Podcasts about yet god

This week, we'll be studying 2 Peter 1:12-21 under the theme “Don't Forget What You Know.” We tend to think spiritual growth means learning something new, but Peter reminds us that God often preserves and strengthens faith by bringing us back to the truths we already know—the reliable Word that keeps Christ before us.Series Summary: In a confusing and compromised world, you don't drift into faithfulness — you fight for it. The apostle Peter knew that believers are constantly tempted to forget what they know, become distracted by false ideas, and grow spiritually dull. Yet God has given us everything we need to stand firm in Christ. In this series, "Stay Sharp," we'll rediscover the truth that strengthens our faith, exposes deception, renews our hope, and keeps us watchful until the day Jesus returns.Fill out our online connection cardHow can we pray for you? If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.

Welcome to The Daily. Partner with us in Project23. Grab your Hosea Scripture Journal. Our text today is Hosea 11:2-3: The more they were called, the more they went away; they kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them. — Hosea 11:2-3 One of the strangest things about human nature is how quickly we forget who carried us. "The more they were called, the more they went away." God kept pursuing His people, and they kept running. He called them, protected them, provided for them, healed them, and sustained them. Yet instead of turning toward Him, they credited someone—or something—else. People pray desperately when life falls apart. But when success comes, they quietly credit their effort, strategy, intelligence, discipline, or luck. We often explain away the hand of God because self-explanation feels easier than surrender. This is what I would call functional atheism. Functional atheism is when someone says they believe in God but lives as though everything ultimately depends on themselves. We work hard and forget who gave us the ability. We build something meaningful and forget who opened the door. We survive a painful season and forget who carried us through it. Sometimes we even resent the very moments God used to save us from ourselves. I have experienced that personally. Some of the seasons I disliked most—moments of frustration, limitation, discipline, redirection, or pain—were actually moments where God was protecting me. At the time, I wanted God to remove the challenge. Looking back, I can see He was carrying me through something I could not yet understand. That is the image in this verse. A father teaching his child to walk. Holding him under the arms. Steadying shaky steps. Or even a wounded son learning to walk again after injury, leaning fully on the strength of his father. And Hosea says, "They did not know that I healed them." That may be one of the most heartbreaking lines in the chapter. The Father was healing while they went on, ignoring him. We have all done this. We are constantly too distracted, self-focused, hurried, or emotionally numb to notice the quiet grace of God holding our lives together. Then, when life goes wrong, we blame Him. But when life goes right, we take the credit. Yet God keeps taking us up by our arms. That is the compassion of God. So maybe today is not just about gratitude. Maybe it is about surrender. Slow down long enough to notice where God has carried you. Look back at the closed doors, the painful seasons, the frustrations, the discipline, and even the losses. You may discover that God was protecting you far more than punishing you. And instead of taking credit for surviving, succeeding, or enduring, surrender the glory back to Him. Because the God who carried you this far is still carrying you right now. DO THIS: Take ten quiet minutes today and write down three moments where you now realize God was protecting, guiding, or carrying you—even when you did not understand it at the time. ASK THIS: Where have I taken credit for what God sustained? How have I practiced functional atheism in my daily life? What difficult season might God have used to protect me from myself? PRAY THIS: Father, forgive me for the times I ignored your care while taking credit for what you sustained. Open my eyes to your grace, teach me to trust your leading, and help me surrender fully to you today. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Come Jesus Come"

Has God ever seemed unreliable when you need him most? That's how the prophet Jeremiah felt. Yet God answered by putting His own name behind a promise to protect, rescue, and redeem him. And God is still faithfully keeping that promise to us.

Send us your feedback — we're listeningPsalm 119:105 — Your Word Is a Lamp for My Feet Live from London, England — where faith meets the world in daily prayer and global hope. Adelaide • Queenstown • Singapore • Denver • Montevideo GUIDANCE • WISDOM • CONFIDENCE Good evening, and welcome to DailyPrayer.uk. I'm Reverend Ben Cooper. As this Saturday begins to draw towards its close, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the path we have walked today and thinking about the days ahead. If you are looking for direction, wondering about an important decision or simply asking God to lead your next step, this time of prayer is for you. There are moments when we wish we could see the whole road stretching out before us. We long for every question to be answered and every uncertainty to disappear. Yet God, in His wisdom, so often leads us one faithful step at a time. He does not ask us to understand everything before we trust Him. Instead, He invites us to stay close to Him, knowing that His Word will always provide the light we need for today.  Psalm 119:105 (NIV) “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” What a comforting promise for every season of life. The Lord's Word does not overwhelm us with everything that lies ahead. It gently illuminates the next step, reminding us that His guidance is always timely, His wisdom is always trustworthy and His presence never leaves us. As we continue this evening, we can walk forward with quiet confidence, not because we know every answer, but because we know the One who faithfully leads His children. So today, let's gently remind ourselves that fear will not win, because God's Word continues to shine with hope, truth and direction for every step we take. Father, thank You for Your living Word that continues to guide us with wisdom and truth. Thank You that You never leave us to find our own way. Lord Jesus, lead every listener this evening. Give wisdom to those making important decisions, courage to those standing at new beginnings, patience to those waiting for answers and steady faith to those taking the next step with You. Holy Spirit, help us to listen carefully, to recognise Your gentle leading and to walk each day with humble hearts that are willing to follow wherever You guide. Across the world, from Adelaide to Queenstown, from Singapore to Denver and Montevideo, may every listener walk into tomorrow with confidence, knowing that God's faithful Word will continue to light their path. Jesús, guía hoy mis pasos con Tu verdad y Tu luz. Jesus, guia hoje os meus passos com a Tua verdade e a Tua luz. Jesus, gabayan Mo ang bawat hakbang ko sa Iyong katotohanan at liwanag. Amen. Psalm 119 prayer, Christian evening prayer, God's guidance, God's Word, daily devotional prayer, wisdom, direction, faith Christian prayer for guidance, Psalm 119:105 devotional, God's Word lights our path, trusting God one step at a time. Continue Your Journey If today's prayer has encouraged your heart, continue your journey through the DailyPrayer.uk prayer library. Discover hundreds of five-minute prayers for hope, healing, courage, peace and everyday encouragement, helping you walk closely with Jesus every day.Support the showDaily Prayer with Reverend Ben Cooper now reaches 185 countries and 3,012 cities worldwide through the Global Blend Radio network.This is a listener-funded global ministry. If these daily prayers strengthen your faith or help you through difficult seasons, would you consider becoming a monthly prayer partner for just £3 per month?Your support enables us to continue recording, hosting, and broadcasting daily biblical encouragement across the nations — keeping this ministry free and accessible to everyone who needs it.You can support today at GlobalBlendRadio.comTogether, we can keep prayer moving across the world.To submit a prayer request or connect with our global prayer community, visit DailyPrayer.ukBuy me a Coffee 

Pastor Jack Morris reminds us that the Christian life is a journey. Along the way there will be valleys, disappointments, and seasons when our faith is tested. Yet God's Word calls us to keep looking forward with confidence, trusting that He is faithful to fulfill His promises. If you've been waiting for God to move in your life, today's message is filled with hope and encouragement. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1528/29?v=20251111

SWEET MELODIES with Adefunke Ohahuna – Season 2, Episode 9 Can a person's words destroy a life? Can deception wear the mask of kindness? And how can believers protect themselves from the subtle traps of hypocrisy in these last days? In this eye-opening episode of SWEET MELODIES with Adefunke Ohahuna, we continue our enriching study through Proverbs Chapter 11, focusing on Proverbs 11:9: "An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. (KJV) This verse reveals a timeless spiritual reality: while hypocrisy destroys through deceitful speech, the knowledge of God rescues, strengthens, and preserves those who walk in righteousness. Drawing from the tragic account of Naboth's vineyard (1 Kings 21), this study exposes how greed, false accusations, and manipulative words can devastate lives. Queen Jezebel's carefully orchestrated deception demonstrates that hypocrisy rarely appears as open hostility, it often disguises itself as honor, friendship, concern, or religion. Yet God, who sees every hidden motive, ultimately vindicates the righteous and judges wickedness. Adefunke Ohahuna also explores the rich Hebrew meanings behind key words in the passage, including "hypocrite," "mouth," "destroy," "neighbor," "knowledge," "just," and "delivered." These word studies uncover the depth of Scripture and reveal why genuine knowledge of God's Word is the believer's greatest defense against deception. This episode also examines several biblical examples that illustrate both the destructive power of hypocrisy and the preserving power of divine wisdom, including: * Doeg the Edomite * Naboth and Jezebel * The Scribes and Pharisees * Daniel and the wise men * Esther's deliverance * Jesus and the woman caught in adultery As the study unfolds, you'll discover why hypocrisy is more than pretending, it is a dangerous corruption of character that weaponizes speech, damages relationships, destroys reputations, and weakens the witness of God's people. You'll also learn why revelation knowledge, intimacy with God, and a pure heart remain the believer's strongest safeguard against false teachers, deception, and spiritual compromise. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why hypocrisy is one of the most destructive sins in Scripture. • How Jezebel's conspiracy against Naboth perfectly illustrates Proverbs 11:9. • The biblical meaning of hypocrisy from the Hebrew Scriptures. • Why words can become either instruments of healing or weapons of destruction. • How the knowledge of God's Word exposes deception and delivers the righteous. • Practical ways to discern false appearances and avoid spiritual manipulation. • Why integrity matters more than image. • How believers can guard their hearts, tongues, relationships, and spiritual inheritance in an age of increasing deception. This episode concludes with heartfelt prayers for integrity, discernment, truthful speech, righteous leadership, protection from false accusations, healing from division, and a deeper commitment to living according to God's truth. If you've ever struggled with betrayal, gossip, false accusations, religious pretense, or the challenge of discerning truth from deception, this study will strengthen your faith and remind you that God's knowledge remains the sure path to freedom. Listen, subscribe, and share this episode with your family, friends, church, and Bible study groups. Together, let's cultivate lives marked by sincerity, truth, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to Christ. Additional References: 1 Kings 21 • 1 Samuel 21–22 • Daniel 2 • Esther 3–7 • Matthew 23 • Proverbs 18:21 • Romans 16:17–19 • 1 Timothy 4:1–5 • Numbers 36:9 #SweetMelodies #AdefunkeOhahuna #Proverbs11 #Hypocrisy #Integrity #BiblicalWisdom #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #KnowledgeOfGod #Truth #Discernment #Faith #GRACELIFECOMI #ChristianLiving #ScriptureStudy

