Podcasts about though jesus

“Because Jesus was the king who became a servant, we see a reversal of values in his kingdom administration (Luke 6:20–26). In Jesus' kingdom, the poor, sorrowful, and persecuted are above the rich, recognized, and satisfied. The first shall be last (Matt 19:30). Why would this be? This reversal is a way of imitating the pattern of Christ's salvation (Phil 2:1–11). Though Jesus was rich, he became poor. Though he was a king, he served. Though he was the greatest, he made himself the servant of all. He triumphed over sin not by taking up power but by serving sacrificially. He ‘won' through losing everything. This is a complete reversal of the world's way of thinking, which values power, recognition, wealth, and status. The gospel, then, creates a new kind of servant community, with people who live out an entirely alternate way of being human.”— Tim Keller Luke 6:17-26

This is our final sermon in Matthew's Gospel. Though Jesus has completed everything that he has to do through his death and resurrection, the story has not ended. Because Jesus gives us a commission to 'Go and make disciples of all nations baptising them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit'. First preached: 4th May 2025. Speaker: James McNay.

The story of blind Bartimaeus offers one of the most powerful metaphors for spiritual transformation in the Gospels. When a blind beggar on the roadside hears Jesus is passing by, he recognizes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and refuses to remain silent, even as the crowd attempts to quiet him. His persistent cry—"Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"—reveals remarkable spiritual insight from a man who physically couldn't see.The question Jesus asks—"What do you want me to do for you?"—mirrors the exact question he asked James and John earlier in the chapter. Their response revealed selfish ambition for power and status, while Bartimaeus simply wanted sight. This profound contrast challenges us: when Jesus asks us the same question today, are we seeking worldly success or spiritual vision?Though Jesus tells the newly-sighted man to "go," Bartimaeus chooses instead to "follow him on the road"—the ultimate picture of discipleship born from genuine transformation. His story reminds us that spiritual blindness affects us all, regardless of social status, and that Jesus stands ready to heal those who persistently call out to him.Whether you've walked with Jesus for decades or are just beginning to explore faith, this episode will challenge you to examine what you might need to leave behind to fully follow Christ. Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Before Jesus raised Lazarus, He paused at the tomb—and wept.In this sermon, Pastor Jonny Ardavanis walks through John 11:28–35 and highlights one of the most profoundly human and divine moments in all of Scripture. Though Jesus knew resurrection was coming, He allowed Himself to fully feel the sorrow of the scene. He wept—not out of hopelessness, but out of love, indignation toward sin, and sympathy for those He loved.This message explores four truths revealed in Jesus' tears:1. He was a real man2. He is sympathetic 3. He hates sin and death4. He is the best of friendsThis is not a detached deity—this is a Savior who enters into our sorrow and stands with us in our grief. If you've ever wondered whether God truly understands what you're going through, let this passage and this message assure you: He does.

On this Easter Sunday, we're looking at Jesus' resurrection and the disciples discover that the tomb was empty. Though Jesus had told them he would rise on the third day, his disciples still struggled to understand. The angels came with the message to remember. When they did remember, everything was changed. 

DVD With Niyi Adekunle Thursday 24th April He's Alive Again: The Present-Day Ministry of Jesus 4Many wonder what Jesus is doing now. Is He in heaven simply to wait for the rapture of the saints? Is He watching us from afar as we go through life's challenges?The Bible clearly shows that Jesus is not idle in heaven. He is actively involved in our world. Ephesians 1:20–22 (MSG) says God raised Christ from the dead and set Him in authority over the universe—galaxies, governments, and all things—now and forever. Christ rules it all, through the Church.The Gospels show Jesus' earthly ministry, but the epistles reveal His ongoing work through the Church. How does He do this?John 16:14–15 (TPT) explains that the Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus by receiving what is His and revealing it to us. Everything the Father has belongs to Jesus, and the Spirit brings that divine knowledge to us. This highlights a powerful partnership: the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and us.Though Jesus ascended, He is present on earth through the Holy Spirit. He reveals the will of the Father to us, and as we respond in obedience, that's how His will is done on earth as in heaven.So, part of the present-day ministry of Jesus is this: He receives from the Father, gives to the Holy Spirit, who then reveals it to us. Through our obedience, Jesus continues to rule and work on earth.The more we yield to Him, the more His glory is revealed. You have a vital role in this ministry.I pray that in the name of Jesus, you will not miss your part in what He is doing today. God bless you enjoy your day

Pastor James Leads a special message in Luke 24:13-49 for Resurrection Sunday. 1. As these two disciples logically reasoned through the eyewitness reports of the empty tomb, they received clarity from the Lord Jesus through the Scriptures, and we too will gain understanding from the Lord as we sincerely contemplate the Word of God with genuine humility—“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-82. The two disciples recognized Jesus for who He is after partaking in intimate communion with the Lord which reminds us of the need to have daily fellowship with Christ, as it will help us grow us deeper in knowing Him—John declares in 1 John 1:3 “that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.”3. Though Jesus revealed Himself physically to His disciples by inviting them to handle His resurrected body, we will know Jesus as our resurrected Lord and Savior by embracing the Word of God, through which He gives us understanding by the power of the Holy Spirit—“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” 1 Corinthians 2:12

One year, I agreed to sing a song before one of my son’s sporting events. I practiced for weeks, but I knew the song by heart already. So when I walked onto the field with the teams lined up on both sides of me, I closed my eyes and prayed. I started singing the first few lines. Then, I froze. In that moment I couldn’t remember the next line. A man behind me whispered the words I’d forgotten. As soon as I heard the helpful reminder, I belted out the rest of the lyrics with confidence. We all need a little help sometimes. In John 14, Jesus explained that we love Him by obeying Him, and He promised to ask the Father to give us a Helper—“the Spirit of truth” (vv. 15-16). Jesus said, “The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you” (v. 17). Though Jesus taught the disciples a lot while with them (v. 25), He said “the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (v. 26). As we prayerfully read the Bible, the Holy Spirit helps us interpret, understand, and apply God’s Word. His leading always aligns with Scripture—guiding, comforting, and transforming us in love, one helpful reminder at a time.

Color: Purple Old Testament: Genesis 22:1–14 Psalm: Psalm 43; antiphon: v. 5 Epistle: Hebrews 9:11–15 Gospel: John 8:42–59 Gospel: John 8:46–59 Introit: Psalm 43:3–5; antiphon: vv. 1–2a Gradual: Psalm 143:9a, 10a; 18:48a, c Tract: Psalm 129:1–4 Jesus Is Our Redemption   In the temple Jesus said, “If anyone keeps my word, he will never see death” (John 8:51). For Jesus came to taste death for us—to drink the cup of suffering to the dregs in order that we might be released from its power. Clinging to His life-giving words, we are delivered from death's sting and its eternal judgment. Christ is our High Priest, who entered the Most Holy Place and with His own blood obtained everlasting redemption for His people (Heb. 9:11–15). He is the One who was before Abraham was, and yet is his descendant. He is the promised Son who carries the wood up the mountain for the sacrifice, who is bound and laid upon the altar of the cross. He is the ram who is offered in our place, who is willingly caught in the thicket of our sin, and who wears the crown of thorns upon His head (Gen. 22:1–14). Though Jesus is dishonored by the sons of the devil, He is vindicated by the Father through the cross. Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Though Jesus' words "I am thirsty" may seem insignificant in comparison to his other words from the cross, we learn their deeper meaning and the connection to our lives today in this weekend's message.

