Podcasts about Your God

Have you ever made a fort? Or a tree house? Maybe you just used all the blankets in your home to build a tent fort in your living room? Our lesson this week is about a special place that God made so that he could dwell or live with His people. He wanted to be near them, to live among them, He wanted to be their God. Did you know that He wants to live in you? If you open your heart to Him, He will dwell in you and be YOUR God! Year A Quarter 3 Week 31All Bible verses are from the NKJVHymn: The Lord is in His Holy TempleYear A Quarter 3 Week 30All Bible verses are from the NKJVWrite to Ms. Katie: seedpod@startingwithjesus.comKatie's Korner: https://startingwithjesus.com/katies-korner/Find the Lessons Here:Kindergarten https://bit.ly/SeedPodKLessonsPrimary https://bit.ly/SeedPodPLessonsConnect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comStarting With Jesus - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/StartingWithJesusSeedPod - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvU2FBPEL5-Zi2QW0STVLgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesusAcknowledgments:Bible Readings this week: JuliaPodcast Producer: Katie ChitwoodSound Engineer: Dillon AustinMy Bible First, https://bit.ly/SeedPodLesson for use of their Bible Lesson curriculum.AudioVerse, https://www.audioverse.org/ for partnering with us and supporting our ministry.Lindsey Mills, for writing and performing our SeedPod Kids Theme Song & Background Music.To learn more about her music or to get her CD, email her: lindsey@startingwithjesus.com 

Have you ever made a fort? Or a tree house? Maybe you just used all the blankets in your home to build a tent fort in your living room? Our lesson this week is about a special place that God made so that he could dwell or live with His people. He wanted to be near them, to live among them, He wanted to be their God. Did you know that He wants to live in you? If you open your heart to Him, He will dwell in you and be YOUR God! Year A Quarter 3 Week 31All Bible verses are from the NKJVHymn: The Lord is in His Holy TempleYear A Quarter 3 Week 30All Bible verses are from the NKJVWrite to Ms. Katie: seedpod@startingwithjesus.comKatie's Korner: https://startingwithjesus.com/katies-korner/Find the Lessons Here:Kindergarten https://bit.ly/SeedPodKLessonsPrimary https://bit.ly/SeedPodPLessonsConnect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comStarting With Jesus - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/StartingWithJesusSeedPod - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvU2FBPEL5-Zi2QW0STVLgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesusAcknowledgments:Bible Readings this week: JuliaPodcast Producer: Katie ChitwoodSound Engineer: Dillon AustinMy Bible First, https://bit.ly/SeedPodLesson for use of their Bible Lesson curriculum.AudioVerse, https://www.audioverse.org/ for partnering with us and supporting our ministry.Lindsey Mills, for writing and performing our SeedPod Kids Theme Song & Background Music.To learn more about her music or to get her CD, email her: lindsey@startingwithjesus.com 

Have you ever made a fort? Or a tree house? Maybe you just used all the blankets in your home to build a tent fort in your living room? Our lesson this week is about a special place that God made so that he could dwell or live with His people. He wanted to be near them, to live among them, He wanted to be their God. Did you know that He wants to live in you? If you open your heart to Him, He will dwell in you and be YOUR God! Year A Quarter 3 Week 31All Bible verses are from the NKJVHymn: The Lord is in His Holy TempleYear A Quarter 3 Week 30All Bible verses are from the NKJVWrite to Ms. Katie: seedpod@startingwithjesus.comKatie's Korner: https://startingwithjesus.com/katies-korner/Find the Lessons Here:Kindergarten https://bit.ly/SeedPodKLessonsPrimary https://bit.ly/SeedPodPLessonsConnect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comStarting With Jesus - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/StartingWithJesusSeedPod - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvU2FBPEL5-Zi2QW0STVLgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesusAcknowledgments:Bible Readings this week: JuliaPodcast Producer: Katie ChitwoodSound Engineer: Dillon AustinMy Bible First, https://bit.ly/SeedPodLesson for use of their Bible Lesson curriculum.AudioVerse, https://www.audioverse.org/ for partnering with us and supporting our ministry.Lindsey Mills, for writing and performing our SeedPod Kids Theme Song & Background Music.To learn more about her music or to get her CD, email her: lindsey@startingwithjesus.com 

Have you ever made a fort? Or a tree house? Maybe you just used all the blankets in your home to build a tent fort in your living room? Our lesson this week is about a special place that God made so that he could dwell or live with His people. He wanted to be near them, to live among them, He wanted to be their God. Did you know that He wants to live in you? If you open your heart to Him, He will dwell in you and be YOUR God! Year A Quarter 3 Week 31All Bible verses are from the NKJVHymn: The Lord is in His Holy TempleYear A Quarter 3 Week 30All Bible verses are from the NKJVWrite to Ms. Katie: seedpod@startingwithjesus.comKatie's Korner: https://startingwithjesus.com/katies-korner/Find the Lessons Here:Kindergarten https://bit.ly/SeedPodKLessonsPrimary https://bit.ly/SeedPodPLessonsConnect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comStarting With Jesus - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/StartingWithJesusSeedPod - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvU2FBPEL5-Zi2QW0STVLgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesusAcknowledgments:Bible Readings this week: JuliaPodcast Producer: Katie ChitwoodSound Engineer: Dillon AustinMy Bible First, https://bit.ly/SeedPodLesson for use of their Bible Lesson curriculum.AudioVerse, https://www.audioverse.org/ for partnering with us and supporting our ministry.Lindsey Mills, for writing and performing our SeedPod Kids Theme Song & Background Music.To learn more about her music or to get her CD, email her: lindsey@startingwithjesus.com 

In 1 Kings 19, Pastor John reminds us that when our faith is under fire, God meets us with compassion—not shame. He is faithful to His covenant and gently calls us back to His presence and purpose. No failure cancels His calling on your life. Your God is compassionateYour God is covenant keeping Your God has a call for you Life Group Discussion:When have you felt like Elijah—exhausted, discouraged, or done—and how did God meet you in that moment?What are some “mountaintop moments” in your life where you've clearly experienced God's presence or promises?How can you be faithful to take the next step in the calling God has for your life, even if you don't feel fully ready?

St. Alphonsus you have said: You are not asked to apply your mind continually to the thought of God and lay aside the fulfillment of your duties and your recreations. ... Your God is ever beside you—indeed, He is even within you. “In Him we live, and move, and have our being.” (Acts 17:28). Not only is there no need of an intermediary through whom He would want you to speak to Him, but He finds His delight in having you treat with Him personally and in all confidence. Speak to Him often of your business, your plans, your troubles, your fears—of everything that concerns you. But above all, converse with Him confidently and frankly; for God is not wont to speak to a soul that does not speak to Him.. The post Novena to St. Alphonsus Liguori – Day 5 – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Have you ever made a fort? Or a tree house? Maybe you just used all the blankets in your home to build a tent fort in your living room? Our lesson this week is about a special place that God made so that he could dwell or live with His people. He wanted to be near them, to live among them, He wanted to be their God. Did you know that He wants to live in you? If you open your heart to Him, He will dwell in you and be YOUR God! Year A Quarter 3 Week 31All Bible verses are from the NKJVHymn: The Lord is in His Holy TempleYear A Quarter 3 Week 30All Bible verses are from the NKJVWrite to Ms. Katie: seedpod@startingwithjesus.comKatie's Korner: https://startingwithjesus.com/katies-korner/Find the Lessons Here:Kindergarten https://bit.ly/SeedPodKLessonsPrimary https://bit.ly/SeedPodPLessonsConnect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comStarting With Jesus - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/StartingWithJesusSeedPod - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvU2FBPEL5-Zi2QW0STVLgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesusAcknowledgments:Bible Readings this week: JuliaPodcast Producer: Katie ChitwoodSound Engineer: Dillon AustinMy Bible First, https://bit.ly/SeedPodLesson for use of their Bible Lesson curriculum.AudioVerse, https://www.audioverse.org/ for partnering with us and supporting our ministry.Lindsey Mills, for writing and performing our SeedPod Kids Theme Song & Background Music.To learn more about her music or to get her CD, email her: lindsey@startingwithjesus.com 

Even when you're alone, your Helper is with you!1. Your God2. Your Gift3. Your GuaranteeTime:AfternoonMinister:Candidate Adrian TamsTexts:Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 20John 14:15–31

Your God is Too Small part 2 July 13, 2025 Elwyn Johnston Job 38 – 42 Verse of the Week: “I Am Who I Am” Exodus 3:14 “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone” Romans 5:12 “we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 1. God uses suffering to redirect us. “Sometimes painful experiences make us change our ways.” Proverbs 20:30 “You asked, ‘Who is this that questions My wisdom with such ignorance?' It is I - and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me.” Job 42:3 2. God uses suffering to realign us. “My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to Your statutes.” Psalm 119:71 “the testing of your faith produces endurance, so let endurance do its work so you become mature and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:3 & 4 “I have made them for My glory.” Isaiah 43:7 “God saved them for the sake of His name” Psalm 106:8 3. God uses suffering to reposition us “you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good. He repositioned me so I could save the lives of many people.” Gen. 50:20 “give me this mountain that the Lord promised me” Joshua 14:12 “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will continue His work until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil. 1:6 “satan has desired to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail. When you have come through the time of testing, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31 & 32 4. God uses suffering to refine us. “I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering.” Isaiah 48:10 “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; but now my eye sees You; therefore I despise myself and I repent” Job 42:6 “no purpose of God's can be stopped.” Job 42:2 “God knows the way I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as pure gold.” Job 23:10 “None of the rulers of this age recognized and understood God's wisdom; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Corinthians 2:8

This episode is a reminder to remember YOUR God.It's important to remember the God who partnered with you from the very beginning, the One who has brought you to where you are today. Too often, we forget the God who walked with us through every stage. We become comfortable, distracted, or even disobedient.Give thanks. Live a life that continues to honour and glorify Him. No matter how many gifts, talents, skills, or certificates you may have — it was not by your own might or power that brought you this far. It was by His grace.Always remember your God.

TAKEAWAYSGreg says teens need three things to be equipped to serve Christ: a King (Jesus), a cause (the gospel) and a crew (a family)Your God-sized dream can be anything - every dream matters and is importantLearn how to pray and spend time every day in God's WordGod is opening up opportunities all around us every day

Week 27 - Doctrine and Covenants 76: "JB Phillips nailed the predicament for so many Christians. “Your God is too small"Please visit us at CFMpodcast.org

Because we are welcomed by God with a word of peace, we find true relief from the worry of our lives in Jesus alone. Genesis 43:1–34 (ESV): 43 Now the famine was severe in the land. 2 And when they had eaten the grain that they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go again, buy us a little food.” 3 But Judah said to him, “The man solemnly warned us, saying, ‘You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.' 4 If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food. 5 But if you will not send him, we will not go down, for the man said to us, ‘You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.' ” 6 Israel said, “Why did you treat me so badly as to tell the man that you had another brother?” 7 They replied, “The man questioned us carefully about ourselves and our kindred, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?' What we told him was in answer to these questions. Could we in any way know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down'?” 8 And Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the boy with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. 9 I will be a pledge of his safety. From my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. 10 If we had not delayed, we would now have returned twice.” 11 Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: take some of the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry a present down to the man, a little balm and a little honey, gum, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds. 12 Take double the money with you. Carry back with you the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks. Perhaps it was an oversight. 13 Take also your brother, and arise, go again to the man. 14 May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, and may he send back your other brother and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.” 15 So the men took this present, and they took double the money with them, and Benjamin. They arose and went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph. 16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and slaughter an animal and make ready, for the men are to dine with me at noon.” 17 The man did as Joseph told him and brought the men to Joseph's house. 18 And the men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph's house, and they said, “It is because of the money, which was replaced in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may assault us and fall upon us to make us servants and seize our donkeys.” 19 So they went up to the steward of Joseph's house and spoke with him at the door of the house, 20 and said, “Oh, my lord, we came down the first time to buy food. 21 And when we came to the lodging place we opened our sacks, and there was each man's money in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight. So we have brought it again with us, 22 and we have brought other money down with us to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks.” 23 He replied, “Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them. 24 And when the man had brought the men into Joseph's house and given them water, and they had washed their feet, and when he had given their donkeys fodder, 25 they prepared the present for Joseph's coming at noon, for they heard that they should eat bread there. 26 When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present that they had with them and bowed down to him to the ground. 27 And he inquired about their welfare and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” 28 They said, “Your servant our father is well; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads and prostrated themselves. 29 And he lifted up his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? God be gracious to you, my son!” 30 Then Joseph hurried out, for his compassion grew warm for his brother, and he sought a place to weep. And he entered his chamber and wept there. 31 Then he washed his face and came out. And controlling himself he said, “Serve the food.” 32 They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians could not eat with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. 33 And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth. And the men looked at one another in amazement. 34 Portions were taken to them from Joseph's table, but Benjamin's portion was five times as much as any of theirs. And they drank and were merry with him.

Your God is Too Small July 6, 2025 Elwyn Johnston Job 38 – 42 Verse of the Week: “I Am Who I Am” Exodus 3:14 1. Change our perspective of God “I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me.” Job 42:3 Fear the Lord “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil” Proverbs 8:13 “In the fear of the Lord there is security, and His children will have refuge” Proverbs 14:26 2. Embrace the character of God. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Heb. 13:8 “God never changes” James 1:17 “I am the Lord, and I do not change.” Malachi 3:6 “God is love” 1 John 4:8 “Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.'” Leviticus 19:2 “Only God is truly good.” Mark 10:18 “The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes.” Nahum 1:7 “O taste and see that the Lord is good” Psalm 34:8 “God who calls you is faithful” 1 Thessalonians 5:24 “God does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 “the Lord longs to be gracious to you.…For the Lord is a God of justice.” Isaiah 30:18 “I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2

You were made to shine.In “Shine Your Light,” Whitney Hopler invites us to reflect on the purpose of our spiritual glow. Just as fireflies light up the night without effort, we’re called to radiate the hope, peace, and goodness of God. Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 5: your light isn’t for hiding—it’s for helping others see Him. When we live in kindness, walk in integrity, and reflect His love, people notice. And that’s the point—not to spotlight ourselves, but to glorify our Father in heaven. Key Takeaways: Your light is a gift from God—meant to shine Good deeds rooted in love and faith point people back to God Fireflies don’t strain to shine; they glow because it’s what they were created to do You were made to shine in the same way—naturally and boldly Don’t let the world’s darkness convince you to dim your light

To begin a series on the Attributes of God we start with a vision of God's holiness from Isaiah 6:1-13 An Essay on the Holiness of God- by Richard Lints Who is Your God? Message from Exodus 7 Study of the Divine- “There is something exceedingly improving to the mind in a contemplation of the… The post Holiness of God appeared first on Trinity Community Church.

In this sermon, we looked at how the story of Ruth is a profound portrait of redemption, belonging, and grace. As a Moabite woman, Ruth was an outsider to the covenant promises of Israel. After the loss of her husband, she was destined for a forgotten life without hope. Yet through her bold declaration of faith—"Your God will be my God"—she was adopted into God’s family. Then, through the kindness of Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, God restored what had been lost in Ruth's life, weaving her story into the very lineage of Jesus. As believers, this is our story as well. We were once far off, strangers to God's promises, but by faith in Christ, our true Redeemer, we have been brought near. Jesus takes those who are broken, wounded, or forgotten and invites us into His eternal plan of redemption.

Episode Title: Don't Dim Your Light*The Purposefully Fit Podcast is designed to inspire, motivate, and encourage you to pursue YOUR God-given passion purposefully.Visit Coach NikE's Website: IAmNikE.com

Today's sermon is Crying to Your God by Chuck Smith Find more teaching from Pastor Chuck at www.pastorchuck.org

In this message, Pastor Lester breaks open the powerful story of Daniel — a man of excellence, integrity, and unshakable faith. When others plotted against him… God promoted him. When lies were spoken… God defended him. When he was thrown into the lions' den… God delivered him! Are you in a season where standing for God feels costly? Are you surrounded by opposition for simply living right? This word reminds us: Your God—whom you serve continually—will deliver you. There's glory on the other side of your trial, breakthrough on the other side of your prayer, and favour on the other side of your faith.

Your God is Too Small | Tullian Tchividjian | "Feeling God, Part 02"Psalm 19:1-6

Take some time to reflect on the image of Your God being a protective tower around you. No matter what kind of day you've had, rest in hope and peace tonight as you draw near to the heart of God. This short, uplifting meditation from His Word will create a space at the end of the day for you to refocus on the goodness and nearness of the Lord, entrust your burdens to Him and fill your mind with His promises and faithfulness towards you. Tonight's meditation is read by Adeyinka. Meet the team at https://www.odbm.org/en-GB/about-us/meet-the-teamSend us a text message to let us know how we can make the Evening Meditations an even better experience for you!Support the showYou can now share the Evening Meditations through the updated Our Daily Bread app! If you've not done so already, download it for free from your app store.We hope that you have enjoyed this Evening Meditation from Our Daily Bread Ministries! You can find more exciting content from Our Daily Bread Ministries by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. You can even sign up to receive Our Daily Bread Bible reading notes sent straight to your door for free: ourdailybread.org/meditation. All our funding comes from our listeners, like you, who value what we do and want to help us reach more people. You can make a donation towards our mission at eveningmeditations.org.

Episode Title: Love Thy Neighbor- Beyond The Fence*The Purposefully Fit Podcast is designed to inspire, motivate, and encourage you to pursue YOUR God-given passion purposefully.Visit Coach NikE's Website: IAmNikE.com

Welcome to the VOUS Church Podcast.In today's message, Pastor Rich continues our collection, Your God is Too Small, with God Flex reminding us, God doesn't flex to impress, but to show up.Join us June 19-21 for VOUSCon, three days to encounter Jesus, get equipped, and leave empowered. Don't miss it. Head to vouscon.com to learn more.

April 25, 2025 - Equipped 2025 - Day 2 - 3:30PM Session   Rick addresses the ability of Isaiah to predict events in the future to significant detail while being a significant number of years (700) before the events would come to pass.   Isaiah 48-53 - Israel Refined for God's Glory 48 “Hear this, O house of Jacob, Who are called by the name of Israel, And have come forth from the wellsprings of Judah; Who swear by the name of the Lord, And make mention of the God of Israel, But not in truth or in righteousness; 2 For they call themselves after the holy city, And lean on the God of Israel; The Lord of hosts is His name: 3 “I have declared the former things from the beginning; They went forth from My mouth, and I caused them to hear it. Suddenly I did them, and they came to pass. 4 Because I knew that you were obstinate, And your neck was an iron sinew, And your brow bronze, 5 Even from the beginning I have declared it to you; Before it came to pass I proclaimed it to you, Lest you should say, ‘My idol has done them, And my carved image and my molded image Have commanded them.' 6 “You have heard; See all this. And will you not declare it? I have made you hear new things from this time, Even hidden things, and you did not know them. 7 They are created now and not from the beginning; And before this day you have not heard them, Lest you should say, ‘Of course I knew them.' 8 Surely you did not hear, Surely you did not know; Surely from long ago your ear was not opened. For I knew that you would deal very treacherously, And were called a transgressor from the womb. 9 “For My name's sake I will defer My anger, And for My praise I will restrain it from you, So that I do not cut you off. 10 Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. 11 For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it; For how should My name be profaned? And I will not give My glory to another. God's Ancient Plan to Redeem Israel 12 “Listen to Me, O Jacob, And Israel, My called: I am He, I am the First, I am also the Last. 13 Indeed My hand has laid the foundation of the earth, And My right hand has stretched out the heavens; When I call to them, They stand up together. 14 “All of you, assemble yourselves, and hear! Who among them has declared these things? The Lord loves him; He shall do His pleasure on Babylon, And His arm shall be against the Chaldeans. 15 I, even I, have spoken; Yes, I have called him, I have brought him, and his way will prosper. 16 “Come near to Me, hear this: I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; From the time that it was, I was there. And now the Lord God and His Spirit Have sent Me.” 17 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go. 18 Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea. 19 Your descendants also would have been like the sand, And the offspring of your body like the grains of sand; His name would not have been cut off Nor destroyed from before Me.” 20 Go forth from Babylon! Flee from the Chaldeans! With a voice of singing, Declare, proclaim this, Utter it to the end of the earth; Say, “The Lord has redeemed His servant Jacob!” 21 And they did not thirst When He led them through the deserts; He caused the waters to flow from the rock for them; He also split the rock, and the waters gushed out. 22 “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.” The Servant, the Light to the Gentiles 49 “Listen, O coastlands, to Me, And take heed, you peoples from afar! The Lord has called Me from the womb; From the matrix of My mother He has made mention of My name. 2 And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword; In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me, And made Me a polished shaft; In His quiver He has hidden Me.” 3 “And He said to me, ‘You are My servant, O Israel, In whom I will be glorified.' 4 Then I said, ‘I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and in vain; Yet surely my just reward is with the Lord, And my work with my God.' ” 5 “And now the Lord says, Who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, To bring Jacob back to Him, So that Israel is gathered to Him (For I shall be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, And My God shall be My strength), 6 Indeed He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.' ” 7 Thus says the Lord, The Redeemer of Israel, their Holy One, To Him whom man despises, To Him whom the nation abhors, To the Servant of rulers: “Kings shall see and arise, Princes also shall worship, Because of the Lord who is faithful, The Holy One of Israel; And He has chosen You.” 8 Thus says the Lord: “In an acceptable time I have heard You, And in the day of salvation I have helped You; I will preserve You and give You As a covenant to the people, To restore the earth, To cause them to inherit the desolate heritages; 9 That You may say to the prisoners, ‘Go forth,' To those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.' “They shall feed along the roads, And their pastures shall be on all desolate heights. 10 They shall neither hunger nor thirst, Neither heat nor sun shall strike them; For He who has mercy on them will lead them, Even by the springs of water He will guide them. 11 I will make each of My mountains a road, And My highways shall be elevated. 12 Surely these shall come from afar; Look! Those from the north and the west, And these from the land of Sinim.” 13 Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! And break out in singing, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people, And will have mercy on His afflicted. God Will Remember Zion 14 But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, And my Lord has forgotten me.” 15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. 16 See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me. 17 Your sons shall make haste; Your destroyers and those who laid you waste Shall go away from you. 18 Lift up your eyes, look around and see; All these gather together and come to you. As I live,” says the Lord, “You shall surely clothe yourselves with them all as an ornament, And bind them on you as a bride does. 19 “For your waste and desolate places, And the land of your destruction, Will even now be too small for the inhabitants; And those who swallowed you up will be far away. 20 The children you will have, After you have lost the others, Will say again in your ears, ‘The place is too small for me; Give me a place where I may dwell.' 21 Then you will say in your heart, ‘Who has begotten these for me, Since I have lost my children and am desolate, A captive, and wandering to and fro? And who has brought these up? There I was, left alone; But these, where were they?' ” 22 Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I will lift My hand in an oath to the nations, And set up My standard for the peoples; They shall bring your sons in their arms, And your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders; 23 Kings shall be your foster fathers, And their queens your nursing mothers; They shall bow down to you with their faces to the earth, And lick up the dust of your feet. Then you will know that I am the Lord, For they shall not be ashamed who wait for Me.” 24 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, Or the captives of the righteous be delivered? 25 But thus says the Lord: “Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, And the prey of the terrible be delivered; For I will contend with him who contends with you, And I will save your children. 26 I will feed those who oppress you with their own flesh, And they shall be drunk with their own blood as with sweet wine. All flesh shall know That I, the Lord, am your Savior, And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” The Servant, Israel's Hope 50 Thus says the Lord: “Where is the certificate of your mother's divorce, Whom I have put away? Or which of My creditors is it to whom I have sold you? For your iniquities you have sold yourselves, And for your transgressions your mother has been put away. 2 Why, when I came, was there no man? Why, when I called, was there none to answer? Is My hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Indeed with My rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness; Their fish stink because there is no water, And die of thirst. 3 I clothe the heavens with blackness, And I make sackcloth their covering.” 4 “The Lord God has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear To hear as the learned. 5 The Lord God has opened My ear; And I was not rebellious, Nor did I turn away. 6 I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting. 7 “For the Lord God will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed. 8 He is near who justifies Me; Who will contend with Me? Let us stand together. Who is My adversary? Let him come near Me. 9 Surely the Lord God will help Me; Who is he who will condemn Me? Indeed they will all grow old like a garment; The moth will eat them up. 10 “Who among you fears the Lord? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness And has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord And rely upon his God. 11 Look, all you who kindle a fire, Who encircle yourselves with sparks: Walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks you have kindled— This you shall have from My hand: You shall lie down in torment. The Lord Comforts Zion 51 “Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, You who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were hewn, And to the hole of the pit from which you were dug. 2 Look to Abraham your father, And to Sarah who bore you; For I called him alone, And blessed him and increased him.” 3 For the Lord will comfort Zion, He will comfort all her waste places; He will make her wilderness like Eden, And her desert like the garden of the Lord; Joy and gladness will be found in it, Thanksgiving and the voice of melody. 4 “Listen to Me, My people; And give ear to Me, O My nation: For law will proceed from Me, And I will make My justice rest As a light of the peoples. 5 My righteousness is near, My salvation has gone forth, And My arms will judge the peoples; The coastlands will wait upon Me, And on My arm they will trust. 6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, And look on the earth beneath. For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, The earth will grow old like a garment, And those who dwell in it will die in like manner; But My salvation will be forever, And My righteousness will not be abolished. 7 “Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, You people in whose heart is My law: Do not fear the reproach of men, Nor be afraid of their insults. 8 For the moth will eat them up like a garment, And the worm will eat them like wool; But My righteousness will be forever, And My salvation from generation to generation.” 9 Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord! Awake as in the ancient days, In the generations of old. Are You not the arm that cut Rahab apart, And wounded the serpent? 10 Are You not the One who dried up the sea, The waters of the great deep; That made the depths of the sea a road For the redeemed to cross over? 11 So the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness; Sorrow and sighing shall flee away. 12 “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid Of a man who will die, And of the son of a man who will be made like grass? 13 And you forget the Lord your Maker, Who stretched out the heavens And laid the foundations of the earth; You have feared continually every day Because of the fury of the oppressor, When he has prepared to destroy. And where is the fury of the oppressor? 14 The captive exile hastens, that he may be loosed, That he should not die in the pit, And that his bread should not fail. 15 But I am the Lord your God, Who divided the sea whose waves roared— The Lord of hosts is His name. 16 And I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand, That I may plant the heavens, Lay the foundations of the earth, And say to Zion, ‘You are My people.' ” God's Fury Removed 17 Awake, awake! Stand up, O Jerusalem, You who have drunk at the hand of the Lord The cup of His fury; You have drunk the dregs of the cup of trembling, And drained it out. 18 There is no one to guide her Among all the sons she has brought forth; Nor is there any who takes her by the hand Among all the sons she has brought up. 19 These two things have come to you; Who will be sorry for you?— Desolation and destruction, famine and sword— By whom will I comfort you? 20 Your sons have fainted, They lie at the head of all the streets, Like an antelope in a net; They are full of the fury of the Lord, The rebuke of your God. 21 Therefore please hear this, you afflicted, And drunk but not with wine. 22 Thus says your Lord, The Lord and your God, Who pleads the cause of His people: “See, I have taken out of your hand The cup of trembling, The dregs of the cup of My fury; You shall no longer drink it. 23 But I will put it into the hand of those who afflict you, Who have said to you, ‘Lie down, that we may walk over you.' And you have laid your body like the ground, And as the street, for those who walk over.” God Redeems Jerusalem 52 Awake, awake! Put on your strength, O Zion; Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city! For the uncircumcised and the unclean Shall no longer come to you. 2 Shake yourself from the dust, arise; Sit down, O Jerusalem! Loose yourself from the bonds of your neck, O captive daughter of Zion! 3 For thus says the Lord: “You have sold yourselves for nothing, And you shall be redeemed without money.” 4 For thus says the Lord God: “My people went down at first Into Egypt to dwell there; Then the Assyrian oppressed them without cause. 5 Now therefore, what have I here,” says the Lord, “That My people are taken away for nothing? Those who rule over them Make them wail,” says the Lord, “And My name is blasphemed continually every day. 6 Therefore My people shall know My name; Therefore they shall know in that day That I am He who speaks: ‘Behold, it is I.' ” 7 How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” 8 Your watchmen shall lift up their voices, With their voices they shall sing together; For they shall see eye to eye When the Lord brings back Zion. 9 Break forth into joy, sing together, You waste places of Jerusalem! For the Lord has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem. 10 The Lord has made bare His holy arm In the eyes of all the nations; And all the ends of the earth shall see The salvation of our God. 11 Depart! Depart! Go out from there, Touch no unclean thing; Go out from the midst of her, Be clean, You who bear the vessels of the Lord. 12 For you shall not go out with haste, Nor go by flight; For the Lord will go before you, And the God of Israel will be your rear guard. The Sin-Bearing Servant 13 Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently; He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high. 14 Just as many were astonished at you, So His visage was marred more than any man, And His form more than the sons of men; 15 So shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; For what had not been told them they shall see, And what they had not heard they shall consider. The Sin-Bearing Messiah 53 Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him. 3 He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 4 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment, And who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken. 9 And they made His grave with the wicked— But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth. 10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. 11 He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.   Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnGl00h-CJo   Duration 37:06

Pastor Timothy shows that”Your God given identity defines what you are and how you are to live.

A Sermon for Ascension Sunday Acts 1:1-11 by William Klock The King came to Canada this week and I can help but reflect on how providential this event has been—the King of Canada coming to take his throne in the Senate chamber in Ottawa—in the same week that we remember and celebrate the ascension of Jesus.  I might be tempted to title my sermon: A Tale of Two Kings. So a new Parliament needed to be opened.  A throne speech had to be read.  That's normally done by the Governor General, but these are not normal times.  The new President next door, in what has always been Canada's best friend and ally, is now making economic war and daily challenging the country's sovereignty.  It was time for the Sovereign to come and save the day.  And so the King came, and he ascended to his throne in Parliament, and he read a speech.  The last time the Sovereign did this was almost fifty years ago, so this is no small thing.  And yet the King was here for all of about twenty-four hours.  The speech he read was written by government speech-writers, not by the King.  And even then, it's vitally important in our constitutional monarchy that the King avoid any openly political speech—and so the big concern of the day, the big thing that threatens the nation's economic well-being and sovereignty—was only hinted at obliquely.  And everyone applauded.  And then the King got back into his jet and flew home.  And maybe it's just because I'm an American, but it doesn't seem to me that all the pomp and circumstance and expense really accomplished anything.  The King didn't go to Washington to negotiate peace with the belligerent bully or to rough him up a bit or even to give him a good talking to.  Instead, he came here, he sat in the Senate chamber, and recited back to the government the talking points it gave him.  Again, I mean no disrespect to the King or to Canada's constitutional monarchy, but watching and listening to this week's events as an American—although I suspect even the staunches of Christian monarchists can't help but notice it too—that there's a big—an enormous—difference between the ascension of King Charles III in Ottawa this week and the ascension of Jesus that we read about today in both our Epistle and Gospel. I listened to the throne speech and even though I know that the King can't actually do anything, when it was over I still felt like: What now?  The King flies all this way, he ascends to his throne with great pomp and circumstance, he reads a speech intended to stir patriotic feelings—and even as an American, watching and listening I felt pride for Canada—but then he got back into his airplane and went home.  He didn't do anything about the current crisis.  The enemy is still there.  In fact, the King's talk of Canadian sovereignty just seemed to provoke a new round of fifty-first state talk.  It's kind of a let down.  I don't know what I expect the King should do, but he's a king after all and I sort of have a mental image of him taking off his pinstripe jacket, putting on a shining suit of armour, going to Washington, and popping the President in the nose.  In real life that probably wouldn't solve anything.  It's just that kings are supposed to deliver their subjects in times of trouble and cast down their enemies.  Right?  That's what kings are for. This is why the disciples were so discouraged when Jesus was crucified.  They thought he was the Messiah, the anointed king, and then he got himself killed—and that's not what was supposed to happen to the king.  He was supposed to defeat his enemies and take his throne.  And then Jesus rose from death and he met them and they were so excited to go declare the good news to Jerusalem that Jesus actually had to calm them down and tell them to wait.  Enthusiasm isn't enough.  They also needed the power of God's Spirit—but that's for next week.  But for forty days Jesus has been teaching them.  He's been walking them through the scriptures and showing them how it was there along: the Messiah had to die in order to defeat his enemies and take his throne.  Like I said a couple of weeks ago, those forty days must have been the most thrilling days in all of history as Jesus taught them and as it all came together.  And yet, even then, the disciples were still stuck on the wrong things.  But now I'm getting ahead of myself for today.  Keep this all in mind and let's look at our Epistle again.  The first chapter of Acts.  Luke writes: Dear Theophilus, the previous book which I wrote had to do with everything Jesus began to do and teach.  I took the story as far as the day when he was taken up, once he had given instructions through the Holy Spirit to his apostles.   Luke is talking about his Gospel.  He goes on in verse 3: He showed himself to them alive, after his suffering, by many proofs.  He was seen by them for forty days, during which he spoke about God's kingdom.  As they were having a meal together, he told them not to go away from Jerusalem, but to wait, as he put it, “for the Father's promise, which I was telling you about earlier.  John baptised with water, you see, but in a few days from now you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.”   So good so far.  Forty days of Bible teaching with Jesus.  All about the kingdom.  He thinks they're ready to do the proclamation part of their new ministry, they just need to wait a minute so he can ascend to this throne and send the Spirit who will empower that proclamation.  Jesus thinks their ready to be set loose on the world.  But have you ever taught something to someone, explaining it to them, and they're nodding and you think they understand.  You're ready to turn them loose.  And then they ask you a question and you realise that they still don't understand the central point of what you've been trying to teach them? I took calculus as a freshman in college.  Twice.  The only class I ever failed.  I understood the instructions.  But no matter how hard I tried and no matter how long the professor explained it to me—I had the benefit of sitting next to him in the church choir—I never understood what it was all about.  I didn't get it.  I thought that at least I could just follow the instructions to solve the equations.  I found that usually worked pretty well with math.  But it didn't with calculus.  So he—or my friends who understood calculus—would explain it to me and I'd say, “Right.  I do this, then this, then this, and so on.”  And they'd smile and say, “Yes!”  Like it was finally sinking in for me.  And then I'd do what I thought were the steps and it wouldn't work and they'd ask me to explain it, and I couldn't, because I never could wrap my head around the concept at the heart of it all. Brothers and Sisters, the kingdom was the heart of everything Jesus was teaching and doing.  And the disciples knew this.  That's, again, why they were so discouraged when he died.  Dead kings don't establish kingdoms.  But now Jesus is alive again and they're excited and especially so because for forty days Jesus has been teaching them even more about the kingdom.  And then they ask, “Master, is this the time when you are going to restore the kingdom to Israel.”   I remember the look on my calculus professor's face when he through I'd finally got it through my thick skull and how his smile faded away when he realised I didn't get it at all and I can picture the same look on Jesus' face.  Disappointment and exasperation.  I don't know.  Maybe Jesus knew that no amount of talk would get them straight on this and that it would only fall into place once they saw him ascend and once they'd received the Spirit.  But it's clear: despite all the teaching, the disciples still didn't get it. See, this idea of the “kingdom of God”, for the Jews it had become shorthand for the idea that one day the Lord would fulfil his promises, come back to Israel, take up his throne.  He'd defeat Isreal's enemies and he'd set Israel to rights—and then they'd all live happily ever after with God as their king and the pagans under their feet.  They sang songs, like Psalm 2, about the nations raging and the kings of the earth getting together to plot against the Lord and his people.  And in the middle of the song the Lord bursts out in laughter, mocking the nations and their feeble kings.  And then the Lord lets loose his wrath and announces, “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.”  And then the king speaks: “The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son; today I have begotten you.  Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.  You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”  And then the Psalmist can announce to the nations: “Now, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.  Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.  Kiss the son, lest he be angry and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled.”  It's the king in shining armour come to crush his enemies and set his people to rights. They sang songs like the one in Isaiah 52 about the beautiful feet of the one who brings good news and who announces to Zion, “Your God reigns.”  “The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of God.”  This was the same song in which they sang about the suffering servant who would be exalted only after he had borne their griefs and sorrows, only after he'd been stricken and afflicted.”  This was the hope of Israel and this is why the disciples had followed Jesus.  They believed he was the Messiah, the king who would rescue his people and defeat their enemies.  Again, for those three days he was in the tomb it looked like they'd been wrong, but now Jesus was alive again.  They knew with absolute certainty that he really is the Messiah.  And so now they're asking him: “Your resurrection put the story back on track, Jesus.  So when are you going to fulfil those old promises, defeat the nations and their kings, and set Isreal on the top of the heap?” And Jesus says to them in verse 7: “It's not your business to know about times and dates.  The Father has placed all that under his own direct authority.  What will happen, though, is that you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.  Then you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judaea and Samaria, and to the very ends of the earth.”   I've noticed a lot of people read this and think that Jesus is saying something like, “No.  It's not time to restore the kingdom.  I'll do that sometime in the future and only the Father knows the date.”  But that's not what Jesus is saying at all.  Think of the pair Jesus met on the road to Emmaus.  They were saying that they'd hoped Jesus was the one who would redeem Israel, but well, he'd been crucified so scratch that idea.  And that's the point when Jesus explains to them that it was actually through his crucifixion that he would accomplish God's long-promised redemption.  Even though it was there all along in songs like Isaiah 52, it doesn't seem to have occurred to anyone that the Messiah would usher in God's kingdom by his suffering and death.  And yet when Jesus says this, suddenly a lot of other things he said and did finally make sense.  Think of the stories—the parables—he told.  Over and over: The kingdom is coming—yes!—but it's not coming like you think.  Instead, the kingdom is coming like seed planted in the ground.  The kingdom is coming like leaven in a lump of dough.  The kingdom is like a man who had two sons.  Or when Jesus and the disciples were approaching Jerusalem and they asked this same question: Is the kingdom finally coming now?  And Jesus said that the kingdom is like a nobleman coming back to see if his servants have been faithful with their stewardship.  Over and over Jesus has been saying, “Yes, the kingdom is coming right now, but you keep missing it because it doesn't look like what you expected. At that last Passover meal Jesus ate with his friends, he told them that he would not drink with them again until the kingdom had arrived. And here they are, these forty days after the resurrection eating and drinking with Jesus as he teaches them.  The kingdom has come, Brothers and Sisters.  Too many Christians live as if the mission of the church is to prepare for Jesus to become king, when the church's mission is, in fact, really all about announcing and living out the reality that Jesus is the king even if his kingdom isn't quite what a lot of people expected. And then, just to make all of this absolutely clear, Luke says in verse 9: As Jesus said this, he was lifted up while they were watching and a cloud took him out of their sight.   We're prone to missing the significance of this image because we're not steeped in the Old Testament the way they were.  The disciples, however, understood exactly what was happening: Jesus was acting out the prophecy of Daniel 7.  That's the chapter were Daniel has this nightmare full of beasts coming up out of the ocean.  It's a vision of the nations and their kings raging against God's people.  But then “one like a son of man” is taken up and exalted on the clouds to sit beside the Ancient of Days.  He's given a kingdom, power, and authority so that all people, nations, and languages should serve and obey him.  It's a vision of the kingdom being restored to Israel.  And now, all through Jesus' ministry, we've heard him talking about himself as this son of man, as Israel's representative, and now—in answer to the disciples' question about the coming of the kingdom—Jesus literally acts out Daniel's vision.  He fulfils it.  In fact, in Matthew's telling of the ascension, Jesus even says—echoing the words of the Ancient of Days in Daniel—“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  So you must go and make all the nations into disciples.” The ascension proclaims: Jesus is king and his kingdom is here.  One day Jesus will return to finish what he's begun, but never forget that it has begun.  As Paul says in Romans 15, “He has to go on ruling until he has put all his enemies under his feet.” So the disciples were thinking that Jesus was going to lead a revolution—like Judas Maccabeus or Simon bar Kochba—except this time it wouldn't fizzle out.  This time it would be successful and it would be forever.  And Jesus is saying (and acting out) that no, the kingdom has been inaugurated and it's going to take shape and grow—the nations will be put under Jesus' feet—not as the disciples take up arms, but as they go out into the world as witnesses of Jesus: as they go out and proclaim the good news that Jesus crucified and risen, is the world's true Lord and as they live out the reality of his kingdom.  Like Jesus did, the disciples would work miracles—miracles that underscored that in the kingdom all the sad thing are beginning to become untrue; and they would live lives transformed by the Spirit's fruit, but maybe more than anything else, they would confront the kings of the present evil age with the reality of Jesus' lordship.  And through their witness, the world would begin to change. It's not a linear, always progressing, always upward change.  That was the idea of theological liberalism a century ago, but two world wars and nuclear bombs and fascism and Communism blew that idea up.  But through the witness of the church, the world is changing.  I've mentioned before Tom Holland's remarkable book Dominion and how, in that book, he writes about the profound changes that the gospel brought to Western Civilisation.  Each generation lives in its own brief age and so, if we don't know anything about history, we're prone to not even noticing the changes that have happened, but happen they have.  Christians began taking in the unwanted girl babies of the Greeks and Romans, left to die of exposure, and we taught the world the value of life.  The influence of the gospel put an end to gladiatorial games and slavery.  The gospel has taught the world mercy and grace, the value of life, the dignity of each person.  And on and on.  The church, when we are faithful witnesses of Jesus and living the new creation life the Spirit gives, builds and spreads the kingdom and someday, when the work is done, Jesus will return—not to take us away, but to restore heaven and earth, God and human beings, and to put an end to death and sin once and for all.  To consummate his new creation. But there's work to do in the meantime.  He created us in the beginning to be his stewards—to cultivate his garden.  That's why, when it came time to set us back on that track, God called and created a special people for himself: to be his representative, to be his stewards, to be his living kingdom in the midst of the old.  And so Luke says, They were gazing into heaven as he disappeared.  Then, lo and behold, two men appeared, dressed in white, standing beside them.  “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven?  This Jesus, who has been taken away from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you saw him go into heaven.”   Brothers and Sisters, there's work to do.  Like Jesus said, they needed to wait a few days before going out, so that when they did go out, they would go out in the power of the Spirit.  The kingdom doesn't happen in our power.  But it does happen as we go out to faithfully fulfil the mission we've been given to witness Jesus.  Our task is to go out in faith, to till the soil, to steward the garden.  It's an overwhelming task.  That's why it takes faith to go out and do it.  But we go out in faith knowing that God has given us his Spirit who infuses what we do with divine power.  We go out in faith knowing that in Jesus—at the cross and in the resurrection—God has already done the impossible part.  Now, as Paul wrote, all he has to do is go on ruling until all his enemies have been put under his feet.  There's no “if”.  It's just “until”.  It's a sure thing.  And so is the witness of his church. It doesn't always seem that way.  Sometimes it seems like we're going backwards and things are getting worse.  People won't listen or won't take us seriously.  Sometimes we're tempted to give up.  Sometimes we act like all Jesus did was come to earth to give us a rousing pep talk, then he went back home to heaven.  But read the Gospels and that's not it at all.  He hasn't just gone back to heaven and left us alone.  He's ascended to his throne, where he rules and reigns over his kingdom, which—remember—is like seed planted in the soil and like leaven in a lump of dough and like a man who had two sons.  And one day, through his people—through us—the work of his word and the work of his Spirit will be done.  The world will know his death and resurrection, it will know the forgiveness of sins, it will know the end of death, it will know mercy and grace.  The knowledge of his glory will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea and every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.  Because Jesus died and rose again, because the Lord's word does not return void, and because he does not give his Spirit in vain. Let's pray: O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus the Messiah with great triumph to your right hand in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us for the task you have given, and that we might look forward in hope to the day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.  Amen.

Show Notes:SummaryHave you ever felt like your vision's gone blurry? Like the dream God gave you is buried under fear, fatigue, or failure? I've been there too. In this episode, I'm walking you through how to clear the fog, lift your eyes to Father, and start seeing again—through faith, not just sight. If you've lost clarity about what's next, this one's for you, my friend. Let's reclaim your vision—together.TakeawaysThat vision God gave you? It's not gone—it's just buried under a little fog.If you've been tired, discouraged, or afraid to dream again, I see you—and we're clearing that clutter together.You can't run toward something you can't see. Let's clear up your focus so you can move forward.When you lift your eyes to Father, you're going to see more clearly—both spiritually and scientifically (yep, brain science backs it).Faith isn't about having it all mapped out—it's trusting the One who already does.You don't need to wait for clarity to take a step—clarity actually comes when you start moving.We're calling out the fog—whether it's fear, failure, or just plain burnout—and giving it over to God.You're not disqualified. Not by the past. Not by what didn't work. You're still called.Holy Spirit is right there with you, revealing what's to come and reminding you of what's true.You're not alone, and you don't have to figure it all out—just trust God with the next step.Sound Bites“You cannot run toward a blurry vision.”“Your God-given vision isn't gone—it's buried under fear, fatigue, or false starts.”“Lift your eyes. Your help comes from Father, not your feed.”“Vision isn't about clarity; it's about trust.”Chapters00:00 Reclaiming Your Vision01:20 Intro Reclaim Your Vision and Roar Back Series Recap03:17 Where My Vision Got Cloudy06:08 Identifying the Fog08:28 Lesson 1: Clear the Fog11:58 Focus the Reticular Activating System (RAS) on Future You Want Not Past14:37 Lesson 2: Lift Your Eyes18:45 Lesson 3: See with Faith, Not Just Sight24:46 Recap Reclaim Your Vision26:41 Courageous Action Steps29:20 Sneak Peek Next Week's Episode29:46 Can You Do Me a Favor?Courageous Action: 5 Steps to Reclaim Your VisionTake 10 minutes today—quiet, reflective time—to listen and take action:Pray – Lift your eyes and ask Father to help you reclaim your vision.Name Your Fog – Is it fear, fatigue, failure? Identify and surrender it.Reconnect with Father's Heart – Ask: “What are You inviting me into?” Listen and write it down.Write the Vision – Whether it's new or buried, write down what you see and the next step.Take the Step – What's one baby step you can take in the next 24 hours? Do it. Don't wait.Heather Bunch – The Courageous Coach Heather is a certified life and Enneagram coach, speaker and author who helps women of faith close the gap between their dreams and reality by Live Fearlessly Free. Now they can stop hiding, show up fully themselves and fulfill their God-given purpose–courageously. Heather also uses her ninja writing skills to help other coaches, speakers, and authors get their ideas out of their heads into their signature systems and books so they can create the income and income they dream about. Heather's book is available on Amazon––Hello, Courageous! The Gal's Guide to Delight, Discover, and Direct Your Divine Life by Heather Bunch: https://hellocourageous.com/hcbookOr get it on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP3BZ7ZPBeat Procrastination cheat sheet: https://www.heatherbunch.com/beatitYou can find Heather at https://www.heatherbunch.com. Or email her at hello@heatherbunch.com

Welcome to the VOUS Church Podcast. In today's message, Pastor Rich kicks off our new collection Your God is Too Small, challenging us to tear down the boxes we've placed around God and allow Him to reshape how we see and live. Join us June 19–21 for VOUSCon, a gathering to encounter Jesus, equip the Church, and empower the next generation. Visit vouscon.com to learn more.

 Watch as the wrong ANALYSIS of God results in wrong action and wrong BELIEF of God results in wrong BEHAVIORS. This is in the shadow of God reminding them that I am YOUR God; I fight for you. I go before you. I show you the way to go. I carry you like a father carries his son.Even so, after God speaks to them so tenderly, they'll not obey, not follow and not really repent. There'll be lots for us to learn. Subscribe too: https://youtu.be/xG5HMZD-RXw

Statements of fact for the Israelites:I am YOUR God; I fight for you. I go before you. I give clear guideposts to you in the day and the night. I show you the way to go. And Most beautifully: I carry you when necessary. How far? All the way. When? when you are in the wilderness. Subscribe to be carried a bit tomorrow: https://youtu.be/nCZyPoQecW4

This wonderful passage shows our Savior, 700 years before the incarnation, suffering and receiving honor and glory. Chad gives such pastoral encouragement in his meditation on this scripture. The amazing Markita Knight sings "Don't Let Me Go Astray". Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Preorder Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Chad Bird Lyrics to "Don't Let me Go Astray" Isaiah 49: 1-6   You were there in ages past And called from the womb Called to redeem the lost And rise out of the tomb You are the Light Light of the nations  Until the end, and after My Salvation My Salvation Chorus Don't let me  go astray Don't let it be for nothing  Don't let me fall away As I wait for your coming My Salvation My Salvation You were despised and rejected  Your labor was not in vain In the shadow of Your hand, you hid me You saved me and know my name Open your ears, all you people Pay attention near and far Our salvation Our salvation But You said, “I have labored in vain;
    I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
yet surely my right is with the Lord,
      my recompense with my God.”   And now the Lord says,
    he who formed You from the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob back to him;
    and that Israel might be gathered to him—
for You are honored in the eyes of the Lord,
    and Your God has become Your strength—.   Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia

How can Christian entrepreneurs can eliminate distractions, escape comparison, and focus on what truly matters? Garrett is joined today by Matt Farnham and together, they challenge the hustle narrative by encouraging listeners to work from approval, not for it, and to focus their energy on what brings purpose, significance, and eternal value.From the tension between work and family to the trap of perfectionism and the power of divine appointments, this episode is a roadmap to purpose-driven living in business and beyond. Garrett and Matt also introduce the launch of the One Life Podcast, created to help Christians live intentionally and fully aligned with their calling.Key Takeaways:✅ Distraction is one of the enemy's greatest tools—eliminate it to refocus on what's eternal✅ Comparison culture robs contentment and clarity✅ Harmony, not balance, is the key to integrating work and family✅ You are already approved in Christ—work from that truth✅ Focus on things that make tomorrow better than today✅ Spiritual warfare often looks like busyness and perfectionism✅ Your God-given talents point to your unique calling✅ Delegation and simplicity can free you to focus on significance✅ Presence > proximity when it comes to family✅ Faith should anchor both personal and professional decisions✅ Divine appointments often require slowing down to notice✅ You don't retire from a life of purpose—you lean deeper into itEpisode Chapters:⏳ 00:00 – Introduction to the One Life Journey

Mama, true beauty isn't just seen—it's felt in the words we speak and the peace we bring. Join us today as we reflect on what it means to be a gentle peacemaker and how your spirit, shaped by Christ, can shift the atmosphere of your home.“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!'” Isaiah 52:7

Episode Title: It's Not Over*The Purposefully Fit Podcast is designed to inspire, motivate, and encourage you to pursue YOUR God-given passion purposefully.Visit Coach NikE's Website: IAmNikE.com

Your purpose isn't about striving to be perfect or get it all together. Your God-given purpose is to become more and more like Jesus, little by little, each day!

The Gospel: Our Need of a King Introduction: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.'” (Isaiah 52:7 ESV). You will notice in the above text that the good news […] The post The Gospel: Our Need of a King appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.

Your purpose isn't about striving to be perfect or get it all together. Your God-given purpose is to become more and more like Jesus, little by little, each day!

How many cars has Leno? How many dirtbikes are mourners I milled over and started over, the sauna I met reaper and signed saints for St Barts More barters. I promise, your honor, I don't want it I promise my box of problems are all mine alone I got no prescription bottles or alcohol I got no son at all, But I'm likely to call home Maybe it's a good thing forgave me a body No programme Would wack off to I weight lift my organs And topple over at the tower A Scott's Monroe. Wash up. Watch, harder Watch harder Hard water I want to know you, But humbly, I won over hearts posthumously Look, even bob barker knows Not to drop the soap How hard you are Hard water Now wash up, cellulite I dog a hard bone A heart throb I got robbed this morning of all of my progress I get lost on a profile? A profile! When all this time I thought it was The eyes And the tie And the lips And the loafers I guess it's the power The tower card, Better stop talking I bet it's the man of the hour by now Oh, I'd better stop stalking her I stopped the progress report When I saw six dogs off leash, And I left all the hardest parts Out of the post office, Your honor! STEFON It's that thing where— The dog is on a leash but walking you, Because you're a covert submissive, like, subconsciously. Stefon knows all the places. I think I rather like him. I think I might run off now. In that direction, before I— JOHNNY! —woah! YOUNG JOHNNY CARSON discovers he has magic powers. How did you do that? Well, I don't know, I—! JOHNNY! What's going on in there?! Run, you'd better run You better not come home for supper Pick you up You better not call home for nothing You had better not look up from the book not once not once, You're a lost cause. Lost cause. I hope. I'd bet it was you if I saw you. Who are I again? That's right. Talk that stuff. You've been along. Long time now, better get you some sunglasses. Better keep warm. You drive a heavy and hard bargain. And that's what's with the storefront. Still no McDonald's! I'd fashioned. You'd bet a thousand bucks there'd be one there by now. But there's nothing there at all. Or here. Or there. Or up. Or down, I— Fuck. What. I lost it. Lost what. …nothing. *heavy gasp* Shut the book! Shut the book right now. BOOBS. Everything over a dollar. What if I want a hamburger! You're drunk, John! That's what if I want the hamburger for! Jesus Christ And what have I if not prayers for alzheimers How do you spell that disease, anyway? D-E-S-I-R-E Right you are, street car; Who are we, anyway, It must have been a mistake on the one way The wrong road The right time The white world The light goggles The in and outs And the radio towers Oh, you thought I meant us?! No, Oppenheimer?! The Void is a big bright l, Stark white, Light and endless orb, If just you'd all for once be quiet I could finally afford To put the lights on! Close the curtain, I was cursed with Carson Pushing carts on hearts And listen, bitch I got you once, You'll die as mine! Do you know me, Or are you simply not divined Strike through! I am! Redact, I would practice rounds on a baseball bat piñata Just never ever to squander or Delight Delight delight I fucking hate the tonight show I promise you this much, I'm that man. Did you really want me dead? I want the electric chair, please. I wobble and just might topple over. Give me the electric chair please. My stomach is sick and filled with acid. I want a trademark Or part in the company; You sure are phony— You sure do seem to own everything. What the fuck are you blabbering about? Drunken idiot. The Designee. You fool. I can't understand a word you're saying. Relay the message. I'll have white sauce on everything. Exacerbate the plot. The Premeditated Murder of Jimmy Fallon What part is this? The part where I… Duck— Run. You had better hide. I am hiding. …no. This is a bad spot. As you can see, I'm full of blind rage But it obviously should be liquor. I'd say you were the most drunken man I'd ever laid eyes on, But then I thought Of my father. Bless your heart, sparrow. I'm a hard one to want. I supply the artform The nothings The bastard. I supply the wages The heroin, The speed And the dancers. I supply the answers, The cantine, the spam— And you wouldn't believe the dimes And the dames, And the diamonds in my life. I can't breathe. Shackled, no belonging, I need you to free me I remind vampires of simply being I design outside and campfires and I, Now that I've bartered my all for the land On which you build houses, Nonpartisan alcoholic, If you ask politely my party Park the Winnebago at the other park; This is a stakeout This is a campfire We don't want the feds in our business Suits and ties, boys Suits and ties Boys and girls and aarvarks But Google wanted Barbra, so Streisand or Walters? Depends which way you're going. I want the electric chair. Cher! No, go boldly into the light, White flower Boldly enough the life White power Boldly into the looking glass You're the last to know And the first to pass out at the party, Why are you so tired! (You're right, she does have a lot of answers.) Addicts and calculators See you later, Elevator Truth or dare And never starbursts, Only now or laters. Jesus Christ. Relax a bit. Can't. Have you ever seen a constipated model? Hm. Why not! They all take relaxatives, Relax a bit. Can't. Why not? I'm immune to cocaine anyway. What speeds you up with enough Can sure consume you or calm you down. Since when! Since forever actually. What a remarkable honor, To have been skipped the immidiate need To fiend on at least this thing; I like more longset poems In hardborn fashion I'm in five lanes of traffic across And upright. Your fame ends here, And look at that No coincidence I don't want it at all I've demolished it, And there is no plot I just fought off the commandments with batons baton rouge I don't think you understand where my marker was This is a set up Through and through I was picked by a photograph To spend the day Arching my back in pain and in chaos In one, And not the opposite direction And also In all roads Which lead Into And out of Nowhere Chatterboxes. You wouldn't dream how my back aches, Aye sire, So you just be hell So this must be hell; She's a polyam, How glamorous, But all I qualify for Is a garbage man In a garbage town Where no one knows how To use a garbage can Fuck these rodents —-but it's the culture! Fuck your culture! Ow, God. What'd you do that for. Beg your pardon? You're drunk. Light a candle. Light as a feather Stings like the spider I'm in your mailbox, I won't look past Coachella. You fool. What the fuck are you blabbering about man! Get him up, he's wasted. Out for the count, The big envy of the hour The power of the west coast silver foxes And in an ounce of wit In the drop of a hat No masked magician All eyes and no mist As promised Your God, The talk of nobody, And nothing wanted Nothing gained I'm sure the old man has had it And how, in full funeral attire Wondering just as well when he will too will die Your last living will and testament The end all be all best friend of every manc Biiiiiiiiiiiiggggg Jimmy! (And his…erhm… Guillermo.) Right Jimmy! Well, this just got uncomfortable. All night I wept with you, Crept in by the cabinet, Waited by the candlelight, the power, Poor falling l— Dear master, Where are now? Red with the end of it Sure as the tide to come, The swell did wander out And back again As steady breath I killed kyself in the end— But yet you all wanted to live so I painted my on big toes, no motion And groaning Not wanting to go there But look, there's an ocean Pick a poloroid, And go get your nose checked! Now! What the fuck are you trying to say, you silly old dog you? I followed you into the fog, that night! The fog that night No amusement park of course I was waiting for the clown Madness And here he was all along — the Tony's mask, but the frowning one The withered end and fretted tips The groaning, aching, mounds od knowing Mirrors and nearer to roads Left to pay the tolls I will owe you One dollar exactly and one cent Then again I'm driving down the one oh one Racing and panicking And knowing I have no breaks Full coastal downhill in a rainstorm Waiting for the ocean to take us all Because I owe her the world in gold And the goal is to give you power And here yet They robbed her all morning What can be done Dear vampire About this, Nothing And nothing. And pain. And after all, I thought it was the eyes. A day wiser and still nothing to game but fame lost and hatred and boy, I just wish I were dead Spoiled rotten. God, I just wish I was home, Golden thrones, lord, And why can't I just have a dog And a boy And a home And a whisper A word And a world of my own Without the howls of war Or the ache of the heart Or the tears of the clown? Why, God? Sitting in my pictures, The history like a loaded gun Waiting to eliminate some sort of retaliation; disastrous archives Medieval remedy, I swear, These are no thumb drives And these are no harrods And this is not my time; If it were, there'd be no motorcycles Olive skin or not, The real power tool of the box The toy of choice the boy of grounds And soiled bushels And planted habit How about the rabbit? He sold you, simply for even a penny. Hogwarts, The argument persists that simply, Ms. Piggy would neither Or ever. Protestments, Procure, this: Producer? Not since wednesday I sorry, I have ten pennies. Mister, your face is a rabbit hole. –And Heavens, I hate you Every day since i was 18 Every day since I was eighteen. Pennies. Lessons in literacy; Listen to me, Listen to me Listen, Never say that shit again, My stomach churchman again And it's almost Chanukkah again In ten minutes Where has the time gone? Where are the misfits?! Do you like this outfit? Miserable miserable Missed ou since intense And get the sense of it The scent of him, And dollar signs Deposits And still dollars more At the dollar store You should holler more! You should call your mom You should comye Playe You could come covered in debt Did you pay attention All of the attention All of the admissions All of the adlibs All of the falcons The heart throbs, All of the robbers The heart snobs The Robin Hood's The wilting flower l. 6!3 powers that be and the I thought the dope would be alright I thought you'd be open to our vibes I thought you'd be willing to let go I thought you were awkward apostle Who else on your scrolls is here No one?' No one! I left you shrouded and gathered I. Rose quarts I read your oracle One no On the twisted gathered winds On the walls of Al our problems On the weathered weeping willow Keeping secret How and arrow Are you nearer Or further from love Are you nearer Or further from fame? Neither, I'm no one. No hard core answers, No gimmicks and no robots You're not offline for nothing You not on guard for no one Here's hopeless Here's broke And here's desperate, the foreigner To begin and to end would be around the corner And where you are now Is just the start of the bottom Are you a cow Or are you a sparrow Well now How there aren't vows Inside or outside Stirring your porridge I wilted every one of their flowers And now you're around Barking Not sparrow or cow But a dog (And the bitch bites) A dog A dog A dog A dog!!! Tell me again how the fog bites And tears into cold, the hog Cutting off edges and corners so rotten So putrid and worthy of disgust that it gets out towels warm It gets it all, doesn't it, It gets it all in the cherries and rain A new stream of consciousness, is scrambled eggs for brains And when it rains I hope you know I'll open all windows and doors. Are yonere or there for the false cause Are you here or there for where it brings good tidings and Grains, of Heath and rye Here I am warm again and in your blood To nobody's honor Where are you going To nobody's horror, here is you standing carts And gods And open meadows Shadows, capsules Drains and blood, warm And blood, warm and salty pools under us And blood, free the sparrow Laugh again but better not dare the cat coughs Comes the coffin, oh lord, Call the coroner The caskets I laugh, as I have not passed yet And now I am Debbie cadaver, Cardboard Now I host shows in the lunchroom with corpses I haven't forgotten them all, But I run Run Run Rudolph and impale myself in the lanes And in the soundscape of fever pitched fever dreams and yet again never mazes I sink to the routine of having nothing left in me but greens And greed! The dog! The dog! The dog! I want to know love again But perhaps I never did But always was And therefore to thine own self be true And therefore, to thine own self know God And therefore, as God is I am But worlds apart are we And here the war has waged On souls and solid dark And walks throught park at night. And television headstones, And coming for us, cream of the crop And it just doesn't stop, land! It just doesn't stop, does it Where where well well warewold and TIME! Time and diamonds and time and clovers And opens and closers And spaces and spaces And distance between us And anchors in host suits Are you the lost cause?! Well sir, this is oblivion, And remember the networks? Remember them and know them by their symbols And remember to amen in reverse and no time is god But man and God is of no time But diamonds And scoundrels And men And mercy Then And mercy Be And heavens sakes And heathesms The dogs And the shame And the clasp And the rhythm The curse of the gods And the curse of the mortals Is stopping to crawl and crowl under or skin For the sake of the fear There you are And in the hour of your demise Marks our return And just remember this, The rhythm and the band The Tim and the Jon's and the stop and the start And the love And the dogs And the dogs And the dogs!! Terror fell upon us And as the sun arose I woke And in the timesc I came grasp And in the times, I came to lay Pennece And penitence And illumination, wisdom, And grimace and scrimmage And cabbage And acts so much longer than 15 minutes Dancers! I am no fool, And danger! Of course, my lark. And sparrow came and laughed and went And sparrow came upstairs and choked And sparrow came to dance with withered wings and saw and came And left the bed unmade And came undone again And and and and and and. And and and and and and and and And. Then remembered what Doesn't matter Then remembered the mannequins , Man! Then remembers the tortured Robin! Robin! The hachetman Came and then went With the cat And the and And the and And the and And the dogs And the cats And Andy Sandberg, if that's his name He came, too. Cause we like him. And we like Jews But now we hate the color blue, Don't we. Control and control And fear and fear And chaos and chaos And monsters and monsters And washed up— Don't forget your helmet Put it on the empire I've not an idle moments Therefore My time don't get wasted Don't get wasted Here's the tusk I am elephant again Elephant and wooly mammoth And if I pass, Then no one can have it What comes after the cabbage? A sandwich? No rabbit, and new jazz Tricks are for kids Tricks are for the more intimate of hearts All things at play, The the raid of the poet And the tripping in shoes much too large for us And and and and Then there were none And Passover is over but Here again comes hanukkah In about ten minutes Remember, mistress, the mystery Remember the misery in stakes And remember your mistakes Don't stop, not even if your heart falls out and open This is no poem There are no words for the mangled divorces Learning lessons Highly revered sperm And the auto mattress There you are again Giving up Hi, my name is Blu And I record everything That's what makes me the guru I guess Or I blew it on blueberries Hey scottie; Have you ever seen anything like it? No, I've never seen anything like it But o, i hope it rubs off on me I was all the colors Then I tipped and folded, Then I ripped the anchor right out of their sockets Then I went and flipped the car over Six, seven times I'd better not drive after I write this unless I survived it Remarkable explosion He's it was Remarkable explosion And were twisted In and out of it Still remarkable Not an idle mind Not a flower Just a follower I'm not mad at all Did you know. Did you fold in two, Or have you given any thought to your Motherfucker! When the wind calls And the feeling kicks in Did the wind blow this evening In any particular direction? I think I flew a kite to your homewardbound horses Did you get to rehearsal on time? Did you just remit your good emotions. Did you remember the other words The just now, And the here and there l. But it didn't come, I think it left with the harrowing expenses Robin stradicam, For the heart of it I'm not talking to no one It's only on Mother's Day But it's okay I'm “anybody in the world”, I guess It's okay to l forget When you've never been there for him It's okay to not remember When you're growing butter and and bitterer I got no Angeles left Get a picture are every angle Give my attention to the mistress The ministry of magic And the randomness of all the subtle acts of kindness l. All the subtle acts of mind When you get invented, Remember the random acts of kindness And when you get back from your dispatch, Remember you can't interact with them They're only your mental images. Just remember the things you've been given, The incidentals of gifts, And that it is still she who is The same and the same And the dogs, and the kitchen Put the light out I'm still a genius, And I'm still in charge and responsible for this entire mess. Suddenly I don't feel welcome here I don't feel welcome here I don't feel welcome here at all {Enter The Multiverse} [The Festival Project ™] The Complex Collective © COPYRIGHT THE FESTIVAL PROJECT ™, INC. 2015-2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Thank you Dr. Bryan Loritts, another play of the day.  Thank you Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, TX, for hosting and sharing.  We both agree.  Bryan is an annointed speaker for a season such as this.  I strongly encourage you to listen to the rest of that message.  Simply click the YouTube link in the show description or search "Your God is Too Small" and Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. https://www.youtube.com/live/qg02n4VfoSM?si=Z7KAiIg7iMKBwyQKThat is such a mic drop that I'm a bit speechless.  Do you know a story like that?  If so, please let us know at FriDudes.com. On the flip side, I know people that filed for divorce for a lot, lot, less.  Heck, I've been upset with my wife of 30+ years for a lot, lot less.  As I've said countless times on this podcast, any relationship you care about, you don't have to be married to get this, any relationship you care about...will not last without grace.  Choosing to give grace, forgiveness.  Choosing to love.  For those 'IN LOVE', falling in and out of love is for rookies.  Sooner or later, you are going to have to choose to love on certain days.  Most certainly, you are going to need to choose forgiveness and grace to keep going.Back to you, that is your relationship with God.  You've cheated on God somewhere.  How do I know that?  Rom 3:23.  Yet we have this amazing gift in Rom 8:1.  Wouldn't we be the ultimate hypocrites is we didn't extend the same.  As stated before, doesn't mean you need to hug it out with that person that hurt you.  It does mean you hand over that hurt to God.  Quit carrying that hurt around like a tattoo on your face.  As for that unbelievable dude in that Play of the Day.  Think about it.  His selflessness kept a family together.  It kept a marriage together.  Most important, it added a new member to the forever kingdom.  A truly amazing story that I am already relaying.  Maybe you too.  Spread what works.Matt 22:  36-40

Episode Title: Make a Decision*The Purposefully Fit Podcast is designed to inspire, motivate, and encourage you to pursue YOUR God-given passion purposefully.Visit Coach NikE's Website: IAmNikE.com

#589 Walk humbly with Your God.    Imaging taking a walk with God?  How about dinner with Jesus?  How about taking God to work with you, inviting His into every facet of your life?  This is actually what our faith offers us, a daily connection and inclusion of God in our every day living.  What could be greater?  Ready to get into this exciting topic? Let's go….                         

Episode Title: Live Beyond The Post*The Purposefully Fit Podcast is designed to inspire, motivate, and encourage you to pursue YOUR God-given passion purposefully.Visit Coach NikE's Website: IAmNikE.com

Episode Title: Ditch the Distractions*The Purposefully Fit Podcast is designed to inspire, motivate, and encourage you to pursue YOUR God-given passion purposefully.Visit Coach NikE's Website: IAmNikE.com

Immeasurably More// Faith Under Fire// March 30, 2025Ephesians 6:10-20 (NIV)“Finally, BE STRONG in the Lord and in the strength of HIS MIGHT. Put on the full armor of God so we can take our stand against the devil's schemes because our battle is not against flesh and blood but against rulers and against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NIV)“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does…On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”Isaiah 59:14-17 (NIV)“So, justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene, so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.” The armor is about confidence in God's ability to hold all those elements of the armor true and together.  The Helmet is His Salvation Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”   The Breastplate is His RighteousnessPhilippians 3:8-9 (NIV)“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” The Belt is His TruthPsalm 33:4 (KJV)“For the word of the LORD is right, and all His work is done in truth.” Ephesians 4:14 (NIV)“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” The Sword of the Spirit is His WordHebrews 4:12 (NIV) “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  The Shoes are His Gospel of PeaceIsaiah 52:7 (NIV)“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” The gospel is meant to be peace with God and peace with one another. The Shield of FaithFaith is deliberate confidence in the character of God.Faith is not about my ability to believe but it's about His ability to BE.His unfailing character and person.  Faith is not about my ability to believe but it's about His ability to BE.  John 14:26,27 (NIV)“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you…Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  

Episode Title: Embrace the Interruptions*The Purposefully Fit Podcast is designed to inspire, motivate, and encourage you to pursue YOUR God-given passion purposefully.Visit Coach NikE's Website: IAmNikE.com

Episode Summary: In honor of International Happiness Day, join me as I sit down with Rev. Jessica Van Roekel to explore what it really means to count it all joy. As we reflect on personal experiences and biblical examples, we’ll highlight the distinction between circumstantial happiness and the deep, steadfast joy that comes from trusting God through trials. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how joy can be a deliberate response to life’s challenges, cultivating faith and steadfastness. Whether you’re navigating hardship or seeking a renewed perspective, this conversation offers hope and encouragement to find joy in every circumstance. International Day of Happiness aims to make people around the world realize the importance of happiness within their lives. This day encourages people to spread happiness through a small action. But what happens when actions don’t cut it, and the feeling of happiness lasts mere seconds? What do we do when the idea of happiness seems far off and impossible? Quotables from the episode: I liken joy and happiness, the difference between that is that a river usually has a source. And A river can get filled up with mud and leaves and twigs and even beavers come along and build dams and so further on down the little stream, it's just dried up, rocky, dry bed. But if you follow that stream, you eventually come to the source and the source is where it just bubbles out. And that's how I liken happiness and joy is that joy is the source. My relationship with the Lord is my source of really life. It's my source of source of strength. It's my source of everything. The breath that I breathe comes from God and that is my joy. So, I can have these circumstances like postpartum where it felt like continue on with the analogy that streambed dried up. It's like the depression built this dam between the feelings of happiness and yet that joy, the source was still bubbling and still there. From a neuroscience perspective, happiness and joy engage the brain in distinct but overlapping ways. Both emotions activate reward systems in the brain, but their triggers, durations, and neural pathways differ significantly. Happiness is often a fleeting emotional state triggered by external stimuli or achievements, like eating a favorite meal, receiving a compliment, or reaching a goal. The brain's happiness response is typically short-lived, subsiding once the rewarding experience ends or the novelty wears off. Joy is a deeper, more enduring emotional state that often arises from intrinsic sources, such as gratitude, faith, or connection with others. Unlike happiness, it does not rely solely on external circumstances. Joy is more sustainable than happiness because it is less tied to transient external factors and more rooted in internal states like faith, gratitude, and meaningful relationships. Happiness primarily relies on external stimuli and rewards, triggering immediate but temporary dopamine release Joy emerges from internal processes and deeper reflections, engaging serotonin pathways and regions involved in emotional and existential meaning. Happiness is short-term, as the brain’s reward circuitry adapts quickly to pleasurable stimuli (a phenomenon called hedonic adaptation). Joy is longer-lasting, supported by neural circuits linked to emotional regulation, contentment, and resilience. Happiness can be disrupted by stress, as the brain's focus shifts to managing perceived threats. Joy can coexist with stress, as it often stems from a sense of purpose or faith that provides emotional resilience during trials. Happiness happens to us while joy happens within us—fruit of the Spirit, a choice, endures hardships/sufferings. Happiness is a reaction but joy is a practice and a behavior, deliberate and intentional. In the Bible, happiness appears less than 30 times but joy appears hundreds of times. Counting it all joy when we face trials means we: experience God’s strength, feel the power of faith, hang on God’s powerful arm, and witness God’s work. When we “count it all joy” God proves himself faithful to produce steadfastness in our hearts. Scripture References: James 1:2-4, ESV “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And Let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Esther 8:16, NIV “For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.” Proverbs 23:25, NLT “So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy.” Psalm 92:4, NET “For you, O Lord, have made me happy by your work. I will sing for joy because of what you have done.” Isaiah 52:7, ESV and NASB “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Psalm 32:1-2 NLT “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! 2 Corinthians 12:10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Recommended Resources: Reframing Rejection: How Looking Through a Different Lens Changes Everything By Jessica Van Roekel Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Jessica Van Roekel: Website / Instagram / Facebook For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Co-Host: Jessica Van Roekel is a worship leader, speaker, and writer who believes that through Jesus, personal histories don’t need to define the present or determine the future. She inspires, encourages, and equips others to look at life through the lenses of hope, trust, and God’s transforming grace. Jessica lives in rural Iowa surrounded by wide open spaces which remind her of God’s expansive love. She loves fun earrings, good coffee, and connecting with others. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Deity of Christ Interpretations of the Bible Dishonor the Father, the Only True God If Jesus is God, then God the Father is not the one true God. The claim that “Jesus is God” becomes the main building block used by humans to construct a multi-person god. If Jesus is one member of a multi-person (or a Triune god) then the multi-person god is the one God, and the Father is not.  Mainstream Christians agree that there is one God.  “Weare monotheists. We believe in one God”. But for mainstream Christians, the one God is made up of three persons.   Either the Father, a singular self, is the one true God, or a multi-person god is the one God.  But if the Father is the one true God, then the claim that “Jesus is God” (that God is multi-persons) is an attempt to denigrate the only true God -- the Father. What deity of Christ and Trinitarian interpreters are doing is attempting to put another god on the face of and in the place of our God and Father.  The HIGH cost of any “deity of Christ” interpretations is an attempt to claim that the Father is not the one, the only true God.  Christians need to decide: who is your God. Either the Trinity, or the Father alone. Your God can't be both.For full text of the podcast, see here:https://landandbible.blogspot.com/2025/03/the-high-cost-of-deity-of-christ.html#deityofchrist, #biblicalunitarian, #billschlegel

Session 2 - The Water“Say to those with fearful hearts, Be Strong, do not fear; Your God will come…He will come to Save you!” - Is. 35:4

Unlock Your True Potential! In this episode, Reginald D breaks down the power of talent and how it connects to your life's purpose. Too often, we settle for what we can do instead of embracing what we're truly gifted at. Reginald D shares how identifying and developing your natural talents—just like elite athletes—can lead to success, fulfillment, and purpose-driven living.Stop doubting yourself. Start walking in your calling. Your God-given talent is the key to your breakthrough! Tune in now and step into your greatness.Send us a textSupport the showFor daily motivation and inspiration, subscribe and follow Real Talk With Reginald D on social media:Instagram: realtalkwithreginaldd TikTok: @realtalkregd Youtube: @realtalkwithreginald Facebook: realtalkwithreginaldd Twitter Real Talk With Reginald D (@realtalkRegD) / TwitterWebsite: Real Talk With Reginald D https://www.realtalkwithreginaldd.com Real Talk With Reginald D - Merchandise