Send us your feedback — we're listeningPsalm 103:13–14 — The Lord Has Compassion on His Children Live from London, England — where faith meets the world in daily prayer and global hope. Adelaide • Queenstown • Singapore • Denver • Montevideo COMPASSION • COMFORT • GRACE Good evening, and welcome to DailyPrayer.uk. I'm Reverend Ben Cooper. As this day begins to draw towards its close, let's take a few quiet moments together to rest in the truth that our heavenly Father knows us completely and loves us deeply. There are times when we expect too much of ourselves. We become frustrated by our weaknesses, disappointed by our limitations or weary from trying to carry more than we were ever meant to bear. Yet God does not look upon us with impatience or disappointment. He looks upon us with the tender compassion of a loving Father who understands exactly who we are and remembers our deepest need for His grace.  Psalm 103:13–14 (NIV) “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” What a comforting truth for this evening. Our heavenly Father knows every part of our lives—our victories, our struggles, our questions and our weariness. Nothing surprises Him, and nothing causes Him to withdraw His love. Instead, His compassion meets us with mercy, His grace lifts us gently and His faithful care reminds us that we are never facing life alone. So tonight, let's gently remind ourselves that fear will not win, because Jesus Christ lovingly understands our weakness and faithfully surrounds us with His compassion every single day. Father, thank You for Your patient love and Your compassionate heart. Thank You that You know us completely and continue to receive us with mercy and kindness. Lord Jesus, bless every listener this evening. Bring healing to those who are unwell, comfort to those who feel burdened, renewed strength to those who have grown weary and quiet assurance to everyone who needs to know Your loving care. Help us rest tonight in the certainty of Your compassion. Holy Spirit, remind us that we are deeply loved, strengthen us with Your gentle presence and help us extend the same compassion to those around us. Across the world, from Adelaide to Queenstown, from Singapore to Denver and Montevideo, may every listener finish this day resting in the compassionate love of the Father, revealed perfectly through Jesus Christ. Jesús, gracias por conocerme y amarme con tanta compasión. Jesus, obrigado por me conheceres e me amares com tanta compaixão. Jesus, salamat dahil lubos Mo akong kilala at minamahal nang may habag. Amen. Psalm 103 prayer, Christian evening prayer, God's compassion, daily devotional prayer, grace, comfort, Father's love, hope in Christ Christian evening prayer for comfort, Psalm 103:13 devotional, God's compassion for His children, resting in the love of Jesus Christ. Continue Your Journey If today's prayer has encouraged your heart, continue your journey through the DailyPrayer.uk prayer library. Discover hundreds of five-minute prayers for hope, healing, courage, peace and restful sleep, helping you continue walking with Jesus every day.Support the showDaily Prayer with Reverend Ben Cooper now reaches 185 countries and 3,012 cities worldwide through the Global Blend Radio network.This is a listener-funded global ministry. If these daily prayers strengthen your faith or help you through difficult seasons, would you consider becoming a monthly prayer partner for just £3 per month?Your support enables us to continue recording, hosting, and broadcasting daily biblical encouragement across the nations — keeping this ministry free and accessible to everyone who needs it.You can support today at GlobalBlendRadio.comTogether, we can keep prayer moving across the world.To submit a prayer request or connect with our global prayer community, visit DailyPrayer.ukBuy me a Coffee 

Today's Promise: Ephesians 3:19 Have you ever wondered if you could truly grasp how much God loves you? The truth is, His love is greater than your mind can comprehend. It stretches farther than you can imagine and reaches deeper than you will ever explore. Yet God invites you to experience that love every single day.   In this episode, we look at Ephesians 3:19 and discover God's promise that you can know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge and be filled with all the fullness of God. As you experience His limitless love, His presence becomes more evident in your life, bringing strength, peace, and confidence for each new day.   Join me as we explore this incredible promise together. No matter where you are on your journey with Christ, there is always more of His love to discover and more of His fullness to experience.

This powerful message challenges us to confront a sobering reality: we must not die with our destiny still locked inside us. Drawing from Moses' journey in Deuteronomy and Exodus, we're reminded that setbacks don't disqualify us from God's calling—they often prepare us for it. Moses knew he was called to be Israel's deliverer, but a mistake in timing led to 40 years of exile. Yet God never canceled his assignment. The burning bush moment reveals something profound: God cares more about who we're becoming than the promise itself. He's working on our character through the process. We learn that our response is our faith, and diligence—not just belief—is what eradicates time and moves us toward destiny. The message confronts our tendency to identify with past failures rather than our identity in Christ. When Moses asked 'Who am I?' at the burning bush, he was suffering from an identity crisis caused by his setback. But God introduced him as the deliverer he'd always called him to be. The revolutionary truth? Our setbacks cannot cancel our calling. What we've been through hasn't disqualified us—it's likely qualified us even more. We must stop allowing temporary setbacks to become permanent identities and start declaring 'I am' statements rooted in who God says we are. We pray this message blesses you and gives you the strength you need to do and be all that God has called you to do and be! Leave a comment below letting us know how this message impacted you today, we'd love to chat with you! #RelevantChurch #ElevateConference2026 #PastorChrisSarno -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ways to Give: Text to Give: Text your amount to 888-364-4483 Online Giving: Visit our website http://www.relevantfl.org/giving to give via debit, credit, or ACH Mail It In: Send gift Via USPS to 920 Beville Rd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay Connected: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @RelevantChurch Relevant Church Website: https://www.relevantfl.org/ Relevant Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevant_fl/ Relevant Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RelevantFL Relevant Church TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relevant_fl?_t=8mNFjdYMYoh&_r=1 Relevant Church App: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1615804850?fbclid=IwAR3aHqo_6kr8Tzd_JK6xihjfJkVk6j7-iqITDj1u1wFicDLn6g6C29gL3LY Rkidz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rkidzfl Relevant Youth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevantflyouth/ Relevant Church Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6nUtPIkecEehfstUWWPIVU?si=QBMEtu85SyuU3FxRM1X7lg&nd=1 Pastor Chris Sarno's Website: https://www.chrissarno.tv/ Chris Sarno App: http://www.chrissarno.tv/app -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripture References: John 6:5-9 Deuteronomy 31:4 Deuteronomy 34:1-4 Exodus 2:11-14 Exodus 3:2-4 Exodus 3:11 Exodus 3:14 Psalm 106:32-33 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 Malachi 3:10 Romans 10:9 Psalm 37:25 2 Corinthians 5:17 Mark 11:23 Philippians 3:13-14 Romans 8:37 Ephesians 2:10 Colossians 2:10 Ephesians 1:6 Ephesians 2:6 2 Corinthians 5:21 Deuteronomy 28:13 Matthew 5:10 Matthew 5:44 2 Kings 13:21 2 Timothy 4:6 Romans 11:29 Isaiah 43:2 Genesis 6-9 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday, July 15th 2026 Pastor Chris Sarno Relevant Church Elevate Conference 2026 | Night One | Relevant Church | Pastor Chris Sarno

When the world around us seems to be getting more and more godless, we may wonder how we can stand on our biblical principles, much less let our Jesus-light shine in an obvious way. Do we have what it takes to grow in our discipleship when we feel so weak? Through Peter, in his Second Epistle, God says, "Yes, because I've already given you everything you need!"Series Summary: In a confusing and compromised world, you don't drift into faithfulness — you fight for it. The apostle Peter knew that believers are constantly tempted to forget what they know, become distracted by false ideas, and grow spiritually dull. Yet God has given us everything we need to stand firm in Christ. In this series, "Stay Sharp," we'll rediscover the truth that strengthens our faith, exposes deception, renews our hope, and keeps us watchful until the day Jesus returns.Fill out our online connection cardHow can we pray for you? If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.

This exploration of Genesis 25 challenges us to examine what we're trading for temporary satisfaction. The story of Jacob and Esau reveals deep seeded human nature: we often exchange eternal promises for immediate gratification, just as Esau traded his birthright for a bowl of stew. The narrative shows us two troubling patterns we can fall into—either becoming like Jacob, manipulating and deceiving our way toward God's promises instead of trusting His timing, or like Esau, despising our spiritual inheritance because we're too focused on meeting our immediate needs. The message confronts our modern obsession with instant gratification, where everything must be microwaveable and immediate. Yet God's promises require patience, faith, and trust. Isaac waited twenty years for the promise of children, while Esau couldn't wait twenty minutes for food. This contrast reveals the heart of our spiritual struggle: will we seek first God's kingdom and righteousness, allowing all other things to be added, or will we chase after the added things and lose both the promise and lasting satisfaction? 6/26 6/26Join us for service live every Sunday at 10am at 5600 Route 34 | Oswego, IL 60543. You can expect passionate worship and a deep love for God's Word.  Connect with us at our website www.hopeucchicago.com

