Podcasts about Weeping

Psalms and Wisdom: Psalm 30 Psalm 30 (Listen) Joy Comes with the Morning A Psalm of David. A song at the dedication of the temple. 30   I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up    and have not let my foes rejoice over me.2   O LORD my God, I cried to you for help,    and you have healed me.3   O LORD, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;    you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.1 4   Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints,    and give thanks to his holy name.25   For his anger is but for a moment,    and his favor is for a lifetime.3  Weeping may tarry for the night,    but joy comes with the morning. 6   As for me, I said in my prosperity,    “I shall never be moved.”7   By your favor, O LORD,    you made my mountain stand strong;  you hid your face;    I was dismayed. 8   To you, O LORD, I cry,    and to the Lord I plead for mercy:9   “What profit is there in my death,4    if I go down to the pit?5  Will the dust praise you?    Will it tell of your faithfulness?10   Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me!    O LORD, be my helper!” 11   You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;    you have loosed my sackcloth    and clothed me with gladness,12   that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.    O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever! Footnotes [1] 30:3 Or to life, that I should not go down to the pit [2] 30:4 Hebrew to the memorial of his holiness (see Exodus 3:15) [3] 30:5 Or and in his favor is life [4] 30:9 Hebrew in my blood [5] 30:9 Or to corruption (ESV) Pentateuch and History: Genesis 27:41–28:9 Genesis 27:41–28:9 (Listen) 41 Now Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him, and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” 42 But the words of Esau her older son were told to Rebekah. So she sent and called Jacob her younger son and said to him, “Behold, your brother Esau comforts himself about you by planning to kill you. 43 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice. Arise, flee to Laban my brother in Haran 44 and stay with him a while, until your brother's fury turns away—45 until your brother's anger turns away from you, and he forgets what you have done to him. Then I will send and bring you from there. Why should I be bereft of you both in one day?” 46 Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I loathe my life because of the Hittite women.1 If Jacob marries one of the Hittite women like these, one of the women of the land, what good will my life be to me?” Jacob Sent to Laban 28 Then Isaac called Jacob and blessed him and directed him, “You must not take a wife from the Canaanite women. 2 Arise, go to Paddan-aram to the house of Bethuel your mother's father, and take as your wife from there one of the daughters of Laban your mother's brother. 3 God Almighty2 bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, that you may become a company of peoples. 4 May he give the blessing of Abraham to you and to your offspring with you, that you may take possession of the land of your sojournings that God gave to Abraham!” 5 Thus Isaac sent Jacob away. And he went to Paddan-aram, to Laban, the son of Bethuel the Aramean, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob's and Esau's mother. Esau Marries an Ishmaelite 6 Now Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him away to Paddan-aram to take a wife from there, and that as he blessed him he directed him, “You must not take a wife from the Canaanite women,” 7 and that Jacob had obeyed his father and his mother and gone to Paddan-aram. 8 So when Esau saw that the Canaanite women did not please Isaac his father, 9 Esau went to Ishmael and took as his wife, besides the wives he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son, the sister of Nebaioth. Footnotes [1] 27:46 Hebrew daughters of Heth [2] 28:3 Hebrew El Shaddai (ESV) Chronicles and Prophets: 2 Chronicles 4 2 Chronicles 4 (Listen) The Temple's Furnishings 4 He made an altar of bronze, twenty cubits1 long and twenty cubits wide and ten cubits high. 2 Then he made the sea of cast metal. It was round, ten cubits from brim to brim, and five cubits high, and a line of thirty cubits measured its circumference. 3 Under it were figures of gourds,2 for ten cubits, compassing the sea all around. The gourds were in two rows, cast with it when it was cast. 4 It stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The sea was set on them, and all their rear parts were inward. 5 Its thickness was a handbreadth.3 And its brim was made like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily. It held 3,000 baths.4 6 He also made ten basins in which to wash, and set five on the south side, and five on the north side. In these they were to rinse off what was used for the burnt offering, and the sea was for the priests to wash in. 7 And he made ten golden lampstands as prescribed, and set them in the temple, five on the south side and five on the north. 8 He also made ten tables and placed them in the temple, five on the south side and five on the north. And he made a hundred basins of gold. 9 He made the court of the priests and the great court and doors for the court and overlaid their doors with bronze. 10 And he set the sea at the southeast corner of the house. 11 Hiram also made the pots, the shovels, and the basins. So Hiram finished the work that he did for King Solomon on the house of God: 12 the two pillars, the bowls, and the two capitals on the top of the pillars; and the two latticeworks to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the top of the pillars; 13 and the 400 pomegranates for the two latticeworks, two rows of pomegranates for each latticework, to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the pillars. 14 He made the stands also, and the basins on the stands, 15 and the one sea, and the twelve oxen underneath it. 16 The pots, the shovels, the forks, and all the equipment for these Huram-abi made of burnished bronze for King Solomon for the house of the LORD. 17 In the plain of the Jordan the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredah.5 18 Solomon made all these things in great quantities, for the weight of the bronze was not sought. 19 So Solomon made all the vessels that were in the house of God: the golden altar, the tables for the bread of the Presence, 20 the lampstands and their lamps of pure gold to burn before the inner sanctuary, as prescribed; 21 the flowers, the lamps, and the tongs, of purest gold; 22 the snuffers, basins, dishes for incense, and fire pans, of pure gold, and the sockets6 of the temple, for the inner doors to the Most Holy Place and for the doors of the nave of the temple were of gold. Footnotes [1] 4:1 A cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters [2] 4:3 Compare 1 Kings 7:24; Hebrew oxen; twice in this verse [3] 4:5 A handbreadth was about 3 inches or 7.5 centimeters [4] 4:5 A bath was about 6 gallons or 22 liters [5] 4:17 Spelled Zarethan in 1 Kings 7:46 [6] 4:22 Compare 1 Kings 7:50; Hebrew the entrance of the house (ESV) Gospels and Epistles: Luke 20:45–21:38 Luke 20:45–21:38 (Listen) Beware of the Scribes 45 And in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 47 who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” The Widow's Offering 21 Jesus1 looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, 2 and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.2 3 And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Jesus Foretells Destruction of the Temple 5 And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 7 And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” 8 And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!' and, ‘The time is at hand!' Do not go after them. 9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.” Jesus Foretells Wars and Persecution 10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. 13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers3 and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. 17 You will be hated by all for my name's sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives. Jesus Foretells Destruction of Jerusalem 20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, 22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. 23 Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. The Coming of the Son of Man 25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” The Lesson of the Fig Tree 29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Watch Yourselves 34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” 37 And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. 38 And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him. Footnotes [1] 21:1 Greek He [2] 21:2 Greek two lepta; a lepton was a Jewish bronze or copper coin worth about 1/128 of a denarius (which was a day's wage for a laborer) [3] 21:16 Or parents and brothers and sisters (ESV)

Using the life story of Joseph, Dr. Boice provides a very practical study on the crucial issues of the Christian life. Explore how Joseph's life reflects peace and direction in times of adversity. Let his life be an example for your day-to-day living. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29

Today on Fireside Paranormal Podcast, Jordan Cline welcomes Kassy Stefanac to the show. Kassy is an investigator with Weeping Willow Paranormal! During the show we discus different cases, and encounters her team has had. Sponsors: LegendsOfBelize.com, Wonders Oddities Expo www.Patreon.com/firesideparanormal www.Newsly.me Code F1RES1DE - 1 month premium Libsyn.com Code FIRESIDE- 2 months free hosting

On this episode I take a look back at the past year and lessons I have learned through grief. #grief #grieving #godsgrace #godsfaithfulness #hymns #worship

