Podcasts about though god

Read Online“Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. Mark 4:35–38Our Lord's words were prophetic, but so were His actions. Today's Gospel begins after a long day of Jesus teaching parables to the people by the Sea of Galilee. One might think that, after a long day, Jesus and His disciples would have remained in Capernaum for the night, getting a good night's sleep. Instead, Jesus invites His disciples to join Him for a long night on a boat, crossing to the other side of the sea to the territory of the Gerasenes.The Gerasenes were a predominantly Gentile population living in a region that formed part of the Decapolis—a group of ten cities heavily influenced by Greco-Roman culture and pagan practices. The area was culturally distinct from the Jewish territories around the Sea of Galilee, characterized by its Hellenistic architecture, customs, and beliefs. Jesus' invitation to cross the sea was not only an invitation to a long night, but also an invitation to spend the next day within a culturally distinct and perhaps an uneasy setting different from their Jewish hometown.This dual invitation should be seen as a prophetic action by which Jesus invited His disciples—and us—to leave our comfort zone and travel into the challenging and unfamiliar. This lesson has numerous practical implications for our lives. There are many things we do not feel like doing and many ways God calls us out of our comfort zone into the unfamiliar. Fear must never deter us from answering the call, even when we are tired and prefer to rest. When God calls, we must respond.The journey across the Sea of Galilee is also packed with prophetic lessons. The journey by boat from Capernaum to the territory of the Gerasenes was about five to six miles. Under calm conditions, the journey might have taken one to two hours. However, the storm likely extended this time, possibly making the trip several hours long, especially if the disciples had to work against the wind and waves.One important aspect of the journey is that Jesus is asleep during the storm. Because it would have been difficult for anyone to sleep while “waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up,” we should see our Lord's sleep as intentional, to reveal a spiritual lesson. Though God might seem distant at times, or asleep during our time of need, He is there, waiting for us to turn to Him, wake Him, and call on Him.Though these were experienced fishermen and boatmen, they were terrified. Jesus permitted them to experience this terror to reveal their need for faith and trust in Him. His calm presence, even as He slept, was a reminder that no storm—whether physical or spiritual—can overpower the One who created the seas. His rebuke of the wind and waves, “Quiet! Be still!” not only restored peace to the sea but also revealed His divine authority, revealing Himself as God: “LORD, God of hosts, who is like you? Mighty LORD, your faithfulness surrounds you. You rule the raging sea; you still its swelling waves” (Psalm 89:9–10).Reflect today on Jesus' invitation to the disciples to make the journey across the sea after a tiring day. Similarly, God sometimes calls us to enter the chaos of this world to bring His grace where it is not found. Though rest is important, sometimes we must deny ourselves and enter into the sea toward the unfamiliar—reaching out to neighbors or others with whom we feel hesitant, volunteering in ministries, or embracing new challenges that call us out of our comfort zone. As you ponder this scene, let the words of Christ echo in your heart, bringing peace to your soul: “Quiet! Be still!” Do not fear. Have faith. Trust that His command will calm every storm, and hold on to the knowledge that He is always with you, guiding you safely to the other side.All-powerful God, in Your human nature, You faced every difficulty and conquered them so that You could provide me the grace to do the same. When You call me out of my comfort zone into the unfamiliar, give me courage to respond generously, knowing that You are always nearby, waiting to be awakened through a prayer and act of faith. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Bible picsSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” Mark 4:21–23What guides your life? What influences your decisions? Many are motivated by worldly desires, such as wealth or status. Others seek fulfillment in fleeting pleasures. Some take their inspiration from cultural icons or those deemed successful by society. But as Christians, we are called to draw our inspiration and motivation from one source: the Light of God's Truth.In today's Gospel, the lamp symbolizes Christ Himself, Who illuminates our minds and guides our decisions, just as a lamp lights up a dark room. A lamp cannot fulfill its purpose if it is hidden under a bushel basket or bed. Similarly, Christ must enlighten every aspect of our lives and shine forth in our words, deeds, and witness to others.If the lamp symbolizes Christ, Who is divine Truth, then the lampstand represents the means by which we elevate and share that Truth. Though God, His grace, and the Truth of the Gospel are the light, that light comes to us in various ways. Our first goal as Christians is to make sure that God's Light is the center of our lives. This means that when questions arise in our lives, we turn first to the Light as the one and only Source of Truth and guidance. We do this by turning to the Scriptures, the Catechism, the lives of the saints, and the inspiration of other holy people.Just as a lampstand supports and elevates a lamp, it also provides a firm foundation, ensuring the light remains steady and visible even amid the winds of life's challenges. Similarly, prayer, sacraments, and good works help stabilize the Light of Truth in our lives, enabling it to shine brightly and consistently.Once our lives are enlightened and we clearly see the path God has chosen for us, we naturally begin to radiate that light to others. This is the essence of evangelization. By our daily prayer, sacramental life, acts of charity, and courage in witnessing to the Gospel, we become the lampstand that lifts high the Light of Christ. As others encounter that light through our example, they too are invited to draw closer to its Source, allowing the Truth of the Gospel to illuminate their lives.Sometimes we can struggle in our efforts to evangelize. When we encounter others who express no interest in the Gospel, it is tempting to remain silent and cover up the Light of Christ. But that leaves others in darkness. The evil one often deceives us into thinking that we shouldn't act as a lampstand for the Light of Christ if others prefer the darkness. We might fear offending them or sounding “holier than thou!” This is a dangerous trap.Charity demands evangelization. All people need Christ in their lives, even if they do not know it or are hostile to Christ's light. If you struggle being a lampstand for Christ, reflect on Jesus' next words: “For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light.” In other words, we all will stand one day before the judgment seat of Christ when every hidden thought and action will come to light, visible to us and all who stand before Christ at the Final Judgment. On that day, will we regret having done everything possible to be a lampstand for Christ's light to others? Certainly not. Instead, we will rejoice in every effort we made, even if our words and actions seemed futile. The light we shine might not immediately brighten someone else's path. Yet, like seeds planted in the soil, it has the potential to grow and bear fruit in God's perfect timing. Reflect today on whether you have allowed fear, complacency, or self-doubt to hide the light of Christ in your life. Consider the people God has placed in your path who need His light but have not yet encountered it through you. Resolve to be a lampstand for Christ, courageously and lovingly lifting His truth high for all to see. Jesus, Light of the World, You came to reveal Yourself as the Truth that sets all people free and the Light Who dispels all darkness. Please shine brightly in my life and be my guide always so that I, in turn, may act as an instrument upon which You rest and shine forth in the lives of others. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Andreas F. Borchert, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia CommonsSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

If you look at the world and wonder what has gone wrong, Romans 1:18-32 gives us the answer. Though God revealed Himself to us, humanity rejected Him, and the result has been a slide into deeper and deeper darkness. Later in Romans, Paul describes the progression out of foolishness for those who are now in Christ: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2) Take-Home Message: Christ's wisdom is the only antidote to my foolishness. We Became Fools Through…- Futile Thinking (18-22)- Humanity's Progression Toward Futile Thinking- Revelation (19-20)- Rejection (21a)- Result (21b-22)- A biblical definition of “futile” (Mataioó)– describes the movement from God-given awareness to empty, self-centered thought. In Romans 1:21, it stands as a decisive verdict on humanity's intellectual and moral collapse: “they became futile in their thinking”. The term captures the tragic exchange of God's glory for worthless speculation, exposing the hollowness that results when truth is suppressed. - False Worship (23) - Foolish Living (24-32)- A biblical definition of “give approval” (Suneudokeó) –  To give hearty approval, identify with, feel gratified with. Across its six occurrences, syneudokeō portrays a shared stance—whether righteous or sinful—between individuals or groups. It always implies more than passive agreement; it conveys an active, moral participation that forges communal solidarity around a deed or decision. In Romans 1:32, syneudokeō indicts societies that institutionalize sin by celebrating its practitioners.The term issues a dual summons: resist aligning with evil and intentionally align with righteousness. Christian maturity therefore includes vigilant evaluation of all associations, ensuring that consent is given only to what honors the Lord. Christ Makes Us Wise Through…- Renewed Thinking (Romans 12:2a)- Reasonable Worship (Romans 12:1)- Righteous Living (Romans 12:2b)

