents of emergence intersect with what's happening politically and environmentally, and what's happening, you know, in the economy and with the church. So pretty soon, I don't know, it wasn't very long, I felt God was calling me to gather students and start some experiments outside, out in the city. And so I had a prayer partner, and we were praying for a house to come available, so that we could start a new monastic house. And she came to me one day and she said, “I saw the house coming. It'll be here soon.” And I said, “Okay.” I had no money for a house. You know, kind of a lowly professor, didn't make that much. And within two weeks, one of our neighbors came to me, who didn't really know me well at all, and said, “Hey, my mom has a rental property. It's been in our family for a long time, and we wondered if you might have some students that would like to live there. We won't even charge rent, just pay their utilities and not have drug parties or whatnot.” And I said, “No, that's unlikely,” you know. So I said, you know, I could throw the phone down and ran down to get in her car and go over to this house with her. And we were driving over, and she says, “You know, it's not the best neighborhood.” I said, “Perfect!” But we got there, and it was a really great little three bedroom house in a predominantly Latina neighborhood, and that was our first new monastic house. So I asked three of the students who'd been crying in my office, “Would you be willing to break your leases wherever you live and come and live here for a year?” And I can assign a spiritual director to work with you, and I can write a curriculum for an independent study on the theory and practice of new monasticism. And we can develop a Rule of Life based on our United Methodist membership vows. And they all immediately said yes, and so that's how we got started with our first house.Elaine Heath And then right around the same time, I started a missional house church that was quickly relocated into the neighborhood where most of the refugees are resettled in Dallas, because one of my students brought six Congolese men to our little house church worship, and that that was the beginning of realizing we were called to work with refugees.Debra Rienstra Oh, I see.Elaine Heath So that all got started around 2008. And by 2009, there was a student who came to Perkins who had been a commercial real estate banker on Wall Street. And he came to Perkins as a student. He was an older man. And we were going on my very first pilgrimage to Iona, Northumbria, and Lindisfarne, and Michael Hahn was with us too. He and I team-taught this class, so it was my first one. But it turned out that Larry Duggins, the student, had come to seminary because he really wanted to be equipped to help young adults who were feeling disillusioned with the church but wanted to be out in the world doing good work. And he started describing what he was called to, and I'm like, “Well, that's what I'm doing with these students.” So we joined forces and created a nonprofit called Missional Wisdom Foundation, and within three years, we had a network of eight new monastic communities across the metroplex. They were all anchored at local churches. Some of them were parsonages that weren't being used. And we wove into the expectations and sort of the lifestyle of those houses, urban agriculture.Debra Rienstra Oh, I was waiting for the farm to come back into it. Yeah, because I'm seeing these threads of experimentation and monasticism and place. We're sitting here today on your current farm land. So it's really interesting to hear all these threads being developed early on in an urban context.Elaine Heath Yes, it was quite something. These houses were all in different social contexts. There was one house, the Bonhoeffer house, that was in East Dallas, in a neighborhood that was not only mixed income and racially diverse, but also used to be where the mayor lived. And now there are people who are unhoused living there, and there are also people with nice houses living there. So it was a very interesting neighborhood. So that house, we learned quickly that you needed to take a year to get to know the neighborhood before you try to figure out how you're going to support whatever justice work needs to happen in the neighborhood. But that house got really close with the unhoused community and did a lot of good ministry with the guys and a few women. Then there was one for undocumented workers, the Romero House, and just different social contexts. But all of them had a backyard garden or, you know, some type of growing food kind of thing. And I used to take students to this farm that was an urban farm in DeSoto, which is just south of Dallas, where it was quite small, but these were former missionaries, the type that have crusades and show the Jesus film and everything in sort of poor countries. And then they had an awakening that happened, and they realized they were being called to help people in orphanages learn how to grow their own food in a sustainable way and raise the living standard for the whole village. So they had this little farm, and I would take students there every semester to experience the conversion of thought that this couple had over what mission is, and to experience the beauty and joy of tilapia that provide food for the lettuce, that provide for the bees, you know. So this closed system. So that also affected my imagination about what I really wanted to do in the future.And so gradually, the years—we were there for 11 years, and we lived in community the whole time that we were there. By the time we came here for me to work at Duke, we had a very clear picture of what we wanted to do here. And so we looked for the property back when we had to sell that first farm, when we were so sad about selling it, I had an experience in prayer where I sensed God was saying to me, “Don't give up on this dream. It's sacred, and it will happen in the future on a better piece of property, at a better time in your life for this.” And so when it was time to move here, I said to Randall, “This is the time. Let's look for that property.” So that's how we landed here.Friendly, very contented dairy goats, hanging out in the afternoon.Debra Rienstra Yeah. When talking about your students, you mentioned yesterday that you like to “ruin them for fake church.” So what do you mean by fake church, and how exactly do you ruin them for it?Elaine Heath Well, you know, church is really the people and not the building. You all know that. It's the people and we're called to be a very different kind of people who are a healing community, that neighbor well, that give ourselves away, that regard our neighbors—human and non human—as part of us, whether they think they're part of us or not. We have this sort of posture in life. And when I think of how Jesus formed the church, Jesus had this little ragtag group of friends, and they traveled around and did stuff and talked about it, and they got mad at each other and had power struggles and drama and, you know, and then Jesus would process the drama with them. And he would do these outrageous things, you know, breaking sort of cultural taboo to demonstrate: this is what love really looks like. And so we don't get to do much of any of that, sitting in a pew on Sunday morning, facing forward while the people up in the front do things. And so many churches—maybe you've never experienced this, but I certainly have. The pastor's sort of the proxy disciple while people kind of watch and make judgments and decide whether or not they want to keep listening to those sermons.Debra Rienstra Oh yes.Elaine Heath So when you experience Christian life in a community where it's both natural, it's just the way you live in the world, and it's also liturgically rich, and the life is a contemplative life, and it's also a life of deep missional engagement with the world— that other version of church, it's like oatmeal with no flavoring in it. It makes you, I mean, it's about the life together. It's how we live in this world. It's not about sitting somewhere for an hour once a week and staring forward.Debra Rienstra Right. Yeah, so I would, you know, of course, I would describe what you're describing as refugia, being the people of refugia. You know? Not that I'm—we'll come back to traditional worship and traditional forms of faith and religion. But it seems like what you're doing is living into something you say on your website that we are in the midst of a new reformation in the church, and I certainly sense that too. I think the evidence is all around us, and the research bears out that we've reached this inflection point, and it's a painful inflection point that a lot of people think of as decline, because living through it feels confusing and bewildering and dark and full of loss. So what is your sense of when we are, in this point in history, in particular, for those of us who've been part of church communities, where are we finding ourselves? Why is it so confusing?Elaine Heath I really believe we're in a dark night of the soul as the church in the West and perhaps places in the East too. I know we've exported a capitalist version of church all over the world, sadly. But I believe we're in a dark night of the soul, you know, classically understood, where it's spirit-breathed. It's not that the devil is doing something to us. It's spirit-breathed to detach us from our sort of corporate ego that thinks we get to show up and boss the world around and act like we own the joint.Debra Rienstra We call that church of empire.Elaine Heath Yeah. And so I think that's what's happening. And when, you know, if you study the literature, if you work in spiritual direction, and you're looking at what happens with the dark night of the soul. That's a