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Welcome to Day 2807 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2807 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 116:15-19 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2807 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2807 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The Title for Today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Costly Departure – A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving Today, we are bringing our deeply personal journey through Psalm One Hundred Sixteen to a glorious, triumphant conclusion. We will be trekking through the final stanza of this profound song, covering verses fifteen through nineteen, in the New Living Translation. Before we take our next step, we must look back over our shoulder at the trail we just traveled. In our previous trek, covering the first fourteen verses of this psalm, we stood beside a man who had stared into the terrifying abyss of the underworld. We heard his raw, trembling testimony. He told us how the ropes of death had wrapped around his neck, and how the terrors of the grave had overtaken him. In his absolute helplessness, he cried out a simple prayer: "Please, Lord, save me!" And Yahweh, the Most High God, bent down from the heavens to listen. He severed the cords of death, dried the psalmist's tears, and stabilized his stumbling feet. In overwhelming gratitude, the psalmist lifted the "Cup of Salvation," promising to praise the Lord in the land of the living. We also remembered that this is part of the Egyptian Hallel, the collection of psalms sung during the Passover. Jesus Himself sang these very words in the Upper Room, just hours before He faced the ultimate terror of the cross. Now, as we enter the final five verses, the psalmist transitions from the private terror of his near-death experience, to the public courts of the temple. He begins with a stunning revelation about how God views the death of His people, and ends with a communal feast of thanksgiving. It is a transition from the darkness of the grave, to the bright, joyful center of cosmic geography: Jerusalem. Let us walk into the temple courts, and listen to the conclusion of this magnificent testimony. The first segment is: The Weight of the Faithful: A Costly Departure. Psalm One Hundred Sixteen: verse fifteen. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. This single verse is one of the most famous, and frequently quoted, comforts in the entire Bible, especially during times of grief. But to truly understand its depth, we must peel back the layers of the original Hebrew language, and view it through the lens of the Ancient Israelite worldview. The word translated as "precious" is yaqar. In English, when we hear the word "precious," we often think of something sweet, sentimental, or cute. But that is not what yaqar means. In biblical Hebrew, yaqar means heavy, rare, costly, or of immense value. It is the word used to describe rare jewels, or the heavy, expensive stones used to lay the foundation of the temple. Therefore, the psalmist is not saying that God finds our death sweet or pleasant. Death is the enemy. Death, in the ancient mindset, was the ultimate expression of the chaotic realm of Sheol. Instead, the psalmist is making a profound statement about our value: "Heavy, costly, and of immense consequence in the sight of Yahweh, is the death of His faithful ones." God does not view the passing of His people casually. He does not treat us as expendable pawns on a cosmic chessboard. When the forces of chaos and disease try to drag a believer down into the grave, the Lord takes it personally. It costs Him something. He values His human imagers so highly, that their departure from this earth is an event of cosmic gravity. The term "faithful servants" is the Hebrew word chasidim, which is rooted in Hesed—God's unfailing, loyal, covenant love. The chasidim are the loyal ones, the ones bound to God by covenant. Because He is fiercely loyal to them, He does not surrender them to the grave without a fight. In the case of this psalmist, God looked at the high cost of his death, stepped into the fray, and said, "Not today." He severed the ropes of Sheol, because the life of His servant was simply too valuable to lose to the darkness. When Jesus sang this verse on the night of His betrayal, He was acknowledging the profound weight of what He was about to do. His death would be the ultimate, costly departure. Yet, because it was so precious in the sight of the Father, it would become the very mechanism that defeated death forever. The second segment is: The Joyful Captive: Freedom Through Submission. Psalm One Hundred Sixteen: verse sixteen. O Lord, I am your servant; yes, I am your servant, born into your household; you have freed me from my chains. Having reflected on how much God values his life, the psalmist responds with an absolute surrender of his identity. He repeats his title twice for emphasis: "O Lord, I am your servant; yes, I am your servant." The word for "servant" here is ebed, which can also be translated as slave or bondservant. But this is not a forced, oppressive slavery; this is a willing, joyful submission to a benevolent King. The psalmist adds a beautiful, intimate detail: "born into your household." Literally, the text says, "the son of your maidservant." In the ancient Near East, a slave who was purchased from a foreign land had a very different status than a slave who was born within the master's own house. A servant born into the household was practically considered family. They grew up under the master's roof, ate the master's food, and enjoyed the master's protection. By calling himself the son of a maidservant, the psalmist is claiming a deep, lifelong, family connection to Yahweh. He is saying, "Lord, I belong to You. I have always belonged to You. I am a child of Your estate." And here is the beautiful paradox of the biblical worldview: true freedom is found only in becoming a servant of the Most High God. Notice the next phrase: "you have freed me from my chains." Just a few verses earlier, the psalmist was wrapped in the ropes of death. Those were the chains of chaos, destruction, and fear. By submitting himself entirely to Yahweh as a servant, those chains of oppression were shattered. In the Divine Council worldview, humans will always serve a master. We will either be enslaved by the dark, rebellious principalities of this world—forces that seek to bind us in addiction, fear, and ultimately the grave—or we will bind ourselves to the Creator, whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light. The psalmist declares that because God broke the chains of death, he is now happily, permanently bound to the Lord. He is a free man, precisely because he is God's servant. The third segment is: The Public Feast: Testifying in the Sacred Courts. Psalm One Hundred Sixteen: verses seventeen through nineteen. I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people— in the courts of the house of the Lord, in the midst of Jerusalem. Praise the Lord! Now, the psalmist takes his private, internal gratitude, and makes it undeniably public. He transitions from the prayer closet, to the temple courts. He promises: "I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving." This is a very specific reference to the Levitical law. In the Book of Leviticus, Chapter Seven, the Todah—or Thanksgiving Sacrifice—was a type of peace offering. When an Israelite was rescued from a life-threatening illness, a dangerous journey, or a deadly enemy, they were instructed to bring an animal sacrifice, along with unleavened bread, to the tabernacle. But this sacrifice was unique. It was not burned up entirely on the altar. The priest took a portion, but the vast majority of the meat and bread was given back to the worshiper. The worshiper was then required to host a massive, joyful feast, inviting their family, friends, and even the poor, to eat the meal with them on that very same day. Think about the profound psychology of this ritual. You could not eat an entire animal by yourself. You had to invite a crowd. And as you passed the meat and the bread, people would naturally ask, "What are we celebrating?" That was your moment to testify. That was the moment to say, "I was standing at the edge of the grave. The ropes of death had me. But I called on the name of the Lord, and He saved me!" This is exactly what the psalmist intends to do: "and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence...
John 13:1-35
Simon Says Wk7: Lessons from Peter's Journey In this week's sermon, we delve into the transformative journey of Simon Peter, exploring how his experiences with Jesus provide timeless lessons on discipleship, faith, and resilience. Our focus is on Luke 22, where pivotal moments in Peter's life unfold. The Setting: The Upper Room As Jesus gathers with his disciples for the last time before his crucifixion, he delivers profound lessons on servitude and faith. He demonstrates humility by washing their feet, symbolizing the cleansing of sin through his impending sacrifice. This act is a call for his followers to embrace childlike dependence on him. Jesus' Final Instructions In the intimate setting of the Upper Room, Jesus informs his disciples of the trials they will soon face, emphasizing their need to stay connected to him, the true vine. He warns them of Satan's desire to "sift them as wheat," a metaphor for testing their faith under pressure. Key Scripture: Luke 22:31-34 Luke 22:31-32: Jesus tells Peter, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:33-34: Despite Peter's protestations of unwavering loyalty, Jesus predicts Peter's denial before the rooster crows. Peter's Denial and Redemption Peter's journey from bold declarations of loyalty to his denial of Jesus is a poignant reminder of human frailty. Yet, his story does not end in failure. Jesus' intercession for Peter signifies hope and restoration. Jesus knows Peter will falter, but he assures that he will not fail, emphasizing the distinction between temporary setbacks and ultimate failure. The Look of Compassion After Peter's denials, Jesus' compassionate glance at him is not one of condemnation but of understanding and grace. This reflects Jesus' empathy, having himself been tempted by Satan. Hebrews 7:25 reminds us that Jesus lives to intercede for us, offering continual support even when we falter. Lessons for Today Peter's experience teaches us several key lessons: Faltering is Not Failing: We all face moments of weakness, but these do not define our faith journey. Jesus provides a path to forgiveness and restoration. The Power of Intercession: Just as Jesus prayed for Peter, he intercedes for us today, knowing our needs before we do. Be Alert and Sober-Minded: As Peter later advises in 1 Peter 5:8-10, we must remain vigilant against the enemy's schemes, standing firm in our faith. Application: Embracing Grace Our journey with God is marked by grace and redemption. When we falter, we must turn back, repent, and embrace the forgiveness offered through Jesus' sacrifice. This sermon encourages us to be alert, resist temptation, and rely on Jesus' strength to overcome challenges. As we reflect on Peter's story, let us be inspired by his eventual triumph and the enduring promise of restoration through Christ. Let us walk in the freedom of grace, empowered by our faith and the assurance of Jesus' intercession.
And, we're off! Thanks, everybody, for giving our renewed Lectionary.pro format a try. Please continue to offer your comments and suggestions. Just like the original Lectionary Lab, we want to be helpful to working preachers. (“Jesus and Nicodemus”, from the Seventh-Day Adventist Bible Discussion page)RCL Readings: • Genesis 12:1–4a; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1–5, 13–17; John 3:1–17Text Summaries• Genesis 12: 1-4aGod calls Abram to leave home, security, and everything familiar, and to trust a promise he cannot yet see fulfilled. The promise is bigger than Abram's private future: through him, God intends blessing for all families of the earth. Abram's obedience is strikingly simple — “So Abram went” — and that trustful response becomes the model of covenant faith. In Lent, this text frames discipleship as movement: leaving old certainties, walking by promise, and trusting God's future over present control.• Psalm 121This psalm is a confession of trust for travelers, pilgrims, and anyone feeling exposed. Help does not come from the hills themselves, but from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth. The psalm repeats God's “keeping” care: God watches over going out and coming in, by day and by night, now and forever. Rather than denying danger, it places vulnerability inside God's faithful attention. In a Lenten key, it teaches believers to pray honestly about risk while resting in the God who does not slumber.• Romans 4:1–5, 13–17Paul presents Abraham as the prototype of faith: righteousness comes through trusting God's promise, not through human achievement or law-keeping. If inheritance depended on performance, promise would collapse; instead, it rests on grace so that it can include all who share Abraham's faith. God is described as the One “who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist,” grounding Christian hope in God's creative power. During Lent, this text shifts the center from religious scorekeeping to grace-shaped trust and hope.• John 3:1–17Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night, sincere yet confused, and Jesus tells him that entry into God's kingdom requires birth “from above” — a Spirit-given new beginning, not mere religious competence. Jesus draws on Israel's wilderness story (the lifted serpent) to show that healing and life come through looking in faith to what God provides. The passage climaxes in God's love for the world: the Son is given not to condemn but to save. For Lent, this gospel invites people out of spiritual nighttime into rebirth, faith, and the light of God's saving mercy.Major Themes1. Faith before sight, or perhaps through sight (looking) when our focus is on God2. Promise grounded in grace3. New birth, new life in Christ4. God's keeping care in uncertain journeys5. Salvation as gift, not achievementPreaching ArcThe Call → The Keeper → The Promise → The New Birth1. The Call (Genesis 12): God calls us forward before we have full clarity.2. The Keeper (Psalm 121): We are sustained on the road by God's watchful care.3. The Promise (Romans 4): Righteousness and the future are received by faith, not earned by performance.4. The New Birth (John 3): God doesn't just improve us; God makes us new in Christ.From uncertain beginnings to Spirit-born life, faith walks forward on promise, kept by grace.A Sermon Outline“Called Before We're Ready”Core Claim: God calls us forward by grace, keeps us on the road, and gives new life through Christ.1. Opening: the discomfort of being called into the unknown2. Genesis 12: Abram's yes before clarity3. Psalm 121: God keeps us while we travel4. Romans 4: promise by grace, received by faith5. John 3: new birth is God's work, not self-improvementApplication: one step of trust this weekClosing: we go because God is faithfulOne-sentence takeaway: In Christ, we are called, kept, and made new — so we can take the next faithful step even without full certainty.An Illustration: Does anybody remember the Dunkin' Donuts commercial that featured a bleary-eyed baker rising early every morning, saying, “Time to make the donuts?” Believe it or not, that's a basic illustration of faith in something intangible. A baker starts work at 2:00 a.m. There is no smell of fresh bread yet, no customers, no visible result — just measured ingredients, kneading, waiting, and trust in the process. Hours later, what was unseen becomes nourishment (of a sort) for many.Preaching Bridge: “Faith is often bakery work: done in the dark, trusted before dawn.” (Image from the Upper Room, Discipleship Study Guide)Narrative Lectionary Text: John 13:1-17Text SummaryAt the supper before his passion, Jesus rises, takes a towel, and washes the disciples' feet. Peter resists, then overcorrects, and Jesus teaches that receiving him means accepting this upside-down pattern of love. Jesus, their Lord and Teacher, performs a servant's task and commands them to do likewise. Greatness in his kingdom is expressed through humble, embodied service.Themes Present1. Servant leadership — authority in Jesus is expressed through self-giving care.2. Love made concrete — love is not sentiment; it takes the form of action.3. Receiving before doing — discipleship starts with letting Christ minister to us.4. Humility over status — the gospel dismantles rank-driven identity.5. Imitation of Christ — “as I have done for you” is the shape of Christian community.Preaching ArcIdentity → Humility → Command → Community1. Identity: Jesus knows who he is and where he is going.2. Humility: Secure in that identity, he kneels to wash feet.3. Command: “As I have done for you, you also should do.”4. Community: The church becomes recognizable by practical, mutual, humble love.Because Christ stoops to serve us, we are formed into a people who serve one another.A Sermon Outline“The Towel and the Basin”Core ClaimJesus redefines greatness through humble service, and discipleship means receiving his love and then embodying it toward others.Big MovementStatus → Surrender → Service → WitnessOutline (7–8 min)1. Opening: Our instinct for rank• We naturally measure importance by visibility and control.• Jesus gives a different picture at the table.2. John 13: The shock of the scene• Jesus knows who he is and where he is going.• Precisely from that security, he kneels and washes feet.• True authority is not threatened by service.3. Peter's resistance: Why this feels hard• Peter resists being served.• Discipleship begins with receiving grace, not performing for God.• We cannot give what we refuse to receive.4. “As I have done for you”• Jesus moves from act to command.• Foot washing as pattern: embodied, practical, inconvenient love.5. What this means for a small (or any) congregation• Hidden service is central ministry, not secondary work.• Church health is measured by how we treat one another in ordinary moments.• The towel may look like meals, rides, prayer, repair, listening, forgiveness.Application for the week• Receive: where do I need to let Christ serve and cleanse me?• Serve: one concrete act of humble care.• Repair: one relationship step that lowers pride and raises love.Closing• Jesus is most recognizable when kneeling with a towel.• The church is most faithful when it does the same.One-Sentence TakeawayIn Christ's kingdom, greatness looks like a towel and basin: we receive his love, then kneel to serve.An Illustration: “The CEO with a Mop”A story gets told in leadership circles about a company after a major event: everyone leaves, trash is everywhere, and the cleaning crew is short-handed. One employee comes in early and sees the CEO quietly pushing a mop and picking up cups. No announcement. No photo. No speech. Just service.That moment reshaped the office culture more than any memo did. People said, “If he can do that, none of us are above serving.”John 13 is deeper than leadership technique, but the point lands: Jesus, knowing exactly who he is, takes the towel. Real authority is not threatened by humility.Preaching bridge: In Christ's kingdom, the towel is not beneath us. The towel is how love becomes visible. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lectionarypro.substack.com
John 14:1-14 - Facing Turbulence | Series: Not Alone - Easter 2026 | Upper Room Discourse | Sam Holm, Lead Pastor | Preached 2-22-26 10:45am Tag: Easter, Good Friday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Fasting, Prayer, Last Supper, Jesus, Disciples, Teaching, Upper Room, Plane, Fly, Trouble, Airplane, Help, Pilot, Trust, Grace, Ask, Pray
It's one of the most sobering warnings in the New Testament: "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first."In this episode, we sit down in the intimate, dimly lit space of the Upper Room Discourse (John 13–17) to explore Jesus' final, radical instructions to His disciples. While the world often views "being liked" as the ultimate social currency, Jesus prepares His followers for the exact opposite. We're breaking down why the world's friction isn't a sign of failure, but a sign of belonging.
John 14:1-14 - Facing Turbulence | Series: Not Alone - Easter 2026 | Upper Room Discourse | Sam Holm, Lead Pastor | Preached 2-22-26 10:45am Tag: Easter, Good Friday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Fasting, Prayer, Last Supper, Jesus, Disciples, Teaching, Upper Room, Plane, Fly, Trouble, Airplane, Help, Pilot, Trust, Grace, Ask, Pray
This message was recorded at our all leaders meeting called Upperroom. Speaker: Anton Keyter
How do we know it will be all right in the end? Jesus addresses that honest, heartfelt question in His final words from the Upper Room. In this message from John 16, Pastor Philip Miller shows us how Jesus overcomes in three spheres: redemptive history, divine reconciliation, and personal transformation. Even if we feel like an underdog, in Christ, we overcome. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://moodyoffer.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Moody Church Hour," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Dr. Philip Miller is the 17th Senior Pastor of The Moody Church. He is the featured speaker on "Living Hope" and "Moody Church Hour," with programs broadcasting on 700 outlets in the U.S. He and his wife Krista live in Chicago with their four children. Pastor Philip is passionate about proclaiming God's Word, cultivating healthy ministry, and investing in future leaders. SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/ SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Daily Devotional and Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/
Thank you for joining us for worship this Sunday at Upper Room Church! We would love to hear from you. Comment below and let us know you are watching. Message Notes: https://upperroom.cls.co/jjph Deuteronomy 6 Baptism Sign Up: https://upperroompcola.cls.co/dmjs Growth Track: https://upr.cls.co/njyq UR Groups: https://upr.cls.co/zdqc Event Calendar: https://upr.cls.co/ftcj Prayer, Assistance, Share Decision of Faith: https://upr.cls.co/nqvp Join the Legacy Team: https://upr.cls.co/msth Giving: Support this ministry here and around the world: https://upr.cls.co/jpzq Streaming License through MultiTracks https://www.multitracks.com Copyright protection under 17 U.S.C. § 110 - U.S. Code - Section 3
Pastor Jake speaks on being the Compelling Alternative in the world
Today we are led by guest Pastor Steve Dang, a Fuller Seminary graduate, who serves as Campus Pastor and Chief Ministry Officer at Valley Christian Schools in San Jose, CA. Kicking off the start our new series, the Upper Room and look into the way Jesus was an example to us. In John 13, Jesus, […]
Pastor Taylor Shippy - Luke 22:7-20What if the Lord's Table isn't simply a memorial… It's a portal?In this message, we journey from the Passover in Egypt to the Last Supper in the Upper Room and discover that the Table was never meant to be mere nostalgia. It's a meal that preaches the gospel—a meal that brings deliverance, grace, and freedom from the past into the present.
Today we are led by guest Pastor Steve Dang, a Fuller Seminary graduate, who serves as Campus Pastor and Chief Ministry Officer at Valley Christian Schools in San Jose, CA. Kicking off the start our new series, the Upper Room and look into the way Jesus was an example to us. In John 13, Jesus, […]
How do we know it will be all right in the end? Jesus addresses that honest, heartfelt question in His final words from the Upper Room. In this message from John 16, Pastor Philip Miller shows us how Jesus overcomes in three spheres: redemptive history, divine reconciliation, and personal transformation. Even if we feel like an underdog, in Christ, we overcome. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/173/29?v=20251111
“In the Upper Room – Were You There?”
How do we know it will be all right in the end? Jesus addresses that honest, heartfelt question in His final words from the Upper Room. In this message from John 16, Pastor Philip Miller shows us how Jesus overcomes in three spheres: redemptive history, divine reconciliation, and personal transformation. Even if we feel like an underdog, in Christ, we overcome. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/173/29?v=20251111
In this session, Erin Warren teaches through John 13. This chapter brings us into what is called the Upper Room discourse (John 13-17), covering the final meal and conversation Jesus has with His disciples before His arrest. Jesus begins with washing His disciples feet, calling them to serve as He as served and love as He has loved. Jesus predicts Judas' betrayal and Peter's denial, but through it all, John reminds us that Jesus willingly lays His life down to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.For more information on this study, go to FeastingOnTruth.com/JohnFor recommended resources, go to FeastingOnTruth.com/ResourcesFor booking inquiries, go to FeastingOnTruth.com/Speaking
February 21, 2026Daily Devotional:"The Upper Room"Acts 2:4"All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."Imagine the scene in a group of ordinary people; fishermen, tax collectors, and grieving friends huddled in a room. They were waiting on a promise they didn't fully understand. Then, in an instant, the atmosphere changed. The "filling" of the Spirit wasn't just a quiet, internal shift; it was an empowering explosion that turned their fear into boldness and their silence into a global message.The text says all of them were filled. This wasn't a gift reserved for the "super-spiritual" or the inner circle of leadership. The Holy Spirit is God's presence made available to every believer, regardless of their background or status. They spoke as the Spirit enabled them. We often burn out trying to serve God or do "good things" in our own strength. Pentecost reminds us that the Christian life isn't about trying harder; it's about yielding to the Power that is already within us. They didn't just feel good, they spoke. The filling of the Spirit is always for a mission. It's designed to break down barriers; cultural, linguistic, or social so that the world can hear about the "wonders of God".Sometimes we feel empty and drained by the demands of life or our own anxieties. Acts 2:4 invites us to stop trying to pour from an empty cup. Just as the disciples waited in the upper room, we can take a moment today to ask for a fresh "filling".Don't worry about having the right words or the perfect plan. When you are filled with the Spirit, God provides the enablement for the task at hand.
Welcome to Day 2800 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2800 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 114:1-8 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2800 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand eight hundred of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Wisdom-Trek: The Earth Trembles – When the Presence Moves In. Today is a milestone day! We have reached day two thousand eight hundred. That is a lot of trekking, and I am so grateful you are walking this path with me. We are celebrating this milestone by stepping into one of the most compact, high-energy psalms in the entire Bible. We are exploring Psalm One Hundred Fourteen, covering the entire hymn, verses one through eight, in the New Living Translation. In our previous trek through Psalm One Hundred Thirteen, we began the "Egyptian Hallel"—the series of psalms sung at the Passover. We saw the "Stooping God" who sits high above the nations but bends down low to lift the poor from the dust and the barren woman from her grief. That psalm set the theological stage: God is great because He is humble. Psalm One Hundred Fourteen moves from theology to Theophany. A "Theophany" is a visible manifestation of God. This psalm describes what happened when that "Stooping God" actually touched down on planet Earth to lead His people out of Egypt. It is a psalm of movement. In just eight verses, we see a nation moving out, a sea fleeing, a river turning back, mountains skipping like scared sheep, and the solid rock turning into a fountain. It describes the sheer, terrifying, joyful disruption that occurs when the Holy One invades the realm of chaos. In Jewish tradition, this psalm is sung right before the Passover meal. It recounts the moment Israel became God's peculiar treasure. So, let us imagine ourselves in the Upper Room, or perhaps standing on the shores of the Red Sea, as we witness the earth tremble at the presence of the Lord. The First Segment is: The Great Migration: Establishing the Sanctuary. Psalm One Hundred Fourteen: verses one through two. When Israel went out of Egypt, Jacob from a people of strange language, Judah became God's sanctuary, Israel his dominion. The psalm begins with a historical flashback to the defining moment of the Old Testament: The Exodus. "When Israel went out of Egypt, Jacob from a people of strange language..." The mention of a "strange language" (or foreign tongue) emphasizes the alienation of Israel. They were strangers in a strange land. In the Ancient Israelite worldview, Egypt was not just a political oppressor; it was a spiritual "Iron Furnace." It was the domain of foreign gods—Ra, Osiris, Horus. Israel was living in a culture where the very words spoken were dedicated to idols. To leave Egypt was to leave the jurisdiction of these foreign elohim. But look at what happens the moment they step out: "Judah became God's sanctuary, Israel his dominion." This is a profound statement of Cosmic...
Welcome to Day 2798 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2798 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 113:1-9 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2798 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred ninety-eight of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The Title of today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Hallel Begins – The High God Who Stoops Low Today, we cross a significant threshold in our journey through the Psalter. We are stepping into Psalm One Hundred Thirteen, covering the entire hymn, verses one through nine, in the New Living Translation. To understand the shift we are making today, we need to look back at the trail we have just hiked. For the last two days, we have been trekking through Psalm One Hundred Eleven and Psalm One Hundred Twelve. Those two psalms were a matched pair—twin "acrostic" poems that functioned like a classroom. They taught us the "A to Z" of God's character and the "A to Z" of the godly person's character. They were wisdom psalms, designed to be studied, pondered, and memorized in the quiet of the study hall. But today, the bell rings, and the class is dismissed. We are moving from the study hall to the Festival. Psalm One Hundred Thirteen marks the beginning of a special collection known as the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms One Hundred Thirteen through One Hundred Eighteen). These six psalms were, and still are, the liturgical soundtrack of the Passover Seder. They celebrate God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt. In Jewish tradition, Psalms One Hundred Thirteen and One Hundred Fourteen are sung before the Passover meal, and Psalms One Hundred Fifteen through One Hundred Eighteen are sung after the meal. This means that on the night Jesus was betrayed, just before He went to the Garden of Gethsemane, He likely sang these very words with His disciples. So, as we read this psalm, we are not just reading poetry; we are stepping into the Upper Room. We are hearing the song that fortified the Messiah for the cross. The theme of this psalm is a magnificent paradox. It presents Yahweh as the God who is Infinitely High—seated above the nations and the heavens—yet who insists on stooping Infinitely Low to lift the poor from the dust and the barren woman from her grief. It is the theology of the Great Descent. So, let us lift our voices with the choir of history and begin the Hallel. The first segment is: The Call to the Servants: A Praise Without Borders. Psalm One Hundred Thirteen: verses one through three. Praise the Lord! Yes, give praise, O servants of the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord! Blessed be the name of the Lord now and forever. Everywhere—from east to west— praise the name of the Lord. The psalm opens with the signature shout of the Hallel: "Hallelujah!" ("Praise the Lord!"). But notice...
In a world that demands we "produce" at all costs, Jesus offers a different rhythm: "Abide in me." This week, we explore the profound simplicity of John 15. We're moving away from the exhaustion of self-striving and into the rest of spiritual connection. Join us as we discuss what it practically looks like to stay attached to the Vine, how to handle the seasons of pruning, and why true fruitfulness is never forced—it's grown.
Abiding isn't a passive state; it's an active, daily choice to tether our souls to the source of life. Just as a branch draws its nutrients from the vine, we draw our strength, character, and peace directly from our relationship with God.
Thank you for joining us for worship this Sunday at Upper Room Church! We would love to hear from you. Comment below and let us know you are watching. Message Notes: https://upperroom.cls.co/sRbK Matthew 5-7 Baptism Sign Up: https://upperroompcola.cls.co/dmjs Growth Track: https://upr.cls.co/njyq UR Groups: https://upr.cls.co/zdqc Event Calendar: https://upr.cls.co/ftcj Prayer, Assistance, Share Decision of Faith: https://upr.cls.co/nqvp Join the Legacy Team: https://upr.cls.co/msth Giving: Support this ministry here and around the world: https://upr.cls.co/jpzq Streaming License through MultiTracks https://www.multitracks.com Copyright protection under 17 U.S.C. § 110 - U.S. Code - Section 3
John 13:31-38 - Cross Shaped Love | Series: Not Alone - Easter 2026 | Upper Room Discourse | Sam Holm, Lead Pastor | Preached 2-15-26 10:45am Tag: Easter, Good Friday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Fasting, Prayer, Last Supper, Jesus, Disciples, Teaching, Upper Room, Serve, Glorify God, Satan, Cross, Life, Friend, Bus
Kirk speaks on christians growing in faith.
John 13:31-38 - Cross Shaped Love | Series: Not Alone - Easter 2026 | Upper Room Discourse | Sam Holm, Lead Pastor | Preached 2-15-26 10:45am Tag: Easter, Good Friday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Fasting, Prayer, Last Supper, Jesus, Disciples, Teaching, Upper Room, Serve, Glorify God, Satan, Cross, Life, Friend, Bus
What does Jesus desire for His people? As we get to the climactic end of Jesus' prayer to the Father, we get an intimate look at the heart cry of our Savior. This week, Pastor Eric will walk us through the final week of our Upper Room series, preaching from John 17:20-26. In this passage, Jesus prays for his future disciples, (that's us) that we would be one. He prays that the unity of the body of Christ would be a living reflection of the loving unity between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, that we would dwell in fellowship with God, and the ancient desire of God to dwell among his people would be realized through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Join us on Sunday, at 8:30 and 11:00 am, as we study God's Word together and discover the depths of His love for us.
Welcome to Madang.Madang is the outdoor living room of the world. Here, we invite you to sit and tune into unreserved, remarkable conversations with renowned authors, leaders, public figures, and scholars on religion, culture, and everything in between.This is the 56th episode featuring Robert G. Callahan, II. Robert is an accomplished attorney and author, dedicated to fighting for justice in his practice at Callahan & King, PLLC in Waco, Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Gonzaga University and a Juris Doctorate at Baylor University School of Law where he teaches a course entitled Integrating Faith and Legal Practice. In 2020, Robert was named Lawyer of the Year by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association. Robert's book, FIRE IN THE WHOLE: Embracing Our Righteous Anger with White Christianity and Reclaiming Our Wholeness, tackles spiritual abuse via the church's complicity with racism, patriarchy, and bigotry while encouraging survivors that their anger is justified and path to healing does exist.On this episode of Madang Podcast hosted by Faith and Reason, Callahan and I talk about his book, Fire in the Whole: Embracing Our Righteous Anger with White Christianity and Reclaiming Our Wholeness. We discuss Black history, color-blind church, racism, whiteness, anger, reconciliation, and much more.I am grateful to the many sponsors of this episode.1)I want to tell you about a Lenten resource from The Upper Room that I think a lot of you will really appreciate. It's called When Did We See You? A Lenten Exploration of Poverty & Wealth, and it takes on something many churches struggle to talk about honestly—money. Written by pastor and justice advocate Elizabeth Mae Magill, When Did We See You? is a thoughtful, deeply pastoral Lenten study that wrestles with poverty, wealth, and what it means to follow Jesus in an economically divided world. In a world of both abundance and inequality, When Did We See You? guides us through a crucial and timely conversation about our money, economic justice, and God's call for a world with enough for all. Learn more at store/upperroom.org/Madang and save 20% on your copies today with promo code MADANG at checkout. This Lent, may we have eyes to truly see Christ in our neighbors and respond with love and action.2)This episode is presented by Central Seminary – a historic, accredited, diverse, cross-cultural, and ecumenical seminary. Central Seminary equips students with the theological knowledge, spiritual insight, and practical skills needed to lead in an ever-changing world. Central offer numerous graduate degrees and certificates including our Certificate in Peace and Justice Ministry, which is facilitated in live, online classrooms. The Certificate in Peace and Justice Ministry will prepare you to lead and serve through social change in areas such as racial injustice, economic injustice, the climate crisis, war and violence, and more. To learn more, visit www.CBTS.edu or search for Central Seminary Kansas City.3)I am grateful to WJK PRESS for sponsoring this episode. Fire in the Whole equips Black Christians to make empowered decisions about their faith—whether that means leaving toxic spaces, building new communities, or reclaiming a liberating faith. Discussion questions and a personal inventory help readers decide what's next. Learn more at wjkbooks.com.4) PANAAWTM has 2 wonderful upcoming events: a) Vocational Discernment Gathering (tentative late March/April) will create space for reflection, conversation, and communal wisdom around calling, leadership, and faithful imagination—especially for those navigating ministry, academia, and public life in complex times. b) PANAAWTM will be hosting an upcoming virtual annual business meeting, tentatively planned for March. This gathering is an opportunity for our community to come together, share key updates, and participate in the work of sustaining PANAAWTM's mission and leadership.
Tami Simon speaks with renowned literary channeler Paul Selig about his extraordinary journey from skeptical atheist to one of the foremost contributors to channeled literature. They explore the “upper room”—a state of consciousness beyond fear and separation—and how we can access divine union while still in human form, even amidst the challenges of our time.This conversation offers genuine transmission—not just concepts about awakening, but the palpable presence of realized teachers exploring the growing edge of spiritual understanding together. Originally aired on Sounds True One.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
We often talk about the Kingdom of God like it's a retirement plan—a distant destination we're waiting to reach once the clock runs out. But in the intimacy of the Upper Room, Jesus began to flip the script. He didn't give the disciples a map or a set of coordinates; He gave them a Father.
Thank you for joining us for worship this Sunday at Upper Room Church! We would love to hear from you. Comment below and let us know you are watching. Message Notes: https://upperroom.cls.co/MgsG Ephesians 4-5 Baptism Sign Up: https://upperroompcola.cls.co/dmjs Growth Track: https://upr.cls.co/njyq UR Groups: https://upr.cls.co/zdqc Event Calendar: https://upr.cls.co/ftcj Prayer, Assistance, Share Decision of Faith: https://upr.cls.co/nqvp Join the Legacy Team: https://upr.cls.co/msth Giving: Support this ministry here and around the world: https://upr.cls.co/jpzq Streaming License through MultiTracks https://www.multitracks.com Copyright protection under 17 U.S.C. § 110 - U.S. Code - Section 3
Speaker: Rob SteeleIn John 16:12–15, Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth who continues His work by guiding us and glorifying Christ. In the sorrow-filled moments of the Upper Room, Jesus reminds His disciples—and us—that we are not left alone, but given the Spirit to reveal truth, illuminate Scripture, and help us understand what we could not yet bear. The Holy Spirit never draws attention to Himself, but faithfully declares what belongs to Jesus, always exalting Christ and His saving work. This teaching invites us to respond by trusting Jesus in our sorrow, submitting to God's Word, and allowing the Spirit to shape our lives for the glory of Christ.Need Prayer?
Prayer is a central, and vitally important, part of our Christian life. It's our direct line to God, where we can pour out our hearts, and speak vulnerably without fear of judgment. So many times, throughout Scripture, Jesus leads by example, showing us what our prayer life should look like. In John 17:11-19, Jesus gives us a gift, a window into his own vulnerable conversations with God. Two weeks ago, Pastor Keith helped us to answer the question, "how can I move from knowing "about" Jesus' love, to actually experiencing it?" In John 13-16, we saw the incredible goal, grace, and guardianship of his love.This Sunday, as we head back to the Upper Room, we will see that the merciful love of Jesus included praying for us. How did Jesus pray for us, and what specifically did he say? Join us at 8:30 and 11:00 am, as we open the Word together, and discover the "Heart of our King."
Greater unity and communion with one another allow us to work together more effectively. The Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary gathered in the Cenacle, or Upper Room, to collaborate with each other and the Holy Spirit as they made decision and implemented their actions. This model of prayer and collaboration in union with the Holy Spirit should be emulated at all levels of the Church today, including within parish ministries. Listen to Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C share more in this segment of the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, about why we must deepen our communion with God and each other in order to more fully collaborate and fulfill our ministries."At the same time, in the life of the Church, mission is closely linked to communion. While the mystery of Christmas celebrates the mission of the Son of God among us, it also contemplates its purpose, namely that God has reconciled the world to himself through Christ (cf. 2 Cor 5:19) and in him made us his children. Christmas reminds us that Jesus came to reveal the true face of God as Father, so that we might all become his children and therefore brothers and sisters to one another. The Father's love, embodied and revealed by Jesus in his liberating actions and preaching, enables us, in the Holy Spirit, to be a sign of a new humanity — no longer founded on selfishness and individualism, but on mutual love and solidarity. This task is urgent both ad intra and ad extra.It is urgent ad intra, because communion in the Church always remains a challenge that calls us to conversion. At times, beneath an apparent calm, forces of division may be at play. We can fall into the temptation of swinging between two opposite extremes: uniformity that fails to value differences, or the exacerbation of differences and viewpoints instead of seeking communion. Thus, in interpersonal relationships, in internal office dynamics, or in addressing questions of faith, liturgy, morality and more besides, there is a risk of falling into rigidity or ideology, with their consequent conflicts.Yet we are the Church of Christ, his members, his body. We are brothers and sisters in him. And in Christ, though many and diverse, we are one: In Illo uno unum.We are called, especially here in the Curia, to be builders of Christ's communion, which is to take shape in a synodal Church where all cooperate in the same mission, each according to his or her charism and role. This communion is built not so much through words and documents as through concrete gestures and attitudes that ought to appear in our daily lives, including in our work." ~ quote from Pope Leo XIV: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/speeches/2025/december/documents/20251222-curia-romana.html There are seven keys to effective Christ-centered collaboration in the Church: 1) Christ—we must recognize that Christ is the center of all that we do, 2) Cenacle—referring to how the Apostles and the Blessed Mother Mary gathered in prayer, discernment, and action, 3) Communio—communion is the core of collaboration and provides the sense of togetherness, 4) Cooperation—we must work together to understand perspectives and care for those in need, 5) Communication—effective communication ensures that collaboration moves efficiently and effectively to achieve the ministerial goals, 6) Compassion—when things don't go according to plan, ensure that those involved in the work of the ministry are cared for with charity as well, 7) Co-responsibility—we all share in the mission of Christ and his church, it is each of our roles to preach the Gospel. Notes:Access Collaboration in Ministry resourcesOn Mission: Collaboration and Co-ResponsibilityMore episodes about Living as Missionary Disciples From the Ad Infinitum blog:Laborers in the VineyardCollaboration and Co-ResponsibilityMore blogs about Collaboration Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.
Continue with us in our study of Acts as we look deeper into the upper room in Acts 1:12-14 and how we can learn and apply it to walk with God closer today.Biblical waiting isn't passive but involves active obedience, community, and prayer. The disciples after Jesus' ascension demonstrate three essential elements: being in the right place through obedience to God's commands, surrounding ourselves with the right people who show resilience and stick-with-it-ness, and maintaining the right posture of prayerful dependence on God. Just as a coal removed from fire grows cold, believers separated from community lose their spiritual warmth. The enemy's strategy is isolation, but God calls us to wait together in fellowship. True waiting means actively obeying God's commands while maintaining radical dependence on Him through consistent prayer and community with other believers.
We were made to live deeply in the love of God. In the intimacy of the Upper Room, Jesus reveals how to abide in Him. In this message from John 14, Pastor Philip Miller explains how we enter the divine dance with all three members of the Trinity. Let's step into the life of love we were always meant to live. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://moodyoffer.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Moody Church Hour," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Dr. Philip Miller is the 17th Senior Pastor of The Moody Church. He is the featured speaker on "Living Hope" and "Moody Church Hour," with programs broadcasting on 700 outlets in the U.S. He and his wife Krista live in Chicago with their four children. Pastor Philip is passionate about proclaiming God's Word, cultivating healthy ministry, and investing in future leaders. SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/ SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Daily Devotional and Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/
Thank you for joining us for worship this Sunday at Upper Room Church! We would love to hear from you. Comment below and let us know you are watching. Message Notes: https://upperroom.cls.co/Kfcp Ephesians 5-6 Baptism Sign Up: https://upperroompcola.cls.co/dmjs Growth Track: https://upr.cls.co/njyq UR Groups: https://upr.cls.co/zdqc Event Calendar: https://upr.cls.co/ftcj Prayer, Assistance, Share Decision of Faith: https://upr.cls.co/nqvp Join the Legacy Team: https://upr.cls.co/msth Giving: Support this ministry here and around the world: https://upr.cls.co/jpzq Streaming License through MultiTracks https://www.multitracks.com Copyright protection under 17 U.S.C. § 110 - U.S. Code - Section 3
We were made to live deeply in the love of God. In the intimacy of the Upper Room, Jesus reveals how to abide in Him. In this message from John 14, Pastor Philip Miller explains how we enter the divine dance with all three members of the Trinity. Let's step into the life of love we were always meant to live. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/173/29?v=20251111
Thank you for joining us for worship this Sunday at Upper Room Church! We would love to hear from you. Comment below and let us know you are watching. Message Notes: https://upperroom.cls.co/xnyw Hebrews 12:18-28 Baptism Sign Up: https://upperroompcola.cls.co/dmjs Growth Track: https://upr.cls.co/njyq UR Groups: https://upr.cls.co/zdqc Event Calendar: https://upr.cls.co/ftcj Prayer, Assistance, Share Decision of Faith: https://upr.cls.co/nqvp Join the Legacy Team: https://upr.cls.co/msth Giving: Support this ministry here and around the world: https://upr.cls.co/jpzq Streaming License through MultiTracks https://www.multitracks.com Copyright protection under 17 U.S.C. § 110 - U.S. Code - Section 3
In John 14 Jesus shares many deep redemptive truths with His disciples in the Upper Room right before His arrest. What does it mean for Jesus to prepare a ‘room' for us in the Father's House? What does it mean to pray in His Name? What does it mean that when we see Jesus we see the Father? Join us and find out!
John masterfully focuses our attention on the Upper Room just hours before the cross. How could Jesus love—even pursue—His own betrayers? In this message from John 13, Pastor Philip Miller unveils three astonishing realities of Jesus' love: cascading from the Father to the Son, to his disciples, and to all people. Discover the magnitude of Jesus' relentless love. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://moodyoffer.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Moody Church Hour," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Dr. Philip Miller is the 17th Senior Pastor of The Moody Church. He and his wife Krista are graduates of Cedarville University ('04) and both hold Th.M. degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary ('10) as well as Doctor of Ministry degrees from Wheaton College ('25). They live in Chicago with their four children: Claire, Violet, Cora, and Jude. Pastor Philip is passionate about proclaiming God's Word, cultivating healthy ministry, and investing in future leaders. SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/ SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Daily Devotional and Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/