Read Online“Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.” Mark 3:28–30Consider the sobering reality of suffering the guilt of everlasting sin. Though alarming and unpleasant, understanding this possibility is foundational to a healthy spiritual life. This is best illustrated in the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, one of the co-founders of the Jesuits. The Spiritual Exercises are considered one of the most transforming retreat formats ever written. They guide spiritual directors who lead retreatants through a thirty-day retreat, helping them experience profound conversion and make major life decisions. The first week of those exercises contains various meditations on the horror of hell and the seriousness of one mortal sin.Today's Gospel is not only ideal for those beginning a thirty-day retreat, but also for everyone serious about spiritual growth. On our spiritual journey, we often must do that which is initially difficult and unpleasant so as to reap the fruit of that exercise. One such exercise is to meditate on our Lord's words: “But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.”In commenting on this, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “There are no limits to the mercy of God, but anyone who deliberately refuses to accept his mercy by repenting, rejects the forgiveness of his sins and the salvation offered by the Holy Spirit. Such hardness of heart can lead to final impenitence and eternal loss” (#1864).Traditionally, the sin this Gospel refers to has been called the “Sin Against the Holy Spirit.” Saint Thomas Aquinas, in the Summa Theologica (II-II, Question 14, Articles 1–3), articulates six ways that one can be guilty of this sin:Despair: rejecting God's mercy and refusing to believe one's sins can be forgiven.Presumption: believing one can attain salvation without grace or repentance.Impenitence: a refusal to repent for past sins.Obstinacy: a hardened resolve to remain in sin.Resisting the Known Truth: deliberately rejecting the truths of the faith to justify sin.Envy of Another's Grace: resenting the Holy Spirit's work in others.God alone knows the depths of our human heart and comprehends our guilt or mitigating circumstances.God alone is the perfect Judge. He judges with divine equity, His perfect justice and mercy united as one.Though God's mercy is limitless, this does not mean that everyone goes to Heaven. Recall Jesus' teaching: “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few” (Matthew 7:13–14).The common thread in the ways Saint Thomas articulates this “everlasting sin” is an obstinate refusal to see our sins in the light of eternal Truth and then to repent and change. When properly understood, attaining Heaven is easy! All we need to do is be honest, turn from sin, and abandon ourselves to our loving God—especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. A thorough and honest confession is a sure path through the narrow gate that leads to eternal life. Reflect today on the serious and consequential demands God places on us. His generosity knows no bounds, but we must receive that generosity on His terms. Ideally, today's Gospel will inspire us with the spiritual gift of Fear of the Lord. The perfection of this gift is not a fear of punishment, but a deep reverence and love for God that moves us to avoid anything that might offend Him. It deepens our relationship with Him and strengthens our resolve to walk the narrow path. If you find yourself obstinate at times, beware of the danger of that interior disposition. Most merciful Lord, please free me from all obstinacy and help me to see my sin as You see it. I repent of my sin and profess my need for Your Divine Mercy. Please open the gate to that Mercy so that I can be with You forever in Heaven. Jesus, I trust in You.Image:   Spurzem - Lothar Spurzem, CC BY-SA 2.0 DE, via Wikimedia CommonsSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Sentenced to fifty years in a maximum-security prison, a sixteen-year-old girl sat in solitary confinement. Due to her age, she remained separated from the other inmates. For nearly a year, she had no outside visitors. During an outreach and baptism held at the facility, the guards let a ministry leader enter the girl’s cell. She heard the gospel, surrendered her life to Jesus, and asked to be baptized. At first, the team considered using water bottles, but then the prison staff shut down the entire facility and led her to a portable baptismal pool. As God’s people prayed, she wept. Though God promises to judge those who reject Him, He also extends mercy to those who repent. He restores and protects those who trust in His name (Zephaniah 3:10-12). Repentance leads to redemption, because God Himself “has taken away” the punishment we deserve (v. 15). Hope resounds in the prophet Zephaniah’s words about God: “He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” (v. 17). So we can share the gospel with compassion and confidence, especially with those who may feel they’re too far from God. No matter where we are, what we’ve done, or how alone, forgotten, or unworthy we may feel, God loves and pursues us. Every person is within God’s reach.

Read Online“The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath” Mark 2:27–28Today's Gospel should console those who struggle with a legalistic and scrupulous mindset. This is an easy trap to fall into for those who desire to keep God's commandments and remain faithful to His holy will. Despite the best intentions, it's easy for those who are deeply sincere in their fidelity to God to misunderstand how best to please and glorify Him. One common trap is to think that meticulous observance of the external Law is sufficient. While obedience to God's Law is essential, it is equally important to understand the authentic requirements of His Law—what it truly demands and what it does not.Today's Gospel takes place toward the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, after He had named His Twelve Apostles and begun preaching and healing. As they walked to another town on the Sabbath so Jesus could continue His mission, they passed through a field. The Apostles, being hungry, forged a path through the grain and picked some of it to eat. When the Pharisees saw them doing this, they seized the opportunity to condemn them, saying, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” (Mark 2:24).Without getting too philosophical, it's important to understand what we call God's Eternal Law. The Eternal Law encompasses reality—physical, moral, and spiritual truths. All that God has established as true must be our guide through life. The goal of the evil one is to deceive us by leading us into a false understanding of that reality.Traditionally, the Eternal Law has been divided into two distinct aspects: the Natural and Divine Laws. The Divine Law is all that is known only through divine revelation—all that the Scriptures reveal, especially through Christ's humanity and mission. The Natural Law, on the other hand, is written upon creation itself, including our own human nature. Natural Law is written on our consciences and discerned through reason. For example, we instinctively know it is wrong to lie, steal, and murder. Though God's Divine Law confirms this through the Ten Commandments, these basic moral truths are already evident to us when we reflect clearly.In today's Gospel, the Apostles' actions were perfectly aligned with right reason—the Natural Law—showing how their choices reflected God's design for human flourishing. They were eating grain as they journeyed with Jesus so He could continue His mission. Their need for sustenance, especially while in service to Christ, took precedence over rigid legalistic interpretations of the Sabbath. The Pharisees, however, mistook the Sabbath for an end in itself. They focused solely on external observance and failed to understand that the Sabbath was instituted as a gift for humanity—a day for rest, worship, and renewal in communion with God.What's freeing and beautiful to note is that the Natural Law, written on our human reason, and the Divine Law, revealed through the Scriptures, are in perfect harmony. Both flow from God. Through His mission, Jesus shows us how the Divine Law elevates and perfects the Natural Law, orienting both toward love and mercy. The Pharisees' legalism obscured this harmony, reducing the Law to a burdensome set of rules rather than as a pathway to life and freedom.Reflect today on your own approach to God's Law. If you find it burdensome, reevaluate your thinking. Properly understood and embraced, God's Law is not a weight; it's the source of freedom. The Sabbath, in particular, invites us to rest and trust in God's providence. When we live according to the Eternal Law—both Natural and Divine—we discover harmony within our souls that refreshes and elevates us. Resolve to follow God's Law with love, avoiding both scrupulosity and laxity, and you will find the freedom and joy for which you were created.Divine Law-Giver, all that You have spoken and established is Truth. You are the Source of Truth and Truth Itself. Please free me from both laxity and scrupulosity as I strive to live in accord with Your will. May I find in Your Law the pathway to freedom and joy. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Send us a textIn Deuteronomy 1–3, Moses recounts Israel's wilderness failure caused by fear of man rather than fear of the Lord. Though God went before them and promised victory, Israel did not trust Him. This episode calls God's people to obedience, faith over fear, and trust in the promises of God.Support the showStay engaged with new and up-to-date content, including newsletters, articles, podcasts, etc. Download the Teach Me the Bible App from any app store or Apple TV/Roku device.

Mankind falls in the Garden. Though God gave an order, a mandate, and a prohibition to Adam and Eve, their disobedience leads to awful consequences. A serpent deceived the woman into eating the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, and the man does nothing to lead the woman (or himself) away from the temptation. After their sin, the couple attempts to hide from God, yet God graciously provides for them. While they are cast out of the Garden, they yet have new coverings provided by God, and a promise to hold onto. Someday, a Seed of the woman will come to defeat the serpent.Bible ReadingsGenesis 3Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://bibli...