real dark night, not a clinical depression or something like that, but an actual dark night. You have to go through it. You can't bypass it. You can't work your way out of it. You can't talk your way out of it. And what happens is you find yourself increasingly hungry for simplicity, for a simple but clear experience of God, because it's like God's disappeared. There's a deep loneliness, even a sort of cold hell, to being in a dark night of the soul. And so there's a restlessness, there's a longing for actual experience of God. There's a feeling of futility. Things that used to work don't work anymore. So you know the threefold path? The purgation, illumination and union is one way that we've learned to think about what happens. The purgation part is— we're there.Debra Rienstra We're being purgated.Elaine Heath We're being purgated, yeah. And at the same time that we're having these flashes of intuitive knowing, this sort of illumination is coming. “Oh, let's pay attention to the saints and mystics who lived through things like this. What gave them life? What helped them to keep showing up and being faithful?” And we're having moments of union too, when we feel like, “Oh, discipleship means I make sure that the trees are cared for and not just people. Oh, all living things are interconnected. Quantum physics is teaching us a spiritual truth we should have known already.” So the three parts of that contemplative path are happening simultaneously. But I think what feels most forward to a lot of people is the purgation piece where you're like, “Oh, things are just dropping away. Numbers are dropping. Things that used to work don't work. What's going to happen now?” Sort of a sense of chaos, confusion. Tohu va bohu, yeah.Debra Rienstra Yeah, do you want me to explain what that is?Elaine Heath Yeah, chaos and confusion. From the beginning of time.Debra Rienstra It's the realm out of which creation is formed. So the idea that the spirit is drawing us into this dark night is actually really reassuring. We are where we're supposed to be. And even though it feels confusing and painful, there are these moments of wisdom—that's so reassuring. In fact, one of the things you write: the new reformation is all about the emergence. So this emergence is happening of a generous, hospitable, equitable form of Christianity that heals the wounds of the world. What is your vision about what the church needs to release and hold and create right now?Elaine Heath We need to release everything that even slightly has a hint of empire, that we have thought of as what it means to be the church, because that completely reverts what church is supposed to be about. So giving up empire, we need to take up the great kenotic hymn of Philippians two and actually live it.Debra Rienstra The self emptying hymn.Elaine Heath The self emptying. And it's not—I know that that can be problematic when we're thinking of women or, you know, groups that have been forced to empty themselves in an exploited way. But that's not really what that's all about. It's about showing up to God, paying attention, seeing what God's invitation is, then cooperating with that and just releasing the outcome. That's what that's about, and really finding out, what am I in this world for? What are we in this world for? And being about that and not about something else.Debra Rienstra Yeah, it's hard to release the ways that we have done things. Well, you have a congregation, you have a pastor, you have a sanctuary, you have programs, you want the kids to come, you need tithes, all of those systems. And actually, what you're doing here at Spring Forest—let's talk about that. What you're doing here at Spring Forest doesn't have any of that. Sunday services. There's no church building. You have barn buildings, you have farm buildings. No Sunday school, no adult ed, no choirs, organs, praise bands, any of that stuff, right? Do you think of Spring Forest as a new model for church? Perhaps one among many?Elaine Heath It's one among many. We're definitely shaped by traditional monasticism. We're shaped by early Methodism. We're influenced by the Catholic Worker Movement, and definitely Bonhoeffer's work and a number of others: the Clarence Jordan and Koinonia farms. And so we're influenced by all of those. We do have music sometimes at Forest Feast, if we have someone that can lead it, and, you know, do a good job. But the backbone of our worship life is morning and evening prayer. And that is so wonderful. You were here last night for Forest Feast, and we use the same structure we use for morning and evening prayer, and we have a group of about six people who are writing the liturgies for us, who have been writing for a year and a half now.Debra Rienstra Who are those people?Elaine Heath Well, there's Steve Taylor is our lay leader, and his wife, Cheryl, and then there's Donna Patterson, who's—none of them were here last night. They all had to go somewhere. But some of them are lay people. Some of them are clergy.Debra Rienstra And they don't live here?Elaine Heath No, they live— well, some of the people that write live far away, and they're in our digital community. But, yeah, Steve and Cheryl live in Lumberton, which is, you know, almost two hours away. But they're beautiful. I mean, if you go online and look at some of the last month, look at the prayers and see the—they're just truly beautiful, and they reflect our spirituality of our community.Debra Rienstra Yeah. So the community, it seems to me, you have had people living on the farm itself, but your community, like the Iona community, is both located here on this land, but also dispersed. And so you have that interaction, that conversation between this residential life. So let's try to describe for listeners: there's the farm. You live here with your husband. You have interns from Duke. You have a farm. What do you call Larry?Elaine Heath He's our farm coach.Debra Rienstra Coach, yes, I love that. They have the farm coach who has the farming knowledge that you all sort of follow. You have chefs. They don't live here either, but they come in. So you have a lot of people coming in and out on this farm. And you do regenerative farming. You have programs for kids, you have refugee support, and you can talk about that, trauma informed rest for spiritual leaders. And then a number of other things. The farm produces vegetables and those go to a CSA, and also a lot of it is donated. Why this particular assembly of activities? How does it all fit together? And what are the theological principles beneath each of these endeavors?Elaine Heath The overarching principle is that the Holy Spirit gives gifts to every believer and to every person, let's just be honest. And the job of the pastor, the pastor teacher, is to fan those gifts into flame, to help them have the support they need to use their gifts and that the ministries should be shaped by the gifts of the people, which means you can't use a cookie cutter. And we have numerically a small community, but incredibly high capacity of people. So we have these gifts that they have, and then the ministries are emerging out of those gifts. And it might seem like, why do you have refugee support? And you know, just name anything else we're doing. How does this fit together? The organizing principle—okay, so you have the foundation. These are gifts given by the Spirit. Our ministries are emerging from our gifts. And the organizing sort of a cohesive piece is our rule of life that ties everything together. And so our rule of life is prayer, work, table, neighbor and rest. And that rule of life came about after we lived here for a year, when we first started Spring Forest with—there was another pastor that co-founded it with me, Francis Kinyua, who's from Kenya, and he was my student in Dallas, and did all those other things with me. So we invited him to come. We had to work with three different bishops to kind of make it work. But it worked, you know. Anyway, we just waited for a year to see. We had lots of work to do with getting the farm ready to go and Francis and I went to Church World Service right away to say, “Hey, we have a lot of experience supporting refugees, and we would like to do that here as well.” So we got started with that, but we waited a year and then just articulated, what are the practices that we do that are keeping us grounded here and keeping us right side up. And it was those things, so we named it.Debra Rienstra Okay, you were just doing it, and then you named those things.Elaine Heath Instead of creating sort of an aspirational rule and tried to live into it, we named what was actually working, what was actually grounding us and felt life giving.Debra Rienstra Hi, it's me, Debra. If you are enjoying this podcast episode, go ahead and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform. If you have a minute, leave a review. Good reviews help more listeners discover this podcast. To keep up with all the Refugia news, I invite you to subscribe to the Refugia newsletter on Substack. This is my fortnightly newsletter for people of faith who care about the climate crisis and want to go deeper. Every two weeks, I feature climate news, deeper dives, refugia sightings and much more. Join our community at refugianewsletter.substack.com. For even more goodies, including transcripts and show notes for this podcast, check out my website at debrarienstra.com. D-E-B-R-A-R-I-E-N-S-T-R-A dot com. Thanks so much for listening. We're glad you're part of this community. And now back to the interview.Debra Rienstra You do partner a lot with, you know, “regular church folk.” It's that sort of in-and-out permeable membrane. How do you think about the relationship of what you're doing here, with Spring Forest, with the work of sort of standard