Podcasts about through his word

All Jesus is the end of Matthew.  It is fitting as Jesus is such a theme for Matthew throughout his gospel.  At the end of this gospel Jesus reminds or emphasizes he has ALL authority and it has been given to him by the Father.  He instructs his disciples to make disciples of ALL nations, in other words, ALL people. Disciples are to obey ALL Jesus has commanded them.  That's a lot of ALL's.   But then Jesus reminds them that he will ALWAYS be with them - ALWAYS.  And He is.  Through His Word, through His sacraments and through His Spirit, Jesus is ALWAYS with us, Always with us until He returns in ALL his Glory. Gen. 1:1–2:4a Acts 2:14a, 22–36 Matt. 28:16–20

In this week's Living Hope series, Peter tells us to “long for the pure spiritual milk” so that by it we may grow up into salvation. This is not a message about becoming more saved or graduating from God's gifts. In Baptism, God gives life by His Spirit. Through His Word and Supper, He continues to feed and sustain that life. Whether we are newly baptized, newly confirmed, or have confessed the faith for decades, we never outgrow receiving from God. Acts 6:1–9; 7:2a, 51–60 1 Peter 2:2–10 John 14:1–14

Stay locked in. Stay grounded. Don't lose focus.In this powerful message, Pastor Sean dives into what it means to remain spiritually focused in a world full of distractions. Drawing from John 14:26, John 15:26–27, Hebrews 2:3–4, and Acts 5:29–32, this sermon reminds us that the Holy Spirit was given to guide us, strengthen us, and keep us aligned with God's truth.When life pulls you in different directions, it's easy to drift—but God calls us to stay centered on Him. Through His Word and His Spirit, we are equipped to stand firm, speak boldly, and live with purpose.

REVELATION IS NOT A SCARY BOOK…IF YOU ARE A BELIEVER…CHRIST REVEALS TO US WHO HE IS…IN ALL OF HIS GLORY…HE REVEALS TO US HOW IT ALL ENDS…AND WE WIN! IT WAS GIVEN TO THE CHURCH TO BE AN ENCOURAGEMENT PLEASE UNDERSTAND, CHRIST DOESN'T ARGUE WHEN HE REVEALS TRUTH TO HIS FOLLOWERS…HE SIMPLY SAYS, “HE WHO HAS EARS, LET HIM HEAR.” THROUGH HIS WORD, CHRIST REVEALS TO US WHAT HE EXPECTS US TO APPLY Deuteronomy 29:29 ESV "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. Revelation 10:1-7 ESV Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head, and his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire. [2] He had a little scroll open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land, [3] and called out with a loud voice, like a lion roaring. When he called out, the seven thunders sounded. [4] And when the seven thunders had sounded, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down." [5] And the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven [6] and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and what is in it, the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it, that there would be no more delay, [7] but that in the days of the trumpet call to be sounded by the seventh angel, the mystery of God would be fulfilled, just as he announced to his servants the prophets. Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. [9] For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. WHAT CHRIST REVEALS TO US TO APPLY, HE ALSO EXPECTS US TO SHARE…KNOWING THAT IT IS A BITTER SWEET TASK TO SHARE THE WHOLE COUNCIL OF GOD “If you really long to save men's souls, you must tell them a great deal of disagreeable truth.” Spurgeon Revelation 10:8-11 ESV Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me again, saying, "Go, take the scroll that is open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land." [9] So I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll. And he said to me, "Take and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey." [10] And I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it. It was sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it my stomach was made bitter. [11] And I was told, "You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and languages and kings." THROUGH HIS WORD, CHRIST REVEALS TO US WHAT HE EXPECTS US TO APPLY WHAT CHRIST REVEALS TO US TO APPLY, HE ALSO EXPECTS US TO SHARE…KNOWING THAT IT IS A BITTER SWEET TASK TO SHARE THE WHOLE COUNCIL OF GOD HE WHO HAS EARS, LET HIM HEAR

Healing from shame is not something we can accomplish on our own. It is a slow, daily journey that requires the supernatural work of God in our hearts. In this episode, I begin a new series on God's Tools for Healing Shame by sharing part of my own story. Learning to live in the power of the cross and resurrection moved me forward in profound ways, but God did not stop there. He continued to use practical, life-giving tools to transform my thinking and restore my heart. Through His Word, I was taught truth that replaced the lies I believed about myself. Worship and gratitude shifted my focus away from shame and back to God's goodness. The encouragement and presence of the body of Christ strengthened me when I felt weak. And through it all, God's grace helped me trust Him with my life. In this episode, I share how these tools became part of my healing journey and how they can help bring freedom and transformation to yours as well. Links Mentioned: Receiving God's Forgiveness https://www.louisesedgwick.com/podcast/47 Forgiving Ourselves https://www.louisesedgwick.com/podcast/50 Forgiving Others https://www.louisesedgwick.com/podcast/53 Confession of Sin https://www.louisesedgwick.com/podcast/44 Repentance   https://www.louisesedgwick.com/podcast/74 The Holy Spirit's Work in Us  https://www.louisesedgwick.com/podcast/19-grxrx Scripture Mentioned: Isaiah 53:4-5 John 17:17 Hebrews 4:12 Psalm 119:105 John 13:35 Hebrews 3:13 Hebrews 10:24-25 Ephesians 4:29 Psalm 22:3 (KJV) Psalm 16:11   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.

Time is Now to Overcome (1) (audio) David Eells, 4/5/26 Saints, I want to share some revelations with you to both exhort and encourage you today to overcome and endure in your faith for all the promises the Lord has given us.   Keeping Satan Under Your Feet L. D. – 4/1/14 (David's notes in red) In a dream, I was in a big cavern with a wide river where people were waterskiing. But they were skiing on crocodiles' backs, sometimes on purpose, like for sport. There was some class going on in the water explaining how crocodiles slip into the water to attack. But dolphins were used as an example to show us how the crocodiles slipped into the water. (Satan wants us to think his demonic crocodiles are our friends when they actually want to devour us for him.) But then, what I thought were dolphins were actually the body of an underwater serpent dragon. (The demon crocodiles are a part of Satan's body and seek to devour and bring us into his body.) It was moving in a wave in and out of the water. I realized that I was on top of its head! (Notice the serpent dragon, who is Satan, was in the water, representing the peoples, but it was under her feet, who was in the heaven above the earth. Those in the heavens who exercise dominion over Satan are safe, but those who dwell in the earth or waters among the crocodile, serpent, and Dragon are not. Eph.1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Christ: Isa.27:1 In that day Jehovah with his hard and great and strong sword will punish leviathan the swift serpent, and leviathan the crooked serpent; and he will slay the monster that is in the sea. Rev.12:9 And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him. 10 And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying, Now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accuseth them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death. 12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe for the earth and for the sea: because the devil is gone down unto you, having great wrath, knowing that he hath but a short time.) The nations are the body of Satan in the earth; they are the body of water in which Satan the Dragon and his many crocodile demons live, but we are to live in dominion over them. Rev.17:15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the harlot sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. Isa.17:12 Ah, the uproar of many peoples, that roar like the roaring of the seas; and the rushing of nations, that rush like the rushing of mighty waters! 13 The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but he shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like the whirling dust before the storm. 14 At eventide, behold, terror; [and] before the morning they are not. This is the portion of them that despoil us, and the lot of them that rob us. The Sennacherib army is spoken of here, and they are inhabited by Satan and his demons who seek to cause the Bride to stumble, as Peter, who got his eyes on the water and off of Christ, sank to what would have been his death. L.D. had the serpent's head under her feet. An exhortation to all of us that we fall not from heavenly places, dabbling in sin. Gen.3:14 And Jehovah God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this (deceived the woman), cursed art thou above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life (the flesh of man was made from the dust of the earth, which the serpent eats): 15 and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Those who are born of the woman Church, who was deceived, should bruise the serpent's head.) The scene changed just a little. I was alone now with the crocodiles and this big sea serpent in this tall, enclosed cavern. I was very afraid and worried about the many crocodiles in the water, but I knew I was safe on top of this serpent's head. (We are not to be afraid. As long as we take dominion over the head and mind of Satan. In this way we control his body, and we have nothing to worry about. We grow up in Christ higher and higher as we keep the serpent in our flesh under submission. 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 serpent just kept taking me higher and higher. I knew it was only nine feet high (the number 9 symbolizes divine completeness or maturity), but it felt much higher, like 100 feet (completion represents 100%. Satan took Jesus to the top of the temple to test him.). The cavern wall to my right had a door with a cross on it (Through Jesus, the door, one can escape the temptation in the cave through faith and bearing our cross.) and I saw the serpent being cut open by a flashing sword (of the Word - Hebrews 4:12), but then it closed again. I wanted and tried to get through the door, but could not. (Through His Word, God offers many ways of escape from the trials, but some are too slow to take them. I know of brethren who were on prescription pain drugs that were killing their spiritual life and opening them up to Satan. Some were offered the Gospel of healing instead, but became addicted to the drugs and didn't want to hear of the perfect cure that Jesus paid for. This can end with God withdrawing His offer. 1Co.10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it. When the Word offers deliverance from the curse, take it by faith while the conviction is upon you.) Then the serpent spoke to me in my mind and said, “The guy before you got through this way: grace and mercy”. So I said, “Grace and mercy”, and it began to open, and a white light beamed out. (Don't count on your own wisdom or accomplishments. Cry out to God for grace and mercy, saints. It brings the light of truth and purity, for we deserve nothing. Pride, criticism, and unforgiveness can slam the door.) Then the scene changed; it was now unfolding like a camera was moving to the right slowly as it zoomed out. I was a snow leopard. (They are uniquely suited to life in winter snow, which means tribulation or trials.) I was running down a path toward a gazebo, in the top left part of the scene. There was a feast prepared outside in what seemed like a beautiful garden and a white room with beautifully designed golden chairs. (The Marriage Feast is also the time that the Lord's garden, which is His Bride, has borne fruit. Son.4:12 A garden shut up is my sister, [my] bride; A spring shut up, a fountain sealed. 16 Awake, O north wind; And come, thou south; Blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden And eat his precious fruits. Son.5:1 I am come into my garden, my sister, [my] bride: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, O friends; Drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.) There was also a covered porch with more seating. But in the garden part underneath a giant gazebo was a giant snow leopard with a blue pendant, maybe as tall as a one-story house. (This could be Jesus, whom the tested Bride is to come into the image of, since they both are snow leopards. He has a heavenly blue pendant.) It was looking at a small dog on the porch in a playful manner. There were no humans, just animals for now. Then Jesus appeared. He said, “Do you think I will let those who will destroy My dinner/feast come in? (Those who do not have on the wedding garment of the Bride, which represents the righteous acts of the saints, will not be among them, and those invited to the Feast must also have on a clean wedding garment or, as Jesus showed, they will be thrown out into torment.) (I believe he looked at the door at this point.) He said, “Look.” A mirror appeared that looked like the oval blue-and-white one that was given to me, and Jesus was behind me to my right, and I was there. (We must look in the heavenly mirror and see Jesus to have power from God to overcome and be in the Bride garden. 2Co.3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit.) He said something and then said, “Look.” I looked again and saw a small portion of the top of a head that looked like it had been burned by fire behind my left shoulder. I became fearful and worried that that could be me if I went to Hell. (A clear warning. We must not see the old man on the left with all his past guilt in the mirror, for it is not faith that we were crucified with Christ, and we don't live anymore, but He lives in us.) But then Jesus said, “Now do you see the fine one?” I saw the fine one behind my right shoulder, healthy-looking, maybe it could be what I should look like in Heaven, but I was still afraid about the bad one. (We have to forget about the bad “us” in our past, meaning behind us in the mirror and walk away. The fine one is who we are now by faith. We cannot wait for Heaven, for it is here that we bear fruit through faith. We have to look forward to the prize of the high calling of God in Christ. Php.3:7 Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ (Are you ready to give up every nature that is not Christ to gain Him? Your actions will prove it.), 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of mine own, [even] that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith (Jesus took our sin and gave us His life through the reconciliation or exchange): 10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death (Will you suffer with Christ so that you may live with Him?); 11 if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I could not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing [I do], forgetting the things which are behind (the old man and his sins), and stretching forward to the things which are before, 14 I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye are otherwise minded, this also shall God reveal unto you: 16 only, whereunto we have attained, by that same [rule] let us walk.17 Brethren, be ye imitators together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an ensample. (Now we begin to see those who are devoured by the crocodiles.) 18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and [whose] glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, [that it may be] conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself. We exchanged a few words. He was talking about many things, but I don't remember all of them. I wanted to talk with him and ask him so many things, but I just kept remembering, let my words be few. Jesus was correcting me for some sins I had committed. He said, “May all the video games and all that would cause you to lose focus on Me be gone. Just focus on Me!” He cried, almost like a plea, “Be like the fine one!” And He wrapped Himself over me like a ‘duck-and-cover' move and was like a shield over me. I woke up. (Jesus is our covering for the sins of the past and our failures, but not our willful disobediences - Hebrews 10:26. We must now call the things that be not as though they were done at the cross, for this is faith, which is the very substance of the thing hoped for. Rom.3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be found true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy words, And mightest prevail when thou comest into judgment ... 23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; 24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 whom God set forth [to be] a propitiation, through faith, in his blood, to show his righteousness because of the passing over of the sins done aforetime, in the forbearance of God; 26 for the showing, [I say], of his righteousness at this present season: that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him that hath faith in Jesus. 27 Where then is the glorying? It is excluded. By what manner of law? of works? Nay: but by a law of faith. 28 We reckon therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29 Or is God [the God] of Jews only? is he not [the God] of Gentiles also? Yea, of Gentiles also: 30 if so be that God is one, and he shall justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make the law of none effect through faith? God forbid: nay, we establish the law. Rom. 4:1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, hath found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God. 3 For what saith the scripture? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but as of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness. 6 Even as David also pronounceth blessing upon the man, unto whom God reckoneth righteousness apart from works, 7 [saying], Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, And whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom, the Lord will not reckon sin.) Next, let me share with you a word from the Lord that Debbie Fenske received about a year ago, but the Lord just recently brought to her attention because it's for now.   A Vision of Jesus  Debbie Fenske 4/15/25 (David's notes in red) This word was given on April 15, 2025. I read it to us over the last live stream, March 27, 2026. I've realized how wordy what I said before the actual word was. So, I cut out unnecessary things but left in everything that was needed in explaining what took place leading up to the Lord giving the actual word. After the Zoom meeting this morning, I got in front of my computer to finish up a timestamp assignment that I had been working on. I laid my head back as I was listening to the audio. After just a few minutes, suddenly I had a vision. I saw Jesus. I only saw the right side of Him, at first. What I was looking at was not lit up, like with a bright white light. It was just kind of shadowy-looking. I watched Jesus' feet walking very slowly toward me, then He turned slightly and stood in front of me. I knew that He wanted me to come before Him. So, I got down before the Lord to enter into a real time of worship of Him. I remember how awesome it was, how Jesus gave me each song He wanted me to worship Him with, that morning, He first gave me, Holy Holy Holy Are You Lord. Then, I Live To Know You More. And then, His Love Endures Forever. I was amazed that He specifically wanted me to worship Him with those songs. Each one gave me such a greater desire for Him and to be worshiping Him. And I realized that I had not been giving Him the time before Him in worship and prayer, and being in the Word that I thought I had. Just being alone with Him, I realized His great desire for me to worship Him, to have that time alone with Him. I kept worshiping in awe of Him, telling Him, “Lord, Your Name is being worshipped in heaven forever, on, and on, and on, and on! Your holiness, and Your holy Name, Jesus, is being heard throughout all of heaven, being worshipped, and proclaimed forever, and ever, by all Your holy angels, and all Your saints before Your throne! Suddenly, the vision of Jesus continued. I was not seeing His face. I was now seeing the left side of His body. Then, He turned more toward me, and I could see from the bottom part of His neck and His shoulder, down His left side to about the middle of His robe. Then Jesus held out one hand to me. And then He stretched out both His hands to me like He was giving me something. Then there appeared a scroll in His hands. And suddenly the scroll turned into a Bible. It was closed. Then the Bible just fell open, and there was a bright light shining off and up from the pages. Then, suddenly, the bright light turned into a large flame of fire. That was the last of the vision. I was now in tears, really overcome by all of this. And being in such awe of Him, this is what I said back to Him: “Oh Jesus, You are the Word! Your Word was the scrolls that have become the Bible that we use today. Lord, Your “Word,” that we say too casually every day, should not be just something to do in order to take up some of our time, or something that we read simply to be right with You. It is Your very Life. It is Light. And it is the Fire that you want us to allow to consume us. And so, I just had to repent and acknowledge before Him that I'm not in His Word as much as I want to think I am. I told Him, “Lord, I want all of Your Life and Light. I want the Fire of Your Word to consume My little life so that I can be big in You.” And then He was saying to us: “Again, I say to you, stay in My Life, and Light, and Fire, My Word to you. Dwell there. For there I Am Your Jesus. You must be overcoming the distractions in your life that you feel you have a right to. For no, you do not. You do not have a right to put your distractions and your fleshy enjoyment before Me. I Am your Enjoyment. It has always been My plan. I give you Myself. I give you My Life. I give you My Word to distract you away from the distractions of your fleshy pleasures and enjoyments. Yes, I have given you much to enjoy. I Am your God of love. I love to see My children enjoying wholesome things. But have you noticed that I have taken a lot of that enjoyment away from you? It is because, My Children, the time now is crucial. This is the crucial time. You will not know how to handle it. And you will not know how to help others handle it, if you are not enjoying all of My presence, finding what is My pleasure, and being consumed by My Life. There was not time for leaders of the flesh, who had forgotten their goal, and are no more. Do not forget your goal. The goal of the High calling of your God in Me, in heavenly places. You don't want to be a distraction to others. I gave up all earthly and fleshly pleasure for the Life of the Father, so that you could know My Life in the Father. I gave up My Life to offer you that prize. I am handing the prize over to you. Go for it! Take it! Run after it, and do not stop until you receive the crown! This is My calling for you, My children, My Sons and Daughters of the Kingdom. Do not stop hearing and responding to My call. Very soon is coming the chosen. My children, I desire it to be you. This is why I continue to speak to you, to correct and admonish you. It is for My glory who I choose to be the glory of My Name on the earth.” I know that Jesus led me to this word. You could say accidentally, but it was not accidental. He intentionally led me to this word as I was going to clean out my Proton email box. And as I did some scrolling through, I stopped at this word from Him. In my spirit, this word really seems now like it has such a final and serious tone. A final warning. He has spoken to us about this much. And so, we have to overcome every distraction and realize He wants to be our distraction from those the things that satisfy only our flesh. But only Jesus satisfies us wholly. Everything else is nothing. Jesus is now saying, “I will not warn you anymore about this. This is it, it's either Me living in you continually, as My chosen Bride, using you for the purposes of My kingdom, or it's not. It's up to you.” I found out that this word from April 15, 2025, was not blogged. I looked and looked, but I could not find it in the blog in the area where the date it should have been posted. I discovered this word in an email from Michael that he had sent out then. Somehow, he had it, but it did not get blogged. And after I found it, before I opened it up, I touched something and caused it to be moved somewhere. Well, I couldn't find it anywhere. So I called Julie and tried to explain everything to her. She also couldn't find it on the blog, either. But thank the Lord, with Julie's help and the Lord's, I found it this morning (3/31/26). I feel in my spirit that the way this came about, coming upon this word, that it is God's final warning, being understood by the fact that the Lord hasn't given another word of this matter after the previous one. But He chose to use this one that He had already given before. I just now heard in my spirit, “Let us press on to know the Lord.” I looked that up in a search, and Hosea 6.3, KJV, came up: “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD. His going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.” I decided to look it up in the ASV version: Hos 6:3  And let us know, let us follow on to know Jehovah: his going forth is sure as the morning; and he will come unto us as the rain, as the latter rain that watereth the earth.  Let us follow on.   Keeping Your Focus On The Light Anonymous 10/20/22 (David's notes in red) I was in the shower speaking with the Lord, and then the devil came along and gave me a thought comparing myself to another person. I have been casting down, criticizing, judgmental, and comparing thoughts a lot in the past week. I cast it down and then I heard the Lord say, “Look not to the left or to the right”.  (I.e. Stay on and keep your eyes on the straight and narrow path of the Word. Jos.1:7-8 Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest have good success whithersoever thou goest. 8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.) Then I saw Jesus standing up ahead. He was wearing a glowing white light garment and had His arms open. It felt as if He was waiting for me to continue walking (in this way) to get closer and closer to Him. He was constantly watching me, not taking His eyes off of me. His presence was so patient, gentle, kind, understanding, loving, so peaceful, and there really aren't enough words to describe His presence. (Psa.32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will counsel thee with mine eye upon thee. Psa 33:18 Behold, the eye of Jehovah is upon them that fear him, Upon them that hope in his lovingkindness;) Behind Him was this giant bright light shining, and the closer I got to Him, the brighter and bigger the light was. (Coming into the Sun/Son glory of God.) Behind me was complete darkness, and it kept lessening. It looked kind of like a tunnel of light with darkness all around and an opening of light up ahead with Jesus standing in front of it. The closer I got to Jesus, the more light and peace there was. (And this is the way it is.) I felt this meant about keeping our eyes completely focused on Jesus and our own walk or race to Him and not looking at other brethren to compare our walk with them. Not looking back to the darkness or looking around, but only looking to Him. (2Co 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. Pro.4:25-27 Let thine eyes look right on, And let thine eyelids look straight before thee. 26 Make level the path of thy feet, And let all thy ways be established. 27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: Remove thy foot from evil. 2Co.10:12 For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with certain of them that commend themselves: but they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding. Isa.26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee.   Seeking In Secret Anonymous 12/17/22 (David's notes in red) I heard in prayer, and the Lord spoke: He said, “Shut out everything.” (Close off all distractions, the enemy always uses everything he can to distract us from seeking God's presence and to distract us from staying in God's rest.) (Seeking His will through the trials is a test of Faith and devotion to the Word. Just as Job gave acknowledgement and glory to God during his trials. Job.1:8 And Jehovah said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil.) He said, “Prayer closet.” (Dedicate more of your time to God and His Spirit, not the flesh.) (“You have not because you ask not.” Being intimate with God in prayer has eternal rewards. Distractions will try to steal this time with God.) He said, “Have patience.” (Knowing that your prayers will be answered in His perfect time.) Jas.1:3-4 knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. 4 And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. Rom.5:3-5 And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness; 4 and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope: 5 and hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given unto us. (“He that endureth to the end shall be saved.”) He said, “Speak out when you can see the enemy attack and call out to Me.” (Alert the Saints and respond to duty. God sends these tests to cause us to get in line with His Word so the enemy has no advantage.) (There is safety in numbers because some brethren may have overcome some specifics that we have not encountered. It is not only Christ in you, but in your brothers and sisters too.) He said, “Turn up the heat, get into deep, fervent and desperate prayer!” (“The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth much.” “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”) He said, “Laugh the enemy to scorn for he does this all the time.” (Call out the enemy's bluff and staying in the resolve of Jesus and the truth of the Word.) (The majority of trials are enemy lies, or a twisted truth to deceive. Symptoms, curses, and afflictions – never last. Only Jesus is the everlasting!) He said, “That test is to turn it all back for what it is.” (Refute and retake the stolen things back from the enemy.) (Act.3:20-21 and that he may send the Christ who hath been appointed for you, even Jesus: 21 whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old. Jesus will come and restore all for He bore our curse so we could have Abrahams blessings in all things.) He said, “In humility give all gratefulness that nothing is done for you or to you, unless I allow it.” (Praise God in all things, praise Him for He is in control, and we can trust Him only.) (Psa.149:6-9 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand; 7 To execute vengeance upon the nations, And punishments upon the peoples; 8 To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron; 9 To execute upon them the judgment written: This honor have all his saints. Praise ye Jehovah.) He said, “Seek Me in fear and gladness for everything.” He said, “Bring the life of Christ into the open.” (Reveal the greatest of things for all to experience.) (Joh.10:10 The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.) He said, “Love all and be showing the example of Him.” (God through us to others.) (Rom.13:8 ASV Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law.) He said, “See that nothing is allowed into Me unless it passes the test of being in the image of My Son.” (Nothing of self or evil can ever imitate.) (A final result of our trials is more of Christ revealed. “Christ in you the hope of glory.”) He said, “As you look to Me by the Word and heart, you can see I look through all things.” (There is nothing that can be hidden from God.) (Only the wicked do not believe He sees all and will do anything about it.) He said, “When you see that you need Me in everything and when you are that desperate, you can see Me in others too.” (Everyone is in dire need for more of the Lord Jesus and His salvation.) He said, “Pray in tongues and write down the interpretation you get.” (Exercising the gifts to be trained and gain experience.) He said, “Seeking the Lord in servitude and want.” (Nothing for selfish gain) (But to serve the Kingdom.) He said, “Draw close to Him” (Honestly and sincerely prefer the Lord as priority always.) (Talk to Him for He desires our fellowship.) He said, “Fan the flames that burn the traps and attacks.” (Nothing can withhold you when the fire of the Lord burns everything evil. Praise and worship engulf the evil.) He said, “Add to the fire the fuel of the Word and continue to add each verse in thought as it burns.” (Keep the fire burning with explosive power.) He said, “The light shines as the flames burn brighter in the zeal and desire of the Father.” (Love burns so hot, it eliminates all darkness.) (Return us, Lord, into Your wonderful garden and keep us hedged around and protected from all evil, under Your wings, in Your promises.) Amen!   Partaking of the Bread and Sufferings Marie Kelton 9/15/23 (David's notes in red) During the meeting, I had an open vision of being in heaven. My hair was its natural color (God's creation should show submission to Him). I was wearing a long lace head covering, and I was kneeling. (Marie represents the Bride of Christ, who is veiled and in the position of humble submission to His will.) I saw the Lord walk up to me, His eyes were a flame of fire (Rev.19:12 And his eyes are a flame of fire,...), and He had a flame of fire in His right hand. (This represents the Word of righteousness. Jer.23:29 Is not my word like fire? saith Jehovah… 1Co.3:12-14 But if any man buildeth on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 each man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward. Rev.2:17 … To him that overcometh, to him will I give of the hidden manna… The flame of fire then turned to what I knew was Manna. I knew He wanted me to eat it. (The Manna is the Word of God, Who is Jesus, the Living Bread from heaven. We need to eat it so we can have His Eternal Life in us. Joh.6:48-51 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread which cometh down out of heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down out of heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: yea and the bread which I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world. He is the Word made flesh.) Then, a Goblet appeared in His hand. He handed the Goblet to me. And I drank from it. (What came to me was the cup of suffering, to partake in His sufferings.) (Mat.26:39 And he went forward a little, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass away from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt. Mar.10:38-39 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup that I drink? or to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? 39 And they said unto him, We are able. And Jesus said unto them, The cup that I drink ye shall drink; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized) (We eat the Body of Christ, which is the Word of God, for He is the Word made flesh. We drink the blood because the life of the flesh is in the blood – Lev 17:11. Partaking of His life and nature is suffering the loss of our old life and nature. Baptism represents the death and burial of the old man, and coming up represents the resurrection life of the new man in Christ. The baptism of the Holy Spirit empowers us to be able to drink the cup of suffering, which is the death of the old man. This enables us to partake of His holiness.) (1Pe.4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you: 13 but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy. Php.3:10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death.) (When we choose to overcome in the midst of these trials and tribulations and sufferings like Jesus did, we are taking up our cross to follow Him and be His disciple.)   Endure In Your Faith To The End David Eells Have you ever received promises from God that you really desired but lost faith in because much time passed and there was much failure on your part to live up to your expectations, and you think that is the reason that the promises won't be fulfilled? We have received many times by faith at random – Psa.102:13 Thou wilt arise, and have mercy upon Zion; For it is time to have pity upon her, Yea, the set time is come. (We are on the verge of many promises being fulfilled at this time and also to people who have failed to live up to what they thought they should have been. In all of your failure continue to be ‘Justified by Faith' and also forgive your fellow man their failures and believe now so the promises can come to pass.) We are entering a season of fulfillment! We also have received these verses by faith at random, about NOW is the time. Isa.33:10 Now will I arise, saith Jehovah; now will I lift up myself; now will I be exalted. Psa.12:5 Because of the oppression of the poor, because of the sighing of the needy, Now will I arise, saith Jehovah; I will set him in the safety he panteth for. It is now that we have no time for double-mindedness because of past failures or sin. Forget the failures and inability of the past with its condemnation, be justified by faith, repent and believe now. Here is a perfect example of a man receiving an important promise but then went through much unbelief and failure and self-works in his uncircumcised heart but when the time came God reminded him of the promise and brought it to pass through his renewed faith. Rom.4:1-10 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, hath found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God. (Like many of us, Abraham's faith and works failed him for many years but when the set time was come it was impossible for him to bring it to pass by works of man. He and Sarah were too old and double-minded. 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. It was then that God reminded him of the promise and renewed his faith.) 3 For what saith the scripture? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. And then the promise was fulfilled. 4 Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but as of debt. (The answer can only come by Grace, which is unmerited and unearned by man's works. Pray for mercy and grace by which faith will come.) 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness. (Up to this point, Abraham was ungodly in his works to bring to pass the promises. Only the works of faith are considered righteous.) 6 Even as David also pronounceth blessing upon the man, unto whom God reckoneth righteousness apart from works (of man), 7 saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, And whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not reckon sin. (This grace through faith was given to a man who did not deserve it by his works.) 9 Is this blessing then pronounced upon the circumcision, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say, To Abraham his faith was reckoned for righteousness. 10 How then was it reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. (The promise was given when Abraham was sowing a seed of uncircumcised flesh. What can that get you? Ishmael. Abraham wanted God to accept him as the promised seed, but God refused because his work was of the flesh of man.) …17-25 (as it is written, A father of many nations have I made thee) before him whom he believed, even God, who giveth life to the dead, and calleth the things that are not as though they were. (Abraham and Sarah were dead to any ability to bring forth the promised seed. We are also dead to any ability to bring forth the promised seed of “Christ in you, the hope of glory”. Here is where we can receive the unmerited, unearned favor of God. We cannot pick ourselves up by our bootstraps.) 18 Who in hope believed against hope (of man), to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, So shall thy seed be. (Within the year of the fulfillment of the promise, Abraham began to believe God by His grace, while ignoring his inability.) 19 And without being weakened in faith he considered his own body now as good as dead (he being about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb; 20 yet, looking unto the promise of God, he wavered not through unbelief, but waxed strong through faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully assured that what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 Wherefore also it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. (Since it was impossible for them to do this, there was only one other choice: believe God and be counted as righteous so he could have the promise. Rom.3:3-4 For what if some were without faith? shall their want of faith make of none effect the faithfulness of God? 4 God forbid: (It was in this state of unfaithfulness to God's promise that Abraham and Sarah were to confess the promise and be justified in their words.) yea, let God be found true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified (Accounted as righteous) in thy words, And mightest prevail when thou comest into judgment. We prevail or overcome in Judgment when we confess the Lord's promises with our Words. When we are accounted righteous, we are entitled to Faith, which is the victory that overcomes the world. Back to Rom.4:23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was reckoned unto him; 24 but for our sake also, unto whom it shall be reckoned, who believe on him that raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses, and was raised for our justification. When Jesus died, we died; when he was resurrected, we received resurrection life. Have you failed? Ask for faith through grace and confess the promises! “Confess” in Greek is Homo-Logeo, meaning to “speak the same as”. I.e. Say what God says about you and others. Heb.3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, even Jesus; 4:14 Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Jesus, as our High Priest, must have a sacrifice from us to give to the Father. Mat.10:32 Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven. Luk.12:8 And I say unto you, Every one who shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: When we confess in agreement with God's promises, the angels are given authority of Father and Son to fulfill our confession. Psa.103:20 Bless Jehovah, ye his angels, That are mighty in strength, that fulfil his word, Hearkening unto the voice of his word. Heb.10:23 let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised: 13:15 Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name. Speak life into every situation. Pro.18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 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. “Whosoever” shows that He wasn't only talking to His disciples and apostles at that time, but that He was talking to all disciples because disciples are the only ones who will take Him seriously and recognize this authority as a gift of faith. Again, Jesus was not only speaking to the apostles and disciples back in His time, but to anyone, from them to us, who believes he can have this authority. Is this just a silly statement that no one will ever really take Him up on? No! There have been many people who have commanded their personal mountains and giants out of the way. Multitudes of people have exercised this authority over Satan, over the flesh, over their circumstances, and over the curse. God is faithful to stand by His Word, not because we deserve it, but due to His mercy and grace. He has said, According to your faith be it done unto you (Mat.9:29) and Go thy way; as thou hast believed, [so] be it done unto thee (Mat.8:13). “Whosoever” includes you and me and any other believer, so this authority has been put in our hands as sons of the last Adam, and not only given to those disciples in Jesus' day, as some say. Mar.16:14 And afterward he was manifested unto the eleven themselves as they sat at meat; and he upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them that had seen him after he was risen. 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned. Jesus is referring to the disciples of the disciples. “Disciples” (Greek: mathetes, meaning “learner and follower”) are learners and followers of the Lord. He is our Master, our Lord, our Example, and He is the One Who does the works through us. Mar.16:17 And these signs shall accompany them that believe: in my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Now we see that these signs will accompany those who simply believe, not only great apostles. That is authority! Jesus is giving authority to the people who believe these first disciples, or forefathers of Christianity, who wrote these pages to us. He has given us this authority to do good in the name of the Lord. All principalities and powers have been put under Jesus (Matthew 28:18), even “his feet” and we are “his body” (Ephesians 1:20-23). We have this authority, but it can be negative or positive. For example, when the Lord brought His people out of Egypt and into the wilderness, they continued to speak negatively and exercise their faith in a negative way. Faith is just what you believe. You can believe what God has spoken to you, or you can believe the things which you see in the world, but Jesus said, According to your faith be it done unto you (Mat.9:29). Faith is both negative and positive. Even fear is faith; however, it's faith in the curse, or faith in reverse – I.e. having faith in adverse circumstances and in the devil. The absolute proof in the world is what people believe happens to them comes to pass. Doctors say that approximately 90% and higher of sicknesses are psychosomatic (Greek: psuche, meaning “soul” and soma, meaning “body”). This implies “soul over body” and your soul is your mind, will, and emotions. Therefore, your mind, will, and emotions are making your body sick. The doctors are wrong in stating that 90% and higher of sicknesses are psychosomatic. That number is 100%. What makes people sick is what they believe. In fact, what you believe can kill you. As we saw in Matthew 18:18, you are the one who binds and who looses, and you are the one who creates your own future. You are the one who gives authority to the devil or gives authority unto God. Jesus needed authority, but when He went to His hometown, he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief (Mat.13:58). They had the authority to say no to God, and they did; they did not believe in Jesus and His Gospel. They believed in the sickness and the curse and they spoke it. We can believe in the blessings of God and speak the blessings, or we can believe in the curse and speak the curse. We will have what we believe because that's the Word of God. Num.14:28 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord, surely as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: 29 your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, that have murmured against me. They complained to the Lord that they were brought out into the wilderness to die, and the Lord heard this too many times. The Lord basically gave them what they said. The Lord still does this today, and the Bible declares that He does. One of the fruits of a believer is that they believe in their heart and confess with their mouth (Romans 10:10). Many people profess to be believers, yet don't confess their benefits in Christ, so God says what you say is what you will receive. Num.21:5 And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, and there is no water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. What is “against God”? It's when God has spoken these awesome promises, and we think we know better and continue to agree with the curse. For example, the 10 spies who spoke and agreed with the curse and brought the bad report led to the threats made by God to those who believed those spies. Joshua and Caleb were the only two who brought the good report, in agreement with God's promises. So, speaking against God can be more subtle than what people might think. When God says you're healed, and you say you're not, then you will remain sick. When God says He's taken away your sins, but you confess what you see and feel in the world, you are speaking against God. Num.21:6 And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Once again, what they spoke is what they got. I believe the fiery serpents represent the curse. The cure for this was that God commanded Moses to make a “fiery serpent” out of brass and put it on a pole, and as people got their eyes on the serpent on the pole, they were healed (verse 8). As we know, the cure was Jesus Christ, since He was the One who was made sin and was crucified on a cross. So, we have a cure from the curse, but we must confess God to receive this cure. Those who profess Christianity but do not confess the benefits of the Kingdom, so that the curse, which was put upon Jesus, doesn't come on them. We cannot gain the promises in Scripture without faith in those promises. Or, in other words, what we profess must be mixed with faith. Num.21:7 And the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, because we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. When people pray, God is merciful, especially if they believe their prayers. But do you have to continue to live under the curse? Is it necessary, when you can agree with God, to have the “fiery serpents” bite you? These serpents are the curse manifested in so many ways. The serpent is, obviously, also the devil, who is a vessel of dishonor that administers the curse on God's people, especially when they don't believe the benefits of God. Jesus told us, According to your faith be it done unto you (Mat.9:29) and Go thy way; as thou hast believed, [so] be it done unto thee (Mat.8:13). You can speak things into coming to pass. If you speak life, you receive life; if you speak death, you receive death. It depends on what you have your faith in. If your faith is in agreement with God's benefits, then you are justified by faith and receive those benefits. If you agree with what is in the world, then you don't receive God's benefits and have loosed the devil; you have loosed emissaries to continue to administer the curse on you. Many people are learning this and experiencing what I'm saying. This is nothing new, but is the same Gospel which is from the beginning. We have to have a renewed mind so that we understand what to believe and what we should speak. Faith can be both positive and negative. Pro.18:20 A man's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied. Would you like your needs to be met because of what you say? We would like our lips to come into agreement with the Word of God and learn more and more to walk in His benefits by confessing Him before men. Pro.18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. I remember back in Louisiana, where I came from, there was a church that had a visiting minister who was preaching about death and how it was not to be feared. I know the church and its circumstances and have been there. The minister was actually going to show them how simple it was to die. He pulled up a chair, sat down, and said it was as simple as going to sleep. Then he nodded his head for an example. He stayed like that for a while, until the pastor, whom I know, got nervous and went up and touched him on his shoulder, and then shook him. He was gone. He talked himself right off of this earth. What was God showing with this example? Some people talk themselves right into the grave. Many people die before their time because their faith is to die; their faith is to be cursed and to receive the things that are around them. Their faith is not in what the Lord Jesus has given to them freely. Truly, “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” This is God's Word, and nothing is being taken away or being added to it. We need to agree with God's benefits to have them, and God will supply your every need to do His will if you learn to agree with Him. The tongue doesn't speak on its own. It gets its direction from your thoughts and the words that are in your mind. We need to watch our tongue so we can correct our mind. That's one reason the Lord is telling us to be careful with what we say, because when we are careful, we are correcting our thoughts. He tells us to be quick to hear and slow to speak. That's why we have one tongue and two ears. Mat.12:34 Ye offspring of vipers, how can ye, being evil speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. If we want to speak good things, we need to put good things in our hearts and reject the other things that are there. I am sure that your mouth has spoken things that have slipped out that you wish you hadn't said. It's an automatic thing with some people, but we need to slow down and give the Lord time to correct our thinking. Good people speak good things, and bad people speak bad things. In some ways, we are both since we are both ‘son of man' and ‘son of God', but we also have authority over that part of us which is still man. The Son of God in us has authority over that man. As the outer man decays, the inner man is renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16). That spiritual man is taking over as we walk by faith and believe more and more of the Word of God, and as we do, more and more of Jesus Himself is being manifested in us, and He is taking more and more ground from the enemy. Mat.12:35 The good man out of his good treasure bringeth forth good things: and the evil man out of his evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. Those who get this revelation about the tongue spend much time talking about the tongue, but we must really begin with the heart. We have to repent – change our mind – and believe what the Bible says. Changing your mind and repenting is renewing your mind with what the Word says and agreeing with what it says, but we must do it enough so that it overcomes our natural thinking. Our natural thinking is what kills us and all those whose tongues are connected to their natural man. Mat.12:36 And I say unto you, that every idle (Greek: argos, meaning “unfruitful, barren”) word that men shall speak, they shall give account of in the day of judgment. The Lord obviously wants His Word to bear fruit in us, but there are many words that are unfruitful and don't bear the fruit of Christ in us. Every idle word will bring judgment upon you. The day of judgment is not just that day down the road, the corporate judgment, but it is the day of judgment that you come into. Your idle words, unfruitful or vain, will bring you into judgment. Many people have spoken the curse upon themselves, like the Israelites did. They confessed continuously that they would die in the wilderness and it happened. Mat.12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. The words that justify us are those words spoken in agreement with God. They are words confessing Jesus before God and men, saying what He said and agreeing with what He has taught us in the Word, and also by what He put in the disciples to teach us in the Word. We are accounted righteous, or justified, if we agree with God. But if we don't agree, we fall under judgment, for “by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” If you disagree with God's Word, it's like calling Him a liar. God told the Israelites that He was going to bring them to the Promised Land, and they basically claimed that God was a liar and that He brought them to the wilderness to die. They spoke it from their mouth, and He finally said, “as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you.” There are a lot of people who don't make it through the wilderness – what we call the “world” today. Hos.4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…. They agree with the curse and they receive the curse. It's what they believe; it is their faith. See Jesus in the mirror, all that He is, is yours. 2Co.3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. And 1Jn 4:17 Herein is love made perfect with us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as he is, even so are we in this world.

What does it really mean to be saved by grace?In this message, Pastor Nick Tallo walks through Ephesians 2:8–10 and reminds us that salvation isn't about trying harder, being better, or doing more religious activity. It's about receiving a gift.Many of us wrestle with big questions: Do you believe in an afterlife? How confident are you in what comes next? What is that confidence based on?We often only slow down enough to ask those questions in life's hardest or quietest moments. But God doesn't leave us guessing. Through His Word, He gives us clear answers.Ephesians 2 shows us that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works. It's not something we earn. It's something we receive. Jesus offers us a brand-new identity, a new birth, and a new purpose.When Jesus talked with Nicodemus in John 3, He made it clear: salvation isn't about religious performance. It's about being born again and transformed from the inside out. And that transformation leads us into the good works God has already prepared for us.At 2Rivers, we believe Jesus is the lead story. Everything centers on Him and the life-changing grace He offers. Our prayer is that this message helps you take your next step toward becoming a passionate follower of Jesus.

Pain is an unavoidable part of life, but how we respond to it shapes our spiritual journey. Instead of numbing or avoiding our wounds, Scripture invites us to mourn honestly, receive God's comfort, and allow Him to redeem our suffering. Through His Word, our prayers, and the presence of the Holy Spirit, God meets us in the darkest moments and uses our pain to bring comfort and hope to others.

Have you ever explored a rocky shoreline and noticed the life clinging to it? Beneath the crashing waves is a world God designed—small creatures perfectly equipped to survive constant impact. What seems fragile is often stronger than it looks.In this episode we reflect on how the force of the ocean mirrors seasons of life when trials come one after another. When we feel overwhelmed and weak, God reminds us that He is our strength. Through His Word and through prayer, He renews us and helps us hold fast—even when the waves keep coming.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DONATE: https://evidence4faith.org/give/WEBSITE: https://evidence4faith.org/NEWSLETTER: http://eepurl.com/hpazV5BOOKINGS: https://evidence4faith.org/bookings/CONTACT: Evidence 4 Faith, 349 Knights Ave Kewaskum WI 53040 , info@evidence4faith.orgMy goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches that assurance brings in their understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. - Colossians 2:2-3CREDITS: Developed & Hosted by Michael Lane. Produced & Edited by Isabel Kolste. Graphics & Publication by Isabel Kolste. Additional Art, Film, & Photography Credits: Stock media “Memories” provided by mv_production / Pond5 | Logo Stinger: Unsplash.com: Leinstravelier, Logan Moreno Gutierrez, Meggyn Pomerieau, Jaredd Craig, NASA, NOASS, USGS, Sam Carter, Junior REIS, Luka Vovk, Calvin Craig, Mario La Pergola, Timothy Eberly, Priscilla Du Preez, Ismael Paramo, Tingey Injury Law Firm, Dan Cristian Pădureț, Jakob Owens | Wikimedia: Darmouth University Public Domain, Kelvinsong CC0 | Stock media “A stately Story (Stiner02)” provided by lynnepublishing / Pond5

Theword circumspectly is an interesting one. It comes from a word that means tolook around carefully. The idea is precision, accuracy, and thoughtful living.Paul is saying, “Pay attention to how you live. Walk carefully. Walk withpurpose.” The opposite would be walking carelessly—drifting through lifewithout direction, guidance, or forethought. The Christian life is notsomething we can leave to chance. It requires wise decisions and a sinceredesire to do the will of God. Theseverses connect closely with what Paul said just before in verse 14, where heurged believers to wake up. The picture is clear: Don't walk through lifespiritually asleep. Open your eyes. Be alert. Make the most of the day God hasgiven you. Sadly, many professing Christians drift through life like spiritualsleepwalkers. They rarely pause to consider how God might want to use them orhow their daily choices matter for eternity. Paul gives us several reasons whywe should walk carefully and wisely. First,it is a mark of wisdom. Paul says, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not asfools but as wise.” A fool simply drifts with the wind and the tide. A wiseperson charts a course, sets a direction, and steers accordingly. Just as abuilder plans before constructing a house, believers should be intentionalabout how they live their lives. We may not know what tomorrow holds, but aplanned life is far better equipped to deal with unexpected events. Walkingwisely means knowing where you're going and why. Second,life is short.Verse 16 tells us to redeem the time, or literally, buy up the opportunity. Theidea is to seize the moments God gives us while we can. Opportunities arefleeting. Once they pass, they may never return. Our English word opportunitycarries the picture of a ship catching the wind and tide to reach the harbor.Life moves quickly, and Scripture repeatedly reminds us of its brevity. Thatreality should motivate us to use our time wisely for the Lord. Third,the days are evil.When Paul wrote these words, persecution was looming on the horizon.Opportunities to serve Christ and reach the lost would not always be available.If the days were evil then, they certainly are today. Sin advances, hearts growharder, and doors can close quickly. That is why we must not waste theopportunities God places before us. At the same time, because the days are evilthere will be more confusion and chaos which will produce more brokenness inour relationships and lives. This means that even more opportunities will bearound us to share the love and truth of Jesus with! Fourth,God has given us a mind. Verse 17 says, “Therefore do not be unwise, butunderstand what the will of the Lord is.” Understanding God's will is not amystical experience that bypasses clear thinking. God expects His children touse their minds. As Romans 12 tells us, God transforms us by the renewing ofour minds. Through His Word, prayer, meditation, and worship, we learn to thinkbiblically and discern wisely. God does not merely want us to know His will—Hewants us to understand it. That involves gathering facts, weighing decisions,and praying for wisdom, as James reminds us. Finally,God has a plan for our lives. Scripture teaches that we are God'sworkmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which He preparedbeforehand. God saves us with purpose. He reveals His plan through His Word,through the inner leading of the Holy Spirit, and through circumstances that Heorchestrates for our good. Because God has a plan, we can walk carefully andconfidently. Like a builder following a blueprint, we align our lives with whatthe Master Architect has designed. MayGod help us not to drift, but to walk wisely—redeeming the time, understandingHis will, and living each day with purpose for His glory. Godbless you, and I trust you have a wonderful, wonderful day.

The miracle of God's grace is that He is never hindered by the walls we build or the shame we carry. Even when our hearts feel locked away, He faithfully creates safe places for us to risk drawing near to Him. Through His Word and His presence, He reveals Himself as the God who heals, restores, and frees us from the burdens we were never meant to carry. This week, therapist and advocate Tanyka Abbott, LCSW, returns to the podcast to share how God gently earned her trust after the trauma of sexual and spiritual abuse. In this powerful conversation, Tanyka describes the slow, holy journey of learning to forgive, releasing shame, and embracing God's peace. She also shares how the freedom she found in Christ allowed her to meet with her abusers and extend grace with miraculous outcomes.   Scripture mentioned:  Genesis 50:20 Connect with Tanyka: https://tanykaabbott.com/   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.

It is impossible to over-emphasize the importance of the Word of God when it comes to the salvation of the soul. It is only by depending on the authority of the Bible that sinners can firmly secure their faith as sure as an anchor holds fast to a giant rock. But not only do we need this firm foundation of our faith - we need to hear it for ourselves. We need to hear God speaking to us THROUGH His Word. It is the Word of God that is able to save the soul. "Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life!" the hymn writer could say. Have you trusted them?

Beautiful soul, I am so excited to be back with you after a short but deeply transformative pause. In this powerful, I'm inviting you into an intimate conversation about something I once resisted… and now fully embrace: the divine dance between masculine and feminine energy within the Bible — and what it means for us as modern women walking in faith.     For years, I equated the Bible with pure masculine structure, discipline, and devotion. As someone who naturally leads with softness, intuition, and emotional depth, I struggled to see myself in it. But God… oh, He is so tender, patient, and intentional. Through His Word, He showed me the breathtaking strength of feminine faith — and the necessity of both energies working together in harmony.     In this episode, I share: ✨ My personal journey from new age practices into an unshakable relationship with God and Jesus ✨ How the Bible beautifully honors women — from Mary to Mary Magdalene, and beyond ✨ Why feminine spirituality is not only biblical, but essential ✨ How my resistance turned into revelation (and how yours can too) ✨ What balancing masculine and feminine looks like in real, everyday faith ✨ An open invitation to join me weekly as we study Scripture and grow deeper together in community     If you've ever felt torn between intuition and structure… softness and strength… divine feminine and biblical truth… this episode will feel like a homecoming.      This conversation is your reminder that you were created with intention, with purpose, and with a sacred balance only God could design. And as you root yourself in Him, your impact can't help but grow.     Press play to reignite your faith, reconnect with your divine identity, and step boldly into the woman God handcrafted you to be.     Screenshot this episode, share it on your stories, and tag me @petiakolibova. 

Family and friendship are among God’s greatest gifts, yet they can also be some of life’s hardest places to navigate. Today's prayer and devotional from Alicia Searl reflects on a phrase her father often said: “You only get one dose of family.” Over time, grief and loss transformed those words into a deeper truth: “You only get one dose of family, so love them like it’s their last day.” As we enter the Thanksgiving season—a time that often highlights both joy and tension—Scripture calls us to something higher: “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone” (Hebrews 12:14). Peace in relationships doesn’t happen by accident. It requires humility, forgiveness, patience, and a grateful heart. Alicia reminds us that when we invite God into our relationships, He softens our hearts and restores what is broken. Through His Word, the Lord points us toward hope (Jeremiah 29:11), healing (Psalm 147:3), and restoration (1 John 4:20). This season, as you gather around tables and reunite with those you love, consider the sacredness of your time together. Psalm 90:12 urges us to number our days so we may gain a heart of wisdom. Life is brief. Our relationships matter. And every moment of grace, peace, and patience reflects the heart of our relational God. Choose gratitude. Choose peace. Choose love—even when it’s difficult. God is honored in these choices, and He promises to work within them. Today's Bible Reading:“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14 Takeaway Truths God gives us the gift of family and friends for His divine purposes. Peace in relationships requires effort, prayer, and the work of the Holy Spirit. Time with loved ones is sacred and fleeting—choose to use it well. Gratitude softens the heart and opens the door for healing and unity. Let’s Pray Faithful Father, we are so thankful that You give us the gift of family and precious friendships. As a relational God, we know that You command us to cherish and deepen these relationships by nourishing them with love and cultivating peace. Oh, but we need Your help, wisdom, and guidance. Please help us foster a heart of gratitude this beautiful season that softly calls us to see the many blessings You have so graciously provided. Allow us to show and give thanks to those You have so lovingly placed in our lives with our words, actions, and deeds. Grant us the means to be peacemakers and restore hope and healing to relationships that need Your hand of mercy. When various waves of emotions arrive, temper our thoughts, calm our hearts, and soothe our souls with Your Word of Truth. We want to live intentionally, honoring You with our time, because our days here on this side of eternity matter and hold a greater purpose. I am so very thankful that one day all will be restored, and I eagerly anticipate the glory that awaits us as we spend eternity with You, in peace, love, and divine unity. Thank You for that hope. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Additional Scriptures Jeremiah 29:11 Psalm 147:3 Psalm 90:12 1 John 4:20 Related Resources How to Overcome Holiday Family Tension – Crosswalk.com Scriptures for Gratitude and Thanksgiving – BibleStudyTools.com More audio devotionals at LifeAudio.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ep. 291 — Holding Fast to Biblical Truth in an Age of Relativism  When your girl starts asking hard questions—about right and wrong, fairness, love, or truth—how do you help her find her footing in a world that says truth is whatever she wants it to be?  In this powerful episode, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose dig deep into the cultural currents shaping our daughters' minds today. Together, they unpack what moral relativism looks like in everyday life and explore how parents can anchor their girls in the absolute truth of God's Word. From understanding the roots of modern relativism to recognizing how it creeps into conversations about identity, justice, and love, this episode offers practical, biblical strategies to help families stand firm in faith.  You'll also hear from Patti Garibay, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus, in a Raising Godly Girls Minute. Patti sheds light on how this subtle cultural force erodes Biblical conviction—and how Scripture gives parents and girls the solid ground they need to live out God's truth with confidence and grace.  Rachael and Natalie remind us that God's character is not shifting sand; it's the foundation of all truth. Through His Word, He reveals what is right, just, and good—and invites us to reflect that truth in our daily lives, even when it costs us comfort or popularity. For every mom raising girls in this post-truth age, this episode will renew your confidence that God's truth still stands—and so can your family.  Three Things to Remember  Absolute truth exists—and its Author is God. The Ten Commandments still stand as a foundational guide for morality and right living.  Knowing God's character clarifies truth. Understanding His justice, love, and holiness keeps us grounded when culture distorts what's right.  Build courage in your girl. Teach her that following Jesus may not always be popular—but it will always be worth it.    Scripture References in This Episode  Exodus 20:1–17 – The Ten Commandments, God's moral law for His people.  John 16:33 – "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  Philippians 4:8 – "Whatever is true, whatever is noble…think about such things."  Romans 12:2 – "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."  Psalm 119:160 – "The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever."  John 14:6 – Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life."  Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com. To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org. 

God is dropping clues are you catching them?Through His Word, His Spirit, and even through everyday moments of our lives God is always providing us clues. Tune in, pay attention, and walk with clarity on the path He's laid out for you.

Too often, we approach prayer like a transaction. We bring our list of needs, hand them to God, and hope for answers. But prayer is meant to be far deeper. It's not only about speaking—it's about sharing God's heart. The ultimate goal of prayer isn't getting something from God, but getting closer to God.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.” — Psalm 25:14 (ESV)Imagine sitting down with a close friend who never lets you speak, who only unloads their problems and then leaves. That's what prayer looks like when it's only about us. But discipleship means cultivating a friendship with God, where His heart is revealed to us.How do we hear God's heart in prayer?* Through His Word. Scripture is God's primary revelation of His heart. When you pray it, you're hearing His desires, His promises, and His will.* Through the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:16 tells us, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” In prayer, the Spirit nudges us, convicts us, comforts us, and whispers what matters most to the Father.* Through surrender. When we pray, “Your will be done,” we shift from forcing our desires onto God to receiving His. That's when intimacy happens—when our heart begins to beat in rhythm with His.Hearing God's heart changes how you pray for others. Instead of praying your limited perspective, you start praying His eternal will. Instead of asking only for relief, you begin asking for transformation. Instead of focusing only on problems, you begin declaring His purposes.The closer you draw to Him in prayer, the more you'll notice your heart aligning with His—loving what He loves, grieving what He grieves, and pursuing what He pursues.Question of the Day:When was the last time you paused in prayer not to ask, but simply to say, “Father, what's on Your heart today?”Mini Call to Action:Take 10 minutes today to pray without asking for anything. Instead, ask God to show you what's on His heart and write it down.Prayer:Lord, draw me deeper into friendship with You. Teach me to pray not only my words, but to listen for Yours. Align my heart with Your desires, so that I may live and pray in step with You.Let's Get To Work!Prayer is the bridge where your heart meets His. Step onto it, listen well, and walk in rhythm with the Father.Thanks for reading My Reasons To Believe! This post is public so feel free to share it.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

In today's passage, the disciples face a big decision: replacing Judas. How do people who follow Jesus make decisions? Through His Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit's leading. Let's learn how this applies to our lives today.

September 12, 2025Today's Reading: Philippians 4:1-23 Daily Lectionary: 2 Chronicles 31:1-21; Philippians 4:1-23 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“Do not be anxious.” I am anxious about everything from making phone calls to whether I'm a good enough employee, mom, or wife. It is easy for me to be anxious and to hear “do not be anxious” as an anxiety-inducing rule that I cannot keep, even if I try really hard. The same may be true for you. Even if you don't get anxious about things that ultimately are not worth it, there are genuine worries we face in life, from seemingly small things, like grades, to the state of this broken, sinful world; there's always something to worry about. And still, Paul says, “Do not be anxious.” Paul knew about anxiety-inducing circumstances. He had been run out of towns, beaten to within an inch of his life, imprisoned and freed, and as he wrote this letter, he was in his final imprisonment in Rome, which led to his martyrdom. He would die for the faith, and yet he says not to be anxious. Paul echoes the words of Jesus, the Man Who suffered and died that all men might live a new life in Him. These words are not meant to condemn but to comfort the troubled heart. It is an invitation to let go of the things we try so hard to control. To let go of the things that are too heavy for us to carry. Instead, we take our burdens to God in prayer, knowing He hears us and answers us. To combat our anxious hearts and busy thoughts, He gives us His peace. Through His Word and Sacraments, God fulfills His promises of peace and salvation. Christ's death and resurrection bring life to you, a life of hope and confidence. Confidence that God, your Father, gives you all you need according to His wisdom. Confidence that you are justified by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. Confidence in knowing that even when anxiety, suffering, and even your own death comes, you need not fear. Jesus is bigger than whatever you will face and has already defeated sin, evil, and death. Dear one, remember the God of all comfort claims you as His own. He will neither leave you nor forsake you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Yea, Lord, 'twas Thy rich bounty gave my body, soul, and all I have in this poor life of labor. Lord, grant that I in ev'ry place may glorify Thy lavish grace and help and serve my neighbor. Let no false doctrine me beguile; and Satan not my soul defile. Give strength and patience unto me to bear my cross and follow Thee. Lord Jesus Christ, My God and Lord, my God and Lord, in death Thy comfort still afford. (LSB 708:2)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you'll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.

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.

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/

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. 

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