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In this episode of Compelled, Emma Mae McDaniel invites us into Joshua 1–3, where God calls His people to cross the overflowing Jordan River at harvest time—an impossible task apart from Him. With honesty and encouragement, Emma reminds us that just as God assured Joshua of His presence, He assures us today that we are never alone in what feels daunting or overwhelming. Through His Word and Spirit, we are equipped to walk in strength and courage, not by our own power, but by His. If you've ever felt unqualified, weary, or unable to carry the task in front of you, this episode is a gentle but firm reminder that with God, even the impossible is possible. https://www.emmamaemcdaniel.com/books - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Disciplined for Holiness | Luke 13:22–30 | The Narrow Door When I was young, I took piano lessons. My teacher was kind, but relentless. She circled the same mistakes week after week, making me slow down and repeat the basics until I could play them well. At the time, it felt tedious. But she wasn't punishing me—she was preparing me for something better. In the same way, God disciplines His children. His discipline is not aimless punishment, but loving training that shapes, strengthens, and prepares us for holiness. Through His Word, He teaches us the narrow way, that we may share in His holiness and enter the narrow door of life.
Disciplined for Holiness | Luke 13:22–30 | The Narrow Door When I was young, I took piano lessons. My teacher was kind, but relentless. She circled the same mistakes week after week, making me slow down and repeat the basics until I could play them well. At the time, it felt tedious. But she wasn't punishing me—she was preparing me for something better. In the same way, God disciplines His children. His discipline is not aimless punishment, but loving training that shapes, strengthens, and prepares us for holiness. Through His Word, He teaches us the narrow way, that we may share in His holiness and enter the narrow door of life.
Disciplined for Holiness | Luke 13:22–30 | The Narrow Door When I was young, I took piano lessons. My teacher was kind, but relentless. She circled the same mistakes week after week, making me slow down and repeat the basics until I could play them well. At the time, it felt tedious. But she wasn't punishing me—she was preparing me for something better. In the same way, God disciplines His children. His discipline is not aimless punishment, but loving training that shapes, strengthens, and prepares us for holiness. Through His Word, He teaches us the narrow way, that we may share in His holiness and enter the narrow door of life.
Jesus Delivers Us (9) (audio) David Eells -8/10/25 Saints, I'm going to continue our teaching on how Jesus delivered us and the authority and power we've been given over the kingdom of darkness. I have several revelations to share with you today to encourage you in your faith. I want to begin with this dream. First, I'm going to read the entire dream and then break it down with scripture and interpretations, so listen carefully. Dream: Escaping the Darkness – LD (David's notes in red) I was in an empty parking lot with two young men who may have been angels. It was dark outside. I saw many people walking around talking to themselves. Many people had their heads down as if they were depressed or worried. Behind most, if not all of the people talking to themselves, I saw at least one or two demons standing. The demons were whispering in their ears the very words that they were speaking. The people were oblivious to the demons, thinking that what they were saying was their own thoughts. At some point, the demons realized that I was aware of them and that I knew what they were doing. At that point, all of the demons stopped at once and stared directly at me. Then they began to chase me to attack me. I and the two young men (angels) began running to the right side of the parking lot where there was a wooden fence. I was then helped over it to escape the demons. On the other side was a three-story apartment building, all one structure. On the top floor, a single light was on. I went to that room. I entered to see a man sitting down, smiling at me. I knew I was safe there. As we look at the interpretation of this dream, I'd like to point out some underlying Scriptural principles. I was in an empty parking lot with two young men who may have been angels. (This is a revelation of mobile vessels, or people, finding no rest although they should be resting because this was a parking lot.) It was dark outside. (We know that darkness is closing in quickly.) I saw many people walking around talking to themselves. (This could be spiritual or physical. It could represent that they are talking to themselves in their minds or aloud, with their tongues. People who have demons often do talk to themselves.) Many people had their heads down as if they were depressed or worried. (They were being oppressed by the very demons that were using them.) Behind most, if not all of the people talking to themselves, I saw at least one or two demons standing. The demons were whispering in their ears the very words that the people were speaking. When demons attempt to seduce people who are loyal to the Lord and His Word, those people have authority over the demons to rebuke them, but when the demons have gotten this far, people, as represented here, are overcome. Even so, they still have this authority if they repent of the thing that caused them to be taken over by these spirits in the first place, and if they have faith to exercise their authority or go to someone who has authority, or both. Demons do speak directly to your mind. They're testing you; they're looking for a crack in your armor (Romans 13:12,14; Ephesians 6:10-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:8). Anyone who listens to them speak through others or listens in their own mind will lose their freedom. If you listen to them, their demonic words have power. If you listen, they will take you where you don't want to go. It's a different situation for those who have authority. (Mat.18:18) Verily I say unto you, what things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. This includes all the demonic powers. But a person does not have authority over Satan when they've disobeyed God's Word and been turned over to Satan for a chastening (1 Corinthians 5:5). However, if a person repents, or if they haven't given in to Satan but are being tested by Satan, this person does have authority. They can “bind” and the devil has to obey. It's just like commanding a healing. You believe you have authority over that curse (Matthew 10:8; John 20:21). When your conscience is clean and you understand what Jesus accomplished at the Cross, you do have this authority. This is not because you are absolutely perfect; even the youngest child in the Lord has this authority to bind or loose. Now, this principle can go against you. People do loose Satan on themselves by their disagreement with God's Word instead of binding Satan by their agreement with God's Word. It's not about saying, “I bind” or “I loose”; it's about agreeing or disagreeing with God's Word. People do it all the time, whether they know it or not. (Luk.9:1) And he called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. We know that the disciples weren't perfected at that time. They still had quite a way to go in walking with Jesus, but they had been given authority. Jesus told us in (Mar.16:17) And these signs shall accompany them that believe: in my name shall they cast out demons… And in (Luk.10:19) Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. We have that authority. You have that authority if you have faith to agree with the Word. The devil tries to bluff people. He tries to tell them he has authority or that he's going to take them out. If your conscience is not clean, you need to do something about that quickly! If you have confessed your sins (1Jn 1:7-9) and your conscience is clean, you can turn on the demons and tell them they don't have any authority over you because of what Jesus said. You have authority over them. Demons can't take you without your permission, but you can permit them in one or more ways. You give them permission when you sin or when you are determined to walk in sin. You give them permission when you choose to walk after idols because they are more important to you than obeying God. You give them permission when you give in to deception or seduction by evil spirits, and so on. So, if you give them authority, they will take it. What you bind on earth is bound in heaven. You have the authority on the earth, but you also have the authority to give it to Satan just as Adam did. God's Word says, (Rom.6:16) Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves [as] servants unto obedience, his servants ye are whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Adam obeyed Satan and lost his authority. The same thing happens today. People get demon-possessed because they obey Satan. Let's return to the dream. Oblivious to the demons, the people were thinking that what they were saying was their own thoughts. (You can't tell them, “Hey! That's demons talking through you.” It's a waste of breath. When the demons have already taken over, they are not going to let the person even think they've got demons. This is a common symptom of possession.) At some point, the demons realized that I was aware of them (Now this is important.) and that I knew what they were doing. At that point, all of the demons stopped at once and stared directly at me. Then they began to chase me to attack me. This is also common in demon possession. They know their advantage is to stay hidden. Demons make their victims believe that the demonic thoughts and words are the victims' own, or that the thoughts are from God. They can be peaceable until they know that you are aware of them, then they fight against you because they are not worried so much about hiding themselves anymore. I've had the gift of discerning of spirits since I was about a year old in the Lord, but it doesn't happen all the time. It happens when God wants it to happen. On one occasion, I saw demons in a woman looking at me, and by the spirit I heard the demons saying to one another, “Do you think he sees us? Do you think he knows we are in here?” Well, yes! I did know because I had seen them long before they spoke, but I had not said anything. I was waiting on the Lord. Once I acknowledged their presence, they would completely turn her against me. I knew this from experience, and so during this time of waiting, I was praying for this person to repent. Not repenting is most often why people are turned over to demons. (Mat.18:34) And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due. (35) So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not every one his brother from your hearts. The Lord Himself turns people over to demons because they don't repent. Some of the biggest reasons for needing to repent are holding on to unforgiveness, being bitter, and habitually criticizing people, which can be a type of judging others. These wrongs are always cause for a person to be turned over to demons for the purpose of bringing them to repentance. An example is the man who had his father's wife. Apostle Paul was led by the Spirit (1Co.5:5) to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. In the case of the woman in whom the demons were questioning if I could see them, the time came to reveal the problem to her husband for his sake, but he chose fellowship with the demons and his wife over the Lord. Then he became infected, too. I've seen this disloyalty to God cause possession many times. I pray for these folks who are in that kind of situation. More than ever, God is turning people over to Satan for chastening to humble them and bring them to repentance. (Mat.10:32) Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven. (33) But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven. One way this happens is by choosing demons, relatives, or friends over the Lord and His Word or representatives. This happened all through the Scriptures. God's representatives spoke for Him, but the demons in people railed. Those who felt it more important or more advantageous to listen to demons got demon-possessed. “Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven.” In other words, they have no right to grace or the benefits of the Kingdom. Jesus is the High Priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1). If we don't confess Him before men, we don't have any offering before the Father. (Rom.10:10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Salvation comes from our confession. And so, once again, I saw a seducing Jezebel spirit in a wife give a husband no peace until he knuckled under for the sake of advantage, and from then on, they both served this false god. This happens a lot, and that's how we end up with so many Ahab spirits out there. The Scripture is clear in (Luk.14:26) If any man cometh unto me, and hateth not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. (“Life” here is the Greek word psuche and it means “the soul, life, self.”). What is Jesus talking about hating here? It's the carnal soulish life that we should hate in ourselves and our relatives. Some people give in to that soulish life and the opinions of relatives, but we should never do that, because it's denying the Lord. It's following a false god for the sake of advantage. People do this for the sake of peace in their family. A husband or wife sways a person because of their idols or fear of someone else's opinions. For the sake of their ego or whatever, they give in and deny the Lord, and then demons come in and oppress or torment. They are the ones who administer the curse. The curse is wherever grace is not. When God takes away grace, that's the curse. (Luk.14:26) If any man cometh unto me, and hateth not … his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. If you don't love God above everyone else, you can't be His disciple. And if you don't hate that carnal life in your relatives and turn against it for the sake of the Lord, you cannot be God's disciple. (Luk.18:29) And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or wife, or brethren, or parents, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, (30) who shall not receive manifold more in this time, and in the world to come eternal life. There are some men who do end up leaving their wives for the Kingdom's sake, but no one can do this of themselves, and wives and children must be cared for. (1Ti.5:8) But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. In some cases, wives refuse to follow husbands into the harvest work. If God ordains a man to a five-fold office (Ephesians 4:11) they must go, but they are responsible to care for their families through faith or by actions. No one can take an office unto themselves or ordain themselves. Some men stay home and don't work, putting their wives to work instead. If a man doesn't work at a secular job, he must be ordained to a ministry office, but either way, he must work to eat. (2Th.3:10) For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat. (11) For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies. (12) Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. You will notice in the last two Scripture texts that the man is responsible to work or provide, if able. If the above responsibilities are met, a wife should not be able to hold a man back from work. Remember that Lot's wife looked back to sin and destruction (Genesis 19:26), but Lot kept going to the refuge (Genesis 19:19:22- 23). Men, do not appease a Jezebel spirit; it's going to seduce you and lead you astray. We have our command from God. (Eph.5:22) Wives, [be in subjection] unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. (The Lord, not I, said this, but those who have a Jezebel spirit will still get angry, although this is the truth. We have to obey God's Word, otherwise we can't call ourselves “disciples”.) (23) For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, (Just as much as Jesus is Head of the Church, the husband is the head of the wife.), [being] himself the saviour of the body. (If a wife does not obey her husband, she is not going to get saved.) (24) But as the church is subject to Christ, so [let] the wives also [be] to their husbands in everything. (To make this possible for the wife, we are then told,) (25) Husbands, love your wives (Feeling unloved isn't an excuse for a wife to disobey her husband, but love makes it easier for the wife to obey her husband.), even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it. Loving your wife does not include giving in to a Jezebel spirit. Giving in means you are putting yourself under a demon spirit, and taking yourself and your family out from under God. If you do that, you will pay the price for it. On the other hand, do not judge the lost wife. God insists on Christ the Word being your Head. Don't judge her, but don't allow her to be your Head. If Jesus is not your Head, then you are following a false god. It's very plain. (Mat.12:30) He that is not with me is against me… If, because of your stand for Christ, your wife leaves you, then suffer for Christ's sake. We all have to suffer in one way or another, but do not follow a false god. The Bible says, (1Co.7:15) Yet if the unbelieving departeth, let him depart: the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such [cases:] but God hath called us in peace. If your mate leaves because you follow Jesus, then so be it. You are not bound in such a case; God never really wants you to be married to an unbeliever anyway. He says to stay married to them only if they are content to dwell with you, because they can be saved through your witness. Amen! The wife who has an unbelieving husband should obey him up to, but not including, moral sin. (1Pe.3:1) In like manner, ye wives, [be] in subjection to your own husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives. [Read our book on our site, The Word, Women and Authority https://www.ubm1.org/books/pdf/wwaa.pdf] If you want to be a disciple of Jesus, you have to follow the Word. If you want to be a “Christian” and not be a disciple of Jesus, you are not going to be saved. It's that simple. The word “Christian” is a very loose term in our day, meaning almost nothing. In the early days, people were called “Christians” because they followed Christ Jesus and they did His works. Today, the word “Christian” should mean more, but sad to say, it doesn't mean much to people. Jesus told us, (Mat.10:34) Think not that I came to send peace on the earth (You might think, “Peace between me and my wife is the most important. I have to do whatever I have to do.” No, you don't. Jesus did not come to send peace on the earth.): I came not to send peace, but a sword. (And that “sword” is to divide those who are loyal to God's Word from those who are not.) (35) For I came to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law (Of course, there are many more relationships. He's just making a point.): (36) and a man's foes [shall be] they of his own household. When you come to God and they have not, you have no communion there. The Bible says, (2Co.6:14) Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness? If you follow the Lord, they can be converted by your witness. If you don't follow the Lord, you have no favor from God, and in that event, don't expect your family to be saved. To get your family saved, the most important thing for you to do is follow the Lord as a disciple of Jesus Christ and have favor from God. He will save your family if you believe Him for it. (Mat.10:37) He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. You can love people more than you love the Word. The Lord and Word are the same. If you love someone or something more than the Word, you are going to be deceived. It's possible to pity demon-possessed people and then, through demons manipulating that pity, to get deceived and fall right into their situation. Don't believe that all those who call themselves “Christian” are going to be saved, because (Mat.10:38) And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me. (We are to die on our “cross” in order to gain our higher life, the life of the born-again man.) (39) He that findeth his life (This is the old psuche life.) shall lose it; (39) and he that loseth his life (Again, this is the old psuche life, the carnal self.) for my sake shall find it. (40) He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. Those who favor God in His representatives will have His favor. Those who don't receive His representatives, God will not receive. Those who do not receive His representatives due to selfish purposes will be rejected as unworthy. (Mat.10:41) He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet (“Name” means “nature, character and authority.” In other words, a prophet or other office should be respected in the Name that they fill.) shall receive a prophet's reward: and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. If you don't do these things, you will not receive that reward. “Filthy lucre” preachers have selfish ambition. (1Pe.5:2) Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to [the will of] God; nor yet for filthy lucre…When tested of the Lord, they fail. I have seen ministers tested by demons who told them how good the ministers were and how bad I was, until finally the ministers promoted themselves and sought to overthrow me with slander. They were taken captive. Now we can finish interpreting the dream. I and the two young men (angels) began running to the right side of the parking lot (This represents the sheep being on the right, as opposed to the wrong side, or the left, which is where the goats go.) where there was a wooden fence. I was then helped over it to escape the demons. (The Lord will make a way of escape for those who are on the right, but not for those who are on the left. The Bible says they will be held under punishment until the Day of the Lord (2 Peter 2:9). Those faithful who overcome with the help of God's ministering spirits will escape the demons. They will not be separated from the body, as will be the unfaithful.) On the other side of the fence was a three-story apartment building, all one structure. (This represents those who go over the fence are being joined with the other true overcomers in God, becoming the temple of God. (Eph.2:21) In whom each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord; (22) in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God in the Spirit. God does not want to share His building with demons. A person needs deliverance if they have demons because the demons are keeping them from serving God. Demons are idols and they take advantage of people to prey upon their flesh as a judgment on the wicked. If a person wants deliverance from these tormentors, they must forgive everybody from their heart; otherwise, Jesus said the Father would put those tormentors on them. On the top floor a single light shone. I went to that room. The top floor represents the spirit of the body. The one light is Jesus, our Light in darkness. I entered in to see a man sitting down, smiling at me. I knew I was safe there. Amen! This is a very interesting revelation that opens up a lot of good points from the Lord. Now, I have another dream by Sister A. to share with you. Satan Is Under Jesus' Feet - Sister A. I was standing before a door in the attic of a house with a group of white women. They were unknown to me. I had a golden key. We all knew that a demon would be behind that door. I unlocked that door with my key and entered that attic with these women following behind me. As I stood inside, a huge, beast-like creature with a face like a bear and long hands like a monkey, full of hair, stood suspended in the air before me. (The house can be our individual house or the corporate house.) I started singing “Satan is Under Jesus' Feet.” I was the only one singing this song, though there were a few women with me. They were like unwilling witnesses to the hideous demon. Also, I did not rebuke or bind the demon at all. (Nobody particularly likes to look at demons. They are ugly.) As I was singing this song, the demon started getting smaller and smaller until it vanished. I continued to sing and left that room with the others. I locked that door behind me. You don't have to speak to a demon. Your attitude and actions will do that for you. If you do not accept that they have authority over you, then you have authority over them. If you preach to them that they are under Jesus' feet, they don't like to hear it. They do not like to hear about the Blood of Jesus. They don't like to hear about this great sacrifice that Jesus made to deliver us out of the power of darkness. So, as she was singing this song, the demon got smaller and smaller until it was gone. Sister “A” asked, “Does the attic have significance? Does it speak about the mind? Why was the demon locked up, and why did I lock the door after me?” The answers to all those questions are found in the interpretation of the dream. This is the “golden key” to the Kingdom that will loose people from bondage, which is in the mind. The golden key is the revelation that in the “attic” of the mind, all evil hidden there has been put under Jesus' feet. This means it is under the Body of Christ. The Bible says God made Christ to sit (Eph.1:21) far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. Yes, Jesus has that absolute dominion over them, so how do people get demons if Jesus doesn't agree? Well, He does turn people over to demons for chastening, like the Apostle Paul did in (1 Corinthians 5:1-5), and He knows when people are putting themselves under the curse because they don't walk in repentance and faith toward God. (Eph.1:22) And he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, (23) which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. He put all things under His feet. He is the Head over His corporate body upon the earth, but notice that He put all of these demon powers under the feet, under the very lowest members of His corporate body upon the earth. He's saying that He's put all these powers and dominions and rulers under the very lowest members of the Church. If we look at the image of the beast in Daniel with its ten “toes” being the end-time revelation in (Daniel 2:31-45), and we stand up the Body of Christ next to that over history, the “toes” there are also at the end of history. It's in these days that Christians are going to bring Satan's kingdom under their feet and plunder it. Note that this promise was spoken first to Adam and his seed, and then to Christ and His seed. (Heb.2:6) But one hath somewhere testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man, that thou visitest him? (7) Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; Thou crownedst him with glory and honor, And didst set him over the works of thy hands: (8) Thou didst put all things in subjection under his feet… There it is, but people like to say this is just about Jesus. No, it was spoken first to Adam and his seed, and then to the Last Adam, Christ and His seed. We have a confirmation here that it's talking about the seed of Christ having all things in subjection, just as in Ephesians 1:21-23. (8) Thou didst put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he subjected all things unto him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we see not yet all things subjected to him. When those words were spoken by Paul, he did not yet see all the manifestation of that dominion, but in the end-time we are going to see it. The battleground between us and Satan is the mind. The battleground is in that “attic.” (2Co.10:3) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh (4) (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds). We are talking about “strongholds” where Satan, through his demons, has gained dominion in a person's mind. Demon spirits, through those strongholds, are even passed on from parents from generation to generation through the blood (Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 5:9; Numbers 14:18). God has given us authority to cast this down, but the devil works hard to convince you that you do not have this authority. If you want to have dominion over those strongholds that have been built up in your mind over the years of your lost life, you must take your authority in Christ. (2Co.10:5) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. How do you win this battle? Bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. The rules Jesus laid down regarding judging and forgiving must be followed, especially in personal relationships. If you ignore these regulations, you will lose this battle. Even while you are puffed up by demons who want you to exercise your authority among men, you will have lost the battle. That will be proven after the Lord has used you as a vessel of dishonor. The “white women” in the dream represent those corporate bodies who are justified by grace to “walk in white,” but they need this revelation to be free, and of course, Sister “A” was demonstrating this revelation to them. There are people out there who do walk in white to the very best of their ability. They walk with the Lord. They walk under His cleansing power. We need to know that we have authority over Satan's minions and that we have authority over their strongholds in our minds. When we repent and stop agreeing with him, his influence in our mind shrinks until it's gone, just like the demon vanishing in the dream. Believe the Lord when He says, (Mat.18:18) Verily I say unto you, what things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Believe the Lord when He says, (Luk.10:19) Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. (What does “all” mean? What does it leave out? “All” leaves out nothing.) (20) Nevertheless in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. Can you imagine what will happen when saints believe that Jesus in them has total authority? Can you imagine what will happen when the Word in them takes total authority over the kingdom of darkness? (Col.1:13) Who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love. That's awesome! We need to exercise our authority, saints! Our battle does not depend on whether the enemy can read our minds; it depends on what he can do about what we know. Satan admitted he didn't have the power to get at Job because of God's “hedge.” (Job.1:9) Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? (10) Hast not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath, on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. The same is true of us. It's not important for our thoughts to be hidden from the enemy when he can do nothing about them, and he can do nothing about our thoughts unless by our thoughts, we give him permission. This is because we have authority over him. Remember Jesus said, (Luk.10:19) Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. It doesn't matter what the demons know. It matters what we know as sons of God. We are their lords, just as it was with Jesus. (Joh.20:21) Jesus therefore said to them again, Peace be unto you: as the Father hath sent me, even so send I you. (Mat.18:18) Verily I say unto you, what things soever ye shall bind (The Greek word deo here means “forbid” or “prohibit.”) on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose (The Greek word luo here means “release” or “permit.”) on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Faith permits the sovereignty of God to be manifest through the Body of Christ. Faith forbids Satan, no matter what he knows of our thoughts. Jesus' condition for receiving His benefits is plain. (Mat.8:13) … As thou hast believed, [so] be it done unto thee… (Mat.9:29) … According to your faith be it done unto you. And (Luk.17:19) … Thy faith hath made thee whole. He said such things as these, giving us authority. Praise be to God! As we believe, God's benefits will be given. Unbelieving thoughts and actions forbid God's benefits to us because He has made a condition, and He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Hebrews 6:18). Unbelief permits Satan to continue administering the curse. We come out from under the curse through faith. We are counted righteous through our faith. We have to use our faith, but we can't exercise complete authority over other people. They have to use their faith, too. (Mar.6:5) And he (Jesus) could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. (6) And he marvelled because of their unbelief. Even Jesus was forbidden to do mighty works for those who would not believe. It's a condition, but whether we know it or not, we are constantly forbidding or permitting by our thoughts, words, and actions. All authority in heaven and earth was given to Jesus. He, in turn, delegated it to His disciples; so where does Satan get his authority? He gets it from our unbelief, words, and disobedience. Adding to or taking from God's Word, whether in thought or deed, permits the curse to be administered by Satan and forbids God's blessings for us or through us. This is by God's design to motivate us to come into agreement with Him. (Rev.22:18) I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto them, God shall add unto him the plagues which are written in this book (How do we add to or take away from them? We do it with our thoughts. We do it with our words and actions. We deny the Lord when we deny His Word.): (19) and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book. To win this battle, we have to cast down the thoughts of Satan. They are sent to deceive us so that we might give him permission to destroy us. Now, another thing. Many people think the reason God gives the gift of tongues is so that Satan cannot understand what we say to God, so that his purposes will be thwarted. This is false. Satan and his fallen angels have tempted mankind since shortly after the beginning, so they know some tricks. And they are angels, whether people believe it or not (Revelation 12:9). They certainly know the “tongues of men and angels”; otherwise they couldn't communicate with one another, or put thoughts in our heads. We read in (1Co.13:1) If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. When prophecy is uttered in one's own language, one's mind, doctrine, and desires are permitted to be involved in what is said. The Word is polluted. (1Co.13:9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part… To put it another way, the prophecy can be part God and part man. That's why the prophecy, not the person, needs to be judged in (1 Corinthians 14:29). The true reason we speak in tongues is so that we will not know what we are saying, and therefore we will have no carnal reason to change the word. If our mind gets involved, then we can be tempted because of selfish ambition or our own doctrines to change it. So when you speak in tongues, the Holy Spirit is praying through you to God in a language that can be purely the Holy Spirit's request to God. (Rom.8:26) And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for [us] with groanings which cannot be uttered (That is, which cannot be uttered by man.); (27) and he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will] of God. It's important to pray in this way because … For the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. (1Ch.28:9) In the spirit realm, thoughts are audible to the mind of God, angels, and to demons. God and demons can, in turn, impart the gift to read minds. A man once asked me if I knew what he was thinking. At that moment the Holy Spirit gave it to me, and the man was just awed at the power of God. When I first went to a full-gospel church, I witnessed Christians exorcising a demon-possessed man who thought he was a woman, and that man also showed his ability to read minds. Why those unbelieving Christians asked for a demonstration is beyond me, because magicians, wizards, and mediums with familiar spirits or spirits of divination have demonstrated the power to read minds in front of audiences of people. I don't know why people think that demons can't read minds, especially since we wrestle with principalities and powers in the mind. We are commanded to (Eph.6:11) Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places]. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With the renewed mind of the Word (Romans 12:2), our thoughts can be guarded as with a helmet. We are then able to take back our thoughts and cast the enemy's thoughts down. (2Co.10:3) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh (4) (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds) (The principalities and the powers possess strongholds in the thoughts of the mind.), (5) casting down imaginations (our thoughts), and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, (Cast down anything that opposes God. You will have victory over Satan in this way. Any other way you go is opening yourself up to him.), and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Be sure you do this when the demons in people are trying to deceive you. They are fighting to win the battle against you, so bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of the Word of God. Study the Word. We have studied and talked about the verses that most often trip people up, because they disobey them. When they do that, they get captured by Satan. We win the battle by rejecting the enemies' thoughts and replacing them with God's thoughts. We win the battle by holding on to God's thoughts. We are at peace with God when we are full of His thoughts, since then our minds are guarded from demonic attacks that cause outward actions of sin. The Bible says, (Php.4:6) In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. We should be aware that Satan can insert thoughts within our thoughts. (Act.5:3) But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Also, we see another example here. (1Ch.21:1) And Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel. We can use a little Holy Spirit reasoning by asking, “How can Satan insert thoughts unless he knows the content of thoughts?” If you went into your computer to edit a text, how could you insert changes unless you could read the text? If you just inserted a word change at random without knowing the text, you would make a nonsensical document, and anyone would know that someone inserted something. It's the same with us. If Satan or demons inserted something nonsensical, it would be obvious that demons were at work, but they know they do their best work undercover. How would Satan be able to tempt us if he were so dysfunctional? We would know immediately that he was up to something. Now, let me share the following testimony of faith by A. T. Poor Blood Circulation Healed given to A. T. I went to help my mom volunteer over at this place where she gets her food. I didn't have time to grab a coat, but I knew the Lord would keep me warm within the warehouse. It turned out I was working in the freezer the entire time. Within that freezer, the Lord did keep my body warm through my faith. My hands were the only thing that were suffering from the cold. I have always had problems with poor blood circulation in my hands. I felt intense pain in my hands. My fingers were freezing up, making my task harder to perform. As pain was an attribute of the curse, I kept in prayer and continued to thank Him for healing my hands on the Cross. (Php.4:6) In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God. A couple of times I had to leave the cold because my hands hurt too much. But every time I would leave, I felt as if my faith was wavering and I wasn't holding fast to my confession. The spirit of doubt was trying to come in to hinder my faith. Then I began to deal with condemnation. It was demonic activity holding me back. I was acting in double-mindedness, and such did not please the Father. (Jas.1:6) But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord; (8) a doubleminded man unstable, in all his ways. The Lord wanted my actions to be according to my confession, for (Jas.2:17) faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself. The Lord could not manifest my healing without His works being involved. He told me to bind and loose and to cast down any vain imaginations of the flesh. This is as Paul speaks about in (2Co.10:5) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, for Christ bestowed upon us authority over all the power of the enemy. The third time I got back into the freezer, I was convinced not to leave the freezer for the purpose of warming my hands. When I thanked the Lord, I felt confession pouring from my heart, rather than just my lips. I completely ignored the pain and began to rest on what the Lord had accomplished on the cross. Behold, the Lord faithfully answered! The pain was leaving my hands all at once, and a great comfort was coming over my affliction (The pain had not left due to numbness. I could feel everything I was touching.) I felt supernatural warmth cover over my hands. I regained mobility in my fingertips, as well as overall strength. Praise the Lord and His Sovereignty! Praise the Son of the Most High and His Love! Even after the healing manifested itself, my flesh was trying to scare me out of the healing by attempting to suggest that it was only a temporary healing. Eventually, Satan gave up trying to steal my gift, for I continued to cast down more doubt that was exalting itself against the Lord. (Jas.4:7) Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you. I kept working. The Lord put me into an environment with an exaggerated degree of cold—where the cold was so strong against my flesh that I was in utter weakness—in order that Jesus could show His might. In such a cold environment, heat could not have been in the air. Only the Lord could have heated my hands. He engineered this circumstance so that it was impossible for my flesh to reason and prevail against my spirit. There have been more trials with my blood circulation, but the Lord has healed my hands. (1Pe.2:24) … by whose stripes ye were healed. (And He continues to conquer this old flesh.) He is our only resistance to Satan and the mind of the flesh. He is our only salvation. Without His grace and love, we are nothing. Now, I'm going to talk to you about the faction war and how we win this battle. Let me begin by sharing this dream. Getting Ready for the Storm by S.G. A few of us were outside a big house that was more than one-story high. We were trying to get a platform or something apart before the storm was to come. We needed to unscrew some bolts or something like that. We started to see wolves and dogs trying to come against us. It was dark outside. There was thunder, lightning, and blowing wind. We went inside the house. Many others from local UBM were in different rooms praying. Some were kneeling down, while some were standing and commanding the wolves and the dogs to go! It was all happening so fast. It was as if we were in the midst of a storm on a ship out to sea. Things were coming from all directions. We were just commanding those things to cease and go. At one point it settled down a little. But then I was going outside and touching a gate that was opened. It seemed like it shocked me. Then I couldn't speak, as if the enemy were trying to silence me. I was able to say, “No! In the Name of Jesus!” I said this as loudly as I could, and started to fight in the spirit. It started to get windy and rough again. I saw David and Michael and other brothers and sisters praying and taking care of the little ones. It was so chaotic and noisy! But everyone was doing their part in the warfare. A few of us would go up and down stairs, helping each other to fight. We were strong and didn't give up. No one was frightened. But we were more determined when we saw the enemy come against us. As far as I could tell, there were no casualties. And before I woke up, I heard myself say two or three times, “I have to wake up and write this down.” And then I woke up. S.G.'s Notes: I sensed we had the victory, even though I had left the whole scene (without seeing the end) when I woke up. I felt good about the dream, sensing that we were all working together. Even though the enemy was trying to bring chaos, the fight was done with order. We all knew what we were to do, and we did it. I asked the Lord for a Word to correspond to this dream. My finger went down on “our captain.” (2Ch.13:12 KJV) And, behold, God himself is with us for our captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the Lord God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper. Then, the Lord gave me the word “tumult” from H1993 “Strong's Concordance,” which means “to make a loud sound, to be in great commotion, roar, be in an uproar, to rage, war, clamor.” I looked up a few verses with the word tumult in them. One of the scriptures, Psalm 83:2, I received this twice in twenty-four hours. (Psa.83:2) For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: And they that hate thee have lifted up the head. Amen! When the enemy plans an attack, God warns us in advance. We received the next several Words at random from the Lord, by faith, in one day. To begin with, I received words from the Lord in Job about a coming faction attack. (Job.16:9) He hath torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me; He hath gnashed upon me with his teeth: Mine adversary sharpeneth his eyes upon me. (10) They have gaped upon me with their mouth; They have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully: They gather themselves together against me. (11) God delivereth me to the ungodly, And casteth me into the hands of the wicked. The “me” in this case represents the David Man-childs who have been going through a persecution. However, the Lord may have said, “Enough!” The faction that was planned was confirmed to me by another verse I received. (Isa.1:2) Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord hath spoken: I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. (3) The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib; [but] Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. (4) Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evil-doers, children that deal corruptly! they have forsaken the Lord, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are estranged [and gone] backward. (5) Why will ye be still stricken, that ye revolt more and more? the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. (6) From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; [but] wounds, and bruises, and fresh stripes: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with oil. (8) And the daughter of Zion is left as a booth in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city. The last verse describes faction situations very accurately. That same day, I was directed to a Judas passage. (Joh.13:27) And after the sop, then entered Satan into him (Judas, the betrayer). Jesus therefore saith unto him, What thou doest, do quickly. At that same time, praying brethren received warnings, too. E.B. received this Judas verse: (Mat.26:50) And Jesus said unto him, Friend, [do] that for which thou art come. Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. D.L. got (Lam.1:9) Her filthiness was in her skirts (This represents “harlot” religion, those who have turned away from their “husband” Christ, having received the seed of the world.); she remembered not her latter end (It's a demonic problem when people don't count the cost of low living. They don't understand that all of this is going to catch up to them.); Therefore is she come down wonderfully; she hath no comforter: Behold, O Lord, my affliction; for the enemy hath magnified himself. Isn't it interesting how all of these verses line up? We have received wonderful training for several years now on spiritual warfare and gained a lot of understanding and wisdom from the Lord. What the Man-child corporate body is going through right now is what the Woman corporate body will go through in the “wilderness.” Everybody has to go to their “cross,” and so all this training is necessary, or else the Lord would not be speaking to us in this way. What is the enemy's sin? (Jer.34:8) The word that came unto Jeremiah from the Lord, after that the king Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people that were at Jerusalem, to proclaim liberty unto them; (9) that every man should let his man-servant, and every man his maid-servant, that is a Hebrew or a Hebrewess, go free; that none should make bondmen of them, [to wit,] of a Jew his brother. (10) And all the princes and all the people obeyed, that had entered into the covenant, that every one should let his man-servant, and every one his maid-servant, go free, that none should make bondmen of them any more; they obeyed, and let them go: (11) but afterwards they turned, and caused the servants and the handmaids, whom they had let go free, to return, and brought them into subjection for servants and for handmaids. What will happen to the enemy? Well, I received the answer to those questions. (Jer.34:17) Therefore thus saith the Lord: ye have not hearkened unto me, to proclaim liberty, every man to his brother, and every man to his neighbor: behold, I proclaim unto you a liberty, saith the Lord, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be tossed to and fro among all the kingdoms of the earth. The wicked were to forgive debts owed to them and to let their servants go free from their servitude. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus taught that these “debts” were the debts of forgiveness for their sin that the wicked owed to others who had sinned against them (Matthew 18:23-34). Failure to do this would bring the judgment of the Shemittah. Everybody thinks the Shemittah is all over, but no, Jesus said that the Father would turn those guilty of unforgiveness over to tormenting demons. This has already happened. [Note: Shemittah is the Hebrew word “to release.” (Deu.15:1) At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release. (2) And this is the manner of the release: every creditor shall release that which he hath lent unto his neighbor; he shall not exact it of his neighbor and his brother; because the Lord's release hath been proclaimed. In other words, “the Shemittah waives all outstanding debts” (see chabad.org).] Saints, a tremendous Passover, along with much death and destruction, is coming, and we need to get ready for it, but the Passover is only good if you have a sacrifice. If you walk in willful disobedience, we are told in (Heb.10:26) For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, (27) but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries. There is no sacrifice for you if you walk in willful disobedience and, therefore, the Blood is not on the doorpost. There needs to be repentance, or many are going to be taken away. And then E.B. got, (SoS.1:5) I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, As the tents of Kedar, As the curtains of Solomon. (6) Look not upon me, because I am swarthy, Because the sun hath scorched me. My mother's sons (“Mother” represents the church.) were incensed against me… This is all part of crucifixion. God has vessels of honor and vessels of dishonor to do His work (2 Timothy 2:20-21). We need somebody to bring us to our cross, and God will use whom He can use. If anybody is fitted to be used as a vessel of dishonor, God will use them for that purpose. So when I opened my Bible to nowhere in particular because I was getting ready to study, as I looked at the page, I was asking, “Lord, can this usurpation attempt be cast down?” It wasn't as if we hadn't gone through enough of it, but we know that's up to God, and my eyes fell on, (Mar.11:23) Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it. That's certainly kind of a “blank check” but then, of course, His Word says, (Mat.11:24) Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. He certainly answered my question there without any doubt. Then, in the same meeting, M.L. got the same Word from Matthew 17:18. What are the chances of that in this great big Bible! (Mat.17:18) And Jesus rebuked him; and the demon went out of him: and the boy was cured from that hour. (19) Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast it out? (20) And he saith unto them, Because of your little faith: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Another sister received this word about Joseph's persecution and later promotion. (Psa.105:19) Until the time that his word came to pass (Joseph was persecuted because of the things that he prophesied about his brethren, but there came a time, which they thought would never come, when his word came to pass.), The word of the Lord tried him. (20) The king sent and loosed him; Even the ruler of peoples, and let him go free. (21) He made him lord of his house, And ruler of all his substance; (22) To bind his princes at his pleasure, And teach his elders wisdom. His factious brothers came to find out that Joseph had been promoted over them, just as he had said in (Genesis 40:38-45). Their faction against him, in delivering him into bondage, was found out and those brethren were humbled (Genesis 45:1-15). M.L.'s word spoke about the enemy who was evil to Joseph. (Amo.6:6) … But they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph. (7) Therefore shall they now go captive with the first that go captive; and the revelry of them that stretched themselves shall pass away. All their rejoicing in their evil comes to nothing because the factious enemy today is also going into captivity as a chastening. They were not grieved for the affliction of the Joseph Man-child of our day, who was going through a crucifixion. E.B. asked for a confirmation and got another faction verse. (Psa.60:4) Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, That it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah (5) That thy beloved may be delivered, Save with thy right hand, and answer us. (6) God hath spoken in his holiness: I will exult; I will divide Shechem (Shechem were those who factioned against the house of Gideon. In that time, Abimelech was the beast, and Shechem was the harlot. God said, “I'm going to divide Shechem,” the harlot that had come against His people.), and mete out the valley of Succoth. There is faction planned by Satan, and we are warned so that we may cast it down and divide the enemy. (Luk.10:19) Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. The Lord wants to teach us that this is true. In the coming tribulation, we will need to know this is true because the enemy is everywhere. The corporate body of the beast is very large, and the people of God are comparatively small. Because of the demons that are in them, this great big beast is set on making war against the saints. We have authority, but not in wrestling with flesh and blood. (Eph.6:12) For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places]. Wrestling with flesh and blood will just get you killed. Jesus said, (Rev.13:10) If any man [is] for captivity, into captivity he goeth; if any man shall kill with the sword, with the sword must he be killed. Here is the patience and faith of the saints. Anybody who doesn't know anything about spiritual warfare and hasn't put the Word of God in their heart is going into captivity. Those people who don't take the authority and the dominion that Jesus gave them over the evil, including the evil in themselves, are going into captivity. When Jehoshaphat in Zion was faced by three enemy armies in (2 Chronicles 20:1), he sent out the praisers first in (2 Chronicles 20:20-21). Those armies were divided and killed one another off in (2 Chronicles 20:22-24). Then Zion celebrated and spent three days gathering up the loot in (2 Chronicles 20:25). Our battle with the spirits of faction is not something that's over in a moment, but His Word encourages us with awesome verses. His Word helps us to believe we have received and to cast down faction. Through His Word, we have authority to cast down faction and every evil work. You come into more and more rest in the battle after you have gone through it for a while. It's like anything else that you face that comes against your faith; the more experience you gain with spiritual warfare, the more solid your faith becomes and the more you enter into the rest. Praise be to God!
Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com One of the most consistent warnings in the New Testament is to guard against offense. We often think of an offense as something that hurts our feelings, but in reality, it's something far more dangerous. An offense is anything that causes us to stumble or lose our footing in the faith. That's why the Apostle Paul urges us to “gird our feet with the Gospel of Peace.” In the ancient world, maintaining your footing was essential to surviving any battle. The same is true today in the spiritual battles we face. If we stumble at the word of God, we will fall! Over the years, I've been asked this question by pastors and leaders around the world: “Why are people so easily offended?” Even after more than half a century of active ministry, I remain amazed at how easily believers fall into offense, not just with one another, but even with God. And while it might seem like a mystery, the answer is simple: most 21st-century believers lack a deep foundation in the New Covenant. Many don't fully understand what Jesus accomplished through His death, burial, and resurrection. All this is because we don't know how to understand the Scripture! Yet God has given us everything we need. Through His Word, He provides explicit instruction. The Holy Spirit is our internal teacher. He brings us to a place of understanding and guides us step-by-step until we reach victory and safety! Join me this week as we explore how to become Stable, Secure, and Immovable in our faith. No more offense. No more stumbling. Just a life anchored in peace, strength, and confidence in God!
This message reminds us that every choice we make carries meaning and purpose. God sees our actions, hears our words, and knows our hearts. Accountability is not something to fear but a loving gift from our Creator. He invites us to grow, to reflect, and to walk in His truth daily. Through His Word and Spirit, we are guided toward lives filled with grace and wisdom. Even when we fall short, God's mercy offers us a fresh start. With His help, we can live boldly, faithfully, and with purpose.
Main Point. God saves by His power alone, not our strength, so that all the glory is His. Driving Question: Why does God lead us into weakness before He acts? 1. God Weakens Us to Display His Strength (1–8) 2. God Reassures Us to Strengthen Our Faith (9–15a) Two Observations. A. God's compassionate reassurance. B. Gideon's response. How does God reassure us of his promises today? Through Christ – (Heb. 1:1–2). Through His Word and Spirit – (2 Tim. 3:16; John 15:26). Through the Ordinances – (1 Cor. 11:26). Through His Church – (1 Thess 5:11; Heb 10:25). 3. God Delivers Us to Receive All Glory (15b–25) Takeaways. God saves by His power—not ours. God delights to use weakness—not strength. God alone deserves the glory—not man.
In today's episode, I talked about the demons we can see—and the ones we can't. Some show up in wild, obvious ways, like the possessed man in the tombs. But others hide behind comfort, respectability, or quiet resistance to Jesus. I asked myself: where do I push Jesus away in my own life? But the good news is, Jesus doesn't walk away. He sees it all—every fear, every sin, every hidden struggle—and He comes to set us free. Through His Word, His cross, and His gifts, He gives us new life. And now, forgiven and made new, I'm called to live differently—to speak His forgiveness, share His mercy, and tell how much He's done for me.
Hearing God in the Small Story As we continue our journey through The Big Story of God—a theme introduced last week by Bill Chapman—this Sunday, we zoomed in. Guest speaker Steve Ball, Elim's Regional Leader, led us into a powerful truth: while God is telling a grand story through Scripture, He also longs to speak into our small, personal stories—right here, right now. And how does He do that? Through His Word. "Blessed is the one… whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night." – Psalm 1:1-2 Steve reminded us that if we're looking for a more joyful, anchored, hope-filled life, it starts with this one practice: meditating on the Word of God. Not just reading it. Not just hearing it. But meditating on it—like slowly savouring a delicious meal, letting it linger, nourish, and shape us from the inside out. The Ancient Practice of Meditating on Scripture Steve taught us a method of biblical meditation that is thousands of years old—a way to truly engage with the Bible so that God's voice is no longer distant or abstract, but personal and transformative. Here's how: 1. Read it Don't rush. Read the passage slowly. Re-read it. Read it in different translations. Each time, allow God to highlight something fresh. 2. Speak it Say it out loud. Change your emphasis on different words. Speak it over your life, your situation, your family. There's power in declaring Scripture. 3. Write it Writing helps take things deeper. That might mean journaling, drawing, writing poetry, even writing a song. The goal? To respond creatively and personally to what God is saying. 4. Pray it Turn Scripture into a prayer. Invite God to speak through what you've just read. Prayer and writing often go hand-in-hand in this step. 5. Live it This is where transformation happens. As we meditate, the Word stays with us. It shapes how we think, speak, and live—day and night. God Is Ready to Speak – Are You Ready to Listen? Meditation is not something to endure—it's something to enjoy. The invitation this week is simple: slow down, open your Bible, and let God speak. Whether it's one verse or a whole chapter, He's ready to whisper words that will shape your life. “God has some beautiful things to say to you today—you just need to get started.” – Steve Ball
Safe in the Shepherd's Hands | John 10:22-33 In a world filled with countless voices clamoring for our attention, one voice stands apart—clear, faithful, and comforting. Jesus promises, “My sheep hear my voice.” Unlike the fleeting calls that leave us lost and alone, His voice remains steadfast and unwavering. Death could not silence Him, and His ascension did not distance Him. Today, He speaks through His Word, proclaimed by His apostles and pastors, ensuring His sheep are never without His guidance. When we wander, bruised and breathless, He does not scold; instead, He rejoices and gently gathers us into His embrace. You are never abandoned to life's chaotic noise. Your Good Shepherd calls you personally, leading you beside still waters. Join us as we explore the profound assurance of being safely held in the hands of our Good Shepherd. Key Takeaways: Jesus' voice offers comfort, direction, and assurance. His promise ensures we are never alone or abandoned. Through His Word and Sacraments, Christ continually calls and cares for us.
What makes worship pleasing and acceptable to God? All Christians know that God ought to be worshipped, but some do not know why and how. Through His Word, God instructs us in how He wants to be worshipped. This introductory book is designed to walk through what true worship is, what worship should include, and how to identify true worship in a church. Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/True-Worship-Returning-Biblical-Understanding-ebook/dp/B0DR4V9198/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3GSYRMWYGG07V&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.miTyckYKdeZpBtBMLl8r5g9sLiS7kLLA2xW6flgZSMjGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.AYTX4YRYJSuOfm9nszARJgebnmr8nrDCgbdrHbZ1GZ4&dib_tag=se&keywords=Landon+Jones+true+worship&qid=1741033360&s=books&sprefix=landon+jones+true+worship%2Cstripbooks%2C89&sr=1-1 For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org
What makes worship pleasing and acceptable to God? All Christians know that God ought to be worshipped, but some do not know why and how. Through His Word, God instructs us in how He wants to be worshipped. This introductory book is designed to walk through what true worship is, what worship should include, and how to identify true worship in a church. Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/True-Worship-Returning-Biblical-Understanding-ebook/dp/B0DR4V9198/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3GSYRMWYGG07V&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.miTyckYKdeZpBtBMLl8r5g9sLiS7kLLA2xW6flgZSMjGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.AYTX4YRYJSuOfm9nszARJgebnmr8nrDCgbdrHbZ1GZ4&dib_tag=se&keywords=Landon+Jones+true+worship&qid=1741033360&s=books&sprefix=landon+jones+true+worship%2Cstripbooks%2C89&sr=1-1 For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org
Safe in the Shepherd's Hands | John 10:22-33 In a world filled with countless voices clamoring for our attention, one voice stands apart—clear, faithful, and comforting. Jesus promises, “My sheep hear my voice.” Unlike the fleeting calls that leave us lost and alone, His voice remains steadfast and unwavering. Death could not silence Him, and His ascension did not distance Him. Today, He speaks through His Word, proclaimed by His apostles and pastors, ensuring His sheep are never without His guidance. When we wander, bruised and breathless, He does not scold; instead, He rejoices and gently gathers us into His embrace. You are never abandoned to life's chaotic noise. Your Good Shepherd calls you personally, leading you beside still waters. Join us as we explore the profound assurance of being safely held in the hands of our Good Shepherd. Key Takeaways: Jesus' voice offers comfort, direction, and assurance. His promise ensures we are never alone or abandoned. Through His Word and Sacraments, Christ continually calls and cares for us.
Safe in the Shepherd's Hands | John 10:22-33 In a world filled with countless voices clamoring for our attention, one voice stands apart—clear, faithful, and comforting. Jesus promises, “My sheep hear my voice.” Unlike the fleeting calls that leave us lost and alone, His voice remains steadfast and unwavering. Death could not silence Him, and His ascension did not distance Him. Today, He speaks through His Word, proclaimed by His apostles and pastors, ensuring His sheep are never without His guidance. When we wander, bruised and breathless, He does not scold; instead, He rejoices and gently gathers us into His embrace. You are never abandoned to life's chaotic noise. Your Good Shepherd calls you personally, leading you beside still waters. Join us as we explore the profound assurance of being safely held in the hands of our Good Shepherd. Key Takeaways: Jesus' voice offers comfort, direction, and assurance. His promise ensures we are never alone or abandoned. Through His Word and Sacraments, Christ continually calls and cares for us.
Safe in the Shepherd's Hands | John 10:22-33 In a world filled with countless voices clamoring for our attention, one voice stands apart—clear, faithful, and comforting. Jesus promises, “My sheep hear my voice.” Unlike the fleeting calls that leave us lost and alone, His voice remains steadfast and unwavering. Death could not silence Him, and His ascension did not distance Him. Today, He speaks through His Word, proclaimed by His apostles and pastors, ensuring His sheep are never without His guidance. When we wander, bruised and breathless, He does not scold; instead, He rejoices and gently gathers us into His embrace. You are never abandoned to life's chaotic noise. Your Good Shepherd calls you personally, leading you beside still waters. Join us as we explore the profound assurance of being safely held in the hands of our Good Shepherd. Key Takeaways: Jesus' voice offers comfort, direction, and assurance. His promise ensures we are never alone or abandoned. Through His Word and Sacraments, Christ continually calls and cares for us.
Welcome to today's Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla from Job 33:12-14 (ESV). Elihu reminds us of a vital truth: God is always speaking, even when we don't perceive it. In our suffering, confusion, or silence, we may feel forgotten—but Scripture assures us that God speaks in one way, and in two, though we may not recognize it. Through His Word, His creation, His people, and even through trials, the Lord makes Himself known. Join Pastor Balla for this Christ-centered devotion rooted in Lutheran theology and discover how to listen for God's voice with humility and faith. Whether you're seeking direction or comfort, this message encourages you to trust in God's divine communication and unshakable presence. Subscribe for daily Biblical encouragement that helps you walk faithfully before the God who speaks.
Your Nightly Prayer
I think this is a question we all ask ourselves, right? How do we know that we know that we know when it's God speaking? What if it's not?In this episode, I walk through four “tests” per se, that might help you discern whether what you're hearing is actually the voice of God.Hint: It doesn't sound like Morgan Freeman and it's usually not a burning bush. Disappointing, I know.But truly, we tend to over spiritualize what it sounds like or assume that it's only on special occasions or big decisions but in reality, the Heavenly Father is always speaking!Through His people,Through His Word,Through prayer,Through dreams,Through all kinds of places and particulars, His voice is reminding you that you're seen, significant, and safe.The kicker? His voice usually calls us to get uncomfortable, release some things that we want to hold onto, or calling us to step up in ways we feel ill-equipped.John 10:27 says, “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me."You are His sheep. He is your Shepherd. You have the Holy Spirit. You hear His voice right where you are..I hope as you make space for quiet and lean in, this podcast will help remind you that you already hold the superpower of having direct access to the King of Kings. It's absolutely extraordinary, and it's true.
Key Verse: “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.” – John 14:9 (NIV) Do you look like your Heavenly Father? Jesus said, “I only do what I see the Father doing” (John 5:19) NIV THE PROBLEM: Why We Don't Look Like the Father“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires.” – John 8:44 (NIV) We Forget That Looking Like Jesus is the Goal“Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.” – 1 John 2:6 (NIV) THE SOLUTION: How to Look Like the Father Key #1 - Be Filled with the Holy Spirit“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV) Key #2 - Do What Pleases the Father “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light and find out what pleases the Lord.” - Ephesians 5:8-10 NIV How do we know what He loves? ⁃ Through His Word. ⁃ Through time in prayer. ⁃ Through communion with the Spirit Key #3 - Take Care of What's Important to Him “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40 (NIV) Are you aligned with what God calls important—or just what feels convenient? “Be imitators of God in everything you do, for then you will represent your Father as his beloved sons and daughters.” - Ephesians 5:1 TPT
Key Verse: “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.” – John 14:9 (NIV) Do you look like your Heavenly Father? Jesus said, “I only do what I see the Father doing” (John 5:19) NIV THE PROBLEM: Why We Don't Look Like the Father“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires.” – John 8:44 (NIV) We Forget That Looking Like Jesus is the Goal“Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.” – 1 John 2:6 (NIV) THE SOLUTION: How to Look Like the Father Key #1 - Be Filled with the Holy Spirit“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV) Key #2 - Do What Pleases the Father “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light and find out what pleases the Lord.” - Ephesians 5:8-10 NIV How do we know what He loves? ⁃ Through His Word. ⁃ Through time in prayer. ⁃ Through communion with the Spirit Key #3 - Take Care of What's Important to Him “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40 (NIV) Are you aligned with what God calls important—or just what feels convenient? “Be imitators of God in everything you do, for then you will represent your Father as his beloved sons and daughters.” - Ephesians 5:1 TPT
When we are feeling empty or spiritually depressed, or when circumstances make us aware of our weakness, that is a great opportunity to grow in God by turning to Him and asking Him to fill our void. We must be thirsty for God before we drink of His living water (Isa 55:1, John 7:37, Rev 21:6, 22:17). When our soul is full of worldly things we have no room for God, but “blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (God's Word and Spirit) Presence, for they shall be filled (with God's Presence)” (Matt 5:6). In Psalm 42 the psalmist is depressed and thirsty for the living God (v1-2), so He turns to God to fill him. Inspired by the local scenery, where the river Jordan flows out from Mount Hermon at Banias and tumbles down in waterfalls, he focuses on God, seeing these waters as a picture of God's river of life (v6), and then cries out from the depth of his heart (need) to the depths of God to fill him: “Deep calls unto deep at the noise (sound) of Your waterfalls (of grace)” (v7a). Through His Word, we hear the sound of His river of life flowing to us, and respond by calling out to Him to fill us. As a result: “all Your waves and billows (of love, peace and joy) have gone over me. The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime” (v7b-8). The Oil Miracle (2Kings 1-7), when God filled all the empty vessels that were presented to Him with His Oil (representing the Holy Spirit) reveals that He is willing to fill all the empty parts of our soul with His Spirit, if we turn to Him, present them to Him, and ask Him to fill us. The Oil only stopped flowing when there were no longer any empty vessels to fill. So our empty voids (our awareness of our weakness and need) are a great opportunity to turn to god and be filled.
When we are feeling empty or spiritually depressed, or when circumstances make us aware of our weakness, that is a great opportunity to grow in God by turning to Him and asking Him to fill our void. We must be thirsty for God before we drink of His living water (Isa 55:1, John 7:37, Rev 21:6, 22:17). When our soul is full of worldly things we have no room for God, but “blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (God's Word and Spirit) Presence, for they shall be filled (with God's Presence)” (Matt 5:6). In Psalm 42 the psalmist is depressed and thirsty for the living God (v1-2), so He turns to God to fill him. Inspired by the local scenery, where the river Jordan flows out from Mount Hermon at Banias and tumbles down in waterfalls, he focuses on God, seeing these waters as a picture of God's river of life (v6), and then cries out from the depth of his heart (need) to the depths of God to fill him: “Deep calls unto deep at the noise (sound) of Your waterfalls (of grace)” (v7a). Through His Word, we hear the sound of His river of life flowing to us, and respond by calling out to Him to fill us. As a result: “all Your waves and billows (of love, peace and joy) have gone over me. The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime” (v7b-8). The Oil Miracle (2Kings 1-7), when God filled all the empty vessels that were presented to Him with His Oil (representing the Holy Spirit) reveals that He is willing to fill all the empty parts of our soul with His Spirit, if we turn to Him, present them to Him, and ask Him to fill us. The Oil only stopped flowing when there were no longer any empty vessels to fill. So our empty voids (our awareness of our weakness and need) are a great opportunity to turn to god and be filled.
I was unable to focus on a work project because of anxiety; I was afraid that my plans for it wouldn’t succeed. My anxiety came from pride. I believed my timeline and plans were best, so I wanted them to proceed unhindered. A question broke through my thoughts, however: Are your plans God’s plans? The problem wasn’t my planning─God calls us to be wise stewards of our time, opportunities, and resources. The problem was my arrogance. I was fixated on my understanding of events and how I wanted them to turn out, not on God’s purpose and how He wanted my plans to turn out. James encourages us to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (4:15). We’re to plan not with a presumptuous mindset, thinking we know everything and have control over our life, but from a position of submission to God’s sovereignty and wisdom. After all, we “do not even know what will happen tomorrow.” In our humanness, we’re helpless and weak, like “a mist that appears … and then vanishes” (v. 14). Only God has authority and power over everything in our lives; we don’t. Through His Word and the people, resources, and circumstances He allows each day, He guides us to live in submission to His will and ways. Our plans aren’t to come from following ourselves but from following Him.
Tap here to send us a message!Just as God was deliberate in shaping every aspect of our physical being, so too is He intentional in forming our personal character. Through His Word, He meticulously molds our hearts and minds, guiding us toward growth and transformation. This lifelong process of becoming better is a continuous journey, as each experience and challenge refines us into the individuals He has destined us to be.03/27/2025 - Thursday NightScriptures:Psalm 119:73-80Psalm 34:2Ephesians 5:8-12Matthew 5:16Hebrews 12:7-10Proverbs 15:32Proverbs 9:8-9Lamentations 3:21-26Psalm 18:28
The things we're going through right now—the struggles, the setbacks, the suffering—aren't random. Daniel 12 pulls back the curtain on the future, revealing that trials are not just obstacles; they are opportunities. Opportunities to be purified. To be cleansed. To be refined. And in the end? Glory. Resurrection. Eternal life. But here's the question: will we face these trials with the wisdom God gives, or will we stumble through them blindly? The God who calls us to endure is the same God who equips us. Through His Word. Through His people. Through His Spirit. The world is unraveling, but God is still working. The question is—are we listening? Will we be found faithful? Will we finish well?
Acts 11 - Speaker: Josh MacAvoy - As the early church grew in number and spread to new cities, there was an opportunity for great rejoicing but also great criticism. People who used to never interact, had generational hatred and deep suspicion towards each other are joining the same faith. Now they are being called to worship and work together. And this fertile soil for gospel growth is also a space for potential criticism, isolation and suspicion. But if criticism and factions are allowed to grow in the fledgling church, it will have a disastrous effect. Disunity amongst believers will get in the way of God's great rescue plan and His mission to make one new people of faith. So, what is needed? Gospel Unity. And in Acts 11, we find the early church being called to that very thing. Through His Word and by His Spirit, God is calling His people to hold tightly to the Gospel and not anything else. Read Acts 11 in preparation for our time together tomorrow.
In a world full of trouble, Jesus offers wisdom, guidance, and love. Through His Word, community, and prayer, He transforms confusion into clarity and brokenness into healing. Who is Jesus to you? Let's find out together.
In this episode, Reagan dives into some personal stories about how she learned to live more like Jesus from a little girl in a small African Village in Belize with Brittle Bone Disease. She describes how God meets us in our pain, never wastes the suffering and is with us through it all! If we know and believe the King is comimg back someday to wipe away every tear, how do we live our lives now ready for his return? Through His Word, God teaches us to live in obedience to his call with joy and holiness!This 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/
Through His Word and His Spirit, God builds His great army by reviving people who are dead in sin.
Because Christians have put on the new self, created in the likeness of God in Holy Baptism, St. Paul calls us to imitate God in forgiveness and love. In His love, Jesus has given Himself as a sacrifice in our place. Therefore, we flee from idolatry and everything related to it, for this would be to renounce the inheritance that God has given. Because God has called us out of that darkness, we live in His light, seeing the truth through His Word. Through His Word, He makes all things visible. St. Paul reminds the Ephesians of that reality through a hymn: “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church—Friedheim, just outside Decatur, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ephesians 5:1-14. "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle to the Ephesians. St. Paul highlights the salvation that God has given to His whole Church by His grace through faith. Because God has given His people this new life in Holy Baptism, we live in thanksgiving to Him as members of one body.
In this episode I share how God's Word sets you free and without faith in His word you will not be truly free. ". . . Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, 'If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free'" (John 8:31-32, NKJV). Through His Word you learn of your right standing with God and this sets you free. For example, in Luke 13, beginning at verse 10, Jesus is teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath and there is a woman who was all bent over and couldn't rise up. She had been this way for 18 years! Jesus heals her and the ruler of the synagogue condemns Him for healing on the Sabbath. "The Lord then answered him and said, 'Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?'" (Luke 13:15-16, NKJV). Jesus pointed out that she had a right to be healed because of her "being a daughter of Abraham." We have the same right! "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ . . . And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:27, 29, NKJV). We, as believers in Christ receive all the Spiritual blessings and rights accredited to the offspring of Abraham. And a profound revelation of Christ can make this a reality for us. Like this woman, you have a right as a Christian to be healed! In Genesis we're told about how Satan deceived man and brought fear and sin into the world. Jesus came to defeat the works of Satan, and to bring us out of his dominion. We have the Truth and Love of God found in His Word to overcome fear and sin in our lives. In this message I give examples of how knowing who you are in Christ will manifest this freedom. Selah! Let me hear from you - Charles www.aboundinglove.org Subscribe and share with someone you love.
Whoever influences our thoughts determines what we see, and when God's Word influences our thoughts, all we see is His kingdom! In this message, Pastor John Stickl reminds us that only a mind that has been renewed by the Word of God can see God's will, and meditating on God's Word is how we renew our minds. When the Word of God defines truth in our lives, the world and it's lies can't get in. Through His Word, God wants to ignite a passion within you as He breaks down every hardened part of your heart. Do you have the courage to let Him?
What would it be like to journey through the wilderness in total darkness? Maybe you'd get scared, maybe you'd get lost, trip, or fall into danger. Sometimes walking through life feels like you're embarking on a dark journey without a map. But God's Word is the light of truth. It shines in the dark. Let its timeless wisdom direct your choices. God hasn't left us alone, without a map. You can let Him lead you with His word—that's the Bible! In Psalm 119, King David said... Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false path. Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Through His Word, God guides us on paths of grace. It is such a comfort to know that even when the road of life gets rocky, you can trust His Word—today—to lead you in the right direction. radio.hopewithgod.com
Last commentary in the book of 2 Samuel based on David counting the army and God's wrath and anger on full display. It's important that we don't give in to Satan or the worlds influences when it comes to our choices. We have to always keep The LORD first and please Him. Through His Word and obedience by faith. We have to trust in Him and know that we can't do things on our own strength! Only by His Strength we get things done Amen! Prayers up for the whole world !Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/jarvis-kingstons-tracks/support.
Through His Word, God gives us many prophetic portraits of Jesus Christ, one being Joseph in the Book of Genesis. In this message, Adrian Rogers explains four episodes in the life of Joseph that foreshadow the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/135/29
Through His Word, God gives us many prophetic portraits of Jesus Christ, one being Joseph in the Book of Genesis. In this message, Adrian Rogers explains four episodes in the life of Joseph that foreshadow the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/135/29
While our Heavenly Father may not prevent us from sinning or spare us from the consequences of our sin, He does intervene and rescue us, just as He did Jacob. Through His Word, He graciously calls us to repentance and reminds us of His promises.
We are no better than the tax collectors and prostitutes. We who can make absolutely no claims before God, who can make no demand that God owes us anything! That is our place. That is what we confess when we confess our sins in the Divine Service. But in such repentance and faith, relying completely and solely on Christ, the perfect Son, and His merits, we have been promised the forgiveness and life of the perfect Son. Through His Word of Absolution, through His body and blood given to us here, He lifts us up from the depth and muck and mire of our sin and rebellion and gives us life and salvation and all that He is and all that He has. In repentance, we lose nothing, but gain everything. And we, who like the tax collectors and prostitutes, have nothing on our own, have everything in Him! Exalted from sinners to sons. ----- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService
God is Healer of our entire being – spirit, soul, and body. He is Jehovah Rapha. God has established a covenant of healing with us. God has provided healing and wholeness for us through the redemptive work of Christ on the Cross. How do we receive the healing that God has made available to us? There are many ways through which God administers His healing power. There are many ways we can receive divine healing: 1. Through His Word and personal faith – released through prayer, praise, declaration, and action. 2. Through the quickening of His indwelling Spirit. 3. Through the power of His life in you. 4. Through receiving the prayer of faith in Jesus' name. 5. Through the prayer of agreement in faith. 6. Through the healing anointing (laying on of hands, prayer cloths, touch). 7. Through a word of command spoken over you in faith. 8. Through partaking in the Lord's Table in faith. 9. Through the ministry of deliverance. 10. Through the manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit, (word of knowledge, gifts of healings, and working of miracles). 11. Through the manifestation of His healing presence. 12. Through the sovereign work of His glory. 13. Through releasing forgiveness to others. 14. Through receiving emotional healing and inner wholeness. 15. Through renouncing and breaking of generational curses. While it is good to understand the different ways in which God heals so we can position ourselves to receive healing, our faith is in God, not in the method. In this sermon we address these three ways to receive divine healing in Jesus' name: Through releasing forgiveness to others. Through receiving emotional healing and inner wholeness. Through renouncing and breaking of generational curses. Watch our online Sunday Church service live stream every Sunday at 10:30am (Indian Time, GMT+5:30). Spirit filled, anointed worship, Word and ministry for healing, miracles and deliverance. YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/allpeopleschurchbangalore WEBSITE: https://apcwo.org/live CHURCH: https://apcwo.org FREE SERMONS: https://apcwo.org/resources/sermons FREE BOOKS: https://apcwo.org/books/english DAILY DEVOTIONALS: https://apcwo.org/resources/daily-devotional JESUS CHRIST: https://examiningjesus.com BIBLE COLLEGE: https://apcbiblecollege.org E-LEARNING: https://apcbiblecollege.org/elearn COUNSELING: https://chrysalislife.org MUSIC: https://apcmusic.org MINISTERS FELLOWSHIP: https://pamfi.org CHURCH APP: https://apcwo.org/app CHURCHES: https://apcwo.org/ministries/churches
God is Healer of our entire being – spirit, soul, and body. He is Jehovah Rapha. God has established a covenant of healing with us. God has provided healing and wholeness for us through the redemptive work of Christ on the Cross. How do we receive the healing that God has made available to us? There are many ways through which God administers His healing power. There are many ways we can receive divine healing: 1. Through His Word and personal faith – released through prayer, praise, declaration, and action. 2. Through the quickening of His indwelling Spirit. 3. Through the power of His life in you. 4. Through receiving the prayer of faith in Jesus' name. 5. Through the prayer of agreement in faith. 6. Through the healing anointing (laying on of hands, prayer cloths, touch). 7. Through a word of command spoken over you in faith. 8. Through partaking in the Lord's Table in faith. 9. Through the ministry of deliverance. 10. Through the manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit, (word of knowledge, gifts of healings, and working of miracles). 11. Through the manifestation of His healing presence. 12. Through the sovereign work of His glory. 13. Through releasing forgiveness to others. 14. Through receiving emotional healing and inner wholeness. 15. Through renouncing and breaking of generational curses. While it is good to understand the different ways in which God heals so we can position ourselves to receive healing, our faith is in God, not in the method. In this sermon we address these three ways to receive divine healing in Jesus' name: Through the manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit, (word of knowledge, gifts of healings, and working of miracles). Through the manifestation of His healing presence. Through the sovereign work of His glory. Watch our online Sunday Church service live stream every Sunday at 10:30am (Indian Time, GMT+5:30). Spirit filled, anointed worship, Word and ministry for healing, miracles and deliverance. YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/allpeopleschurchbangalore WEBSITE: https://apcwo.org/live CHURCH: https://apcwo.org FREE SERMONS: https://apcwo.org/resources/sermons FREE BOOKS: https://apcwo.org/books/english DAILY DEVOTIONALS: https://apcwo.org/resources/daily-devotional JESUS CHRIST: https://examiningjesus.com BIBLE COLLEGE: https://apcbiblecollege.org E-LEARNING: https://apcbiblecollege.org/elearn COUNSELING: https://chrysalislife.org MUSIC: https://apcmusic.org MINISTERS FELLOWSHIP: https://pamfi.org CHURCH APP: https://apcwo.org/app CHURCHES: https://apcwo.org/ministries/churches
God is Healer of our entire being – spirit, soul, and body. He is Jehovah Rapha. God has established a covenant of healing with us. God has provided healing and wholeness for us through the redemptive work of Christ on the Cross. How do we receive the healing that God has made available to us? There are many ways through which God administers His healing power. There are many ways we can receive divine healing: 1. Through His Word and personal faith – released through prayer, praise, declaration, and action. 2. Through the quickening of His indwelling Spirit. 3. Through the power of His life in you. 4. Through receiving the prayer of faith in Jesus' name. 5. Through the prayer of agreement in faith. 6. Through the healing anointing (laying on of hands, prayer cloths, touch). 7. Through a word of command spoken over you in faith. 8. Through partaking in the Lord's Table in faith. 9. Through the ministry of deliverance. 10. Through the manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit. 11. Through the manifestation of His healing presence. 12. Through the sovereign work of His glory. While it is good to understand the different ways in which God heals so we can position ourselves to receive healing, our faith is in God, not in the method. In this sermon we address these three ways to receive divine healing in Jesus' name: Through a word of command spoken over you in faith. Through partaking in the Lord's Table in faith. Through the ministry of deliverance. Watch our online Sunday Church service live stream every Sunday at 10:30am (Indian Time, GMT+5:30). Spirit filled, anointed worship, Word and ministry for healing, miracles and deliverance. YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/allpeopleschurchbangalore WEBSITE: https://apcwo.org/live CHURCH: https://apcwo.org FREE SERMONS: https://apcwo.org/resources/sermons FREE BOOKS: https://apcwo.org/books/english DAILY DEVOTIONALS: https://apcwo.org/resources/daily-devotional JESUS CHRIST: https://examiningjesus.com BIBLE COLLEGE: https://apcbiblecollege.org E-LEARNING: https://apcbiblecollege.org/elearn COUNSELING: https://chrysalislife.org MUSIC: https://apcmusic.org MINISTERS FELLOWSHIP: https://pamfi.org CHURCH APP: https://apcwo.org/app CHURCHES: https://apcwo.org/ministries/churches
Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 1. Psalm 1 sets the tone for the entire Psalter. God teaches us that the blessed man does not join in the wickedness of scoffers; instead, the blessed man delights in the Word of God at every opportunity. Through His Word, God causes the lives of His people to flourish, which remains true even in the midst of earthly suffering. The wicked, despite any earthly successes, do not last; their way is not known by God. However, the LORD does know the way of His people, and He leads them in His steadfast love in Christ. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
I was born into a family of Chinese-Singaporeans who immigrated to the United States. Throughout my life, I was exposed to different cultures and customs. My parents wanted me to know my heritage, while at school I was taught values that were more American. For example, in Chinese culture, it's considered rude to open a gift in front of the giver, while in American culture, this is done quite often. Sometimes, I wasn't sure how to act or how to perceive things. I didn't know what my ultimate identity was. Should I follow the Eastern or Western way of doing things?.When I came to know Jesus, I learned that He accepts anybody as His child no matter what background they are from. There are Christians around the world speaking different languages, yet in the end, they are all children of God. So, while I can step into both familiar and unfamiliar cultures, I identify first and foremost as a Christian. I don't have to decide between human-made cultures and borders because I know that, in the end, I am a child of God..Paul writes in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Therefore, I realized that the ethics that matter most are the ones our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ taught. Jesus's teachings are how I live my life today. If you are struggling with your identity right now, know that Jesus sees you, and He wants to help you. You can trust in the Lord Jesus and know that your identity will forever be with Him. • Isaac Ong.• As Christians, our identity is secure in Jesus. What can today's Bible passages tell us about who we are in Him? Why could it be helpful to take time to remember what God says about us? .• Think about the customs you were taught by your school, guardians, and others. While it can be difficult to navigate different customs, as Christians, we get to follow Jesus first and foremost. God created diversity, so we can appreciate and enjoy our beautiful differences. Through His Word, His Spirit, and His people, He helps us discern how to interact with those around us. In differing cultural situations, such as the way we exchange gifts, neither option is sinful. And Jesus's ministry models how we should serve the people around us, being considerate of others' needs, traditions, and cultural contexts (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). Who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you discern how to follow Jesus in your own particular context?.So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. Galatians 3:26 (NIV)
In this parable from Matthew 13, Jesus is telling us that the byproduct of a life wholly surrendered to Him is to bear fruit and multiply the Kingdom. Through His Word, Jesus is sowing seed in our lives, and maybe you haven't seen fruit because you've been living with a hardened heart toward God and your relationship with Him has grown cold, or you love Jesus but when hard times come you get easily uprooted, or maybe your fear of man has caused you to be choked out...If this is you, ask God today to till up the land again, and remove the rocks and thorns from your life so that you may begin to bear fruit.
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. This past week my mom had two cardiac arrests. My dad was quick to call the paramedics and begin CPR until they came. When they arrived, they administered the defibrillator six times before getting a pulse again. These were terrifying moments! While the doctors did their best to discover the cause of the cardiac arrest and the “death rhythm”, they could not. One of the doctors did say in a consultation that a virus could cause the heart to have rhythm issues. A virus is an infective agent that can do a lot of damage to one's heart. We certainly see that the purity of our physical heart matters! As Jesus introduced His sermon on the mount, on the North West coast of the Sea of Galilee, He describes the attitudes and attributes that He desires for those of His Kingdom to develop. In a brief, concentrated statement, Jesus urged His disciples to develop the attribute of purity in their hearts. Through His Word, we will see that the purity of our spiritual heart matters to Jesus.
God is a God who loves to talk. Through His Word the worlds were created, through His Word He speaks to us today. Through His Word He gives answers to the difficult situations of life. When a Christian says God is silent to him. It's usually because he has closed his ear to God's words. God is ever speaking through His Word. He loves to get chatty if only we would love to open His word and listen to him speak.
Sign-up for my free 20 day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at http://TWBWFoundations.com By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. (Hebrews 11:8)Last week, we debunked the myth that Christians should wait for an amorphous “sense of peace” before making big decisions.This morning, I'm sharing the first of three biblical truths that can grow our confidence to make decisions at work and at home. Here it is: God rarely gives us all the information we want before making a decision.That may not sound freeing, but trust me, it is. Hang with me for a minute.Genesis 12:1 tells us that God asked Abraham to leave behind his country, people, and family and head to an undisclosed location—clearly information Abraham would have loved to have known before deciding whether or not he would obey. But as we just read in Hebrews 11:8, Abraham obeyed God despite the fact that “he did not know where he was going.” Do you think Abraham experienced a warm and fuzzy “feeling” of peace about making this move? I doubt it.Just like Abraham, God doesn't give you and me all the information we feel we need to make important decisions at work and at home. Through His Word, His people, and the Spirit's leading, God often only gives us clarity about one step at a time. He gives us wisdom to discern “the next right thing” and then expects us to step out in faith even if we don't “feel a peace” about where that next right thing might lead. At the risk of offering two Frozen II references in a single paragraph, oftentimes God calls us “into the unknown.”This truth is paradoxically freeing. If we grasp this, we can stop waiting for an unreliable feeling of peace, and start relying on the certain peace that comes from recognizing that if God took care of our eternal needs, He will surely care for our temporal ones.Here's what one of my favorite Bible teachers, Jen Wilkin, says on this topic: “We want a peek into what's next. For the unbeliever, it's horoscopes, palm readings, and tarot cards. For the believer, it's much the same thing, loosely draped in religious trappings: asking God for an extrabiblical sign, claiming a Bible promise out of context…We tell ourselves that if we knew the future, we would put that knowledge to good use, but how likely is that? It's far more likely that we would use that knowledge to stoke the flames of our self-reliance and to forward our own interests.”Man, that's good.Chances are that God's not going to give you all the information you want before you make a decision about that job, product launch, or move. Let that truth free you to make a choice and rely more on Him and His assurance of peace in the process.
Through His Word, God gives us many prophetic portraits of Jesus Christ, one being Joseph in the Book of Genesis. In this message, Adrian Rogers explains four episodes in the life of Joseph that foreshadow the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/135/29
Through His Word, God gives us many prophetic portraits of Jesus Christ, one being Joseph in the Book of Genesis. In this message, Adrian Rogers explains four episodes in the life of Joseph that foreshadow the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/135/29
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