congregations, is there like a mutuality? How do you think about that?Elaine Heath It's just like traditional monasticism. You've got a community that have this rule of life they follow. People who are not living in the community can become Oblates to the rule of life and have a special relationship. And usually those people go to church somewhere else. Part of our ethic here is we want to resist competition between churches, so we don't meet on Sundays to do things like programmatically. We usually just rest on Sundays and watch a movie and eat popcorn, you know.Debra Rienstra That's a spiritual practice.Elaine Heath But also, so there's that sort of historic piece, and people from churches come here for retreats. Lead teams come for retreats. People come—pastors, we have a lot of pastors who come here for a retreat. But also we are a mission community, so we're very active with supporting refugees. We're very active with the food programs that we have, and that gives people from a church—lots of churches don't have things like that going on. They don't have the resources for it, or they haven't figured it out. But that way, we can partner with churches and people can come here and they can actually get their hands in the soil, and they can teach somebody to read, and they can see little children learning where food comes from. They can help the chef with her kitchen things, you know. So it's a wonderful way to provide spiritual formation and missional formation to congregations that don't have those resources. And we can do these things together.Debra Rienstra Yeah. And that's that's premised on this being a place, an embodied place, a refugia space that people can come to. Yeah. I think that's a wonderful model. Do you yourself ever feel a sense of loss for “the old ways?” And I'm just thinking of this because at the beginning of your book, God Unbound, which is about Galatians, you write about how Paul challenges the Galatians to let go of their tight grip on the past, and you write about how you, reading that, felt yourself like a little bit of a traditionalist, you know, sort of defending, “But what about the past? What about the old ways?” Which you have loved too, right? So, how would you counsel people who have loved traditional church despite everything, and really do feel this sense of loss and wonder anxiously about what's next?Elaine Heath Yeah, I feel empathy. You know, something was going on in the Middle East at the time. I can't remember exactly the situation. There's always something going on, but it had to do with people's culture being wiped out and being told that what they believed didn't count and wasn't right and everything. And I was feeling such grief for them, and then all of a sudden, you know, I'm in Galatians, and think, “Well, that's how those people felt.” And even myself, there are things in my own daily practice that are—they're precious to me. My way of praying in the morning, the facing into the forest, you know, and things like that, that are rituals for me. And thinking, you know, if somebody told me “that doesn't matter,” how hard that would be. So I think in the spiritual journey, we come to the place, if we keep maturing, where we realize, in Merton's words, that so often we think it's the finger pointing to the moon, we think the finger is the moon. And it's that way about rituals and all sorts of things that we do, and we get to a place where we realize that intellectually and even spiritually, in an emotional way. But you can't force people to get to that point. This is something that happens as we grow and mature as life goes by. So what I have said to many people is, “If you are nurtured by traditional church, or, let's say, conventional church,”—because which traditional church are we talking about? One, right here, middle class, white, are we talking about Brazil? —”So if that nurtures you, keep doing it. But also realize that for other people, that's not nurturing. It feels dry and lifeless, and it's clear the Spirit is doing something new.” So instead of insisting everybody stop doing the new thing, and everybody has to come and do the conventional thing, you can be conventional in your worship and bless and make space for others so that we have a plethora of experiments going on. Because we're in a time of great emergence, as Phyllis Tickle wrote, and we need lots of experiments.Debra Rienstra Yeah. I appreciated what you wrote about trial and error. It's a time of trial and error, and it's okay to try things and have them not work. And that fits the refugia model too, really, really well. I mean, refugia don't always work. They just sometimes fail. Let's talk about a couple of key metaphors that I've noticed in your writings and in the website for Spring Forest too. One is that metaphor of the mycelial network, so the underground fungus that connects the creatures, the beings, the plants, the trees of the forest. I think is a wonderful metaphor too, for the way that faith and climate people, people who are worried about the climate crisis, and also people of faith—it's a great metaphor for how they're finding each other and connecting and building this sort of cultural and spiritual soil where the seeds of the future can grow. How is that metaphor meaningful for you here at Spring Forest?Elaine Heath Well, it means a lot in terms of the first of all, the diversity of expressions of ministry that are even here on the property, but also, especially in our dispersed community, through following the rule of life together, which—we are a practice-based community, rather than a dogma-based community. So as people are practicing those practices where they live and work and play, then they are forming community in a very specific, contextual way where they are. I think of Steve and Cheryl again, the friends I mentioned earlier. He's our lay leader. They live in a, I think a working class neighborhood in Lumberton, which is the land of the Lumbee here in North Carolina. And they have developed a wonderful, just neighborhood ministry there with—and they've been able, through potluck dinners and front yard barbecues and remembering people's birthdays and things like this, they've developed this friendship network in the neighborhood with people that are on complete opposite sides, politically, racially, and this is in the South, where you've got all sorts of issues. And they've taken the sort of ethic of Spring Forest here, but it's caused a mushroom to bloom there that looks really different from here. They don't have a farm, they don't have a forest, they've got this neighborhood. But the neighboring, the praying, the tabling, resting, all of those things are part of how they live there. And so it's fruiting there. And it's the same in other places in the world where we have people that live there.Debra Rienstra It's a good example, too, of how eating together is sacramental, both here and in these other networks that are connected to you. The Garden of Eden and the vision of the New Earth in Revelation are both important to you, that that whole long scriptural arc begin in a garden, end in a garden city, and then the Tree of Life is also your symbol, your logo. So how would you situate our work today as people of faith in that long arc of history, from the garden to the Garden City, and how does the Tree of Life fit into that for you?Elaine Heath There's a way in which the whole story is happening simultaneously. Does that make sense?Debra Rienstra Yeah.Elaine Heath It's all happening beyond time, sort of simultaneously. So sometimes we're living in the garden and we've been deceived, and now we have to figure out what to do, and sometimes we're rebuilding the wall, and sometimes we're on our way to Bethlehem, and sometimes we're in the garden of the new creation. And we can see it, and we're living that truth even while there's still the wall being built. There's a simultaneity to it all. But for me, I think especially of the theology of Julian of Norwich. That's why we have her icon here. There's this vision of love making all things new, that God, Christ, the risen Christ, says in Revelation 21:5, “Behold, I make all things new.” All things, not just a handful of people who get the right doctrine, not just—no, all things: horses and amoeba and all things are being made new in mysterious ways that we can't completely know.Debra Rienstra And that's Colossians one and Romans eight as well.Elaine Heath It's this thread that comes through scripture, and we get to participate in that, even while we don't see all the things completely made new, we get to be part of that. And to me, that's what it means to follow Christ. That's what it means to be a disciple. And to be the love of God enfleshed in this world is to keep participating in the making of all things new. This is why healing has such a central role in my theological vision and my practice, is it's making all things new.Debra Rienstra Healing land, healing people, healing communities.Elaine Heath Yeah, yeah. Healing theology. Theology has been so damaged by patriarchy and philosophy and all sorts of things, you know, and racism.Debra Rienstra Colonization. Yeah, so that embodiment is important even theologically, because we're not aiming for some abstract doctrinal perfection. We're not aiming to become disembodied creatures. We're aiming for this embodied redemption. And so working on the farm, healing, you know, getting muddy, walking through forests, harvesting veg, and you're able to invite people into that embodiment. Little kids doing yoga, I think that's wonderful. You know, just finding this kind of rest in their own little bodies. Eating—one of the most embodied and kinship-with-creation things we do, right? Taking it inside ourselves. And that, I think, is