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011526.cfmWhy would God allow Israel to be defeated even while the Levites were carrying the Ark of the Covenant before the army into battle? And why would Jesus heal a leper — then sternly command him to tell no one? In this homily, Fr. Mark Baron, MIC, brings these unsettling questions together and shows that they reveal the same spiritual danger: presumption.Israel treated the Ark as a weapon, a mere tool, rather than a sign of fidelity to the covenant with God. Though God had called them to be “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Ex 19:6; NABRE), the people and their leaders were living in grave sin. Trust in sacred objects rather than trust in God and determined obedience to God led to Israel's defeat. The Ark was holy — but the hearts of the people of Israel had grown hardened.In the Gospel, Jesus heals a leper, yet warns him not to spread the news. Christ is protecting His mission. He did not come as a mere political liberator, but to establish the Kingdom of God within the human heart. Leprosy, Fr. Mark explains, is a powerful image of sin: slow-growing, numbing, disfiguring, and blinding. Sin deadens the conscience and distorts the soul far more than disease ever could.Christ touches the leper without fear. His mercy is stronger than corruption. He desires to cleanse what sin has deformed and restore the beauty lost through disobedience. The true enemy is not external forces, but the sin that takes root within us. Only repentance and humility allow God's Kingdom to reign in our hearts. ★ Support this podcast ★

Sermon Summary: Judges – Session 1 (When God's People Refuse to Yield)   A New Season Begins with Old Problems The book of Judges opens after the death of Joshua, during a time when Israel had entered the Promised Land but had not fully obeyed God. Though God was faithful, the people failed to complete the work of driving out the inhabitants of the land, setting the stage for future trouble. Partial Obedience Leads to Compromise Judah began strong and experienced victory, but many tribes weakened in obedience. Instead of removing the Canaanites, they tolerated them, made compromises, and placed them under tribute. What began as fear or convenience eventually became spiritual compromise. You Reap What You Sow The confession of Adoni-Bezek reveals a biblical principle: God repays actions justly. The sermon emphasizes the importance of honesty—acknowledging personal responsibility rather than blaming God or others. God is merciful, but consequences often remain. Salvation Brings New Battles Entering the Promised Land did not eliminate conflict. Likewise, salvation does not remove spiritual battles. The enemy adapts, and believers must remain vigilant, disciplined, and yielded to God in every season of life. Compromise Always Returns with Consequences Israel's decision to coexist with the Canaanites allowed foreign gods, practices, and influences to remain. These compromises eventually became snares, pulling the nation away from God and leading to repeated cycles of defeat. God Warns Before Judgment The Angel of the Lord confronted Israel, reminding them that God had kept His covenant, but they had not. Because they refused to tear down idols and sever ungodly alliances, God allowed their enemies to remain as thorns in their sides. A Generation That Did Not Know the Lord After Joshua's generation passed away, a new generation arose that did not know the Lord or His works. Without personal relationship or spiritual foundation, the people turned to idolatry, provoking God's anger. The Cycle of Judges Begins Israel repeatedly: Forsook the Lord Served false gods Fell into oppression Cried out in distress Were delivered by a judge God's mercy responded to their repentance, but their refusal to yield led to repeated failure once the judge died. The Root of Sin Is Refusing to Yield The sermon concludes by identifying the core issue behind all sin: choosing our will over God's will. Sin manifests in many forms, but it always begins with a heart unwilling to yield. Final Call Believers are challenged to: Learn from Israel's failure Reject partial obedience Remove compromises Yield fully to God The message sets the tone for the book of Judges: when God's people refuse to yield, they suffer; when they repent, God shows mercy.

Sunday, January 11, 2026 – Pastor Justin titles his message, “Even Though... God is Faithful.” You fill in the blank for yourself. Even though what? God is always faithful to Himself and to all who call Him Father. Even in the most difficult times in life, God remains faithful. Pastor Justin talks about the Good Shepherd in Psalm 23, who always cares for His sheep. Sheep aren’t known for being smart or for caring for themselves. They are stubborn and wander away if not carefully guarded. Yet the Shepherd loves and cares for those who know His voice and are part of His flock. No matter what your situation is today, if you call out to the Good Shepherd, Jesus, He will gather you to Himself and meet your needs according to His great and perfect will. Worship and study with us.

Micah’s warnings to Israel and Judah still resonate today.  Though God always listens to his saints, and always answers their prayers, there are some individuals to whom God will not listen.  Micah details some attitudes and actions that make ones prayer fail to rise up before God. Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

What happens when fear speaks louder than faith? In this sermon, we examine Israel's critical moment at the edge of the Promised Land—and the tragic consequences of unbelief.Though God had already promised the land, the people chose to trust the report of fear rather than the word of the Lord. Ten spies focused on giants and obstacles, while only Joshua and Caleb believed God was able to do what He said. The result was discouragement, rebellion, and a refusal to move forward in faith.This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we living by sight—or by faith? Will we trust God's promises, or allow fear to keep us from all He has prepared for us?

The sermon explores the dramatic transformation of King Manasseh of Judah, a ruler whose reign was marked by extreme wickedness—including idolatry, child sacrifice, and the murder of prophets—yet who ultimately experienced a profound and unexpected repentance during his captivity in Babylon. Though God had already pronounced judgment on Judah for Manasseh's sins, including exile and national destruction, the narrative reveals the sovereign grace of God who, in mercy, responded to Manasseh's genuine repentance, restoring him to his throne and enabling him to lead sweeping reforms. The central message underscores that no sin is too great for the atoning blood of Christ, and that God's mercy surpasses human understanding, even when judgment is justly deserved. The preacher emphasizes the call to bold evangelism, warning against despairing of anyone's redemption while also cautioning that grace is not a license to continue in sin, as consequences—such as the reign of Manasseh's wicked son and the eventual fall of Jerusalem—still follow. Ultimately, the story points forward to the coming of Christ, the true King who fulfills God's redemptive plan and invites all to repent and believe.

We're in Ezra 9. Though God has restored His people from exile, there's one thing they fail to do.

Where has God been throughout history—and what does His presence mean for us today? In Stephen's powerful sermon before the religious council, Acts 6:8–7:53 traces the story of God's faithfulness from Abraham to Moses to David, revealing that God has always been with His people, even in moments of opposition, suffering, and rejection.Stephen reminds us that the entire storyline of Scripture points toward Jesus—the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Though God's people often resisted Him, His presence, His promises, and His purposes have never been stopped.

Nor let any neglect worship, because they cannot find their hearts spiritual in it. The further we are from God, the more carnal shall we be. No man can expect heat by a distance from the sunbeams, or other means of warmth. Though God commanded a circumcised heart in the Jewish services, yet he did not warrant a neglect of the outward testimonies of religion he had then appointed; he expected according to his command, that they should offer the sacrifices, and practise the legal purifications he had commanded; he would have them diligently observed, though he had declared that he imposed them only for a time.

On Sunday, we explored the story of Esther—a story of courage, faith, and God's hidden hand at work. Though God's name is never mentioned in the book of Esther, His presence is unmistakable.When God seems silent in our own lives, we can follow Esther's example by seeking Him through prayer, repentance, and expectant obedience.This week, take some time to revisit the message and walk through the Sunday to Monday reflection guide. It's designed to help you live out the truth that God is always working, even when He seems absent.

In this episode of Committed to the Cause, Pastor Jeremy Chism of Bethany Baptist Church in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, concludes the devotional series through Haggai with a stirring reminder that true spiritual construction must begin with heart-level consecration.Though God's people had resumed building the temple, their hearts still needed cleansing. ⚒️ Pastor Chism explains from Haggai 2 that religious routine without repentance produces no revival. God desired more than walls of stone—He wanted hearts made holy.

The sermon centers on King Josiah of Judah, whose reign marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history as a godly ruler who embodies the ideal of walking faithfully in the ways of David. Beginning with a brief introduction highlighting his righteousness and unwavering commitment to God's law, the narrative unfolds in his 18th year when the long-lost Book of the Law is discovered during temple renovations, revealing the nation's deep spiritual decline and the impending judgment due to persistent idolatry. Josiah's immediate response—tearing his clothes and weeping in repentance—demonstrates genuine, heart-level contrition, not mere ritualism, and prompts him to seek divine counsel through the prophetess Huldah. Though God declares that judgment will come upon Judah for its apostasy, He graciously spares Josiah from witnessing the coming disaster because of his humble and penitent heart, affirming that true repentance is marked by inward sorrow and obedience. The passage underscores the enduring danger of religious tradition replacing divine revelation, the necessity of Scripture as the ultimate authority, and the profound hope found in God's mercy toward those who turn to Him in sincerity.

