Podcasts about your holy spirit

Happy feast of St. Joseph the Worker! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell explore the head of the Holy Family as a model of all who work in any discipline. Guests include Rita Heikenfeld with Bible Foods, pastoral counselor Kevin Prendergast, and Gary Michuta from Hands On Apologetics. ***** St. Monica Sodality Prayer for Fallen Away Catholics “Eternal and merciful Father, I give You thanks for the gift of Your Divine Son Who suffered, died and rose for all mankind. I thank You also for my Catholic Faith and ask Your help that I may grow in fidelity by prayer, by works of charity and penance, by reflection on Your Word, and by regular participation in the Sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist. You gave Saint Monica a spirit of selfless love manifested in her constant prayer for the conversion of her son Augustine. Inspired by boundless confidence in Your power to move hearts, and by the success of her prayer. I ask the grace to imitate her constancy in my prayer for [name(s)] who no longer share(s) in the intimate life of Your Catholic family. Grant through my prayer and witness that (he/she/they) may be open to the promptings of Your Holy Spirit, and return to loving union with Your Church. Grant also that my prayer be ever hopeful and that I may never judge another, for You alone can read hearts. I ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.” ***** Full list of guestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 15 Jesus continues His discourse with the Apostles. Jesus identifies Himself as “the true vine.” His followers are like branches that draw nutrients from Him. To “abide in Him” is to be connected to Jesus, to hear His words, and to gain strength from His power. This must result in good fruit born by the branches. To bear the fruit of good works is to prove to be His disciple. Love binds the Vine to the branches. Jesus has shown His love by laying down His life for His friends. His friends show love in return by keeping His commandments and loving one another. The world hates Jesus and His followers, but love will define His people. Jesus again promises the Apostles that the Holy Spirit will help them in their work.  As noted in the previous chapter, some of this content is unique to the Apostles. The Holy Spirit would testify through the Apostles in miraculous ways. The Holy Spirit is also at work for us; He teaches us through the scripture. Many other elements of this chapter apply to us all. Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches. We must remain connected to Him and bear fruit, lest we be cut away by the Father. Specifically, Jesus demands that we keep His commandments and love our fellow believers. We will be maligned by the world for serving Jesus because people of the world reject His Lordship. But fellow Christians should always be a source of love and support.   Creator God, we know that You have made us to bring honor to You. And that means living obedient lives and loving others the way You love us. Will You help us see how desperately we need Jesus to do these things? Show us how to connect to Jesus and how to draw our strength and direction from Him. We are committed to bearing the good fruit of obedience and love in a world of disobedience and hate. Show us how to love Christians in an enduring way, and please help us through the presence and teachings of Your Holy Spirit. Thought Questions: -       Are you abiding in Christ and bearing fruit through His strength? What examples in your life demonstrate this process to others? -       The Lord has commanded us to love one another. Can your faith be a saving faith if you do not actively love and serve Christians? -       The worldly have no excuse for living in sin and disregarding the King. How can you help them see their need for Jesus?

Your Nightly Prayer

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 7 Jesus' unbelieving brothers encourage Him to go to Jerusalem and publicly work miracles. Jesus refuses and later goes up more privately, and He eventually enters the temple and teaches the people. He gives all glory to His Father for His words of wisdom. Though many believed in Jesus when He acknowledged having come from the Father, many Jewish leaders sought to kill Him. Jesus makes a series of beautiful claims. He is soon to return to His Father. All who come to Him with spiritual thirst will be gifted a flowing river of living water. Those who believe in Him will be given the Holy Spirit. These messages divide the crowd. Some proclaim Him as the Christ, but the Pharisees will not believe and become even more angry.  Even Jesus' brothers had doubts about Him before His resurrection from the dead. Jesus continues to be patient with them and with all His disciples in His teaching. He is also insistent that He has come from the Father, and He has all authority to teach and would be returning to the Father. The kingdom would leave no middle ground for disciples to believe in His blessing without also trusting in His Lordship. Jesus will come and take us home with Him. He will fill us with eternal life and the Holy Spirit. But there cannot be doubt within us. We must confidently assert Him to be “the Prophet” and “the Christ”, even in the face of those who reject Him.  God of Grace, You have shown Your deep love for us in sending Jesus to guide us back to You. Thank You for His ministry, His wisdom, and the undeniable proofs of His Sonship. So many will not believe in Him. So many are inconsistent in their willingness to obey Him. We pray for the resolve to put our lives in the hands of the Prophet and to surrender to Him as the Christ. Please fill us with salvation from Your Holy Spirit. We also ask for boldness to always defend Your honor and to invite others to surrender to Jesus. Thought Questions: -       Many hated Jesus because He exposed their sinful deeds to be evil. Do you also have to see sin as evil to be a follower of Jesus? -       Jesus always redirected glory away from Himself and to the Father. In what ways should we be openly redirecting all praise to God?   -       The Pharisees rejected all testimony about Jesus. What leads hearts to be that hard to truth, and how do you avoid that same fate?

March 28, 2025 Daily Devotion: "From Brokenness to Wholeness"Psalm 51:10-12 (NIV) "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvationand grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." As we progress, Psalm 51 provides a poignant reminder of the importance of repentance and renewal. This psalm, attributed to David after his sin with Bathsheba, reveals a heart deeply aware of its need for God's cleansing and restoration. In times of reflection and self-examination, we may recognize areas in our lives where we've strayed from God's path. David's cry for a “clean heart” resonates deeply as we seek authenticity in our relationship with the Lord. He not only asks for forgiveness but also a transformation—“renew a right spirit within me.” This prayer encapsulates our own need for God's work in our hearts. During this season, let us ask God to reveal and cleanse any sin that may hinder our fellowship with Him. It is only through His grace that we can find joy and strength in our salvation.

What do we do when life doesn't make senseeven when we've done everything right? In this sermon, Megan reflects on the powerful question John the Baptist asked from prison: Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else? Through Jesus response, we explore what it means to find hope, not just in answers, but in the character and work of Christ. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting. Read the transcript Today's reading is from Luke chapter seven, verse 18 to 35. Jesus and John the Baptist. Scripture Reading: Luke 7:1835 John's disciples told him about all these things, calling two of them. He sent them to the Lord to ask, are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else? When the men came to Jesus, they said, John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, are you the one who is to come? Or should we expect someone else? At that very time, Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses, and evil spirits and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk. Those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me. After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John. What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No. Those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you. I tell you, among those born of women, there is no one greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves because they had not been baptized by John. Jesus went on to say, to what then can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: We played the pipe for you and you did not dance. We sang a dirge and you did not cry. For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say he has a demon. The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners. But wisdom is proved right by all her children. This is the word of the Lord. Introduction Well, my name is Megan. If I haven't met you before. I'm the senior minister here at Deep Creek. If you were here last week, I wasn't, and so thank you to Lily and Pedram, for holding down the fortress, but particularly to Pedram for an excellent sermon that I had the opportunity to read during the week, starting our series on questions of hope. It's very powerful to have Jesus as someone who doesn't simply, download content to us, but who asks us questions who, as he interacted with people throughout his ministry, asked such powerful questions that people's hearts had to open to answer them. During the season of lent, the practice of asking questions of ourselves and hearing the questions that Jesus asks is really important. As we discern our way forward and as we reflect on whether we are in fact living the way that God wants us to live, asking questions about our life, about our soul, about what we love, about what we value is essential. And of course, if you find yourself in a hard place, feeling confused, feeling under pressure, or perhaps in the midst of suffering or injustice, questions can be powerful there too. But some of the questions that often come to mind in these hard times might not be the most powerful question we could ask. John the Baptists Question from Prison Sometimes we ask: why me? Is God punishing me? what am I supposed to be learning from this hard thing? who's to blame? Why is this happening? Well, today we meet a man who is in a very hard place. He's in jail, John the Baptist. And we read in Luke chapter three that he is in prison because he has been ministering for God. He's been speaking God's truth, encouraging people to ask very, very hard questions of their lives, of their spirit. And he did that to a leader. He spoke truth to power, as the saying goes. And that leader Herod threw him in prison. So Luke chapter three, when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of his marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife, and all the other evil things he had done, Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison. This was a great injustice. There was no reason for John to be in prison. And yet Herod added this to his list of many injustices. And so John the Baptist, in prison in this hard place, has a choice of the sort of question that he might ask. Will he ask, why me? Will he ask who's to blame? Will he ask, was it worth it? Will he ask who will get him out? Well, instead of any of those, he asks this question. Are you the one who is to come? Or should we expect someone else? Now, I know that the youth on Friday those ones on their devices, up on the couch were looking at Mark chapter two, and, they... (Yeah, I see everything!) they were looking at Mark chapter two, where friends helped a friend come to Jesus. So, someone is lowered through the roof, and the conclusion is friends can help friends find faith in Christ. Well here, the friends of John are doing the same. They can't get him out of prison to go and see Jesus, but they can help him with the question that might get him out of his dark place. So they take the question to Jesus. Are you Jesus, the one who is to come? Or should we expect someone else? Seems like a funny question for someone who'd been so set on Jesus being the Messiah to ask. John had been the one who had identified Jesus as the Lamb of God. In John's gospel, we see John the Baptist say, there he is, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. It could not be clearer. John says, this is the Messiah. John's Expectations of the Messiah Luke's Gospel, he describes the sort of work that he expects that Messiah to do. The people were waiting expectantly around John getting baptized, and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn. But he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. And with many other words, John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them. John the Baptist was sure that he was the forerunner of the Messiah, preparing the people, because if they had not been given the opportunity to repent, the clear and swift immediate judgment being brought by the Messiah would take them unawares. And when the Messiah came, he would bring fire. He would be the one that was dividing the evil and the good. He would be the one who was making sure that those who were following the Lord were gathered together into the Lord's barn, and those who were not were destroyed. And so you can imagine, as John is a victim of injustice in prison, suffering greatly for this message, and hearing the reports of Jesus healing, eating and drinking and partying, including others, showing great mercy and compassion, he might have had a moment of dissonance. I'm in his suffering. The injustice that I am suffering is exactly the sort that the Messiah should be overturning. And yet Jesus is out there partying. Are you the one who is to come? Or should we expect someone else? Jesus Response to John Well, Jesus is not at all concerned to have John ask a question like that. It's not offensive to Jesus. He doesn't shut John down his friends. He doesn't send back, "He knows who I am. He should toughen up." No, there is commendation for questioning in this way. And Jesus provides evidence that yes, John, you were right. And the mission for which you have been jailed is worth it. You will find evidence in me for hope. And so he replies to the messengers, Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard. The blind receive sight. The lame walk. Those who have leprosy are cleansed. The deaf hear. The dead are raised. And the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me. Jesus doesn't say a yes or no to the question, are you the one who is to come? Or should we expect someone else? But he points to the evidence of his character and his action. I might have shared this story before, but when I was asking many questions of the Lord about where I should do my first ministry placement, my first curacy, I sat with him in a church and was praying and asking for guidance. And and as I've said before, if you've heard it I did not receive clear guidance. I did not receive an answer to my question. But what I did receive was an assurance of the character and works of Jesus. So as I was praying in the church, I had a strong sense of Jesus himself coming from behind the communion table or altar and sitting next to me, that the answer to my question was actually in the character and work of Jesus, the companion, the one who would bring me to the table, the one who was the Savior through his own death and resurrection, and who would never leave me. When Jesus answers John the Baptist with this, he is encouraging John that the works that he is doing are the works of the Messiah, and the character that he is displaying is the character of the Messiah. And so he's actually quoting from these Old Testament passages that look forward to or describe the promised servant of the Lord Isaiah 35, Isaiah 29, Isaiah 61 and is showing that he is fulfilling exactly the mission statement that he gave when he went to the synagogue and said, see, this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing. This partying, this inclusion, these acts of mercy, actually are exactly the sorts of acts that John should have been expecting from the Messiah, as well as the works of justice. Jesus wants him to know that his works of mercy are indeed the Messiah's work, and that as he suffers injustice, the work that is happening outside that prison is the work of the one who he was preparing the people to receive. The Great Reversal in Jesus Ministry But interestingly, I also think he wants John to know that these works in some way are a work of justice. So I've been thinking about healings, and I was reading some articles about whether there's evidence of resuscitation from the dead in our world today someone who was investigating the claims in this passage, see, the dead are raised. And a lot of the evidence is from parts of the world that we would consider still developing the two thirds world, the global South, parts of the world that are far more marginalized and under the impact of poverty and war than our own. So, Craig Keener, who is a Bible scholar some of you might know he's married to an African woman, and her family are all involved in church life in Africa and she kind of got him in touch with a whole bunch of people who could testify to miracles of resuscitation from the dead. And he, thinking about the incredible kind of percentage of experience that happens there (maybe in the Philippines, in Indonesia, other places), but not always in his homeland of America, not always in our experience in Australia. Well, part of the reason for that is not simply that they are more open to spiritual things or they don't live in such a scientific worldview. Sometimes we can bring quite an inappropriate lens to looking at miracle accounts in the non-Western. But is it perhaps because Jesus' acts of healing, of mercy, of raising up, are in fact symbols of the great reversal that he is bringing and has brought into the world, that those who cannot heal themselves, that those who suffer great injustice actually, when they see miracles, it is because the Lord is showing that his task is to turn this broken, unjust world upside down. We have so many resources at our disposal now. That's not the only reason God does miracles, and we know that he does miracles amongst us. And that's not the only reason God does not do miracles. But I think that the teaching of Luke's gospel would be that Jesus, in everything that he does, turns the world upside down. That the great reversal, the lifting up of the lowly that Mary worshipped about in the Magnificat, is seen here in Jesus' works of mercy, healing, and restoration. Jesus' works of mercy ... are also works of justice, because they reverse the marginalization and the poverty of those who are under the big system of broken, unjust world. But he would say to John, absolutely question your way out of your hard place, but be prepared for surprises. Jesus Affirms John the Baptist And so Jesus now moves into two questions of his own. The first is, What did you go out into the wilderness to see? He's talking to the people around him. And then he asks, To what shall I compare this generation? After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John. What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No. Those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes. I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' I tell you, among those born of women, there is no one greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. The crowd hearing John bring this question to Jesus may have started to wonder whether he himself had been the forerunner that he had understood himself to be. Well, if John's asking the question now, we're all feeling confused. Is John gone soft? Did we make a mistake? And Jesus says, no. You know John, you know how tough he is. You went out not to see someone swayed by the wind. You went to see a rock solid tree trunk in the ground quite austere and possibly quite unusual fellow this is a prophet of the Old Testament school. You went out to see him and he asks this question. Well, I can confirm to you that he is exactly who he said he was. He was the messenger sent by God ahead of me. He asks, are you the one who is to come, or should we await someone else? No. He was the messenger of the one who is to come. Be sure of it. But he says, even though John was the greatest, the greatest prophet, the preparer of the Messiah, yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. Question your way out question, but don't stop too soon. John's message of preparation, of asking people to reflect on their lives, to question whether they were living for God, whether they needed to repent was absolutely right. But it was not the end of the story. John was in the period of expectation of promise, but Jesus was now in the kingdom of fulfillment. John's answers John's questions and answers could only bring a person so far: to repent before God, to weep and bemoan your sins and your wickedness, as we sometimes say in our Anglican liturgy, was absolutely what needed to happen. But to stop there would not be enough. The one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than John. Not because John's not now in the kingdom of God, but because the fulfillment of what John was pointing to was here in Jesus. And so the questions that John asked and then the questions that Jesus asked must be heard together. The ministry that John had, and then the ministry that the Messiah has must be embraced together. So Jesus asks his next question: to what then can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? An Unresponsive Generation He's speaking now not to those who have heard John's message he's told them, don't stop too soon, come into the kingdom. Now he's speaking to the Pharisees and the experts in the law, those who should have both heard John's message and then seen him as the forerunner to the Messiah. But what happened? To what then can I compare the people of this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: 'We played the pipe for you and you did not dance. We sang a dirge and you did not cry.' For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine. And you say he has a demon. The Son of Man came eating and drinking. And you say, 'here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is proved right by all her children." Jesus looks around at a people who have not heard either the call of John nor the call of Jesus, and he says nothing. Nothing is going to please you if you cannot hear a person who's calling you to Old Testament repentance, and yet you cannot also see someone inviting you into the love of God. The dirge and you did not cry well, that's John out in the wilderness, eating his locusts and honey and being very smelly and very serious and calling people well, calling them a brood of vipers. Calling them to repentance. Because so clearly have they broken the law of God for justice and care. But they didn't cry to that dirge. They didn't repent. They didn't want to hear. And then Jesus comes eating and drinking, partying on, embracing those on the margins, healing people who needed it. And they didn't dance. They didn't rejoice. John, they said, oh, all that fasting and smelling piss and yelling at us. He's got a demon. Jesus coming, eating and drinking. Oh, he's just a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners. And that's not actually just a charge of saying, oh, he's a total party boy. That's actually from Deuteronomy a quote from Deuteronomy that a parent would say about his or her rebellious son, taking them to the elders of the village and asking for punishment: Here my child, is a glutton and a drunkard. And Jesus is saying, actually, God can't win with you. You want someone to be serious and call you to repentance. You have it. You want someone to show you the love and justice and inclusion of God. You have it. God can't. I just think of Jesus having to rejoice and celebrate being amongst people who he is restoring to the kingdom of God. But God can't win. Wisdom is proved right by all her children, John's way and Jesus' way sit together to bring people into the wise kingdom of God and all those who follow them. But it's very possible to avoid the answers if you really want to. We live in a world where there are many, many arguments against faith, and it's really important to grapple with those at various times, probably not all at once. But it's important for us to know that even for ourselves, you can avoid the answer if you really want to. You can find the next objection. You can change what you're looking for. You can change the standards, the goalposts. Can God win? So I just want us to close today by asking you. If you got answers to some of your questions, if you're in a hard place, would the answers to the questions you're asking really be enough? What Are You Really Looking For? If you got answers to some of your questions, if you're in a hard place, would the answers to the questions you're asking really be enough? Maybe you're asking who's to blame.Maybe you're asking, why me?Maybe you're asking, what should I do next?Maybe you're asking, what's the system that's underneath all of this injustice? If you got answers to that, would it really be enough? And I want you to ask yourself and I ask myself this, too what are you really looking for? If you had God, if you had Jesus right here, what is the question that you really want to ask him? Is it really who's to blame? Is it really why me? Could it be do you really love me? Could it be are you the one that we're looking for? Or should we expect someone else? Just take a moment in quiet. If you feel comfortable to close your eyes in a group, then please do that if that helps you. Jesus does not turn away your questions. So I'm encouraging you now and as we spend some time in worship as well what are the questions, right down at the bottom of your heart, that you really want to ask. And then I'm going to pray that Jesus' works and Jesus' character will show you what you're looking for. Closing Prayer Loving and most merciful Lord, we know that you are the Holy One, and we know that you never overlook injustice. We know that you will set things right. We know that one day we will see you face to face. And as we sit here now, Lord, we have our questions: Do you love us? Did you love our loved one who died? Are you the one? Is it worth it? What do you want to say to me? Lord Jesus, as we bring our real questions to you, we ask that you would show us who you are. Point us to the evidence in our own lives, in the world, and most clearly in the scriptures, illuminated by Your Holy Spirit. Speak to our hearts of the ways in which you can be trusted, of your great love for us, each one, and your joy over us as we come into your kingdom. As we journey through lent, we ask Lord, that you would help us to ask the right questions, that we might know you truly as the one we've been waiting for. Amen.