It has been said that ‘all you need is love'. But what if you can't find love in life and, even worse, what if people who are supposed to love you don't love you? Well you can still succeed in life when you don't feel love. This is relevant to women and men, old and young and for people of every culture and nation.    There was a lady who has been called the most unloved person in the Bible. She experienced many sad moments in life but in the end, she left an amazing legacy of hope. Her name is Leah which is a name of Hebrew origin meaning ‘tired' or ‘fatigued' which is not the most exciting name. And she was married to a man who didn't have a great name either. He was Jacob which means ‘deceiver'.    But Jacob only married Leah because he himself was deceived by his father-in-law, a scheming guy called Laban. Jacob worked 7 long years for the love of his life which was not Leah but her younger sister Rachel. Jacob was very happy to marry Rachel and to spend his honeymoon night with her. Only that didn't happen. For the next morning Jacob discovered that the woman he had married was not Rachel but her older sister Leah (Genesis 29:25-30).  1. She knew she wasn't loved (Genesis 29:28-31) 2. She tried so hard to earn love (Genesis 29:17; Genesis 29:31-34) 3. She found that she was greatly loved by God (Genesis 29:35; Ruth 4:11; Isaiah 53:5) Apply  1. She knew she wasn't loved. Leah had a dad who didn't love her. He was very focused on just getting her married off even if it meant tricking her and Jacob into a marriage neither of them wanted. It was just a business deal to Laban. He was not thinking how Jacob would feel and more than that, how his oldest daughter Leah would feel. And then as soon as they married, her husband Jacob quickly made clear who he really loved and quickly married Rachel straight after (Genesis 29:28-30). How devastating for Leah that the Bible says ‘his love for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah'. What did she feel like when she learned that Jacob was willing to work another seven years, 14 years in total, just to marry Rachel? The Bible tells us simply that the Lord saw Leah was not loved (Genesis 29:31). How terrible. Many people feel like that. Many experiences in life can cause us to feel unloved. Maybe you have experienced this in your own life: Rejection: a baby her parents thought to abort, or a husband who left home; Lack of recognition or affirmation when you did something good; Disapproval; Betrayal by friends, colleagues or others; Verbal or physical Abuse, maybe from parents or from a person in a relationship in the past; Difficult experiences such as sickness; Family breakdown is one of the worst experiences when children don't grow up with that unconditional love. Maybe also they have a sense of Abandonment, because of a father or mother or the person that represented that in your life left you. All this can lead to lead many problems. Perhaps making bad choices in your relationships, wanting to attach to someone because you feel the need of someone next to you. Maybe you try to find love in sex. Or in rebellion, being contrary and always against something or someone. We find it in the form of liberalism, feminism, and people being exhibitionist, or where they are shy and insecure, sadness, no purpose, or suffering depression. Well life can become difficult in so many ways when you are like Leah who wasn't loved. And that can lead to other problems.  2. She tried so hard to earn love. Leah always knew that she had imperfections and that she was always second best compared to her beautiful sister (Genesis 29:17). Maybe you can also identify with Leah here. We are often very aware of our imperfections and compare ourselves with others. And then your negative feelings can get even worse if you have a sibling or friend who always is better than you, more beautiful or more successful. And it certainly doesn't help if parents often compare you to your brother or sister in a negative way. Well Leah had to live with all this, plus understanding as life went on that she really was not loved. So, she tried to earn love in the only way she knew how: by staying at home and having babies. It pulls at the heart to read how desperately Leah hoped her husband would love her by not only having babies, but much valued sons (Genesis 29:31-34). Maybe you too have tried so hard to earn someone's love but like Leah you still don't feel loved. On the face of it, Leah's life was just so sad, but her story didn't end badly. 3. She found that she was greatly loved by God. Leah's moment of breakthrough came not at the first birth or second, or third but the 4th time (Genesis 29:35). Leah decided to give a new name to her generations. Judah means literally “thanksgiving" or "praise." The moment she looked up and put her focus on God and not her problems she was full of thanks to God. She became joyful. She didn't have to keep having babies to be of value. For it was because the Lord had loved her that He helped her to conceive, and He had greater plans for her than she had imagined. Though she didn't realise it at the time she was helping lay the foundations of the 12 tribes of Israel (Ruth 4:11). And of course it was from the clan of Judah that came David, Israel's greatest King, who wrote most of the Psalms, which are full of praises to the Lord in all circumstances. And from that same clan of Judah, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, came to this earth. Though Jesus all our sins and all our wounds can be healed (Isaiah 53:5). Today is a day for you to know how great the love of God for you is. Let Jesus engrave His love in your heart today. Let His love heal every wound. Look to Him. Thank Him for His kindness and compassion and the plan He has for your life and for your descendants after you. Your decision today will change the course of negativity, or depression, dysfunction and division in your family. Put your sadness behind you. Start to praise Him that you will now have a new legacy of hope and love. You also can receive a great healing, and you could have a better future than you imagine. You can come today into a new line of blessing and receive a great legacy of God's love and mercy.  

Though Jesus is no longer with us in person, He has not left us alone. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, Comforter, and Advocate—strengthening, guiding, and reminding us of the truth. This message will help you understand what it means to live in close relationship with the Spirit of God, and remind you that He is present with you—every moment of every day.

This is part 1 of "Last Words," our sermon series at Fusion Christian Church where we examine the final seven sayings of Jesus before he died. What is the significance of Jesus' last words? As we look forward to Easter, it's time to reflect on our Savior's final moments on the cross. In this sermon we examine his prayer, "Father, forgive them," and ask: why did Jesus pray this?To show you that Jesus is the promised Messiah.The most important question you must wrestle with is whether or not Jesus Christ is the Son of God. To help you find that answer, Jesus fulfilled prophecy on the cross to show that he was from God. Demonstrating the divine character of his mission on earth, Jesus fulfilled over 300 prophecies. Several of these prophecies indicate that he was not just a human man, but also the Son of God. By praying for those who had wronged him, he demonstrated the intercession he would make for sinners.To show you the power of prayer.In praying for the very people who had put Jesus on the cross, Jesus demonstrated how powerful prayer can be. While he was still on the cross, the thief beside him came to believe that Jesus was the messiah, and a Roman soldier who crucified him exlaimed, "Truly this man was the Son of God!" Jesus' prayer produced immediate effects, and from that we learn to never stop praying for others. Though Jesus was beaten down and exhausted, he still prayed for others. Though the thief on his side seemed hopeless, it was not too late for him to be saved.To show you your need for a mediator.Finally, Jesus came and died so that he could act as mediator between God and men. Without Jesus, we would be hopeless in our efforts to reach God. Through Jesus and him only can we be reconciled to God.Decide for yourself: Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?

Color: Purple Old Testament: Genesis 32:22–32 Psalm: Psalm 121; antiphon: vv. 1–2 Epistle: Romans 5:1–5 Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 4:1–7 Gospel: Matthew 15:21–28 Introit: Psalm 25:1–2a, 7–8, 11; antiphon: vv. 6, 2b, 22 Gradual: Psalm 25:17–18 Tract: Psalm 106:1–4 Holding God to His Word   Jacob wrestled with God; he would not let Him go until he received a blessing from Him (Gen. 32:22–32). So it was with the Canaanite woman. Though Jesus seemed to ignore and reject her, she continued to call upon His name and look to Him for help (Mt. 15:21–28). Even when the Lord called her a little dog, she held on to Him in faith and would not let Him wriggle out of His words: “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” This Gentile woman shows herself to be a true Israelite, who struggles with God and man in Christ and prevails. “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire” (Mt. 15:27–28). This is the sanctifying will of God (1 Thess. 4:1–7)—to test your faith in order that it may be refined and strengthened. For tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope. And hope in Christ does not disappoint (Rom. 5:1–5). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Jesus is the ultimate prophet like Moses, speaking the words of God to Israel. Over his ministry there is growing rejection of Jesus by the religious leadership of Israel, despite clear displays of divine power. Though Jesus demonstrates his power to forgive sins, the religious leaders still reject him. As Jesus enters Jerusalem to shout of acclimation, the religious leaders conspire to kill him.Bible ReadingsLuke 5:17-26Luke 7:1-50Matthew 21:1-17Support 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: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out ou...

In Approaching Jesus, Dave  looks at Mark 7: 24-37. Dave discusses two encounters Jesus had with Gentiles: 1. The Syrophoenician Woman – A desperate mother begs Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Jesus initially responds with a parable comparing Gentiles to dogs, emphasising that His mission is first to the Jews. However, the woman humbly acknowledges this but persists, demonstrating great faith. Jesus rewards her faith by healing her daughter.2. The Deaf and Mute Man – Jesus heals a man by using physical gestures, showing sensitivity to his condition. After healing him, Jesus instructs people to keep quiet, but they eagerly spread the news. Dave emphasises how, like the Syrophoenician woman, we should persist in seeking Jesus, trusting in His goodness. Though Jesus' mission began with Israel, His mercy extends to all who believe. He meets people where they are, serving their needs with love. The post Dave Frodsham: Approaching Jesus first appeared on Jubilee Church Wirral.