Theme: Obedience, Trust, and Consecration — Lessons from Jericho and Ai Pastor Matthew continued his teaching series in the Book of Joshua, focusing on chapters 6 and 7—the fall of Jericho and the sin of Achan. The message contrasts the victory that comes through obedience with the defeat that follows disobedience. The Battle of Jericho — Obedience Brings Victory Text: Joshua 6 God commanded Joshua and the Israelites to march around Jericho once a day for six days and seven times on the seventh day, with seven priests blowing seven rams' horns before the Ark of the Covenant. Though God could have destroyed Jericho instantly, He required faithful obedience—teaching Israel to trust His word above their understanding. The people were instructed to remain completely silent until the final trumpet blast—a picture of disciplined obedience and dependence on God's timing. On the seventh day, after the final trumpet blast, the people shouted, and the walls of Jericho collapsed—a miraculous victory marking the Israelites' first conquest in the Promised Land. Key Lesson: Faith requires obedience even when instructions make no sense. The Israelites' victory came not by strength but by submission to God's word. The Principle of First fruits — The Tithe of Jericho Jericho represented the first fruits of the Promised Land; all spoils from the city were devoted to God as holy and untouchable. Joshua reminded the people that everything belongs to God, and the first portion of increase is His (Proverbs 3:9–10). This first conquest was to be fully dedicated to the Lord, symbolizing that everything that follows is blessed when the first portion is consecrated. God instructed that silver, gold, and bronze be placed in His treasury—no individual was to take from it. Application: The first belongs to God—whether it's time, talent, or treasure. Giving back to Him is not about pressure, but about trust and honor. The Fall at Ai — Disobedience Brings Defeat Text: Joshua 7 A man named Achan from the tribe of Judah secretly took a Babylonian garment, silver, and gold from Jericho, violating God's command. Because of this hidden sin, Israel was defeated at Ai, losing 36 men. Joshua fell before God in despair, questioning why the defeat happened, but God told him plainly: “Get up! Israel has sinned... They have stolen, deceived, and put it among their own stuff.” The nation's defeat was not due to lack of skill but due to sin in the camp. Until the accursed thing was removed, they could not stand before their enemies. Key Principle: Even private disobedience can bring corporate consequence. God's presence and power dwell with purity and obedience. The Judgment of Achan Achan confessed that he coveted and stole the forbidden items. He and his household were brought to the Valley of Achor (“trouble”) and were executed—serving as a solemn reminder that sin contaminates the whole body. The judgment restored Israel's standing before God and removed the curse from the camp. Spiritual Lesson: We must remove the “accursed things”—anything that dishonors God or competes with Him for first place in our lives. The Call to Generosity and Trust Pastor Matthew used the story of Achan to teach about honoring God with our resources: Tithing and giving predate the Law—first modeled by Abraham and Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18–20). Malachi 3:8–10 calls believers to “bring all the tithes into the storehouse” and test God's promise to open the windows of heaven. Luke 11:42 shows Jesus affirmed tithing while calling believers to practice it with justice and love. Hebrews 7:5–9 demonstrates that giving honors God across generations, as Levi was blessed through Abraham's obedience. He emphasized that giving is not about compulsion, but about faith and partnership with God's purpose. “You'll trust Him with your eternal salvation—why not trust Him with your finances?” Illustration: He shared a testimony of a man who began tithing in hardship and later prospered abundantly, learning firsthand that God honors faithfulness. Spiritual and National Lessons The defeat at Ai mirrors spiritual decline in modern times—a warning for America: great power and knowledge cannot replace obedience to God. Pastor urged believers to sanctify themselves and remove what is cursed—anything that keeps them from God's favor. He reminded that sin, disobedience, or misplaced loyalty (even cultural compromise) brings spiritual defeat, but repentance restores God's presence. Closing Application Check with God in everything—even after victory. Success can easily lead to complacency. Consecrate your life—make sure God is first in your time, finances, priorities, and heart. Trust God's Word, not your feelings. Faith grows when obedience is consistent. Remember that obedience brings blessing, while disobedience brings loss and distance from God. Core Takeaway Faith obeys when it doesn't understand. Victory requires consecration. Disobedience endangers everyone. God's power flows through purity, obedience, and trust.

Send me a one-way text about this episode! I'll give you a shout out or answer your question on a future episode.In this final Homemaker Portrait of 2025, I am chatting with In-the-Trenches homemaker and mama to 5 girls, Jenny Nanninga. I loved this conversation with Jenny. She is so wise, funny, and really, she's an open book. She candidly shares her struggles to accept and adjust to life in a 700 square foot home with 5 girls and one bathroom. Though God blessed them 2 years ago with a larger home, Jenny values her time in the tiny house because she learned so much about contentment and creative homemaking there. She fiercely defends the value of homemaking to anyone who will listen, but most importantly to her girls and she is training them not just in the practical skills of the home but in valuing the work of the homemaker. We cover all the usual ground of strengths, weaknesses, influences, wins, fails and more. NOTES & LINKSFor Full Show Notes, including Jenny's favorites and Signature Dish, go to theartofhomepodcast.com/blog and search "Jenny Nanninga"Connect with JennyEtsy (for Nature Group Start Up Guide and more!)Instagram @bloom.wild.schoolhouseArticles in Focus on the Family and BrioThe Joyful Life articlesBloom Wild Girls, Podcast for Tween & Teen Girls | Apple | Spotify | InstagramMentioned in this EpisodeBooks: A Lantern in Her Hand by Bess Streeter Aldrich Mother Carey's Chickens by Kate Douglas WigginPower Paste Grout CleanerFREE Advent Guide: theartofhomepodcast.com/christmasSupport the showHOMEMAKING RESOURCES Private Facebook Group, Homemaker Forum Newsletter Archive JR Miller's Homemaking Study Guide SUPPORT & CONNECT Review | Love The Podcast Contact | Voicemail |Instagram | Facebook | Website | Email Follow | Follow The Podcast Support | theartofhomepodcast.com/support **Buy | as an Amazon affiliate, AoH receives a small commission at no extra cost to you when you use our links to purchase items we recommend

This is part 7 of "Make It Make Sense," our series at Fusion Christian Church where we ask difficult questions and look for biblical answers. In this week's message, Pastor Matt closes out this series by teaching about God's presence in times of need.He is the God of both the mountaintop and the valley.There are few stories which demonstrate the ups and downs of life as clearly as that of Joseph. He was the favorite son of Israel, but this created jealousy among his brothers, who sold him into slavery. When Joseph arrived as a slave in Egypt, he earned favor in his master's house through his diligence and faithfulness. Unfortunately, he also earned the favor of his master's wife, who attempted to seduce Joseph. When Joseph rejected her advances, the spurned woman falsely accused him and had him thrown into prison. Finally, God provided a way out for Joseph by giving him an opportunity to interpret dreams for the Pharaoh of Egypt. Pharaoh raised Joseph to second in command over all Egypt. God is always faithful to his promises.Throughout all of this, Joseph recognized that God had been there with him. Joseph knew that God had orchestrated events to put Joseph in a place where he could eventually save his family and all of Egypt. Scripture is filled with promises from God, and filled further with examples of God keeping those promises. God has never once broken a promise to his people, and knowing that, we can trust him to never break one in the future.God's presence is not proven by the absence of suffering, but by his faithfulness through it.Though God has promised many things, he has never promised that we will not suffer. What God has promised is to see us through our suffering. Not only that, but by living a human life in the person of Jesus, God has experienced our suffering. We do not have a distant God who does not understand, but we have a God who suffered and died like any man did on the cross. For that, we can be grateful and confident that he sympathizes with us in our weakness.

Though God, according to His eternal decree, has chosen a definite number to salvation, He nevertheless sincerely and earnestly desires the salvation of all men; therefore, the church must proclaim and pray with confidence that the gospel of Christ is freely and genuinely offered to every sinner, without restriction or hesitation.

In The Glory Due His Name, Megan J. Conner reminds us that in a world obsessed with the artificial, it’s easy to lose sight of the majesty of God’s creation. Drawing from Psalm 29:2–4, this devotional calls believers to lift their eyes from the screens and distractions of daily life and return to authentic worship—to “ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name.” Highlights In a world filled with man-made distractions, we often overlook God’s true glory in creation. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, we easily forget God’s faithfulness and miracles when we focus on worldly comforts. God’s handiwork is all around us—every breath, seed, and heartbeat declares His majesty. Worship is not just a Sunday activity; it’s a daily act of remembrance and gratitude for God’s provision and redemption. We are called to lift our gaze, turn from distractions, and proclaim His greatness to the world. Join the Conversation How do you intentionally worship God in your daily life? Share your reflections and inspire others to glorify Him amid life’s noise. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #AscribeGlory #WorthyIsTheLord #FaithInAction to join the conversation.

A – About: The people of Judah ask Jeremiah to seek God's direction but secretly desire approval for their own plans. Though God clearly commands them to stay, they choose the comfort of Egypt over obedience, revealing hypocrisy in their hearts. B – Best Verse: Jeremiah 42:21 (NKJV) – "And I have this day declared it to you, but you have not obeyed the voice of the Lord your God, or anything which He has sent you by me." C – Called to Do: We are called to submit to God's will even when it conflicts with our desires. Pray sincerely, listen humbly, and obey fully—trusting that His plans are for our good, even when they are difficult.

Cain’s story reveals the destructive power of unchecked sin and the deceptive pull of self-righteousness. Though God warns and even shows mercy, Cain hardens his heart. This passage confronts our own struggle with sin and points to the justice and mercy of God, who alone can offer a better sacrifice. Please note: This past Sunday our trailer with all of our equipment was stolen. As a result of this, the audio quality has been affected. Please see the following statement in regard to the future of Renewal Church: https://www.renewalchurch.net/statement Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

     Concerning the permission of divorce, Jesus said the Pharisees, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way” (Matt 19:8). God's permissive will can be observed on a national level, as Paul said, “In the generations gone by He permitted all the nations to go their own ways” (Acts 14:16). This explains much of the poor behavior we see among the nations as we study world history. Though God desires righteousness among the nations (Prov 14:34), He allows them to pursue their own values and priorities. Yet He never relinquishes His sovereignty, and in time, He will hold every nation accountable for its actions (Ps 9:17; Rev 20:12-13).      God is always righteous and directs people to righteous living. However, God is no bully, as He does not force people to obey Him. When people turn negative to God, He permits them to pursue their sinful ways, though they are not free to choose the consequences of their actions. One who plays with fire will eventually get burned. Concerning those who “suppress God's truth in unrighteousness” (Rom 1:18), three times it is written that He “gave them over” to “the lusts of their hearts” (Rom 1:24), and “to degrading passions” (Rom 1:26), and “to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper” (Rom 1:28). Once God permits a person to operate by his/her sinful passions, they are given a measure of freedom to live as they want. These are described as “being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful” (Rom 1:29-31).      Fourth, there is God's overruling will, which refers to those occasions when He hinders His creatures from acting contrary to His sovereign purposes. Throughout Scripture we observe God intervening in the actions of fallen angels and people. After God permitted Adam and Eve to disobey Him, He then drove them from the Garden of Eden and overruled their ability to go back in and eat from the tree of life (Gen 3:22-24). After Abraham lied to Abimelech and told him that Sarah was his sister, Abimelech took her as his wife. However, in order to protect Sarah, God intervened and told Abimelech, “Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is married” (Gen 20:3). Abimelech pleaded with God and claimed his innocence (Gen 20:4-5). God, being just, told Abimelech, “Yes, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also kept you from sinning against Me; therefore, I did not let you touch her” (Gen 20:6). Jacob served his uncle Laban for twenty years, but during that time his uncle had mistreated him, and by the end, he saw his uncle “was not friendly toward him as formerly” (Gen 31:2). Realizing it was time for Jacob to leave his uncle, he told his two wives, Rachel and Leah, “your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times; however, God did not allow him to hurt me” (Gen 31:7). During the tribulation, there will be hostile unbelievers who will try to flee from God's wrath by seeking death. But God prevents them from this escape, as John writes, “in those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will long to die, and death flees from them” (Rev 9:6).      When Satan wanted to attack Job, God granted him permission, saying, “Behold, all that he has is in your power” (Job 1:12a). But then God restrained Satan, saying, “do not put forth your hand on him” (Job 1:12b). When Satan came back a second time, God granted him permission to attack Job's body, saying, “he is in your power” (Job 2:6a), but then told him to “spare his life” (Job 2:6b). When Job's wife advised him to “curse God and die” (Job 2:9), he responded, saying, “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10). During the seven-year tribulation, demons are released from an angelic prison and “power was given them” to hurt unbelievers (Rev 9:3). However, they were restrained, as God told them, “not to hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree, but only the men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. And they were not permitted to kill anyone, but to torment for five months” (Rev 9:4-5a). Satan is currently active in the world (1 Pet 5:8; 1 John 5:19) and will be during the tribulation. However, God intervenes at the end of the tribulation and has Satan arrested and “bound him for a thousand years” (Rev 20:2). God's arresting angel “threw Satan into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time” (Rev 20:3).      Fifth, there is God's providential will, which refers to the outworking of His sovereign will in such a way that He creates circumstances that direct our lives and destiny. Believers who understand this will make their human plans contingent on God's sovereign plans (1 Ch 13:2; Acts 18:21; Jam 4:15). As God's people, we know the Lord and His will for our lives because His written Word informs and guides us. The Bible is our divine pedagogical guide. In addition to Scripture, God directs us providentially as He controls the circumstances of our lives to His desired end. However, only the believer with a thorough knowledge of God's Word can properly interpret his/her circumstances and know what God is doing. Interpreting circumstances, or divine impressions on the heart, is never as clear as knowing God's Word. Charles Clough states: "There is a mystical element to Christianity in how the Lord leads you; and He impresses upon you different things. But you can never elevate that mystical part of your Christian life and make it equal to the revelation of Scripture, because the revelation of Scripture is the measuring stick so you can tell the difference between Christ in the heart and heart burn. How you do that is whether it fits the Scripture."[1] God's providence is His continual care over the creation He brought into existence. God continues to create and control circumstances in order to direct history according to His predetermined plan, all for His glory and the benefit of His people. People live in the flow of history, and are moved by the circumstances God controls. J. I. Packer states: "Providence is normally defined in Christian theology as the unceasing activity of the Creator whereby, in overflowing bounty and goodwill (Psa 145:9 cf. Mt 5:45–48), he upholds his creatures in ordered existence (Acts 17:28; Col 1:17; Heb 1:3), guides and governs all events, circumstances and free acts of angels and men (cf. Psa 107; Job 1:12; 2:6; Gen 45:5–8), and directs everything to its appointed goal, for his own glory (cf. Eph 1:9–12)."[2]      God is holy and never creates evil, however, He can and does control those who do. Satan, and those who follow him, are ultimately under God's sovereign control, and even their evil plans and actions are used for His good purposes. For example, Joseph was mistreated by his brothers and sold into slavery and taken to Egypt where he suffered greatly. Yet, later in his life, Joseph interpreted their behavior from the divine perspective, telling his brothers, “Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life” (Gen 45:5). And Joseph repeated himself a second time, saying, “God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God” (Gen 45:7-8a). And later, he told them a third time, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Gen 50:20). It was God's providence that drove Saul to chase after his father's donkeys, and then be led to the prophet Samuel and anointed king of Israel (1 Sam 9-10). It was God's providence that directed Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, so the baby Jesus would be born at the appointed time and place (Mic 5:2; Luke 2:4-6; Gal 4:4). Later, Joseph and Mary were compelled to go to Egypt, in order to preserve the baby Savior (Matt 2:13-15). It was God's providence that forced Aquila and Priscilla out of Rome by the emperor Claudius' decree, only to meet the apostle Paul in Corinth and join him in Christian ministry (Acts 18:1-3; Rom 16:3; 1 Cor 16:19). It was God's providence that put the Lord Jesus on the cross to be crucified by the hands of godless men. Peter, charging Israelites in Jerusalem concerning Jesus's death, said, “This Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death” (Acts 2:23). And after being persecuted by the leaders in Jerusalem, Peter and John, along with others, said to God, “For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur” (Acts 4:27-28). In these verses we see people behaving sinfully, whether Joseph's brothers, or human rulers who abuse their power; yet God used their sinful choices to bring about a greater good. Because God is righteous, all His actions are just (Psa 119:137). Because He is loving (1 John 4:8), He directs all things for the benefit of His people. Because He is good (Psa 34:8; 100:5), He “causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28).      Concerning Christian ministry, God providentially opens and closes doors of service. Throughout the New Testament, an “open door” refers to a divinely orchestrated opportunity for sharing the gospel and engaging in Christian ministry (Acts 14:25-27). On one occasion the Lord closed an opportunity for ministry (Acts 16:6-7), but then opened another (Acts 16:9-10). An “open door” for ministry can have opposition (1 Cor 16:7-9), does not remove everyday concerns about life (2 Cor 2:12-13), should be sought with prayer (Col 4:2-3), and once opened cannot be shut by people (Rev 3:8). As God's people, we do not create occasions for Christian ministry; we simply accept those provided for us by the Lord (Eph 2:10).    In summary, knowing and doing God's will is largely a matter of knowing His Word and walking in it. Those who are positive to God will desire His Word in order to obey it. From Scripture we know about the Lord Himself, His sovereign control over His creation, what He desires of us, His permission of sin, as well as His directing history providentially to the return and reign of Christ. Where Scripture is silent, we may try to ascertain His will through the circumstances of our life, but such understanding must always be subordinate to the clear revelation of Scripture. Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.   [1] Charles Clough, Lesson 21 - Moral Relativism; Justification & Procedures for Holy War, (2010, 17th minute). https://www.bibleframeworkapplied.org/multi-lesson-series/deuteronomy [2] J. I. Packer, “Providence” in New Bible Dictionary, ed. D. R. W. Wood, I. H. Marshall, A. R. Millard and D. J. Wiseman, 3rd ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 979-80.

In this week's parsha, the shortest in the Torah, Moshe offers a final charge: Though God may hide His face, He will never abandon His people. Again we hear the refrain chazak v'ematz—"be strong, take courage"—as the gates of repentance stand open before us.As Yom Kippur nears, the invitation is to shed pretense and step into our truest selves. What does it mean to begin the year with strength, sincerity, and joy? Tune in to find out.