Welcome to Day 2585 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2585 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 51:7-15 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2585 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2585 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today's Wisdom Nugget, we continue exploring Psalm 51, focusing on verses 7-15. Psalm 51 is one of the most profound prayers of repentance in all of Scripture. As we discussed in our last episode, this psalm was written by King David after his sin with Bathsheba and his attempt to cover it up by orchestrating the death of her husband, Uriah. When the prophet Nathan confronted him, David responded not with excuses but with genuine sorrow and a cry for cleansing and restoration. In these next verses, we see David's deep longing for forgiveness. He not only asks for God's mercy but also pleads for renewal—a fresh start, a restored relationship with God, and a transformed heart. From an Ancient Israelite worldview, this is significant. In their culture, purity laws and ritual cleansing were essential for restoring one's standing before God and the community. However, David recognizes that external cleansing is not enough—he needs a heart that is purified and renewed by God's Spirit. Let's begin by reading Psalm 51:7-15 from the New Living Translation: Psalm 51:7-15 (NLT) 7 Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Oh, give me back my joy again; You have broken me— now let me rejoice. 9 Don't keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. 11 Do not banish me from Your presence, and don't take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and make me willing to obey You. 13 Then I will teach Your ways to rebels, and they will return to You. 14 Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of Your forgiveness. 15 Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise You. The Plea for Cleansing (Verses 7-9) David begins with a vivid request for cleansing and renewal: “Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” (Verse 7) In Ancient Israel, purification rituals involved hyssop, a plant used for sprinkling blood or water to symbolize cleansing (see Leviticus 14:6-7). David's request is not about physical purity but about spiritual cleansing—removing the deep stain of sin from his soul. He continues:...

Today, we're diving into a topic that every believer faces—decision-making. How do we know when to move forward and when to step back? How do we discern God's voice among all the noise? The Holy Spirit is our divine guide, leading us through life's doors—both open and closed—so we walk in God's perfect will.Our springboard for today's discussion is: Isaiah 30:21—"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."The Bible speaks of the Holy Spirit as our helper, our advocate, and the one who directs our steps. Isaiah 30:21 reminds us that God's voice is always present, urging us to walk in His ways. But how do we tune in? The key is learning to recognize the Spirit's leading in our daily lives. Sometimes, God opens doors of opportunity, confirming His direction through peace and alignment with His Word. Other times, He shuts doors to protect us, redirecting us to something better.Before making major decisions, we must seek wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and godly counsel. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. When we surrender to His guidance, He makes our paths straight. The more we cultivate a habit of Spirit-led decision-making, the clearer His voice becomes.Question of the Day: Have you ever experienced God closing a door, only to realize later that it was His protection or redirection?Let's Pray: Lord, we seek Your guidance in every decision we make. Help us recognize Your voice, trust Your direction, and follow the path You set before us. Give us wisdom and discernment through Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen.Let's Get To Work!Support MyR2B Ministries: Our full-time ministry thrives through your support. Your paid subscription helps sustain and expand this outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Today, we're diving into a topic that every believer faces—decision-making. How do we know when to move forward and when to step back? How do we discern God's voice among all the noise? The Holy Spirit is our divine guide, leading us through life's doors—both open and closed—so we walk in God's perfect will.Our springboard for today's discussion is: Isaiah 30:21—"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."The Bible speaks of the Holy Spirit as our helper, our advocate, and the one who directs our steps. Isaiah 30:21 reminds us that God's voice is always present, urging us to walk in His ways. But how do we tune in? The key is learning to recognize the Spirit's leading in our daily lives. Sometimes, God opens doors of opportunity, confirming His direction through peace and alignment with His Word. Other times, He shuts doors to protect us, redirecting us to something better.Before making major decisions, we must seek wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and godly counsel. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. When we surrender to His guidance, He makes our paths straight. The more we cultivate a habit of Spirit-led decision-making, the clearer His voice becomes.Question of the Day: Have you ever experienced God closing a door, only to realize later that it was His protection or redirection?Let's Pray: Lord, we seek Your guidance in every decision we make. Help us recognize Your voice, trust Your direction, and follow the path You set before us. Give us wisdom and discernment through Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen.Let's Get To Work!Support MyR2B Ministries: Our full-time ministry thrives through your support. Your paid subscription helps sustain and expand this outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

February 22, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Epiphany 7 - Psalm 37:1-5; antiphon: Psalm 37:7a, bDaily Lectionary: Job 17:1-16; John 7:14-31Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. (From the Introit for the Seventh Sunday After the Epiphany)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Tomorrow's Introit focuses on the heart of the Scripture texts appointed for the day. On the face of it, this looks like a “do A and God will do B” kind of text. But look more closely at the whole of the Introit. It begins with a reminder that evildoers and wrongdoers will fade and wither, but trusting in the Lord leads to peace. The rest of the psalm is like that, too. King David writes that our peace, our rest, our salvation, and our strength are all found in the Lord.In the Old Testament reading for tomorrow, Joseph has only love and compassion for his brothers, who once wanted him dead. In the Gospel, Jesus reminds his hearers to love their enemies and do good to those who hate them.So also with this psalm. Rest in the Lord. Trust in God alone. Don't seek to make your own way to salvation. Live as one who absolutely believes that Almighty God has your best interests at heart. He will care for you; he will sustain you.Oh, sure. Evil will still attack. You will still suffer the insults and lies of those who don't like you. You will feel terrible at times because of the work of Satan against you. But your ultimate fate has already been sealed in Jesus.That's what trust is: believing that you are safe, even if you can't exactly see that safety. Ever done a trust fall? You fall backward into the arms of friends, and they catch you. Or, at least, that is what is supposed to happen. You trust that when you fall, they will catch you.God your Father is the one who will always catch you when you fall. He is the one who will always hold you close. He is the one who will always search you out like the lost sheep and carry you to safety on his shoulders.Trust in, delight in, and commit yourself to him. He has already acted for you in Jesus' death and resurrection. Because you are marked with his blood, you are always safe in his hands.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and ever-living God, You make us both to will and to do those things that are good and acceptable in Your sight. Let Your fatherly hand ever guide us and Your Holy Spirit ever be with us to direct us in the knowledge and obedience of Your Word that we may obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (Collect for divine guidance)-Rev. Duane Bamsch, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

“Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise. Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem. Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, With burnt offering and whole burnt offering; Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.”‭‭Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭1‬-‭19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬Happy Sunday everyone, have a blessed day and remain safe out there!!

Welcome, Warriors, to The Power of God's Whisper Podcast! Have you ever read a passage of Scripture and suddenly, it came alive in a way it never had before? That's not coincidence—it's the Holy Spirit at work, illuminating God's truth.Our springboard for today's discussion is: John 14:26—“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”Jesus made a profound promise before He ascended—the Holy Spirit would come, not just as a comforter, but as a divine teacher. The Bible is not just words on a page; it is a living, breathing message that requires spiritual discernment to fully grasp. Without the Spirit, Scripture can feel dry, like an academic text. But with the Spirit, the Word of God becomes a powerful force, cutting through confusion and speaking directly to our hearts.To truly understand and apply Scripture, we must rely on the Holy Spirit. He brings clarity, conviction, and revelation. He doesn't just remind us of what Jesus said; He personalizes it, making the Word applicable to our daily struggles and victories. When we invite Him into our Bible study, we move beyond mere reading and into divine encounters.Question of the Day: Have you ever had a moment where Scripture suddenly spoke to you in a way that changed everything? How did the Holy Spirit bring it to life?Let's Pray: Lord, we invite Your Holy Spirit to illuminate Your Word in our hearts. Help us not just to read but to understand, not just to know but to live by Your truth. Open our eyes to the deep revelations You have for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.Let's Get To Work!My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

What does true hospitality look like? In this powerful sermon, Rachel unpacks how Jesus radical hospitality transforms livesespecially through one extraordinary encounter between Jesus and a woman society had cast aside. She challenges us to move beyond mere entertainment and embrace gospel-shaped hospitality, where love, grace, and interdependence create space for encountering God. Join us as we explore how Jesus mission wasnt just about teaching or miraclesit was about eating and drinking with people, inviting them into His presence. What if our tables could be places of transformation too? Listen now and be inspired to open your home, your heart, and your life to experience the reality that God is truly among us. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting. Read the transcript Scripture Reading (James 5:720) Be patient then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. Dont grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Jobs perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple Yes or No. Otherwise you will be condemned. Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. (This is the word of the Lord.) Introduction Well, this is the last in a series from the Book of James, but well actually be considering the entire message of the book. If you havent been here for the series, thats absolutely fine youll still get plenty out of the text today. At the moment, my social media feed seems to be full of fact-checking videos. When someone in authority says things about, maybe, medicine or demographics or how things are in the world, someone else pops up over the top of that video and talks about whether the facts being shared are accurate whether the speaker is interpreting the information properly, whether the evidence is really there. I dont know that I ever expected wed need this rise of fact-checking when authoritative figures speak. It might be the news or whatever, but suddenly we do need fact-checkers. And of course, we went through a period on social media where little flags would come up saying, we dont think that this actually tells the facts (that feature has apparently been removed on some platforms). Its a strange world where we know the power of words, and yet its so easy to disagree about whether those words convey truth. We might find information being presented to us, but truth is another thing altogether. The Book of James is very concerned with the power of words and the truth of those words. Its concerned with how we respond to the powerful Word of God, and also how our own words reflect the fact that weve had the powerful Word of God implanted in our lives. We see at the beginning of James that Gods Word is powerful to save and to guide. As we get towards chapter 3, we see that our words are powerful for good or ill we can really damage people, community, and situations by what we say. And now in chapter 5, we see the intersection of those two things: Gods Word is powerful, our words are powerful, and our words to God are exceedingly powerful for ourselves and others. But the foundation of all of this, for James, is the powerful, growing, life-giving action of the Word of God. He uses language like this in chapter 1: He chose to give us birth through the word of truth. Then he calls all believers to humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Not simply telling you about God, but this Word that God has revealed about Himself not simply a book, but Gods revelation about Himself in Jesus Christ (the Good News about who He is, who we are, and how we can be together) and this Word can save you. Of course, the risk of telling people that the Word of God saves you is that we can feel like once weve heard the Word, were good. Its done its job; weve listened, weve sat here (Megans gone on and on), and were good. But James says, no, no, thats not actually listening that God requires. Do not merely listenand so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Whoever looks intently into the perfect law (James often uses law, word, and truth interchangeably) that gives freedom, and continues in it not forgetting what they have heard but doing it they will be blessed in what they do. (In other words, hearing Gods Word isnt enough; we must do it.) The Word of God is able to save and give you new birth, and as you live it out, you actually flourish you are blessed. James then concludes the letter with the words we heard today: My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James knows that we live in a world full of information, and that we have power to convince people of just about anything. (People have said about me, she could sell ice to Eskimos. That means its hard to know because of a convincing tone whether the information someone is conveying is actually truth.) But James centers on three words truth, law, and word as the core of Gods action in our lives. So when we use our words, ultimately the most powerful thing we can do on earth is to bring people to the truth. And when you do that, you cover over a multitude of sins, because the truth is the message about Jesus gift of forgiveness, grace, and eternal life. So James wants us to know that if Gods words have been so powerful as to save us, then our words must be full of grace, integrity, and hope. We saw in chapter 3 the damage that can be done by the negative use of words. (Like a forest fire set off by one tiny spark, our words can cause damage: gossip, rumors, slander, cruelty, deceit destroying relationships and community.) But now, as we come to the end in chapter 5, James starts to talk about using our words in a positive way the power of positive words. Patience in Suffering The first thing he addresses is our patience under suffering and how we speak during that suffering. Be patient then, brothers and sisters, until the Lords coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lords coming is near. Dont grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door. In the midst of their trials (and James has never glossed over the fact that being a Christian may lead to deprivation, alienation, doubts, questions, hardship he started the very letter with, Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds.) he sees the need for patience. Just like the Israelites moving from Egypt to the Promised Land: that time in the wilderness was meant to strengthen them, to give them a legacy of trusting God for everything. God was always faithful. And so, just as a farmer knows the rains are coming, they had to be patient on this journey because the Judge is at the door Jesus is coming. But you know what happens when youre having a hard time? You tend to look around for anyone or anything that can become the target of your sense of unease, dis-ease. (I dont know if youve ever had to say this: Im sorry for what I said when I was hungry. In our household, that tends to be Sunday afternoons Meghan coming home around 1 PM, and I have actually had to text Phil, Im coming in hot. Like, just have the carbohydrates on the table, dont talk to me, Im going to need something. And those Tim Tams that I told you to save oh, they better still be there!) Weve worked it out now; they are there, because weve had some good family meetings about this recently, clarifying expectations and making sure nobody is grumbling. James knows that when youre under pressure under pressure as a family, as friends, as housemates, as a church (financial pressure, persecution, interest rates, whatever it is) you look around and you grumble and fight, pushing your frustrations outwards. I find that Im often looking for something to retrofit my bad feelings into. Im looking for an excuse to be grumpy at something, and that thing isnt even whats making me feel bad but Ill pretend it is so I can vent it. James is saying: you will go through hard times as a community. Do not grumble at each other (like the Israelites did, even though God was faithful). The Lord is coming, and you will be provided for. So then he moves on: Okay, if youre not going to grumble, can you instead speak graciously under that pressure? Can your words be full of integrity and hope even when times are hard? He gives us an example of patience in suffering: Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. They persevered under suffering but continued to speak rightly about God. (Thats not to say they didnt complain about their circumstances to God. We know Jeremiah, who endured all kinds of physical, emotional, and social suffering, was very honest with God. Elijah spoke very frankly with God: Im the only one left; Youve left me here! And God said, Youre hungry have a nap and a snack, and now lets talk.) The prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord persevered in speaking rightly about God and His mission on the earth, and in speaking rightly to God, bringing their struggles to Him. Youve also heard of Jobs perseverance and seen what the Lord finally brought about (The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.). Job, too, is an example of someone who did not sin in what he said, even though he was under great suffering and trial. We know this because he was told by his wife, Curse God and die. His friends told him he was speaking wrongly about God that he shouldnt be asking Why is this happening? or claiming to be righteous. In the end of the book, God says to Jobs friends, You have not spoken rightly about Me, as has My servant Job. So as Job persevered under suffering, he maintained the ability to speak rightly about God and about his situation, and to speak rightly to God about his situation. James says if you do that, youll come to know that the Lord is full of compassion and mercy. If Gods words have been so powerful as to save us (the message of Jesus), then our words must be full of grace, integrity, and hope. Speaking with Integrity Above all, James says, do not swear not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. (Hes not talking about using foul language here; he means dont say, I swear by heaven or on my grandmothers life that something is true.) All you need to say is a simple yes or no. Otherwise you will be condemned. Having a community that always speaks truth is essential to God growing His kingdom on the earth absolutely essential. Jesus spoke to the leaders, and throughout Jamess letter you find heaps of connections to Jesus Sermon on the Mount. This teaching on oaths is one of those connections. In Matthew 5 Jesus said: Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made. But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is Gods throne; or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair black or white. All you need to say is simply Yes or No; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. (I think I sort of can make one hair black or white but I have to pay a lot of money!) Providing backing for your words actually undermines their truthfulness. If you feel the need to say, Ive got heavens backing for this truth Im telling you, then what are we to think about what you say normally? And what happens if it turns out not to be true? Its greatly risky to claim any sort of divine power behind your words because if you break that oath and youve called on God to back you up, well, maybe He wont be too pleased. If youve broken it, youve associated the truthful, holy God with your deceit. Jesus says you need to simply say yes or no. Are you a person of integrity or not? Why would you need to call on something that you have absolutely no power over? Instead, just be a person who speaks out of the integrity of your heart. Jesus goes on to say in Matthew 12: The mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. Jesus isnt proposing a different measure of salvation here; Hes saying that our words show whether our heart is truly connected to God. Your words show whether the Word of God thats been given to you that could save you, that could give you new birth has really done that. Your verbal integrity shows that you are a friend of God and not of the world. James wants his community to be people of the utmost integrity in their speech. And its so important, especially for a new church thats telling the world we speak the truth. This message about Jesus is the truth! Yet if we then say other things that arent true, what will the world think? (Fast forward 2,000 years and you can see what the world thinks.) And what if we want to be open to the work of the Spirit among us open to everybody having a go at understanding what the Scriptures mean for us today but we cant be sure people are speaking the truth? Then, boy, youd have to shut things down to the narrowest little channel, with one leader at the front, and put all your hope in them being the only one to say things from God. No we need to speak honestly and truthfully. Of course well come at things from different perspectives (thats okay); we gather around the word of truth together and we dont deceive. We come to God and say, show us, and Hes given us plenty of Scriptures to help in that regard. Verbal integrity is central to Christian community. So, to recap: Gods Word is powerful to save and to guide. Our words are powerful for good or ill. Our words to God are powerful for ourselves and others. So, James concludes: Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James says the best use of our words, in good times and bad, is always to involve God. There is nothing too small, nothing too big, nothing too good, nothing too bad our words are not simply to go on the horizontal; we are always invited (indeed, it is Gods intention) to involve Him with our words in everything. Of course, when its something small, you might think, does it really matter? Well, if youve done the Prayer Course or read anything by Pete Greig, he often talks about how if you are in the habit of bringing everything to God, then you start to see Gods answers in the small and the big, and gratitude wells up in you. I think your language to other people then becomes more gracious and hopeful as well. I believe James would say that your expectation about God in your words is everything. Recently I lost a necklace. Id taken it off when we went swimming and put it in the car. I thought at the time, This is risky youre not going to remember where you put it. I do lose things a bit (I could probably put that on my diagnosis sheet), and it really struck me; I thought, Is this wise? Is this a good spot? Whats going to happen? Anyway, when I went to find it again, the only thing I could think was, Megan, you lose things all the time and you put it in a really risky spot. I couldnt even bring myself to look in the safe or obvious places; I was convinced: you took a huge risk (you do this all the time), so its gone. Of course, Phil went and found the necklace in a really easy spot just in the little side-door pocket no problem. Meanwhile I was imagining wild scenarios: Did I put it in a shoe? Did it fall out on the ground? It was madness. My expectation while looking for it was basically, I always lose things; Im probably not going to find it, and I wasnt even going to look in the obvious spot because I assumed it wouldnt be there. James says we are so like that when it comes to prayer. Were great at making our spreadsheets and plans, but we dont think to go to prayer. We think, Well, I havent really found answers to my prayers in the past I always lose things and so we dont do it. But James says: just do it with everything. When youre in trouble, pray (pray for yourself you dont have to wait for someone else). When youre happy, sing songs of praise (if youre doing that outside of church, just make sure no ones around unless youre really great at singing, then, you know, put it on the internet!). James wants us to know that in the midst of all the human wisdom we can glean from his book (and you dont have to be a Christian to find incredible wisdom in Jamess advice to speak rightly and avoid hypocrisy anybody can learn from the fact that one word can cause huge damage), the distinctive thing about Christianity is that we expect God to answer prayer that we can access God for ourselves and for others. (As Phoebe told me, shes seeing a lot of people saying, Id vote for Jesus; Im not a Christian, but I would vote for Jesus. I love what Jesus stands for. I completely agree imagine what incredibly compassionate policies we might see! But people often dont realize that Jesus also talked about the weirdest stuff: Connect with God. Pray. Expect God to answer. Know that God is a good Father and will give you everything you need.) So as much as we might say Jesus would have great social policies, the truly distinctive thing about Christianity is that we expect that God will answer prayer that we can access God for ourselves and for others. Conclusion This year were calling ourselves to Start Right. God wants us to know that His Word is powerful, and that we are to treasure what we have to soak ourselves in the Word as much as we can, to talk about it, and to talk to God about it. And as we are planted in Him, we must use our words rightly, noticing how we speak to each other here and moving beyond just avoiding the negative. Its not only about saying, Im not going to say bad things, but actually making a positive contribution: Im going to speak truth. Im going to speak hope. Im going to speak grace. Im not going to grumble. And finally, were going to talk to God. Prayer is really the only thing. Im pretty good at making things on Canva and keeping spreadsheets (though updating them and keeping my files consistent not so good). But without prayer, what do those efforts amount to? To quote Pete Greig again: Without prayer, Alpha is just advertising a religious product. Without prayer, church planting is just rolling out outlets for a franchise for the religiously inclined. Without prayer, our works in social transformation are just (lets be honest) second-rate social work. Without prayer, we might feel religious, but we dont have a relationship an interactive encounter with the living God. So this year, as we seek to have people know (and for ourselves to know) that God is really among us, it comes down to this: involving God in every single aspect of our lives. Talking to Him, listening to Him, praising, seeking help, and getting others to help us in prayer as well. Now, Im going to pray for us, and as the band comes up I want to ask you to consider whether you would like God to give you a greater hunger for prayer this year. Only you know if thats something you need. Im not going to ask anyone to stand up or raise a hand, but I am asking you to make a commitment to God that youre seeking a greater hunger, and that if He gives it to you, you will act on it. So lets pray. Almighty God, Your words are powerful, and we always want to respond to them. For those of us who need to respond in this way, Lord, we ask that You would see us and our great desire to involve You to have an interactive, encountering relationship with You through prayer. For those of us making that commitment, Lord, we now ask that Your Holy Spirit give us a greater hunger for prayer in 2025. And Lord, where You pour out Your Spirit and give us a hunger for prayer, may we not ignore or abuse that gift, but act to slake that thirst and meet that hunger by praying. May it be our gift to the world, to ourselves, to this church. And may we find ourselves so deeply in love with who You are our faith refreshed and our confidence in Your power immensely grown this year. Amen.

Welcome, Warriors, to The Power of God's Whisper Podcast! Have you ever read a passage of Scripture and suddenly, it came alive in a way it never had before? That's not coincidence—it's the Holy Spirit at work, illuminating God's truth.Our springboard for today's discussion is: John 14:26—“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”Jesus made a profound promise before He ascended—the Holy Spirit would come, not just as a comforter, but as a divine teacher. The Bible is not just words on a page; it is a living, breathing message that requires spiritual discernment to fully grasp. Without the Spirit, Scripture can feel dry, like an academic text. But with the Spirit, the Word of God becomes a powerful force, cutting through confusion and speaking directly to our hearts.To truly understand and apply Scripture, we must rely on the Holy Spirit. He brings clarity, conviction, and revelation. He doesn't just remind us of what Jesus said; He personalizes it, making the Word applicable to our daily struggles and victories. When we invite Him into our Bible study, we move beyond mere reading and into divine encounters.Question of the Day: Have you ever had a moment where Scripture suddenly spoke to you in a way that changed everything? How did the Holy Spirit bring it to life?Let's Pray: Lord, we invite Your Holy Spirit to illuminate Your Word in our hearts. Help us not just to read but to understand, not just to know but to live by Your truth. Open our eyes to the deep revelations You have for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.Let's Get To Work!My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Your Nightly Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come before You in faith, seeking Your divine protection and deliverance. I acknowledge that You are all-powerful, and I trust in Your ability to remove any darkness from my life and home. In the name of Jesus Christ, I ask You to cleanse my home of any unwanted spirits or demonic presence. I pray that Your Holy Spirit fills every corner of this space, bringing peace, comfort, and safety. Drive out any fear, anxiety, or negativity that has taken root here. Lord, I plead the blood of Jesus over my home and my life. I ask that You create a hedge of protection around me and my loved ones. Let Your angels encamp around us, guarding us from all harm and influence of the enemy. I renounce any open doors that have allowed the enemy to enter my life. I surrender any areas of my life that I have not submitted to You, and I ask for Your forgiveness. Fill those areas with Your light and love. Father, grant me the discernment to recognize any lingering influences and the strength to resist them. Help me stay connected to You through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship with fellow believers. I declare that my home is a sanctuary of Your presence, filled with Your peace and joy. Thank You for the victory I have in Christ Jesus. In Jesus' mighty name, I pray. Amen.