Sunday, 16 February 2025   “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Matthew 7:21   “Not all, the ‘saying to Me, “Lord, Lord,”' he will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of My Father the ‘in heavens'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus, having used the metaphor of trees concerning the character of people, said that people will be known by their fruits. He now continues His words to the people, saying, “Not all, the ‘saying to Me, “Lord, Lord.”'”   This is the first time that the word kurios, meaning, sir, master, or the Lord God is used in Matthew when not specifically referring to the Lord, Yehovah, the God of Israel. However, chronologically, the first instance was when Elizabeth spoke to Mary –   “Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.'” Luke 1:39-45   In her words, Elizabeth notes “the mother of my Lord,” but it is certain she was stating this as an honorific title and not referring to Jesus as Yehovah. In her second use of the word, she was referring to the Lord, Yehovah.   Jesus' use of kurios, Lord, here is equivalent to adon in Hebrew. Each is a title that is given to indicate master, lord, sir, etc. In hearing His words, the people would not assume that He was referring to Himself as Yehovah incarnate any more than one would assume today that somebody saying “Sir, sir” about himself was making such a claim.   This doesn't mean Jesus isn't fully God. He is, but at this point, the people did not know this. He was merely tying His position of authority to that of the Messiah, thus making a claim to that position. That is seen in the next words. Not all who call Him Lord, Lord, “he will enter into the kingdom of the heavens.”   The meaning of “kingdom of the heavens” here is not the same thought as what believers in the church think of today, meaning the heavenly hope of eternal glorified bodies. Rather, it is the messianic hope found in the Old Testament where the shamayim, heavens, is spoken of in relation to a future rule of righteousness. For example –   “He shall call to the heavens from above, And to the earth, that He may judge His people: 5 ‘Gather My saints together to Me, Those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.' 6 Let the heavens declare His righteousness, For God Himself is Judge. Selah” Psalm 50:4-6   Such writings indicated to the nation of Israel, to whom Jesus is currently speaking, that there would be a time when there would be a heavenly rule even while they lived on earth. This was their expectation and anticipation, and it is what they believed the Messiah would come to provide. Jesus is telling them that not all who claimed Him as the kurios, the Lord, of this rule would enter into that kingdom. Rather, He says, “but the one doing the will of My Father the ‘in heavens.'”   Of this, Bengel incorrectly states, “The meaning is, ‘unto Me and My Father;' and again, ‘My Father's Will and Mine.'—Κύριε, Lord) Jesus acknowledged that this Divine appellation was due to Him.”   The problem with this is that outside of Mary and anyone she talked to, nobody at this time knew of Jesus' true nature. Even Mary probably didn't grasp this. The expectation was that God would send a Messiah, but none knew that the Messiah would be God incarnate.   Bengel and others take their current understanding of theology, and shove it into these events of the past, where it does not yet belong in the minds of the people hearing Jesus' words.   Jesus does not say “Me and My Father,” nor does He say, “My Father's Will and Mine.” That thought may be implied in His coming words, but it is no proof to the people of divinity. Rather, David could have said the same thing, “I am the king, and I am doing the will of my heavenly Father in destroying the enemies of the people of God.”   The idea of God's Father relationship to Israel was known as far back as Moses, such as in Deuteronomy 32:7. It is repeated all the way through Scripture to Malachi 2:10. Though Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, this is not the context of His words in the minds of the people.   As for what the Father's will is, that is ultimately summed up in John 6 –   “Then they said to Him, ‘What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?' 29 Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.'” John 6:29   To do the will of the Father is to do the works of God. It is to have faith in Jesus, believing in His nature, His completion of the work set before Him, and His all-sufficiency in that work for our lives.   Life application: Today, properly trained students of the Bible believe that Jesus is fully God and fully Man because this is what the Bible teaches. However, we cannot take our understanding of such doctrines, only understood later after Jesus completed His earthly ministry, and apply them to the minds of the people of Israel without doing harm to the narrative.   An example of this is when people take precepts of the Law of Moses and refer to them in the times before the law was introduced, such as in the life of Abraham or Jacob. No dietary restrictions were levied upon them, and yet commentaries will speak of their lives and conduct as if they were obedient to the law.   And example of such thinking is found in the account of Noah –   “You shall take with you seven each of every clean animal, a male and his female; two each of animals that are unclean, a male and his female; 3 also seven each of birds of the air, male and female, to keep the species alive on the face of all the earth.” Genesis 7:2, 3   Jews and others claim that the words about “clean” animals implies that they had the precepts of the law already given to them. This is incorrect. The idea of a clean animal at the time of Noah had nothing to do with the Law of Moses.   Rather, the animals that were considered clean were those that did not eat dead things. Instead of feeding off of death, like a cat might, they fed off of that which is provided from the ground, like sheep. Shoving the law into prelaw times negates the purpose of the giving of the law!   Keep things in their intended context. In doing so, you will avoid many errors in your thinking and doctrine.   Glorious God, when we come to difficult issues in our time reading the Bible, give us the wisdom to stop and think about why things are detailed as they are. Help us to have clarity of thought in how we approach this precious word so that we do not fall into error. Amen.  

Read OnlineWhatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed. Mark 6:56It would have been truly awe-inspiring to witness Jesus healing the sick. The people who witnessed this clearly had never seen anything like it before. For those who were sick, or whose loved ones were sick, each healing would have had a powerful effect upon them and upon their whole family.Today, modern science, with its ability to treat so many illnesses, has lessened the fear and anxiety over getting sick. But in Jesus' time, serious illness was of far greater concern. For that reason, the desire of so many people to bring their sick to Jesus so that they could be healed was very strong. This desire drove them to Jesus so that “they might touch only the tassel on his cloak” and be healed. And Jesus didn't disappoint.Though Jesus' physical healings were unquestionably an act of charity given to those who were sick and to their families, they obviously weren't the most important thing Jesus did. And it's important for us to remind ourselves of that fact. Jesus' healings were primarily for the purpose of preparing the people to listen to His Word and to ultimately receive the spiritual healing of the forgiveness of their sins.In your own life, if you were seriously ill and were given the option to receive either a physical healing or to receive the spiritual healing of the forgiveness of your sins, which would you choose? Clearly, the spiritual healing of the forgiveness of your sins is of infinitely greater value. It will affect your soul for all eternity. The truth is that this far greater healing is available to us all, especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In that Sacrament, we are invited to “touch the tassel on his cloak,” so to speak, and be spiritually healed. For that reason, we should have a much deeper desire to seek out Jesus in the confessional than the people of Jesus' day had for physical healing. And yet, too often we ignore the priceless gift of God's mercy and healing offered so freely to us. Reflect, today, upon the desire in the hearts of the people in this Gospel story. Think, especially, about those who were seriously ill and about their burning desire to come to Jesus for healing. Compare that desire in their hearts to the desire, or lack of desire, in your heart to run to our Lord for the spiritual healings your soul so desperately needs. Seek to foster a greater desire for this healing, especially as it comes to you through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. My healing Lord, I thank You for the spiritual healing You continually offer me, especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I thank You for the forgiveness of my sins on account of You suffering on the Cross. Fill my heart with a greater desire to come to You so as to receive the greatest gift I could ever receive: the forgiveness of my sins. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Image via Adobe Stock

Bethel Blitz February 9, 2025 Elwyn Johnston Matthew 16:13 – 20 Verse of the Week: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” Matthew 16:16 1. Follow the right coach “who do you say that I am?” Matthew 16:15 “Though Jesus was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.” Philippians 2:6 & 7 “humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, and at the right time He will lift you up.” 1 Peter 5:6 “As a result of this many of His disciples turned back and deserted Him.” John 6:66 “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.” John 6:68 “God knows everything.” 1 John 3:20 2. Go all in for the team “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” Matthew 16:16 “I will build My church; and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 “before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