condensed in ritual. So I know that you have been playfully experimenting with rituals. I was able to be a part of the Forest Feast last night with my husband Ron and our friend Colin. And it was this beautifully curated event where we shared table together and then went through this prayer sequence that you described, and it was beautifully participative. I noticed you do a blessing of the animals too on the farm. So good thing these are blessed chickens and blessed dairy goats, blessed dogs and cats. What other sort of liturgical shenanigans have you tried to help people live into this embodied faith practice?Elaine Heath We do so many things. It's so much fun. It's never boring. It's never boring. We have a ritual in the fall, in late November, where we tuck the farm in and put it to bed for the winter, and we have the children come, we get some compost. You know, we've cleared out the beds, and they're gonna rest now. And so the children put some compost in. And we have a liturgy that we use. We light candles, and we thank Mother Earth for the food, we thank God for the opportunities. And so this is one of the things that we do ritualistically. We also have a spring ritual. It's very Hebrew-Bible like, right? With these seasons and the crops and the things with the liturgical seasons, we also have done a bunch of things. My favorite one so far was for epiphany, and this was two years ago. And so I had the interns from Duke Divinity School do the bulk of the planning. I just gave them a little bit of guidance about the four-fold order of worship and just some things like that. So we had a journey through the forest. It started here. We went on the forest trail. Of course, it was dark outside, and they had gone ahead and set up fairy lights at certain places where we're going to stop. And one of the interns' fiance was a musician, so he had his guitar, and he had one of those things where you can play the harmonica and play the guitar at the same time, but he was our troubadour, and all of us were the Magi. So there's this troop of Magi, and we would stop at each station along the way, and there were prompt questions that we would take five minutes, and people could respond to these questions. There would be a scripture reading, and we respond to the question, we go to the next station. And it was so amazing. People shared from their lives in a very deep way. It surprised me how quickly they went deep. Well, it was dark, and there were these twinkle lights, and there was the troubadour. Then we finally got up to the Christ child, and we went into the goat barn. And honestly, I get chills every time I even remember this. But the students had set up in the goat barn—and the goats were in the barn. Okay, they were behind a little chain link thing so they didn't step on the icons and everything. But they had set up an altar at the base of the feeding trough with a big icon of Mary with the Christ Child, candles, and some other things there. There were different icons and some fairy lights. And we went in there, and we all crowded in and began to sing. We sang “This Little Light of Mine,” we sang some Christmas carols, and finished the story. And then we came back to the house and had some snacks and talked about what kind of wisdom was given to us since we were Magi. We were going to be people seeking wisdom and seeking—it was the most beautiful thing. And we've done lots of things like that. We see the land here is a primary text to learn from and to listen to and to observe, not as a metaphor, but as, it's actually a conversation partner. So we do things like that.Debra Rienstra That playfulness is so exciting to me, this sense of using our tradition, using our scriptures, using the skills that we've honed as people of faith over generations, singing together, praying together, but experimenting with those things in new contexts and new ways, in new forms of embodiment that are just faithful and yet playful. And so, as you say, people go deep because they're sort of jarred out of their habitual ways, and that can be such a great formational moment and bonding moment too, and it's very memorable. We remember that in ways—you know, you had such joy on your face as you're describing that. What would you say as you look back over the last, well, let's see, it's been almost eight years? Seven, eight years here at this location. What would you say has given you the most anguish and what has given you the most joy?Elaine Heath Oh, anguish. Which story should I tell?Debra Rienstra Yeah, I don't want to make it sound like it's all been beautiful and romantic and perfect.Elaine Heath Whenever you have community, you have drama. Well, you know, at your typical church, you're gonna have drama sometimes. But what we've found a few times, and it's pretty predictable. This happens in traditional monasteries too, which is why they have novitiate periods that are sometimes quite lengthy and sort of staggered, like you put your toe in the water. People of very high capacity who are deeply grounded spiritually and have a real vision for the gospel, are attracted to community life like this. People who are really hurt, who've had a lot of brokenness, especially from religious institutions or abusive situations, trauma that that is unresolved, that has a lot of unhealed wounds, are also attracted to places like this, often with a sort of utopian hope, because of, you know, life's deficits.Debra Rienstra And they feel that this is a place of healing, and they're right about that.Elaine Heath They're right about it. And so what actually happens is sometimes with the person, the second category of person, will come and join in and just be so full of gladness, because, “Oh, these, these are real people, like they're really doing things in the world. This is what I've longed for.” But then, as relationships form, and we're doing life together, and we all bump up against each other at times, the unhealed wounds fester. And the way I see it is, God's bringing them to a place where, if they'll just do their inner work now, now that it's clear what's the next step—if they'll take the next step, whether it's get some therapy, stay on your meds, get some support for your addiction recovery, whatever the things are—if you'll take the next step, then this is a very supportive community that can help you. It's a village that can be around you and you will heal here in the context of this village. But sometimes people are not willing or not able, or it's not time in their own sense of what they can do, and so then they'll leave. Sometimes when people leave, this happens in traditional churches, for whatever reason, this is a common sort of psychological reaction, they'll create some sort of chaotic drama to be the excuse for leaving, rather than have to face the fact that it was time for me to take the next step, and I was too scared. Because that takes a lot of self awareness, you know, to come to realizations about things like that. So I know from talking to people, from, you know, friends that are in traditional monasteries and convents that this is a common thing that happens there. So it happens here sometimes, and it's never easy. It's always painful and always challenging, you know, but with God's help, we get through it. And so that's the anguish, when those kinds of things happen. We've had a time or two where, over the last 20 years, really, where a person would come in, usually a young adult who's very idealistic, and they're like, “This isn't a new monastic community. You're not forcing people to pray three times a day!” You know, whatever the thing is that they have in their head that is supposed to be, because we're pretty gracious, you know.Debra Rienstra You don't get up at three in the morning.Elaine Heath Yeah, that's not us. We can't do that because, especially if you've got families with children and, you know, you've got to get up and go to work in the morning. So sometimes there will be somebody that figures they know more than everybody else in the room, and they want to take over and run the joint. You know, that's not going to happen. So then that sometimes creates some anguish. What about the joy? The joy is—and there's so much to give me joy. I really, really love seeing people come alive, like I really love seeing people who have, especially people who have been harmed by religion, because of their identity or because of anything, and they find deep spiritual friendship. They find how to connect, in Buechner's words, their deep passion with the world's great need, and start a new thing. And it gives them so much joy. And it's actually helping people. It's helping the world. And just sort of fanning that flame, that gives me a lot of joy. I have so much joy being in touch with the land and the animals. I just really experience them directly mediating God to me. I feel the divine life in them, and I feel, I guess I get a lot of dopamine hits when I'm out there harvesting and when I'm, you know, brushing the goats and talking to the chickens and whatnot.Debra Rienstra They are blessed chickens!Elaine Heath They are blessed chickens.Debra Rienstra What advice would you give to church people who, even though they love their church and their community, recognize that something needs to change, but they don't know where to start? What advice would you give?Elaine Heath To start in their own home, if at all possible, start in their own neighborhood. Start having neighbors over for dinner. Do not tell them we're going to have a Bible study now, because that's—it's not to have a Bible study. It's to form friendships with our neighbors. Start neighboring well. Figure out who lives on my street. Who lives across the street? Invite them for dinner. Have neighborhood potlucks. We did this in Texas, right after we moved there, I think they're still going. We'd have 50 people in our house sometimes. But just invite the neighbors for dinner. Have a potluck. Get to know them. Remember their birthdays, go to their kids' graduation. When you find out their mother died, go to the funeral. It's so simple. It's just such basic neighboring. That's where to start. It's not a church program. It's not making you stop going to church somewhere, to go to church over here. What you're actually doing is living church in your own neighborhood. Start doing that.Debra Rienstra Elaine, it's been such a pleasure to be here on the farm with you and to talk with you, get to know you a little bit. Thank you for what you do, and thank you for spending some time with me today.Elaine Heath It's been a joy. Thank you for the interview.Debra Rienstra Thanks for joining us for show notes and full transcripts, please visit debrarienstra.com and click on the Refugia Podcast tab. This season of the Refugia Podcast is produced with generous funding from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. Colin Hoogerwerf is our awesome audio producer. Thanks to Ron Rienstra for content consultation as well as technical and travel support. Till next time, be well. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit refugianewsletter.substack.com