2 Epiphany First Psalm: Psalm 30; Psalm 32 Psalm 30 (Listen) Joy Comes with the Morning A Psalm of David. A song at the dedication of the temple. 30   I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up    and have not let my foes rejoice over me.2   O LORD my God, I cried to you for help,    and you have healed me.3   O LORD, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;    you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.1 4   Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints,    and give thanks to his holy name.25   For his anger is but for a moment,    and his favor is for a lifetime.3  Weeping may tarry for the night,    but joy comes with the morning. 6   As for me, I said in my prosperity,    “I shall never be moved.”7   By your favor, O LORD,    you made my mountain stand strong;  you hid your face;    I was dismayed. 8   To you, O LORD, I cry,    and to the Lord I plead for mercy:9   “What profit is there in my death,4    if I go down to the pit?5  Will the dust praise you?    Will it tell of your faithfulness?10   Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me!    O LORD, be my helper!” 11   You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;    you have loosed my sackcloth    and clothed me with gladness,12   that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.    O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever! Footnotes [1] 30:3 Or to life, that I should not go down to the pit [2] 30:4 Hebrew to the memorial of his holiness (see Exodus 3:15) [3] 30:5 Or and in his favor is life [4] 30:9 Hebrew in my blood [5] 30:9 Or to corruption (ESV) Psalm 32 (Listen) Blessed Are the Forgiven A Maskil1 of David. 32   Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,    whose sin is covered.2   Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity,    and in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3   For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away    through my groaning all day long.4   For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;    my strength was dried up2 as by the heat of summer. Selah 5   I acknowledged my sin to you,    and I did not cover my iniquity;  I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”    and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah 6   Therefore let everyone who is godly    offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;  surely in the rush of great waters,    they shall not reach him.7   You are a hiding place for me;    you preserve me from trouble;    you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah 8   I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;    I will counsel you with my eye upon you.9   Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,    which must be curbed with bit and bridle,    or it will not stay near you. 10   Many are the sorrows of the wicked,    but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.11   Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous,    and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! Footnotes [1] 32:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term [2] 32:4 Hebrew my vitality was changed (ESV) Second Psalm: Psalms 42–43 Psalms 42–43 (Listen) Book Two Why Are You Cast Down, O My Soul? To the choirmaster. A Maskil1 of the Sons of Korah. 42   As a deer pants for flowing streams,    so pants my soul for you, O God.2   My soul thirsts for God,    for the living God.  When shall I come and appear before God?23   My tears have been my food    day and night,  while they say to me all the day long,    “Where is your God?”4   These things I remember,    as I pour out my soul:  how I would go with the throng    and lead them in procession to the house of God  with glad shouts and songs of praise,    a multitude keeping festival. 5   Why are you cast down, O my soul,    and why are you in turmoil within me?  Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,    my salvation3 6 and my God.   My soul is cast down within me;    therefore I remember you  from the land of Jordan and of Hermon,    from Mount Mizar.7   Deep calls to deep    at the roar of your waterfalls;  all your breakers and your waves    have gone over me.8   By day the LORD commands his steadfast love,    and at night his song is with me,    a prayer to the God of my life.9   I say to God, my rock:    “Why have you forgotten me?  Why do I go mourning    because of the oppression of the enemy?”10   As with a deadly wound in my bones,    my adversaries taunt me,  while they say to me all the day long,    “Where is your God?” 11   Why are you cast down, O my soul,    and why are you in turmoil within me?  Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,    my salvation and my God. Send Out Your Light and Your Truth 43   Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause    against an ungodly people,  from the deceitful and unjust man    deliver me!2   For you are the God in whom I take refuge;    why have you rejected me?  Why do I go about mourning    because of the oppression of the enemy? 3   Send out your light and your truth;    let them lead me;  let them bring me to your holy hill    and to your dwelling!4   Then I will go to the altar of God,    to God my exceeding joy,  and I will praise you with the lyre,    O God, my God. 5   Why are you cast down, O my soul,    and why are you in turmoil within me?  Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,    my salvation and my God. Footnotes [1] 42:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term [2] 42:2 Revocalization yields and see the face of God [3] 42:5 Hebrew the salvation of my face; also verse 11 and 43:5 (ESV) Old Testament: Isaiah 46 Isaiah 46 (Listen) The Idols of Babylon and the One True God 46   Bel bows down; Nebo stoops;    their idols are on beasts and livestock;  these things you carry are borne    as burdens on weary beasts.2   They stoop; they bow down together;    they cannot save the burden,    but themselves go into captivity. 3   “Listen to me, O house of Jacob,    all the remnant of the house of Israel,  who have been borne by me from before your birth,    carried from the womb;4   even to your old age I am he,    and to gray hairs I will carry you.  I have made, and I will bear;    I will carry and will save. 5   “To whom will you liken me and make me equal,    and compare me, that we may be alike?6   Those who lavish gold from the purse,    and weigh out silver in the scales,  hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god;    then they fall down and worship!7   They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it,    they set it in its place, and it stands there;    it cannot move from its place.  If one cries to it, it does not answer    or save him from his trouble. 8   “Remember this and stand firm,    recall it to mind, you transgressors,9     remember the former things of old;  for I am God, and there is no other;    I am God, and there is none like me,10   declaring the end from the beginning    and from ancient times things not yet done,  saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,    and I will accomplish all my purpose,'11   calling a bird of prey from the east,    the man of my counsel from a far country.  I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;    I have purposed, and I will do it. 12   “Listen to me, you stubborn of heart,    you who are far from righteousness:13   I bring near my righteousness; it is not far off,    and my salvation will not delay;  I will put salvation in Zion,    for Israel my glory.” (ESV) New Testament: Ephesians 6:10–24 Ephesians 6:10–24 (Listen) The Whole Armor of God 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Final Greetings 21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brothers,1 and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. Footnotes [1] 6:23 Or brothers and sisters (ESV) Gospel: Mark 5:1–20 Mark 5:1–20 (Listen) Jesus Heals a Man with a Demon 5 They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes.1 2 And when Jesus2 had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. 3 He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, 4 for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6 And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. 7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” 8 For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” 9 And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” 10 And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. 11 Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, 12 and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” 13 So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea. 14 The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. 15 And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed3 man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 16 And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. 17 And they began to beg Jesus4 to depart from their region. 18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. 19 And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled. Footnotes [1] 5:1 Some manuscripts Gergesenes; some Gadarenes [2] 5:2 Greek he; also verse 9 [3] 5:15 Greek daimonizomai (demonized); also verses 16, 18; elsewhere rendered oppressed by demons [4] 5:17 Greek him (ESV)

Frank Baum's children's fantasy novel introduced a land of wicked witches and wizards that inspired a generation of children even before it was adapted for the screen. In episode 255, Luke & James the tears of a reluctant tin killer, American life in the 1900s, a scarecrow nightmare, a bizarre stage production, and the secret meanings that the author always denied. Join them next week when they discuss the iconic film adaptation directed by Victor Fleming starring Judy Garland! Ink to Film Buy The Wonderful Wizard of Oz or any of the other source material books or guest novels at Ink to Film's bookshop: www.bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram (@inktofilm) Home Base: inktofilm.com Intro/outro music: “Ghibli Waltz” by Ross Bugden https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbOiqJJ5RxU Luke Elliott Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/luminousluke IG: https://www.instagram.com/lpelliott/ Mastodon: https://wandering.shop/@LuminousLuke James Bailey Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jame_Bail

Today's Promise: Psalm 30:5 You may be going through a season of sorrow, pain, or uncertainty, and you think the dark night of your soul may never end. In the middle of your difficulty, it's easy to get so focused on the problem that you think things will never change. Weeping lasts for the night but not forever. It is just for a season, not a lifetime. We all face problems, but they don't last. The only thing that lasts forever is God's love. As a child of God, you have God's favor, which lasts a lifetime. His love brings a new day and joy in the morning. Link to Teaching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaQ6_N3IgE8&t=27s

"Sing praise to the LORD, You saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.” Do you ever get discouraged with being discouraged? Well, that has been my experience over the many years with my own Christian life and spiritual journey. We say or do something and almost immediately, or at least later, we say, “That was so dumb, what in the world ever processed me to say or do that?” And we feel condemnation, and we are usually reminded by the Holy Spirit that it was the pride of our heart that was at the root of our words or deed. It appears that Psalm 30 could have been the experience of David dealing with the same thing. In the first three verses, David experienced three problems: the sinking mire beneath him that would take him down to the pit, the enemies around him who wanted him to die, and the distress within him that was like a painful sickness. But when he cried out to the Lord, the Lord delivered him from all three! Because of his pride and his disobedience, David was in the depths, and the Lord had to lift him up. (See Psalm 18:4-6; 69:1-2, 14-15; 71:20; 88:6; 130:1-3; Lam. 3:55; and Jonah 2:2.) The "grave" or the "pit" refers to sheol, the realm of the departed spirits. The Greek equivalent of this is hades. But instead of allowing David to go down, God lifted him out and brought him up. God had done this for David before (Psalm 18:16). David's foes would have been glad to see him die (Psalms 13:4; 25:2; 41:11), but the Lord saved David's life and silenced their taunts. The "healing" mentioned in verse 2 may not have involved actual physical sickness, because the word is also used to describe not only forgiveness and spiritual restoration (Psalm 41:4; Isa. 6:10; 53:5; Hos. 6:1 and 7:1) but also deliverance from mental and emotional distress (Jer. 8:21-22; 14:19; Lam. 2:13). It was David's pride that had brought the plague to the land, and he felt the pain of this deeply, so much so that he thought his convicted conscience and broken heart would kill him. But God heard his pleas and brought him from death to life. The Psalm is not only David's personal expression of praise and thanksgiving, but it was also used by the congregation in worship; and here David addressed them in verses 4-5. We read in Psalm 34:3, "Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together". Personal worship that doesn't enrich our corporate worship may become selfish and lead to more pride! Notice the contrasts in verse 5 that are the motivation for David's praise. He goes from God's anger to God's favor; from chastening for only a moment to a lifetime of His grace (Isa. 54:7-8); and from a night of weeping to a morning of joy. For David, this was the dawning of a new day after a painful time of suffering in darkness. Jeremiah reminds us in Lamentations 3:22-23 that “God's mercies are new every morning”. God's special help often arrives in the morning. Psalm 46:5 tell us: “God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.” It is usually darkest just before the dawn. The resurrection of Jesus Christ brought the dawning of a new day for all who trust in Him (Matt. 28:1). Weeping comes as a guest, but God's gracious favor is with us for a lifetime. (See 2 Cor. 4.) As Jesus explained to His disciples, God doesn't replace sorrow with joy; He transforms sorrow into joy (John 16:20-22). The same baby that causes the mother pain also brings the mother joy. Today, by God favor and with His help, let us step out of the darkness of our discouragement and distress into His glorious resurrection life and the victory that comes with it! God bless!