She wasn't anyone's first pick for a hero, but God had other ideas. She showed a courageous faith that changed her life—and history—forever.Her name was Rahab, a disreputable woman from the pagan Canaanite city of Jericho. The word the Bible uses to describe her is zonah: prostitute, harlot. There's no way to sanitize it.Yet Rahab had come to a point of faith in Israel's God, Yahweh. She had heard the stories of the miraculous ways God had given victory to His people, so when she heard that the Israelite army was breathing down Jericho's neck, her faith moved her to act with courage.Israel's commander, Joshua, had sent two spies into the city of Jericho. When the king of Jericho heard about the two strangers who had entered the city and that they had gone to the hostel run by Rahab, he sent a message commanding her to turn the spies over to him. But Rahab hid the spies and sent a message back to the king, saying that the men had already left. Once the pursuers left Jericho, the gates to the city were closed. Rahab went to the spies where they were hiding and begged for her life. “Please swear to me that you will spare my life and the lives of my family when you attack the city.”The men agreed, with one caveat. She must gather her family into her house and hang a scarlet cord from the window to identify her house. Rahab then let the men down by a rope through the window, for her house was built into the city wall, and they safely returned to the Israelite camp.When the time came for the battle of Jericho, there on the city wall was a scarlet cord hanging from the window. Rahab and her family were spared, and Rahab lived among the Israelites for the rest of her life.Rahab's story teaches us some wonderful lessons.1.     Though God's righteousness demands that evil must be judged, His love demands that He looks to offer mercy. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “God does not want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2.     God is looking for any who might be seeking Him and will pull out all the stops to make their salvation possible.Could it be that God had Joshua send those spies, just for Rahab?God is ready, willing, and able to reach out to those who are seeking Him. He is using creation, conscience, and Christ to prompt them by His Spirit. But…3.     God uses His people to help spiritual seekers take the necessary next steps. At the top of this message, I mentioned that Rahab's courageous faith changed history. In the first chapter of Matthew, we find the genealogy of Joseph, husband of Mary. Believe it or not, Rahab was the great-grandmother of King David. Not only that, the shady lady of Jericho is listed in the ancestral line of Jesus, the Messiah. Text: Joshua 2, 6 Originally recorded on August 21, 2016, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN 

     Some directives are role-specific. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the church, and wives are to submit to their husbands' loving spiritual leadership and show them respect (Eph 5:22, 25, 33; 1 Pet 3:1-2). Children are to obey and honor their parents (Eph 6:1-4). Employees are to serve their supervisors with sincerity (Eph 6:5-8; Col 3:23-24), and supervisors are to treat their workers with fairness and integrity (Eph 6:9; Col 4:1; Jam 5:4). Older women are to teach younger women to love their husbands and children, and to be pure and sensible (Tit 2:3-5), while older men are to be dignified, temperate, and sound in faith (Tit 2:2). Younger men are to be self-controlled, an example of good deeds, and sound in doctrine (Tit 2:6-8). Church members are instructed to support their pastors materially and respectfully (Gal 6:6; 1 Tim 5:17-18), and to use their spiritual gifts for the edification of the body (Rom 12:4-8; 1 Pet 4:10). We are to sing with thankfulness (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16), care for orphans and widows (Jam 1:27; 1 Tim 5:3-16), pray for all people—including leaders (1 Tim 2:1-2), and carry out church discipline when needed, with love and humility (1 Cor 5:1-13). Finally, Paul urges believers to flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with a pure heart (2 Tim 2:22).      Third, there is God's permissive will, which refers to what He permits us to do, either for or against His directive will. All sin falls under this category, for He permits us to resist His directives in some instances. This is also true for fallen angels who are granted a measure of freedom to sin. The fall of Adam and Eve provides a good example of God's permissive will, for after He'd directed them not to eat from the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen 2:16-19), He permitted them to disobey and to follow Satan's leading (Gen 3:1-7). Laney writes, “God's permissive will refers to what the Lord permits even when it is not in conformity with His revealed or prescribed will. God may permit sin, though it is not in keeping with what He prefers.”[1]      Concerning the permission of divorce, Jesus said the Pharisees, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way” (Matt 19:8). God's permissive will can be observed on a national level, as Paul said, “In the generations gone by He permitted all the nations to go their own ways” (Acts 14:16). This explains much of the poor behavior we see among the nations as we study world history. Though God desires righteousness among the nations (Prov 14:34), He allows them to pursue their own values and priorities. Yet He never relinquishes His sovereignty, and in time, He will hold every nation accountable for its actions (Ps 9:17; Rev 20:12-13). Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.   [1] J. Carl Laney, eds. Charles R. Swindoll and Roy B. Zuck, “God's Decree and Individual Free Will” in Understanding Christian Theology (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2003), 215.

The sermon, drawn from 2 Kings 17, presents a sobering autopsy of Israel's fall to Assyria not as a mere political collapse, but as a divine judgment rooted in persistent, systemic rebellion against God. Central to the message is the revelation that Israel's downfall stemmed from idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and the deliberate rejection of God's revealed will—violating the first four commandments by worshiping false gods, adopting pagan practices, and despising His prophets and laws. Though God repeatedly warned through prophets, displayed patience, and delivered His people from Egypt to establish a holy covenant, Israel's stubbornness and spiritual pride led to divine withdrawal. The passage underscores that God's grace is not a license for disobedience, but a call to repentance, and that judgment is inevitable when His warnings are ignored. The sermon concludes with a solemn warning to Judah—and by extension, to all believers—to heed these lessons, for the same pattern of unrepentant sin leads to exile, and God's patience has its limits.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1Where do you run, my friends? Do you run to a co-worker, a friend, a Netflix series, an ice cream sundae, or a spouse? Though God has blessed us with these earthly delights, he never intended that they should take the place of God in our lives.  God is continuously reminding me that he has called us to run to him first!Have an episode idea you want to hear about? Shoot me a message here!Support the showShe Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood (New Motherhood Book with Ascension- Be encouraged and uplifted: www.ascensionpress.com/sheloved) I am convinced that God is on mission to restore and revive the beautiful vocation of motherhood right here and right now! Let's build up this community of catholic moms who are answering the call to this mighty work! If this episode blessed you, I would be so honored if you shared it with a friend, rated it, or left us a review! Support the show!!If you want to come join our community and help support the show I'd be so blessed! www.patreon.com/latteandlaundrypodcastI always love to connect :suzanne@latteandlaundry.com

The book of Esther is one of the most powerful stories in the Bible about courage, faith, and God's providence. Though God's name is never directly mentioned, His hand is evident throughout the story—taking Esther where she was and instilling in her "for such a time as this." In this message, we'll explore how Esther's bravery and obedience led to the salvation of her people, and how her story challenges us to stand up to culture in our own lives.Whether you're facing uncertainty, searching for direction, or needing encouragement to step out in faith, Esther's example will inspire you to live boldly and recognize God's purpose in every season.

Isaiah condemned Israel's priests and prophets for their corruption, drunkenness, and mockery of God's word. Though God gave them simple, repeated truths (“line upon line, precept upon precept”) that even a simple child could grasp, they rejected His word. Instead of rest and refreshing, their refusal brought judgment through foreign invasion. In Matthew 11:28–30, Jesus offers that same rest—now fulfilled in Him. Where Israel's leaders scorned simplicity, Christ invites all to come, take His easy yoke, and learn from Him. God's truth is simple yet powerful, and rejecting it brings ruin, but receiving it brings rest, growth, and eternal life.

Though God's law is holy, it cannot enable us to live a holy life, because it continues to expose how helpless we are apart from the Holy Spirit.