Most of us were raised singing the little song of “This Little Light of Mine, I'm Gonna Let It Shine”
This week, Jeanette sits down with Angie Giltner—a powerhouse master business coach, best-selling author, and unapologetic disruptor of the status quo—for an honest and deeply inspiring conversation on faith, funnels, and following God's lead in business. From walking away from a toxic job where she was told, “That's all you're worth,” to launching a wildly successful coaching business and publishing her second book God Is the CEO of Your Business, Angie shares how obedience to God opened unexpected doors—and how you can walk in that same boldness. If you've ever felt undervalued, overlooked, or unsure how to merge your faith and your business, this episode will breathe fresh fire into your soul. We talk about business strategy, prophetic obedience, faith-based entrepreneurship, and why custom sales funnels (not cookie-cutter templates) are the way to go. ✨ “You're not too much—you were just made to shine bright.” ✨ “God told me to write the book…and not tell a soul.” ✨ “If you can't find the space God is calling you to—go build it.” In This Episode: - Why cookie-cutter business advice doesn't work—and how to build your God-given funnel - How obedience to God's whispers leads to overflow (and books!) - The power of prophetic assignments in your business - Real talk on walking away from toxic spaces and reclaiming your value - Why you don't need permission to disrupt the status quo
Mini: Let's review the Fiery Furnace with the songs: "This Little Light of Mine", "Them That Honor Me", "O, Friend Do You Love Jesus", and our memory verse Dan.3:17 "Our God, whom we serve, is able to deliver us." Recorded and produced by: Ashley B. Larson Don't forget to check out the coloring pages that go along with each lesson! https://startingwithjesus.com/spb-cp/ If you have enjoyed this program and would like to know more, go to our website: www.startingwithjesus.com The Bible and nature story material used in today's devotional podcast has been used with permission from My Bible First. If you would like your own copy, please visit their website-or call 1-877-242-5317. If you would like to purchase your own Memory Verse CD or Songbook, go to Ouachita Hills Store (https://www.ouachitahillsacademy.org/store?page=1&store_category_id=0&sort_by=title&is_ascending=1&search=). Songs from: Little Voices Praise Him, SDA Hymnal, Sabbath Songs For Tiny Tots, New Sabbath Songs For Tiny Tots, Memory Verse Verse Songs for Cradle Roll, Children's Songs For Jesus, and Scripture Songs and Little Lessons All Bible verses are from the NKJV. Singers for this Quarter: Tory, Caleb, and Enoch Hall, Hudson Reeves, Michael and Amy Nelson Editing assist: Dillon Austin and Josh Larson Music Recording and Editing: Rachel Nelson and Kristy Hall Coloring Pages: Rachel Lamming, Lily Canada, and Evie Rodriguez Theme Music: Lindsey Mills- www.lindseymillsmusic.com God: who gives talents for us to use for Him
Send us a textIn this episode, we take a little detour and look at the timeless children's Christian songs, "Jesus Loves Me," and "This Little Light of Mine." Both were meant to be God-glorifying, Gospel centered hymns, but have been changed, misused, and taken out of context so often, sometimes, they barely resemble the original version. Join us as we follow the journeys of both of these classics. Their stories may surprise you!Jesus Loves Me -By The Vagel Brothers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD1_CPqJusgThis Little Light of Mine - By Sonia Selbie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOUObNuZLukThanks for tuning in! Be sure to check out everything Proverbs 9:10 on our website, www.proverbs910ministries.com! You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Rumble, YouTube, Twitter, Truth Social, and Gettr!
You ever heard the song, This Little Light of Mine?In this message, Pastor Kevin shows us different ways that God calls us to shine our light. The world is waiting on your light so live what God has called us to do.
We often say that the road to a successful opera career can be a winding one—and we've got the receipts to prove it! Join Key Change co-hosts Anna Garcia and Olga Perez Flora as they discuss career trajectories, academic journeys, and artistic life with two legendary performers and educators: Kristin Ditlow, Associate Professor of Vocal Coaching and Opera Conductor at the University Of New Mexico, and James Flora*, acclaimed American tenor and Lecturer in Voice and Opera, also at UNM. Our conversation sets the stage for an exciting collaboration between Santa Fe Opera and UNM. “The position that I have (at UNM) has evolved with me,” says Kristin, who has worked around the world as a conductor and a pianist. “That's a testament to a healthy place that's willing to grow along with its faculty and allow them to grow in a position.” It's also a verdant artistic environment where raw talent is refined, and practice leads to proficiency. Jamie hopes that the next generation of opera professionals will bring the art form's epic storytelling and staging to a broader audience. “I'd love for opera to step away a little bit from exclusivity,” he says, reflecting on how the perceived cliquishness couldn't be farther from the true experience of a live opera. “A lot of people who grew up in small towns like I did didn't understand the opera was for them,” he says, adding, “Opera's for everyone!” *That surname is no coincidence. Jamie also holds the title of spouse to our very own Olga. KEY CHANGE RECOMMENDED PLAYLISTS Catch up on the full story of Hometown To The World: Season 1, Ep 6: Hometown to the World: Discovering Postville Season 2, Ep 9: America Is Impossible Without Us Season 3, Ep 3: Responding to the World Season 3, Ep 8: Bridging Communities with Carmen Flórez-Mansi Season 4, Ep 1: This Doesn't Happen Without Audience; The Hometown to the World Premiere Season 4, Ep 2: Influence and Inclusion: The Impact of Hometown to the World with Youth Chorus Season 4, Ep 8: Hometown to the World Debuts on Broadway Hear the evolution of This Little Light of Mine: Season 2, Ep 7: Mother of a Movement: This Little Light of Mine BONUS: Is This America? Season 3, Ep 4: Singing A Call to Action: Is This America? Season 3, Ep 5: Making a Choice With Conviction: A conversation with Jeri Lynne Johnson Season 3, Ep 6: Building a Better Society with Florida International University Music Students Season 3, Ep 7: Lighting a Fire: The Legacy of Fannie Lou Hamer Season 4, Ep 6: A Day in the Life Before a World Premiere Season 4, Ep 7: Telling Hard Truths FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE Kristin Ditlow James Flora MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE IMSLP - Petrucci Music Library for scores in public domain Apprentice Program for Singers | Santa Fe Opera Cold Mountain | Santa Fe Opera The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs | Santa Fe Opera Hometown to the World | Santa Fe Opera This Little Light Of Mine | Santa Fe Opera Der Rosenkavalier | Santa Fe Opera The Turn Of The Screw | Santa Fe Opera Die Walküre | Santa Fe Opera La bohème | Santa Fe Opera Rigoletto | Santa Fe Opera A Midsummer Night's Dream | Santa Fe Opera Little Women | UNM Opera Oberlin Conservatory of Music Westminster Choir College Boston Symphony Opera BSO | Tanglewood San Francisco Opera | Merola Opera Program Arizona Opera The Glimmerglass Festival Pittsburgh Opera Central City Opera Kentucky Opera Metropolitan Opera This is Spinal Tap New Jersey Opera Theater Opera Steamboat The Three Feathers Benjamin Britten Star Wars Psycho Opera Company of Middlebury *** Key Change is a production of The Santa Fe Opera, Department of Community Engagement & Education. Share your favorite opera moments and questions with Community Engagement: agarcia@santafeopera.org Produced and edited by Andrea Klunder at The Creative Impostor Studios Hosted by Anna Garcia & Olga Perez Flora Audio Engineering: Collin Ungerleider & Kabby at Kabby Sound Studios in Santa Fe Technical Director: Edwin R. Ruiz Production Support from Alex Riegler Show Notes by Lisa Widder Theme music by Rene Orth with Corrie Stallings, mezzo-soprano, and Joe Becktell, cello Cover art by Dylan Crouch This podcast is made possible due to the generous support of the Hankins Foundation, Principal Education Sponsor of the Santa Fe Opera. To learn more, visit SantaFeOpera.org/KeyChange.