"Sing praise to the LORD, You saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.” The title of this Psalm informs us that David is the writer of it. It also tells us that David wrote it as a song to be sung at the dedication of the temple. Some translations say house instead of temple. So, we are not sure of the exact occasion on which David wrote this Psalm, which we will discuss later. This Psalm, like so many of the Psalms, is repeating the theme of someone who has experienced a difficult time because of their own disobedience or sin and needs the Lord's grace and forgiveness. Or like many of us who might have a heart to serve the Lord, but still troubles, heartache, suffering, and trials abound time and time again. We hardly get through one and we are facing another. We continually need a Psalm like this to remind us that the “anger of the Lord is but for a moment, but His favor is for life”. The Psalm opens and closes on a note of thanksgiving (vv. 1, 12; and see vv. 4 and 11). The emphasis is on praise to the Lord for rescuing David from a dangerous and difficult situation that included sickness; “You have healed me” (v. 2), being near death; “You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit” (vv. 3, 9), God's anger; “For His anger is but for a moment” (v. 5), weeping; “Weeping may endure for a night” (v. 5), mourning; “My mourning into dancing” (v. 11), and emotional turmoil; “You hid Your face, and I was troubled” (v. 7). But the trial also involved the nation, for David addressed them in verses 4-5. Apparently, this was a national crisis that David had helped to precipitate because he disobeyed the will of God. It came at a time when he was enjoying ease and security and was proud of himself and his kingdom (vv. 6-7). According to the superscription, David wrote this psalm for "the dedication of the house." The word "house" can be translated "palace," referring to David's house, or "temple," referring to the Lord's house. If it's the first, then perhaps 2 Samuel 5 describes the historical setting, when David captured Mt. Zion and made Jerusalem his capital city. (Note "my mountain" in Ps. 30:7.) All Israel had crowned David king, he had won great victories over the Philistines, and he had built himself a palace. He knew that his kingdom was established and exalted by the Lord. This context has all the ingredients necessary to make David proud and this would have invited the chastening of the Lord. However, if "house" refers to the temple of the Lord, then we must look to 1 Chronicles 21:1 - 22:1 and 2 Samuel 24 for the context. This is the record of the national plague David caused when he arrogantly numbered the people and 70,000 people died. This caused David great distress (2 Sam. 24:10, 14), and he put on sackcloth and begged God for mercy for the people (1 Chron. 21:16; see Ps. 30:11). David purchased a plot of ground from Ornan and dedicated it to be the site for the temple (1 Chron. 22:1), and he began to use the plot as his own personal place of worship. This second explanation seems to cover the facts better. In either case, the message of the psalm is clear: the Lord forgave David and gave him the blessing of a new beginning. "The victorious Christian life," wrote the noted Scottish preacher George Morrison, "is a series of new beginnings." That definition beautifully fits this psalm. My friend, maybe you need to be encouraged today as you read this Psalm and remember when we truly trust the Lord to forgive and to help us, that the pain of our suffering is only a brief time because His grace and favor is for life! God bless!

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As worship leader at Lexington City Church in Lexington, Kentucky, Amanda Carter shares with us how she lives with extreme grief only by God's grace and through his strength. Amanda suddenly and tragically lost her 27-year-old sister, Lauren, only three weeks after her sister's wedding. She has also experienced grief in the loss of her marriage. God is near to those crushed in spirit. How can we move through the grief? Psalm 30:5 says “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” There is hope…   ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Look for HOPE is Here: - at www.HOPEisHere.Today - on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HOPEisHereToday - on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeisherelex/ - on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/hopeisherelex - on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hopeisherelex - on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtJ47I4w6atOHr7agGpOuvA Help us bring HOPE and encouragement to others: - by texting the word GIVE to 833-713-1591 - by visiting https://www.hopeisheretoday.org/donate   - by shopping on Amazon. Select HOPE is Here as your favorite charity (EIN: 83-0522555) Login through this link - https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0522555   #Lexington #Kentucky #christianradio #JesusRadio #Jesus #WJMM #GregHorn #GregJHorn #suicideprevention #KentuckyRadio #HOPEisHere #Hope #HopeinJesus #FoodForThoughtFriday #MondayMotivation #FridayFeeling #Motivation #Inspiration #cupofHope #FYP #ForYouPage #SuicideAwareness

Dannelle Gutarra Cordero's expansive study incorporates writers, cultural figures and intellectuals from antiquity to the present day to analyze how discourses on emotion serve to create and maintain White supremacy and racism. Throughout history, scientific theories have played a vital role in the accumulation of power over colonized and racialized people. Scientific intellectual discourses on race, gender, and sexuality characterized Blackness as emotionally distinct in both deficiency and excess, a contrast with the emotional benevolence accorded to Whiteness. Ideas on racialized emotions have simultaneously driven the development of devastating body politics by enslaving structures of power. Bold and thought provoking, She Is Weeping: An Intellectual History of Racialized Slavery and Emotions in the Atlantic World (Cambridge UP, 2022) provides a new understanding of racialized emotions in the Atlantic World, and how these discourses proved instrumental to the rise of slavery and racial capitalism, racialized sexual violence, and the expansion of the carceral state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-studies

Dannelle Gutarra Cordero's expansive study incorporates writers, cultural figures and intellectuals from antiquity to the present day to analyze how discourses on emotion serve to create and maintain White supremacy and racism. Throughout history, scientific theories have played a vital role in the accumulation of power over colonized and racialized people. Scientific intellectual discourses on race, gender, and sexuality characterized Blackness as emotionally distinct in both deficiency and excess, a contrast with the emotional benevolence accorded to Whiteness. Ideas on racialized emotions have simultaneously driven the development of devastating body politics by enslaving structures of power. Bold and thought provoking, She Is Weeping: An Intellectual History of Racialized Slavery and Emotions in the Atlantic World (Cambridge UP, 2022) provides a new understanding of racialized emotions in the Atlantic World, and how these discourses proved instrumental to the rise of slavery and racial capitalism, racialized sexual violence, and the expansion of the carceral state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dannelle Gutarra Cordero's expansive study incorporates writers, cultural figures and intellectuals from antiquity to the present day to analyze how discourses on emotion serve to create and maintain White supremacy and racism. Throughout history, scientific theories have played a vital role in the accumulation of power over colonized and racialized people. Scientific intellectual discourses on race, gender, and sexuality characterized Blackness as emotionally distinct in both deficiency and excess, a contrast with the emotional benevolence accorded to Whiteness. Ideas on racialized emotions have simultaneously driven the development of devastating body politics by enslaving structures of power. Bold and thought provoking, She Is Weeping: An Intellectual History of Racialized Slavery and Emotions in the Atlantic World (Cambridge UP, 2022) provides a new understanding of racialized emotions in the Atlantic World, and how these discourses proved instrumental to the rise of slavery and racial capitalism, racialized sexual violence, and the expansion of the carceral state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dannelle Gutarra Cordero's expansive study incorporates writers, cultural figures and intellectuals from antiquity to the present day to analyze how discourses on emotion serve to create and maintain White supremacy and racism. Throughout history, scientific theories have played a vital role in the accumulation of power over colonized and racialized people. Scientific intellectual discourses on race, gender, and sexuality characterized Blackness as emotionally distinct in both deficiency and excess, a contrast with the emotional benevolence accorded to Whiteness. Ideas on racialized emotions have simultaneously driven the development of devastating body politics by enslaving structures of power. Bold and thought provoking, She Is Weeping: An Intellectual History of Racialized Slavery and Emotions in the Atlantic World (Cambridge UP, 2022) provides a new understanding of racialized emotions in the Atlantic World, and how these discourses proved instrumental to the rise of slavery and racial capitalism, racialized sexual violence, and the expansion of the carceral state.