Read OnlineTaking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over—twelve wicker baskets full. Matthew 14:19–20An important aspect of this miracle that is easy to miss is that Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes through His disciples' instrumentality. He did this by inviting them to assist in the distribution of the loaves and in the gathering of the fragments left over. This reveals that God often uses us as mediators of His superabundant graces given to others. Though God could pour forth His mercy directly, most often He does so through others.As you ponder this miracle, try to see yourself as one of the disciples who was invited to distribute the bread to the people. If you were there and were hungry and then were given bread, you would be tempted to eat the bread yourself before giving any away. But Jesus gave the bread to His hungry disciples with the instruction to first give it to others.Sometimes, when God calls us to give His mercy to others, we become selfish. It's easy to think that we must first take care of ourselves and our own needs. We erroneously believe that we can only offer mercy to others after our needs are met. Imagine, for example, if upon receiving the bread from Jesus the disciples would have decided that they should eat of it first. Then, if there was anything extra, they could give it to others. Had they done this, the superabundance of the multiplication of the loaves would not have happened. In the end, the disciples themselves received a superabundance of food—precisely because they first gave away what they had received.Spiritually speaking, the same is true with us. When we receive spiritual nourishment from our Lord, our first thought must be to give it away. We must first see all that we receive from God as an opportunity to bestow those blessings upon others. This is the nature of grace. For example, if we are given a sense of peace or joy within our hearts, we must realize that this peace or joy we receive is a gift that must be immediately offered to others. If we are given a spiritual insight into the Scriptures, this is given to us first and foremost to share with others. Every gift we receive from God must be understood as a gift given to us so that we can immediately share it with others. The good news is that when we seek to give away that which we have received, more is given to us and, in the end, we will be far richer.Reflect, today, upon the action of the disciples receiving this food from our Lord and immediately giving it away. See yourself in this miracle, and see the bread as a symbol of every grace you receive from God. What have you received that God wants you to distribute to others? Are there graces you have received that you selfishly try to hold onto? The nature of grace is that it is given to give it to others. Seek to do this with every spiritual gift you receive, and you will find that the graces multiply to the point that you receive more than you could ever imagine.Most generous Lord, You pour forth Your grace and mercy in superabundance. As I receive all that You bestow, please fill my heart with generosity so that I will never hesitate to offer Your mercy to others. Please use me as Your instrument, dear Lord, so that, through me, You may abundantly feed others. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Jacopo Tintoretto, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Miroslav Volf on how to rightly love a radically ambivalent world.“The world, our planetary home, certainly needs to be changed, improved. But what it needs even more is to be rightly loved.”Miroslav Volf begins his 2025 Gifford Lectures at the University of Aberdeen with a provocative theological inquiry: What difference does belief in God make for our relationship to the world? Drawing deeply from Nietzsche's “death of God,” Schopenhauer's despair, and Hannah Arendt's vision of amor mundi, Volf explores the ambivalence of modern life—its beauty and horror, its resonance and alienation. Can we truly love the world, even amidst its chaos and collapse? Can a belief in the God of Jesus Christ provide motivation to love—not as appetite or utility, but as radical, unconditional affirmation? Volf suggests that faith offers not a retreat from reality, but an anchor amid its disorder—a trust that enables us to hope, even when the world's goodness seems impossible. This first lecture challenges us to consider the character of our relationship to the world, between atheism and theism, critique and love.Episode Highlights“The world, our planetary home, certainly needs to be changed, improved. But what it needs even more is to be rightly loved.”“Resonance seems both indispensable and insufficient. But what should supplement it? What should underpin it?”“Our love for that lived world is what these lectures are about.”“We can reject and hate one form of the world because we love the world as such.”“Though God is fully alive… we often find the same God asleep when our boats are about to capsize.”Helpful Links and ReferencesResonance by Hartmut RosaThe Human Condition by Hannah ArendtThis Life by Martin HägglundThe Home of God by Miroslav Volf and Ryan McAnnally-LinzThe City of God by AugustineDivine Comedy by DanteShow NotesPaul Nimmo introduces the Gifford Lectures and Miroslav Volf's themeVolf begins with gratitude and scope: belief in God and our worldIntroduces Nietzsche's “death of God” as cultural metaphorFrames plausibility vs. desirability of God's existenceIntroduces Hartmut Rosa's theory of resonanceProblem: resonance is not enough; what underpins motivation to care?Introduces amor mundi as thematic direction of the lecturesContrasts Marx's atheism and human liberation with Nietzsche's nihilismAnalyzes Dante and Beatrice in Hägglund's This LifeDistinguishes between “world” and “form of the world”Uses cruise ship metaphor to critique modern life's ambivalenceDiscusses Augustine, Hannah Arendt, and The Home of GodReflections on divine providence and theodicyBiblical images: flood, exile, and the sleeping GodEnds with preview of next lectures on Schopenhauer and NietzscheLet me know if you'd like episode-specific artwork prompts, promotional copy for social media, or a transcript excerpt formatted for publication.Production NotesThis podcast featured Miroslav VolfEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Taylor Craig and Macie BridgeA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/giveSpecial thanks to Dr. Paul Nimmo, Paula Duncan, and the media team at the University of Aberdeen. Thanks also to the Templeton Religion Trust for their support of the University of Aberdeen's 2025 Gifford Lectures and to the McDonald Agape Foundation for supporting Miroslav's research towards the lectureship.

Read OnlineAt that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.”  Matthew 11:25This passage is in stark contrast to the passage just before it in which Jesus chastised the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum for not repenting and believing in Him. And as soon as Jesus issued those rebukes, He turned His eyes to Heaven and offered praise to the Father for revealing the hidden mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven to those who were “childlike.”One of the greatest threats to a pure and childlike faith is intellectual pride. Those who consider themselves as “wise and learned” are often tempted to rely upon their own reasoning abilities to come to conclusions and beliefs in life. The problem is that even though the matters of our faith are fully reasonable, they go beyond the conclusions that human reason alone can achieve. We cannot figure out God by ourselves. We need the gift of faith for that, and the gift of faith begins with a spiritual communication from God through which He reveals to us Who He is and what is true. Only the childlike, meaning, those who are humble, are able to hear this form of communication from God and respond.This passage also reveals to us that Jesus passionately rejoices in this form of humble faith. He gives “praise” to the Father in Heaven for witnessing such faith, because Jesus knows that this form of faith originates from the Father. In your life, it is important that you regularly ponder whether you are more like the wise and learned or like those who are childlike. Though God is an infinite and incomprehensible mystery, He must be known. And the only way we can come to know God is if He reveals Himself to us. And the only way God will reveal Himself to us is if we remain humble and childlike.As we come to childlike faith, we must also imitate the praise that Jesus offered the Father for the faith that He witnessed in the lives of His followers. We, too, must turn our eyes to those who clearly manifest this pure knowledge of God by the gift of faith. As we see this faith lived, we must rejoice and offer praise to the Father. And this act of praise must be given not only when we see faith alive in others, it must also be given when we see the gift of faith grow within our own soul. We must foster a holy awe of what God does within us, and we must rejoice in that experience. Reflect, today, upon Jesus giving praise to the Father as He witnesses the faith born in the hearts of His followers. When Jesus looks at you, what does He do? Does He issue chastisements? Or does His Sacred Heart rejoice and give praise for what He sees. Give joy to the Heart of Christ by humbling yourself to the point that you, too, are counted among the childlike who truly know and love God. My rejoicing Lord, You are attentive to the workings of grace in every human heart. As You see the Voice of the Father speaking to Your children, You rejoice at such a sight. Dear Lord, I pray that my own heart will be the cause of Your joy and Your praise of the Father in Heaven. Please speak to me and help me to believe with all my heart. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: James Tissot, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Anchor Passage: (Exodus 15:22-16:5)God had rescued His people from slavery, choosing Moses to lead them to freedom. They had seen His power through the plagues in Egypt and splitting the sea, but life after rescue wasn't easy. Though God provided bread from Heaven daily and water to drink, His people failed to trust Him. Join us as we learn to rely on Jesus—the Bread of Life and Living Water who sustains and satisfies us!First Time? Start Here: https://rock.marinerschurch.org/connectcardCan we pray for you? https://rock.marinerschurch.org/page/692You can find information for all our Mariners congregations, watch more videos, and learn more about us and our ministries on our website https://www.marinerschurch.org/---------------------------------------------------------------- FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marinerschurch • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marinerschurch • Twitter: https://twitter.com/marinerschurch • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinerschurch • Online Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariners.online-------------------------------------------------------------------- Support the ministry and help us reach people worldwide: https://www.marinerschurch.org/give/Like podcasts? Check out more from Mariners Church https://www.marinerschurch.org/podcast-channels/

In this message, Jose Zayas teaches from Exodus 32, where the people of Israel turn from God to worship a golden calf, revealing how quickly hearts can drift from trust to idolatry. Though God had just invited them into covenant relationship, their impatience leads to a distorted version of worship shaped by fear and self-reliance. In response, God's anger burns, but through Moses' bold intercession, we see that mercy and judgment are held together in God's character. This moment becomes a mirror for our own hearts—exposing where we've reshaped God into our own image or failed to trust Him fully. Yet even in failure, the message is one of grace: God remains willing to forgive, restore, and lead His people, calling them back into faithful partnership through repentance and renewal. Jose serves as the Lead Pastor of 26 West Church in Portland, Oregon and speaks at festivals and conferences across the country.