Theme From Sunday's Sermon: Sanctification: Growing in Holiness On this edition of One Single Story, Pastors Stephen Mizell, Sheryl Daughety, and Wendy Korbusieski discuss the following questions: I noticed in the reading today that God used a song to teach Israel about keeping His teachings. What are some Christian songs you learned as a child that taught you Godly principles that helped you in life? (e.g. Jesus Loves Me; Amazing Grace; This Little Light of Mine; etc.) How much responsibility should one generation take for the actions of the next generation? Are you concerned about the future generations of America? The reading for the day is: Deuteronomy 31:1–32:27 Luke 12:8-34 Psalm 78:32-55 Proverbs 12:21-23
Motorcycling offers more than escape—it provides a path to mindfulness and purpose through our interactions with others on the road. George Bernard Shaw's century-old wisdom about living for something greater than ourselves perfectly captures the spirit of what it means to ride with intention and community consciousness.A simple wave or nod to a driver who makes a mistake can transform how all motorcyclists are perceived. Kind interactions with drivers may make them more likely to watch for and respect motorcyclists in the future. The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride exemplifies how our passion for motorcycling can support important causes. Shaw's quote reminds us not to be "a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances" but to live with purpose. Motorcycling forces us to be present, letting everyday grievances fade away. The community of motorcycling creates a brotherhood/sisterhood united by our love of riding. Like the song "This Little Light of Mine," we're called to shine brightly and make a difference through our riding
Guest:Robin HamiltonWebsite: https://www.aroundrobin.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinhamilton123/_____________________________Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals PodcastWebsite: https://www.marcociappelli.com_____________________________Episode Title:
Guest:Robin HamiltonWebsite: https://www.aroundrobin.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinhamilton123/_____________________________Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals PodcastWebsite: https://www.marcociappelli.com_____________________________Episode Title:
✨ This Little Light of Mine... ✨ Hunny, where is Princess Paua?!
✨ This Little Light of Mine... ✨ Hunny, where is Princess Paua?!
Evil always dresses in a garment of light. It hides in plain sight. It smiles. It's friendly. It's comforting. It's dishonest. It appears as something it's not.Take, for example, that seemingly innocuous campfire song all your children have been taught to sing at your silly church camps: “This Little Light of Mine.” Like a mother who possesses children; like a tribe that possesses land; like those who refuse to let go of what God destroys—or worse, those who wickedly imagine they can compensate for God's will by loving their neighbor—like a spoiled child clamoring for a toy.Yes, this little hymn of the Antichrist twists the teaching of the Gospel of Luke into a fascist anthem that leads, at worst, to genocide—and at best, to a mind-numbing theology of the cult of self: the worship of money, human reason, community, and ultimately, state power.“This little light of mine?”Are you kidding me? Do you really think the place men dared not tread is now yours to share? Do you know what you're talking about? Do you really believe the light upon which Moses dared not gaze is yours to adorn with coverings, like a pet?Think. No—do not think. Hear.To what did Luke refer in chapter 8 when he said lampstand? Container? Cover? What do any of these things have to do with you and your church camps?He who has ears to hear, let him hear.This week, I discuss Luke 8:16.Show Notesἅπτω / נ-ג-ע (nun-gimel-ʿayin) / ن-ج-ع (nūn-jīm-ʿayn)Greek: to set on fire. Hebrew: to touch, strike violently, reach, or afflict. The Arabic cognate نَجَعٌ (najaʿ) refers to 1. the effect of the action, 2. being effective, or 3. having an impact or benefit—for example, a statement or teaching; in modern usage, a medicine. In a nomadic context, it signifies the departure or migration of people or animals in search of pasture or sustenance.λύχνος / נ-ר (nun-resh) / ن-و-ر (nūn-wāw-rāʾ)Light, lamp. The Arabic cognate نُور (nūr) functions as “light” or “illumination.”καλύπτω / כ-ס-ה (kaf-samek-he) / ك-س-ى (kāf-sīn-yāʾ)Cover, conceal, clothe, drape, forgive. The Arabic verb كَسَا (kasā) means “to clothe” or “to cover.” Its triliteral root is ك-س-و (kāf-sīn-wāw). كسوة الكعبة (kiswat al-ka'bah) denotes the cloth that covers the Kaaba in Mecca.σκεῦος / כ-ל-י (kaf-lamed-yod) / ك-ي-ل (kāf-yāʾ-lām)Vessel, implement, tool. The Arabic word كيل (kayl) refers to a measure of grain. It denotes measuring, weighing, or apportioning something in quantities. The root is also related to the Hebrew function כול (kul), which can function as comprehending, containing, or measuring. In Arabic كُلّ (kulu) indicates all.κλίνη / מ-ט-ה (mem-ṭet-he) / م-ط-ط (mīm-ṭāʾ-ṭāʾ)Couch, bed, to incline, stretch downward, extend. The Arabic مَطَّ (maṭṭa) "to stretch" or "extend" shares a common Proto-Semitic root (m-ṭ-) with Hebrew:Hebrew מ-ט-ה (m-ṭ-h);Arabic م-ط-ط (m-ṭ-ṭ); Aramaic מטא (mṭʾ); Akkadian (maṭû)λυχνία / מ-נ-ר (mem-nun-resh) / ن-و-ر (nūn-wāw-rāʾ)Lampstand, light, menorah. The Arabic cognate of מְנוֹרָה (menorah) is منارة (manārah), which means candlestick, lighthouse, or minaret (the tower of a mosque), the lighthouse from which the call to hear scripture is announced to all. The triliteral root in Arabic pertains to light, illumination, or shining.اللَّهُ نُورُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ(allāhu nūru as-samāwāti wa-al-arḍi)”"God is the light of the heavens and the earth.”(Surah An-Nur 24:35) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Jesus came to us as a baby at Christmas time. And Jesus still comes intimately close to us now. Sometimes He comes into the darkness reminding us that He is the Light of the World. Steve Norman of Winning at Home & host of The New Norm Podcast has written a devotional to help us ready our hearts to celebrate Jesus’ coming. It’s called Countdown to Christmas. At a time when he was sitting in physical darkness and feeling ashamed, Jesus came to Steve through the words of his 4-year-old son singing, “This Little Light of Mine.” As Steve was hitting the wall in the 17th mile of a marathon he was ill-prepared to run, Jesus ran next to him through words of encouragement from fellow runners. Jesus comes and meets us where we are. Eugene Peterson says in The Message “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” Jesus is Immanuel, God with us!Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshow/wgnbSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If women truly knew our collective power, all the nonsense would have stopped a long time ago!Robin Hamilton is an Emmy-award-winning TV Host, Producer, Filmmaker, Moderator, and Speaker specializing in creating impactful narratives that inspire transformation. As the founder of ARound Robin Production Company, she produces compelling films for non-profits, enhancing their fundraising and marketing efforts. Robin's documentaries, such as "This Little Light of Mine" and "Odessa's Reign," highlight social justice and resilience. It's time we get real about the struggles women face in media, filmmaking, and business. Robin shares her raw journey—from fighting for an agent's attention to carving her own path and creating impactful content. But here's the truth... it's not just about working harder or being "smart enough." It's about getting that leg up—whether it's an inheritance, a connection, or just finding someone who believes in you. And the system often isn't built for us to win.Robin talks openly about the challenges she faced in the media and filmmaking industries, and how women often struggle with a lack of support and access to opportunities. There are systemic issues that create barriers for women, especially women of color, everywhere. Her key is storytelling to boost the business and boost our values.The power is in our hands to create a different system. Women need to collaborate, share openly, and support each other more. It's about helping each other rise, not competing. When it comes to business, know your worth and double it. If you don't stand up for your value, the world won't either! Let's not just break the glass ceiling—let's shatter it. Together. Show Notes:
Mini: Lessons in song help to review the stories about Paul: "Fuzzy Wuzzy Bear", "We are HisHands", and "This Little Light of Mine." We review our memory verse Mark 16:15, "Go into allthe world and preach the gospel."Recorded and produced by: Ashley B. LarsonDon't forget to check out the coloring pages that go along with each lesson! https://startingwithjesus.com/spb-cp/If you have enjoyed this program and would like to know more, go to our website:www.startingwithjesus.comThe Bible and nature story material used in today's devotional podcast has been used withpermission from My Bible First. If you would like your own copy, please visit their website-orcall 1-877-242-5317.If you would like to purchase your own Memory Verse CD or Songbook, go to Ouachita HillsStore (https://www.ouachitahillsacademy.org/store?page=1&store_category_id=0&sort_by=title&is_ascending=1&search=).Songs from: Little Voices Praise Him, SDA Hymnal, Sabbath Songs For Tiny Tots, NewSabbath Songs For Tiny Tots, Memory Verse Verse Songs for Cradle Roll, Children's Songs ForJesus, and Scripture Songs and Little LessonsAll Bible verses are from the NKJV.Singers for this Quarter: Tory, Caleb, and Enoch Hall, Hudson Reeves, Michael and Amy NelsonEditing assist: Dillon Austin and Josh LarsonMusic Recording and Editing: Rachel Nelson and Kristy HallColoring Pages: Rachel Lamming, Lily Canada, and Evie RodriguezTheme Music: Lindsey Mills- www.lindseymillsmusic.comGod: who gives talents for us to use for Him
En el audio de hoy, viene de invitado el psicólogo Pablo de Lorenzo creador del podcast "La mente y sus cicatrices" para hablarnos del trauma complejo. Podcast La mente y sus cicatrices: https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-mente-sus-cicatrices_sq_f11787046_1.html Imagen: Melancholy by Munch Música: This Little Light of Mine by Alessandro Ricciarelli.
Trey's Table Episode 147: This Little Light of Mine In this episode, I explore the similarities between the African-American struggle for reparations and the Māori struggle for reparations in New Zealand. New Zealand Prime Minister delivers apology to Māori tribe for past violations of the Treaty of Waitangi - JURIST - News How New Zealand Is Modeling Reparationshttps://youtu.be/7ZOIIk9A6-8?s...https://youtu.be/bsSJdH6wdzU?s...
Let's review the Fiery Furnace with the songs: "This Little Light of Mine", "Them That Honor Me", "O, Friend Do You Love Jesus", and our memory verse Dan.3:17 "Our God, whom we serve, is able to deliver us."Recorded and produced by: Ashley B. LarsonDon't forget to check out the coloring pages that go along with each lesson! https://startingwithjesus.com/spb-cp/If you have enjoyed this program and would like to know more, go to our website: www.startingwithjesus.comThe Bible and nature story material used in today's devotional podcast has been used with permission from My Bible First. If you would like your own copy, please visit their website-or call 1-877-242-5317.If you would like to purchase your own Memory Verse CD or Songbook, go to Ouachita Hills Store (https://www.ouachitahillsacademy.org/store?page=1&store_category_id=0&sort_by=title&is_ascending=1&search=).Songs from: Little Voices Praise Him, SDA Hymnal, Sabbath Songs For Tiny Tots, New Sabbath Songs For Tiny Tots, Memory Verse Verse Songs for Cradle Roll, Children's Songs For Jesus, and Scripture Songs and Little LessonsAll Bible verses are from the NKJV.Singers for this Quarter: Tory, Caleb, and Enoch Hall, Hudson Reeves, Michael and Amy NelsonEditing assist: Dillon Austin and Josh LarsonMusic Recording and Editing: Rachel Nelson and Kristy HallColoring Pages: Rachel Lamming, Lily Canada, and Evie RodriguezTheme Music: Lindsey Mills- www.lindseymillsmusic.com God: who gives talents for us to use for Him
Pastor Bobby shares part two of the message “This Little Light of Mine”. The post This Little Light of Mine (part two) first appeared on Grace Baptist Church Knoxville, Tennessee.
Pastor Bobby shares a message from Luke 8:16–21, “This Little Light of Mine”. The post This Little Light of Mine first appeared on Grace Baptist Church Knoxville, Tennessee.
Christa Brown is a self-described Baptist clergy sex abuse survivor. But she's so much more. Christa has devoted years of her life to shining a light on the widespread systemic problem of clergy sex abuse and church coverups in what she calls "Baptistland". That's the title of her new book, which was released earlier this week. Christa also wrote "This Little Light", and I had the honor of speaking with her so that we could let more people find ways to make their churches safer physically, emotionally, and spiritually. "According to Child USA, a leading think tank for the rights of children, fifty-two is the average age of a person bringing forward a report of childhood sexual abuse. I was fifty-one. The mental hurdles are huge. Many child sex abuse victims wait until after the perpetrator has died, and many never disclose their childhood abuse. Many never even recognize that what they experienced was abuse." - Christa Brown Highlights from this episode include: Exploding the myth that "that doesn't happen in MY church" Why churches should not try to handle child sexual abuse issues "in-house" Should forgiveness always lead to restoration Visit my website to access more episodes. If you would like to contact me about booking me as a speaker, or ask about my consulting services, please email me at lori@theunlovelytruth.com. Ways you can support the work of The Unlovely Truth: Share the episode Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Check out my Amazon Author Page to find resources on personal safety, and safety training for churches. Christa's Substack site: https://christabrown.substack.com/ Christa's webpage with links to columns she's published about clergy sex abuse: https://christabrown.me/columns/ Child USA's webpage on statute of limitations reform: https://childusa.org/sol/ Christa's handle on X (formerly Twitter) is: @ChristaBrown777 Buy Christa's new book
Join Leah C. Murphy, CEO and founder of Career Gems for the Journey, as she introduces the "Triumph Together Challenge," a unique interactive reading and discussion experience based on the anthology "Triumph in the Trenches: Navigating Success for Black Professionals." This episode serves as a kickoff to the challenge, inviting listeners to participate in weekly readings and live discussions every Tuesday @ 12pm EST on LinkedIn and YouTube Overview of the Challenge:
Grab a tube sock for your privates: it's time to pit the Red Hot Chili Peppers against Weird Al! Before Mark makes the pun that drives our listenership numbers off a cliff, we're discussing the omnipresent Chilis hits "Under The Bridge" and "Give It Away"; how many songs Weird Al might have tried to fit his Flintstones joke set into before settling on these; the five items '90s dorm rooms had to contain lest their occupants risk expulsion; and the difference between "sexy" and "just always naked all the time." Hashtag justice for the Bee Girl: it's an all-new episode of MASTAS! Our intro is by David Gregory Byrne, and our outro is by Queens of the Stone Age. For more information/to become a patron of the show and hear all episodes of this season, visit patreon.com/mastas. SHOW NOTES "What...is this thing?" Start at the beginning! The "Under The Bridge" video The "Give It Away" video The "Bedrock Anthem" video ...and of course Blind Melon's "No Rain" That Rolling Stone cover story, in which Anthony Kiedis talks about the birth of "Under The Bridge" Flea's podcast, This Little Light
The Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 3: Michael Ruiz of Fox News writes: “A federal judge in New York has ordered the unsealing of dozens of documents naming people linked to the disgraced financier and sex trafficker, Jeffrey Epstein. The documents are expected to identify more than 180 people, including associates, victims, investigators and journalists who covered the case.” You can read the full article here: https://www.foxnews.com/us/jeffrey-epstein-scandal-federal-judge-unseal-180-previously-redacted-names In an editorial for DailyMail, Fox News' Kennedy writes: “White House dime bags, a crack-engorged First Son, topless trans activists...and now a lurid Senate sexcapade. America is overrun by fetishist weirdos and whackjobs—and we all know who's to blame!” You can read the full editorial here: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12881455/KENNEDY-senate-sex-tape-staffer.html During a television interview with Pix11, Mayor Eric Adams was asked to describe New York City's 2023 in just one word—his response could not have been worse. Adams bizarrely explained: "This is a place where every day you wake up you could experience everything from a plane crashing into our Trade Center to a person celebrating a new business…which is why it's the greatest city on the globe.” During a holiday celebration, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser was being shouted down by pro-Palestinian protesters while trying to address those in attendance. To combat the protesters, Mayor Bowser began singing “This Little Light of Mine” at the top of her lungs! Pennsylvania Senate Bill 140 was passed with bipartisan support and signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro (D-PA)—providing the state with prosecutorial authority over crimes that occur within 500 yards of a SEPTA location. During a press briefing denouncing the legislation, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said that “this is an attack on democracy” and “an erasure of Philadelphia votes” claiming it was the work of Donald Trump and MAGA extremists despite support from Democrats. Rich Zeoli hosts The Mark Levin Show!