Dannelle Gutarra Cordero's expansive study incorporates writers, cultural figures and intellectuals from antiquity to the present day to analyze how discourses on emotion serve to create and maintain White supremacy and racism. Throughout history, scientific theories have played a vital role in the accumulation of power over colonized and racialized people. Scientific intellectual discourses on race, gender, and sexuality characterized Blackness as emotionally distinct in both deficiency and excess, a contrast with the emotional benevolence accorded to Whiteness. Ideas on racialized emotions have simultaneously driven the development of devastating body politics by enslaving structures of power. Bold and thought provoking, She Is Weeping: An Intellectual History of Racialized Slavery and Emotions in the Atlantic World (Cambridge UP, 2022) provides a new understanding of racialized emotions in the Atlantic World, and how these discourses proved instrumental to the rise of slavery and racial capitalism, racialized sexual violence, and the expansion of the carceral state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/intellectual-history

Dannelle Gutarra Cordero's expansive study incorporates writers, cultural figures and intellectuals from antiquity to the present day to analyze how discourses on emotion serve to create and maintain White supremacy and racism. Throughout history, scientific theories have played a vital role in the accumulation of power over colonized and racialized people. Scientific intellectual discourses on race, gender, and sexuality characterized Blackness as emotionally distinct in both deficiency and excess, a contrast with the emotional benevolence accorded to Whiteness. Ideas on racialized emotions have simultaneously driven the development of devastating body politics by enslaving structures of power. Bold and thought provoking, She Is Weeping: An Intellectual History of Racialized Slavery and Emotions in the Atlantic World (Cambridge UP, 2022) provides a new understanding of racialized emotions in the Atlantic World, and how these discourses proved instrumental to the rise of slavery and racial capitalism, racialized sexual violence, and the expansion of the carceral state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/latin-american-studies

Dannelle Gutarra Cordero's expansive study incorporates writers, cultural figures and intellectuals from antiquity to the present day to analyze how discourses on emotion serve to create and maintain White supremacy and racism. Throughout history, scientific theories have played a vital role in the accumulation of power over colonized and racialized people. Scientific intellectual discourses on race, gender, and sexuality characterized Blackness as emotionally distinct in both deficiency and excess, a contrast with the emotional benevolence accorded to Whiteness. Ideas on racialized emotions have simultaneously driven the development of devastating body politics by enslaving structures of power. Bold and thought provoking, She Is Weeping: An Intellectual History of Racialized Slavery and Emotions in the Atlantic World (Cambridge UP, 2022) provides a new understanding of racialized emotions in the Atlantic World, and how these discourses proved instrumental to the rise of slavery and racial capitalism, racialized sexual violence, and the expansion of the carceral state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

Dannelle Gutarra Cordero's expansive study incorporates writers, cultural figures and intellectuals from antiquity to the present day to analyze how discourses on emotion serve to create and maintain White supremacy and racism. Throughout history, scientific theories have played a vital role in the accumulation of power over colonized and racialized people. Scientific intellectual discourses on race, gender, and sexuality characterized Blackness as emotionally distinct in both deficiency and excess, a contrast with the emotional benevolence accorded to Whiteness. Ideas on racialized emotions have simultaneously driven the development of devastating body politics by enslaving structures of power. Bold and thought provoking, She Is Weeping: An Intellectual History of Racialized Slavery and Emotions in the Atlantic World (Cambridge UP, 2022) provides a new understanding of racialized emotions in the Atlantic World, and how these discourses proved instrumental to the rise of slavery and racial capitalism, racialized sexual violence, and the expansion of the carceral state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/european-studies

Dannelle Gutarra Cordero's expansive study incorporates writers, cultural figures and intellectuals from antiquity to the present day to analyze how discourses on emotion serve to create and maintain White supremacy and racism. Throughout history, scientific theories have played a vital role in the accumulation of power over colonized and racialized people. Scientific intellectual discourses on race, gender, and sexuality characterized Blackness as emotionally distinct in both deficiency and excess, a contrast with the emotional benevolence accorded to Whiteness. Ideas on racialized emotions have simultaneously driven the development of devastating body politics by enslaving structures of power. Bold and thought provoking, She Is Weeping: An Intellectual History of Racialized Slavery and Emotions in the Atlantic World (Cambridge UP, 2022) provides a new understanding of racialized emotions in the Atlantic World, and how these discourses proved instrumental to the rise of slavery and racial capitalism, racialized sexual violence, and the expansion of the carceral state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

Dannelle Gutarra Cordero's expansive study incorporates writers, cultural figures and intellectuals from antiquity to the present day to analyze how discourses on emotion serve to create and maintain White supremacy and racism. Throughout history, scientific theories have played a vital role in the accumulation of power over colonized and racialized people. Scientific intellectual discourses on race, gender, and sexuality characterized Blackness as emotionally distinct in both deficiency and excess, a contrast with the emotional benevolence accorded to Whiteness. Ideas on racialized emotions have simultaneously driven the development of devastating body politics by enslaving structures of power. Bold and thought provoking, She Is Weeping: An Intellectual History of Racialized Slavery and Emotions in the Atlantic World (Cambridge UP, 2022) provides a new understanding of racialized emotions in the Atlantic World, and how these discourses proved instrumental to the rise of slavery and racial capitalism, racialized sexual violence, and the expansion of the carceral state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Dannelle Gutarra Cordero's expansive study incorporates writers, cultural figures and intellectuals from antiquity to the present day to analyze how discourses on emotion serve to create and maintain White supremacy and racism. Throughout history, scientific theories have played a vital role in the accumulation of power over colonized and racialized people. Scientific intellectual discourses on race, gender, and sexuality characterized Blackness as emotionally distinct in both deficiency and excess, a contrast with the emotional benevolence accorded to Whiteness. Ideas on racialized emotions have simultaneously driven the development of devastating body politics by enslaving structures of power. Bold and thought provoking, She Is Weeping: An Intellectual History of Racialized Slavery and Emotions in the Atlantic World (Cambridge UP, 2022) provides a new understanding of racialized emotions in the Atlantic World, and how these discourses proved instrumental to the rise of slavery and racial capitalism, racialized sexual violence, and the expansion of the carceral state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-american-studies

Opening Song: Light After Darkness (https://open.spotify.com/track/2xH5ngTtRWVKHxzRoIhaaQ?si=3ceb2c7e40de4394) by Advent Birmingham Lyrics: Light after darkness, gain after loss, Strength after weakness, crown after cross; Sweet after bitter, hope after fears, Home after wandering, praise after tears. Sheaves after sowing, sun after rain, Sight after mystery, peace after pain; Joy after sorrow, calm after blast, Rest after weariness, sweet rest at last. Weeping may remain for a night But joy arrives in morning's new light I'll praise the God of merciful plight Still I will praise him, still I will praise him, my God. Near after distant, gleam after gloom, Love after loneliness, life after tomb; After long agony, rapture of bliss, Right was the pathway, leading to this. You give and you take away In darkness still I will say: “A good God I serve this day.” Still I will praise you, still I will praise you. Passage: 1 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. 3 And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. 4 Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip. 5 Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. 6 A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the LORD. (Isaiah 60:1–6 ESV) Musical Reflection: “Amazing Grace,” Appalachian folk tune Reflection Notes: This beloved tune, formally known as NEW BRITAIN, originates from the folk music of Appalachia. The melody is simple and outlines triads, making it memorable; the ascending line creates a triumphant climax. Prayer: This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

Pastor James continues our Advent sermon series 'Encounters with Jesus through the Gospel of John' looking at Mary and Martha's encounter with Jesus at the tomb of their brother."And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another…" 2 Corinthians 3:18aJohn 11:1-48"Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." Psalm 30:5bLife Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NCFollow us online:lifechurchnc.comFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitter

Matthew 2:13-23Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:“A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation,Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, becausethey are no more.” When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child's life are dead. Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazorean.” This Gospel is always a buzz-kill when it shows up so soon after Christmas – and on New Year's Day this time around, no less. This story of Herod's “Slaughter of the Innocents,” as it's known, is a fly in the ointment of our Christmas celebrations. It is a turd in our New Year's Eve punch bowl. It is rain on our parade, all the way around. And it's a story we might wish we would have stayed home from on the first day of 2023. It is Matthew's Gospel moving straight from the story of Jesus' birth, told in just a handful of sentences that say nothing about shepherds in fields, mangers in Bethlehem, angels singing “glory to God” or “peace for those whom he favors.” In Matthew's version of the story, Mary takes no time to ponder or treasure any of that in the glow of candlelight, like we did on Christmas Eve.In Matthew's version of the Christmas story, Mary and Joseph are engaged, there's going to be a baby, his name will be Jesus – “because he's going to save his people from their sins” – and that's that. “That's the tweet,” you might say, according to Matthew.And then, some wise men show up, raise the ire of King Herod by tipping him off that this “king of the Jews” has been born, and before you know it, the first family is on the move again – on the run, suddenly – refugees to Egypt – so they can spare their son from the mass murder of children – infants and toddlers, two and under – in Joseph's hometown. Merry Christmas! And Happy New Year!So, in keeping with the theme…Did you know that there's a war going on over in Yemen that's been raging for the last eight years? And did you know that tens of thousands of children have been orphaned there because of it? From what I can tell, the ugliness in Yemen is barely on our radar in the U.S. I suspect the reason that war doesn't make the news, like the one in Ukraine does … the reason their president doesn't get to speak in front of our congress … the reason their plight doesn't make it into our consciousness is two-fold. First, because they are brown and because Yemen is the poorest country in the Middle East. And second, because smarter people than me call it all a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. We like the oil we get from Saudi Arabia and don't want to have to pay too much for it. Anyway, all of that is another story.Some call what's happening in Yemen the worst humanitarian crisis in the world and it's been going on since 2015. And it made me think of Herod's “Slaughter of the Innocents” because in addition to all those orphans the war has created, 10,000 children have been killed or maimed, and up to two million more have been displaced – just like Jesus – since it all began. Merry Christmas.And did you know there were more mass shootings than there were days in 2022? (Almost twice as many mass shootings as there were days, according to one source I saw.) And did you know that this has been a true statistic every year since 2019? But, I digress. It's Christmas and our theme today is children.Last year, just in the United States, 3,597 children died by gunfire, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Nearly two-thirds of gun deaths involving children — 2,279 — were homicides, which have increased by more than 73%, just since 2018. Most of these involved Black children, even though they are a numerical minority in our country. Last year, suicides made up almost 30% of gun deaths among kids, to the tune of 1,078. Unlike homicides, it's white kids – mostly white, teenage boys – who die by suicide using guns, but that's growing among Black and Hispanic kids, too.One last thing. The United States is the only country among our peers – which means, supposedly, that we are “advanced” in terms of industry, technology, standard of living, and what not – we are the only country among such leading nations where gun violence is the number one cause of death among kids. In other countries like ours, kids are more likely to die from car accidents and cancer/diseases.In the US, in 2020, 4,357 kids under the age of 19 were killed with a gun. In Australia, there were 10.In the US, in 2020, 4,357 children under the age of 19 were killed with a gun. In the UK, there were 8.In the US, in 2020, 4,357 boys and girls under the age of 19 were killed with a gun. In Japan, there were 5.Merry Christmas.But, to bring this back to something more closely related to Mary and Joseph and Jesus, on the run, remember, from Herod in Bethlehem to safety in Egypt, it's interesting to know that nearly 130,000 migrant children entered our own government's shelter system in 2022, which was an all-time high thanks to a record number of minors who show up unaccompanied – alone – by themselves – without a parent or a protector or a guardian to claim them. That's 8,000 more than last year – and a statistic that's more than two months old already. Can you imagine how desperate and dangerous things much be for a child to be sent or taken to or left in a foreign land, without a parent, protector, or guardian to claim them? I know kids who won't go to summer camp on their own or children who won't spend the night at a friend's house.Merry Christmas.We are generations away from Herod's “Slaughter of the Innocents,” but all of this is why Matthew invokes Rachel as part of his version of the Christmas story. She weeps for the children – her own and for others, and for ours, I imagine, too.See, when Matthew, by way of the prophet Jeremiah, invokes the notion of Rachel, weeping for her children, he was referring to the people of Israel being banished to exile and captivity in Babylon, and having to pass by the grave of Rachel, one of their matriarchs, whose grief cried out from the ground on which they traveled. That was the weeping and loud lamentation they heard at Ramah.While God promised them hope and deliverance and salvation, in the end, much like the Good News of Christmas means to be for us now, Rachel was the mother who wouldn't let the people forget about the children – her children, their own children, or any of God's children for that matter. Rachel's tears were the rain on their parade.And I think we're supposed to listen to Rachel, still, as we hear this hard, holy story about Herod's slaughter of the innocents and see it happening among us, still, in so many scary, shameful, sinful ways.Rachel is every mother weeping for her children, even while living with hope for what has come – and for what is coming – in Jesus.Rachel is every father weeping for his children, even while searching for the joy that has been born – and that will be born again – in Jesus.Rachel is every parent – and she would/could/should be all of us, together – weeping and wailing and refusing to let our own comfort and joy, our own silent nights, our own peace and prosperity allow us to neglect the reason for Christ's coming, in the first place…To bring good news of great joy to ALL people…To save God's people from our sins…To shine light into the darkness in a way that the darkness cannot, has not, will not … ever … overcome it.Amen. Merry Christmas.

Preacher: Pastor Mark Redfern

Happy new year, and welcome to another episode of Bushido Cast! This time we are discussing the new Weeping Sky cycle deck with Jason Enos! It's a bumper recording where we cover all 54 (yes that's right, 54) new cycle cards (Risen Sun was 30 cards). We discuss the new storyline (spoiler alert if you are not up to date with story progression from two UKGM events this year), how cards may work in our warbands and the 'competitive' scene. The Bushido app should have the cards uploaded at some point for you to follow if you wish (we do a quick card read out as we go). So, get comfortable, grab a drink and snack of your choice - it's a marathon episode! As always, we are looking forward to seeing what the community make of this new release. We cover all Factions, here are the time slots if your keen to get to your favorite: - Prefecture of Ryu: 6 mins. Daimyo level cards. - Temple of Ro-Kan: 23 mins. Monk's getting attention this cycle. - Cult of Yurei: 37 mins. Huge upgrades to existing models. - Savage Wave: 57 mins. Bakemono and Onisho buffs! - Ito Clan: 1 hour 6 mins. Ito Istunagi and Kinu get some attention. Impetuous warbands are now a real thing! - Silvermoon Trade Syndicate: 1 hour 19 mins: Roses, Buto and Iron Fist Gumi are looking even more interesting now! - The Descension: 1 hour 33 mins: good news for Tribesmen (and Haiatake), a meta fix?! - Jung Pirates!!! 1 hour 47 mins? Includes terrain prize winner card. - Shadow Wind Clan: 2 hours. Yuta a problem, look here. - Minimoto Clan: 2 hours 10 mins. Dislike snare and traps, check this out. Plus, find out about the Minimoto alliance... - Shiho Clan: 2 hours 22 mins - most demanded card in Bushido history and a real treat from the game designers for Shiho and Tanaka players! - Kinshi Temple: 2 hours 34 mins. Yes, Kinshi have a new card, not only that, it's a brand new way to play them! - Ronin: 2 hours 39 mins. Cards most players can take, from big brain plays to counter ploys, there's a lot going on here. 14 January 2023 Jason is running a tournament at Element Games - look out for it!

Christmas (St. Stephen) First Psalm: Psalm 28; Psalm 30 Psalm 28 (Listen) The Lord Is My Strength and My Shield Of David. 28   To you, O LORD, I call;    my rock, be not deaf to me,  lest, if you be silent to me,    I become like those who go down to the pit.2   Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy,    when I cry to you for help,  when I lift up my hands    toward your most holy sanctuary.1 3   Do not drag me off with the wicked,    with the workers of evil,  who speak peace with their neighbors    while evil is in their hearts.4   Give to them according to their work    and according to the evil of their deeds;  give to them according to the work of their hands;    render them their due reward.5   Because they do not regard the works of the LORD    or the work of his hands,  he will tear them down and build them up no more. 6   Blessed be the LORD!    For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.7   The LORD is my strength and my shield;    in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;  my heart exults,    and with my song I give thanks to him. 8   The LORD is the strength of his people;2    he is the saving refuge of his anointed.9   Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!    Be their shepherd and carry them forever. Footnotes [1] 28:2 Hebrew your innermost sanctuary [2] 28:8 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts is their strength (ESV) Psalm 30 (Listen) Joy Comes with the Morning A Psalm of David. A song at the dedication of the temple. 30   I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up    and have not let my foes rejoice over me.2   O LORD my God, I cried to you for help,    and you have healed me.3   O LORD, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;    you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.1 4   Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints,    and give thanks to his holy name.25   For his anger is but for a moment,    and his favor is for a lifetime.3  Weeping may tarry for the night,    but joy comes with the morning. 6   As for me, I said in my prosperity,    “I shall never be moved.”7   By your favor, O LORD,    you made my mountain stand strong;  you hid your face;    I was dismayed. 8   To you, O LORD, I cry,    and to the Lord I plead for mercy:9   “What profit is there in my death,4    if I go down to the pit?5  Will the dust praise you?    Will it tell of your faithfulness?10   Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me!    O LORD, be my helper!” 11   You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;    you have loosed my sackcloth    and clothed me with gladness,12   that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.    O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever! Footnotes [1] 30:3 Or to life, that I should not go down to the pit [2] 30:4 Hebrew to the memorial of his holiness (see Exodus 3:15) [3] 30:5 Or and in his favor is life [4] 30:9 Hebrew in my blood [5] 30:9 Or to corruption (ESV) Second Psalm: Psalm 118 Psalm 118 (Listen) His Steadfast Love Endures Forever 118   Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;    for his steadfast love endures forever! 2   Let Israel say,    “His steadfast love endures forever.”3   Let the house of Aaron say,    “His steadfast love endures forever.”4   Let those who fear the LORD say,    “His steadfast love endures forever.” 5   Out of my distress I called on the LORD;    the LORD answered me and set me free.6   The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.    What can man do to me?7   The LORD is on my side as my helper;    I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. 8   It is better to take refuge in the LORD    than to trust in man.9   It is better to take refuge in the LORD    than to trust in princes. 10   All nations surrounded me;    in the name of the LORD I cut them off!11   They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side;    in the name of the LORD I cut them off!12   They surrounded me like bees;    they went out like a fire among thorns;    in the name of the LORD I cut them off!13   I was pushed hard,1 so that I was falling,    but the LORD helped me. 14   The LORD is my strength and my song;    he has become my salvation.15   Glad songs of salvation    are in the tents of the righteous:  “The right hand of the LORD does valiantly,16     the right hand of the LORD exalts,    the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!” 17   I shall not die, but I shall live,    and recount the deeds of the LORD.18   The LORD has disciplined me severely,    but he has not given me over to death. 19   Open to me the gates of righteousness,    that I may enter through them    and give thanks to the LORD.20   This is the gate of the LORD;    the righteous shall enter through it.21   I thank you that you have answered me    and have become my salvation.22   The stone that the builders rejected    has become the cornerstone.223   This is the LORD's doing;    it is marvelous in our eyes.24   This is the day that the LORD has made;    let us rejoice and be glad in it. 25   Save us, we pray, O LORD!    O LORD, we pray, give us success! 26   Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!    We bless you from the house of the LORD.27   The LORD is God,    and he has made his light to shine upon us.  Bind the festal sacrifice with cords,    up to the horns of the altar! 28   You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;    you are my God; I will extol you.29   Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;    for his steadfast love endures forever! Footnotes [1] 118:13 Hebrew You (that is, the enemy) pushed me hard [2] 118:22 Hebrew the head of the corner (ESV) Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 24:17–22 2 Chronicles 24:17–22 (Listen) 17 Now after the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them. 18 And they abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols. And wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs. 19 Yet he sent prophets among them to bring them back to the LORD. These testified against them, but they would not pay attention. Joash's Treachery 20 Then the Spirit of God clothed Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, and he stood above the people, and said to them, “Thus says God, ‘Why do you break the commandments of the LORD, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, he has forsaken you.'” 21 But they conspired against him, and by command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the LORD. 22 Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father, had shown him, but killed his son. And when he was dying, he said, “May the LORD see and avenge!”1 Footnotes [1] 24:22 Or and require it (ESV) Old Testament: Wisdom 4:7-15 New Testament: Acts 6:1–7 Acts 6:1–7 (Listen) Seven Chosen to Serve 6 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists1 arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers,2 pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. Footnotes [1] 6:1 That is, Greek-speaking Jews [2] 6:3 Or brothers and sisters (ESV) New Testament: Acts 7:59–8:8 Acts 7:59–8:8 (Listen) 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Saul Ravages the Church 8 And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. Philip Proclaims Christ in Samaria 4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city1 of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city. Footnotes [1] 8:5 Some manuscripts a city (ESV)