Send us your feedback — we're listeningIsaiah 41:10 — Do Not Fear, I Am With You Live from London, England — where faith meets the world in daily prayer and global hope Perth • Christchurch • Singapore • Nashville • Rio de Janeiro COURAGE • STRENGTH • GOD'S PRESENCE Good morning, and welcome to DailyPrayer.uk. I'm Reverend Ben Cooper. Thank you for joining me as we begin another day together. Wherever you are in the world, let's pause, open God's Word and place this day into His hands. There are mornings when the weight of responsibility seems to arrive before we have even taken our first step. Our minds begin planning, our hearts begin carrying concerns and the demands of life can feel larger than our strength. Yet God gently speaks into that place of uncertainty, reminding us that His presence is not waiting for us somewhere later in the day. He is already with us, ready to strengthen, uphold and encourage us before the day gathers pace. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” What a powerful promise to receive this morning. Our confidence does not rest in our own ability but in the unwavering faithfulness of the Lord. When we feel weak, He becomes our strength. When we feel uncertain, He remains unchanging. When we wonder if we are enough, He reminds us that His grace is always sufficient. So today, let's gently remind ourselves that fear will not win, because Jesus Christ is holding us securely with His loving and mighty hand. Father, thank You for the gift of a new beginning. Thank You that before a single decision is made or a single conversation begins, You have already promised to be our strength and our help. Lord Jesus, bless every listener today. Bring healing to those who are unwell, courage to those facing uncertainty, peace to anxious hearts and fresh hope to everyone stepping into a new week. Help us to walk steadily, speak kindly and trust You completely in every circumstance. Holy Spirit, renew our minds, strengthen our faith and help us recognise Your quiet presence in both the ordinary and the unexpected moments of today. Across the world, from Perth to Christchurch, from Singapore to Nashville and Rio de Janeiro, may every listener move into this day with confidence, knowing that the Lord Himself is holding them with everlasting love. Jesús, fortalece mi corazón para este nuevo día. Jesus, fortalece o meu coração para este novo dia. Jesus, palakasin Mo ang puso ko para sa bagong araw na ito. Amen. Isaiah 41 prayer, Christian morning prayer, God is with you, strength and courage, daily devotional prayer, hope in Christ, encouragement, trust in God Christian morning prayer for strength, Isaiah 41:10 devotional, God is with you today, finding courage through Jesus Christ. Continue Your Journey If today's prayer has encouraged your heart, continue your journey through the DailyPrayer.uk prayer library. Discover hundreds of five-minute prayers for hope, healing, courage, peace and restful sleep, helping you continue walking with Jesus every day.Support the showDaily Prayer with Reverend Ben Cooper now reaches 185 countries and 3,012 cities worldwide through the Global Blend Radio network.This is a listener-funded global ministry. If these daily prayers strengthen your faith or help you through difficult seasons, would you consider becoming a monthly prayer partner for just £3 per month?Your support enables us to continue recording, hosting, and broadcasting daily biblical encouragement across the nations — keeping this ministry free and accessible to everyone who needs it.You can support today at GlobalBlendRadio.comTogether, we can keep prayer moving across the world.To submit a prayer request or connect with our global prayer community, visit DailyPrayer.ukBuy me a Coffee 

When we remember the kind of people we used to be, our insecurities may have stopped us from answering God's calling. Yet God never allows our failures to disqualify us from His purpose. Instead, it is often in our weakness that He empowers us to reflect Jesus' grace and love as we take on the mission to share His living truth to the world.Speaker: Ptr. Ryan EscobarSeries: Live Your Purpose; Go BeyondScripture: John 4:7-14; 34-35Watch the full message here: https://go.ccf.org.ph/07122026Eng

Thanks for joining us this Sunday! We hope that you experience God and the Holy Spirit through the message today!Running From GodJonah Series | Part 3B | July 12, 2026The story of Jonah is one that many of us know well. God called Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach against its wickedness, but instead of obeying, Jonah boarded a ship headed in the exact opposite direction."The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: 'Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.' But Jonah ran away from the LORD..." (Jonah 1:1-3)Jonah's assignment was intimidating, but his greatest mistake wasn't fearing Nineveh. It was fearing his assignment more than he feared God. As Pastor reminded us, "A fearful assignment from God is not as fearful as God Himself."Jonah's response to God's call revealed three things about his heart. First, he disobeyed God's clear direction. Second, his disobedience was deliberate. He wasn't acting out of confusion or misunderstanding. God had given him a specific word, yet Jonah intentionally chose another path. Finally, Jonah became deceived in his disobedience. Like many of us, he likely rationalized his decision and convinced himself that running was somehow the better option.Too often, believers determine what is right based on their circumstances rather than on God's Word. The world encourages us to follow our feelings and do what seems best for us, but followers of Christ are called to live differently. God's will isn't something we redefine to fit our comfort. When He speaks clearly, our responsibility is to obey.The book of Jonah is also a powerful reminder that disobedience always carries a cost. "When we walk away from the revealed will of God, there's always a price to pay." Sin rarely destroys everything overnight. Instead, its consequences accumulate over time, much like wages earned little by little. Every compromise leaves its mark, and eventually we realize we've paid far more than we ever intended.Even when God forgives us, the consequences of our choices often remain. As was said during the message, "When we live a life outside of God's will, there is always scar tissue left from sin that often complicates our lives from that point on." God's grace is abundant, and His restoration is real, but disobedience often leaves damage that must still be healed. Forgiveness removes our guilt before God, but it doesn't always erase the earthly consequences of our choices.When Jonah boarded the ship, he may have thought he had escaped God's call, but God had no intention of abandoning him. Scripture says, "Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up." (Jonah 1:4)The storm wasn't an act of revenge. It was an act of mercy.As Jonah was heading farther away from God, "The Lord was following him every step of the way." Pastor pointed out that "God used a storm to begin His rescue of this disobedient prophet." Every wave, every gust of wind, and every terrifying moment was part of God's gracious pursuit. He could have simply allowed Jonah to continue running, but instead He intervened because He loved him too much to let him destroy himself.That same truth applies to us today. Sometimes we mistake God's discipline for His anger when, in reality, it is evidence of His love. "He loves us too much to just sit back and watch us suffer in sin." Sin has consequences built into it. Eventually it leads to misery, brokenness, and emptiness. God often allows storms to interrupt our lives because they become the very thing that wakes us up and draws us back to Him.One of the saddest pictures in this passage is Jonah sleeping in the bottom of the ship while everyone else fought for survival. The sailors were terrified, but Jonah had become so comfortable in his disobedience that he slept through the storm. "Jonah was so comfortable in sin that even signs that God might be angry with him weren't enough to even get his attention."That should cause every believer to pause and ask an honest question: Have I become comfortable with sin?Not every storm is God's discipline, but sometimes He uses life's disruptions to expose what has quietly taken root in our hearts. The frightening reality is that we can become so accustomed to our spiritual condition that we fail to recognize when God is trying to get our attention.The beautiful truth throughout Jonah's story is that God never stopped pursuing him. Jonah ignored Him. Jonah deliberately ran from Him. Yet God continued pursuing him with relentless grace. He orchestrated the wind, stirred the sea, and later prepared the great fish. Everything God did was designed to bring Jonah back.As Pastor said, "You can ignore Him and you can even deliberately reject Him, but He will never stop pursuing you."The message also challenged a common misconception many people have about Christianity. Running from God isn't determined by where you are physically. "You can run from God inside the church as fast as you can outside the church, because running from God is a matter of the heart." It's possible to attend church, know the right language, and look like a believer while still resisting God's authority in your life. God isn't simply interested in outward appearances. He desires hearts that are surrendered to Him.As the storm intensified, the sailors desperately searched for the reason behind it. They questioned Jonah because they wanted to understand what had gone wrong and how it could be made right. Their concern wasn't just for Jonah's sake. His choices had placed everyone on the ship in danger.That leads to one of the most sobering truths of the message: "Your storm affects all of us." We often convince ourselves that our private sins only affect us, but they never do. Our obedience blesses the people around us, and our disobedience impacts them as well. Our families, our friends, our church, and even those who barely know us can experience the ripple effects of the choices we make.The invitation from God is the same today as it was for Jonah. Stop running. Whatever seems to be waiting for you in your own version of Tarshish isn't better than God's plan."Don't run from Him. Whatever you think is going to be better in Tarshish, you're wrong."The safest place Jonah could have been was not on a comfortable ship headed in the direction he wanted to go. The safest place was in the difficult city where God had called him.The same is true for us.There is nothing better than being in the center of God's will. Even when obedience feels difficult, it is always the place where God's presence, peace, and purpose are found.

What kind of people does God use?Not many were wise by the world's standards. Not many were powerful or influential. Yet God chose ordinary people to accomplish his extraordinary purposes. He delights in using those who know they need him, so that the spotlight stays on his grace instead of our abilities.Join us as we explore how God works through ordinary lives to display his power, leaving no room for pride and every reason to boast in Christ alone.Join us in person each Sunday at 10:00 am at 2458 St Frances Drive.The digital bulletin can be found here: https://calvaryburlington.ca/bulletinIf you are interested in learning more about Calvary, want to connect with us, or interested in learning more, visit https://calvaryburlington.ca/connect-cardTo support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world with the Gospel of Jesus, click here: https://calvaryburlington.ca/give

Send us your feedback — we're listeningMicah 6:8 — The Beauty of a Faithful Heart Live from our studios in London, England — where faith meets the world in daily prayer and global hope. Adelaide • Queenstown • Singapore • Phoenix • Montevideo FAITHFULNESS • PURPOSE • PEACE Good evening, and welcome to DailyPrayer.uk. I'm Reverend Ben Cooper. Come in for five minutes, let's open God's Word together, and let's pray. As this day gently settles into evening, it is easy to judge ourselves by what we achieved, what we left unfinished or where we wished we had done better. Yet God's view of our lives reaches much deeper than a list of accomplishments. He delights in hearts that seek Him, hands that show kindness and lives that quietly reflect His goodness in ordinary moments that often go unnoticed by everyone else. Micah 6:8 (NIV) “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” What a refreshing reminder as the day draws to its close. God is not asking us to prove our worth through endless achievement. He is shaping us into people who love mercy, choose what is right and remain close to Him with humble hearts. Every quiet act of compassion, every gentle word and every faithful decision matters in His Kingdom. So this evening, let's gently remind ourselves that fear will not win, because Jesus Christ is faithfully transforming us day by day into people who reflect His love. Father, thank You for walking beside us throughout this day. Thank You for every opportunity You gave us to show kindness, every lesson You quietly taught us and every moment Your grace carried us further than we realised. Lord Jesus, encourage every listener this evening. Bring healing to those who are unwell, peace to those who are disappointed, renewed hope to those who feel they have fallen short and fresh purpose to everyone seeking to honour You in everyday life. Teach us to value faithfulness above recognition and love above success. Holy Spirit, cultivate humble hearts within us, deepen our compassion for others and help us become faithful witnesses of Christ wherever You place us. Across the world, from Adelaide to Queenstown, from Singapore to Phoenix and Montevideo, may every listener end this day knowing that a faithful heart is precious in the sight of God. Jesús, enséñame a caminar humildemente contigo. Jesus, ensina-me a caminhar humildemente Contigo. Jesus, turuan Mo akong lumakad nang may kababaang-loob kasama Mo. Amen. Micah 6 prayer, Christian evening prayer, walking humbly with God, daily devotional prayer, faithfulness, hope in Christ, evening encouragement, mercy and justice Christian evening prayer for faithfulness, Micah 6:8 devotional, walking humbly with God today, growing in Christ every day. Continue Your Journey If today's prayer has encouraged your heart, continue your journey through the DailyPrayer.uk prayer library. Discover hundreds of five-minute prayers for hope, healing, courage, peace and restful sleep, helping you continue walking with Jesus every day.Support the showDaily Prayer with Reverend Ben Cooper now reaches 185 countries and 3,012 cities worldwide through the Global Blend Radio network.This is a listener-funded global ministry. If these daily prayers strengthen your faith or help you through difficult seasons, would you consider becoming a monthly prayer partner for just £3 per month?Your support enables us to continue recording, hosting, and broadcasting daily biblical encouragement across the nations — keeping this ministry free and accessible to everyone who needs it.You can support today at GlobalBlendRadio.comTogether, we can keep prayer moving across the world.To submit a prayer request or connect with our global prayer community, visit DailyPrayer.ukBuy me a Coffee 