The Rich Zeoli Show- Full Episode (12/19/2023): 3:05pm- Lori Ann LaRocca of CNBC writes: “Attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militants on ships in the Red Sea have already rocked global trade. And there could be more disruptions and price increases to come for shipments of goods and fuel. Several major shipping lines and oil transporters have suspended their services through the Red Sea as more than a dozen vessels have come under attack since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in early October.” How much will this disruption of supply chains impact American consumers? You can read the full article here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/18/how-houthi-attacks-in-red-sea-threaten-global-supply-chain.html 3:30pm- In an editorial for DailyMail, Fox News' Kennedy writes: “White House dime bags, a crack-engorged First Son, topless trans activists...and now a lurid Senate sexcapade. America is overrun by fetishist weirdos and whackjobs—and we all know who's to blame!” You can read the full editorial here: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12881455/KENNEDY-senate-sex-tape-staffer.html 3:45pm- In his latest piece for Politico Magazine, editor David Siders notes that, perhaps surprisingly, a large number of Mexican-Americans are excited to vote for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in a hypothetical presidential election rematch against President Joe Biden in 2024—citing the former president's hardline immigration policies. You can read the full article here: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/12/19/road-trip-el-paso-2024-00131703 3:50pm- On Monday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 4 which would make entering the country illegally a crime in Texas—allowing the state's law enforcement to arrest and deport migrants who enter the U.S. unlawfully. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre condemned the legislation. 4:05pm- Congressman Guy Reschenthaler— Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 14th district & House Republican Chief Deputy Whip—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to discuss the ongoing chaos at the U.S. Southern border. Yesterday, a record-setting 12,000+ migrants crossed the border unlawfully. Perhaps most alarmingly, Reschenthaler explains, is that there have been an estimated 300 people who have been caught crossing the border illegally that were on the U.S. terror watch list—but how many other terror watch-list suspects weren't caught and successfully entered the country unlawfully? 4:25pm- Rich and Henry play Christmas music requests from the audience. Matt sulks because he has been banned from selecting music after advocating for Mariah Carey's “All I Want for Christmas is You.” 4:30pm- While speaking with the media, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg credited the Biden Administration with spurring an “economic recovery.” 4:35pm- While appearing on CNN with anchor Jim Acosta, Democrat pollster Stanley Greenberg warned that President Joe Biden is “losing ground every month” due in large part to the country's economic underperformance. 4:40pm- Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson said he would not vote for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump if he selects Nikki Haley to be his Vice President. 4:50pm- The Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football—what the heck happened? 4:55pm- Adam Sabes of Fox News writes: “An alleged congressional staffer who filmed an explicit sex tape inside a Senate hearing room could face criminal charges, one lawyer argues. The U.S. Capitol Police told Fox News they were aware of an amateur pornographic video published by the Daily Caller on Friday, which shows someone identified as a congressional staffer, engaging in sex with another man in Hart Senate Office Building room 216… Posts on social media claimed the alleged staffer worked for Sen. Ben Cardin's office. Hours after the story broke, Cardin's office announced that a legislative aide had been dismissed but did not address reports linking a member of his staff to the sex tape.” You can read more here: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/senate-sex-tape-congressional-staffer-allegedly-seen-leaked-video-could-face-charges-lawyer-says 5:05pm- Michael Ruiz of Fox News writes: “A federal judge in New York has ordered the unsealing of dozens of documents naming people linked to the disgraced financier and sex trafficker, Jeffrey Epstein. The documents are expected to identify more than 180 people, including associates, victims, investigators and journalists who covered the case.” You can read the full article here: https://www.foxnews.com/us/jeffrey-epstein-scandal-federal-judge-unseal-180-previously-redacted-names 5:15pm- In an editorial for DailyMail, Fox News' Kennedy writes: “White House dime bags, a crack-engorged First Son, topless trans activists...and now a lurid Senate sexcapade. America is overrun by fetishist weirdos and whackjobs—and we all know who's to blame!” You can read the full editorial here: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12881455/KENNEDY-senate-sex-tape-staffer.html 5:20pm- During a television interview with Pix11, Mayor Eric Adams was asked to describe New York City's 2023 in just one word—his response could not have been worse. Adams bizarrely explained: "This is a place where every day you wake up you could experience everything from a plane crashing into our Trade Center to a person celebrating a new business…which is why it's the greatest city on the globe.” 5:25pm- During a holiday celebration, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser was being shouted down by pro-Palestinian protesters while trying to address those in attendance. To combat the protesters, Mayor Bowser began singing “This Little Light of Mine” at the top of her lungs! 5:45pm- Pennsylvania Senate Bill 140 was passed with bipartisan support and signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro (D-PA)—providing the state with prosecutorial authority over crimes that occur within 500 yards of a SEPTA location. During a press briefing denouncing the legislation, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said that “this is an attack on democracy” and “an erasure of Philadelphia votes” claiming it was the work of Donald Trump and MAGA extremists despite support from Democrats. 5:55pm- Rich Zeoli hosts The Mark Levin Show!
Hosted by Flea, founding member and bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, This Little Light is a podcast about falling in love with music. Flea interviews musical guests from all genres to discuss the teachers who guided them, the influences that inspired them, and how the lessons they learned as young musicians have shaped their creativity, resilience, and careers. This Little Light, a production of Cadence13 and Parallel, available now with new episodes dropping weekly, is available for free wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosted by Flea, founding member and bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, This Little Light is a podcast about falling in love with music. Flea interviews musical guests from all genres to discuss the teachers who guided them, the influences that inspired them, and how the lessons they learned as young musicians have shaped their creativity, resilience, and careers. This Little Light, a production of Cadence13 and Parallel, available now with new episodes dropping weekly, is available for free wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosted by Flea, founding member and bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, This Little Light is a podcast about falling in love with music. Flea interviews musical guests from all genres to discuss the teachers who guided them, the influences that inspired them, and how the lessons they learned as young musicians have shaped their creativity, resilience, and careers. This Little Light, a production of Cadence13 and Parallel, available now with new episodes dropping weekly, is available for free wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices