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What does greatness look like in the kingdom of God? It may not look dramatic, impressive, or worthy of attention. Often, it looks like ordinary faithfulness, serving others, keeping your commitments, and trusting God when you cannot see what He is doing.In this message from the Book of Ruth, Pastor Erik explores how God works through ordinary people and everyday acts of faithfulness to accomplish something far greater than they could imagine. Ruth's story begins with famine, loss, grief, and uncertainty. Naomi returns home feeling bitter and empty, while Ruth leaves behind everything familiar to remain faithful to her mother-in-law and to the God of Israel.Through Ruth's quiet devotion, Boaz's generosity, and the birth of Obed, God begins writing a story of redemption that reaches far beyond their immediate circumstances. Ruth, a widowed Moabite woman who seemed insignificant by the world's standards, ultimately becomes part of the family line of King David and Jesus Christ.This story reminds us to trust the God of the ordinary, trust Him during seasons of crisis, and trust the God who redeems. Even when He appears to be working behind the scenes, God is present, faithful, and weaving our ordinary obedience into His greater story. Jesus is the ultimate Redeemer who makes the insignificant significant, the hopeless hopeful, the lost found, the bitter pleasant, and the empty full again.
Ruth 1:6-18, Holy Communion with (outdoor) Baptism, Leader & President: Revd Ian Tomkins, Preacher: Revd Juliet Dellow. (Sorry about the helicopter circling overhead)
Live on July 12th, 2026Message by Jonathan Reider
What do you do when life takes a painful turn and you cannot see what God is doing? Joseph's story moves through betrayal, slavery, temptation, false accusation, prison, influence, forgiveness, and restoration. Through every high and low, one truth remains constant: the Lord was with him.In this message from Genesis 37 - 50, Pastor Erik Thoennes explores three marks of a faithful life: being fruitful even in a foreign land, remaining faithful in the face of temptation, and choosing forgiveness after deep betrayal. Joseph's life reminds us that trusting God does not mean our path will be easy or direct. It means believing that God is present, sovereign, and wise - even before we can see how the story will come together.Joseph ultimately points us to Jesus, the righteous sufferer whose rejection and suffering became the means of salvation for others. Whatever season you are walking through a pit, a prison, a place of waiting, or a mountaintop - God is still at work, shaping you into the image of Christ.
Judges 4:1-5, Morning Worship. Leader: Helen Aberdeen, Preacher: Revd Ian Tomkins
Live on July 5, 2026Message by Kevin Zimmerman
In this message from Unlikely Heroes, Andrew McCourt looks at the familiar story of David and Goliath and points us beyond David to the true Champion, Jesus Christ. Goliath reminds us that giants still show up in our lives today through fear, anxiety, temptation, insecurity, sin, and situations that feel too big to overcome.David shows us what faith looks like when fear is loud. He was young, overlooked, and simply faithful with the job in front of him, yet God used him to face what an entire army would not. But ultimately, this story is not about becoming David. It is about recognizing that we are the frightened army standing on the sidelines, unable to defeat the giant of sin on our own.The good news is that Jesus entered the battlefield for us. He came in humility, obeyed the Father, went to the cross, and defeated sin, death, and the enemy forever. Because Jesus is our Champion, we can move from fear to faith and trust Him with every giant we face.
Micah 6:1-4, Leader, President & Preacher: Revd Richard Pendlebury
The Orioles went without a hit through the first four innings yesterday and then Tyler O'Neill woke everyone up with a solo blast over the left field wall. Bob Haynie is tipping his hat to muscles on this Thursday morning.
Live on June 28, 2026Message by Alexander James
In the opening message of Unlikely Heroes, Pastor Matthew looks at Moses and the parting of the Red Sea to remind us that God uses ordinary people surrendered to an extraordinary God to do impossible things. Moses did not feel qualified, courageous, or ready, yet God chose him to lead Israel out of slavery and into freedom.Through Exodus 13 and 14, we see that God does not always lead us by the easiest or shortest road. Sometimes He leads us to places where only He can save us, so we can learn to trust Him completely. The Red Sea was not just Israel's moment of crisis. It was a place where God revealed His power, delivered His people, and showed Egypt that He alone is Lord.This message reminds us that the ultimate deliverance has already come through Jesus Christ. Because of Him, we have crossed over from death to life. Now the question is whether we will live like people who are free, trust God with what is in front of us, and say yes when He asks us to take a step of obedience.
Amos 5:14-15, 23-24, Altogether Amazed, Leader: Revd Juliet Dellow, Speaker: Nick Stroud
Ecuador stunned Germany in an eventful round of final group stage games, as they qualified for the knockout stage. Tom Clarke hears from Times journalists across America as Paul Hirst reports on Netherlands 3-1 win against Tunisia, James Gheerbrant watches Sweden rescue a draw with Japan and Peter Rutzler see Turkey salvage some pride by beating co-hosts USA 3-2. In part two Tom chats to reporter Ian Whittell who offers his view on Brazil and Spain and previews Cape Verde's huge clash with Saudi Arabia as they attempt to keep their remarkable World Cup story going. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Psalm 51:1-12, Morning Worship, Leader: Revd Ian Tomkins, Preacher: Helen Aberdeen
God empowers those who are willing to hear and obey His Word to accomplish great things. In Judges 4, He used unlikely people like Deborah, Barak, and Jael to bring victory to His people in a time of oppression. Deborah's courage came from trusting what God had said, and Barak experienced victory as he stepped out in obedience. As we listen to God, trust that He goes before us, and take the next step in faith, He can work powerfully through us too.
Psalm 51:1-12, Morning Worship, Leader: Revd Ian Tomkins, Preacher: Helen Aberdeen
Welcome to episode 250 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we will examine the topic of the unlikely hero — how God uses the unqualified to accomplish the impossible. Key takeaways: God's discipline has purpose and His anger has limits. Eighteen years of oppression ended the moment Israel cried out. He disciplines to restore, not destroy. Ehud was a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin — the tribe whose name means “son of the right hand.” God's choice of deliverer was deliberate divine irony. What you consider your disqualifying characteristic may be exactly what God intends to use. Left-handedness was a battlefield liability that became Ehud's tactical advantage. Godly boldness is not recklessness — it is calculated courage rooted in careful preparation. Ehud made a plan, chose his moment, and acted with precision. Bold obedience and wise planning are partners, not opposites. God's deliverance often comes through means we would never have chosen. He works through the weak and unexpected precisely so no one can claim human credit. One act of strategic obedience can produce lasting fruit. Ehud's mission resulted in 80 years of peace — the longest rest in the entire book of Judges. God doesn't need cookie-cutter servants. He specializes in using the unexpected to accomplish the impossible — and He has been doing it since the beginning. Quotable: Stop apologizing for what makes you different. What you call a disqualification, God may be calling a qualification. He doesn't choose the most likely — He chooses the willing, then uses their weakness to put His power on display. Application: Stop disqualifying yourself. Make a list of the limitations, failures, or differences you believe make you unusable to God. Then hold that list against Ehud — a man from the wrong tribe who couldn't use the right hand. If God could use him to deliver a nation, your list is not the final word. Prepare before you act. When God calls you to difficult obedience — a hard conversation, a major decision, a step of faith — don't mistake urgency for recklessness. Pray for wisdom, make a plan, count the cost, then move. Ehud's courage was inseparable from his preparation. Stay open to unconventional answers. The solution to your impossible situation may not look the way you expect. Don't limit God to conventional methods. The provision, the breakthrough, or the open door may come from a direction you never anticipated. Keep your eyes open for what He might be doing sideways. Act when God gives you the moment. Ehud waited for the right time, then moved without hesitation. There are moments God puts in front of us — a conversation, an opportunity, an open door — that require immediate response. Preparation without action is just planning. When the moment comes, step through it. Connect with us: Web site: https://springbaptist.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus) https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus) Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/ If you haven't already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
Daily Soap Opera Spoilers by Soap Dirt (GH, Y&R, B&B, and DOOL)
Click to Subscribe: https://bit.ly/Youtube-Subscribe-SoapDirt Beyond the Gates predictions arise about possible unexpected twists and turns. The suspense of Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) and Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) getting too close during the disaster at Fairmont Crest, and the emergence of an unexpected hero in the midst of the tornado disaster. The first BTG prediction reveals that Joey Armstrong (Jon Lindstrom)'s sister, Heather Armstrong (Ashley Jones), could be the Impaler, a character making her debut on Beyond the Gates. Ashley Jones, an actress who has worked with showrunner Michelle Valjean on Bold and the Beautiful, is suspected to be portraying both Heather and the Impaler. Predictions for Beyond the Gates suggest Leslie Thomas (Trisha Mann) may display unexpected heroism during the fundraiser disaster, which could change other characters' perception of her. Leslie is seen to be a troublemaker, but her actions during the disaster might soften Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie) and Vernon Dupree's outlook towards her. BTG sees that Bill Hamilton and Dani Dupree are predicted to share a kiss during the elevator terror. This could potentially cause conflict if Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman), Dani's current partner, witnesses it. Tomas "Tom" Hernandez (Alex Alegria) is predicted to be injured in the disaster, forcing Eva Thomas (Ambyr Michelle) and Kat (Colby Muhammad) to work together to save him. This could provide an opportunity for Eva and Kat to bond as sisters. More predictions for Beyond the gates indicate Martin Richardson is suspected to be trapped in the disaster, causing panic amongst his family. However, both Martin and all the characters are expected to survive the disaster, according to an interview with Daphnee Duplaix, who plays Nicole Dupree Richardson. You are listening to Belynda from Soap Dirt. The most listened to podcast for soap operas. Visit our Beyond the Gates section of Soap Dirt: https://soapdirt.com/category/beyond-the-gates/ Listen to our Podcasts: https://soapdirt.podbean.com/ And Check out our always up-to-date Beyond the Gates Spoilers page at: https://soapdirt.com/beyond-the-gates-spoilers/ Check Out our Social Media... Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoapDirtTV Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoapDirt Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soapdirt/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soapdirt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soapdirt/
Acts 9:1-9, Holy Communion, Leader, President & Preacher: Revd Richard Pendlebury
Acts 9:1-9, Holy Communion, Leader, President & Preacher: Revd Richard Pendlebury
Genesis 21:1-6, Holy Communion, Leader, President & Preacher: Revd Ian Tomkins
Genesis 21:1-6, Holy Communion, Leader, President & Preacher: Revd Ian Tomkins
This week, we're flipping the script on who gets to be the hero of your story.Reading recommendation: TOKYO EXPRESS by Seicho Matsumoto.
Cade Povich got called up to the majors following Zach Eflin's injury and he has since turned in a pair or strong outings when the O's need them most. The guys opened up Monday's show by discussing his impact on yesterday's win.
Juventus returned from the March international break with a victory over Genoa thanks to a very impressive first-half performance a their former starting goalkeeper coming off the bench to seal the victory on Easter Monday. 00:00 Introduction 02:04 Takeaways from the week that was 06:05 Juventus 2-0 Genoa recap 15:28 What on earth happened in the second half against Genoa? 20:54 Michele Di Gregorio: from zero to hero! 33:32 Assessing the top four race in Serie A after Matchday 31 40:57 A question from the socials: Milik has risen?! You can follow us — or send us questions — on Bluesky @bwrao.bsky.social, Twitter @JuventusNation or on Facebook as well as the Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN on Twitter. You can also follow us on our Instagram page, too! Get all of our match coverage, transfer rumors and much more at our website, blackwhitereadallover.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join us all in the Common Room for the Prancing Pony Podcast's 11th annual Tolkien Reading Day special. Tolkien Reading Day is observed every March 25 in honor of the destruction of the Ring and the downfall of Barad-dûr. This year's theme, as chosen by the Tolkien Society, is Unlikely Heroes — which describes each of the co-hosts who've joined with The Man of the West to present readings that showcase this year's theme. Matt calls ‘dibs', Don's hero is a bird, Sara surprisingly doesn't choose Aldarion, Shawn finds two heroes to thwack the Fëanor-shaped piñata, while James and Alan really aren't crying at all, at all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What a goal from the boundary, and what a call by Bruce Eva!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam resists the Ring. Fatty Bolger outruns the Nazgûl. Lúthien tears down Sauron's tower. Jeff Haecker, Robert Story, Patrick Mason, and Rob Leonardi celebrate Tolkien Reading Day with favorite passages on unlikely heroes. The post Tolkien Reading Day 2026: Unlikely Heroes appeared first on StarQuest Media.
Sunday morning message from Pastor Lynn Hardy
Sunday morning message from Pastor Christie Brodien
Sunday morning message from Pastor Matthew Forsythe
In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze welcomes New York Times bestselling author Sara Pennypacker to discuss her powerful new historical novel, The Lions' Run. Sara shares how her father's experience as a teenage POW in a German prison camp during World War II influenced the story—and how a little-known Nazi program called the Lebensborn became the emotional trigger that set her empathetic orphan hero, Lucas, into action.From redefining what courage looks like for young readers to trusting kids with big, complicated questions about justice and resistance, Sara reveals why empathy is the true root of all bravery, how Joseph Campbell's storytelling wisdom shaped a pivotal cherry strudel scene, and why Jon Klassen's breathtaking cover art inspired her to go back and make the book even better.Whether you're a parent looking for meaningful middle grade historical fiction, an educator exploring WWII through a fresh lens, or a fan of Pax eager to see what Sara does next, this conversation is a moving celebration of quiet heroism and the enduring power of story.Read the transcript on The Children's Book Review (coming soon).Highlights:The Epigraph That Says It All: Why an African proverb about elephants and grass perfectly captures the heart of the bookThe Lebensborn Program: The little-known Nazi eugenics program that inspired the story—and why Sara felt compelled to bring it to light for kidsEmpathy as Courage: Why Lucas was never really a coward, and why Sara believes true bravery always begins with caring about someone other than yourselfThe Termite Theory: How many small, quiet acts of resistance—not one loud heroic moment—can take down something enormousCherry Strudel and Joseph Campbell: How the antagonist's own power gets turned against her in one of the most satisfying scenes in the bookJon Klassen's Cover: How seeing the finished art sent Sara back to her manuscript for one final, vibe-elevating revisionBig Cheese Preview: A sneak peek at Sara's next book—and why she's finally giving a child character all the powerNotable Quotes:"The true root of all courage is empathy. You have to care enough about someone other than yourself to go into some kind of action." —Sara Pennypacker"No matter what you are resisting, you are not alone. There are people working behind the scenes." —Sara PennypackerBooks Mentioned:The Lions' Run by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen: Amazon or Bookshop.orgPax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen: Amazon or Bookshop.orgPax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen: Amazon or Bookshop.orgThe Borrowers by Mary Norton: Amazon or Bookshop.orgAbout Sara Pennypacker:Sara Pennypacker is the New York Times bestselling author of the beloved Clementine series, the Pax duology, and her newest novel, The Lions' Run. Her books have been translated into dozens of languages and have earned numerous awards and honors. A former painter, Sara brings a visual artist's sense of structure and scene to every story she writes. She lives in Florida.Credits:Host: Bianca SchulzeGuest: Sara PennypackerProducer: Bianca Schulze
Sunday morning message from Pastor Jamey Stiefel
Sunday morning message from Steve Backlund
Discover how an unstoppable God transforms ordinary people into unlikely heroes through His incredible power in this powerful sermon by Dr. Jonathan Schaefer from the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Dive into the timeless Bible story from 2 Kings 5, where a young servant girl's simple act of faith sparks life-changing miracles, healing Naaman's leprosy and igniting a profound faith journey. Hear inspiring Christian testimonies of global impact—from widows in Burkina Faso to missionaries in Peru and beyond—showing how God's power flows through those available to God, no matter their age or status. This message of spiritual encouragement reminds us that integrity, confidence, and small acts can lead to extraordinary outcomes, just as God uses ordinary people today for His missions worldwide. Whether you're seeking motivation in your own faith journey or real stories of encouragement, this sermon highlights how anyone can experience and share God's miracles. What unlikely hero story has God written in your life? Share in the comments below, like if this sparked your faith, subscribe for more uplifting Bible stories and sermons, and share with someone who needs this testimony today!
Discover how an unstoppable God transforms ordinary people into unlikely heroes through His incredible power in this powerful sermon by Dr. Jonathan Schaefer from the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Dive into the timeless Bible story from 2 Kings 5, where a young servant girl's simple act of faith sparks life-changing miracles, healing Naaman's leprosy and igniting a profound faith journey. Hear inspiring Christian testimonies of global impact—from widows in Burkina Faso to missionaries in Peru and beyond—showing how God's power flows through those available to God, no matter their age or status. This message of spiritual encouragement reminds us that integrity, confidence, and small acts can lead to extraordinary outcomes, just as God uses ordinary people today for His missions worldwide. Whether you're seeking motivation in your own faith journey or real stories of encouragement, this sermon highlights how anyone can experience and share God's miracles. What unlikely hero story has God written in your life? Share in the comments below, like if this sparked your faith, subscribe for more uplifting Bible stories and sermons, and share with someone who needs this testimony today!
God doesn’t need your perfect resume. He needs your availability. No matter how ordinary or imperfect you may feel, He can use you. Pastor Greg Laurie points out that Jesus picked some surprising people for His disciples. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
God doesn’t need your perfect resume. He needs your availability. No matter how ordinary or imperfect you may feel, He can use you. Pastor Greg Laurie points out that Jesus picked some surprising people for His disciples. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of The Sick Podcast, Pierre McGuire joins Tony Marinaro to break down the Montreal Canadiens' 5-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets, Habs finish off a remarkable stretch of games heading into the Olympic break, Samuel Montembeault playing with confidence, Brendan Gallagher, Josh Anderson and Phillip Danault building strong chemistry together, Lane Hutson seemingly creating magic every game and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Before thunder and lightning, before Anochi Hashem Elokecha, the Torah pauses for a quiet but crucial conversation. Why does a Midianite outsider notice what no one else does? And why does Sinai have to wait? Rabbi Dunner explores Yitro's unlikely role in shaping leadership, responsibility, and the conditions that make Torah possible.
Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison checks in from the Penguins' Western Canada road trip to break down the latest happenings around the team. Where did the Penguins find the depth scoring that allowed them to win comfortably in Seattle against the Kraken? Can they rely on names like Parker Wotherspoon, Connor Clifton and Brett Kulak to give them offensive production amid blue-line injuries? Or will those goals have to come from more likely sources like Sidney Crosby, Rickard Rakell or Bryan Rust? King also breaks down the latest news. When will Erik Karlsson return from injury, and how long might Kris Letang be out? King tackles those topics and more, plus gives some info on the team's recent trade with the Colorado Avalanche for defenseman Ilya Solovyov. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Joshua 2: An Unlikely Hero (Joshua - Pain & Promises) taught by Pastor Dave Rolph on 01-04-26.
Let's do this! The Cult of Hockey podcast. By the Faithful and for the Faithful. Today Kurt Leavins and David Staples of the Edmonton Journal digs into the Edmonton Oilers 3-1 win over the Jets of Winnipeg.
What makes a good hero? How does God build his kingdom? What does following Jesus look like? In today's episode, Keith shares how Isaiah 52:13-53:12 gives us three reasons why Jesus is an unlikely hero, and why that's good news for us. Read the Bible with us in 2026! This year, we're exploring the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Download your reading plan now. Your support makes TMBT possible. Ten Minute Bible Talks is a crowd-funded project. Join the TMBTeam to reach more people with the Bible. Give now. Like this content? Make sure to leave us a rating and share it so that others can find it, too. Use #asktmbt to connect with us, ask questions, and suggest topics. We'd love to hear from you! To learn more, visit our website and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @TenMinuteBibleTalks. Don't forget to subscribe to the TMBT Newsletter here. Passages: Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Unlikely Heroes - Thomas Lee, Teaching Pastor by North Valley Church
By David W Hershberger - God often seems to choose people for His work who seem to be ill-suited for the task. This is a recurring pattern we encounter so often in Scripture, where God deliberately chooses the weak, the broken, and the unlikely for purposes that reshape the world, while supplying the very strength needed to
As quirky and charming as Dandadan is on the surface, full of bright color, relatable young protagonists navigating first love and their growing bodies, wacky alien creatures and exciting fight sequences, Dandadan has a brilliant knack for knocking its viewers off their feet with unjarring and upsetting backstories. Dandadan is not always an easy watch. While there is constant, excessive stripping down of the story's young protagonists, if you're able to stomach the initial uneasiness to grapple with the entire picture, you'll find that creator Tatsu shares our concerns and fears. Ghouls discuss whether this show can be labeled as fan service or social commentary, cover the horrors of puberty, the power of friendship, and the unlikely hero, Momo.