LESSON 192I Have A Function God Would Have Me Fill.It is your Father's holy Will that you complete Himself, and that your Self shall be His sacred Son, forever pure as He, of Love created and in love preserved, extending love, creating in its Name, forever one with God and with your Self. Yet what can such a function mean within a world of envy, hatred and attack?Therefore, you have a function in the world in its own terms. For who can understand a language far beyond his simple grasp? Forgiveness represents your function here. It is not God's creation, for it is the means by which untruth can be undone. And who would pardon Heaven? Yet on earth, you need the means to let illusions go. Creation merely waits for your return to be acknowledged, not to be complete.Creation cannot even be conceived of in the world. It has no meaning here. Forgiveness is the closest it can come to earth. For being Heaven-born, it has no form at all. Yet God created One Who has the power to translate in form the wholly formless. What He makes are dreams, but of a kind so close to waking that the light of day already shines in them, and eyes already opening behold the joyful sights their offerings contain.Forgiveness gently looks upon all things unknown in Heaven, sees them disappear, and leaves the world a clean and unmarked slate on which the Word of God can now replace the senseless symbols written there before. Forgiveness is the means by which the fear of death is overcome, because it holds no fierce attraction now and guilt is gone. Forgiveness lets the body be perceived as what it is; a simple teaching aid, to be laid by when learning is complete, but hardly changing him who learns at all.The mind without the body cannot make mistakes. It cannot think that it will die, nor be the prey of merciless attack. Anger becomes impossible, and where is terror then? What fears could still assail those who have lost the source of all attack, the core of anguish and the seat of fear? Only forgiveness can relieve the mind of thinking that the body is its home. Only forgiveness can restore the peace that God intended for His holy Son. Only forgiveness can persuade the Son to look again upon his holiness.With anger gone, you will indeed perceive that, for Christ's vision and the gift of sight, no sacrifice was asked, and only pain was lifted from a sick and tortured mind. Is this unwelcome? Is it to be feared? Or is it to be hoped for, met with thanks and joyously accepted? We are one, and therefore give up nothing. But we have indeed been given everything by God.Yet do we need forgiveness to perceive that this is so. Without its kindly light we grope in darkness, using reason but to justify our rage and our attack. Our understanding is so limited that what we think we understand is but confusion born of error. We are lost in mists of shifting dreams and fearful thoughts, our eyes shut tight against the light; our minds engaged in worshipping what is not there.Who can be born again in Christ but him who has forgiven everyone he sees or thinks of or imagines? Who could be set free while he imprisons anyone? A jailer is not free, for he is bound together with his prisoner. He must be sure that he does not escape, and so he spends his time in keeping watch on him. The bars that limit him become the world in which his jailer lives, along with him. And it is on his freedom that the way to liberty depends for both of them.Therefore, hold no one prisoner. Release instead of bind, for thus are you made free. The way is simple. Every time you feel a stab of anger, realize you hold a sword above your head. And it will fall or be averted as you choose to be condemned or free. Thus does each one who seems to tempt you to be angry represent your savior from the prison house of death. And so you owe him thanks instead of pain.Be merciful today. The Son of God deserves your mercy. It is he who asks that you accept the way to freedom now. Deny him not. His Father's Love for him belongs to you. Your function here on earth is only to forgive him, that you may accept him back as your Identity. He is as God created him. And you are what he is. Forgive him now his sins, and you will see that you are one with him.- Jesus Christ in ACIM

Send us your feedback — we're listeningIsaiah 26:3 — A Heart at Rest Begins with a Mind Stayed on God Live from our studios in London, England — where faith meets the world in daily prayer and global hope. Adelaide • Queenstown • Singapore • Phoenix • Montevideo PEACE • STABILITY • TRUST Good evening, and welcome to DailyPrayer.uk. I'm Reverend Ben Cooper. Come in for five minutes, let's open God's Word together, and let's pray. As the light begins to soften and another day moves towards its close, our minds often become crowded with unfinished thoughts. We replay moments we wish had gone differently, think about tomorrow's responsibilities or quietly carry concerns that nobody else can see. Yet God lovingly invites us to place our attention upon Him, where anxious thoughts begin to lose their grip and lasting peace quietly takes root. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” What a gentle promise for this evening. Peace does not begin when every question has been answered; peace begins when our hearts choose to trust the One who already holds tomorrow. The Lord steadies restless minds, calms anxious hearts and remains faithful through every changing circumstance. So this evening, let's gently remind ourselves that fear will not win, because Jesus Christ is our perfect peace, faithfully holding us even when life feels uncertain. Father, thank You for welcoming us into the quietness of this evening. Thank You that Your peace reaches places where worry cannot heal, Your presence calms what anxiety cannot control and Your love continues to surround us without measure. Lord Jesus, encourage every listener tonight. Bring healing to those who are unwell, calm to troubled minds, comfort to those carrying hidden burdens and renewed strength to everyone who feels emotionally weary. Teach us to rest our thoughts in You and discover the quiet confidence that grows through trusting Your faithful heart. Holy Spirit, settle every anxious thought, renew our inner peace and gently draw our attention back to the goodness of God. Across the world, from Adelaide to Queenstown, from Singapore to Phoenix and Montevideo, may every listener enter this evening with a settled heart, trusting the God whose peace never fades. Jesús, aquieta mi corazón en Tu paz. Jesus, aquieta o meu coração na Tua paz. Jesus, patahimikin Mo ang puso ko sa Iyong kapayapaan. Amen. Isaiah 26 prayer, Christian evening prayer, perfect peace, daily devotional prayer, hope in Christ, calming prayer, trusting God, peace of mind Christian evening prayer for peace, Isaiah 26:3 devotional, perfect peace through trusting God, calming anxious thoughts with Jesus. Continue Your Journey If today's prayer has brought peace to your heart, continue your journey through the DailyPrayer.uk prayer library. Discover hundreds of five-minute prayers for hope, healing, courage, peace and restful sleep, helping you continue walking with Jesus every day.Support the showDaily Prayer with Reverend Ben Cooper now reaches 185 countries and 3,012 cities worldwide through the Global Blend Radio network.This is a listener-funded global ministry. If these daily prayers strengthen your faith or help you through difficult seasons, would you consider becoming a monthly prayer partner for just £3 per month?Your support enables us to continue recording, hosting, and broadcasting daily biblical encouragement across the nations — keeping this ministry free and accessible to everyone who needs it.You can support today at GlobalBlendRadio.comTogether, we can keep prayer moving across the world.To submit a prayer request or connect with our global prayer community, visit DailyPrayer.ukBuy me a Coffee 

The kingdom of God begins in a garden, while cities are depicted as centers and symbols of rebellion and pride. The first city is built by Cain, succeeded by Babel, Sodom, Nineveh, even Jerusalem. Yet God calls us to seek the peace of the cities we live in…and He himself has a city, the New Jerusalem. With many Christians fleeing America's big cities, Kevin and Josh search the Scriptures to ask: are they right?

"I don't belong here."For years, those words echoed in Dr. Tai-Danae Bradley's heart. Growing up in a broken Christian home, walking through her parents' divorce, battling comparison, and questioning whether she was smart enough, Tai often felt like she didn't measure up.Yet God faithfully used every season of weakness to deepen her love for Christ and shape the woman He was calling her to become.Today, Tai is a mathematician, former Google researcher, professor at The Master's University, and founder of Mathema. But her story isn't ultimately about academic achievement—it's about God's faithfulness, the beauty of quiet obedience, and finding your identity in Christ instead of your accomplishments.In this conversation, we discuss growing up in a broken home, how God used suffering to strengthen her faith, living as a Christian in New York City, overcoming comparison, persevering through graduate school, discovering the beauty of mathematics as God's creation, teaching at The Master's University, and why every testimony—even the quiet ones—is a remarkable display of God's grace.Whether you've struggled with comparison, questioned your purpose, or wondered if your testimony is "ordinary," this episode is a reminder that God's greatest work is often accomplished through seasons of weakness and faithful perseverance.Follow us on Social Media:  Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ordinarypeoplepodcast/?sub_confirmation=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ordinarypeoplepodcast/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ordinarypeoplewithextraordinarylives/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ordinarywith  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ordinarypeoplepodWebsite: http://ordinarypeoplewithextraordinarylives.orgFind us on the BAR Network: B.A.R. Network - The Art Of Worship B.A.R. Network - The Art Of Worship https://theartofworship.net/bar/Need help with audio? Reach out to Andrea Cline: https://andreaclineaudio.com      To Support Our Podcast, visit the link below:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ordinarypeoplepodcastWant to share your testimony or have a question?  Please email us: podcast@ordinarypeoplewithextraordinarylives.com

Paul and Barnabas disagreed over giving John Mark a second chance, leading them to part ways. Yet God used their separation to expand the mission, reminding us that His purposes are never hindered by imperfect people. Our confidence rests in Christ, whose grace restores failures and faithfully builds His church.

Malachi speaks directly to that experience, and the answer it offers is both uncomfortable and deeply freeing. The remnant of Israel had returned from Babylonian captivity and were going through all the right religious motions. They were showing up, bringing offerings, and weeping at the altar. Yet God was not responding. The reason was faithlessness. In just six verses, Malachi uses the word faithless five times, a deliberate repetition meant to drive home a serious point. Faithfulness is a core attribute of God, and His people were living in direct opposition to the character they were created to reflect. The specific sins Malachi addresses are striking because they feel so familiar. The men of the remnant were abandoning the wives of their youth and pursuing relationships rooted in idolatry. They were repeating the very history that had led to their captivity in the first place. God's response is direct: He hates what divorce creates and the devastation it leaves behind. But the deeper issue is hypocrisy. These men were covering their altars with tears while simultaneously covering their sin with religious activity, assuming that outward participation could fix what was broken on the inside. It is worth asking how many of us do the same thing, maintaining a thin film of church attendance over a strong and often unexamined attachment to ungodliness. The practical call from this passage is to guard your spirit, and that requires vulnerability rather than walls. Real connection with God and with others demands honesty, the willingness to be known, and the courage to lean into difficult relationships rather than run from them. Modern culture treats people as disposable, but the covenantal reality of Scripture is that we cannot dispose of people without damaging ourselves. The hope in all of this is the gospel. Four hundred years after Malachi, Jesus arrived, lived without sin, died to absorb the full weight of God's wrath, and rose from the dead. Because of Him, the way back to God is always open. His promises are not contractual. They are covenantal, and they hold.

Fasting is one of the more mysterious aspects of walking with God. Yet God gives us clear instructions about what a true fast looks like, and it's probably not what we'd expect. Today we look at Isaiah 58 which unpacks God's clear purposes for this important aspect of spiritual life. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    When you think of the spiritual discipline of fasting, what comes to mind? Have you ever fasted? If so, why? What for? How did you do it?  2.    According to verse 1, what is the general subject matter of this message for God's people? What is Isaiah to declare to the people?  3.    The podcast warned that verse 2 is tricky to understand unless we notice that word "as". What does the word "as" indicate? Why is this key to understanding why (in verse 3) they are not seeing "results" from their spiritual deeds? 4.    These people were "fasting" but in the wrong way. Why were they fasting in verse 4? Why would that be a problem? How do people still fast in these ways today?  5.    What is the right way to "fast" in verses 5-7? Why is this true fasting? Given what you know about fasting, is this a surprise? In light of these teachings, would you say that fasting is to seek God to align your will with these pursuits? Why or why not?  6.    What promises does the Lord give in verses 9-11? How would you describe or characterize these blessings? Why does proper fasting ensure these kinds of blessings?  7.    In verse 12, what kind of society will this kind of fasting produce? How do you think "fasting" factors into this kind of reform?  8.    Looking over verse 13, what kind of attitude ought they to have for the sabbath? What does this kind of attitude demonstrate? How is this different from the predominant attitude they had towards the sabbath? When they have these kinds of attitudes, what kinds of blessings will they receive in verse 14?  9.    How has this chapter changed your understanding of fasting? What is its purpose? What does it accomplish?  10.    Think over the next few weeks in your life. Is there a time when you can apply these principles to your own life and "fast" in the way that we see in Isaiah 58? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Every day, the world is filled with breaking news, global conflict, economic uncertainty, technological change, and growing anxiety. Yet God's Word reminds us that He remains faithful and fully in control.In this inspiring podcast, discover how Christians can respond to today's headlines with biblical wisdom instead of fear. Explore Bible prophecy, current world events, Israel, Jerusalem, artificial intelligence, digital technology, the spread of the Gospel, forgiveness, marriage, eternal hope, and the peace that only Jesus Christ can give.Each episode encourages believers to look beyond the news cycle and place their confidence in God's eternal promises. Through Scripture from the New King James Version and practical everyday examples, you will learn how to strengthen your faith, recognize the signs of the times with wisdom, and live with courage while awaiting Christ's return.If you are searching for hope in uncertain times, this podcast will help you keep your eyes on Jesus instead of the headlines. #ChristianPodcast #BibleProphecy #FaithOverFear #EndTimes #JesusChrist #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #HopeInChrist #BiblicalTruth #CurrentEvents #WorldNews #TrustGod #Prayer #Scripture #NKJV #Israel #Jerusalem #Gospel #ChristianFaith #FaithMatters

Every day, the world is filled with breaking news, global conflict, economic uncertainty, technological change, and growing anxiety. Yet God's Word reminds us that He remains faithful and fully in control.In this inspiring podcast, discover how Christians can respond to today's headlines with biblical wisdom instead of fear. Explore Bible prophecy, current world events, Israel, Jerusalem, artificial intelligence, digital technology, the spread of the Gospel, forgiveness, marriage, eternal hope, and the peace that only Jesus Christ can give.Each episode encourages believers to look beyond the news cycle and place their confidence in God's eternal promises. Through Scripture from the New King James Version and practical everyday examples, you will learn how to strengthen your faith, recognize the signs of the times with wisdom, and live with courage while awaiting Christ's return.If you are searching for hope in uncertain times, this podcast will help you keep your eyes on Jesus instead of the headlines.#ChristianPodcast #BibleProphecy #FaithOverFear #EndTimes #JesusChrist #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #HopeInChrist #BiblicalTruth #CurrentEvents #WorldNews #TrustGod #Prayer #Scripture #NKJV #Israel #Jerusalem #Gospel #ChristianFaith #FaithMatters

Lift up your eyes . . . to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. . . . — Isaiah 40:26 Life's problems can weigh us down so much that we may feel as if we can't look up. But we need to lift our gaze to consider the greatness of God and the majesty of his creation. As Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” In a similar way, Romans 1:20 testifies, “Since the creation of the world God's invisible attributes—his eternal power and divine nature— have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made. . . .”When God summons the great multitude of stars, calling each one by name, not one is absent. The Creator not only made them but also named each one. There are more stars in the sky than we count. Yet God summons each one, calling them by name, and they promptly appear.God knows every one of the trillions of living cells in our bodies. He knows every hair on our heads. He upholds all things by the power of his word. “In him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). He has created, preserves, and governs all things. All things exist for the praise of his glory.In what ways are you discovering how great and powerful the Lord is? We can trust in him to handle whatever problems we might encounter. Creator God, lift our eyes from our burdens to your majestic power. You sustain all things. Deepen our faith in you as we observe your care, wisdom, and amazing work each day in the world around us. Amen.

A @Christadelphians Video: **Description:**In this thought-provoking and wonderfully expositional study, we continue our journey through Genesis 37, tracing one of Scripture's darkest descents—and its most revealing hope. The coat of many colours moves from Joseph's shoulders to Jacob's hands, torn and bloodied. Between the coat and the blood lies a pit without water, a price paid in silver, and a silent figure who prefigures the suffering of our Lord.This insightful presentation uncovers how the beloved son, sent by his father to seek his brethren's peace, finds hatred, conspiracy, and rejection. Yet God is not absent in the darkness. What looks like Joseph's ruin becomes the beginning of salvation, and the pit becomes the road to Egypt—and to the throne.Join us as we explore the stunning typology of Joseph as a shadow of Christ, the hidden hand of God at Dothan, and the three urgent lessons that rise from the pit for every believer today. Outstanding and revealing—this is Genesis as you've never seen it.**Chapters:**00:00 – Introduction: The Coat Leaves, the Pit Awaits 01:23 – The Father Sends His Beloved Son (Genesis 37:13-14) 04:35 – Shechem: Promise, Shame, and Joseph's Future Portion 07:57 – Wandering in the Field: The Mysterious Stranger 10:45 – “What Seekest Thou?” – The Heart of Joseph's Mission 12:36 – Dothan: Two Wells, Invisible Armies, and God's Presence 15:44 – Conspiracy: “Behold, the Dreamer Cometh” 18:58 – The Master of Dreams vs The Master of Arrows 20:46 – The Pit: Murder Without a Blade 23:50 – Stripped and Cast Down: A Picture of Calvary 27:44 – They Sat Down to Eat Bread: The Cruelty of Sin 29:53 – Judah's Bargain: Silver for a Soul 32:39 – The Price: 20 Pieces of Silver 33:34 – Joseph as a Type of Christ: Echoes of Calvary 35:36 – The Deception: Goat's Blood and the Torn Coat 39:57 – Jacob's Grief: Refusing Empty Comfort 41:34 – Three Lessons from the Pit for Today 43:35 – Conclusion: Trusting God When the Way Is Hidden **Bible Verse Category:**

A spectator mindset has quietly crept into modern Christianity, leaving many believers watching the mission instead of participating. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar challenge listeners to examine whether they have become passive observers rather than active followers of Christ. The guys explain that there is no such thing as a spectator Christian because every believer has been called to make disciples, serve the church, and engage in the work of the gospel. Too often, Christians excuse themselves from evangelism or ministry, believing those responsibilities belong to someone else. The conversation emphasizes that following Jesus requires action, obedience, and a willingness to step onto the front lines of spiritual battle.The guys then explore how consumerism has shaped the way many people view the local church. Rather than seeing the church as a covenant community where believers serve one another, many approach it with the mindset of a customer evaluating a product. This perspective turns worship, fellowship, and discipleship into something to consume rather than something to contribute to. The guys explain that believers have been freed by the gospel not merely to attend church but to actively participate in God's unfolding story of grace.The conversation also addresses practical barriers that keep believers from engaging in ministry. Fear, social anxiety, comparison, and distraction often prevent Christians from sharing the gospel or using their gifts. The guys discuss how technology has weakened many everyday interactions that help people build confidence and form meaningful relationships. Yet God has uniquely equipped every believer with gifts and opportunities to serve. Rather than comparing themselves to others, Christians are called to faithfully use whatever gifts God has provided and to trust that every member of the body plays a necessary role.Finally, the guys focus on the Holy Spirit's empowering work and the practical steps believers can take to become more active in their faith. The same Spirit who empowered the early church continues to guide, strengthen, and equip believers today. The guys encourage listeners to put down distractions, invest their time intentionally, arrive ready to serve, and look for opportunities to share the gospel. In the end, the Christian life is not about watching others live for Christ but about actively participating in His mission, trusting that God uses ordinary obedience to accomplish extraordinary things.Send us Fan MailThanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