A new MP3 sermon from Heritage Baptist Church of Frankfort IL is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Weeping Mothers Subtitle: No Sense Christmas Stories Speaker: Keith Betry Broadcaster: Heritage Baptist Church of Frankfort IL Event: Sunday - AM Date: 12/18/2022 Bible: Matthew 2:16-18 Length: 47 min.

Pastor Jim Powell. Prophecy fulfilled: What was the immediate fulfillment/point? What was the ULTIMATE fulfillment/point? What is the present fulfillment/reality for us? Prophecy 1. The threat of evil... preservation 13-15 Prophecy 2. Weeping... joy. 16-18 Prophecy 3. A branch... despised. 19-23

Weeping is real. The weeping of Christmas was real. It's a part of life and God uses it. But Jesus came so that weeping isn't the last word, joy is. Jesus is good news of great joy.

Sermon by Jim Butcher. Recorded at Madison Baptist Church in Madison WV on December 18, 2022

We take another look at this remarkable event which took place in 1972.

Rishi Sunak is on his first visit to Northern Ireland since becoming Prime Minister, meeting party leaders as the political deadlock at Stormont continues. Bloomberg's Morwenna Coniam joins Yuan Potts and Stephen Carroll to discuss. Scotland's government meanwhile has increased its income tax rates, widening the gap with the rest of the UK. We hear from Rodney Jefferson in Edinburgh. Plus: Will Keir Starmer's plans for constitutional reform leave 786 Lords a weeping? Our Opinion columnist Therese Raphael tell us more, and discusses the political dilemma facing the government over the strike by nurses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

[Philippians 4:4] Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Happiness is ___________________ but joy comes from ___________________. [Luke 1:28-31] Gabriel appeared to her and said, "Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!" [29] Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. [30] "Don't be afraid, Mary," the angel told her, "for you have found favor with God! [31] You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. [Luke 1:36-38] What's more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. [37] For nothing is impossible with God." [38] Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true." And then the angel left her. Praising God in the middle of ___________________ times brings joy. [Luke 1:46-48] Mary responded, "Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. [47] How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! [48] For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. Joy gives us the ___________________ we need. [Nehemiah 8:10c] Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!" Don't let the _______________ _______________ your joy. [Psalm 30:5] For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Jesus is the ___________ _________ who can bring us joy. [Luke 2:8-12] That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. [9] Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, [10] but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. [11] The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! [12] And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."

I greet you in Jesus' precious name. It is Wednesday morning, the 14th of December, 2022, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today.Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.Psalm 30:5Then in John 20:15, Jesus said“Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher)."Woman, why are you weeping?". The Lord is saying to you this morning, "Lady, why are you weeping?" "Young man, why are you weeping?"You see, Mary Magdalene was the woman that Jesus cast out seven demons. She was a woman of ill repute. She did not have a very good reputation. She didn't have any friends. She was not regarded by anybody until Jesus Christ came into her life and changed her completely. She must have been having a very sleepless night when the Lord had been put in that tomb, the man who had restored her, the man that had believed in her and given her new life was dead. She loved Him so much. He was everything to her. Yes, she was the first one to go down to the tomb, early in the morning, to go and minister to His body, but when she got there the tomb was empty and the stone had been rolled away. She was so very distraught and sad. She saw a man standing in the garden in the early morning shadows, thinking that He was the gardener, and she asked Him what had been done to the Lord's body. Then she heard that beautiful, rich voice say her name, "Mary!" and she knew it was Jesus.The night of weeping ceased and with much joy, the morning in her life broke forth forever. I want to say to you my dear friend that I believe if you get to Heaven before me, and you look for the most beautiful woman, I believe it will be Mary Magdalene because Jesus has got a habit of taking broken distraught people, people who are weeping, who have lost hope, and making them into new creatures and brand new people. The night of weeping will pass and Jesus will give us new life.Today, just remember He is with us. He will never leave us and He will never forsake us.God bless you and have a wonderful day.Goodbye

Today's Scripture: PSALM 30:4-5 Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. 5 for his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

Luke 2:4-14 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” The message of Jesus is good news, but are you glad about it? Do you have and are you increasing in unforced, grateful joy? The good news of Jesus brings great joy because of its . . . Ability Proximity Accessibility Quantity Longevity Three Internal Diminishers of Joy: Complaining Comparing Coveting Three External Diminishers of Joy: Distraction Disruption Devastation The good news brings great joy not because you are doing great or things are going great, but rather because you have been invited into the presence of the One who is great. Psalm 16:11b You will fill me with joy in your presence. Psalm 51:12a Restore to me the joy of my salvation. Proverbs 10:28a The hope of the righteous ends in gladness. Psalm 30:5b Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.

Today, Robby brings a special discussion of the name Mary and it's significance. Not just during the Christmas season but all year round.

2 Advent First Psalm: Psalm 30; Psalm 32 Psalm 30 (Listen) Joy Comes with the Morning A Psalm of David. A song at the dedication of the temple. 30   I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up    and have not let my foes rejoice over me.2   O LORD my God, I cried to you for help,    and you have healed me.3   O LORD, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;    you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.1 4   Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints,    and give thanks to his holy name.25   For his anger is but for a moment,    and his favor is for a lifetime.3  Weeping may tarry for the night,    but joy comes with the morning. 6   As for me, I said in my prosperity,    “I shall never be moved.”7   By your favor, O LORD,    you made my mountain stand strong;  you hid your face;    I was dismayed. 8   To you, O LORD, I cry,    and to the Lord I plead for mercy:9   “What profit is there in my death,4    if I go down to the pit?5  Will the dust praise you?    Will it tell of your faithfulness?10   Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me!    O LORD, be my helper!” 11   You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;    you have loosed my sackcloth    and clothed me with gladness,12   that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.    O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever! Footnotes [1] 30:3 Or to life, that I should not go down to the pit [2] 30:4 Hebrew to the memorial of his holiness (see Exodus 3:15) [3] 30:5 Or and in his favor is life [4] 30:9 Hebrew in my blood [5] 30:9 Or to corruption (ESV) Psalm 32 (Listen) Blessed Are the Forgiven A Maskil1 of David. 32   Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,    whose sin is covered.2   Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity,    and in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3   For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away    through my groaning all day long.4   For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;    my strength was dried up2 as by the heat of summer. Selah 5   I acknowledged my sin to you,    and I did not cover my iniquity;  I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”    and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah 6   Therefore let everyone who is godly    offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;  surely in the rush of great waters,    they shall not reach him.7   You are a hiding place for me;    you preserve me from trouble;    you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah 8   I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;    I will counsel you with my eye upon you.9   Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,    which must be curbed with bit and bridle,    or it will not stay near you. 10   Many are the sorrows of the wicked,    but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.11   Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous,    and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! Footnotes [1] 32:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term [2] 32:4 Hebrew my vitality was changed (ESV) Second Psalm: Psalms 42–43 Psalms 42–43 (Listen) Book Two Why Are You Cast Down, O My Soul? To the choirmaster. A Maskil1 of the Sons of Korah. 42   As a deer pants for flowing streams,    so pants my soul for you, O God.2   My soul thirsts for God,    for the living God.  When shall I come and appear before God?23   My tears have been my food    day and night,  while they say to me all the day long,    “Where is your God?”4   These things I remember,    as I pour out my soul:  how I would go with the throng    and lead them in procession to the house of God  with glad shouts and songs of praise,    a multitude keeping festival. 5   Why are you cast down, O my soul,    and why are you in turmoil within me?  Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,    my salvation3 6 and my God.   My soul is cast down within me;    therefore I remember you  from the land of Jordan and of Hermon,    from Mount Mizar.7   Deep calls to deep    at the roar of your waterfalls;  all your breakers and your waves    have gone over me.8   By day the LORD commands his steadfast love,    and at night his song is with me,    a prayer to the God of my life.9   I say to God, my rock:    “Why have you forgotten me?  Why do I go mourning    because of the oppression of the enemy?”10   As with a deadly wound in my bones,    my adversaries taunt me,  while they say to me all the day long,    “Where is your God?” 11   Why are you cast down, O my soul,    and why are you in turmoil within me?  Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,    my salvation and my God. Send Out Your Light and Your Truth 43   Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause    against an ungodly people,  from the deceitful and unjust man    deliver me!2   For you are the God in whom I take refuge;    why have you rejected me?  Why do I go about mourning    because of the oppression of the enemy? 3   Send out your light and your truth;    let them lead me;  let them bring me to your holy hill    and to your dwelling!4   Then I will go to the altar of God,    to God my exceeding joy,  and I will praise you with the lyre,    O God, my God. 5   Why are you cast down, O my soul,    and why are you in turmoil within me?  Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,    my salvation and my God. Footnotes [1] 42:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term [2] 42:2 Revocalization yields and see the face of God [3] 42:5 Hebrew the salvation of my face; also verse 11 and 43:5 (ESV) Old Testament: Isaiah 8:1–15 Isaiah 8:1–15 (Listen) The Coming Assyrian Invasion 8 Then the LORD said to me, “Take a large tablet and write on it in common characters,1 ‘Belonging to Maher-shalal-hash-baz.'2 2 And I will get reliable witnesses, Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah, to attest for me.” 3 And I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the LORD said to me, “Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz; 4 for before the boy knows how to cry ‘My father' or ‘My mother,' the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria.” 5 The LORD spoke to me again: 6 “Because this people has refused the waters of Shiloah that flow gently, and rejoice over Rezin and the son of Remaliah, 7 therefore, behold, the Lord is bringing up against them the waters of the River,3 mighty and many, the king of Assyria and all his glory. And it will rise over all its channels and go over all its banks, 8 and it will sweep on into Judah, it will overflow and pass on, reaching even to the neck, and its outspread wings will fill the breadth of your land, O Immanuel.” 9   Be broken,4 you peoples, and be shattered;5    give ear, all you far countries;  strap on your armor and be shattered;    strap on your armor and be shattered.10   Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing;    speak a word, but it will not stand,    for God is with us.6 Fear God, Wait for the Lord 11 For the LORD spoke thus to me with his strong hand upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people, saying: 12 “Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. 13 But the LORD of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. 14 And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15 And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken.” Footnotes [1] 8:1 Hebrew with a man's stylus [2] 8:1 Maher-shalal-hash-baz means The spoil speeds, the prey hastens [3] 8:7 That is, the Euphrates [4] 8:9 Or Be evil [5] 8:9 Or dismayed [6] 8:10 The Hebrew for God is with us is Immanuel (ESV) New Testament: 2 Thessalonians 3:6–18 2 Thessalonians 3:6–18 (Listen) Warning Against Idleness 6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.1 13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. Benediction 16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Footnotes [1] 3:12 Greek to eat their own bread (ESV) Gospel: Luke 22:31–38 Luke 22:31–38 (Listen) Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial 31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you,1 that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter2 said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus3 said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” Scripture Must Be Fulfilled in Jesus 35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.' For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” 38 And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.” Footnotes [1] 22:31 The Greek word for you (twice in this verse) is plural; in verse 32, all four instances are singular [2] 22:33 Greek He [3] 22:34 Greek He (ESV)

If you've ever had to make a marathon drive over a long distance, or if you just wanted to squeeze every possible hour out of your vacation, you know what it's like to drive all night probably. If you're a long-haul truck driver, pushing through the night, that could well be a way of life for you. For me, that last hour or two before dawn, oh, man, that's tough. That's when you turn on the most obnoxious radio station you can find and you blast it. That's when you start doing aerobic workouts behind the wheel. It's when you roll down the window in spite of the 30-below wind chill and the hurricane force winds. What makes the last hours of the night particularly challenging is the truth of that old clich�, "It's always darkest before the dawn." It usually is the darkest time, right when the night is seeming to be the very longest. Then suddenly, you start to see that glow on the horizon. The glow gets steadily brighter, and it starts radiating light across more and more of the dark sky. And then, there it is - the sunrise! Hallelujah, the long night is over! Just when it felt like it was never going to end! I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Good News About Your Dark Time." That's what time it might be in your life right now. It's been a long drive - a long night. It feels as if it's been dark forever, doesn't it? In fact, it just got even darker. This is as bad as it's ever been. You're fighting hard to keep driving, especially when you feel like just giving up on the trip. But God wants to put a little glow in your dark sky right now. If it's getting darker, that means sunrise is coming soon! God has given you His word and this promise: "Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5). It's no secret that I like pictures of spiritual truth. And Jesus gives us a wonderful real-life picture of this "darkest before the dawn" truth in our word for today from the Word of God in Luke 5, beginning with verse 4. Simon, who is a veteran fisherman, has been unsuccessful in his fishing expedition on the Sea of Galilee. He's back in port, cleaning his nets when Jesus asks to use his boat as a pulpit. Then, Jesus "said to Simon, 'Put out into the deep water and let down the nets for a catch.' Simon answered, 'Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.'" Well, it may be daytime, but it's dark time for Simon. He's done everything that his great ability and his vast experience know how to do in order to bring in a catch. And all his efforts to succeed, to change the situation? They've failed. Sound familiar at all? He is, in fact, accepting failure and, at least for the time being, giving up. It's dark. But the light is just about to dawn. The story concludes: "When they had done so (that is, let down the nets), they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break." The most amazing catch of Simon's life! Now, here's the principle of how Jesus works. A night of failure often sets the stage for a day of fantastic results if you don't give up; if you keep fighting under the orders of Captain Jesus. So, as Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap if we do not give up." God uses the long dark night to accomplish some important spiritual changes. He wants us to have those times when no human answers, no human consolation, no human heroes; no human efforts can change things. He's bringing you to the end of what you can do; the end of anything you can even think of doing. Because that's the beginning of the things only God can do. First, He has to get us out of the way.

Who said that ALL things work together for the good?  What does that mean for you?  Has it been misquoted?  Has it been used out of context?   A friends mother died. Another friends mom just had heart surgery while fighting cancer- the son is taking care of her in his late fifties. A well known local just died. One of my deacons just got a kidney and is doing great One of my groomsman's wife of 37 years has colon cancer My old bosses kid just got a full ride to college A clergyman I know is contemplating moving out of his house away from his wife. Someone is celebrating 30 plus years of marriage Another is sad for being alone Someone else misses their mother who died a few years ago this time of the year.   My wife celebrates her birthday and goes back and forth between being her old self and a patient.  Last year she was in a coma.  She is scheduled for a new surgery in two weeks.  No one knows what will happen when the go back into her head.  She'll probably be dancing by new years.   If you like the speak life church podcast, please share a link with some one and ask them to subscribe.   Also it would be much appreciated if you prayed for me. I've been going through some stuff lately.  I've been sorting out thoughts, life choices, and listening to the pains and struggles of others.  It can wear you down.  And it is supposed to.  I realized today that it is the struggle that makes you better.  It is adversity that is your friend.  Trouble in your life can be good.  Thanks to all that have heard me moaning, complaining and gave me comfort.  I am not ok  but I have a better understanding of stuff.    Romans 8:28 can suck. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.    You remember when I said that the Lord will put more on you than you can handle right?  OH YEAH, in case you missed it. Let me remind you.  You might get hit by a mack truck.  You won't be able to handle it.  You might die.  You might live but walk funny.  Doesn't seem right does it?  Romans 8:28.  How is that going to work for good? But our God is more powerful than all the forces of evil and all the rotten things that happen in our lives.  God took death itself and used it to redeem all of humanity.  He reached down into the depths of our brokenness and began the restoration process. God is taking all of creation, even the broken stuff, and renewing and redeeming it.   And so, we should not take Romans 8:28 and use it to try to console ourselves, or others, that any trials or tragedies will ultimately result in success, that God will turn things around, or that even failures and losses are somehow “good.”   Rather, we should focus on the more important truth that God is bigger than all our tragedies, all our losses and our failures.  Evil doesn't win. In fact, in Christ's death and resurrection, God enter into our brokenness and he redeemed the whole of it. It is in this way that I think that Romans 8:28 reminds us that all things will be worked out for our good Paul has been describing the life of Christians on this side of heaven as one of groaning as we long to escape the suffering of this life and to be with our Father God in person (Romans 8:18–23). We wait in the sure hope of the day our bodies will be resurrected and we will share in God's glory (Romans 8:24–25). What about all the hard things that come along while we are waiting? Paul seems to offer the promise of this verse as a comfort for us.   Crucially, though, this promise is limited to "those who love God," and "those who are called according to His purpose." In short, that means the promise is for Christians: for saved believers, who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ (John 3:16–18; 14:6; Romans 3:26). No matter our feelings on a given day, loving God is part of what it means to live in Christ. That's who we are. Each of us is also called to fulfill God's purposes. In other words, this verse cannot rightly be applied to non-Christians. Those who reject God do not express their love for God by coming to Him through faith in Jesus. For those who die without Christ, things will not have worked out for the better; they will have rejected the opportunity to take advantage of this promise (John 3:36). What is the promise? That, for those who are saved, all things will indeed work together for good. "All things" should be taken to mean each and every circumstance one might experience, even pain or suffering. "Work," or "work together," must be understood in light of God taking action in the world. He is the one who causes all things to work together or, perhaps, works in and through all circumstances toward a specific end. What is that end? "Good." The word "good" does not necessarily mean happy or painless or financially successful or our idea of the best possible outcome on any given day. God's ultimate good for us is to glorify us in eternity (Revelation 21:1–4). Beyond that, God works in and through us toward an ultimate good that serves His purpose for the universe. The comfort of the verse is that nothing in this life of waiting and suffering is wasted. It is all meaningful for those in Christ, even if that doesn't diminish our pain in the moment. And now lets talk about you and me. Stuff has happened.  You are going through.  Our bodies were made to adapt to stressors.  Fight or flight.  If you are in a hot climate, you sweat.  If you walk in the snow, you will get big quadriceps.  Big muscular legs.  If you work in the sun you will get tan or burn.    Life also does a number on you.  And you have a choice.  You always have a choice.  You don't have a choice of what happens to you, you have a choice of how you are going to react.  Is what just happened going to take me out or can I keep going?  It's sink or swim.  Live or Die.  Stand on your feet or live on your knees.  In nature, animals don't have a choice.  Some become food for a predator as soon as they are born.  You do.  We tend to think as soon as I get this I'll be alright.  And after you get that “thing” you find out that you are still not alright.  It is the hunger, the struggle, the need to adapt that keeps you younger, stronger, and happier.  We get more done before we go on vacation than we do afterwards.  We tell everyone about the trip and we clean the whole house in anticipation for the great trip.  The trip rarely is as great as we thought it was going to be.  You are left wanting. The person that obtains the big house, the great car and the money is often dissatisfied because they didn't enjoy the journey.  The kids that grow up in that house don't gain the desire to hustle and live mediocre lives where money is not their problem but they have plenty of them.  When you are fighting, you are goal oriented.  You are more focused.  You are involved.  What happens to the undisputed heavy champ of the world?  He usually gets fat and is beat up by a unknown “Rocky” that has nothing to lose.  I have traveled all over the world and I have partied with the rich and the poor.  The poor had more fun.  The parties were longer, the laugh genuine and food tastier.  What happens to the retiree that after thirty years of working like slave, finally gets to sit on his porch?  He has a heart attack and dies.  It seems unfair.  Who said life was fair? Life is a struggle.  Death is the absence of stress.  No bill collectors in the cemetery.  No one fighting with the Jones in there.  If you are going through something, and I know you are, because we are all either in trouble, just coming out of trouble or headed toward trouble don't sweat it.  It is not the end.  As long as you have life you have a chance and a choice.  Warren Buffet is a rich dude right?  But I heard he is not leaving his wealth to his kids.  Sounds hard right.  Sounds like pops is evil.  But I challenge you to think what if that was the greatest act of love he could do?  It will make them struggle.  It will make them fight.  It will make them stronger.  You ever seen a kid with a silver spoon.  Rich kids are some of the most jacked up kids you could ever find.  Some of our kids are going to be like that because they have never had to sell lemonade, cut grass, work for their allowance money.  They will become that little alien character from Area 51.  Pale white, large eyes and long fingers.  They are frail, can't stand the sun, have big eyes from playing video games and watching video, long fingers from texting.  But no muscle mass, small delicate things.  Nasty little creatures.  Look at all the trust fund babies.  Boring.  Look at all the stars that should have it going on, and they are miserable.  Look at what happens to people that win the lottery.  It's not the money.  Its not the fame.  It's the inability to adapt to the struggle.  Whatever doesn't kill you can make you stronger to paraphrase the atheist Frederich Nietche.  Our muscles grow by stress.  You want big arms, you have lift big weight.  You want endurance; you have to do a lot of repetitions.  Our whole being is a muscle.  No matter what you are going through, don't quit.  Don't stop believing in yourself.  You can make it.  You just have to go one more round.  Once you get to the top of the mountain, come on back down and find another.  If you have fallen, get up, rest and go again.  For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?  Matt 16:26 My God doesn't make mistakes.  My God doesn't make junk.  You were born in adversity.  Keep swimming upstream.  Because when you stop, either the bear will get you in the shallows, or you just die.  He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?  Romans 8:32 Keep striving.  Stay in the fight.  Stay in the struggle.  It's not over, till its over.  No more pity parties for me.  I think I understand now.  I think I get it.  I wrote down these words for myself for the times when I forget.  Frederick Douglass said if there is no struggle there is no progress.  Don't worry about what you don't get.  Don't worry what others have.  Don't compare yourself with anyone.  You are unique.  You are the only you there is ever going to be.  And its not over till your head hits the dirt.  That's my epiphany.  That is my understanding.  Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.  Keep praying.  Keep striving.  Keep on trucking baby. Thank you for listening, downloading and supporting the Speak Life Church and this podcast.        https://giv.li/p2nj61 Zelle  - pastor@SpeakLifeChurch.net https://www.patreon.com/speaklifechurchpodcast You can support the ministry by check or money order by sending it to Speak Life Church, 14713 Kent Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Rev. Kenn Blanchard  Kenn.blanchard@gmail.com pastor@speaklifechurch.net  240-200-0713    

HistoriKC Fest Historical Board Game Awards Games on the Shelf 04:45 Swords Around the Throne La Guerra de la Triple Alianza - War of the Triple Alliance  Books on the Shelf 09:30 Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941–1942 Ian W. Toll The Earth is Weeping by Peter Cozzens Crusaders by Dan Jones The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor by Jake Tapper Games on the Table 17:05 Next War: Poland Donnerschlag: Escape from Stalingrad Reds! Flashpoint: South China Sea Arracourt A Greater Victory: South Mountain, September 14, 1862 John Company 2nd Edition 2nd Fleet 35:20 Setting Series Overview Thoughts Recommended Reading/Drinking Every Wargame Ever 01:08:15 History on the Table Discord Top 20 of 2022 1:14:55 Other Stuff 1:40:15 Legion Phalanx Newsletter RPGs Comments, questions or concerns can be sent to: historytablepodcast@gmail.com  Twitter: @HistoryTablePod - @trippeerjr   Links of Note Discord: https://discord.gg/2wz8sdsbwN https://tabletop.events/conventions/historikc-fest-2023 https://historyonthetable.com/ https://history-on-the-table.creator-spring.com/ https://www.patreon.com/HistoryTable https://www.facebook.com/groups/historytable  https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/254369/definitive-ranking-every-wargame

This is a devotional taken from "Daily Devotions from the Psalms" written by Rev. John A. Heys, and published by the Reformed Book Outlet in Hudsonville, Michigan. Rev. Heys studied in the Protestant Reformed Seminary under the instruction of Herman Hoeksema and George M. Ophoff. He was ordained to the ministry of the Word, and installed as pastor, in Hope Protestant Reformed Church in Walker, Michigan in 1941. He served consecutively, and under the blessing of God effectively, three other Protestant Reformed churches, till his emeritation in 1980. In his 'retirement' he continued to be of service to the churches, and evidence of which is this set of daily devotions, one for each day of the year, published originally some 25 years ago by the Men's Society of Hudsonville (MI) Protestant Reformed Church, and reprinted here for the spiritual benefit of readers old and new. Scripture passages quoted by Rev. Heys are from the King James Version of the Bible, and the versification of the Psalms to which he refers are from the 1912 edition of the Psalter. May these brief meditations of Rev. Heys serve for the edification of the reader, as they also deepen his appreciation for the psalms-those "immortal songs of the Holy Spirit, those matchless hymns of the Bible which...with their measured language of religious feeling and devotion will abide until the end" (preface to the 1912 Psalter). Reformed Book Outlet Website: www.reformedbookoutlet.com Psalm Choir YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/prpsalmchoir

On this episode we read a few listener stories and we we get right into our topic weeping spirits. go follow us on instagram @unsolvedreservationmysteries and on facebook. don't forget to subscribe to our youtube channel and follow us on tiktok @reservation_mysteries

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