From the beginning of time, a war has raged over humanity—one that seeks to distort, defile, and ultimately sever our connection to God. The Fallen Sons of God abandoned their divine purpose, descending to earth and corrupting its people through deception and genetic manipulation. Their offspring, the Nephilim, were more than just giants of old; they embodied an agenda to erase the image of God from humanity. Though their physical presence faded, their influence remains—woven into the fabric of our world through mind control and ideological deception. But darkness does not have the final say. In this episode of the Revelations Podcast, host Reagan Kramer welcomes back Dr. Laura Sanger, a researcher, author, speaker, and clinical psychologist with a deep passion for awakening people to the spiritual battle at hand. Together, they dive into the spiritual war between the sons of God and the forces of darkness, tracing its origins from biblical times to its modern-day manifestations. They discuss the erosion of biblical truth, the dangers of gender ideology, transhumanism, and the corrupt systems that seek to enslave future generations. Whether you're new to these concepts or looking to equip yourself for the days ahead, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to step into your identity as a son or daughter of God.Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode:Learn the hidden truths behind the Nephilim agenda and how it impacts our world todayGain practical insights on how to rise up as a son or daughter of God, equipped with spiritual authority to combat these dark forces.Reflect on the urgency of spiritual maturity and the call to live a victorious life aligned with God's truth in perilous times.Become Part of Our Mission! Support The Revelations Podcast:Your support fuels our mission to share transformative messages of hope and faith. Click here to learn how you can contribute and be part of this growing community!ResourcesMore from the Revelations Podcast hosted by Reagan Kramer: Website | Instagram | Apple Podcast | YoutubeListen to our previous episode with Dr. Laura Sanger, “Fighting the Nephilim Agenda with our Authority in Christ”"The Roots of the Federal Reserve" by Dr. Laura Sanger"Generation Hoodwinked" by Dr. Laura Sanger"From Transgender to Transhuman" — by Martin Rothblatt"Future Humans" — Children's BookLaura Sanger: Website | Instagram | Youtube | RumbleLaura's Telegram: @laurasanger444hzBible VersesEcclesiastes 10:20Mark 41 Corinthians 14:20John 14:10John 7:16-18John 12:49-50 Galatians 4:1,7Romans 8:14Ephesians 5:112 Timothy 4:3-4This Episode is brought to you by Advanced Medicine AlternativesGet back to the active life you love through natural & regenerative musculoskeletal healing: https://www.georgekramermd.com/Episode Highlights[0:50] Introduction and Background of Dr. Laura SangerReagan Kramer welcomes back Dr. Laura Sanger to The Revelations Podcast to shed light on the hidden spiritual war shaping our world today.With a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, her work bridges biblical revelation and scholarly research. Her books, The Roots of the Federal Reserve and Generation Hoodwinked uncover deep-seated deceptions designed to enslave humanity.A recent gathering at Blurry Con provided an opportunity to reconnect with like-minded individuals and reaffirm the urgency of exposing these dark forces.[5:28] Dr. Laura's Vision and MissionA dream and vision she had in May 2020 led to the title Generation Hoodwinked, revealing a world where AI and spiritual oppression silence the voices of future generations.In the vision, Jesus led Dr. Sanger into an underground cavern where children were trapped in cages, symbolizing the control systems designed to enslave them.The Nephilim agenda thrives on deception, and exposing it is essential to breaking its power.Ephesians 5:11 and 2 Timothy 4:3-4 serve as guiding scriptures in this mission, urging believers to stand against false doctrines and wake up to the battle at hand.[11:43] The Battle of the Sons of GodLong ago, the Fallen Sons of God abandoned their heavenly domain, descending to corrupt humanity and unleash the Nephilim agenda.Their goal was to defile the human genome and stage an insurrection against God's divine order.Though Jesus secured victory through His death and resurrection, the war still rages in the spiritual realm.The need for God-fearing believers to rise up has never been greater, as deception seeks to strip humanity of its divine identity.Spiritual warfare is not passive—strongholds must be torn down, and the authority of Christ must be wielded with boldness.[15:38] Defining the Sons of GodNot all believers walk in the full authority of the Sons of God.Romans 8:14 states that those led by the Spirit are the true sons, yet many remain trapped in self-reliance rather than surrendering to divine direction.Cultural norms encourage independence, but spiritual maturity requires complete dependence on Jesus.Obedience to the Holy Spirit is the mark of a true Son of God, distinguishing those who move in divine authority from those merely going through the motions of faith.[20:28] Laura: “Sons of God are not their own person. They don't make their own decisions. They are fully surrendered to the Father's will.”The invitation to step into sonship is available to all—but it requires a willingness to follow God without hesitation.[27:13] Mixture and SyncretismThe mixing of truth with deception opens doors to bondage, preventing believers from being led by the soul rather than the Spirit.Operating from the soul—through emotions and human reasoning—rather than the Spirit leads to misguided intentions, no matter how well-meaning.Syncretism, the blending of Christian faith with pagan influences, is rampant in modern culture, from Halloween celebrations to the normalization of ideologies that distort God's design.Spiritual purity demands discernment, and the removal of compromise is essential to living victoriously in Christ.[30:12] Laura: “The Fallen sons of God, they mix their seed with human seed to birth the Nephilim. And so giving room to mixture, what that does is that allows us to take the bait that causes many of us to become hoodwinked”[36:28] The Nephilim Agenda and TransgenderismA systematic effort to erase human identity is at play, progressing from transgender ideology to full-scale transhumanism.Dr. Laura describes how this movement is being fueled by the United Nations and comprehensive sexuality education (CSE).She highlights the harmful effects of CSE on children, including promoting sexual stimulation and normalizing bestiality.The long-term effects of puberty blockers and gender-affirming surgeries on children's development and mental health are not acts of liberation but of enslavement[48:04] The Impact of Media and TechnologyMedia and technology are not just entertainment but tools of indoctrination.Future Humans for example, a bestselling children's book, subtly introduces transhumanist ideals by showcasing technological modifications.Movies, music, and television shows create fantasies that reinforce the allure of enhanced abilities, steering the next generation toward a post-human reality.The Nephilim agenda thrives on deception; its end goal is to wipe out humanity and cut at the heart of the Kingdom of God.[50:50] Laura: “The Nephilim agenda is really about defiling the human genome so much that we can't have relationship with Jesus anymore”[52:48] The Role of the Sons of God in Spiritual WarfareThe Sons of God are warriors, called to push back the forces of darkness with unwavering faith.The Hebrew phrase Rak Chazak Amats embodies the strength and courage required to stand in battle.Dr. Laura highlights the importance of the Sons of God in arising and maturing to become heirs of God and walking in their inheritance.As deception intensifies, Dr Laura encourages listeners to find Jesus in the secret place to develop an intimate relationship and learn His voice.[1:05:54] Practical Steps to Become a Son or Daughter of GodVictory begins in the secret place, where intimacy with Jesus is cultivated.Dr Laura emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between the true Holy Spirit and false voices in the church and media.Recognizing this requires deep connection with the True Shepherd, and daily communion with Him to ensure that fear and deception lose their grip.As the episode closes, Dr. Laura prays for listeners, asking for protection, boldness, and the empowerment to walk as Sons of God in a world desperately in need of truth.About Laura SangerDr. Laura Sanger is a researcher, author, speaker, and clinical psychologist dedicated to equipping believers with the knowledge and spiritual tools needed to navigate the unseen battle against darkness. As the founder of No Longer Enslaved, her mission is to awaken people to the pervasive influence of the Nephilim agenda and empower them to walk in their God-given authority.With a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, Dr. Laura Sanger combines scholarly research with biblical revelation to expose the hidden forces shaping our world. As the author of books such as Generation Hoodwinked: The Impact of the Nephilim Agenda Today, she unravels the deep-seated deception embedded in financial systems, transhumanism, and ideological warfare. Dr. Sanger has shared her insights on platforms across the globe, equipping believers to discern false narratives, break free from spiritual bondage, and step into their true identity in Christ. Her teachings emphasize the importance of spiritual maturity, exposing darkness, and wielding the weapons of our warfare with boldness.Connect with Dr. Laura Sanger and learn more about her conferences and resources at No Longer Enslaved.Enjoyed this Episode?If you did, subscribe and share it with your friends!Post a review and share it! If you found our deep dive into the spiritual influences on mental health insightful, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Leave a review and share this episode with friends and family. Step into your God-given authority and awaken as a Son of God. Expose deception, break free from spiritual bondage, and walk boldly in the truth of Christ.Have any questions? You can connect with me on Instagram.Thank you for tuning in! For more updates, tune in on Apple Podcasts.  

Read OnlineJesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. Luke 4:14–15This Gospel passage reveals to us the very beginnings of Jesus' public ministry. He began His public ministry immediately after spending forty days in the desert being tempted by the devil. As He began, He went to Galilee “in the power of the Spirit.” Many people heard about Him and welcomed Him with much enthusiasm.Though Jesus was initially welcomed with praise, we know that things quickly changed. Some eventually became so hostile that they put Jesus to death, but it's useful to ponder the initial response He received. This initial response is one that must become continuously new in our lives. The initial response was that He “was praised by all.”Jesus would later teach about this initial experience many would have toward the Gospel when He taught the Parable of the Sower. Recall that the seed that was sown on rocky ground, that fell among thorns, and that was sown in good soil all began to grow. Only that which was sown on the path failed to grow, because the birds came and ate it up. This latter case describes those who are completely indifferent to the Gospel. But in today's Gospel, the “all” are those who at least paid attention and initially responded with enthusiasm. The seed began to grow in these three scenarios—but, of course, in only one of those cases did the seed ultimately bear good fruit.Another way to look at this initial encounter with the Gospel is to consider a child. In almost every case, when a child is presented with the Gospel, they will begin to respond and even find excitement in the faith. But, as many parents have seen, this initial welcome is sometimes followed by a rejection of the Gospel later in life.When did you initially encounter the Gospel? For some it was during childhood. For others, there was a powerful experience of conversion later in life. Think of that initial encounter you had and the ways that you were excited by your newfound faith. Has that experience continued and grown in your life? Or has your initial praise of God and enthusiasm dwindled or even died?Reflect, today, upon the fact that God wants us to continuously experience the Gospel as something new and transforming. The newness of the life of grace must never wear off. Ponder this experience in your life and try to see yourself as one of the people in today's Gospel who heard Jesus for the first time. Ponder their enthusiasm and join in their praise of our Lord so that you will be motivated to let God and the preaching of His holy Word continuously transform you.Glorious Word of God, You have come to set us free by revealing to us Your love and mercy and by bestowing that grace upon us. Please open my mind and heart to Your holy Word so that I will be driven by a holy love to serve and follow You all the days of my life. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: Christ Reading Isaiah in Synagogue, via flickr

Read Online“Saul, my brother, the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to you on the way by which you came, that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:17Saint Paul (who in Hebrew was known as Saul of Tarsus) was a devout Jewish Pharisee who vigorously defended the law. After Jesus' Ascension into Heaven, the newfound Christian faith began to grow rapidly. As a result, Saul of Tarsus vigorously tried to end this new religion which he perceived as erroneous. He traveled about looking for followers of Jesus to arrest and imprison. Saul even gave his consent to the stoning of the deacon, Saint Stephen, the first martyr. However, on one of his journeys, Saul had a vision of the risen Christ Who spoke to him gently, saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4). It was in that encounter that Saul was left blinded for three days.The line quoted above are the words of Ananias, a devout disciple of Jesus. Ananias had also received a vision from Jesus Who told him to go to Saul of Tarsus and to lay his hands on him so that he would be healed. Ananias was also told that Saul was “a chosen instrument” through which the Gospel would be preached to the “Gentiles, kings, and children of Israel.”Though there are many fascinating aspects to the story of Saint Paul and his conversion, it is also inspiring to reflect upon the way in which God first converted him. Jesus was not harsh with Saul. He was not condemning. Instead, he saw the goodness and vigor of Saul and knew that he would respond if he were given the opportunity. Though Jesus used the powerful action of striking him blind, He did so because He saw so much potential for good within Saul.This same truth applies to our lives. Each one of us has incredible potential for good, and God does see this. God is aware of all that He can do with us and is seeking to draw us into His mission of sharing the Gospel with those in need. The question to ponder is whether or not you have responded to the ways that God has spoken to you and invited you to serve Him with your life. Saul's encounter with Jesus was powerful and transforming not only because he was blinded by this vision—it was powerful and transforming, first and foremost, because Saul wanted to serve God but was trying to do so in an erroneous way. And once that error was corrected, Saul responded in an immediate and complete way. As a result, Saul became one of the greatest evangelists in the history of the Church.Reflect, today, upon the desire in the heart of Jesus to invite you into His mission. Though you may be unaware of the many ways God can use you, Jesus is fully aware. He sees all of your gifts and knows who He wants to draw to Himself through you. Say “Yes” to Him this day and do so with every fiber of your soul. Doing so will allow God to do great things through you. Lord, I do love You and desire to be used by You in the way that You choose. Help me to convert my heart more fully to You so that I can be led by Your gentle and powerful hand. I accept whatever mission You give to me and pray that my life will give You true glory and further Your glorious Kingdom on earth. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: Calling of the First Apostles By Domenico Ghirlandaio, via Wikimedia Commons

Jesus could say at the end of his short earthly life, “I have finished the work which you gave me to do.” But I wonder how many of us will be able to say that. Are you doing what God has given you to do, or are you distracted and burned-out by trying to do urgent things that are not truly important? Though Jesus did much during his short earthly life, he didn't do everything everybody wanted him to do. He didn't heal all the sick, he didn't reach everyone. When so much was left undone, how could Jesus say he had finished his work? In his pamphlet, The Tyranny of the Urgent, Charles Hummel puts it so well, “Here is the secret of Jesus' life and work for God: He prayerfully waited for his Father's instructions and for the strength to follow them. Jesus...discerned the Father's will day by day in a life of prayer. By this means he warded off the urgent and accomplished the important.”[1] If you want to be free from burnout, free from being victimized by the loud voices of urgency that often surround you, you must remember what Jesus told us: If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free (John 8:31-32). A life of prayer and a life of daily abiding in the Word of God is our key. How easy it is to let these truly important things be shoved aside by all those urgent voices. Urgent things usually have deadlines and time frames, while important things may not. Therefore, it's quite easy to do the urgent things, but leave the important things undone. Could it be you need to find balance in your life by making the main thing the main thing and not allowing those urgent voices to dictate your schedule? And at the top of your important list should be the commitment to spend substantial time in your pursuit of knowing the living God. --- [1] Hummel, C. E. (1967). The Tyranny of the Urgent. Downers Grove, IL; Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.

When we look at the cross, every emotion can be seen. Though Jesus didn't hate, there was plenty of that to go around, too.  Jesus knows our every need!

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. — John 1:5 Everything has led to this moment: Jesus is born! John frames the announcement of Jesus' birth through the lens of the creation story. Borrowing from Genesis 1, John writes “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John states clearly that Jesus is fully God. This passage also makes clear that Jesus is fully human: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” In Jesus, God became one with us! Also connecting with the creation story is God's light that “shines in the darkness”—as well as the insight that “the darkness has not overcome it.” Though Jesus is the “true light that gives light to everyone,” not everyone recognizes or receives him. Yet to all who respond to the light of Christ, he gives them “the right to become children of God.” By leaning into the creation language from Genesis, John declares that Jesus' birth is the start of God's new creation! In Jesus, God has created a new humanity, and he invites us into the light and life of this new creation by receiving Jesus. Will we receive Jesus today? Will we be part of God's new humanity and step into the light of God's grace and truth? God, help us to recognize and receive Jesus today. Make us like him so that we too may overflow with the light of your grace and truth. Amen.

“Hark, the Herald Angels sing….glory to the newborn KING.” In this special Christmas edition of Terminal Exchange, Nussbaum Chaplain Jim Revelle shares a message entitled “The Rightful King has Landed.” In it, he explores three characteristics of King Jesus in Isaiah chapter 11: How he brings justice to the poor; how his wisdom surpasses all human understanding; and his identity as the shoot of Jesse and root of David. Though Jesus never campaigned for political office, mustered an army, or sat on an earthly throne—he is the most consequential figure in human history. So, what is his mission? What kind of King is he? Where is his kingdom? Tune in as Jim shares the story. FROM TODAY'S PODCAST• Guest: Jim Revelle, Nussbaum Chaplain (Corporate Chaplains of America)• For further study: o Isaiah 11o 1 Timothy 1:12-17o 1 Corinthians 1:18-31LET'S CONNECT• Visit us online at terminalexchange.org• Follow The Terminal Exchange on social media! o Facebooko Instagram o Twitter ABOUT NUSSBAUM Employee-Owned, Purpose Driven | Nussbaum is an industry-leader in over-the-road freight transportation. For more information on our award-winning services and top-paying driver careers, visit nussbaum.com or nussbaumjobs.com.

Tuesday, 24 December 2024   “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1   “You beware of your compassionateness, not to do before men to be seen by them. And if otherwise, no reward you have from your Father, the ‘in the heavens'” (CG).   The previous verse concluded Matthew 5. Matthew 6 begins with Jesus' continued discourse to His disciples. He now says, “You beware of your compassionateness.”   The word translated as “beware,” prosechó, is introduced here. It gives the sense of setting a course and staying on it or giving one's full attention to something. Thus, one is to beware and pay heed. The specific thing Jesus says to heed in this verse is their compassionateness.   The Greek word eleémosuné is used. It is a noun that is exactingly translated as compassionateness, as in alms. Thus, the word alms is how it is often translated. It is a benefaction bestowed upon someone. The word is derived from eleos, signifying compassion, such as pity, mercy, etc.   Some manuscripts, however, instead have the word dikaiosuné, righteousness. Thus, “Beware not to do your righteousness...” Either way, the point is to “not to do before men to be seen by them.”   Jesus is making a point about the conduct of such a display of doing good. If you are going to do a good deed where others will see, it demonstrates that your intent is less in helping the object of the deed, meaning the poor person, but in being viewed by others to become the subject of their praise.   People do this for a variety of reasons, such as being complimented, getting a job promotion or a favorable status among others, getting an appointment to a position (such as in the government), and so forth. If this is the intent, which is expressed by doing the thing in front of others rather than without eyes watching, Jesus says, “And if otherwise, no reward you have from your Father, the ‘in the heavens.'”   If the goal is to gain earthly benefit, then whatever you receive here is all you will get. However, God will give you no reward. What would be the point? You obtained what you desired which was something other than pleasing Him.   Under the law, there were mandates for caring for others. Some of them were things that, by default, others would see. They occurred during the annual pilgrim feasts and so forth. However, there were things the people were commanded to do that could be done at any time.   If someone was doing them for everyone to see, it meant that he was not necessarily doing them to be pleasing to the Lord who gave the law, but to show off to others about how obedient to the law he was. It demonstrated that the law itself was more important to this person than the One who gave the law.   Life application: Though Jesus is speaking to Israel under the law, this verse essentially carries a moral precept about the heart. Paul says –   'The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:8-10   He refers to belief in the heart. Anyone can say, “I believe in Jesus” with it not being true. Politicians do it all the time. What matters is not what one says openly, but what the heart believes.   God is evaluating the heart of man in Matthew 6:1 just as He is doing throughout Scripture. If the heart is right with Him, then the action that accompanies what one is doing will be acceptable. This is the point of Jesus' words.   Lord God, may our hearts be right with You. When they are, our actions will be considered appropriate as well. Help us in this, O God, so that we may be perfect in Your sight as we live out our lives in Your presence. Amen.  

Advent points to more than the baby Jesus. It points to One born to show us how to live, and to die to atone for the sin of humanity. We will consider the sacrificial cultus initiated by God for the people of Israel and how this sacrificial system was but a shadow of things in the heavens. God promised the nation Israel He would not forsake them. Even in their continued disobedience He remained faithful. God redeems humanity through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, the perfect High Priest and sacrifice that the blood of bulls and sheep and goats could not be. Though Jesus was forsaken on the cross, His forsakenness removes the forsakenness of those of faith. Therefore, the old covenant is replaced by a newer and better covenant; not of outward signs but one written in our mind and on our heart.

New York Times writer Arthur Brooks once cooked a Thanksgiving dinner for his in-laws in Spain. Over dinner, a couple of questions were asked. The first, “What does this beast eat to be so filled with bread?,” and then, “Should you celebrate this holiday even if you don't feel grateful?”The first question is just funny. The second should give us all pause. Being grateful is a state of mind. It's intentional. Too many times, we get caught up in what we don't have, and let's be honest, as Americans, we have a lot. In Psalm 97:12, we read, “Be glad in the Lord, you righteous ones, and give thanks to his holy name.”Robert Emmons, a professor of psychology at the University of California Davis says, “There's a magnetic appeal to gratitude,” and that it speaks to a need that's deeply entrenched.In the Bible, there are powerful examples of people who were grateful for everything God had given them.In First Samuel, we read about Hannah, who was childless until her sustained prayer moved God's heart. When she gave birth to Samuel, she was so grateful that she took him to the temple and dedicated his life to service to the Lord. In the gospels of Matthew and Luke, a Roman centurion asked Jesus to heal his servant who was deathly ill. Though Jesus offered to go to his house, the centurion was so appreciative, his faith compelled him to say that he knew Jesus could heal the servant without traveling to the home, and Jesus rewarded this gratitude by healing the servant in just that way.Gratitude multiplies itself. Once you become intentional about practicing gratitude, you practice it more and more, and in turn, your faith grows so much that others notice, and in becoming this kind of example, you'll never have to ask if you should be grateful, even if you don't feel like it. You'll feel like it all the time. Let's pray.Father, we want to practice daily gratitude for all you've graciously given us. Praising you with our prayers, and being intentional with our gratitude honors you and settles our hearts. In Jesus' name, amen.Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Though Jesus was hungry, alone, and in the wilderness, Satan could not succeed in causing him to sin. Once again, Jesus proves He is the King above any other king. 

Today's Promise: Hebrews 4:15 Though Jesus was all God and all man wrapped up in one person, He experienced all the daily struggles and temptations we do but remained without sin. Jesus was tempted, just like you and me, yet He remained without sin. Because He has literally walked in our shoes, he understands the difficulties and problems we face. He knows our weaknesses and how easy it is to fall into temptation. Jesus, doesn't look down on your weakness. He understands and welcomes you into His presence.

The American dream, often defined as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, has increasingly become intertwined with the pursuit of money and success. Many politicians refer to this idea, yet it doesn't reflect the reality for much of the world, where many are just trying to survive. While it's not wrong to be financially well off, the American dream often replaces God's kingdom with idols. Success can become an idol competing with God's rightful place in our lives. Our hearts are prone to idolatry, constantly producing desires that compete with God. The Christian life is like climbing an ice mountain, striving to glorify God in all things, while the world tempts us to fall back into its traps.Success often ties a person to the world, but this world is fading. Contentment, however, is the key to true enjoyment of life. "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." We entered this world with nothing, and we leave with nothing. Be content with the things of God, for the pursuit of worldly satisfaction will never fulfill. The American dream has shifted over time, from preparing for eternity, to building strong families, to now chasing self-fulfillment and consumerism. But satisfaction is never found in accumulating more things; the world is designed to make us want more, but true contentment only comes from God.This drive for success is ultimately empty. Discontentment is often rooted in covetousness, but we can find peace in knowing that God will never leave us. Our identity is found in Christ, and we must remember to decrease so He may increase. Though Jesus was rich, He became poor for our sake, and He is the ultimate treasure. We gain everything in knowing Christ, and we must invest our hearts and lives in God's kingdom.True success is being consumed by the living God. If we devoted ourselves to prayer, meditation on God's Word, and a deep relationship with Him, we would be transformed. Wealth alone doesn't make a person carnal, but worldly success without God is ultimately meaningless. Whether you work in ministry or in a secular job, your work is sacred when done for the Lord. Invest your time, witness to others, make and save money, but also give generously. It's not about us but about Christ's work on the cross. Godliness with contentment is of great value. As Christians, we must live with an eternal mindset, pursuing Christ above all. No greater joy will be found than in being consumed with Christ, and He will care for you as you seek Him. Focus your week on glorifying the Lord in all that you do.Send us a text Thanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

Jesus is the ultimate prophet like Moses, speaking the words of God to Israel. Over his ministry there is growing rejection of Jesus by the religious leadership of Israel, despite clear displays of divine power. Though Jesus demonstrates his power to forgive sins, the religious leaders still reject him. As Jesus enters Jerusalem to shout of acclimation, the religious leaders conspire to kill him.Readings: Luke 5:17-26, Luke 7:1-50, Matthew 21:1-17Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App!Support 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 LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgThis episode primarily uses the ESV Bible translation, but may also use CSB, NASB, and NKJV.Search Tags: bible, beginner, bible verse, god, verse of the day, prayer, jesus, bible study, scripture, learn, bible introduction, introduction, intro to the bible, introduction to the bible, beginner bible, bible overview, how to read the bible, what is the bible about, bible story, bible stories, what is the bible, ...

On today's episode, Jesus enters Jerusalem and is welcomed with great fanfare by the crowds. Those who had concluded that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah had also concluded that the Son of David would reign as king in the same way the David ruled as a king. In other words, they thought he was a wise man who would take the throne, perhaps even by force, and that restoration to geopolitical nation of Israel would be restored. Though Jesus is the Son of David and the promised Messiah, he hasn't come to claim victory over his foes in the ways that the Jews had surmised. In fact, we'll see from today's passage that Jesus rebukes God's people for their hardness of heart. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

A mother's faith breaks through the barriers of culture and tradition as she pleads with Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter, proving that God's mercy knows no bounds.A desperate Gentile mother, Josephine, seeks out Jesus, pleading for her daughter's healing from demonic possession. Though Jesus initially reminds her of His mission to the Jews, her unwavering faith moves Him to compassion, and He frees the girl, bringing peace to the broken family.Today's Bible verse is Romans 10:13, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having offered the crowd one of his most challenging words, Jesus turned his attention to three parables, each describing something lost and found. Though Jesus calls his disciples to die to self, he also offers an image of God searching for those who are lost, 

Read OnlineOnce when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” Luke 9:18It's interesting that Jesus was both “praying in solitude” and that “the disciples were with him.” Saint Bede explains this apparent contradiction by stating that “the Son alone is able to penetrate the incomprehensible secrets of the Father's will.” Therefore, our Lord was always alone with the Father in the sense that only Jesus knew the Father fully and intimately. This is because He is the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity, the Eternal Son of the Father.With that fact clearly understood, it's also important to understand that as Jesus prayed to the Father within His human nature, something new took place. Though Jesus was eternally with the Father, His human nature was not eternally with the Father. Therefore, as the Eternal Son of God communed with the Eternal Father while living in human flesh, human nature was suddenly elevated to a height that it had never been before. Not only was the Eternal Son living in perfect union with the Father, but now the Eternal Son, fully human, brought His human nature into this oneness.Though this may seem a bit philosophical to some, it points to a very important reality that affects us all. Through our Lord's human prayer to the Father, we are all invited to join with Jesus and share in this divine oneness. The Son of God, as a human being, made it possible for us as humans to share in the elevation of our very lives to oneness with God the Father. And though the Son of God will always retain a unique union with the Father, we are, nonetheless, by participation, invited to share in their life.So why is this important? One reason is that there is no greater human fulfillment we could ever achieve than to share in the prayer of the Son to the Father. Throughout our lives, we are constantly looking for fulfillment in one form or another. We want to be happy. We want enjoyment in life. We have a natural desire for happiness that we are constantly seeking to fulfill. What's important to understand is that the greatest happiness comes by sharing in the deep human prayer of the Son to the Father. Prayer, true prayer, is the answer to our deepest desire.Reflect, today, upon whether or not you regularly engage in deep prayer. Can you point to times when you, like our Lord, were alone with God, communing with Him in the depths of your human soul, being drawn to Him through prayer? There are many levels of prayer, as is attested to by many saints. Make the choice to deepen your prayer. Go before our Lord today and pour out your heart to Him, asking Him to draw you into the holy solitude of His prayer to the Father. Doing so will bring forth in you the deepest human satisfaction possible in life. My praying Lord, as You spent time alone with the Father, You united Your human nature with Him, thus elevating our nature to a glorious degree. Please draw me to You, dear Lord, so that I may know You and the Father through true, deep and sustaining prayer. May this oneness with You be the cause of my deepest fulfillment in life. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: The Exhortation to the Apostles By James Tissot, via Wikimedia Commons

Though Jesus' strategy was simple (Be with - Be sent), it takes a lot of intentionality.

When Jesus sent the disciples to the other side of the sea, they encountered a great storm. Though Jesus was on a mountain praying and the disciples were a long distance from land, He saw them, He came to them, He got in their boat and He calmed the storm. Wherever you are today, Jesus sees you when nobody else does. He comes to all of us and for those willing to receive Him into the boat, He will calm your storm and save your life. 

When Jesus sent the disciples to the other side of the sea, they encountered a great storm. Though Jesus was on a mountain praying and the disciples were a long distance from land, He saw them, He came to them, He got in their boat and He calmed the storm. Wherever you are today, Jesus sees you when nobody else does. He comes to all of us and for those willing to receive Him into the boat, He will calm your storm and save your life. 

Read Online“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37–39We are very familiar with this passage above. It is Jesus' answer to the Pharisees who came to test Jesus. Prior to this, a group of Sadducees tried to trap Jesus and failed. So now it was the Pharisees who gave it their best shot to trap our Lord. Of course, Jesus' answer was perfect. And upon the conclusion of this answer, Jesus returned the favor by asking the Pharisees some questions that they could not answer, and they dared not ask Him any further questions at that time.Sometimes, being challenged by another in matters of faith helps us, in that it allows us to clarify what we actually believe. Though Jesus did not need clarity for His own sake, He did offer this clarity in the face of trickery so as to help both the Pharisees as well as His followers who were listening attentively.Have you ever been challenged by another about matters of faith? If so, what was your response? Were you able to respond by the inspiration and clarity given by the Holy Spirit? Or did you walk away confused and unable to respond? Having our faith challenged by another will either result in our own confusion or in our deeper understanding.By answering this question in the way that Jesus did, He presented the entire Law given by Moses in the Ten Commandments in a new and summarized way. The first three of the Ten Commandments have to do with love of God, and the last seven have to do with love of neighbor. The second commandment Jesus gives, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” is a consequence of the first commandment. How do you “love yourself?” You do so by fulfilling the first commandment Jesus gave: “love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” When God is loved above all, then loving your neighbor simply means that you love God Who dwells within your neighbor in accord with the way God loves them.It is also helpful to note that it is possible to “love” our neighbor in such a way that is contrary to the love of God. For example, if our love of neighbor is expressed in such a way that is contrary to the Love of God, then this is not true love. Let's say that your neighbor has chosen a gravely immoral lifestyle. How do you love them with the love of God? You don't say to them “I support you in your immoral living.” Doing so is not love of God; it's a selfish form of love that cares more about how the person will respond back to you than caring for their eternal soul. The right form of love for one who has gone astray in an objectively immoral way is to let them know you love them but do not support the choices they are making. And though they may respond negatively to this, caring for their eternal salvation must supersede every desire to simply get along with them.Love of neighbor, at times, especially when the “neighbor” is a family member who has turned from God, can be challenging. But when it is, think about the way that the Sadducees and Pharisees tried to constantly trap Jesus. He always gave the perfect response of love and never allowed their misguided conversation to leave confusion. So with us, we must rely upon the wisdom and love of God when loving another is difficult. God must guide our every conversation in that case so that the other knows they are loved and so that our love does not deviate from the pure love of God.Reflect, today, upon the high calling you have been given to love God above all and to love your neighbor with that same love that you have for God. If you find loving someone is difficult, pray for the wisdom you need to remain faithful to them in God's love alone. And if you find your love challenged, rely upon our Lord to lead you and to give you the words you need when you need them the most. My loving Lord, You love all people with a perfect love, and You call us all to love You with our whole heart, soul and mind. And You call us to love others with the love You have for them. Fill my heart with love of You and all people, especially those who are most difficult to love. Give me wisdom, dear Lord, to know how to love others in You so that they will experience Your perfect love in their lives. Jesus, I trust in You!  Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: The Messiah gives the New Law, via flickr

Is it surprising to you that Jesus had to learn obedience (from Hebrews 5:8)? Though Jesus was fully God, he was also fully human, which means he experienced everything humans experienced, but without sin. Even without sin, he learned obedience through the connection he had with his Father. We are able to follow the lead of Jesus in this way ... Read More

Does how we pray matter to God? In Part 1 we discussed these 2 principles: the importance of approaching God with humility, and praying with the right motive. Today we discuss the value of persistence in our prayer life. In Luke 18:1, it says we should not lose heart and give up. Though Jesus gives us no real explanation, it does appear that persistence is important for several reasons, one being that it indicates the priority of the heart. It shows a real intent and purpose. We also discuss the final principle, which is asking God for wisdom, praying with faith that He will give it to you. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” - James 1:5-7

Video“Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.” Matthew 13:51–52At times, Jesus' words are difficult to understand. How well do you understand what He teaches you? He often teaches in figures of speech, as well as with parables. The passage quoted above concludes a section in which He speaks three subsequent parables. The third of these parables, the parable about the fishnet, is contained in the beginning of today's Gospel passage. But just prior to that parable are the parables about the pearl of great price and the treasure buried in a field. Upon the conclusion of these three parables, Jesus asked His disciples, “Do you understand all these things?” After they affirmed that they did understand, Jesus gave an overview of the mission to which they had been entrusted. These soon-to-be bishops would become the new scribes who were instructed in the Kingdom of Heaven. Their mission would be to bring forth both the “new and the old.”Many Church Fathers identify the “new and the old” as a reference to the Old Testament and the New Testament. Thus, the Twelve are being entrusted with the mission of being the scribes of the full revelation contained in what will become the full Bible as we have it today. Other commentators suggest that the “old” refers to the old life of sin and the “new” refers to the new life of grace. It will be the mission of the Twelve to instruct people in the full Gospel message, so as to draw them from their old life of sin to the new life of grace.Though Jesus' words can be difficult to understand from the perspective of a biblical scholar, the first of His words quoted above are very straightforward. “Do you understand all these things?” As we ponder that question in particular, try to hear our Lord asking that question of you. Though many scholars and saints of old have offered much clarity on what Jesus' teachings actually mean, the question that Jesus posed to the Twelve must be answered in a more personal way for each of us. As you hear Jesus ask you if you understand these things, the answer you give is not primarily based upon whether or not you have sufficiently studied the text of His teaching and can rationally explain it as a scholar. Instead, the answer He is seeking is whether or not you can respond from faith. He wants you to say, “Yes, I hear You speaking to me, Lord. Yes, my heart is convicted by the words You have spoken. Yes, I understand what I must do. Yes, Lord, I believe.” The Word of God is alive and can only be “understood” properly when we allow our Living Lord to speak to us, personally, as we listen to His holy Word.Reflect, today, upon this question that Jesus posed to the Twelve. As you do, hear Him asking you this question. How fully do you understand what God is saying to you, right now at this moment in your life? As you read the Scriptures, do you sense God revealing Himself to you? Do you understand what He wants of you? If hearing the voice of God is a challenge at times, then spend more time prayerfully pondering His holy Word so that His Living Voice will more clearly resonate within your soul.My revealing Lord, You speak to me day and night, continuously revealing Your love and mercy to me. May I learn to become more attentive to Your voice speaking within the depths of my soul. As I hear You speak, please give me the gift of understanding to know Your will and to embrace it with all my heart. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: The Primacy of Saint Peter By James Tissot, via Wikimedia Commons

He returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. — Matthew 26:40 After an exhausting day, have you still had more to do even though it was bedtime? And have you kept on, barely able to stay awake? That's the kind of day the disciples had when they went with Jesus to the garden of Gethsemane. After telling his disciples to wait, Jesus went deeper into the garden to pray. Returning an hour later, he found Peter, James, and John fast asleep. Jesus scolded them and warned them to stay awake and alert. Yet, after going to pray and returning twice again, he found them sleeping. Why did Jesus take a rough tone with them? After all, they had become totally worn out physically, emotionally, and spiritually—not to mention having a cloud of danger and doom hanging over them. Though Jesus rebuked the disciples' sleepiness, this scene reveals more about his own situation. Overwhelmed with sorrow, Jesus was weighed down with the great burden of suffering he would soon face. But his confession—“My Father . . . not as I will but as you will” and “May your will be done”—resonates through the centuries to us today. The disciples' powerlessness to stay awake only highlights Jesus' pain and suffering, which ends in his excruciating death on the cross. The suffering that Jesus shouldered for us brings us to our knees in humility and gratitude. Lord, we are so weak. Only you had the will and ability to carry the burden of our sin. Help us to stay alert and share your love. Amen.

John 14:16-18. “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Paraclete, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” Jesus speaks of a way of receiving the Spirit, welcoming him, and knowing Him. He says the world cannot receive him because it does not SEE Him or know Him. Most post-enlightenment Christians, all of us, have to deal with barriers to receiving Him, and knowing Him. Though Jesus, too, is now not physically present, we have the Gospels, and Jesus took on our humanity. Thus, we have icons of him as a human being. We can visually connect with the four ways Jesus is presented in the Gospels. But when it comes to the Spirit, we have the Spirit descending on Jesus, and empowering Jesus. Who is the Holy Spirit?

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 Do you ever feel completely worn out? Health experts may advise remedies such as eating right, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest. To feel truly rested, many of us need seven to eight hours of sleep each night, and some of us may need even more. This is good advice, but sleep isn't the only rest we need. Jesus offers us true rest. Jesus promises a kind of spiritual rest unrecognized by the world's physical health experts. As the Creator of the world and of all humanity, Jesus knows us. He knows our weaknesses, our brokenness, and our struggles. He knows what weighs us down and wearies our bodies and souls. He also knows exactly what kind of rest we need. No healthy sleep routine with adequate deep sleep, dream sleep, and light sleep will provide the spiritual rest we need. Only Jesus can provide the rest that reaches to the depths of our souls. Jesus invites all who are exhausted—weighed down by the cares, obligations, stresses, and problems of life—to come to him. He invites us simply to ground ourselves in him and to follow him every day. Though Jesus doesn't promise us an easy path, he assures us he is “gentle and humble in heart”—and only in and through him will we find true rest for our souls. Jesus, our Savior and Lord, only in you can we find rest for our souls. Please provide the spiritual rest we need in you. Amen.

Read Online“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.” Matthew 11:21–22Chorazin and Bethsaida were Jewish towns that Jesus visited frequently to preach and to perform many “mighty deeds.” They were located just north of His city of residence, Capernaum. Tyre and Sidon were pagan coastal cities northeast of Chorazin and Bethsaida, in modern-day Lebanon, and were towns known for their immoral living. Though Jesus did not spend much time in those cities, He did visit them at times. During Jesus' first recorded visit there, recall His encounter with the Syrophoenician woman who begged Him to heal her daughter (Matthew 15:21–28). The Gospel passage quoted above took place prior to Jesus making that journey.Why was Jesus so harsh toward the towns He spent so much of His time in. Why did He rebuke Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum? To answer this, it's important to remember that Jesus spent most of His time preaching to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel.” In other words, His primary mission during His public ministry was to share the Gospel with those who were descendants of Abraham and had been entrusted with the Law of Moses, the teachings of the prophets and the liturgical rites. For that reason, Jesus not only preached with perfection to these people, He also did miracle after miracle. And though there were many who did believe in Him and became His disciples, there were many others who were indifferent or who flatly refused to believe in Him.Today, Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum could be seen as symbols of those Catholics who were born and raised in the faith and were given good formation by their parents and others. Many parents whose children have gone astray from the faith wonder what they did wrong. But the truth is that even Jesus Himself was rejected, despite His perfect preaching, perfect charity and undeniable miracles. And the same happens today. There are many who, despite being raised within the holy faith given to us by Christ Himself, reject that faith and turn a blind eye to the Gospel and the Church.Jesus' rebuke of those towns should echo today in the minds of those who, despite being given so much in regard to a good upbringing, have rejected God. Of course, that rejection is not always absolute and total. More often, it is a rejection in degrees. First, the rejection comes in the form of missing Mass. Then moral compromises. Then a lack of faith. And eventually confusion, doubt and a complete loss of faith sets in.If you are one who has started down the road of becoming more and more lukewarm in your faith, then the rebuke of these towns by Jesus should be understood to also be directed at you in love. “Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required…” (Luke 28:48). Therefore, to those who have been taught the faith well, much is expected. And when we fail to live up to that which is demanded of us by God out of love, a holy rebuke is exactly what we need. Reflect, today, upon whether the rebuke Jesus issues toward these towns is also issued toward you. Have you been blessed with a good formation in the faith? If so, have you done all you can to help nourish that faith and grow in your love of God? Or have you allowed your faith to dim, to become lukewarm and to begin to wither and die? If you have been given much, have been raised in the faith and have been privileged with good examples in your life, then know God expects much of you. Answer that high calling that is given to you and respond to God with all your heart. My passionate Jesus, You poured out Your heart and soul through Your preaching to the people of Israel. Although many accepted You, many others rejected You. I thank You for the privilege I have been given to hear Your holy Word preached to me. Help me to respond to You with all my heart so that I will be counted among those who listen and believe. Jesus, I trust in You.  Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: Day of Judgement via flickr

Though Jesus preached in parables that still captivate us, not every story told in a homily has a similarly lasting impact. The Rev. Christopher Clohessy shares how preachers can craft stories that linger long after Mass is over. This week on “Preach,” host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., is joined by another South African priest. Chris is a priest of the Archdiocese of Cape Town who now teaches Arabic and Islamic theology at the Pontifical Institute for Arabic and Islamic studies in Rome. In his homily, Chris harnesses the technique of narrative storytelling to illuminate what the work of the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, looks like in our lives. In the conversation after the homily, Ricardo and Chris talk about the power of telling stories in homilies—and the art of telling a good one. Chris says that a successful story starts with a character with whom the congregation can relate, and it comes alive through “word pictures,” images that will stick in listeners' minds after the homily concludes. “You want to be able to get people involved, not in their listening, but in their imagination and in their emotions,” Chris explains. “I think a good emotional response to a sermon is a very important thing because in the Gospels, people respond emotionally to Jesus.” Read Chris' homily. Read the Scripture readings for Pentecost. Get daily Scripture reflections and support “Preach” by becoming a digital subscriber to America Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed. Mark 6:56It would have been truly awe-inspiring to witness Jesus healing the sick. The people who witnessed this clearly had never seen anything like it before. For those who were sick, or whose loved ones were sick, each healing would have had a powerful effect upon them and upon their whole family.Today, modern science, with its ability to treat so many illnesses, has lessened the fear and anxiety over getting sick. But in Jesus' time, serious illness was of far greater concern. For that reason, the desire of so many people to bring their sick to Jesus so that they could be healed was very strong. This desire drove them to Jesus so that “they might touch only the tassel on his cloak” and be healed. And Jesus didn't disappoint.Though Jesus' physical healings were unquestionably an act of charity given to those who were sick and to their families, they obviously weren't the most important thing Jesus did. And it's important for us to remind ourselves of that fact. Jesus' healings were primarily for the purpose of preparing the people to listen to His Word and to ultimately receive the spiritual healing of the forgiveness of their sins.In your own life, if you were seriously ill and were given the option to receive either a physical healing or to receive the spiritual healing of the forgiveness of your sins, which would you choose? Clearly, the spiritual healing of the forgiveness of your sins is of infinitely greater value. It will affect your soul for all eternity. The truth is that this far greater healing is available to us all, especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In that Sacrament, we are invited to “touch the tassel on his cloak,” so to speak, and be spiritually healed. For that reason, we should have a much deeper desire to seek out Jesus in the confessional than the people of Jesus' day had for physical healing. And yet, too often we ignore the priceless gift of God's mercy and healing offered so freely to us. Reflect, today, upon the desire in the hearts of the people in this Gospel story. Think, especially, about those who were seriously ill and about their burning desire to come to Jesus for healing. Compare that desire in their hearts to the desire, or lack of desire, in your heart to run to our Lord for the spiritual healings your soul so desperately needs. Seek to foster a greater desire for this healing, especially as it comes to you through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.My healing Lord, I thank You for the spiritual healing You continually offer me, especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I thank You for the forgiveness of my sins on account of You suffering on the Cross. Fill my heart with a greater desire to come to You so as to receive the greatest gift I could ever receive: the forgiveness of my sins. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured images above: The fresco Jesus at the healing in Duomo by Lattanzio Gambara, via Adobe