Many of us spend years believing we are not enough. We focus on our mistakes, replay our failures, and hold ourselves to standards we would never impose on those we love or even on strangers. Yet God does not define us by our worst moments, our shortcomings, or the labels we have accepted along the way. His love is patient, compassionate, forgiving, and unconditional. When we begin to see ourselves through God’s eyes, we can release self-judgment and embrace the truth of who we were created to be. I will share how learning to love ourselves like God loves us can transform our relationship with ourselves, deepen our faith, and bring greater peace, purpose, and joy into our lives. Now you can listen commercial free at your leisure…Click here and let's grow together: Lillian McDermott, Loving Yourself Like God Loves You If you love this podcast episode, share it with a friend. The Lillian McDermott Radio Show/Classroom ~ When You Need a Friend… PREMIERE:  Telegram, Facebook, YouTube, WhenYouNeedaFriend.com SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, & FOLLOW:    Facebook, Instagram, X, Website, Odysee, BitChute, YouTube! LISTEN:  Amazon Podcast, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn, iHeartRadio! CALL or TEXT: 407-373-5959 “You can take a pill, or You can take Responsibility!” ®

God is a promise-keeping God.From the moment sin entered the world, God began unfolding a plan to rescue and redeem humanity. In this message, we continue our journey Through the Bible by exploring the life of Abraham and the covenant that would shape the rest of Scripture.Using passages from Genesis 12-37 and Galatians 3, we explore:• The three promises God made to Abraham• What a biblical covenant really means• Why faith is trusting God even when you can't see the outcome• How God's promises survived Abraham's failures• The stories of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph• Why God's timeline is often longer than our plans• How the covenant with Abraham points to Jesus• What God's promises mean for believers todayThis message isn't just about Abraham's story.It's about discovering that God's faithfulness is greater than our mistakes.Abraham lied.He doubted.He got impatient.Yet God remained faithful to every promise He made.“Abraham believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” — Genesis 15:6God's promises are bigger than our mistakes.God's timeline is longer than our plans.God's purpose is greater than our understanding.

THIS IS A SEASON TO TRUST GOD • Sunday Service To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Website: www.PastorTodd.org The Freedom Found in Surrender One of the greatest battles every believer faces is the battle for trust. We want answers. We want timelines. We want clarity. We want to know how everything is going to work out. Yet God often calls us to walk by faith before He reveals the full picture. I believe we are in a season where the Lord is teaching His people to trust Him at a deeper level than ever before. Not trust in circumstances. Not trust in governments. Not trust in our own understanding. But trust in Him. The beautiful reality is that trust produces freedom. When you truly trust God, you stop carrying burdens you were never designed to carry. Point 1: Trust Releases Divine Direction Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Point 2: Trust Removes Anxiety Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Point 3: Trust Allows God to Carry the Weight Psalm 55:22 (NKJV) “Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Point 4: Trust Produces Stability Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” Point 5: Trust Unlocks God's Strength Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles.” Point 6: Trust Frees Us from Fear Psalm 56:3-4 (NKJV) “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God I will praise His word, In God I have put my trust; I will not fear.” Point 7: Trust Opens the Door to God's Provision Matthew 6:31-33 (NKJV) “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?'… But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Point 8: Trust Is Developed Through Trials Romans 5:3-5 (NKJV) “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Point 9: Trust Brings Rest Hebrews 4:9-10 (NKJV) “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.” Point 10: Trust Leads to Freedom John 8:31-32 (NKJV) “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Closing I believe one of the greatest invitations God is extending to His people right now is simple: Trust Me. Trust Me with your future. Trust Me with your family. Trust Me with your finances. Trust Me with your ministry. Trust Me with the unanswered questions. Trust Me with the things you cannot fix. The enemy wants you burdened, worried, anxious, and exhausted. But Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” There is incredible freedom available right now. Freedom from fear. Freedom from striving. Freedom from anxiety. Freedom from needing to control everything. The more you trust God, the more freedom you will experience. And perhaps the greatest lesson you'll ever learn is this: You don't have to carry what God has already promised to carry for you. Trust Him. He's faithful. He's good. And He's already working on your behalf.  

This powerful exploration of burnout and exhaustion takes us deep into the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19, revealing how even our greatest spiritual victories can leave us depleted. We discover that burnout is not simply about being tired, but about carrying too much, moving too fast, and doing it all alone. The message challenges our hustle culture mentality, reminding us that exhaustion can strike at the mountaintop just as easily as in the valley. Elijah's experience after his incredible victory over 850 prophets of Baal shows us that burnout blurs our vision, making us forget God's recent provision and protection. The story reveals four critical symptoms of burnout: physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion; hopelessness; bitterness; and feelings of uselessness. Yet God's response to Elijah's desperation offers us hope: He provides rest, food, and His gentle presence. We learn that true Sabbath is not merely doing nothing, but actively trusting God, releasing control, and finding delight in worship. The Hebrew concept of Sabbath teaches us to cease striving and believe that God can do more with six days than we can with seven. This is an invitation to examine our own lives and recognize where we are living beyond our design, carrying burdens we were never meant to bear alone.

Even when God seems silent, He is still working behind the scenes. It's easy to believe God has forgotten you when your circumstances don't make sense, your prayers feel unanswered, or your life isn't going according to plan. Moses was born into oppression, hidden in a basket, raised in a palace, guilty of murder, and eventually living in obscurity in the wilderness. None of it seemed connected. None of it seemed purposeful. Yet God was using every chapter to prepare Moses for what was coming next. God's silence does not mean God's absence. About the Series: Life is full of questions we wish God would answer. Why did the diagnosis come? Why did the relationship end? Why did the opportunity disappear? Why does the waiting continue when we've prayed for so long? Most of us want explanations, but throughout Scripture, God often offers something different. Instead of revealing the entire plan, He invites us to trust Him one step at a time. The life of Moses is a powerful example of that kind of faith. From being born into slavery and raised in a palace to leading God's people through impossible circumstances, Moses repeatedly found himself in situations that didn't make sense. Yet through every season of uncertainty, God was present, faithful, and at work in ways Moses couldn't fully see. In this series, we'll follow Moses' journey and discover what it means to trust God's character when we don't understand His timing, His methods, or His plans. Because faith isn't trusting God when He explains Himself. Faith is trusting God when He doesn't. Join us as we learn that the most important question isn't, "Do I understand what God is doing?" but "Will I trust Him anyway?" This week's notes in the Bible app: https://www.bible.com/events/49625143 Pastor Sean Kelly | When God Doesn't Explain Himself | Exodus 1-2 CONNECT WITH US Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mpccgreenwood Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpccgreenwood Instagram: https://instagram.com/mpccgreenwood Website: https://mpcc.info/

"Not lagging behind in diligence" is more than a call to work harder, it's an invitation to faithfully serve the Lord with energy and purpose. Proverbs contrasts this kind of life with the sluggard: someone who loves comfort, makes excuses, and continually delays what God is calling them to do. Yet God's grace offers a better path: honest repentance, faithful obedience, and the joy of serving Him with diligence and fervor.

Relationships can be hard. We have broken relationships all around us because we are all so human.  Yet God shares with us His vision for a church living in unity as a family in Psalm 133.  There, David shares how sweet this experience can be. We will spend our time exploring the rich guidance scripture provides for addressing fractures in these relationships, so that we can experience Psalm 133 goodness more and more in our relationships. 

When we think about difficult relationships, especially with our parents, God invites us to view them through the lens of His grace and redemption. Honoring a father does not mean ignoring pain, excusing harmful actions, or pretending wounds do not exist. Instead, it means trusting God to bring healing, justice, and transformation in ways only He can. Highlights: God cares about both the wounds we carry and the people who have caused them Forgiveness does not mean ignoring pain, excusing wrongdoing, or removing healthy boundaries God’s grace extends to every person, including those who have deeply failed others We can trust God to bring healing and transformation where we cannot Honoring others begins with allowing God to shape our hearts through compassion and forgiveness Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: No Father Left Behind By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.” - Proverbs 30:11 Nowadays, some adult children believe they are justified in dismissing their earthly fathers, seeing it as a personal matter between the two of them and believing God is okay with whatever they decide to do. But nothing could be further from the truth, because God cares not only for us but for our fathers, too. Like the Marines’ unofficial slogan of leaving no man behind, God doesn’t leave fathers behind either, even in their failures and sins. Sadly, many individuals have valid reasons for turning their backs on their fathers. Yet God calls us to follow His lead in responding to the pain in our lives, because too many fathers have fallen by the wayside and need His help, mercy, and redemption. Tragically, some fathers have been drunkards, drug users, criminals, murderers, prisoners, abusers, and more. Still, God holds children accountable for their attitudes toward their fathers because it’s a matter of the heart—the kind of issue that, if left unchecked, can lead to lifelong sorrow. Regardless of a father’s sin, God doesn’t write fathers off or give children permission to do the same. Instead, He calls us to forgiveness and to trust Him to work in our fathers’ lives. Trusting God with the Pain We can trust God with our pain, too, because He isn’t going to ask us to embrace or entrust ourselves to fathers who aren’t trustworthy, or to pretend they didn’t hurt us. He isn’t asking us to say or believe things about our fathers that aren’t true, or to overlook their sins. But He also doesn’t support us disowning, abandoning, or labeling them as toxic and unworthy of redemption. Likewise, God doesn’t give us permission to punish, correct, dishonor, or treat them disrespectfully, even when we believe they deserve it. This is often a hard pill to swallow for those who’ve lived life with a derelict dad. Sometimes God Asks More of Us Along with leading us to forgive our fathers, sometimes God asks more of us when it comes to dealing with our dads. Author and speaker Joyce Meyer’s dad sexually abused her while she was growing up, giving her every earthly reason to walk away from him and have nothing to do with him for the rest of her life. Yet, unbelievably, God called her to provide for and care for her abusive father in his old age—something she resisted at first, shocked that a holy and just God would ever ask her to do. After all, why would a loving God call her to care for a father who had so cruelly abused and mistreated her? He certainly didn’t deserve her kindness and generosity. Still, God didn’t let her off the hook. He asked her to do what seemed impossible. Choosing to live in obedience to Him rather than remain bound by her pain, Meyer took on the responsibility. Remarkably, through her kindness and generosity, her father came to know the Lord before passing away. Does God Love Fallen Fathers? So one has to ask: Does God love the godless fathers who have failed miserably and caused unimaginable and unspeakable wounds in the lives of their children and others? Some of us, even as Christians, are ready to throw in the towel when it comes to caring about deeply flawed dads, believing they don’t deserve to receive God’s love. But we are mistaken if we see ourselves as more deserving of His love than they are. The Apostle Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11: “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” If we see ourselves as more deserving of receiving God’s forgiveness and love than faithless fathers, then we don’t truly understand the sin nature we are all born with. We all enter life undeserving of God’s grace and in desperate need of a perfect, sinless Savior to redeem us. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Intersecting Faith & Life: If you’re trying to come to terms with a father who failed you, ask God to help you forgive him and give you a heart of compassion toward him. Trust Him to bring healing to your heart and to work in your father’s life in ways only He can. Further Reading:How to Offer Your Dad Forgiveness this Father’s Day Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In 2 Samuel 11, David's rise to power and ascendancy to the throne of Israel are both marked and marred by a devastating moral failure.  The chapter opens with a popular and victorious king resting in his palace, but it closes with that same king stained by sin after committing adultery with the wife of one of his loyal soldiers.  In 2 Samuel 12, however, the sad saga begins to shift as God adds footnotes to a father's failure, reminding us that failure is not final.  Dr. T. D. Stubblefield believes this truth is encouraging and vital for every father who can acknowledge, “I have not been perfect.  I have not always made the right decisions or choices.”  Yet God has remained faithful, footnoting every failure with His grace and mercy". 

The Holy Spirit Is Speaking to You John 16:13-15 "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason, I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” This verse talks about the Holy Spirit, the gift the Lord sent us when Jesus went to heaven. It tells us that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth and that He will guide us into all truth. This is important because it reminds us that we can trust what we hear from the Holy Spirit. He is not speaking on His own; He is sharing what He hears from the Father. The verse also says He will declare to us the things that are to come. This doesn't mean we will know everything that happens in our future. It means the Holy Spirit can prepare us for what is coming if we make time to listen to Him. We need to pay attention to what He says and not just hear it and let it go. Our prayer group sets aside time each week to listen quietly for the words of the Holy Spirit. We record these words and later discern what we believe the Lord is saying to our community. We then create a bookmark so everyone can remember the words and apply them to their lives. This is our most recent bookmark: “My call to each one of you is very personal. It is not a message for everyone. It is intimate, personal, all-loving, and all-consuming. From the beginning, I spoke, and my Word created new life. I speak again today through my holy Word to each of your hearts. I create new life. I renew, replenish, and fill you with grace and mercy that I wish you to share with others. I watch over you, my children. I break the sword of the enemy who would come against you. I will defend you in battle. I have sent you the power of the Spirit, and he will give you all that you need to do what you have been called to do. You are the anointing I send to the world. Be not afraid. I am with you. My Spirit will speak through you the words that I wish to say. When I say you can, don't tell me you can't. Smile that I sent you today.” These words were spoken over the course of a month. We receive many words each week, so the discernment team helps identify the key themes the Lord wants us to remember. There are four categories we look for: call, proclamation, promise, and directive. First, we look for the call. What is the Holy Spirit calling us to do? God has a plan for each of us, and the Holy Spirit often reveals that plan little by little. Are you taking time to listen to what God may be calling you to do? Next is proclamation. These are often "I am" statements where God tells us who He is and what He is doing. In the bookmark above, the Lord reminds us that He creates new life, renews us, replenishes us, and fills us with grace and mercy to share with others. The third category is promise. God still reminds us of His promises today. In this bookmark, He promises to watch over us, defend us in battle, break the sword of the enemy, and give us everything we need to fulfill our calling. We are not on our own. The Holy Spirit is with us. The final category is directive. What is God asking us to do? In the bookmark above, the Lord tells us not to be afraid. He reminds us that His Spirit will speak through us and give us the words we need. He also says something that really convicts me: “When I say you can, don't tell me you can't.” Isn't that exactly what we do sometimes? I know I do. When I feel the Lord calling me to do something outside my comfort zone, my first response is often, "I can't." Yet God created me. He knows me better than I know myself. Who am I to tell Him what I can and cannot do? Instead, I should be saying, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." The reason I wanted to share our discernment process today is because I hope it helps you recognize when the Holy Spirit is speaking to you. Now that you know some of the ways He communicates, maybe you will start recognizing His voice more often. Hearing the voice of the Lord is a gift from the Holy Spirit. Like any relationship, it grows when we spend time together. When we make time to listen, God speaks. I encourage you to write down what you hear from the Lord. I often look back through my prayer journals and am amazed at what God has said. Every time I do, I wonder why I don't do it more often. I hope this episode encourages you to pay a little more attention to the Holy Spirit's voice and the different ways He may be speaking to you. He is speaking, and His words come straight from the heart of the Father. Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening to this episode today. Lord, we pray that we can all hear your voice. We pray that it brings fruit into our lives. Help us not only hear what you are saying but remember it and put it into action. We love you, Lord, and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name, Amen! Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. If you've been feeling distant from God lately, but you're not sure why, I created a free quiz called "What's Quietly Blocking Your Connection With God?" In just a few minutes, you'll discover one of four common obstacles that may be affecting your relationship with God. At the end, you'll receive a personalized result, a short podcast episode, and a mentoring replay chosen specifically for your result. CLICK HERE to take the quiz. I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow.  Remember, Jesus loves you, and so do I! Have a blessed day Today's Word from the Lord is, “I planned ahead of your coming into this world. I saw every tear you ever shed. I have a picture of every time you laughed. I have a scrapbook for each of you. Yet, yet, you worry and fret. And though you come to me, you still wonder if I hear or see or know or care. My children, do you care for your children?”  www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

God is a promise-keeping God.From the moment sin entered the world, God began unfolding a plan to rescue and redeem humanity. In this message, we continue our journey Through the Bible by exploring the life of Abraham and the covenant that would shape the rest of Scripture.Using passages from Genesis 12-37 and Galatians 3, we explore:• The three promises God made to Abraham• What a biblical covenant really means• Why faith is trusting God even when you can't see the outcome• How God's promises survived Abraham's failures• The stories of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph• Why God's timeline is often longer than our plans• How the covenant with Abraham points to Jesus• What God's promises mean for believers todayThis message isn't just about Abraham's story.It's about discovering that God's faithfulness is greater than our mistakes.Abraham lied.He doubted.He got impatient.Yet God remained faithful to every promise He made.“Abraham believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” — Genesis 15:6God's promises are bigger than our mistakes.God's timeline is longer than our plans.God's purpose is greater than our understanding.

Send us Fan MailPsalms 1 and 2 serve as the introduction to the entire book of Psalms, giving readers the lens through which the rest of the collection should be understood.In this episode, we explore the two paths presented in Psalm 1. The righteous delight in God's Torah, meditate on it day and night, and become like a fruitful tree planted by streams of water. In contrast, the wicked reject God's instruction and ultimately face judgment. Right from the opening psalm, readers are confronted with a choice: Which path will they follow?Psalm 2 then shifts our attention from individuals to nations and kings. The rulers of the earth rebel against God and His purposes, believing they can throw off His authority. Yet God's response is clear: He has established His King, and no earthly power can overturn His plans. While human kingdoms rise and fall, God's King will ultimately reign overall.Together, Psalms 1 and 2 provide the foundation for the entire book. Parents, this summer we want to challenge you to read through the Psalms with your children. As you read, encourage them to listen for the vivid images and pictures found throughout the poems. Have them draw what they hear and then ask a simple question: "What does this teach us about God?" For an extra challenge, choose one psalm and memorize it together as a family. These ancient songs were meant to be remembered, prayed, and carried in the hearts of God's people.If you want the FREE hand outs that go along with this series, sign up for our newsletter at our website. Our website is The Context and Color of the BibleWe are on Facebook - The Context and Color of the Bible | FacebookWe are on Instagram - @contextandcolorofthebibleWe are on YouTube - The Context and Color of the Bible - YouTubeMusic: Tabuk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4453-tabukLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Have you ever felt unqualified for what God was asking you to do? When we picture the remnant rising in the last days, we often imagine fearless warriors who never doubt, never hesitate, and never struggle. But Scripture tells a different story. Moses argued. Gideon doubted. Ananias hesitated. Peter wrestled with obedience. Yet God used each of them powerfully. In this episode, Tracy shares a personal story about reluctantly stepping into a ministry role she felt completely unprepared for—and the surprising lesson God taught her about weakness, obedience, and trusting Him despite fear. If you've ever wondered whether you're qualified, gifted enough, or ready for what God has called you to do, this message is for you. You were not called because you are fearless. You were called because He is faithful. _____ This podcast is listener-supported. If you believe in equipping believers to discern truth, leave deception, and stand firm in Christ, you can help carry this mission forward here:

Foolish Confounds the Wise What if the very thing you trust most is the thing keeping you from seeing God clearly? For centuries, people have struggled with Jesus for the same reason. The Jews wanted power. The Greeks wanted wisdom. The Romans wanted strength. Yet God sent a crucified Savior. What looked foolish to the world became the very wisdom and power of God. In this message, we’ll explore Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 1 and uncover why the gospel still challenges our assumptions today. Why do some people embrace the cross while others reject it? Why do we so often trust our own logic, intelligence, expectations, and abilities instead of God’s ways? And what wisdom have we embraced that might be making Jesus harder to recognize? The gospel is not advice about how to become a better version of yourself. It is the announcement of what God has already done through Christ. Because every culture has a kind of wisdom that makes Jesus harder to recognize, but God’s wisdom is still greater than our own. 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Discussion topics HEAD – What did Jesus say to you through the Word? What do you think Paul means when he says, “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise”? Which of the five points from this week’s message stood out to you the most, and why? The gospel doesn’t fit our logic. The gospel cannot be discovered through intelligence alone. The gospel offends our expectations. God uses the wrong people. God’s method doesn’t impress the world. Pastor David said, “The gospel is not advice. It is news.” What is the difference between those two ideas? HEART – How did it make you feel? The message challenged us with this question: “What wisdom have we embraced that might be keeping us from seeing Jesus clearly?” How would you answer that personally? Examples of things that some people trust: Your own logic? Your own experience? Your own abilities? Other people’s opinions? Have you ever found yourself disappointed with God because He didn’t work the way you expected Him to work? Which statement hits closest to home right now? “The cross starts where self-help ends.” “Information can inform the mind, but only revelation transforms the heart.” “God often chooses people human wisdom wouldn’t even interview.” “The power was never in the packaging. The power was always in the message.” HANDS – What are you going to do with it? Is there a situation you’re currently trying to solve through effort, strategy, or control that may require surrender and prayer instead? Who is one person in your life that needs to hear the hope of the gospel? What is one practical step you can take to engage them this week? Check out our other audio series and video playlists that can help you find Jesus in every moment and then discover what’s next