As we continue to make our way through the Minor Prophets, we arrive at the smallest book of prophecy, the book of Obadiah. In just 21 verses, we see God's determination to restore His people through judgment on display in the destruction of Edom. We also learn four important lessons for our lives today about the destructive nature of pride and the trustworthy sovereignty of God, our good and just Judge.Main PointsThrough judgment, God will restore His people. Lesson #1: Obadiah reminds us of the destruction of pride. Lesson #2: Obadiah reminds us that God's people are saved through judgment.Lesson #3: Obadiah reminds us that God is just and will judge; this is good news.Lesson #4: Obadiah reminds us that the eternal kingdom is the Lord's.Key TakeawaysNapoleon is known for his pride. His pride led to his destruction. Similarly, the book of Obadiah tells about the pride and fall of the Edomites. Yet it also contains a message of hope that through judgment God will restore His people.God's indictment against Edom (vv. 1-2) is sent among the nations as a warning against pride. Verses 3-4 describe the Edomites' problem: their arrogance. God promised to oppose Edom for their pride.The Lord declares total devastation will come to Edom (vv. 5-9).Verses 10-14 demonstrate how this pride from Edom has manifested toward the Israelites, their blood relatives. They should have allied with Israel but instead, they were violent toward them because of their pride. In doing so, they opposed both God and God's people.Verse 15 is a key verse. It describes a reversal of fortune. Essentially, in colloquial terms, “what goes around comes around.” God promises the Edomites will drink a cup of judgment, bringing about their own demise by their destructive actions even as God Himself judges them for rejecting Him. Thus we see the balance between human responsibility and divine sovereignty. Obadiah's prophecy was fulfilled, and quickly. The Nabateans overthrew Edom. This was the prophecy's immediate fulfillment.But the ultimate fulfillment will be Jesus' second coming when God judges all the nations—the righteous unto salvation and unrighteous unto judgment.Verses 17-21 transitions from a message of destruction to a message of hope and restoration. Though God judged His people (see the book of Amos), a remnant remains and God will restore them.God's ultimate objective is the realization of His eternal kingdom to bless His people forever.Lesson #1: Obadiah reminds us of the destruction of pride. The Noah Webster Dictionary of 1828 defines pride this way: “Pride is inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one's own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others.”The ultimate expression of pride is living without an understanding and declaration of our desperate need for God.The most severe manifestation is the willful rejection of the triune God and His Word. All pride leads to destruction.Yet it's inherent in our fallen nature. Even as believers, our flesh wrestles with our new self in Christ. But God in His love allows the destructive consequences of pride to humble us and bring us to repentance.Lesson #2: Obadiah reminds us that God's people are saved through judgment.We have all acted in the sin of pride in opposition to God. And we are saved through judgment—God's judgment of sin poured out on Christ in our stead.Lesson #3: Obadiah reminds us that God is just and will judge; this is good news.God will right all wrongs. And He is a better Judge than we are. Vengeance is His (Romans 12:19-21). Lesson #4: Obadiah reminds us that the eternal kingdom is the Lord's.Justice is coming. This world is not our treasure. As we sing, “Though the nations rage and kingdoms rise and fall, there is still one King reigning over all; and I shall not fear, for this truth remains—that my God is the Ancient of Days.”The greatest declaration of pride is, “Lord, I don't need You.” May our humble declaration be, “Lord, I need You.”Discussion Questions/ApplicationPersonal application:Spend some time asking the Spirit to help you identify pride in your heart. How do you see pride show up in your life on a weekly/daily basis? How do you live as though you don't need God? How do you see apathy toward God show up in your life? If you have trouble, think through a recent conflict. How did your pride play a role? Are you experiencing any destructive consequences of pride right now?Consider: Do you see a holy hatred of pride growing in your life? How? If not, how can you begin—through the Holy Spirit's power—to cultivate it more?Discuss with your community group:What wrongs are you struggling with right now, desiring to see justice prevail? How can you more fully embrace God as our Judge and trust His timing and plan in this? Share about a time when pride led to destruction in your life. What happened? How did God use the consequences of your sin to lovingly discipline you and draw you to Him? How did you see James 4:4-10 at work?Passages ReferencedJames 4:4-10; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Romans 12:19-21Worship Set List: The Passion, Firm Foundation (He Won't), Nothing Else, Death Was Arrested, Lord I Need You

Though God's plans for our lives will involve some fearful circumstances, we must be unafraid and resolute about fulfilling God's calling on our lives as we hold on to his promises.

Pastor John Munro begins an exciting new series on the book of Esther.  Though God is never mentioned by name in this book, His sovereign hand works behind the scenes, orchestrating events for the good of His people.  In this fascinating story of dramatic events, we'll discover how God remains faithful even when He seems hidden.

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In this episode, Pastor David Maestas walks through Joshua 23 as Joshua, now nearing the end of his life, offers a heartfelt farewell to Israel's leaders. He reminds them of God's faithfulness and warns them not to turn away or be lured by the nations around them. Though God had clearly led them into victory, the question remains: would they continue to follow? Pastor David highlights how spiritual drift often begins subtly—through compromise, comfort, or forgetting what God has already done. This message is a timely reminder that God may lead, but we must choose daily to follow. Faithfulness isn't about one big moment of obedience, but about a lifetime of small, consistent steps in the right direction. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more like biblical episodes this. 

Obedience is better than sacrifice... Israel's first king, Saul, rebels against the commandments of the Lord; forfeiting his kingship. Though God repents of making Saul king, he promises through the prophet Samuel to raise up another king after his own heart, which will be King David.Nathan Pearl teaches through 1 Samuel about the disobedience of King Saul.

In this Bible Story, we see the restoration of David after a heinous sin with Bathsheba. Nathan shows David the error of his ways, which begins the process of bringing David back to God. Then a new son is born, who God would use to do great things. This story is inspired by 2 Samuel 12 & Psalm 51. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 2 Samuel 12:7 from the King James Version.Episode 103: The sin of David did not go unnoticed. God saw every act and every motive, making it known to Nathan the prophet. Nathan, grieved by the sin of his friend, went to confront the king about this and shared with him a parable. When the king realized he was the villain in the parable, he broke down in tears and repentance, acknowledging his sin against God. Though God would not let this sin go unpunished, God promised that He would restore him.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this message, Andrew unpacks Exodus 19 as the pivotal moment when Yahweh proposes covenant union with His people, revealing that Exodus is not merely a rescue story—it's a love story. After delivering Israel from slavery, God invites them into a sacred relationship, offering not just rules, but identity and vocation: to be His treasured possession and a kingdom of priests. This covenant mirrors a wedding proposal, calling for wholehearted devotion rather than passive belief. Though God's holiness is overwhelming, the message of the New Covenant through Jesus is that we are no longer held at a distance. In Christ, we move from trembling at the base of the mountain to bold access in the presence of God. Worship becomes our response to divine love, not out of fear, but from joy and freedom, as we receive both our identity and purpose in Him.

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 12 Jesus and His disciples come to Bethany to dine with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Mary anoints His feet with costly perfume. Judas Iscariot grumbles about this because he is a thief and hopes to plunder money from the sale of the perfume. A large crowd gathers to see Jesus and the resurrected Lazarus. This infuriates the Jewish leaders, who plan to kill Lazarus. Jesus then enters Jerusalem, and His followers worship Him as King. Many come to Jesus, including Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. Jesus teaches them that personal sacrifice is needed to be in His kingdom. The people then hear God, from heaven, proclaim Jesus and His glory! Some follow Him, while others who believe are silenced by their fear of the Jews.  The approval of men, and fear of others, are serious tests of faith. To believe in Jesus is to follow His teachings, leaving darkness for light, no matter what anyone thinks. The world, in so many ways, tries to weaken and silence believers. Judas was weakened by greed, and he betrayed the Lord. The Pharisees were blinded by jealousy and selfishness. Though God from heaven pronounced Jesus as worthy, others feared the actions of men and would not confess Jesus as King. In all of this, there are servants like Mary, who poured her expensive oil on Jesus' feet with no concern for what anyone thought about it. Only those who believe like Mary will be saved on the last day.  Holy God, we love You and desire to grow in our service to You and Your Son. Help us to see how that must resemble Mary pouring oil on Jesus' feet. Help us to see ourselves bowed down to worship Jesus as He rides in on a colt. This world and its darkness seek to overwhelm us and make us ashamed of Jesus. Give us the strength to fight against greed and jealousy. Help us develop the courage to live out a sacrificial faith in Christ, regardless of what anyone says or does. We know “that His commandment is eternal life.” Thought Questions: -       We cannot replicate Mary pouring expensive oil on Jesus' feet. But what does it look like for you to be more like her? -       Jewish leaders rejected Jesus, while Greeks sought to speak with Him. What does that say about where faith might be found? -       Jesus had to “be lifted up” in death to save us from our sins. Might you also have to face public ridicule in following Jesus?