How do we respond to lifes challengeswith grumbling or with patience? In this sermon from the Book of James, we explore the power of words, the call to integrity, and the life-changing impact of prayer. James reminds us that just as a farmer waits for rain, we too must trust in Gods timing. Whether we face trials, joy, or uncertainty, our words and prayers matter. Join us as we reflect on starting right this yearanchored in faith, truth, and the power of Gods presence. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting. Read the transcript Scripture Reading (James 5:720) Be patient then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. Dont grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Jobs perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple Yes or No. Otherwise you will be condemned. Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. (This is the word of the Lord.) Introduction Well, this is the last in a series from the Book of James, but well actually be considering the entire message of the book. If you havent been here for the series, thats absolutely fine youll still get plenty out of the text today. At the moment, my social media feed seems to be full of fact-checking videos. When someone in authority says things about, maybe, medicine or demographics or how things are in the world, someone else pops up over the top of that video and talks about whether the facts being shared are accurate whether the speaker is interpreting the information properly, whether the evidence is really there. I dont know that I ever expected wed need this rise of fact-checking when authoritative figures speak. It might be the news or whatever, but suddenly we do need fact-checkers. And of course, we went through a period on social media where little flags would come up saying, we dont think that this actually tells the facts (that feature has apparently been removed on some platforms). Its a strange world where we know the power of words, and yet its so easy to disagree about whether those words convey truth. We might find information being presented to us, but truth is another thing altogether. The Book of James is very concerned with the power of words and the truth of those words. Its concerned with how we respond to the powerful Word of God, and also how our own words reflect the fact that weve had the powerful Word of God implanted in our lives. We see at the beginning of James that Gods Word is powerful to save and to guide. As we get towards chapter 3, we see that our words are powerful for good or ill we can really damage people, community, and situations by what we say. And now in chapter 5, we see the intersection of those two things: Gods Word is powerful, our words are powerful, and our words to God are exceedingly powerful for ourselves and others. But the foundation of all of this, for James, is the powerful, growing, life-giving action of the Word of God. He uses language like this in chapter 1: He chose to give us birth through the word of truth. Then he calls all believers to humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Not simply telling you about God, but this Word that God has revealed about Himself not simply a book, but Gods revelation about Himself in Jesus Christ (the Good News about who He is, who we are, and how we can be together) and this Word can save you. Of course, the risk of telling people that the Word of God saves you is that we can feel like once weve heard the Word, were good. Its done its job; weve listened, weve sat here (Megans gone on and on), and were good. But James says, no, no, thats not actually listening that God requires. Do not merely listenand so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Whoever looks intently into the perfect law (James often uses law, word, and truth interchangeably) that gives freedom, and continues in it not forgetting what they have heard but doing it they will be blessed in what they do. (In other words, hearing Gods Word isnt enough; we must do it.) The Word of God is able to save and give you new birth, and as you live it out, you actually flourish you are blessed. James then concludes the letter with the words we heard today: My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James knows that we live in a world full of information, and that we have power to convince people of just about anything. (People have said about me, she could sell ice to Eskimos. That means its hard to know because of a convincing tone whether the information someone is conveying is actually truth.) But James centers on three words truth, law, and word as the core of Gods action in our lives. So when we use our words, ultimately the most powerful thing we can do on earth is to bring people to the truth. And when you do that, you cover over a multitude of sins, because the truth is the message about Jesus gift of forgiveness, grace, and eternal life. So James wants us to know that if Gods words have been so powerful as to save us, then our words must be full of grace, integrity, and hope. We saw in chapter 3 the damage that can be done by the negative use of words. (Like a forest fire set off by one tiny spark, our words can cause damage: gossip, rumors, slander, cruelty, deceit destroying relationships and community.) But now, as we come to the end in chapter 5, James starts to talk about using our words in a positive way the power of positive words. Patience in Suffering The first thing he addresses is our patience under suffering and how we speak during that suffering. Be patient then, brothers and sisters, until the Lords coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lords coming is near. Dont grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door. In the midst of their trials (and James has never glossed over the fact that being a Christian may lead to deprivation, alienation, doubts, questions, hardship he started the very letter with, Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds.) he sees the need for patience. Just like the Israelites moving from Egypt to the Promised Land: that time in the wilderness was meant to strengthen them, to give them a legacy of trusting God for everything. God was always faithful. And so, just as a farmer knows the rains are coming, they had to be patient on this journey because the Judge is at the door Jesus is coming. But you know what happens when youre having a hard time? You tend to look around for anyone or anything that can become the target of your sense of unease, dis-ease. (I dont know if youve ever had to say this: Im sorry for what I said when I was hungry. In our household, that tends to be Sunday afternoons Meghan coming home around 1 PM, and I have actually had to text Phil, Im coming in hot. Like, just have the carbohydrates on the table, dont talk to me, Im going to need something. And those Tim Tams that I told you to save oh, they better still be there!) Weve worked it out now; they are there, because weve had some good family meetings about this recently, clarifying expectations and making sure nobody is grumbling. James knows that when youre under pressure under pressure as a family, as friends, as housemates, as a church (financial pressure, persecution, interest rates, whatever it is) you look around and you grumble and fight, pushing your frustrations outwards. I find that Im often looking for something to retrofit my bad feelings into. Im looking for an excuse to be grumpy at something, and that thing isnt even whats making me feel bad but Ill pretend it is so I can vent it. James is saying: you will go through hard times as a community. Do not grumble at each other (like the Israelites did, even though God was faithful). The Lord is coming, and you will be provided for. So then he moves on: Okay, if youre not going to grumble, can you instead speak graciously under that pressure? Can your words be full of integrity and hope even when times are hard? He gives us an example of patience in suffering: Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. They persevered under suffering but continued to speak rightly about God. (Thats not to say they didnt complain about their circumstances to God. We know Jeremiah, who endured all kinds of physical, emotional, and social suffering, was very honest with God. Elijah spoke very frankly with God: Im the only one left; Youve left me here! And God said, Youre hungry have a nap and a snack, and now lets talk.) The prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord persevered in speaking rightly about God and His mission on the earth, and in speaking rightly to God, bringing their struggles to Him. Youve also heard of Jobs perseverance and seen what the Lord finally brought about (The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.). Job, too, is an example of someone who did not sin in what he said, even though he was under great suffering and trial. We know this because he was told by his wife, Curse God and die. His friends told him he was speaking wrongly about God that he shouldnt be asking Why is this happening? or claiming to be righteous. In the end of the book, God says to Jobs friends, You have not spoken rightly about Me, as has My servant Job. So as Job persevered under suffering, he maintained the ability to speak rightly about God and about his situation, and to speak rightly to God about his situation. James says if you do that, youll come to know that the Lord is full of compassion and mercy. If Gods words have been so powerful as to save us (the message of Jesus), then our words must be full of grace, integrity, and hope. Speaking with Integrity Above all, James says, do not swear not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. (Hes not talking about using foul language here; he means dont say, I swear by heaven or on my grandmothers life that something is true.) All you need to say is a simple yes or no. Otherwise you will be condemned. Having a community that always speaks truth is essential to God growing His kingdom on the earth absolutely essential. Jesus spoke to the leaders, and throughout Jamess letter you find heaps of connections to Jesus Sermon on the Mount. This teaching on oaths is one of those connections. In Matthew 5 Jesus said: Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made. But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is Gods throne; or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair black or white. All you need to say is simply Yes or No; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. (I think I sort of can make one hair black or white but I have to pay a lot of money!) Providing backing for your words actually undermines their truthfulness. If you feel the need to say, Ive got heavens backing for this truth Im telling you, then what are we to think about what you say normally? And what happens if it turns out not to be true? Its greatly risky to claim any sort of divine power behind your words because if you break that oath and youve called on God to back you up, well, maybe He wont be too pleased. If youve broken it, youve associated the truthful, holy God with your deceit. Jesus says you need to simply say yes or no. Are you a person of integrity or not? Why would you need to call on something that you have absolutely no power over? Instead, just be a person who speaks out of the integrity of your heart. Jesus goes on to say in Matthew 12: The mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. Jesus isnt proposing a different measure of salvation here; Hes saying that our words show whether our heart is truly connected to God. Your words show whether the Word of God thats been given to you that could save you, that could give you new birth has really done that. Your verbal integrity shows that you are a friend of God and not of the world. James wants his community to be people of the utmost integrity in their speech. And its so important, especially for a new church thats telling the world we speak the truth. This message about Jesus is the truth! Yet if we then say other things that arent true, what will the world think? (Fast forward 2,000 years and you can see what the world thinks.) And what if we want to be open to the work of the Spirit among us open to everybody having a go at understanding what the Scriptures mean for us today but we cant be sure people are speaking the truth? Then, boy, youd have to shut things down to the narrowest little channel, with one leader at the front, and put all your hope in them being the only one to say things from God. No we need to speak honestly and truthfully. Of course well come at things from different perspectives (thats okay); we gather around the word of truth together and we dont deceive. We come to God and say, show us, and Hes given us plenty of Scriptures to help in that regard. Verbal integrity is central to Christian community. So, to recap: Gods Word is powerful to save and to guide. Our words are powerful for good or ill. Our words to God are powerful for ourselves and others. So, James concludes: Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James says the best use of our words, in good times and bad, is always to involve God. There is nothing too small, nothing too big, nothing too good, nothing too bad our words are not simply to go on the horizontal; we are always invited (indeed, it is Gods intention) to involve Him with our words in everything. Of course, when its something small, you might think, does it really matter? Well, if youve done the Prayer Course or read anything by Pete Greig, he often talks about how if you are in the habit of bringing everything to God, then you start to see Gods answers in the small and the big, and gratitude wells up in you. I think your language to other people then becomes more gracious and hopeful as well. I believe James would say that your expectation about God in your words is everything. Recently I lost a necklace. Id taken it off when we went swimming and put it in the car. I thought at the time, This is risky youre not going to remember where you put it. I do lose things a bit (I could probably put that on my diagnosis sheet), and it really struck me; I thought, Is this wise? Is this a good spot? Whats going to happen? Anyway, when I went to find it again, the only thing I could think was, Megan, you lose things all the time and you put it in a really risky spot. I couldnt even bring myself to look in the safe or obvious places; I was convinced: you took a huge risk (you do this all the time), so its gone. Of course, Phil went and found the necklace in a really easy spot just in the little side-door pocket no problem. Meanwhile I was imagining wild scenarios: Did I put it in a shoe? Did it fall out on the ground? It was madness. My expectation while looking for it was basically, I always lose things; Im probably not going to find it, and I wasnt even going to look in the obvious spot because I assumed it wouldnt be there. James says we are so like that when it comes to prayer. Were great at making our spreadsheets and plans, but we dont think to go to prayer. We think, Well, I havent really found answers to my prayers in the past I always lose things and so we dont do it. But James says: just do it with everything. When youre in trouble, pray (pray for yourself you dont have to wait for someone else). When youre happy, sing songs of praise (if youre doing that outside of church, just make sure no ones around unless youre really great at singing, then, you know, put it on the internet!). James wants us to know that in the midst of all the human wisdom we can glean from his book (and you dont have to be a Christian to find incredible wisdom in Jamess advice to speak rightly and avoid hypocrisy anybody can learn from the fact that one word can cause huge damage), the distinctive thing about Christianity is that we expect God to answer prayer that we can access God for ourselves and for others. (As Phoebe told me, shes seeing a lot of people saying, Id vote for Jesus; Im not a Christian, but I would vote for Jesus. I love what Jesus stands for. I completely agree imagine what incredibly compassionate policies we might see! But people often dont realize that Jesus also talked about the weirdest stuff: Connect with God. Pray. Expect God to answer. Know that God is a good Father and will give you everything you need.) So as much as we might say Jesus would have great social policies, the truly distinctive thing about Christianity is that we expect that God will answer prayer that we can access God for ourselves and for others. Conclusion This year were calling ourselves to Start Right. God wants us to know that His Word is powerful, and that we are to treasure what we have to soak ourselves in the Word as much as we can, to talk about it, and to talk to God about it. And as we are planted in Him, we must use our words rightly, noticing how we speak to each other here and moving beyond just avoiding the negative. Its not only about saying, Im not going to say bad things, but actually making a positive contribution: Im going to speak truth. Im going to speak hope. Im going to speak grace. Im not going to grumble. And finally, were going to talk to God. Prayer is really the only thing. Im pretty good at making things on Canva and keeping spreadsheets (though updating them and keeping my files consistent not so good). But without prayer, what do those efforts amount to? To quote Pete Greig again: Without prayer, Alpha is just advertising a religious product. Without prayer, church planting is just rolling out outlets for a franchise for the religiously inclined. Without prayer, our works in social transformation are just (lets be honest) second-rate social work. Without prayer, we might feel religious, but we dont have a relationship an interactive encounter with the living God. So this year, as we seek to have people know (and for ourselves to know) that God is really among us, it comes down to this: involving God in every single aspect of our lives. Talking to Him, listening to Him, praising, seeking help, and getting others to help us in prayer as well. Now, Im going to pray for us, and as the band comes up I want to ask you to consider whether you would like God to give you a greater hunger for prayer this year. Only you know if thats something you need. Im not going to ask anyone to stand up or raise a hand, but I am asking you to make a commitment to God that youre seeking a greater hunger, and that if He gives it to you, you will act on it. So lets pray. Almighty God, Your words are powerful, and we always want to respond to them. For those of us who need to respond in this way, Lord, we ask that You would see us and our great desire to involve You to have an interactive, encountering relationship with You through prayer. For those of us making that commitment, Lord, we now ask that Your Holy Spirit give us a greater hunger for prayer in 2025. And Lord, where You pour out Your Spirit and give us a hunger for prayer, may we not ignore or abuse that gift, but act to slake that thirst and meet that hunger by praying. May it be our gift to the world, to ourselves, to this church. And may we find ourselves so deeply in love with who You are our faith refreshed and our confidence in Your power immensely grown this year. Amen.

We believe, teach, and confess the Book of Concord because it is in accord with the Word of God. It is vital that the Church still confess this Truth today, as it leaves us no wiggle room to invent our own ideas. The authority for this is founded in the Divine Scriptures as Jesus tells us, “You will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free (John 8:32).” The Concordians were not writing to create a general guide to the Bible, but because they believed that these writings were the true Word of God! “O Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word. Give us Your Holy Spirit to keep us in the Truth and to confess it in purity. Lord have mercy. Amen.” Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, President of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to discuss why a Quia subscription is still important for the 21st century Church. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org. 

Order of Service: - Prelude: "If Thou Be Near," by J.S. Bach - Responsive Reading: P: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Gen. 1:1 C: Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” Gen. 1:26-28 In His infinite wisdom, God has chosen to create the human race with specific gender distinctions and the ability to procreate by the gift of sexual intimacy. He has created a unique complimentary nature to the roles of men and women. As Dr. Martin Luther writes, “God established marriage as the first of all institutions, and with it in view He did not create man and woman to be like each other.” Our human sexuality is by God's design. The chromosomal make-up of man and woman is part of this order from God. The believer acknowledges this: He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still preserves them. Luther's Small Catechism Likewise, marriage between man and woman is not a human invention. It is a gift from God which He has stamped into nature itself, and has been recognized and practiced throughout time in all lands and cultures. All of society rests upon the foundation of marriage in God's order. He who finds a wife finds what is good, and receives favor from the Lord. Prov. 18:22 Due to the Fall into Sin by our first parents, marriage and human sexuality suffered under the curse of sin, which continues to plague mankind today. Satan recognizes the great significance of God's design for marriage for both the temporal and spiritual kingdoms. He continues to rage against it, knowing that when he spoils marriage, he undermines all order of society. In order to protect and preserve this gift, God has inscribed the sixth commandment on the hearts of all people: You shall not commit adultery. Ex. 20:14 We should fear and love God so that we lead a chaste and decent life in word and deed, and that husband and wife should love and honor the other. Luther's Small Catechism Because of the corruption of our human nature, Man continues to pervert the wonderful gift of human sexuality in a variety of ways: fornication, adultery, the use of pornography, co-habitation outside of marriage, homosexuality and living under the pretense of another gender. Though our culture may give approval to such sin, God's Word remains steadfast: Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. Heb. 13:4 Jesus said, “I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matt. 5:28 Paul explains that, due to man's depravity in sin, “God gave men over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another… their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.” Rom. 1 However, God chose not to throw humanity aside forever. Despite man's fallen condition, God in His mercy sent His Son to redeem humanity back to Himself. By His sacrifice on the cross, God Himself took the punishment for all sin, granting us full forgiveness and grace through Christ. As Isaiah writes, “The Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Our Savior used the setting of the wedding at Cana to enact His first public miracle displaying His divine nature. God continues to bless marriage and through this institution provides the gifts of mutual love, companionship, the procreation of children, and a way of restraint for the sins of lust. Along with marriage He has established the Christian home as Heaven's embassy for handing down the true faith from one generation to the next. - Hymn 190 - O Blest the House, Whate'er Befall: vv. 1, 2, 3 - Responsive Reading: Through the gift of faith in Christ, God the Holy Ghost claims the heart, mind and body of those He has called into the Kingdom of Light, and sets them apart from the unbelieving world. By the “washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Ghost,” we have been claimed by God as His own dear children through Christ. Paul encourages the Christian to now live as a redeemed child of God, when he writes, “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Cor. 6:18-20 Even to those who once were previously living in such sins, St. Paul writes, “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Cor. 6:9 By faith we have now been made members of the flock of the Good Shepherd, who says, “My sheep hear My voice, I know them and they follow Me, and I give them eternal life.” It has been challenging for believers of all time to live in a culture and society that embraces and encourages sin, which poses a great danger to our faith. God desires that we use our influence not to encourage sin, but rather to help those who are trapped in it to turn to God in repentance and be restored by His grace, through a spirit of humility and Christian love. I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will. Rom. 12:1-2 * Prayer Let us pray: Almighty God, who has created man and woman, and joins them together in marriage, thereby symbolizing the mystery of the union between Your Son, Jesus Christ, and His bride, the Church; we humbly pray: Do not let this blessed work and ordinance be set aside and brought to nothing in our day, but graciously protect and preserve it. Especially we ask that your blessing would rest upon those who are united at Your altar. So rule them by Your Holy Spirit that they may live together to Your glory and their own welfare in this life, and in the Life which is to come. Keep all of us in Your grace, and finally bring us to our eternal home, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. - Hymn 190 - O Blest the House, Whate'er Befall: vv. 4, 5 - Blessing - Postlude: "La Réjouissance" by G.F. Handel Service Participants: Chaplain Don Moldstad (Preacher), Prof. Ben Faugstad (Director), BLC Chamber Orchestra (Instrumental Group)

Psalm 51:10-12 New King James Version   10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

Welcome, Warriors! Today, we're focusing on tuning into the heart of God through intercession, with Romans 8:26 guiding us into the depths of spiritual communication.Our springboard for today's discussion is: Romans 8:26 (ESV): "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." This verse reveals the profound partnership we enter with the Holy Spirit when we commit to intercessory prayer.Engaging with God's Voice:* Understanding the Spirit's Role: Realize that the Holy Spirit is not just a passive presence but an active guide, shaping your prayers according to God's will.* Recognizing Divine Burdens: Sometimes, God imparts specific burdens or a sense of urgency about a person or situation that you can't shake. This is often His invitation to engage deeply in prayer.How to Hear and Discern in Prayer:* Seek Quietness: Find a quiet place where you can regularly meet with God without distractions. Your ability to hear His voice increases as you decrease the noise around you.* Journal Your Prayers and Insights: As you pray, keep a journal nearby. Write down any thoughts, scriptures, or impressions that come to you. This practice will help you discern God's voice over your own thoughts or desires.* Expect Confirmation: The Spirit often confirms what He is communicating through His Word, the counsel of other believers, or repeated themes in your life. Stay open and attentive to these confirmations.ConclusionHearing God's voice in intercession is about developing a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's promptings and trusting Him to lead your prayers.A Question of the Day: What is one area or person God is pressing on your heart to intercede for more fervently?Growth Challenge: This week, dedicate at least 15 minutes each day to silent prayer, focusing solely on listening for God's guidance on what to pray for. Document any insights or burdens you receive.Let's Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, who helps us in our prayer life. Teach us to be sensitive and obedient to Your voice, that we may effectively stand in the gap for those You bring to our hearts. Amen.Keep listening for God's whispers, Warriors. Your intercessory prayers are a vital lifeline for many and a powerful tool in the spiritual realm. Let's step into this role with faith and dedication. Let's get to work.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

In today's episode, we focus on the essential role the Holy Spirit plays in empowering pastors to fulfill their God-given responsibilities, inspired by Galatians 5:25. We'll delve into how the Spirit guides, strengthens, and enlightens pastors as they lead their congregations.Our springboard for today's discussion is: Galatians 5:25 (ESV): "If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit." This verse encourages us to fully embrace the Spirit-led life, ensuring our actions and decisions as pastors are continually aligned with the divine will of God.The pastorate is more than a leadership role; it's a spiritual calling that requires divine empowerment. Here's how pastors can tap into the strength of the Holy Spirit to enhance their ministry:The Empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit:* Leading with Wisdom and Compassion: The Holy Spirit provides the wisdom needed to handle complex pastoral situations with grace and understanding, ensuring that decisions benefit the spiritual growth of the congregation.* Courage in Leadership: With the Spirit's empowerment, pastors can face challenges and opposition with courage, standing firm in their convictions and leading their churches through trials.* Aligning Efforts with God's Will: The Holy Spirit ensures that pastoral efforts are not just good but God-ordained, steering ministries in directions that fulfill divine purposes.Living and Leading by the Spirit:* Daily Dependence: Encourage pastors to seek the Spirit's guidance daily, cultivating a relationship that is reflective in their decision-making and leadership style.* Practical Spirit-Led Leadership: Offer tips on recognizing the Spirit's promptings, from the planning of sermons and church activities to counseling and community outreach.* Fostering a Spirit-Filled Community: Discuss ways to encourage a church environment where the Holy Spirit's presence is welcomed and cherished by all members, enhancing the collective spiritual experience.ConclusionBeing a pastor requires more than human effort; it demands spiritual empowerment. By keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, pastors can ensure their leadership is not only effective but also profoundly impactful.A Question of the Day: How has the Holy Spirit guided you in a decision or action in your pastoral ministry recently?Growth Challenge: This week, intentionally seek the Holy Spirit's guidance on one specific decision or challenge you face in your pastoral role. Reflect on how this Spirit-led approach changes the outcome or process.Let's Pray: Father, we ask for Your Holy Spirit to fill every pastor listening today. Grant them the wisdom, courage, and compassion needed to shepherd Your flock effectively. May they feel Your presence daily and lead according to Your will, guided by Your Spirit. Amen.As we continue to lead and serve, let us do so not by our might but by the power of the Holy Spirit within us. Let's lean on His strength, follow His guidance, and shepherd God's people with love and wisdom. Let's get to work.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Order of Service: - Prelude - Prayer for Advent: Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the way of Your only-begotten Son, so that by His coming we may worship You with pure minds. Keep us in Your Word by Your Holy Spirit, and establish in us the true faith; through the same, Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one true God, now and forever. Amen. - Hymn 33 - We Now Implore God the Holy Ghost - John 1:19-23: Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” He said: “I am ‘the voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the Lord,”' as the prophet Isaiah said.” - Devotion - Prayer - Hymn 101 - The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns - Blessing - Postlude Service Participants: Chaplain Don Moldstad (Preacher), Joel Hermanson (Organist)

Today's episode centers on the pivotal role of the Holy Spirit in evangelism, as promised in Acts 1:8. We'll examine how the Spirit not only empowers us but also directs our evangelistic efforts, ensuring that our witness is both bold and effective.Our springboard for today's discussion is: Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This passage highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit that turns believers into dynamic witnesses of the Gospel.The Holy Spirit is essential in evangelism. He doesn't just accompany us as we share the Gospel; He actively leads and empowers us, giving us the tools and confidence needed to speak to diverse audiences across various contexts.The Equipping Power of the Holy Spirit in Evangelism:* Providing Boldness: The Holy Spirit gives us the courage to speak out, even in potentially hostile environments or situations where we might normally feel timid.* Wisdom in Delivery: He guides our words, helping us to know what to say and how to say it, making our message resonate with our listeners.* Spiritual Insight: The Spirit provides insight into the hearts and lives of those we speak to, allowing us to tailor our messages to meet their spiritual needs effectively.Reliance on the Holy Spirit for Evangelistic Endeavors:* Prayerful Dependence: Before engaging in evangelism, spend time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to fill you with His power and guide your efforts.* Sensitivity to His Leading: Stay open to the Holy Spirit's promptings, sometimes even altering planned messages or approaches based on His guidance.* Expecting His Intervention: Approach evangelism with the expectation that the Holy Spirit will work actively through you, which can lead to witnessing miracles like hearts being changed and lives being transformed.ConclusionThe Holy Spirit is not merely a helper in evangelism; He is the leader of our evangelistic efforts. As we align ourselves with His direction and yield to His power, our efforts become not only more effective but also more aligned with God's will.A Question of the Day: Can you share a time when the Holy Spirit clearly guided your evangelistic efforts? What was the outcome?Growth Challenge: Focus this week on asking the Holy Spirit to lead your evangelistic conversations. Each day, consciously pause to seek His guidance before, during, and after your encounters with others.Let's Pray: Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, who empowers us to be effective witnesses for Your Kingdom. Help us to rely fully on His guidance and strength as we share Your Gospel with the world. May we be bold in our approach, wise in our words, and loving in our actions. In Jesus' name, Amen.As we go forth, let's lean on the Holy Spirit to empower and direct our evangelistic efforts. With His guidance, we can reach the ends of the earth with the powerful message of salvation. Let's get to work.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we delve into how the Holy Spirit cultivates mercy within us as part of His transformative work in our lives. Drawing from Galatians 5:22-23, we explore the Spirit's role in enabling us to extend mercy in ways that transcend our human capacities.Our springboard for today's discussion is: Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." These qualities are evidence of the Spirit's presence in our lives and foundational to living out divine mercy.Mercy, as a fruit of the Spirit, is not merely a human endeavor but a supernatural expression of God's character through us. Today, we focus on how the Holy Spirit guides and empowers us to be merciful, particularly in challenging situations where our natural inclination might be less forgiving.Empowerment by the Holy Spirit:* Beyond Natural Ability: The Spirit gifts us with a capacity for mercy that goes beyond our own, filling us with compassion that can seem superhuman in its depth and resilience.* Consistent Guidance: As we walk in step with the Spirit, He continually directs our actions and decisions towards mercy, helping us choose forgiveness and kindness even when it's hard.Acting in Mercy Through the Spirit's Guidance:* Responding to Offense with Mercy: The Spirit can prompt us to respond mercifully in real-time to offenses, guiding us to react not out of anger but out of a place of divine compassion.* Proactive Mercy: The Spirit not only helps us react with mercy but also inspires us to be proactive in showing compassion and kindness, identifying opportunities for mercy that we might otherwise overlook.Practical Tips for Surrendering to the Spirit's Prompting:* Daily Surrender: Start each day by asking the Holy Spirit to fill you with His fruit, especially mercy, and be mindful of His gentle nudges throughout the day.* Reflective Practice: Regularly reflect on your day or interactions to identify moments where the Spirit guided you to mercy, and consider how you responded. Use these reflections to grow in sensitivity to His leading.* Spiritual Disciplines: Engage in spiritual practices that enhance your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, such as meditation on Scripture, prayer, fasting, and communal worship, focusing particularly on scriptures that speak of mercy and compassion.ConclusionBeing led by the Holy Spirit means allowing Him to transform our responses and actions to reflect God's mercy. As we yield to the Spirit, He equips us to do far more than we could on our own, turning every act of mercy into a testimony of His work within us.A Question of the Day: How has the Holy Spirit helped you show mercy recently, and what impact did it have on the situation?Growth Challenge: This week, consciously practice responding to every challenging situation with mercy. Note the times you feel the Holy Spirit prompting you and how obeying that prompting affects the outcomes.Let's Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, who fills us with mercy and compassion. Help us to be attentive to His guidance and quick to obey His promptings to show mercy. May our lives reflect Your love and kindness in all that we do. Amen.As we continue to grow in the Spirit, let us cherish and nurture the fruit of mercy, letting it be a light that guides our way and a beacon for others to find their way to Christ. Let's keep walking in the Spirit and watching how God moves powerfully in and through us. Let's get to work.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

November 30, 2024Today's Reading: John 1:35-42aDaily Lectionary: Isaiah 6:1-7:9; 1 Peter 2:13-25He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. (John 1:41-42a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Have you ever seen something so exciting that you had to tell someone about it as soon as possible? Maybe you saw a meteor dart across the sky or the northern lights for the first time, or maybe it was simply seeing someone you have been waiting for, like a child waiting for dad to come home from work. The first thing the child does when they see their dad drive up the driveway is run to the others and yell out, “Dad's home!” This is good news, so it is news that must be shared.  Upon hearing that Jesus had come, Andrew couldn't help but tell others about what he had seen and heard. This is the proper response to following Jesus, the Messiah. It is such good news that Jesus has come that it must be shared. Others must know. This is how the church works. Jesus sends His disciples to tell others about what they have seen and heard, and then those who hear tell others, and then those who hear tell others. There is a good chance that you are reading this because someone at some point in your life told you about Jesus. Maybe they invited you to church to see and hear. Maybe they simply told you of Jesus' love for you. This is the most effective evangelism program ever, telling people about Jesus.  But Andrew didn't stop there; he then brought them to Jesus. So, we continue this tradition of telling people about the Messiah, about Jesus who died for the sin of the world, for your sin and mine. This is remarkable news, and it must be shared. So, as people who believe in what we have heard, we, too, go and tell people, just as Andrew told Peter, but we do not simply stop there. We bring people to Jesus, to where He has promised to meet us, to His church, where He meets all of us in the preaching of His Word, in Holy Absolution, in Baptism, and in the Lord's Supper. Jesus died for you. Isn't that Good News? Go and tell it. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, You have called Your Church to witness that in Christ You have reconciled us to Yourself. Grant that by Your Holy Spirit we may proclaim the Good News of Your salvation so that all who hear it may receive the Gift of salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. -Rev. Caleb Weight, associate pastor of Peace In Christ Lutheran Church in Hermantown, MN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Spend time reading and meditating on God's Word throughout the Church Year with the Enduring Grace Journal. Includes scripture readings, prayers, prompts, and space for journaling. The Church Year Journal, Enduring Grace, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

November 24, 2024 Today's Reading: Mark 13:24-37Daily Lectionary: Daniel 4:1-37; Revelation 21:1-8Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. (Mark 13:35-36)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. I was recently looking at my calendar. It is a busy time of year. I was looking at the weeks and months ahead as Advent approaches, then as Christmas comes, then the new year. There are a lot of things to do in the near future. Things are planned even months or years ahead. Vacations, life milestones, graduations, you name it. Here's the thing: if you are like me, you are certain those days will come, that they will happen, and there is no doubt that tomorrow the sun will rise. We've gotten comfortable. It's almost as if we as a church have fallen asleep or, at the very least, dozed off. The hard truth is that for many, the imminent return of Christ is not prevalent in how life is lived. Most people do not think that Christ will return tomorrow or that Christ will return soon. Instead, it is some far-off event that will happen years after our lifetime. This is understandable—the church has been waiting for the return of Christ for nearly two thousand years. By our standards, that is a long time to stay watchful, to stay waiting, and to stay vigilant. It is easy to doze off into a slumber when boredom sets in. So, allow this to be a wake-up call. Stay awake.  The day is drawing near. Every time we wake up to a new day, we are one day closer to the Last Day when Christ will return, a day that is not to be feared but to be excited about. Instead of waiting in boredom, wait in anticipation, for the day Christ returns, all things will be made new. The day Christ returns, death will be swallowed up forever. The day when Christ returns, there will be no more sorrow but eternal joy. The day when Christ returns, all believers will be raised to Paradise. That sounds exciting, doesn't it? It's hard to sleep when you are excited. So, look to Christ's return as something to look forward to, and that will make it hard to fall asleep. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord Jesus Christ, so govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that, ever mindful of Your glorious return, we may persevere in both faith and holiness of living; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. -Rev. Caleb Weight, associate pastor of Peace In Christ Lutheran Church in Hermantown, MN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Spend time reading and meditating on God's Word throughout the Church Year with the Enduring Grace Journal. Includes scripture readings, prayers, prompts, and space for journaling. The Church Year Journal, Enduring Grace, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

This episode focuses on the vital role of the Holy Spirit in leadership, anchored by the promise found in Acts 1:8. We will examine how the Holy Spirit's power transforms ordinary leadership into a dynamic and divinely guided force.Our springboard for today's discussion is: Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses." This scripture underscores the empowerment that comes from the Holy Spirit, enabling leaders to fulfill their roles with supernatural effectiveness and wisdom.Leadership, when fueled by the Holy Spirit, transcends human capabilities and reflects God's kingdom on earth. Today, we delve into how the Holy Spirit equips leaders with the necessary attributes to lead according to God's purposes.Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit in Leadership:* Divine Empowerment: The Holy Spirit provides strength and courage to face challenges, make tough decisions, and lead with confidence.* Guidance in Decision-Making: Spirit-led leaders can expect to receive clarity and discernment, making decisions that align with God's will.Characteristics of Spirit-Led Leadership:* Compassion: The Holy Spirit cultivates a heart of compassion in leaders, helping them to empathize with those they lead and respond to their needs effectively.* Wisdom: Wisdom from the Spirit goes beyond intellectual understanding, enabling leaders to see situations from a spiritual perspective and act accordingly.* Effective Witnessing: As leaders guided by the Spirit, their lives and leadership styles serve as powerful testimonies of God's grace and power.Inviting the Holy Spirit into Leadership:* Daily Surrender: Begin each day by surrendering your leadership role and decisions to the Holy Spirit, asking Him to lead you in every aspect.* Prayer and Fasting: Regularly set aside time for prayer and fasting to deepen your reliance on the Holy Spirit and clear away distractions.* Continuous Scripture Engagement: Immerse yourself in Scripture. The Holy Spirit often speaks and provides guidance through God's Word.ConclusionEmbracing the Holy Spirit's guidance in leadership transforms it from a mere role to a divine calling. Leaders who are empowered by the Spirit not only achieve goals but also impact lives and advance God's kingdom in profound ways.A Question of the Day: How can you more effectively invite the Holy Spirit into your leadership practices?Growth Challenge: This month, focus on one leadership challenge you're facing. Each day, seek the Holy Spirit's guidance on this issue through prayer and Scripture reflection. Journal any insights or directions you receive and reflect on how they influence your leadership approach.Let's Pray: Lord, we ask for Your Holy Spirit to fill us anew, granting us the power to lead with wisdom, compassion, and courage. May our leadership be a reflection of Your will, guided by Your Spirit every step of the way. Help us to remain sensitive to Your leading, making decisions that glorify You and serve others well. Amen.As we continue to lead, let's strive to be conduits of the Holy Spirit's power, transforming our environments and influencing all those we encounter. Let's lean into this divine partnership and witness the incredible ways God moves through our leadership. Let's get to work.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Almighty God, we believe Your word that with You nothing is impossible and that You desire all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. And so we boldly pray for a massive move of God in our land. We pray for millions of hearts reopened to Jesus' call to repent and believe the Gospel, the Good News. We pray, Lord, that we may see the days when people will listen to You and hear Your voice and will return to You. We pray this with confidence in Your word, in Your Holy Spirit and in the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, in who's name we pray. Hear us, Oh Lord, bring life to our land. Amen.

This episode delves into the profound role of the Holy Spirit in leadership, as highlighted in Isaiah 11:2. We'll explore how the Spirit's presence enhances leadership capabilities with wisdom, understanding, and might, ensuring that decision-making aligns with divine directives.Our springboard for today's discussion is: Isaiah 11:2: "The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord." This scripture encapsulates the comprehensive support the Holy Spirit provides, equipping leaders with essential qualities for godly governance.Leadership, especially within ministry, requires more than just human insight and experience; it demands a spiritual dimension that only the Holy Spirit can provide. This episode will outline how leaders can actively engage with the Holy Spirit to enhance their effectiveness and integrity in their roles.Divine Wisdom, Counsel, and Understanding for Leaders:* Spirit of Wisdom: Leaders receive the Spirit's wisdom, which helps them make choices that are not only smart but also righteous and just.* Spirit of Understanding: Understanding the deeper needs and dynamics within their teams and the broader community allows leaders to serve more effectively.* Spirit of Counsel: Having access to divine counsel enables leaders to offer guidance that aligns with God's will, fostering a direction that leads to growth and stability.Being Led by the Spirit in Decision-Making:* Effective Decision-Making: Decisions influenced by the Holy Spirit are more likely to result in successful and sustainable outcomes.* Powerful Leadership: The Spirit's might ensures that leaders have the strength and courage to make tough decisions and stand by them, even under pressure.Practical Ways to Invite the Holy Spirit's Guidance:* Daily Prayer for Guidance: Start each day with a prayer for the Holy Spirit to fill you with wisdom and guide your decisions.* Scriptural Meditation: Regularly meditate on scriptures related to wisdom and leadership to align your mind with divine principles.* Openness to Correction: Remain open to the Holy Spirit's correction through other godly counsel, recognizing that true wisdom often comes through humble acceptance of guidance.ConclusionInviting the Holy Spirit into every aspect of leadership transforms mere administration into a powerful ministry of service. Leaders who walk in the Spirit's wisdom navigate their responsibilities not only with human acumen but with divine empowerment.A Question of the Day: What area of your leadership would benefit most from increased guidance from the Holy Spirit?Growth Challenge: Identify a decision you are currently wrestling with in your leadership role. Commit to seeking the Holy Spirit's input through prayer, fasting, and consultation with trusted spiritual advisors. Document the insights received and the impact of this divine guidance on your decision-making process.Let's Pray: Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, who provides the wisdom, understanding, and counsel we need to lead effectively. May we always seek His guidance in every decision and act upon His directives with confidence and faith. Empower us by Your Spirit to lead not by might nor by power, but by Your Spirit alone. Amen.As you continue to lead, remember that you are never alone. The Holy Spirit is always available to guide, support, and empower you. Lean on this divine helper in every challenge and decision. Let's get to work.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.4 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

We pray Psalm 85:4, “Restore us again, God our Savior.” Lord, in these rebellious times we pray for a mighty move of Your Holy Spirit. Open eyes blinded by the deception of the enemy, revive hearts hardened by the deceitfulness of sin, change minds corrupted by lies and half truths, restore wayward souls to the joy of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior and Deliver, restore us again, God our Savior.  We pray this over our nation. We pray this over the body of Christ. We pray this over our nation's leaders and those in positions of authority and we pray this in Your strong name. Amen.

October 31, 2024Today's Reading: John 8:31-36Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 32:28-52; Deuteronomy 33:1-29; Matthew 20:17-34The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:35-36)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Today, we give thanks to God for the Lutheran Reformation, for like an angel flying in midheaven (Revelation 14:6), God used Luther and the Lutheran Reformation to restore the promise of His gospel to a fallen and broken world.Fallen and broken, everyone is a slave to sin. Jesus says so. “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.” If you have committed sin today, and you certainly have, then you are a slave to sin. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (I John 1:8). Truth is, you and I will be slaves to sin all the way to the final breath we take in this life.But, as also taught by Luther and the Lutheran Reformation, it is also every bit as true you and I are free now. Jesus says so. “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Not kind of free. “Free indeed.” “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Truth is, all the way to the final breath we take in this life, you and I are no longer owned or defined by our sins anymore. Jesus has set us free from that.“But I still sin!” Yes, you do. But Jesus still remains in the house forever, so forever, you still remain free. That is the promise of Jesus' death for you on the cross. It's the freedom God washes you with in your Baptism every day, speaks to you in His Word every day, and delivers to you at the Altar with Jesus' Body and Blood.Your sins do not own you. Your sins do not define you. Your sins will never tell God who or whose you are. You are His now. And you are declared by God Himself to be free, eternally holy, and righteous in His judgment. Abide in His Word, freed one! From cover to cover, Jesus is the truth that sets you free. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Almighty and gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.-Rev. Bradley Drew, pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Metairie, LA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Spend time reading and meditating on God's Word throughout the Church Year with the Enduring Grace Journal. Includes scripture readings, prayers, prompts, and space for journaling. The Church Year Journal, Enduring Grace, now available from Concordia Publishing House. 

Heavenly Father, we come before You in Jesus' strong name and we pray the words of the old hymn:   God bless our native land; firm may she ever stand thro' storm and night! When the wild tempests rave, Ruler of wind and wave, do thou our country save by thy great might.  Lord, we pray salvation over this land, a return to godliness, a repentant and godly spirit and a desire to love as we have been first love by You. We pray for wisdom for our nation's leaders, and we pray that the hearts of many would turn back to You. We ask this in the power of Your Holy Spirit and pray this in Jesus' strong name. Amen.

Today, we explore the essential practice of listening for God's guidance, drawing wisdom from Proverbs 3:5-6. This episode will delve into how we can attune ourselves to God's voice in our decision-making processes, particularly when administering plans or leading others.Our springboard for today's discussion is: Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." These verses remind us of the importance of relying not on our own insights but on God's unfailing guidance.Seeking and following God's guidance is a fundamental aspect of a believer's life, crucial in ensuring that our plans align with His will. This episode focuses on recognizing and adhering to the Holy Spirit's direction in all areas of life, especially those involving leadership and decision-making.How God Speaks to Us in Guidance:* Through His Word: Scripture is often the primary tool through which God communicates His will to us, offering timeless wisdom and specific directions.* Through Prayer: Engaging in consistent, heartfelt prayer opens up channels of communication between us and God, making it easier to receive and understand His guidance.Practical Ways to Listen for God's Voice in Administration and Leadership:* Regular Bible Study: Integrating daily Bible study helps us keep our decisions grounded in biblical principles, providing a clear framework for godly leadership.* Spiritual Discernment: Cultivating spiritual discernment through prayer, fasting, and fellowship with other believers enables us to sense the Holy Spirit's nudges more clearly and accurately.* Seeking Counsel: Consulting with wise, experienced believers can offer insights that align with God's broader plans, helping to confirm or redirect our paths.Tips on Discerning the Holy Spirit's Guidance in Daily Life:* Confirmation Through Circumstances: Sometimes, God confirms His guidance by aligning circumstances around us. Being attentive to these signs can reaffirm the direction we should take.* Inner Peace: The peace that comes from the Holy Spirit often accompanies the right decision, serving as a confirmation that we are in alignment with God's will.* Flexibility to Adjust: Remaining flexible and open to change is crucial, as the Holy Spirit may lead us in unexpected directions that require us to adapt our plans.ConclusionListening for and following God's guidance not only directs us towards the right decisions but also ensures that our journey aligns with His divine purposes. By trusting in the Lord and leaning not on our own understanding, we open ourselves up to His perfect direction and peace.A Question of the Day: What specific situation in your life right now requires you to seek God's guidance more earnestly?Growth Challenge: This week, choose a decision you need to make and commit it to a process of prayerful discernment. Document how you sought God's guidance and the outcome of your decision, reflecting on how the process strengthened your relationship with God.Let's Pray: Father, guide us by Your Holy Spirit as we make decisions and plan our paths. Help us to trust wholly in Your wisdom rather than our own understanding. Show us the way to walk, the decisions to make, and the actions to take that will glorify You and benefit those we serve. Amen.As we continue our daily walk with the Lord, let's remain attentive to His voice, eager to follow His lead, and ready to adjust our course as He guides us. Let's embrace His direction with faith and anticipation for the journey ahead. Let's get to work.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of teaching with the authority that Jesus demonstrated, as reflected in Matthew 7:29. We'll explore the dynamic interplay of authority and love in teaching, understanding how to effectively communicate God's truth with both conviction and compassion.Our springboard for today's discussion is: Matthew 7:29: "Because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law." This scripture highlights the distinct manner in which Jesus taught, captivating and transforming His listeners with His profound authority and understanding.Teaching with authority means more than just delivering information; it involves speaking life into the listeners, much like Jesus did. Today, we explore how teachers today can embody this same authority infused with love and guided by the Holy Spirit.Teaching with the Authority of Jesus:* Authority Rooted in Truth: Jesus' authority came from His unique relationship with the Father and His deep understanding of the scriptures, providing a model for teachers to be well-grounded in the Word.* Impact of Authoritative Teaching: When teachers speak from a place of spiritual authority, their words can challenge, inspire, and encourage transformation among their listeners.Balancing Authority with Compassion:* Boldness in Delivery: Teaching with authority involves confidence and boldness, but it must always be tempered with kindness to ensure the message is received in love.* Compassion and Understanding: Just as Jesus showed understanding and empathy, teachers should strive to connect with their audience's needs and emotions, making their teachings relatable and impactful.Guidance on Allowing the Holy Spirit to Lead Teaching Moments:* Prayerful Preparation: Teachers should spend time in prayer before teaching, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance to ensure their words align with God's will.* Sensitivity to the Spirit: Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's promptings during teaching can lead to powerful moments of insight and application that resonate deeply with students.* Continuous Growth: Staying open to the Holy Spirit's correction and instruction helps teachers remain effective and humble, ensuring their teachings continue to evolve and inspire.ConclusionTeaching with the authority of Jesus is a powerful ministry that can deeply affect lives. By blending this authority with love and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide their teachings, educators can make a lasting impact on their listeners.A Question of the Day: How can you more effectively incorporate the balance of authority and compassion in your teaching to mirror the way Jesus taught?Growth Challenge: For the next teaching opportunity, consciously prepare by focusing on how you can convey authority through the content and compassion through your delivery. Reflect afterward on the responses and adjust based on feedback and personal insights.Let's Pray: Lord, empower us to teach with the authority and love that Jesus exemplified. Help us to be channels of Your truth, speaking with boldness tempered by compassion. Guide us by Your Holy Spirit to impact hearts and transform lives through our teaching. Amen.As we continue to grow in our teaching ministries, let's strive to emulate Jesus in how we teach, what we teach, and the way we interact with our listeners. Let's be teachers who speak life into every situation, backed by the authority of our Lord. Let's get to work.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we explore the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in empowering apostles, as exemplified in Acts 1:8. We'll discuss how the Spirit's indwelling presence equips apostles with the boldness, wisdom, and supernatural power necessary to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.Our springboard for today's discussion is: Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This verse underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit that enables apostles to fulfill their divine mandate.The role of the Holy Spirit in apostleship is foundational. It's through the Spirit's empowerment that apostles are equipped to face the myriad challenges of ministry and extend the kingdom of God across cultural and geographical boundaries.The Empowerment of the Holy Spirit for Apostles:* Supernatural Boldness: The Holy Spirit provides apostles with the courage to proclaim the gospel, even in the face of persecution or adversity.* Wisdom for Leadership: Apostles rely on the Spirit's wisdom to make complex decisions, solve problems, and provide godly leadership within the church.Living a Spirit-Led Life as an Apostle:* Constant Reliance: Apostles must continuously depend on the Holy Spirit, acknowledging that their strength and capability come from Him.* Spiritual Disciplines: Regular prayer, fasting, and study of the Scriptures are vital for maintaining a strong connection with the Holy Spirit.Practical Advice for Deepening the Relationship with the Holy Spirit:* Intentional Prayer Time: Set aside dedicated times for prayer where the focus is on listening and responding to the Holy Spirit's guidance.* Spiritual Mentorship: Seek mentorship and fellowship with other spirit-led leaders who can provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability.* Ongoing Education: Engage in continuous theological education and spiritual formation to deepen understanding and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's movements.ConclusionFor apostles, the indwelling Spirit is not merely an advantage; it is essential for effective ministry. Walking in the Spirit's fullness ensures that their work is not only sustained but also fruitful and aligned with God's will.A Question of the Day: What steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit to more effectively walk in your calling, whether in apostleship or another area of ministry?Growth Challenge: Commit to a 30-day journey of daily seeking the Holy Spirit's direction for specific aspects of your ministry. Document insights, changes, and breakthroughs that occur as you more intentionally walk in the Spirit's power.Let's Pray: Lord, we ask for Your Holy Spirit to fill us afresh, empowering us to fulfill the calling You have placed on our lives. Help us to rely fully on Your Spirit for wisdom, strength, and direction as we serve Your kingdom. May we be effective witnesses to Your love and power, from our neighborhoods to the nations. Amen.As we continue in our respective callings, let the Holy Spirit be our constant guide and strength. Embrace His presence daily, and let His power be manifest in all you do. Let's get to work.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

October 11, 2024 Today's Reading: Matthew 11:20-30Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 9:23-10:22; Matthew 11:20-30At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. (Matthew 11:25-26)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. What a strange statement… “I thank you that You've kept things hidden.” Isn't the ‘job' of the Christian church and of Jesus' ministry to reveal all the good stuff that Jesus does and accomplishes for us? Don't we as Christians want to know that the church we're a part of is ‘making a difference' in the world around us?  What are the things that the Father has kept hidden? From whom has He kept them hidden? He's kept hidden the reality that Jesus is the Messiah, come to save people from their sins… and He's kept it hidden from the Galileans (specifically) who refuse to repent of their sins and hear that Jesus is the One who's come to forgive them. It's a case of the Father giving the ‘wise and understanding' over to their own devices and their own sin. It's not as if Jesus has hidden anything from the Galileans; John the Baptist had also proclaimed Jesus to be the Christ… it's just that the Galileans had thoughts of their own… ways that they said and thought things should go.  But to the little children… that is, to the desperate, despairing, and penitent sinner who had seen their great lack, their great need of forgiveness– it's to these that Jesus gave forgiveness.  We've been taught much about what being a Christian ought to look like, and unfortunately, it usually revolves around what we do to clean our acts up, do all the right things, and be seen as the shining light and example to those around us… but here in Matthew's Gospel, Jesus tells another story; it is to the penitent sinner… the one crushed by the law, the one who is sorrowful over their sin, the one who wonders just how they can be redeemed and saved… it's to these little ones, these little children (babies, teenagers, moms and dads and grandmas and grandpas) who are little children not because of age… but because we are completely and fully dependent on Jesus, who forgives their sin and bestows life now and unto eternity. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and everlasting God, for my many sins I justly deserve eternal condemnation. In Your mercy, You sent Your dear Son, my Lord Jesus Christ, Who won for me forgiveness of sins and everlasting salvation. Grant me a true confession that, dead to sin, I may be raised up by Your life-giving Absolution. Grant me Your Holy Spirit that I may ever be watchful and live a true and godly life in Your service; through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen-Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.In Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Author Gene Edward Veith Jr. will guide readers through that heritage, starting with the Early Church and moving through the Reformation to Lutheranism today. Readers will learn about key people in the history of Lutheranism, from two teenagers who were the first martyrs of the Reformation, through the Saxon immigrants who left everything behind so they could practice Lutheranism freely, to the Lutherans who have stood strong for the faith in our own day.

October 6, 2024 Today's Reading: Mark 10:2-16Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 5:22-6:9; Matthew 9:1-17Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. (Mark 10:15)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Children, especially the littlest children, are completely dependent. Adam and Eve were created perfect… and the gift of children that came by Holy Matrimony was not just a promise of a future for all mankind but was given as a joy and a gift that revealed to man just how God graciously takes care of us in all our dependency.  Adam and Eve needed God to provide everything… and they loved their dependence. This didn't mean they just sat around and did nothing, though… there was plenty for them to do for each other. Adam cared for Eve, taught her, and was overjoyed to love his wife. Eve was served by Adam, and she loved to serve her husband… and that's what's wonderful about what Jesus teaches the Pharisees and us in our text. The Pharisees weren't arguing about who was the greatest just to be seen as the best… they sought to ‘be served' by those who were not as great as them. Jesus teaches us and them that they're not the greatest because of their high stature, their law-abiding, or anything that they do at all. The greatest is like a little itty bitty baby who's dependent on mom and dad for EVERYTHING! The greatest is the servant, as Jesus makes clear in Matthew 23:11. The One who receives the Kingdom of God is like Adam and Eve before the Fall– totally dependent on God for all things. The person who will enter heaven is the person who is given the kingdom like a little needy child. That's the person Jesus says “receives the kingdom of God…” That's who Jesus (who, though He was God, became the servant of all) says enters heaven… the needy children who've been given everything. Receiving the Kingdom of God, receiving Jesus is simply this… He does everything for us… gives all that is His to us, forgives us, and He does so by means of water, bread, wine, body, blood, and the word in the Divine Service, and the Holy Spirit brings us there and gives us the faith of a little child… faith that says, “Amen, amen it is so!” Christ my Lord abides with me. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Merciful Father, Your patience and loving-kindness toward us have no end. Grant that by Your Holy Spirit we may always think and do those things that are pleasing in Your sight; through Jesus Christ, Your Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen-Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.In Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Author Gene Edward Veith Jr. will guide readers through that heritage, starting with the Early Church and moving through the Reformation to Lutheranism today. Readers will learn about key people in the history of Lutheranism, from two teenagers who were the first martyrs of the Reformation, through the Saxon immigrants who left everything behind so they could practice Lutheranism freely, to the Lutherans who have stood strong for the faith in our own day.

In this episode, we explore the gift of speaking in tongues as a profound indication of the Holy Spirit's active presence in a believer's life. Drawing from Acts 19:6, we'll discuss how this gift not only serves as a spiritual marker but also deeply enriches the individual's faith and communal worship experiences.Our springboard for today's discussion is: Acts 19:6: "When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied." This passage vividly illustrates the immediate and transformative power of the Holy Spirit manifesting through speaking in tongues and prophecy when believers receive the Spirit.Speaking in tongues is one of the most visible signs of the Holy Spirit's empowerment. This episode delves into how this gift functions as both a personal edification tool and a communal sign of spiritual vitality.The Role of Speaking in Tongues as a Manifestation of the Holy Spirit:* Spiritual Empowerment: Speaking in tongues is a tangible expression of spiritual empowerment, providing believers with a unique way to communicate with God that transcends human understanding and linguistic barriers.* A Sign of Presence: Just as the early Christians experienced, speaking in tongues is often an initial sign of the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence, marking a significant moment in a believer's spiritual journey.Exploring the Spiritual Significance of Tongues:* Personal Edification: While often misunderstood, the primary purpose of speaking in tongues is for personal edification, building up oneself in faith and aiding in spiritual communication with God.* Corporate Edification: When accompanied by interpretation, speaking in tongues can also edify the church, providing encouragement and prophetic insight to the congregation.Encouraging Openness to the Holy Spirit's Work through Tongues:* Cultivating a Welcoming Attitude: Encourage believers to be open to the Holy Spirit's gifts, including tongues, as a normal part of Christian life and worship.* Providing Teaching and Guidance: Educate the church on the proper use and purpose of tongues to prevent confusion and promote a healthy, scripturally sound practice within the church.* Fostering a Supportive Environment: Create an environment where those who speak in tongues can do so without fear of judgment, ensuring that their experiences are validated through biblical teaching and communal support.ConclusionThe gift of speaking in tongues is a powerful reminder of the Holy Spirit's active presence in our lives. By embracing this gift, believers can experience a deeper connection with God and contribute to the spiritual dynamism of their faith communities.A Question of the Day: How can you, as a believer, be more receptive to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including speaking in tongues, in your personal and church life?Growth Challenge: If you have never spoken in tongues but are curious or desirous of this gift, commit to praying earnestly for the Holy Spirit to move in your life in this way. For those who already speak in tongues, seek ways to deepen your understanding and use of this gift in both private and public worship settings.Let's Pray: Lord, we thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit and the diverse ways He manifests in our lives, especially through speaking in tongues. Help us to be open to all the gifts You have for us, using them to glorify You and build up the body of Christ. Amen.As we continue to seek a deeper fellowship with the Holy Spirit, let's remain open to all the ways He chooses to empower and use us for His glory. Whether through speaking in tongues or other spiritual gifts, let His presence be evident in our lives. Let's get to work.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we explore the dynamic of obedience to the Holy Spirit in the context of speaking in tongues, drawing inspiration from the pivotal moment in Acts 2:4. We'll delve into the significance of yielding to the Spirit's guidance and discuss how obedience is intricately linked to the effective manifestation of this spiritual gift.Our springboard for today's discussion is: Acts 2:4: "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." This scripture captures the essence of the gift of tongues as a direct outcome of being filled with and responsive to the Holy Spirit.Speaking in tongues is a unique and powerful gift that requires a deep level of trust and submission to the Holy Spirit's leading. This episode examines how believers can engage with this gift in a way that honors God and edifies both the speaker and the wider body of Christ.Yielding to the Holy Spirit's Guidance When Speaking in Tongues:* Spiritual Surrender: The act of speaking in tongues is a form of surrender, an acknowledgment that the words and utterances are not our own but are given through the Holy Spirit.* Responsive Obedience: As with the disciples at Pentecost, our willingness to obey the Spirit's promptings can lead to profound spiritual experiences and manifestations of God's power.The Connection Between Obedience and the Manifestation of the Gift:* Immediate Obedience: Just as the disciples did not hesitate when the Holy Spirit came upon them, our immediate response to His prompting can facilitate a clearer and more powerful manifestation of speaking in tongues.* Faithful Practice: Regular engagement with the gift of tongues can deepen our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's nuances, making it easier to flow in this and other spiritual gifts.Encouraging Trust in the Holy Spirit's Prompting:* Overcoming Hesitation: Encourage believers to move beyond feelings of awkwardness or fear, trusting that the Holy Spirit will not lead them astray.* Community Support: Share testimonies and experiences within the community to build faith and provide examples of how speaking in tongues has enhanced personal and corporate worship.ConclusionThe gift of speaking in tongues is a profound expression of the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives. By learning to trust and obey His promptings, we open ourselves to deeper levels of spiritual communication and community edification.A Question of the Day: Have you ever hesitated to speak in tongues because of uncertainty or fear? How can you move past these feelings to a deeper trust in the Holy Spirit's guidance?Growth Challenge: If you have received the gift of tongues, challenge yourself to use it daily for the next week during your personal prayer time, focusing on yielding to the Spirit's control. If you have not, seek opportunities to learn more about this gift and ask God if it is something He desires for you.Let's Pray: Lord, fill us anew with Your Holy Spirit and increase our desire to obey Your promptings. Help us to trust in Your guidance as we use the gift of tongues and other spiritual gifts. May our hearts always be attuned to Your voice, and may our actions reflect Your will. Amen.As you continue to explore and practice the gift of tongues, remember that each step of obedience is a step towards deeper intimacy with God. Trust in the Spirit's lead, embrace the unknown, and watch how your spiritual life is transformed. Let's get to work.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Send us a textHey everyone, it's Ade here! First off, I'm so excited to welcome you back to Season 2 of the podcast! I know, it's been a minute since our last season, but life has definitely been happening, and I'm sure many of you can relate. I've missed these conversations, and I'm so excited to jump back in and share what's been on my heart. We've got an amazing season lined up, and I can't wait to get into it with all of you.In today's episode, we're going to talk about those times when we feel like we've drifted away from the Holy Spirit and how we can find our way back to His grace. We've all had moments where we fall out of step with God, whether because of disobedience, distractions, or just life in general. But no matter how far we feel, grace is always waiting for us. I'll be sharing what it means to grieve the Holy Spirit, how to recognize when it happens, and some real, practical ways to get back in tune with Him. We'll dive into some key scriptures, so grab your Bible, your journal, and maybe your morning coffee. This episode is all about healing and walking in the Spirit's grace every day.I hope y'all are as blessed by this episode as I was while making it—I definitely felt the Spirit working through it. Let's get into it!Scriptures Mentioned:Ephesians 4:30 – “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”John 16:8 – “When He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.”1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”Psalm 51:10-11 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.”Galatians 5:16 – “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”Isaiah 30:21 – “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”Hebrews 10:25 – “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”Romans 8:26 – “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”Socials :Ig- https://www.instagram.com/t.a.w.h.e/Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@t.a.w.h.e Click this link for questions and various submissions that will be featured on the podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe68kUUy1I1qUUXd8D8NBfi2NvYQaKjf9ncRxEohwM1zZ19bQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

In this episode, we delve into the critical role of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to operate in the realm of the supernatural. Based on Acts 1:8, we explore how the Spirit empowers us to perform miracles and be effective witnesses to the gospel, from our local communities to the ends of the earth.Our springboard for today's discussion is: Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This passage underscores the transformative effect of the Holy Spirit's indwelling, granting us the power necessary to perform God's work globally.The Holy Spirit is not merely a presence within us but a powerful force that enables us to exceed natural limitations and engage in God's extraordinary works.The Holy Spirit's Empowerment for Miracles:* Source of Divine Power: The Holy Spirit is the conduit through which the power to perform miracles flows, equipping believers with supernatural capabilities that testify to God's kingdom.* Enabler of God's Will: Through the Holy Spirit, we are not only empowered to perform miracles but also aligned with God's will, ensuring that these acts serve His purposes and bring glory to His name.Connection Between the Holy Spirit and Miraculous Powers:* Indispensable Link: Being filled with the Spirit is essential for operating in miraculous powers, as it is through His filling that we receive the gifts and the boldness to use them.* Spiritual Gifts Activation: The Holy Spirit activates and distributes spiritual gifts, including miraculous powers, according to His wisdom and our readiness to serve.Practical Steps for Cultivating a Relationship with the Holy Spirit:* Consistent Prayer Life: Engage in regular, dedicated prayer to foster a deeper connection with the Holy Spirit, seeking His guidance and empowerment.* Obedience to Promptings: Respond promptly to the Holy Spirit's directions, which not only strengthens your faith but also enhances your sensitivity to His leadings.* Fellowship with Believers: Participate in communal worship and fellowship, where collective engagement with the Spirit can encourage and edify your walk in the supernatural.ConclusionLiving in the supernatural is an exciting and profound aspect of the Christian life, made possible through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. By cultivating a deep relationship with Him, we unlock the potential to perform miracles that can transform lives and landscapes.A Question of the Day: What steps will you take this week to deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit to more effectively work in His miraculous power?Growth Challenge: This week, identify one area in your life where you desire to see God's miraculous power manifest. Commit to daily prayer over this area, specifically asking the Holy Spirit to increase your faith and reveal any steps you need to take. Journal any insights or breakthroughs you experience.Let's Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live beyond natural boundaries and into the supernatural realms You've called us to. Help us to grow deeper in our relationship with Him, that we might not only witness but actively participate in Your miraculous works. Amen.As you seek to live more fully in the supernatural, remember that the Holy Spirit is your guide, your power, and your greatest supporter. Embrace His presence, heed His directions, and step boldly into the life of miracles He has prepared for you. Let's get to work.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

In today's episode, we explore the transformative role of the Holy Spirit in healing and sustaining our bodies and spirits. Anchored by Romans 8:11, we will discuss how the same Spirit that resurrected Jesus from the dead actively works within us to promote healing and wholeness.Our springboard for today's discussion is: Romans 8:11: "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you." This scripture powerfully illustrates the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit that resides within every believer.The Holy Spirit's role in our health is profound and multi-faceted, offering not just temporary relief but a continuous source of renewal and restoration.How the Holy Spirit Works Within Us to Heal:* Spiritual Vitality: The Holy Spirit rejuvenates our spiritual vitality, impacting our physical and emotional health by infusing us with life-giving energy.* Holistic Healing: The Spirit's presence in our lives encourages a holistic approach to health, addressing not only physical ailments but also emotional and spiritual needs.The Ongoing Process of Healing Through the Indwelling Spirit:* Continuous Interaction: Healing from the Holy Spirit is often a process that involves our ongoing interaction with Him through prayer, Scripture reading, and other spiritual disciplines.* Renewal and Strength: The Spirit continually renews our minds and bodies, helping us to overcome the wear and tear of daily stresses and the challenges of life.Encouraging Daily Involvement of the Holy Spirit:* Invite the Holy Spirit Daily: Make it a practice to consciously invite the Holy Spirit into every aspect of your life each day, acknowledging His presence and power to heal and guide.* Responsive Living: Respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit quickly, whether it directs you to pray, rest, or seek medical attention, recognizing these nudges as part of His guidance for your health.ConclusionLiving in divine health is more than just experiencing occasional healing; it involves a daily walk with the Holy Spirit, whose presence sustains and revitalizes us. By inviting the Holy Spirit into every aspect of our lives, we open ourselves to His continuous healing touch.A Question of the Day: How can you better facilitate the Holy Spirit's healing work in your life?Growth Challenge: This week, journal daily about how you are experiencing the Holy Spirit's presence and His impact on your health. Identify any changes in your physical, emotional, or spiritual well-being and reflect on the correlation with your spiritual practices.Let's Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, who brings life and health to our mortal bodies. Help us to remain open to His healing touch each day and to walk in the fullness of the health You desire for us. Guide us to live by the Spirit, fully relying on His power for our daily renewal and healing. In Jesus' name, Amen.Embrace the life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit every day. As you do, watch how His power transforms not just your spiritual health but every aspect of your well-being. Keep seeking His presence, and live in the divine health promised to us through Christ. Let's get to work.Invest in your spiritual growth. Upgrade to Faith Partner and receive tools, teachings, and community support to elevate your faith. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we delve into the powerful link between healing and spiritual warfare, drawing from Luke 9:1-2, where Jesus empowers His disciples to heal sickness and drive out demons. We'll explore how physical and emotional ailments often have spiritual roots and discuss strategies for addressing these challenges through faith and divine authority.Our springboard for today's discussion is: Luke 9:1-2: "When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick." This passage underscores the dual mandate of healing and spiritual deliverance given by Jesus, highlighting the integral role of divine power in overcoming spiritual afflictions.Healing and deliverance are closely connected in the realm of spiritual warfare. Recognizing and addressing the spiritual dimensions of illness can lead to profound and lasting recovery and freedom.The Connection Between Healing and Spiritual Warfare:* Understanding Spiritual Roots: Many physical and emotional conditions can stem from or be exacerbated by spiritual issues, such as oppression, unforgiveness, or generational curses.* Authority in Christ: As believers, we are endowed with the authority that Jesus granted to His disciples, empowering us to confront these spiritual challenges effectively.Strategies for Recognizing and Addressing Spiritual Roots:* Prayerful Discernment: Engage in focused prayer to discern the possible spiritual roots of an ailment. Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and insight into the nature of the illness and its spiritual dimensions.* Scriptural Alignment: Ensure that all strategies and practices align with biblical teachings. Use Scripture as a foundation for prayers of deliverance and healing.* Whole-Person Approach: Consider the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the person. Healing often involves addressing all these aspects to ensure holistic well-being.Encouraging Faith and Divine Power:* Equip with Knowledge: Educate yourself and others about the power and authority granted to believers for healing and deliverance. Understanding your spiritual rights is crucial for effective ministry.* Community Prayer: Gather with other believers to pray for those in need of healing. There is significant power in united prayer, as affirmed by Jesus' promise in Matthew 18:19-20.ConclusionThe ministry of healing and deliverance is a vital aspect of Christian service, reflecting the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. By standing firm in our faith and utilizing the power God has given us, we can bring substantial healing and freedom to those suffering from spiritual sickness.A Question of the Day: What steps can you take to become more effective in ministering healing and deliverance in your community?Growth Challenge: Identify a situation or individual in need of healing and/or deliverance. Commit to a 7-day prayer initiative, seeking God's guidance and interceding for breakthrough. Document any insights or changes that occur during this period.Let's Pray: Lord, empower us with Your Holy Spirit to bring healing and deliverance to those bound by spiritual afflictions. Grant us discernment, wisdom, and courage to use the authority You've given us to fight spiritual battles and proclaim Your kingdom. Help us to stand firm in faith, knowing that Your power is at work within us. In Jesus' name, Amen.As you engage in spiritual warfare, remember that you are equipped with the authority of Christ. Be bold, be vigilant, and be compassionate as you bring God's healing touch to the world. Let's get to work.Invest in your spiritual growth. Upgrade to Faith Partner and receive tools, teachings, and community support to elevate your faith. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Your daily prayer

In this episode, we explore the profound role of the Holy Spirit in imparting divine knowledge and understanding. Our key Scripture is 1 Corinthians 2:12, which emphasizes the contrast between worldly knowledge and the deep, spiritual insights provided by the Holy Spirit. We'll discuss how to cultivate a closer relationship with the Holy Spirit to fully receive and live out the knowledge He imparts.Our springboard for today's discussion is: 1 Corinthians 2:12: "What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us." This verse highlights the unique role of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to comprehend and appreciate the depths of God's wisdom and gifts.The Holy Spirit is a key agent in our spiritual lives, tasked with teaching and guiding us into all truth. Understanding His role helps us to tap into the vast reservoir of God's wisdom, transforming our walk with God.Impartation of Knowledge by the Holy Spirit:* Revelation of Spiritual Truths: The Holy Spirit opens our minds to understand Scripture beyond the literal interpretation, revealing deeper meanings and applications for our lives.* Guidance in Decision-Making: As we face life's decisions, the Holy Spirit provides clarity and direction, ensuring our choices align with God's will.Guidance on Cultivating a Deeper Relationship with the Holy Spirit:* Consistent Prayer: Engage in regular, dedicated prayer time asking the Holy Spirit to fill you anew, to guide your thoughts and actions.* Meditation on the Word: Allow the Holy Spirit to speak through your Bible study. Ask Him to illuminate the Scriptures and apply them to your life.* Obedience: Follow through on the Holy Spirit's promptings. Obedience reinforces your sensitivity to His guidance and deepens your spiritual understanding.A Challenge: This week, intentionally seek the Holy Spirit's guidance on one specific decision or situation in your life. Spend extra time in prayer and Scripture related to this decision, and actively journal any insights or directions you feel the Holy Spirit is revealing to you.Conclusion: Living a Spirit-filled life enriched with divine knowledge isn't just beneficial; it's essential for mature Christian living. As we deepen our relationship with the Holy Spirit, we find ourselves more attuned to His voice and more equipped to navigate life with divine wisdom.A Question of the Day: What practical step will you take today to enhance your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's guidance?Let's Pray: Lord, we thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, who teaches and guides us into all truth. Help us to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him, that we may live lives filled with Your wisdom and understanding. May we be attentive to His voice and quick to obey His directions. In Jesus' name, Amen.Remember, the Spirit of Knowledge is ready to guide you into all truth. Embrace His presence, seek His insights, and let Him transform your life with the knowledge of God's will. Let's move forward with confidence and faith. Let's get to work.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Monday morning, the 19th of August, 2024, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We start in the Book of Psalms 51:10-12:"Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit."How is your first love for the Lord? Do you remember what it was like the day you first gave your life to Christ? It was a romance, wasn't it? It was incredible. You could never get up early enough in the morning to spend time with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. You scrambled to get into your poustinia. What is a poustinia? It's a little house at the end of the garden where the Russians spend time alone with God. This morning, how is it with you? It's so easy to get sidetracked in this day and age. What kind of company are we keeping, you and I? What do we talk about mostly these days? We've got to get back into the gym. We've got to get back into training, not only physically but more importantly, spiritually. Maybe you and I have forsaken our first love. You say to me, "Please don't say that". No, I'm very serious because this scripture was written by God's very, very special man. His name was David. He used to sit on the hills with his harp, watching his father's sheep, singing to the Lord, praying to the Lord, and then he fell, didn't he, into adultery? He says, "Give me a clean heart, Lord, please don't cast me away from Your presence."In 2003 I was up in the Mkuzi Game Reserve, in the Northern part of our beloved Kwazulu-Natal, having my quiet time, working as hard as I could, planning my next year of appointments all over the world, and this is the scripture which the Lord gave me, which absolutely flattened me, and I want to share it with you. It's in Revelation 2:4. The Lord says: "Nevertheless…" meaning, you've done all these things but" I have this against you, that you have left your first love."We must repent today and get back to our first love. If we lose that, we've lost everything. The Amplified version says: "But I have this [charge] against you, that you have left your first love [you have lost the depth of love that you first had for Me]."Oh, my dear friend, both you and I today, let us repent before the Lord and say, "Lord, I'm so terribly sorry that I have forsaken my first love. Please renew a right spirit in me."God bless you and have a wonderful day, Goodbye.

ORDINARY INTO EXTRAORDINARY #RTTBROS #nightlight Ordinary Into Extraordinary "And she said, I have not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil." - 2 Kings 4:2 (KJV) Beloved, consider the widow's plight. All she had was a simple pot of oil, yet the Lord used it mightily. In our modern world, we often overlook the small blessings, thinking they're inadequate for God's purposes. But let me tell you, child of God, the Almighty specializes in using the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary. Imagine a young man, fresh out of college, with nothing but a laptop and a heart full of dreams. The world may see limitations, but in God's hands, that laptop becomes a tool for global ministry, reaching souls across continents with the Gospel message. Or picture a stay-at-home mother, feeling trapped within four walls, armed only with a smartphone and a few spare moments between diaper changes. Yet, through her faithful prayers and encouraging words shared on social media, she becomes a beacon of hope to countless struggling parents. Consider the retiree, whose only asset seems to be free time. But when that time is yielded to the Holy Spirit, it transforms into a powerful force for good - mentoring troubled youth, serving at a local shelter, or interceding for the nation. Child of God, what's your "pot of oil"? Is it a talent you've dismissed as insignificant? A small savings account you think couldn't possibly make a difference? Or perhaps it's simply the breath in your lungs and the love in your heart. Remember, the widow's miracle wasn't in the oil itself, but in her obedience and God's power. The Lord is not limited by what we have, but by our willingness to surrender it all to Him. When we offer our "pot of oil" - however small it may seem - He can multiply it beyond our wildest imagination. So I challenge you today: Take inventory of your life. What has God placed in your hands? Offer it to Him without reservation. For when the Holy Spirit fills and overflows those vessels, miracles happen, needs are met, and God's glory is revealed. Let us pray: Heavenly Father, open our eyes to see the "pots of oil" in our lives. Help us to surrender them fully to You. Fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit, and use us mightily for Your Kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen. https://linktr.ee/rttbros Be sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out. https://linktr.ee/rttbros

Welcome back to "From Glory to Glory: Seven Keys to the Uncommon Spiritual Life." This is Module 2, where we explore the second key: Your Spirit is the Receiver of God's Spirit. Let's begin with a key scripture from 1 Corinthians 2:9-12: "But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.' But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so, no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” Key Insights: Your Spirit as a Receiver: Just as a radio receives invisible airwaves and translates them into sounds, your spirit is designed to receive the deep things of God. This connection is made possible through the Holy Spirit residing within you. Revelation through the Spirit: The mysteries and deep things of God are revealed to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things and makes known to us the thoughts and purposes of God. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit within you is the key to understanding God's thoughts and intentions. As God's Spirit resides in your spirit, it illuminates and guides you in the truth. Practical Application: Grounding and Receiving: Just like a radio needs both grounding and an antenna, your spirit needs to be grounded in the Word of God and open to receiving from God. Ensure your spiritual life is rooted in Scripture and attentive prayer, raising your spiritual "antenna" through worship and devotion. Daily Practice: Spend time daily in God's Word and prayer, allowing His Spirit to reveal truths to you. As you read the Bible, let verses speak to you personally, and be still in God's presence to hear His voice. Reflection Questions: How grounded are you in the Word of God? What does your prayer life look like day to day? Do you find yourself looking inward and being distracted by your cares during prayer, or do you focus upward and give God your attention? What areas of your personal devotional life need strengthening to better receive the things of God? Declaration and Prayer Declare this over your life: "My spirit is open and receptive to His divine presence and power. I am a vessel eagerly awaiting the infilling of His Spirit, equipped for every good work and empowered to live a life that glorifies God. As I yield to His presence within me, I am transformed from glory to glory, reflecting more of His character and nature. I am not alone, for the Spirit of God dwells within me, guiding, comforting, and strengthening me in every situation. Each day, I am filled afresh with His Spirit, overflowing with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Today, I surrender anew to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to lead me into deeper intimacy with my Heavenly Father and greater effectiveness in His kingdom." Say this prayer: "Heavenly Father, thank You for pouring out Your Spirit upon me. I acknowledge that my spirit is the receiver of Your Spirit. Help me to be sensitive to Your presence within me, guiding and empowering me to live a life that honors You. Fill me afresh today with Your Holy Spirit, that I may walk in greater intimacy with You and experience Your power working in and through me. In Jesus' name, Amen." Thank you for being a part of our e-course. This e-course is 100% free, made possible by the generous support of our friends and partners. Would you consider giving a one-time donation or becoming a monthly ministry partner to help us continue providing free e-courses and e-books? Visit Father's Glory for more information on events, live sessions, and donations. Thank you, and God bless you. TO PARTNER AND OR DONATE TEXT GLORY TO 801801 (FOR USA & CANADA) OR VISIT: https://FATHERSGLORY.ORG PAYPAL PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/fathersgloryintl CASHAPP https://cash.app/$fathersglory  

As parents, our love for our children knows no bounds. But what happens when that child starts to stray from the path we envisioned for them? How do we continue to love them through the darkness? Whether you're currently facing these challenges or simply seeking to support someone who is, this episode is a testament to God's faithfulness and loving kindness that leads to repentance. Plus, be sure to check out the additional resources in our show notes! * * *  HOST: Sarah Turner: Instagram GUESTS: Karen Graves: Instagram Shelby Graves: Instagram * * *  Beltway Park Church: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube * * *  SHOW NOTES: You Shall Decree - Sherrie Saltzgaber 30 Prayers for My Child - CleerlyStated.com Prayers and Scripture for a Wayward Child The prayers and scriptures below can serve as a source of comfort, strength, and hope as you navigate the challenges of parenting a wayward child. Prayer for Protection and Guidance - Father, I lift up my child to You today. I ask for Your divine protection over them as they navigate life. Guide them back to the path of righteousness and fill their heart with Your love and wisdom. Surround them with positive influences and remove any negative forces that may lead them astray. I trust in Your unfailing love and grace to bring my child back to You. Amen. "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 Prayer for Strength and Patience - Lord, grant me the strength and patience to love my child unconditionally. Help me to remain calm and hopeful, even in the face of rebellion and heartache. Let my words and actions reflect Your love and mercy, and give me the wisdom to guide my child with kindness and firmness. I believe in Your power to transform hearts and minds. Amen. "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31 Prayer for Repentance and Return - Dear God, I pray for my child's heart to be softened and their eyes to be opened to the truth of Your Word. May they come to a place of repentance and turn back to You. Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon them, convicting them of their ways and leading them towards repentance and renewal. I trust in Your promises and Your power to restore. Amen. "I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord. They will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with all their heart." Jeremiah 24:7 Prayer for Faith and Hope - Father, I place my trust in You, knowing that You have plans to prosper my child and not to harm them, plans to give them hope and a future. Strengthen my faith as I wait on Your timing and Your ways. Help me to remain hopeful, always believing in Your power to work miracles in my child's life. Amen. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 Prayer for Healing and Restoration - Loving God, I ask for healing and restoration in my relationship with my child. Mend the brokenness and bring peace to our home. Let Your love be the foundation upon which we rebuild trust and connection. Heal the wounds of the past and create a new future filled with Your grace and love. Amen. "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm—My great army that I sent among you." Joel 2:25 Prayer for Wisdom and Guidance - God of all wisdom, grant me the discernment to make the right decisions for my child's well-being. Help me to understand their struggles and guide them with Your wisdom. Show me how to be a source of encouragement, leading by example in faith and love. Amen. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." James 1:5