It is one of the curious habits of God that He delights in beginning immense things with what appear to us very small beginnings. When Our Lord walked beside the Sea of Galilee and summoned twelve ordinary men to follow Him, Heaven itself was not improvising. This was no afterthought. The calling of the Twelve was the unfolding of a design hidden in the heart of God from the foundation of the world.For the Lord who chose twelve disciples was the same God who had once chosen twelve tribes through the sons of Jacob. Israel had been called to gather the nations to the worship of the true God, yet now, in Christ, a new and greater Israel was being formed. The number itself was no accident. Jesus was gathering around Himself the beginnings of the Church, the family through whom the Father intended to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.What is particularly astonishing is not merely that He called twelve men, but that He called such men. Fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots are hardly the material from which one would expect a kingdom to be built. Yet God has always preferred to display His strength through human weakness, so that the glory might be seen to belong to Him and not to His instruments.The Twelve would become apostles, the first bishops of the Catholic Church, entrusted with teaching, sanctifying, and guiding the people of God. Through their ministry, and through those who succeeded them, the voice of Christ would continue to echo across the centuries. Thus, the Church is not an invention of men but the continuation of the Lord's own work in human history.And perhaps there is a lesson here for each of us. Christ did not merely call twelve men long ago; He continues to call souls today. The same divine voice that summoned Peter from his nets summons us from our distractions and our little kingdoms. For God's great purpose has always been the same: to gather His scattered children into communion with Himself, until the whole world becomes, at last, one family in the household of the Father.Such is the strange and marvelous way of God. He begins with twelve, and intends nothing less than the redemption of the world. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

LESSON 165Let Not My Mind Deny The Thought Of God.What makes this world seem real except your own denial of the truth that lies beyond? What but your thoughts of misery and death obscure the perfect happiness and the eternal life your Father wills for you? And what could hide what cannot be concealed except illusion? What could keep from you what you already have except your choice to see it not, denying it is there?The Thought of God created you. It left you not, nor have you ever been apart from it an instant. It belongs to you. By it you live. It is your Source of life, holding you one with it, and everything is one with you because it left you not. The Thought of God protects you, cares for you, makes soft your resting place and smooth your way, lighting your mind with happiness and love. Eternity and everlasting life shine in your mind, because the Thought of God has left you not, and still abides with you.Who would deny his safety and his peace, his joy, his healing and his peace of mind, his quiet rest, his calm awakening, if he but recognized where they abide? Would he not instantly prepare to go where they are found, abandoning all else as worthless in comparison with them? And having found them, would he not make sure they stay with him, and he remain with them?Deny not Heaven. It is yours today, but for the asking. Nor need you perceive how great the gift, how changed your mind will be before it comes to you. Ask to receive, and it is given you. Conviction lies within it. Till you welcome it as yours, uncertainty remains. Yet God is fair. Sureness is not required to receive what only your acceptance can bestow.Ask with desire. You need not be sure that you request the only thing you want. But when you have received, you will be sure you have the treasure you have always sought. What would you then exchange for it? What would induce you now to let it fade away from your ecstatic vision? For this sight proves that you have exchanged your blindness for the seeing eyes of Christ; your mind has come to lay aside denial, and accept the Thought of God as your inheritance.Now is all doubting past, the journey's end made certain, and salvation given you. Now is Christ's power in your mind, to heal as you were healed. For now you are among the saviors of the world. Your destiny lies there and nowhere else. Would God consent to let His Son remain forever starved by his denial of the nourishment he needs to live? Abundance dwells in him, and deprivation cannot cut him off from God's sustaining Love and from his home.Practice today in hope. For hope indeed is justified. Your doubts are meaningless, for God is certain. And the Thought of Him is never absent. Sureness must abide within you who are host to Him. This course removes all doubts which you have interposed between Him and your certainty of Him.We count on God, and not upon ourselves, to give us certainty. And in His Name we practice as His Word directs we do. His sureness lies beyond our every doubt. His Love remains beyond our every fear. The Thought of Him is still beyond all dreams and in our minds, according to His Will.- Jesus Christ in ACIM

When you think about the size of the universe, it's easy to feel tiny. But Psalm 8 reminds me that the God who made the moon and stars is still mindful of us.

Have you ever felt like you've wandered too far from the path God intended for you? Perhaps choices, circumstances, or disappointments have taken you in a direction you never expected, leaving you wondering whether God can still use your life for His purposes. Yet God's grace has a remarkable way of meeting us where we are and redirecting our steps toward something greater.In this episode, Tracie and Abigail explore the life of hymn writer Helen Lemmel. Though her journey was marked by unexpected turns and difficult seasons, Helen's story is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond God's reach. When she turned her focus back to Christ, God used her life to leave a legacy that continues to encourage believers generations later. Her testimony reminds us that when we pivot in the right direction—and turn our eyes upon Jesus—God can transform our story into something that brings glory to Him and hope to others.If you know of someone who can be helped by listening to the Abundant Living Podcast, please share this episode with them. Please let us know what you think by rating and reviewing this podcast in your podcasting app! We love hearing from our listeners, whether through comments on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠our Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or messaging us on our website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠christianladiesfellowship.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You may also apply to be a part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠our private Facebook group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, but be sure to answer all the questions and agree to the group rules when you click to join.You can also email Tracie directly at tburns@immanueljax.org. Thank you for being part of this uplifting and encouraging community of ladies who want to live abundantly for the Lord!

Judges 4:1–24 with Pastor David Maestas In Judges 4, Israel once again finds itself trapped in the familiar cycle of rebellion, oppression, and desperation. After turning away from the Lord, they spend twenty years under the harsh rule of King Jabin and the military oppression of Sisera. But in the midst of fear and uncertainty, God raises up an unlikely leader: Deborah. As a prophetess and judge, Deborah stands as a powerful example of wisdom, courage, and faithfulness. Through her leadership, God calls Barak to step forward and lead Israel into battle. Yet Barak hesitates. Though God had already given clear direction, fear causes him to seek reassurance before obeying. This chapter reminds us that faith is not the absence of fear. Faith is choosing obedience despite it. Throughout Judges 4, we see God accomplish His purposes through unexpected people and unlikely circumstances. Deborah leads. Barak follows. Jael enters the story in a surprising way. And ultimately, the victory belongs not to human strength, military strategy, or personal courage, but to the Lord. One of the central themes of Judges 4 is that God often works through people who are simply willing to say yes. The heroes of this chapter are not perfect. They wrestle with fear, uncertainty, and limitations. Yet God uses them anyway. This passage also challenges us to consider how often we delay obedience while waiting for perfect confidence. Like Barak, many of us know what God is asking us to do, but we hesitate because we want more certainty, more guarantees, or someone else to go with us. Meanwhile, Deborah's example reminds us what it looks like to trust God enough to step into difficult assignments with confidence in Him rather than confidence in ourselves. Judges 4 invites us to reflect on several important questions: Where is fear keeping me from obeying God? Am I waiting for certainty when God is asking for faith? Have I underestimated how God might use ordinary people for extraordinary purposes? Am I trusting in my own strength, or am I depending on the Lord?

Joseph spent years confined in an Egyptian dungeon for a crime he did not commit. Yet God was not absent—He was refining Joseph's faith, strengthening him with His presence, and preparing him for promises that would be fulfilled in God's time, not Joseph's. In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef encourages a different kind of praying when you feel stuck: don't only pray for a way out—pray for God's will to be worked into you. If the Lord is using hardship to discipline, correct, or mature you, receive it with humility so you don't miss His purpose. Trying to manipulate God's will through prayer only produces frustration; faith learns to wait. Dr. Youssef then turns to Jesus in Gethsemane—the perfect model of surrendered prayer: “Not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39) and “may your will be done” (Matthew 26:42). Christ taught His disciples to pray the same way (Matthew 6:10), because real victory in trials comes through submission, not control. When you're weary, ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray, to intercede, and to deepen your grasp of God's love—so you can trust and obey in the valley as confidently as on the mountaintop. Prayer: God, I come to You in a difficult place. I pray that Your will would be accomplished in this season of my life. Help me to trust You and wait on You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him, . . .” (Genesis 39:20-21).  Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Joseph: Portrait of a Winner: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

If you’ve ever heard the expression “albatross around my neck”—a phrase referring to a tiresome burden—you’ve heard an allusion to English poet Samuel Coleridge’s famous poem Rime of the Ancient Mariner. In the poem, a sailor shoots and kills a harmless, friendly albatross. The crew believes the mariner’s cruel deed curses their voyage, and forces him to wear the dead bird around his neck as punishment. Are there regrets in your life that feel like a heavy weight around your neck? All of us have moments we’d do anything to take back. It can feel like we’re cursed to carry the weight of our guilt and regret forever. Yet God’s grace can free our hearts from even the most painful regret. We all have sin (1 John 1:8, 10), but when we honestly confess our burdens to God, we’re promised he “will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (v. 9). As His grace rushes in, His light and love can flow through us (2:10), freeing us to love those around us (v. 10; 3:14). In Coleridge’s poem, the tormented mariner too eventually experiences this grace. When love for God’s creation rushes into his heart and compels him to pray, the albatross falls off his neck, vanishing forever “like lead into the sea.”

Persecution has followed the church from its earliest days. Yet God uses even opposition to spread the gospel of salvation. Today, R.C. Sproul shows why persecution is inseparable from our identifying with Christ as His disciples. Get two exclusive 40th-anniversary edition books by R.C. Sproul with your donation today: The Holiness of God and Chosen by God. You'll also receive digital access to his teaching series The Persecuted Church: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Request digital teaching series with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global   Meet Today's Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts