Podcasts about your majesty

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.comRomans 1 The apostle Paul writes to the church in Rome in the name of the risen Lord, Jesus Christ, commending their faith and expressing his desire to visit them. Thus far prevented from doing so, Paul wishes to see them and strengthen their trust in the gospel, which is the power of God for salvation to all who believe. This gospel reveals God's righteousness and calls believers to live by faith. However, Paul laments that many have rejected God's truth. Despite God's power and divine nature being evident in creation, many have turned to idols, forsaking the Creator. God has allowed them to follow their sinful desires, resulting in immoral practices and corrupt behavior. Knowing God's will, some continue to engage in these acts and encourage others to do the same. Christ Jesus, God's Son, appoints Paul as a preacher to the Gentiles. Paul's message aims to inspire “the obedience of faith” among believers in Jesus' name. We are called to believe and to follow God's will; the two cannot be separated. The gospel possesses the power to save while revealing the righteousness of God, guiding us to live by faith and strive for righteousness. This explains why so many refuse to acknowledge the authority of God: it requires allegiance to His word. He has given us countless reasons to believe, but for many in the world, the desire for sexual immorality and self-indulgence is simply too enticing. We must beware of how far darkened hearts can stray from God.  Benevolent Father, thank You for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank You for the assurance of salvation and the hope of eternal life. We pray for the gospel to thrive in us as we live by faith and pursue righteousness daily. The devil tempts us to suppress the truth, seeking to divert our gaze from the overwhelming evidence of Your Majesty in creation. Many have exchanged Your glory for their own, chasing unnatural and ungodly desires. Help us remain devoted to You and faithful to the truth. Please grant us wisdom to influence those who have turned from You.  Thought Questions: -       Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? If so, describe the “obedience of faith” that must naturally grow out of this belief. -       The text says those who suppress the truth have no excuse. Why not? How has God clearly revealed His authority to us all? -       Why is it impossible to live an immoral life and be saved by God? Is homosexuality a form of immorality that must be cast away?

“Delivered by Emmanuel” Daniel 3 June 8, 2025 Pastor John Choi   ----more---- Daniel 3:14 and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? [15] Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” [16] Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. [17] If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. [18] But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” [24] Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” [25] He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” [26] Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, [27] and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them. [28] Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.     Worship Him who alone is able—and has indeed—delivered us: Jesus Christ, Emmanuel.           I.  Who will you worship? (1-14)          II.  Who will deliver you? (15-23)         III.  Who is with you? (24-30)

It's raining. The men in the group are drenched and have been so almost all day. Nobles in their finest attire stand ankle-deep in mud, their expressions a mixture of triumph and apprehension. Before them, a thin, gray-faced king looks at the document. His jaw clenches."You would strip me of my God-given rights?" the king yells, his voice thick with contempt."We would remind Your Majesty of your duties to your subjects," replied one of the barons, his voice firm despite the gravity of the moment. "The crown does not place you above the law but binds you to uphold it."King John's eyes narrow. These men who would dare put limitations on him had brought not just their demands, but their armies. They had seized London; his London. They were standing in his meadow. This was his land and he was their king. Now, they dared to impose demands on him. He knew he had to sign it. He also knew that it wasn't going to end here. The King's hands trembled as he pressed his royal seal into the soft wax at the bottom of the parchment. The Great Charter was been sealed, though neither the king nor the barons could have possibly imagined what such a seal actually meant.___Join us as we show you the history of the Magna Carta, how it changed English governance, and its influence on all democracies and constitutional federal republics that came after.

Scripture Reading: Acts 26:1–32 26 So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul held out his hand and began his defense: 2 “Regarding all the things I have been accused of by the Jews, King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that I am about to make my defense before you today, 3 because you are especially familiar with all the customs and controversial issues of the Jews. Therefore I ask you to listen to me patiently. 4 Now all the Jews know the way I lived from my youth, spending my life from the beginning among my own people and in Jerusalem. 5 They know, because they have known me from time past, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our ancestors, 7 a promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain as they earnestly serve God night and day. Concerning this hope the Jews are accusing me, Your Majesty! 8 Why do you people think it is unbelievable that God raises the dead? 9 Of course, I myself was convinced that it was necessary to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus the Nazarene. 10 And that is what I did in Jerusalem: Not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons by the authority I received from the chief priests, but I also cast my vote against them when they were sentenced to death. 11 I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to force them to blaspheme. Because I was so furiously enraged at them, I went to persecute them even in foreign cities. 12 “While doing this very thing, as I was going to Damascus with authority and complete power from the chief priests, 13 about noon along the road, Your Majesty, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining everywhere around me and those traveling with me. 14 When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? You are hurting yourself by kicking against the goads.' 15 So I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord replied, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But get up and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this reason, to designate you in advance as a servant and witness to the things you have seen and to the things in which I will appear to you. 17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes so that they turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' 19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but I declared to those in Damascus first, and then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds consistent with repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews, after they seized me while I was in the temple courts, were trying to kill me. 22 I have experienced help from God to this day, and so I stand testifying to both small and great, saying nothing except what the prophets and Moses said was going to happen: 23 that the Christ was to suffer and be the first to rise from the dead, to proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” 24 As Paul was saying these things in his defense, Festus exclaimed loudly, “You have lost your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane!” 25 But Paul replied, “I have not lost my mind, most excellent Festus, but am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and I am speaking freely to him, because I cannot believe that any of these things has escaped his notice, for this was not done in a corner. 27 Do you believe the prophets, King Agrippa? I know that you believe.” 28 Agrippa said to Paul, “In such a short time are you persuading me to become a Christian?” 29 Paul replied, “I pray to God that whether in a short or a long time not only you but also all those who are listening to me today could become such as I am, except for these chains.” 30 So the king got up, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them, 31 and as they were leaving they said to one another, “This man is not doing anything deserving death or imprisonment.” 32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”OutlinePaul's Last and Greatest Defense of the GospelNot a trial—Paul is innocentThe climactic speech of Paul's apologetic ministryPaul argues for the gospel, not his innocencePaul's Introduction, Character, Hope, and Former FollyPaul's respectful and honest introductionPaul narrates his life to establish ethos—he has always been a law-abiding JewPaul is on trial because of his hope in the promise—the resurrection!Paul himself used to be a haterPaul's ConversionFrom an agent of the aristocratic priests to an agent of JesusA revelation at middaySaul, why are you persecuting me?Paul is called to the GentilesOpened eyes; opened mindFrom Satan to God; from darkness to light; to forgiveness of sins and the inheritance of the saints!Obedience to the Holy CommissionPaul is obeying God's callIn Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earthRepent and turn to God!Paul has been targeted for his piety and believing the Old Testament, but God has delivered himTestifying to all about the ChristFestus, Agrippa, and PaulFestus says, “Paul, you are mad!”Paul responds, “I am of sober mind”Paul calls Agrippa as a witnessAgrippa reacts, “Do you really seek to convert me?!”Paul responds, “everyone should be a Christian!”Paul, a consummate sage and an innocent man

Scripture Reading: Acts 25:1–26:11 25 Now three days after Festus arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 So the chief priests and the most prominent men of the Jews brought formal charges against Paul to him. 3 Requesting him to do them a favor against Paul, they urged Festus to summon him to Jerusalem, planning an ambush to kill him along the way. 4 Then Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea, and he himself intended to go there shortly. 5 “So,” he said, “let your leaders go down there with me, and if this man has done anything wrong, they may bring charges against him.” 6 After Festus had stayed not more than eight or ten days among them, he went down to Caesarea, and the next day he sat on the judgment seat and ordered Paul to be brought. 7 When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges that they were not able to prove. 8 Paul said in his defense, “I have committed no offense against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.” 9 But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, asked Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and be tried before me there on these charges?” 10 Paul replied, “I am standing before Caesar's judgment seat, where I should be tried. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you also know very well. 11 If then I am in the wrong and have done anything that deserves death, I am not trying to escape dying, but if not one of their charges against me is true, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” 12 Then, after conferring with his council, Festus replied, “You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you will go!” 13 After several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. 14 While they were staying there many days, Festus explained Paul's case to the king to get his opinion, saying, “There is a man left here as a prisoner by Felix. 15 When I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me about him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to hand over anyone before the accused had met his accusers face-to-face and had been given an opportunity to make a defense against the accusation. 17 So after they came back here with me, I did not postpone the case, but the next day I sat on the judgment seat and ordered the man to be brought. 18 When his accusers stood up, they did not charge him with any of the evil deeds I had suspected. 19 Rather they had several points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a man named Jesus who was dead, whom Paul claimed to be alive. 20 Because I was at a loss how I could investigate these matters, I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried there on these charges. 21 But when Paul appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of his Majesty the Emperor, I ordered him to be kept under guard until I could send him to Caesar.” 22 Agrippa said to Festus, “I would also like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he replied, “you will hear him.” 23 So the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience hall, along with the senior military officers and the prominent men of the city. When Festus gave the order, Paul was brought in. 24 Then Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all you who are present here with us, you see this man about whom the entire Jewish populace petitioned me both in Jerusalem and here, shouting loudly that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had done nothing that deserved death, and when he appealed to His Majesty the Emperor, I decided to send him. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after this preliminary hearing I may have something to write. 27 For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without clearly indicating the charges against him.” 26 So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul held out his hand and began his defense: 2 “Regarding all the things I have been accused of by the Jews, King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that I am about to make my defense before you today, 3 because you are especially familiar with all the customs and controversial issues of the Jews. Therefore I ask you to listen to me patiently. 4 Now all the Jews know the way I lived from my youth, spending my life from the beginning among my own people and in Jerusalem. 5 They know, because they have known me from time past, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our ancestors, 7 a promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain as they earnestly serve God night and day. Concerning this hope the Jews are accusing me, Your Majesty! 8 Why do you people think it is unbelievable that God raises the dead? 9 Of course, I myself was convinced that it was necessary to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus the Nazarene. 10 And that is what I did in Jerusalem: Not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons by the authority I received from the chief priests, but I also cast my vote against them when they were sentenced to death. 11 I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to force them to blaspheme. Because I was so furiously enraged at them, I went to persecute them even in foreign cities.OutlineFestus Arrives in the ProvinceNew governor, new chances for better Roman-Jewish relationsNew governor, new chances to get prosecutionsA change of venueFestus Judges PaulPaul's case is prioritizedThe judge takes his seat and the prosecution makes its accusationsPaul defends himselfFestus offers a change of venuePaul appeals to CaesarRome: the supreme courtDoes Paul choose Rome and reject Israel?King Agrippa and Bernice Arrives at CaesareaHistorical question: what is Luke's source?Festus request of King Agrippa and BerniceKing Agrippa and BernicePomp and fanfarePaul's DefenseNot a trial—Paul is innocentThe climactic speech of Paul's apologetic ministryPaul argues for the gospel, not his innocencePaul's respectful and honest introductionPaul narrates his life to establish ethos—he has always been a law-abiding JewPaul is on trial because of his hope in the promise—the resurrection!Paul himself used to be a hater

As we learn more about Esther with Pastor Jeff, today we learn how prudent she was in her request to the king and how we can follow her example. Esther 7:3 3 Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if the king is pleased, spare my life; this is my request. And spare my people; this is my desire.

JESUS TAUGHT THAT FAITH SPEAKS Mark 11:22-23 (NKJV) – Have faith in God (have the God kind of faith) 23 For assuredly, I say to you,whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in hisheart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.John 6:63 (NKJV) - The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) - For the word of God is alive and powerful.Isaiah 55:11 (AMP) - So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void(useless, without result), Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matterfor which I sent it. Ephesians 5:1 AMP - Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example],Ephesians 5:1 (MSG) - Watch what God does, and then you do it…  Mark 9:23 (GNB) - Everything is possible for the person who has faith. Replace what you're saying with the word…..possiblePAY ATTENTION TO WHAT WE'RE SAYING  Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV) - Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eatits fruit. Proverbs 18:21 (MSG) - Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose.  “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me“  “its gonna kill me if I have to go to that class again” “my kids are never going to listen to me” “I just keep getting sick all the time” “no matter who much money I make, I will never be enough”We have to be careful, not to reduce God to our level of thinking.Proverbs 30:32 (TPT) - if you've thought about saying something stupid, you'd better shut yourmouth. (put your hand on your mouth) 1 Peter 3:10 (NLB) - If you want a happy, good life, keep control of your tongue, Proverbs 6:2 (ESV) - you are snared in the words of your mouth, caught in the words of your mouth, Matthew 12:36–37 (MSG) - Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going tocome back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously.37 Words can be your salvation (set free). Words can also be your damnation (put in bondage).” James 3:4–5 (NKJV) - Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds,they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a littlemember and boasts great things.Mark 11:23 (NKJV) – whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,' anddoes not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whateverhe says.WORDS BRING DELIVERANCEProverbs 12:6 (NKJV) - But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.Daniel 3:17 (NLT) - If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to saveus. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.WORDS BRING GOD'S BLESSING & FAVORPsalm 84.11 NLV - The Lord gives favor and honor. He holds back nothing good from those who walkin the way that is right.THE MIRACLE WILL MEET YOU… HEAR THE WORD OF GOD SPEAK THE WORD OF GOD

JESUS TAUGHT THAT FAITH SPEAKS Mark 11:22-23 (NKJV) – Have faith in God (have the God kind of faith) 23 For assuredly, I say to you,whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in hisheart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.John 6:63 (NKJV) - The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) - For the word of God is alive and powerful.Isaiah 55:11 (AMP) - So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void(useless, without result), Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matterfor which I sent it. Ephesians 5:1 AMP - Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example],Ephesians 5:1 (MSG) - Watch what God does, and then you do it…  Mark 9:23 (GNB) - Everything is possible for the person who has faith. Replace what you're saying with the word…..possiblePAY ATTENTION TO WHAT WE'RE SAYING  Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV) - Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eatits fruit. Proverbs 18:21 (MSG) - Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose.  “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me“  “its gonna kill me if I have to go to that class again” “my kids are never going to listen to me” “I just keep getting sick all the time” “no matter who much money I make, I will never be enough”We have to be careful, not to reduce God to our level of thinking.Proverbs 30:32 (TPT) - if you've thought about saying something stupid, you'd better shut yourmouth. (put your hand on your mouth) 1 Peter 3:10 (NLB) - If you want a happy, good life, keep control of your tongue, Proverbs 6:2 (ESV) - you are snared in the words of your mouth, caught in the words of your mouth, Matthew 12:36–37 (MSG) - Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going tocome back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously.37 Words can be your salvation (set free). Words can also be your damnation (put in bondage).” James 3:4–5 (NKJV) - Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds,they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a littlemember and boasts great things.Mark 11:23 (NKJV) – whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,' anddoes not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whateverhe says.WORDS BRING DELIVERANCEProverbs 12:6 (NKJV) - But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.Daniel 3:17 (NLT) - If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to saveus. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.WORDS BRING GOD'S BLESSING & FAVORPsalm 84.11 NLV - The Lord gives favor and honor. He holds back nothing good from those who walkin the way that is right.THE MIRACLE WILL MEET YOU… HEAR THE WORD OF GOD SPEAK THE WORD OF GOD

Jenna elevates the ceremonies by supporting the men in need.A Series in 17 parts, By Blacksheep. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. A Royal carry-on at the Cathedral.The King's coronation was only a few weeks away. Lots of different events were planned, and the church of St. Michael's was no exception.At St. Michael's vicarage, Reverend Morris was preparing to attend a very important concert at Liverpool cathedral, which was going to be filmed by the team from the popular religious TV programmer, Songs of Praise.Reverend Morris sniggered as he read an online newspaper headline."17th century diary reveals local vicar had an 11 inch penis.""I bet he was popular!" He said to his wife.Jenna laughed. "11 inches? Wow, that is impressive. Of course, it's not the size, it's what you do with it that counts.""Oh yes. I agree completely!" He put down his phone. "Right that's enough of that. We must get ready to leave. Gosh, I'm really looking forward to this concert! It's a real honor for us to have been invited to attend. His Majesty has been visiting several cathedrals this week."I'm excited too. Will we actually get a chance to speak to the King?""Perhaps, Jen. Not sure if he'll come round and speak to all of us, maybe a lucky few on the front row, eh?""Oh good. Must say, I'm relieved that pregnancy scare turned out to be a false alarm, Simon. I'd just got struck down with a stomach bug. I mean, I want to be a mum one day, but not yet. I'm not ready for such a big responsibility just yet, bringing a new life into the world.""You're only twenty-one, Jen. You've got plenty of time. Enjoy the best years of your life! And I just know you'll be a wonderful mum one day. I want us to enjoy our child when the time comes. You're so good with Christopher when he stays over."She nodded and thought to herself. After all, I feel I still have a lot of God's work to do, helping the men of the church.She wasn't the only one who was relieved. Gordon the organist was overjoyed too. Though after a private meeting with the vicar's wife in church last week, he confessed that he would've "pulled out all the stops" to support her, if it turned out he was the father. Thankfully, the status quo had been restored, and much to his delight, he and Jenna had resumed their weekly "organ practice" on Thursday nights.Gordon had been tempted to confess a whole load of other things to her, but had held back, when he got the impression she'd already figured out the strength of his feelings, and that put his mind at ease.Edward Hardwick was nervous. He was standing in for the regular organist at Liverpool, who'd been struck down with a bad case of flu. Edward knew he had big shoes to fill, as the man he was standing in for was a highly respected musician, with countless accolades and credits to his name."It wouldn't be so bad if it was just a regular Sunday service, but why did it have to be a concert where the King will be in attendance? All eyes will be on me. Songs of Praise will be filming. I'm not sure I can cope with this,”Edward was a brilliant young organist, but was prone to periods of self-doubt and nervousness. At twenty-eight, he was still a bit of a greenhorn, compared to the other organists he'd encountered, and had only just landed his first full-time organist job. The small parish church outside Liverpool where he was now the official organist, was a world away from this massive cathedral.Edward was sure a more experienced organist and choirmaster could've been found to perform here, but the clergy seemed convinced that he was ideal to take on the job. He took comfort from that. He must be doing something good if they'd put this much faith in him. And playing at the cathedral for a coronation concert would look very good on his resume.Later,"What a beautiful building this is, Jenna marveled as she and Reverend Morris took their seats in the cathedral ready for the concert. Jenna wore a black skirt suit with a white cotton blouse. Simon was in clerical black, wearing a blazer for travel to Liverpool."I've been to Liverpool loads of times but never visited the cathedral. I wonder if Father Aiden has been here? He used to be based at Liverpool before he came to our town.""Yes I think he's attended a few services here. That reminds me, I must email him sometime and see how he's getting on at the Living Earth Free Church. Last I heard, he'd got engaged to Róisín.""Ah, I'm really chuffed for him," Jenna replied with a smile, remembering her first encounter with the once-miserable priest at the vicarage social last year. She read through the order of service booklet. It was adorned with little golden crowns. The usual collection of familiar patriotic music, Handel's Messiah, Jerusalem, Rule Britannia, Crown Imperial and of course, the National Anthem.On the first page was some information about the cathedral organ."Liverpool Cathedral boasts the largest pipe organ in the UK, an instrument of tremendous power and majesty, but also of serenity and calm. Its sole purpose is to aid worship by creating a reverent atmosphere.""Gordon would be over the moon if he could get his fingers on this impressive instrument! Listen to this, Simon. An 'Anniversary' recital is given by the Cathedral Organist each year on the nearest Saturday to 18th, in commemoration of its dedication.The organ is situated in two chambers on opposite sides of the Choir. It currently comprises 10,268 pipes and 200 stops contained in nine divisions. There are two five-manual consoles; the original one up in a dedicated gallery under the North Choir case and a mobile recital console at floor level. The 'Trompette Militaire' and the 'Tuba Magna' stops are the loudest voices on the organ.""Makes the organ in our church look like a penny whistle by comparison," the vicar replied. "I think even Gordon would be a bit overwhelmed if he had to play this whopper.""He could play it with ease," she replied. "Gordon's the best organist in the world."The hall was filling up and the warm humid spring day made the cathedral quite warm. Jenna removed her blazer and laid it over the back of the pew.Jenna leaned her head on Simon's shoulder & closed her eyes. Soon she thought back to last night. Organ practice with Gordon had been wild, and those two old tin pipes he'd given her during Lent had been put to good use again."Lie back on the stool for me," Gordon whispered. Slowly, he traced the cold organ pipe down her naked body, before pausing and using the tip of it to tease her erect nipples. She giggled."So cold!""Delightfully tuned," he grunted. He moved a finger down and began teasing her clit. Then he pressed a key on one of the manuals."Can you sing that note for me?""Lah.""Excellent! How about these notes?" He played a few chords whilst fingering her."Ahh, doe, ray, me; oh my God,”Jenna breathed harder and faster until she shuddered and cried out in ecstasy, and writhed beneath him. The orgasm rocked through her body like a tidal wave; it was indescribable."Always so perfectly in key, Jenna. Very good, very, ah." Jenna's bare foot started rubbing his groin, and he struggled to remain composed."Open your organ loft, Gordon. I need to perform an inspection."As usual, he immediately succumbed to her charms. "At once," he smiled, unzipping his trousers and freeing his member from his underpants. "I am sure everything is in fine working order, but I might need a little bit of a re-tune.""I can help you there," Jenna said, reaching in she gave a quick kiss to the tip of his fat cock, and began to suck the length, then taking it deeper.Gordon cried out in delight, and dropped the organ pipe. It clattered onto the church's stone floor."Oh, so good," Gordon sighed. His words spurred her on, so she varied her technique, flicking her tongue down his shaft's sensitive underside, then up. She extended her tongue and licked the head of his cock like a lollipop."Umm, is my sexy organ daddy ready to give me some of his delicious cum?""Ahh, he's got plenty for his Jen, oh God here it comes!"Jenna jerked off the organist until he exploded all over her face. She opened her mouth as a huge, pearly wad of his issue landed on the bridge of her nose. A second spurt hit its target, and she quickly swallowed every drop."Jenna! Have you nodded off? King Charles has arrived!" Reverend Morris whispered, nudging his wife."Umm, oh no, sorry I was just thinking, oh yes, there he is!"Everyone stood up, as the soon-to-be crowned monarch took his seat and was welcomed by the Bishop of Liverpool. Thus began the usual formal introductions and as everyone sat down, the sound of the mighty organ radiated through the cathedral."Our concert begins with a rendition of that wonderful rousing piece by Handel, his Messiah, which was composed in 1741. It was first performed in Dublin on the 13th of April, in 1742 and received its London premiere nearly a year later. After an initially modest public reception, the oratorio gained in popularity, eventually becoming one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music.""I love the Messiah," Reverend Morris whispered. "Remember when it was played at our wedding?""Sure do." Jenna's eyes gleamed.The music began, but after a few moments, it was obvious that the organist at the console wasn't quite up to playing the mighty beast that this great pipe organ was..Reverend Morris cringed as a few wrong notes were played. "Hmm, I don't think this chap has practiced this enough. Either that or he's drunk.""Well the bishop did say that he's not the regular organist. I think he's nervous. Poor guy. I'd be nervous if I had to play in front of the King, and I was being filmed for a TV programmer!""Oh dear," Reverend Morris said, as the unfortunate rendition continued. "This is sounding more like Handel's Messed-Up Messiah."King Charles appeared to be really enjoying the music. "Oh I say. Reminds one of Les Dawson," he whispered to Camilla. "Splendid entertainer, he was. Dearest Mummy used to love it when he appeared at the Royal Variety Performance in the Eighties. It takes one a great deal of skill to play wrong notes like that!"Camilla simply nodded, but she wasn't fooled. This wasn't meant to be a Les Dawson tribute, but it was certainly interesting."Did I ever mention that I often play organ music to my plants?" the King continued.More error-filled hymns and pieces followed, until the first half of the concert came to an end, and the interval was welcomed by just about everyone, but mostly by the organist."Fuck, I screwed everything up," Edward groaned, shuffling off, his face burning with shame.Some of the overflow crowd lined the hallway, off the sanctuary. Edward faced the gauntlet of critics as he passed through. "Hey mate, is this some kind of joke?" A man shouted. "Have you even taken an organ lesson? Because that was bloody awful!""My three-year old could play better than that!" A woman added."My Labrador could play better than that!""Shame on you! You must be a republican. Playing like that in front of His Majesty!""Look I'm sorry, I'm really sorry!" Edward mumbled, rushing away from the crowded hallway. He had to hide somewhere and try and compose himself, or he'd never get through the second half of the concert.Meanwhile, Jenna had been navigating her way back from the toilets, which was proving to be a bit of a nightmare, due to the crowds and the security measures in place due to the monarch's visit."I definitely shouldn't be down here," she said, hurrying down a small corridor. "Uh-oh, this is the vestry. How did I end up here? I've got to get back to my seat!"Hurrying through a curtained area, she walked right into a man clad in red cassock and white surplice, whom she assumed was a vicar."Oh, so sorry; Reverend!" She mumbled."No I'm sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going," the man replied. "Um, I'm not a vicar. I'm Edward, the organist.""Oh right," Jenna said. "Well nice to meet you. Um, I think I'm lost. Please could you,” She looked at him and noticed his eyes were red from crying. "Hey; are you okay?""I'm fine," Edward sniffed. "Uh, yes, just through there and turn right. Keep right, because the left side is out of bounds because the King's sat over there.""You've been crying," Jenna said.‘What a cute guy!'She thought to herself. He looks just like Robert Pattinson. Though she preferred older men, she figured this younger chap was in need of some comfort and a confidence boost. And she never could resist a man wearing church vestments."I've messed up," Edward sighed. "Surely you heard how bad I played during the first half.""I don't blame you," Jenna replied. "I would've been wetting myself if I'd been asked to play in front of the King. I think you did great."My God, this guy is an adorable cinnamon roll!"Oh thanks. I was still shit though. Um, are you an organist?""Not officially. I'm a pianist and I work at my church's Sunday school. The organist at my church who I like, er, who I'm friends with, he has been giving me lessons. It's taken a while, but I can just about stand in for him and do the morning Eucharist. But I still play the odd wrong note or pull out the wrong stops. It's such a complicated instrument! So don't feel bad."Edward relaxed. "I wish all the members of the public were as understanding as you are. I'll probably get a grilling off the Bishop later, as well.""Ignore the haters. And the Bishop is a man of God, so he should be merciful.""Heh, maybe. What's your name?""Jenna. Pleased to meet you Edward! I expect you've heard this before, but you look a bit like Robert Pattinson.""Yeah. I have. Cedric Diggory playing the organ. You'd think he'd use magic so he could play perfectly and without feeling nervous!""Can't use magic in the Muggle world!" Jenna smiled."Heh, are you a Potter fan?""Nah, never really got into it. But I have seen some of the movies.""Same here.""Are you still feeling nervous?""Terrified. I have to play the national anthem at the end of the second half. If I play a wrong note during that, well I'm dreading it.""I'll stop you from feeling nervous," Jenna winked."Oh, how do you plan to do that? Do you have some booze?" He jumped as he realized her arms had slipped round him."No. I'll give you something better than booze." She nibbled at the outside corners of his mouth, teasing him to open for her."Open for me," she whispered, as she continued to place soft kisses.Edward, who was too shocked to process what was happening, only registered the pretty redhead's body pressing him against the wall. Unable to move, he simply stood in her embrace, neither accepting nor returning her kisses.He suddenly blushed even more at the sudden realization that he was becoming erect. This is insane, he thought to himself. The second half is about to start and I'm,"You're really sexy," Jenna murmured, sending shivers down his spine. Edward was powerless to resist her. "Do you feel me?" She asked in a husky whisper, pressing herself against him, "Do you feel how much I want you?" His shyness was an incredible turn-on, and making her terribly horny. She could feel herself getting wetter by the second.Edward looked into her lovely eyes and bent down to kiss her.At their sweet contact, Jenna heard Edward sigh contentedly. He reached down and grasped her arse. Suddenly, she felt his tongue enter her mouth, and his erection pressing against her."What would you like, Edward?""Confidence," he mumbled back.Jenna pushed him into a small cloakroom. "To give an organist confidence, I need to inspect his organ pipe," she purred, swiftly reaching under his surplice and fumbling with the buttons on his cassock. "All these buttons, but no worries, I'll find a way in, ah, there we go!" She unzipped his trousers and reached inside.Edward gasped as her warm hand grabbed his cock. It stiffened further in her grasp."Oh, what a big pipe you have. It seems like a fine one to play a tune on!" Jenna grinned. These corny organ puns worked so well on Gordon, and it seemed that they worked on Edward too. All male organists liked it if they were complimented on the size of their instrument, surely?Edward couldn't believe this was happening. The concert was set to resume in ten minutes but here he was, he just closed his eyes as Jenna worked her magic.Another delicious-looking cock. Edward was her third organist, after Gordon and Raymond Wilson from Oakwood Road Methodist church. Third time lucky!Jenna knelt in front him and kissed the top of his enlarged cock. Then she gently kissed all around its head. With long, gentle strokes she licked up and down the length of the shaft as Edward began to moan with pleasure. She took his balls in one hand and began to massage them. His moans increased.Reverend Morris checked his watch, wondering where Jenna had got to. The second half was about to begin."Did she get lost on her way to the Ladies?" He wondered. Most of the guests had returned to their seats and the Bishop was approaching the podium."Come on Jen, hurry up, or you'll miss the start. What on earth is she doing?"Edward immediately entered her and drew a strangled gasp as he plunged his rigid cock to the hilt. He pulled his hips back so that his cock withdrew partially from her sweet grip. He pushed forward again and buried himself back inside her. He'd been single for a while, and it showed. Jenna moaned at the sensation of this eager young organist thrusting in her. She reached her peak only a few seconds before he spurted his cum deep within her, and when they finally parted, Edward felt like he could conquer the world. Never before had he experienced sex as good as this.Jenna gave him a kiss and zipped up his trousers. "I think it's time I returned to my seat.""Uh, can I get your email or something? I'm on Twitter, but I don't tweet much. Are you on there? Hey, I'm the organist at St Paul's church in Crosby. It has a website. My contact details are on there. What happens now?"She winked at him and gave him a final kiss. "Now, you go and play the organ like a pro. For King and Country.""Oh. Right. Yes. I will!"Jenna hurried down the corridor, a big smile on her face. The archway to the main hall was blocked by a man in a suit standing in the middle."Excuse me," she muttered, tapping his arm, without realizing who he was."Ah, hello there!" King Charles smiled.Jenna froze."You must be one of the cathedral's hard-working staff?" He said."Er, I, Your Majesty." Jenna gave an awkward curtsey. Damn, how embarrassing!"It seems we had a disturbance during the interval. Some fellows from Extinction Rebellion burst in and tried to glue themselves to the pulpit. Did you see it?""Er, er, no I didn't. I was back there." Jenna was desperate to get away, but the King was in a talkative mood and took hold of her hand."All quite amusing! What's your name, dear?""Jen, Jenna."He gestured to a photographer. "See here, this young lady, one of many who is a credit to the cathedral. This is Jenna, yes, yes. Are you getting this? Nice smiles now!"Hope I haven't got cum on the front of my dress, Jenna thought, as the camera clicked away.King Charles finally released Jenna's hand. "Splendid to meet you! Plant some trees!""Thank you. Will do." When he eventually turned and walked to some other people, she was able to hurry down the side aisle and back to her seat."Oh Jen!" Reverend Morris gasped, as his wife hurried beside him. "I saw everything! You got to shake the King's hand! Oh you lucky thing! I'm so pleased for you!""I, I got a bit lost coming back from the toilets and I,” Jenna stammered, still in shock."Thank God you did! If you hadn't exited from that particular area, the King wouldn't have seen you!""I was so nervous. I bet I looked a right muppet. And there was a photographer there!""Not just a photographer. The cameraman from Songs of Praise filmed you too!""Oh no!""Relax, you looked great as always. You're a bit sweaty though. Must be the nerves. It's not like you to be nervous though! You missed all the chaos when the eco-nutters gate-crashed the place."The Bishop appeared. "Ladies, gentlemen, and non-binary persons, we apologies for the earlier disruption, but normal service has been resumed. Now we begin the second half of our concert. May I now ask you to stand as we sing that great hymn of England, Jerusalem!""Let's hope they've swapped organists," somebody behind Jenna was heard to say.The first chords of Sir Hubert Parry's masterpiece began, and to everyone's surprise and delight, Edward played the hymn to absolute perfection."Thank goodness I was able to help him," Jenna smiled.To be continued.By Blacksheep for Literotica.

Text: Proverbs 19:12 (ESV) 12 A king's wrath is like the growling of a lion,but his favor is like dew on the grass. THE KING'S WRATH ‘Do not poke the bear' is an idiom to not deliberately provoke or antagonize someone, especially someone more powerful than oneself. Those in authority have the power either to help or hurt those under them, haven't they? Thus, it is wise not to provoke those authority figures (Prov 20:2). A story is told about a lion in a bad mood. That morning his wife, the Lioness, had told him that his breath smelled, and that perhaps he needed to do something about it. The Lion had pretended not to care, and had roared loudly and angrily just to show the Lioness who was king. Secretly though, he was worried. So as soon as the Lioness left the den to go about her day's work, the Lion called his three counsellors – the Sheep, the Wolf and the Fox. First he called the Sheep. ‘Tell me, Sheep,' growled the Lion, ‘do you think my breath smells?' The Sheep thought the Lion wanted to know the truth. So she bowed low before the Lion and said, ‘Your Majesty, your breath smells terrible. In fact, it smells so bad that it is making me feel quite ill.' This was not what the Lion had wanted to hear. Roaring angrily, and calling the Sheep a fool, he pounced on her and bit her head off. Then he called the Wolf. ‘Tell me, Wolf,' growled the Lion sharpening his claws, ‘do you think my breath smells?' The Wolf had seen the dead Sheep on the way, and he had no plans to end up the same way. He bowed low before the Lion and said, ‘Your Majesty! How can you ask me that? Your breath smells as sweet as the flowers in spring, as fresh as the…' He could not finish what he was going to say. ‘Liar!' roared the Lion, and ripped him to pieces. At last the Lion called the Fox. The Fox came warily; she had seen the dead Sheep and the dead Wolf on the way. ‘Tell me, Fox,' growled the Lion, sharpening his claws and yawning widely so that the Fox could see his long sharp teeth, ‘do you think my breath smells?' The Fox coughed and sneezed and blew her nose, and then clearing her throat noisily, said in a hoarse whisper, ‘Your Majesty, forgive me. I have such a nasty cold that I cannot smell a thing!' The fox was wise not to provoke the lion to anger. It is sensible to keep a positive relationship with one's employer, government, and other leaders. But, God obligates us to disobey earthly authority in cases wherein we are asked to disobey God.(Acts 5:29) Our ultimate loyalty is to God and not to men. Daniel's friends had experienced the wrath of the king Nebuchadnezzar for not worshipping the image. "Nebuchadnezzar was filled with fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego" (Dan 3:19). They refused to participate in idolatrous worship. As a consequence, they received the death penalty. In his wrath, the king ordered a fire pit heated seven times hotter than normal and commanded soldiers to throw the disobeying believers in. In that case, God miraculously intervened (Dan 3:26–27). This is not always to happen for God may not intervene sand allow His children to undergo suffering(John 16:1–4). Honoring God through submission to authorities may result rto blessing like Joseph. He was a good example of this truth (Gen 39:1–6, 20–23; 41:38–40). He made a good-faith effort to please his superiors, without compromising his faith in God. As a result, he became the prince in Egypt and was able to rescue His brothers and God's people. Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast-------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino onYouTube,Facebook and Instagram

Istrouma Baptist Church (BR) Feb 2, 2025 ========== February 2 - Daniel Welcome! We're glad you've joined us today for our Sunday morning worship service! For more information about Istrouma, go to istrouma.org or contact us at info@istrouma.org. We glorify God by making disciples of all nations. ========== Connection Card https://istrouma.org/myinfo February 2, 2025 - Tim Keith ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬‬ When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upstairs room opened toward Jerusalem,  and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God,  just as he had done before. ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭6‬:‭16‬-‭24‬‬ So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions' den.  The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you continually serve,  rescue you! ” A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den.  The king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet rings of his nobles, so that nothing in regard to Daniel could be changed. Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting.  No diversions  were brought to him, and he could not sleep.  At the first light of dawn the king got up and hurried to the lions' den. When he reached the den, he cried out in anguish to Daniel. “Daniel, servant of the living God,” the king said,  “has your God, whom you continually serve, been able to rescue you  from the lions? ” Then Daniel spoke with the king: “May the king live forever. My God sent his angel  and shut the lions' mouths; and they haven't harmed me, for I was found innocent before him. And also before you, Your Majesty, I have not done harm.” The king was overjoyed and gave orders to take Daniel out of the den. When Daniel was brought up from the den, he was found to be unharmed, for he trusted in his God.  The king then gave the command, and those men who had maliciously accused Daniel , were brought and thrown into the lions' den #— #they, their children, and their wives.  They had not reached the bottom of the den before the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones. The Lions' Den may not be Punishment, it might be Preparation First: The Lions' Den may not be Punishment 1 Peter 5:8 - Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Second: it might be Preparation -God Cares -God is in Control Jeremiah 32:17 - “Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You.” Your greatest problem isn't what's going on around you, it's what is going on inside of you! Third: You may be in the Lions' Den for somebody else to see God. Daniel 6:25-27 Daniel 6:26 The Lions' Den may not be Punishment, it might be Preparation. You may be in the Lions' Den for somebody else to see God. Want to receive weekly announcements in your inbox each week? https://istrouma.org/email Give Online Text ISTROUMA IBC to 73256 or go to: https://istrouma.org/give Our Website https://istrouma.org

Series: Signs & GloryTitle: "How can I be born again?"Scripture: John 3:16-21John 1:11-13Numbers 21:4-9Bottom line: Every person can be born again (from above), enter the kingdom of God, and receive eternal life by looking to Jesus on the pole (cross) and believing that God loves them that much.INTRODUCTIONCONTEXTSERMON OUTLINECONCLUSIONNOTESOUTLINESQUESTIONS TO CONSIDER DISCUSSION QUESTIONSMAIN REFERENCES USEDMy opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. INTRODUCTIONIt's really important to read scripture in multiple translations so let me give you a different translation to hear this verse in today:Ahoy, mateys! Let me spin ye a tale from the good book, as only Cap'n Jack Sparrow could tell it. Ahem..."Fer God so loved the scallywags of the world, that he gave his one and only son, that whoever swigs a bottle o' rum with him shall not be keelhauled, but have a bounce life that never runs aground, savvy?"CONTEXT"Whereas the emphasis in 3:1-8 was on the necessity of spiritual rebirth, the focus in 3:12-18 is on believing; thus, the themes of divine sovereignty and human responsibility are balanced. (Ridderbos 1997)" via Köstenberger, emphasis mineNote: In my opinion, this quote would be more accurate if he said either "spiritual birth" or "rebirth" but "spiritual rebirth" is not accurate."Because John 3:16 is sandwiched between vv. 14-15 and v. 17, the fact that God gave his one and only Son is tied both to the Son's incarnation(v. 17) and to his death (vv. 14-15). That is the immediate result of the love of God for the world: the mission of the Son. His ultimate purpose is the salvation of those in the world who believe in him...Whoever believes in him experiences new birth (3:3, 5), has eternal life (3:15, 16), is saved (3:17); the alternative is to perish (cf. also 10:28), to lose one's life (12:25), to be doomed to destruction (17:12, cognate with 'to perish'). There is no third option." -CarsonSERMON Every person can be born again, enter into the kingdom of God, and receive eternal life by looking to the cross of Christ and believing that God loves them that much.Why? For God so loved the world that he...GAVE "Gave his one and only son." God gave (sent in v. 17) his son in the flesh (at his birth) to show and tell us the way to true life. Love sent his son down to shine brightly as "The light of the world" so that our evil deeds could be revealed and turned away from.To SAVE "...to save the world through (Jesus)." God gave (sent in v. 17) his son up to be crucified for love. "But God demonstrates his love in this, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8To save us from eternal condemnation unto new life in his kingdom.How? God births us from above, bringing us to eternal life in his kingdom when weBELIEVE by looking to the cross of Jesus, that God loved us that much, so that we can LIVE forever with him. We receive abundant, eternal life by trusting his words on being born again. CONCLUSIONA Native American tribal chief was well-known throughout his region for being upright and courageous. To establish justice, he set up a punishment system for crimes.Even after the chief had begun to enforce his stringent policies, thievery was a serious problem. Enraged by the blatant law breaking, he increased the punishment for theft to a severe beating. Not long after he issued this decree, a thief was caught. To the chief's horror, it was his own mother! He was in a state of turmoil: Would he allow his own mother to be beaten and show himself to be unloving, or would he cancel her punishment and show himself to be unjust?His tribe began to wager, some thinking he would be cruel, others that he would be lenient. Finally the time arrived for the punishment to be given. To the shock of everyone, the chief had his mother tied to the post. Surely the woman would die! But just before the first crack of the whip by the ready warrior, the chief called for a halt. He stepped up, wrapped his arms around his mother's small frame, and took the beating himself.This story shows how God is both just and loving.Bottom line: Every person can be born again (from above), enter the kingdom of God, and receive eternal life by looking to the pole (cross) and believing that God loves them that much.The message of the Bible is a simple message about God's love and mercy, about man's sin and need, and about the rescue that's found in Jesus Christ. In simple words Sally Lloyd-Jones captures the love of God demonstrated in the death of his Son:"So you're a king, are you?" the Roman soldiers jeered. "Then you'll need a crown and a robe."They gave Jesus a crown made out of thorns. And put a purple robe on Him. And pretended to bow down to Him."Your Majesty!" they said.Then they whipped Him. And spat on Him. They didn't understand that this was the Prince of Life, the King of heaven and earth, who had come to rescue them.The soldiers made him a sign-"Our King" and nailed itto a wooden cross.They walked up a hill outside the city. Jesus carried the cross on His back. Jesus had never done anything wrong. But they were going to kill Him the way criminals were killed.They nailed Jesus to the cross."Father, forgive them," Jesus gasped. "They don'tunderstand what they're doing.""You say you've come to rescue us!" people shouted. "Butyou can't even rescue yourself!"But they were wrong. Jesus could have rescued Himself. A legion of angels would have flown to His side-if He'd called."If you were really the Son of God, you could just climbdown off that cross!" they saidAnd of course they were right. Jesus could have just climbed down. Actually, He could have just said a word and made it all stop. Like when He healed that little girl. And stilled the storm. And fed five thousand people.But Jesus stayed.You see, they didn't understand. It wasn't the nails that kept Jesus there. It was love. (The Jesus Storybook Bible by Saliy Lloyd-Jones, 302-6)What about you?Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬InvitationHow do we respond? Answer 2 questions:Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions: What is God saying to me right now?What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper. What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don't have to get too specific to give him praise.Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)PrayNOTESIn a gallery where artistic masterpieces are on display, it is not the masterpieces but the visitors that are on trial. The works which they view are not there to abide their question, but they reveal their own taste (or lack of it) by their reactions to what they see.The pop-star who was reported some years ago to have dismissed the Mona Lisa as 'a load of rubbish' (except that he used a less polite word than 'rubbish') did not tell us anything about the Mona Lisa; he told us much about himself. What is true in the aesthetic realm is equally true in the spiritual realm. The man who depreciates Christ, or thinks him unworthy of his allegiance, passes judgment on himself, not on Christ.FF Bruce, p. 91The motions to teach/remember John 3:16 "Have you heard about the man who sent a letter to twenty-five men in his town? It said: "All has been exposed. Flee at once." In response, all twenty-five men left town. What would you do if you got a letter like that? Even as Christians, we still feel that tug at our heart that causes us to look for a place to hide in the darkness rather than seeking the light of Christ." RC Sproul OUTLINESWillmington's OUTLINE Bible (JOHN 3):Jesus meets with Nicodemus and tells him in order to be saved, all people must be born again. John the Baptist tells his disciples that Jesus is the Messiah.1. JESUS EXPLAINS THE PLAN OF SALVATION (3:1-21): A man named Nicodemus visits Jesus by night.LAST WEEKA. The credentials of Nicodemus (3:1): He is both a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin and a Pharisee.B. The confession of Nicodemus (3:2): He acknowledges that Jesus is from God because of his miracles.C. The command to Nicodemus (3:3): Jesus says he needs the new birth.D. The confusion of Nicodemus (3:4): He confuses spiritual birth with physical birth.E. The chastening of Nicodemus (3:9-13): Jesus chides him for not knowing these things even though he is a respected Jewish teacher.F. The clarification for Nicodemus (3:5-8, 14-15): Jesus employs three illustrations to explain the new birth to Nicodemus. (Cf. Ezekiel 36:25-28)THIS WEEKG. The conclusion for Nicodemus (3:16-21): Jesus now summarizes both the subjects of salvation and condemnation!1. The persons (3:16)a. The Father gave his Son (3:16a).b. The Son will give his life (3:16b).QUESTIONS TO CONSIDERWhat do I want them to know? Why do I want them to know it?What do I want them to do?Why do I want them to do it?How do they do this?DISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/Read the passage together.Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really true, what should I do?What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)Who am I going to tell about this?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastAlternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:Who is God?What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)What do I do? (In light of who I am)How do I do it?Final Questions (Write this down)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?MAIN REFERENCES USED“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent HughesExalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh WredbergThe Gospels & Epistles of John, FF BruceJohn, RC SproulJohn, KöstenbergerThe Gospel According to John, DA CarsonThe Light Has Come, Leslie NewbiginThe Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.orgThe Bible Project https://bibleproject.comNicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersionClaude.aiChatGPT Google Gemini

Philippians 1:6 NIVbeing confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.Daniel 2:47-49 NLTThe king said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is the greatest of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this secret.”48 Then the king appointed Daniel to a high position and gave him many valuable gifts. He made Daniel ruler over the whole province of Babylon, as well as chief over all his wise men. 49 At Daniel's request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be in charge of all the affairs of the province of Babylon, while Daniel remained in the king's court. Key #1 - Stand Firm in Your Faith1 Corinthians 16:13 NLTBe on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.Ephesians 6:13 NLTTherefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to STAND your ground, and after you have done everything, to STAND. 14 STAND firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.Daniel 3:15 NLTI will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?” Key #2 - Obedience over OutcomesDaniel 3:17-18 NLTIf we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Key #3 - God's Present in the FireDaniel 3:25 NLT“Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!” Key #4 - It's My story, for His GloryDaniel 3:29 NLTThere is no other god who can rescue like this!”Daniel 3:30 NLTThen the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to even higher positions in the province of Babylon.

Philippians 1:6 NIVbeing confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.Daniel 2:47-49 NLTThe king said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is the greatest of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this secret.”48 Then the king appointed Daniel to a high position and gave him many valuable gifts. He made Daniel ruler over the whole province of Babylon, as well as chief over all his wise men. 49 At Daniel's request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be in charge of all the affairs of the province of Babylon, while Daniel remained in the king's court. Key #1 - Stand Firm in Your Faith1 Corinthians 16:13 NLTBe on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.Ephesians 6:13 NLTTherefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to STAND your ground, and after you have done everything, to STAND. 14 STAND firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.Daniel 3:15 NLTI will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?” Key #2 - Obedience over OutcomesDaniel 3:17-18 NLTIf we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Key #3 - God's Present in the FireDaniel 3:25 NLT“Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!” Key #4 - It's My story, for His GloryDaniel 3:29 NLTThere is no other god who can rescue like this!”Daniel 3:30 NLTThen the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to even higher positions in the province of Babylon.

He was born in Rome, and as a young man was chosen by the Emperor Constantine to assist in the foundation of his new capital at Byzantium. An outbreak of leprosy in the new City became so severe that the Emperor ordered that all lepers, whatever their rank, be driven from the city or drowned in the sea. Zoticus, moved by compassion for these people, went to the Emperor and asked him for a large amount of gold to buy gems and pearls to enhance the glory of the city, 'For, as Your Majesty knows, I am well-qualified in this field.' The Saint then used the gold to ransom all those being led into exile or to drowning, and to establish for them a camp on the hill of Olivet on the opposite shore of the Bosphorus. There he brought the sick and provided for their care.   In 337 Constantius, an Arian heretic, took the throne upon the death of his father. Some of Zoticus' enemies at court, seeing an opportunity, denounced Zoticus to the new Emperor, saying that he not only held subversive views, but had misappropriated public money. When he learned of these charges, Zoticus presented himself to the Emperor, finely dressed, and offered to take Constantius to see the gems and pearls that he had bought on his behalf. When they reached the hill of Olivet, Constantius was astonished to see a company of lepers coming to greet him with lighted candles, honoring and praising him and their patron Zoticus. Then the holy Zoticus said to the Emperor, 'These are the precious stones and brilliant pearls that give luster to the crown of the heavenly Kingdom that you will inherit by their prayers. I bought them for the salvation of your soul.'   Instead of being grateful, the heartless Emperor ordered that Zoticus be tied behind wild mules and dragged until dead. The mules ran down the hill, breaking the Saint's body upon the rocks and brush. Then, of their own accord, they returned to the top of the hill, still dragging the body, and, like Balaam's ass (Numbers ch. 22), spoke and proclaimed that the Martyr must be buried on that hill. The astonished and repentant Emperor ordered the Martyr buried with honor, and commanded that a hospital for lepers be built there, staffed by the best physicians and caretakers.   Saint Zoticus is also called Orphanotrophos, 'Cherisher of Orphans,' because in later years a large orphanage was added to the leprosarium. The orphanage included a general hospital and a home for the aged. The Saint was honored throughout Byzantine history as the patron of the orphanage.

Pastor Damaris Solis brings this week's message, “This is My Confidence." Key Verses: John 16.33 NIV: ““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”” Mark 5:.25-34 NIV: “And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?' ” But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”” Job 1.20-22 NIV: “At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.” Job 2.3-6 NIV: “Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.” “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.” The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.”” Job 2.9-10 NIV: “His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.” Mark 2.3-5, 10-12 NIV: “Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”” Daniel 3.15-18, 25NIV: “Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”” Sermon Topics: Anxiety, Perseverance, Confidence If you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe and share it with your friends on social media. For more information about PNEUMA Church, visit our website at mypneumachurch.org.  Connect with Us: Instagram: https://instagram.com/mypneumachurch YouTube: https://youtube.com/mypneumachurch Facebook: https://facebook.com/mypneumachurch Time Stamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:30 - Welcome 02:11 - John 16.33 NIV 03:40 - This is My Confidence

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 is rich with themes of faith, trust, and divine deliverance. From a Biblical perspective, Jesus can be seen as the fourth figure in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:25), representing His presence with His people in trials. We will also read from Acts 5 as the Apostles face persecution in obeying God over Man.Daniel 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[c] from Your Majesty's hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”List of Urgent Needs:- F350 Truck and accessories: $50,000- Iridium Certus Thales MissionLINK x 2 plus network connection: $10,000- Fuel for mission distribution: $80 per daily mission- Aid supplies family support kits: $150- Ministry emergency fund goal: $30,000To give, use this link http://member.bulldozerfaith.com/givePayPal.me/bulldozerfaith https://cash.app/$bulldozerfaith Daily Devotional and teaching with Kenny Russell - Get connected with our Podcast Channelshttps://feeds.captivate.fm/what-then-shall-we-sayEmail kenny@bulldozerfaith.com

Today's Bible Verse: "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” - Daniel 3:17-18 “Want to listen without ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe/ MEET OUR HOSTS at https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Your Nightly Prayer

Watching Spellbound got Amy & Dominique thinking about how cool it would be if they were royalty! Preferably without any curses. So get ready to FLINK real hard because they're bringing their best Royalty trivia and a game of Yes, Your Majesty to today's fun-packed episode. Spellbound is streaming now on Netflix. --- BONUS TRIVIA! (answer below) How many cups of tea does the British royal family serve at one of their famous garden parties? a. 2,000 b. 27,000 c. 850 d. 110,000 ---- CREDITS Popcorn Brainstorm is a Netflix Original Podcast Written and Directed by Annie Segal Hosted by Amy Kersten & Dominique Morton Casting by Sunday Boling Kennedy & Meg Morman Produced by Fred Greenhalgh Ash Beecher, & Annie Segal Executive Producers for Realm: Molly Barton & John Brooks Executive Producers for Netflix: David Markowitz & Kristen Khoo Original score: Jack Mitchell Sound design and mixing: Kailynn West Dialogue editing: Cory Barton Production Coordinator: Angela Yih Production services provided by Realm Recorded at Real Voice LA.  Recording Engineer: Matt Gurgol This podcast was recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Collective Bargaining Agreement ANSWER: b. 27,000. That's a lot of tea!

[Daniel 6:1-3] Darius the Mede decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a high officer to rule over each province. [2] The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the high officers and protect the king's interests. [3] Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel's great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire. Gratitude is an act of rebellion against ______________. [Daniel 6:10-12] But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. [11] Then the officials went together to Daniel's house and found him praying and asking for God's help.  Faithfulness in ______________ ______________ builds unshakable faith. [Daniel 2:23a] I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and strength. We need to ______________ and ______________ for the difficult times. Prayer should be a daily ___________________, not a ______________ reaction. [Daniel 6:16-22] So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, "May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you." [17] A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own royal seal and the seals of his nobles, so that no one could rescue Daniel. [18] Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn't sleep at all that night. [19] Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions' den. [20] When he got there, he called out in anguish, "Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?" [21] Daniel answered, "Long live the king! [22] My God sent his angel to shut the lions' mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty." Gratitude is a form of ___________________, faith. [1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Give thanks even when life is ___________________,. [Hebrews 13:15] Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.

Pastor John Ryan Cantu brings this week's message, “Giving that Costs." Key Verses: 2 Samuel 24:18-25 NLT: “That day Gad came to David and said to him, “Go up and build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” So David went up to do what the Lord had commanded him. When Araunah saw the king and his men coming toward him, he came and bowed before the king with his face to the ground. “Why have you come, my Lord the king?” Araunah asked. David replied, “I have come to buy your threshing floor and to build an altar to the Lord there, so that he will stop the plague.” “Take it, my Lord the king, and use it as you wish,” Araunah said to David. “Here are oxen for the burnt offering, and you can use the threshing boards and ox yokes for wood to build a fire on the altar. I will give it all to you, Your Majesty, and may the Lord your God accept your sacrifice.” But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on buying it, for I will not present burnt offerings to the Lord my God that have cost me nothing.” So David paid him fifty pieces of silver for the threshing floor and the oxen. David built an altar there to the Lord and sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings. And the Lord answered his prayer for the land, and the plague on Israel was stopped.” Sermon Topics: Giving, Sacrifice Links: Referenced Sermon: Good & Faithful If you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe and share it with your friends on social media. For more information about PNEUMA Church, visit our website at mypneumachurch.org.  Connect with Us: Instagram: https://instagram.com/mypneumachurch YouTube: https://youtube.com/mypneumachurch Facebook: https://facebook.com/mypneumachurch Time Stamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:30 - Welcome 06:08 - 2 Samuel 24.18–25 NLT 07:47 - Giving that Costs

Bro. Ron Little presents "Your Majesty, The King" from 1 Chronicles 29, during a worship service at Immanuel Baptist Church, Florence, Ky. Please visit us at 7183 Pleasant Valley Road Florence KY 41042, or call us at (859) 586-6829. Church links: Website: https://www.ibcflorence.com Daily Devotions: https://ibcflorenceky.wordpress.com/follow/ Free App: http://www.ibcflorence.com/ibc-app Our entire list of recent sermons: https://www.ibcflorence.com/recent-sermons Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ibcflorence Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ibcflorenceky Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibcflorence/ Podcasts: https://soundcloud.com/user-658781358 Live Stream: https://www.youtube.com/ibcflorence/live We would love to know how to pray for you! Romans 10:9

Check out Anna's work as a Calm Kids Life Coach, where she helps kids conquer their anxiety in in less than 30 days: annaware.com.au Follow Anna on her Facebook Page here Join The Word On The Street Podcast conversation on our Facebook group here Follow The Word On The Street Podcast on Instagram here Click here to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Here are the bible verses quoted in today's episode: In your anger, do not sin. Ephesians 4:26 Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual. Daniel 3:13-19

Liz Kelly's talk "Your Majesty, Your Mission: why the world needs a woman like you" filmed live from St Anthony of Padua Parish in Austral, Sydney. Join the Parousia mailing list at https://www.parousiamedia.com/mailing-list/ Parousia is committed to proclaiming the fullness of truth! If you wish to help us in our mission with a donation please visit our website here https://www.parousiamedia.com/donate/ to learn ways that you can contribute.

TDA  The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    It is election time… please vote. Vote biblically and not emotionally. Vote not for you who love, but for whom has the principles that line the most up with scripture… and with that here is a story.    The donkey told the tiger, "The grass is blue."  The tiger replied, "No, the grass is green ." The discussion became heated, and the two decided to submit the issue to arbitration, so they approached the lion.  As they approached the lion on his throne, the donkey started screaming: ′′Your Highness, isn't it true that the grass is blue?"  The lion replied: "If you believe it is true, the grass is blue."  The donkey rushed forward and continued: ′′The tiger disagrees with me, contradicts me and annoys me. Please punish him." The king then declared: ′′The tiger will be punished with 3 days of silence."  The donkey jumped with joy and went on his way, content and repeating ′′The grass is blue, the grass is blue..."  The tiger asked the lion, "Your Majesty, why have you punished me, after all, the grass is green?"  The lion replied, ′′You've known and seen the grass is green." The tiger asked, ′′So why do you punish me?"  The lion replied, "That has nothing to do with the question of whether the grass is blue or green. The punishment is because it is degrading for a brave, intelligent creature like you to waste time arguing with an ass, and on top of that, you came and bothered me with that question just to validate something you already knew was true!" The biggest waste of time is arguing with the fool and fanatic who doesn't care about truth or reality, but only the victory of his beliefs and illusions. Never waste time on discussions that make no sense. There are people who, for all the evidence presented to them, do not have the ability to understand. Others who are blinded by ego, hatred and resentment, and the only thing that they want is to be right even if they aren't.  When IGNORANCE SCREAMS, intelligence moves on. 

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner Have you ever felt the discouragement of a friend or family member walking away from Christ?  Have you ever been frustrated by the apparent slowness of God's Kingdom?  Have you ever thought that the forces of evil seem to be gaining ground in this world and God doesn't seem to be doing anything.  These are the very questions and situations that Jesus addresses in this section of Matthew 13:24-43.  Listen today as I continue my series on the book of Matthew. Transcript:  Matthew Series Matthew 13:24-43 Introduction Recently there has been an uproar about the Olympic opening ceremonies.  They were sacrilegious and worldly.  Crossdressers reenacted the Lord's Supper.  Is that good?  No!  What should we do?  Kill them?  What do you do when there is obvious evil in the world, evil in the church, evil that mocks Jesus?  Jesus addresses these things starting in verse 10 about the nature of Kingdom Growth in the parables of the weeds, the mustard seed and the yeast.  Jesus describes ·       The reality of evil and good in the world  ·       How great things start from insignificant beginnings and,   ·       The patience needed in seeing God's purposes fulfilled.   1.    The Parable of the Weeds 24 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 27 “The owner's servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?' 28 “‘An enemy did this,' he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?' 29 “‘No,' he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'”   36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. 40 “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear. ·       24  Jesus told them or “set before them” a parable.  The phrase is used of serving a meal before guests.  Jesus won't spoon feed people, he let's them feed themselves.  This is often explained as describing the church and there being good and bad people in the church, but it's broader than that.  Jesus says that the field is the “world” not just the church.  He compares the parable not to the man who is sowing seed but the situation resulting from his scattering seed.  ·       Jesus is warning against having naïve expectations that this world and the church should be perfect like what heaven will be like.  We expect the church to be perfect and every person to be a saint.  Satan is at work in planting bad seed.  Where does evil come from?  Why do bad things happen?  Why does God allow evil in the world?  Jesus doesn't answer why, he simply states that there is a spiritual force of evil at work in this world.  ·       Darnel is a weed that looks like wheat but has a poisonous head.  Roman law prohibited people from scattering these weeds in a wheat field as acts of revenge.  ·       The church has done the most damage when it has ignored this teaching.  When we take the sword of judgment into our own hands, we make massive mistakes.  o  Think about the inquisition.  Religious people tried to pull out the roots of those who differed from themselves.  It stained Christianity.  Jesus' teaching is the exact opposite.  Let God separate out true believers from false.  Be patient.  Focus on growing yourself and making it to heaven.  o  The Bible does say that we need to judge those inside the church.  There is church discipline for those who are living in sin inside the church.  They are put out of the fellowship, but not killed.  The hope is that they will repent and come back to Christ. o  Jesus finishes it by saying that people will either shine or burn.  There will be a reward and punishment for every person.  No one is going to “get away” with anything.  2.   The Parables of the Mustard Seed 31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” ·       It's important to remember the context that Jesus is speaking these parables in.  The disciples and others were hoping for the messiah to make a bigger splash a more sudden change.  However, Jesus' ministry is not really taking off like many had hoped.  There are a few followers and many opponents.  The disciples were looking for a massive and sudden revival that would change everything quickly.  Jesus is managing expectations (Tom Cruise) so that they understand that his Kingdom will start tiny and get huge.  ·       Jesus is encouraging his disciples.  What can we learn? o  The Kingdom always starts small o  The Kingdom has the power of life in it to make it grow o  It becomes huge in time o  It's growth is beneficial to the entire world ·       We want amazing things to happen quickly.  Jesus says that it takes time and it starts small.  Technically, there are smaller seeds than the mustard, but it's best not to get hung up on that.  Jesus used hyperbole and exaggeration to teach.  “Great oaks from little acorns grow.”  In Zechariah 4:10 it says, “ “Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the Lord that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?” ·       This small seed becomes a bush so big the birds of the air can sit in its branches.  This is similar to Nebuchadnezzars vision in Daniel 4:12, 21.  The birds are the subject nations.  Jesus was making a passing reference to all nations being brought into his kingdom. All nations will benefit from the tree. o  11 The tree grew large and strong and its top touched the sky; it was visible to the ends of the earth. 12 Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the wild animals found shelter, and the birds lived in its branches; from it every creature was fed… 21 with beautiful leaves and abundant fruit, providing food for all, giving shelter to the wild animals, and having nesting places in its branches for the birds— 22 Your Majesty, you are that tree! You have become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth. ·       Acts 16:14-15 illustrates this concept.  A woman named Lydia was the first known convert in present day Europe.  The entire continent was changed starting with her conversion.  o  “14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.” ·       That's why I love church plantings.  God works through a few people to build something amazing.  Show picture of mission team   3.   The Parable of the Yeast 33 He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.” 34 Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. 35 So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables,     I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.” ·       Jesus builds on his theme of a tiny beginning having a huge impact.  Here he is explaining how a woman takes a small amount of dough with sourdough starter or active yeast in it and puts it into 60 pounds of flour.  That's enough flour to feed a small town of 100 people.  The term mixed is also the word, “hid” which goes along with the theme of secrets, of the message being hidden from the wise and revealed to the simple. ·       Jesus reveals the means by which his kingdom would grow and spread.  He wouldn't be doing it by force but by stealth.  Individuals would mix among the masses and slowly transform the entire world.  The kingdom won't tear down governments but will build up men and women who change the culture.  Not with weapons or armies, but with lives that are transformed. ·       The kingdom of heaven may start insignificantly but it will pervade and transform the entire world.  Yeast by it's very nature will grow, multiply and spread by being in close connection with it's host.  We have to be connected and working with the people around us if we want to see change. ·       34-35  These lines echo Jesus' earlier teaching that parables reveal hidden truth and he typically taught in parables to the crowds.  From these parables we learn that over time, enough people understand the meaning of his teaching Maand their change transforms the world around them.  Jesus' intention is that his teaching will ultimately change the world.  We know from the benefit of hindsight that what he predicted is exactly what happened.  The known world of that time was changed over the next three or four centuries.   Next Steps ·       Accept the world as it is, fallen and filled with sin ·       Work on preparing yourself to face God, don't worry about others ·       Have faith and mix with those who don't know God.  Be the yeast that transforms the flour.

New Birth, New Love 1 Peter 1:1-9 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church There was a powerful king who was preparing for his son's fast-approaching wedding day; the palace grounds were filled with hustle and bustle as servants dashed about. The excitement was palpable, and it was all the king could talk about. Finally, the day arrived, and the feast was prepared with decadent treats, the finest meats, the sweetest fruits. The king sent out his fastest servants to call on the guests. He and his son eagerly awaited inside the beautifully ornate chapel for their friends and family to fill the seats and join in the celebration. After too much time had passed, the king was astonished to see his servants return alone. “Where are the guests?” he inquired. The servants nervously glanced at each other and stammered, “Th-they're not c-coming, Your Majesty.” Scripture tells us that God is preparing for a glorious wedding day. Come join us tomorrow morning to hear how this should impact us today!

Cleopatra would have blushed in this Empress' presence.Based on the work of Robyn Bee, In 7 parts. Listen to the ► Podcast at Connected.“I will die before I let them take the purple that robes me. For never will I see the day where those I meet do not call me Empress.”Leontius is stratiotai, a soldier of Rome's armies. He has lived a decade and more of war, staining his boots with the dirt of nations that have dared to raise their blades against the Empire. It's left him tired. So, when given a chance to step from the battlefield and into Constantinople's Imperial Palace, he takes it.Leontius enters the service of Empress Theodora, a woman unlike any other, who rose from the capital's meanest brothels to sit as co-ruler of the Mediterranean's mightiest Empire. But the city writhes in her grip. As embers of rebellion flare into conflagration, Leontius will find that there exists a life beyond what he has known. A path he sees reflected in the smile of a guardswoman with wild, cypress eyes.This is a story set in the Imperial court of the Byzantine Empire in the year 532 AD. It is the tale of a young soldier inducted into the guard of a very horny Empress.“Tell God that He made a mistake, dear father, when He only gave me three holes for pleasure.”I turned those words over in my head, shifting uncomfortably in my seat. I swear, those words had nearly killed my mother when she’d first heard them. She was a tough, tight-lipped seamstress that could heave a bolt of satin over one shoulder with one hand, while she slapped a lesson into me with the other.“What sort of woman would say that?” She’d rail, before clapping her hands over my ears. “Close yourself off to such things,” she’d warn me. “They are not for folks like us.”Those were for the people of the capital, where the streets teemed with prostitutes and silk covered actresses. Not for the goodly, simple folk of Rhodos and my mother’s shop.Despite myself, I felt my lip quirk into a small smile. Of course, the capital was exactly where I was. I stood and kept my eyes lowered until I’d made my way to the nearest window. I stared out into the afternoon sun, breathing deeply of the summer air that was heavy with the scent of nearly half a million people. Constantinople, golden capital of the Eastern Roman, Byzantine Empire and center of the world.I was looking out over the Hippodrome’s track and out into the thousands of domes and roofs of the city. There was no city quite like it in all the world, and even now, a month after having arrived, I still often got lost in its crooked streets.I heard a polite cough behind me, and I turned to find one of the armored guards nodding to the seat I had just vacated. Evidently, I was supposed to wait there.I gritted my teeth, but obeyed. They were just doing their jobs. It wasn’t their fault that I was nearly twitching with restless energy.I adjusted myself on the chair, shifting around in vain to try and find a comfortable position. In all fairness, my discomfort wasn’t the furniture’s fault either. This was, without a doubt, the finest chair I’d ever sat it. Its cushion was thick, held up by four intricately carved legs of scented wood.The rest of the small antechamber was just as luxurious. Everywhere I looked, I saw gold and marble and fine pottery. Even the large door, so diligently guarded by the two armored Excubitors, was carved and inlaid with gold.What in God’s name was I doing here? I was a soldier; my hands calloused by the sword. I was stratiotai, an infantry man. My place was in the shield wall, my sandals stained with the dirt of kingdoms that dared raise their blades against Rome.At least, that’s what I kept telling myself.I heard the muffled sound from behind the guarded door. It made me think back to my mother, to those words that she’d so hated to hear.“Three holes for pleasure,” I murmured to myself.I coughed, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. I shifted again on this damnable chair. What would my mother think if she could see me now? Her only son, her soldier, her little lion; invited to the Imperial Palace.I think that those words would be the first thing she thought of. I think that she would once again clap her hands to my ears so that I would hear no more from the woman that had so famously uttered them.This woman; she who’d been crowned Augusta. A woman who’d come from the flea ridden pallets of the city’s meanest brothel and had risen to command the wealth of half the world. A woman upon who’s words rested the fate of millions. The most powerful woman on earth; co-ruler of the Mediterranean’s mightiest empire and who’s beauty and ruthless intelligence were already being woven into legend.Theodora; Empress of Rome. The woman that I was to meet.The door guarded by the two Imperial Guards suddenly swung open. I leapt to my feet, my spine snapping into a salute.“Ouch,” I heard a woman laugh. “What do you think boys, is his back is straight enough?”The two Excubitors chuckled. I blinked, and found myself facing not the Empress, but a woman in the armor of a guard. The breastplate she wore was of plain, functional steel. She carried with her a heavy, iron-rimmed shield with a short-sword and dagger strapped to the belt at her waist.This was a stratiotai’s kit, standard issue amongst the Emperor’s legions. It was the twin of the one I’d worn nearly every day since my sixteenth birthday; right down to the helmet she held in the crook of her arm.She moved towards me, her hobnailed boots loud against the marble floor. My mind was blank and only a decade’s worth of military discipline kept my mouth from gaping open like the world’s largest fish.Woman weren’t soldiers. They couldn’t be soldiers.A woman’s place was married, tending to a home or shop or farm. From crib to hearth to crib to grave; my mother would say while pinching my cheek. A good woman could be happy nowhere else, she’d insisted.And yet, here one was, grinning at me with her emerald eyes.“Loosen up,” she said. “My back hurts just looking at you.”I obeyed the note of easy command in her voice, staring up and over her left shoulder as I would any Centurion.It was easier than trying to work through my confusion.I felt her eyes on me, taking note of the muscles beneath my light tunica. She swept her eyes down my arms and made an approved sound when she saw the callouses on my open palms. I felt her take note of my scars next, her eyes lingering on each one.My face flushed, my heart beating faster.I wasn’t used to being around women, at least not ones that I hadn’t paid for their company. They were hard to find in a legions camp. This guardswoman was strong, confident, and my awkwardness wasn’t helped by the fact that she was intensely beautiful.Her bright green eyes were the most striking, though it was far from the only thing that made her a rarity. Her hair was held back at her forehead by a band of cloth; a wave of copper-colored hair that curled down to her shoulders. And though her skin was bronzed by the summer sun, she had the sort of complexion that was rare to find in the capital since the loss of the Empire’s western provinces.“So, you’re the one who won the foot-race,” she said. “Leontius, right? I watched you come into the Hippodrome. You’ve got good form.”Was she a runner too? Judging from the lean muscles of her arms and legs, she very well could be. And why the hell not? Apparently, women could be soldiers here, why couldn’t they run naked with the rest of us in the athletic events?I heard the rising voice of my mother’s outrage in my head, but I pushed it and all my swirling confusion to the side. I was a soldier, and I knew how to deal with the dangers of the present before I worried about the future. And right now, the danger was that I’d been staring at this guard’s shapely thighs during a long moment of still stretching silence.“Ahem,” I cleared my throat, my face suddenly burning. “Thank you, sir!” I coughed again, “ma'am”She laughed; eyes sparkling. She had a deep, full-bellied laugh; one that thrummed through my chest and made my toes tingle.“Sir is fine,” she said. “For now. I know that you legion boys have a hard time with change.” She winked.“Ah, yes sir,” I swallowed. “Thank you, sir.”“Alright, then. Are you ready to meet your Empress?”“Yes, sir!” I said, snapping off another salute.She smirked, and led me through the open door and into the short hallway beyond. I followed her towards the door at the other end.“You won the Emperor’s foot-race,” she said. “And you’re a soldier; that means that the Emperor has granted you the chance to join the Empress’ Guard.”“Yes, sir.”I tried not to remember that race. I love to run, but that had been brutal. I’d run for almost an entire day, hammered by the summer sun, racing against the thousand others that had decided to sign up.But I’d won, and the Emperor, Justinian himself, had come down from the Imperial box to put the laurel upon my head. I don’t remember much of that day, though I’m sure that beneath the pain and intense dehydration I’d been proud. I had to have been.The guardswoman glanced over her shoulder at me. “It's just a chance; an interview. Remember that. The Empress has the final say.”My face must have flickered, because she spoke again. “You have a question, soldier?”“No, sir.”“Yes, you do,” she said. “Spit it out.”“Sorry, sir, it's just that I thought that it was the Emperor that chose his Excubitors.”Her lip quirked. “We’re not Excubitors. They guard the whole palace, and the Emperor, sure. Our duties are to the Empress, nobody else. That clear?”“Yes, sir!” I said, though of course, her answer had just raised a hundred more questions in me. “Clear as the giant’s foot.”I immediately cringed as the words slipped out. Now wasn’t the time for a damned joke! But to my relief, she laughed once again.“You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you?”We were at hallway’s only other door now, the one that presumably opened into the Empress’ chambers. She turned to regard me with an expression that made the heat rise to behind my neck.“Sorry, sir!” I said. “It's an expression from my home. God as my witness, I meant no offense.”“Your home,” she said. “Rhodes, right?”“I,” I blinked. "Yes, sir.”She grinned. “I knew that there was a reason I liked you. I’m from Lindos, on the eastern side of the island.”“Yes, sir. I know it.”I shoved that information into the same corner of my mind as my now screaming mother. I had family in Lindos, had visited it as a boy. To find out that we may have crossed paths once before was just too much.“I’m from Rhodos,” I said instead. “The city. Though I haven’t been back since I joined the legions.”“It’s been a long time for me as well,” she said.She reached for the ornate handle, pausing to look back at me.“A word of advice,” she said. “The Empress will not be what you expect. Obey her, and remember that while you’re in that room, you’re as responsible for her life as I am.”Without giving me a chance to respond, the armored woman threw open the door and marched me into Empress Theodora’s private chambers.Her sitting room was large, airy, kept cool by an open balcony and several wide windows. The walls were of stone, festooned with tapestry, art and the many other sort of golden things that the rich liked to collect. Beautifully carved wooden chairs, couches and divans were spread throughout the space.And lounging on one, a book held delicately in one hand; was the Empress Theodora.“Highness,” the guardswoman said. “Here’s the man that won the Emperor’s Race.”“Your Majesty,” I said. I dropped to my knees, keeping my eyes on the stone floor. “It would be an honor to serve you.”“Would it, now?” I heard her say in a voice that was tinged with a smile. “Stand up, solider. Let me get a good look at you.”I obeyed, keeping my eyes downcast. I heard the rustle of fabric.“How do you expect to guard me if you’re always looking at the floor?”I flushed, feeling the heat crawl up my neck. I hurriedly looked up, and I swear that for several long heartbeats, I couldn’t breathe.The beauty of the Emperor’s wife was spoken of everywhere her name was known. I had heard her described a thousand different ways; heard a hundred different versions of how she’d come to be named Augusta.Born on faraway Cyprus, she’d come to Constantinople as a child. Her father had trained bears for the circus, and when he’d died, her family had been doomed to the worst sort of poverty. She’d survived as many a young woman had; by trading her body for a roof and something to eat.She’d worked at a brothel, and later as an actress, which many said were the same sort of profession. Constantinople’s taverns were full of men who’d claim to have known her then. They’d wax about the times they’d had her, for one night or many. Others would reminisce about her time on stage, their eyes faraway as they’d recount the day they’d seen her dance clothed in nothing but a long, red-ribbon.I’d heard every story, though none could prepare me for the sight of her. She’d set her book down, her body still draped over the divan. She was young, I realized, barely past her third decade. She wore a thin, silky sort of dress, the material clinging to a figure that had retained its dancer’s strength.Her feet were bare, and she stood in one smooth motion. Her smile was pleased as she glided towards me, her curves tight against the cloth of her dress.Dark, intelligent eyes watched me from above a long neck. It swept of gracefully from her tight chest, a golden chain disappearing into the space that divided it. I wondered what was hidden there, safe and out of sight. How warm the gold must be, cradled against the smoothness of her skin.The Empress smirked. I wrenched my eyes back to the floor, mortified. What in God’s name was I doing? My face burned, and I was opening my mouth to stammer an apology when the Empress spoke.“I did not say that you could look away, soldier.”“A thousand apologies, my Empress,” I said.I lifted my gaze back up to hers with some difficulty. Her eyes were wrinkled in a smile. The rest of her skin was smooth, a warm brown that was a only a few shades lighter than the thick, wavy tresses of hair that cascaded down past her shoulders.She’d stopped an arms-length from me, examining me in the same manner as her guard had a few minutes before. My flush deepened.“Am I making you uncomfortable?”“N, No, your Majesty,” I managed to say.“Good,” her smile widened. “Because I am impressed with you, stratiotai Leontius. And that is without taking into account your victory in my husband’s race. You fought in Persia, did you not?”“Ah, yes, your Majesty. I fought in general Belisarius’ army.”“Indeed,” she said. “You shared in his great victory at Dara, and in his defeat at Callinicum a bare few months ago.”I did not want to remember those battles, that campaign against the Sassanid Persians; neither the baking sun and trenches of Dara or how their cavalry had swept through us at Callinicum.“Yes, your Majesty,” was all I said.“I’ve spoken to many of your fellow soldiers, since Belisarius and his army have trickled back to the capital. You are well regarded by your comrades.”I ducked my head, “thank you, your Majesty.”“A thoughtful man, they all say. One serious about his duty. You had few friends amongst your cohort, yet all respected you.” The Empress continued. “You enlisted at sixteen years of age. You’ve served a decade already, and I believe that you would have served another one if you’d not caught my husband’s attention.”I nodded, ignoring the twist in my stomach.“An exemplary man,” she said. “In most things.”The Empress started to move, circling me. She made a little sound with her throat. “He’s quite handsome as well, is he not?”“I thought so too, Highness,” the emerald-eyed guardswoman said.“Lean,” the Empress continued. “A runner, obviously. Well-muscled, though his shoulders are a little too small. I’m not sure about the beard either, though the jaw beneath looks strong.”“I rather like it, Highness. It's just a dusting of whiskers, but it suits him nicely.”“Yes, well, you’ve always liked them rather savage, Helena. Your Rhodian blood, no doubt.”The other woman, Helena, grinned. “He’s Rhodian too, Highness.”The Empress sniffed. “Figures. I suspect that he will be as uncivilized as you are, then.”Her smile made light of her words, though I was still incredibly uncomfortable. I sweated beneath the attention of the two beautiful women. I kept my back ramrod straight, knowing that I’d be squirming like a virgin at a brothel if I let myself relax.“Now,” the Empress said. “Lie down. On your back.”The order confused me. But she was my Empress, and so I obeyed; lowering myself onto my back, the stone cool through the linen of my tunica.She smiled down at me. “Your obedience is commendable, soldier. And fear not, you’re down there for a reason.”Cloth rustled and sighed, her bare feet making no sound at all as she stepped around me. She was beside my chest now, her large, dark eyes twinkling as she kept her gaze on my face. Inexplicably, I felt my cheeks redden. I averted my gaze.“Look at me,” I heard her snap.My eyes, wide with sudden panic, flew back to her face. Her smile was gone, replaced by a downward twist of her lips.“Your, Your Majesty.” I stammered, frozen, like a rabbit beneath the eagle’s shadow. “Forgive me. Please, I didn’t,”Her smile returned, softening her features and a better companion to the sparkle that had never left her eyes."Shush,” she said. “There’s nothing to forgive.

Cleopatra would have blushed in this Empress' presence.Based on the work of Robyn Bee, In 7 parts. Listen to the ► Podcast at Connected.“I will die before I let them take the purple that robes me. For never will I see the day where those I meet do not call me Empress.”Leontius is stratiotai, a soldier of Rome's armies. He has lived a decade and more of war, staining his boots with the dirt of nations that have dared to raise their blades against the Empire. It's left him tired. So, when given a chance to step from the battlefield and into Constantinople's Imperial Palace, he takes it.Leontius enters the service of Empress Theodora, a woman unlike any other, who rose from the capital's meanest brothels to sit as co-ruler of the Mediterranean's mightiest Empire. But the city writhes in her grip. As embers of rebellion flare into conflagration, Leontius will find that there exists a life beyond what he has known. A path he sees reflected in the smile of a guardswoman with wild, cypress eyes.This is a story set in the Imperial court of the Byzantine Empire in the year 532 AD. It is the tale of a young soldier inducted into the guard of a very horny Empress.“Tell God that He made a mistake, dear father, when He only gave me three holes for pleasure.”I turned those words over in my head, shifting uncomfortably in my seat. I swear, those words had nearly killed my mother when she’d first heard them. She was a tough, tight-lipped seamstress that could heave a bolt of satin over one shoulder with one hand, while she slapped a lesson into me with the other.“What sort of woman would say that?” She’d rail, before clapping her hands over my ears. “Close yourself off to such things,” she’d warn me. “They are not for folks like us.”Those were for the people of the capital, where the streets teemed with prostitutes and silk covered actresses. Not for the goodly, simple folk of Rhodos and my mother’s shop.Despite myself, I felt my lip quirk into a small smile. Of course, the capital was exactly where I was. I stood and kept my eyes lowered until I’d made my way to the nearest window. I stared out into the afternoon sun, breathing deeply of the summer air that was heavy with the scent of nearly half a million people. Constantinople, golden capital of the Eastern Roman, Byzantine Empire and center of the world.I was looking out over the Hippodrome’s track and out into the thousands of domes and roofs of the city. There was no city quite like it in all the world, and even now, a month after having arrived, I still often got lost in its crooked streets.I heard a polite cough behind me, and I turned to find one of the armored guards nodding to the seat I had just vacated. Evidently, I was supposed to wait there.I gritted my teeth, but obeyed. They were just doing their jobs. It wasn’t their fault that I was nearly twitching with restless energy.I adjusted myself on the chair, shifting around in vain to try and find a comfortable position. In all fairness, my discomfort wasn’t the furniture’s fault either. This was, without a doubt, the finest chair I’d ever sat it. Its cushion was thick, held up by four intricately carved legs of scented wood.The rest of the small antechamber was just as luxurious. Everywhere I looked, I saw gold and marble and fine pottery. Even the large door, so diligently guarded by the two armored Excubitors, was carved and inlaid with gold.What in God’s name was I doing here? I was a soldier; my hands calloused by the sword. I was stratiotai, an infantry man. My place was in the shield wall, my sandals stained with the dirt of kingdoms that dared raise their blades against Rome.At least, that’s what I kept telling myself.I heard the muffled sound from behind the guarded door. It made me think back to my mother, to those words that she’d so hated to hear.“Three holes for pleasure,” I murmured to myself.I coughed, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. I shifted again on this damnable chair. What would my mother think if she could see me now? Her only son, her soldier, her little lion; invited to the Imperial Palace.I think that those words would be the first thing she thought of. I think that she would once again clap her hands to my ears so that I would hear no more from the woman that had so famously uttered them.This woman; she who’d been crowned Augusta. A woman who’d come from the flea ridden pallets of the city’s meanest brothel and had risen to command the wealth of half the world. A woman upon who’s words rested the fate of millions. The most powerful woman on earth; co-ruler of the Mediterranean’s mightiest empire and who’s beauty and ruthless intelligence were already being woven into legend.Theodora; Empress of Rome. The woman that I was to meet.The door guarded by the two Imperial Guards suddenly swung open. I leapt to my feet, my spine snapping into a salute.“Ouch,” I heard a woman laugh. “What do you think boys, is his back is straight enough?”The two Excubitors chuckled. I blinked, and found myself facing not the Empress, but a woman in the armor of a guard. The breastplate she wore was of plain, functional steel. She carried with her a heavy, iron-rimmed shield with a short-sword and dagger strapped to the belt at her waist.This was a stratiotai’s kit, standard issue amongst the Emperor’s legions. It was the twin of the one I’d worn nearly every day since my sixteenth birthday; right down to the helmet she held in the crook of her arm.She moved towards me, her hobnailed boots loud against the marble floor. My mind was blank and only a decade’s worth of military discipline kept my mouth from gaping open like the world’s largest fish.Woman weren’t soldiers. They couldn’t be soldiers.A woman’s place was married, tending to a home or shop or farm. From crib to hearth to crib to grave; my mother would say while pinching my cheek. A good woman could be happy nowhere else, she’d insisted.And yet, here one was, grinning at me with her emerald eyes.“Loosen up,” she said. “My back hurts just looking at you.”I obeyed the note of easy command in her voice, staring up and over her left shoulder as I would any Centurion.It was easier than trying to work through my confusion.I felt her eyes on me, taking note of the muscles beneath my light tunica. She swept her eyes down my arms and made an approved sound when she saw the callouses on my open palms. I felt her take note of my scars next, her eyes lingering on each one.My face flushed, my heart beating faster.I wasn’t used to being around women, at least not ones that I hadn’t paid for their company. They were hard to find in a legions camp. This guardswoman was strong, confident, and my awkwardness wasn’t helped by the fact that she was intensely beautiful.Her bright green eyes were the most striking, though it was far from the only thing that made her a rarity. Her hair was held back at her forehead by a band of cloth; a wave of copper-colored hair that curled down to her shoulders. And though her skin was bronzed by the summer sun, she had the sort of complexion that was rare to find in the capital since the loss of the Empire’s western provinces.“So, you’re the one who won the foot-race,” she said. “Leontius, right? I watched you come into the Hippodrome. You’ve got good form.”Was she a runner too? Judging from the lean muscles of her arms and legs, she very well could be. And why the hell not? Apparently, women could be soldiers here, why couldn’t they run naked with the rest of us in the athletic events?I heard the rising voice of my mother’s outrage in my head, but I pushed it and all my swirling confusion to the side. I was a soldier, and I knew how to deal with the dangers of the present before I worried about the future. And right now, the danger was that I’d been staring at this guard’s shapely thighs during a long moment of still stretching silence.“Ahem,” I cleared my throat, my face suddenly burning. “Thank you, sir!” I coughed again, “ma'am”She laughed; eyes sparkling. She had a deep, full-bellied laugh; one that thrummed through my chest and made my toes tingle.“Sir is fine,” she said. “For now. I know that you legion boys have a hard time with change.” She winked.“Ah, yes sir,” I swallowed. “Thank you, sir.”“Alright, then. Are you ready to meet your Empress?”“Yes, sir!” I said, snapping off another salute.She smirked, and led me through the open door and into the short hallway beyond. I followed her towards the door at the other end.“You won the Emperor’s foot-race,” she said. “And you’re a soldier; that means that the Emperor has granted you the chance to join the Empress’ Guard.”“Yes, sir.”I tried not to remember that race. I love to run, but that had been brutal. I’d run for almost an entire day, hammered by the summer sun, racing against the thousand others that had decided to sign up.But I’d won, and the Emperor, Justinian himself, had come down from the Imperial box to put the laurel upon my head. I don’t remember much of that day, though I’m sure that beneath the pain and intense dehydration I’d been proud. I had to have been.The guardswoman glanced over her shoulder at me. “It's just a chance; an interview. Remember that. The Empress has the final say.”My face must have flickered, because she spoke again. “You have a question, soldier?”“No, sir.”“Yes, you do,” she said. “Spit it out.”“Sorry, sir, it's just that I thought that it was the Emperor that chose his Excubitors.”Her lip quirked. “We’re not Excubitors. They guard the whole palace, and the Emperor, sure. Our duties are to the Empress, nobody else. That clear?”“Yes, sir!” I said, though of course, her answer had just raised a hundred more questions in me. “Clear as the giant’s foot.”I immediately cringed as the words slipped out. Now wasn’t the time for a damned joke! But to my relief, she laughed once again.“You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you?”We were at hallway’s only other door now, the one that presumably opened into the Empress’ chambers. She turned to regard me with an expression that made the heat rise to behind my neck.“Sorry, sir!” I said. “It's an expression from my home. God as my witness, I meant no offense.”“Your home,” she said. “Rhodes, right?”“I,” I blinked. "Yes, sir.”She grinned. “I knew that there was a reason I liked you. I’m from Lindos, on the eastern side of the island.”“Yes, sir. I know it.”I shoved that information into the same corner of my mind as my now screaming mother. I had family in Lindos, had visited it as a boy. To find out that we may have crossed paths once before was just too much.“I’m from Rhodos,” I said instead. “The city. Though I haven’t been back since I joined the legions.”“It’s been a long time for me as well,” she said.She reached for the ornate handle, pausing to look back at me.“A word of advice,” she said. “The Empress will not be what you expect. Obey her, and remember that while you’re in that room, you’re as responsible for her life as I am.”Without giving me a chance to respond, the armored woman threw open the door and marched me into Empress Theodora’s private chambers.Her sitting room was large, airy, kept cool by an open balcony and several wide windows. The walls were of stone, festooned with tapestry, art and the many other sort of golden things that the rich liked to collect. Beautifully carved wooden chairs, couches and divans were spread throughout the space.And lounging on one, a book held delicately in one hand; was the Empress Theodora.“Highness,” the guardswoman said. “Here’s the man that won the Emperor’s Race.”“Your Majesty,” I said. I dropped to my knees, keeping my eyes on the stone floor. “It would be an honor to serve you.”“Would it, now?” I heard her say in a voice that was tinged with a smile. “Stand up, solider. Let me get a good look at you.”I obeyed, keeping my eyes downcast. I heard the rustle of fabric.“How do you expect to guard me if you’re always looking at the floor?”I flushed, feeling the heat crawl up my neck. I hurriedly looked up, and I swear that for several long heartbeats, I couldn’t breathe.The beauty of the Emperor’s wife was spoken of everywhere her name was known. I had heard her described a thousand different ways; heard a hundred different versions of how she’d come to be named Augusta.Born on faraway Cyprus, she’d come to Constantinople as a child. Her father had trained bears for the circus, and when he’d died, her family had been doomed to the worst sort of poverty. She’d survived as many a young woman had; by trading her body for a roof and something to eat.She’d worked at a brothel, and later as an actress, which many said were the same sort of profession. Constantinople’s taverns were full of men who’d claim to have known her then. They’d wax about the times they’d had her, for one night or many. Others would reminisce about her time on stage, their eyes faraway as they’d recount the day they’d seen her dance clothed in nothing but a long, red-ribbon.I’d heard every story, though none could prepare me for the sight of her. She’d set her book down, her body still draped over the divan. She was young, I realized, barely past her third decade. She wore a thin, silky sort of dress, the material clinging to a figure that had retained its dancer’s strength.Her feet were bare, and she stood in one smooth motion. Her smile was pleased as she glided towards me, her curves tight against the cloth of her dress.Dark, intelligent eyes watched me from above a long neck. It swept of gracefully from her tight chest, a golden chain disappearing into the space that divided it. I wondered what was hidden there, safe and out of sight. How warm the gold must be, cradled against the smoothness of her skin.The Empress smirked. I wrenched my eyes back to the floor, mortified. What in God’s name was I doing? My face burned, and I was opening my mouth to stammer an apology when the Empress spoke.“I did not say that you could look away, soldier.”“A thousand apologies, my Empress,” I said.I lifted my gaze back up to hers with some difficulty. Her eyes were wrinkled in a smile. The rest of her skin was smooth, a warm brown that was a only a few shades lighter than the thick, wavy tresses of hair that cascaded down past her shoulders.She’d stopped an arms-length from me, examining me in the same manner as her guard had a few minutes before. My flush deepened.“Am I making you uncomfortable?”“N, No, your Majesty,” I managed to say.“Good,” her smile widened. “Because I am impressed with you, stratiotai Leontius. And that is without taking into account your victory in my husband’s race. You fought in Persia, did you not?”“Ah, yes, your Majesty. I fought in general Belisarius’ army.”“Indeed,” she said. “You shared in his great victory at Dara, and in his defeat at Callinicum a bare few months ago.”I did not want to remember those battles, that campaign against the Sassanid Persians; neither the baking sun and trenches of Dara or how their cavalry had swept through us at Callinicum.“Yes, your Majesty,” was all I said.“I’ve spoken to many of your fellow soldiers, since Belisarius and his army have trickled back to the capital. You are well regarded by your comrades.”I ducked my head, “thank you, your Majesty.”“A thoughtful man, they all say. One serious about his duty. You had few friends amongst your cohort, yet all respected you.” The Empress continued. “You enlisted at sixteen years of age. You’ve served a decade already, and I believe that you would have served another one if you’d not caught my husband’s attention.”I nodded, ignoring the twist in my stomach.“An exemplary man,” she said. “In most things.”The Empress started to move, circling me. She made a little sound with her throat. “He’s quite handsome as well, is he not?”“I thought so too, Highness,” the emerald-eyed guardswoman said.“Lean,” the Empress continued. “A runner, obviously. Well-muscled, though his shoulders are a little too small. I’m not sure about the beard either, though the jaw beneath looks strong.”“I rather like it, Highness. It's just a dusting of whiskers, but it suits him nicely.”“Yes, well, you’ve always liked them rather savage, Helena. Your Rhodian blood, no doubt.”The other woman, Helena, grinned. “He’s Rhodian too, Highness.”The Empress sniffed. “Figures. I suspect that he will be as uncivilized as you are, then.”Her smile made light of her words, though I was still incredibly uncomfortable. I sweated beneath the attention of the two beautiful women. I kept my back ramrod straight, knowing that I’d be squirming like a virgin at a brothel if I let myself relax.“Now,” the Empress said. “Lie down. On your back.”The order confused me. But she was my Empress, and so I obeyed; lowering myself onto my back, the stone cool through the linen of my tunica.She smiled down at me. “Your obedience is commendable, soldier. And fear not, you’re down there for a reason.”Cloth rustled and sighed, her bare feet making no sound at all as she stepped around me. She was beside my chest now, her large, dark eyes twinkling as she kept her gaze on my face. Inexplicably, I felt my cheeks redden. I averted my gaze.“Look at me,” I heard her snap.My eyes, wide with sudden panic, flew back to her face. Her smile was gone, replaced by a downward twist of her lips.“Your, Your Majesty.” I stammered, frozen, like a rabbit beneath the eagle’s shadow. “Forgive me. Please, I didn’t,”Her smile returned, softening her features and a better companion to the sparkle that had never left her eyes."Shush,” she said. “There’s nothing to forgive.

I declare that I am unintimidated  by the present pursuits and passions of the  world. That the world will not succeed in bullying me to bow to perversion and to uphold corruption.  Regardless of how hot Nebuchadenezzar heats the fire  In hopes of my conversion to his demonic ideologies  And to the acceptance of his brand of darkness, I will not bow down. I bow only to the God whose kingdom has no end, Whose throne is founded in righteousness and justice,  Who draws boundaries to guarantee my freedom,  And the one who defines my existence. The one who is responsible for fuelling my consecration  This is the truth of God that I build my life upon. It's not a  seasonal subscription for a single season in my life  But it's an eternal subscription that is for today and the age to come. Daniel 3:16-20 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[c] from Your Majesty's hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. I declare that I am a part of the "even if breed" the Lord brings upon the earth, That even if our prayers are not answered the way we desire them to be answered , We will not bow down. That even if the world calls good evil and evil good , We will not bow down. That even if our reputation is on the line  We will not bow down. I choose to daily sow to the spirit, That I may reap eternal life. And till the very end may i be found standing for, with and in Christ alone. This is Sassy and I pray the release of the Kingdom of God into your life. Anchor Scriptures: Daniel 3:16-20   [refer to transcript] Galatians 6:7     “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Psalm 89:14  “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.” ‭‭ Connect with Pastor Yasmin O'Lugudor: Instagram: [@yasmin_o_lugudor] ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/yasmin_o_lugudor/⁠⁠ Youtube: [Yasmin O'Lugudor]  ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFMhc2-gpHvmDVUVE_bA_QA⁠⁠ Email: ⁠sassy@yasminolugudor.com⁠ Produced By The Christ Creatives: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/the_christ_creatives/⁠

Colossians 2:18-19 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. 19 They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. (NIV) 4 Insights On How To Activate Angels In Your Life 1. Be aware of the spiritual realm Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 10:3–4 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (NIV) 2. Resist demonic attacks  Daniel 6:13 Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” (NIV) Daniel 6:22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” (NIV)  Matthew 4:11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (NIV) 2A. Resist with the Word of God   Matthew 4:3- 4 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (NIV) 
  2B. Resist with the fear of God Matthew 4:7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (NIV) 6 Blessings God Gives To Those Who Fear Him 1. Wisdom Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (NIV) 2. God speaks to those who fear him Psalm 25:14 "The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them." (NIV) 3. Protection for you and your children Proverbs 14:26 Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children. (NLT) 4. Life Proverbs 19:23 Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm. (NLT) 5. Prosperity Proverbs 22:4: True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life. (NLT) 6. Angelic help Psalm 34:7 "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them." (NIV)  2C. Resist with worship Matthew 4:10-11 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (NIV) 3. Earnestly pray and seek God Acts 12:5–7 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. (NIV) 4. Trust God at all times Psalm 91:2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (NIV) 4A. Trust God when you’re being attacked   Psalm 91:7-12 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. (NIV) 4B. Trust God when you feel like giving up 1 Kings 19:4–6 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. (NIV)  4C. Trust God when you don’t want to do his will Luke 22:41–43 “He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. (NIV)

Psalm 103:20 Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. (NLT) Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (NIV) Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. (NIV) 8 Good Things Angels Do For God’s People 1. They can protect us Daniel 6:22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” (NIV)  Exodus 23:20 “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. (NIV) Psalm 91:11–12 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. (NIV)  2. They can physically direct us Genesis 19:15–16 With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.” 16 When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them. (NIV)  3. They can rescue us Acts 12:7–11 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.” (NIV) 4. They can provide for us 1 Kings 19:4–8 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. 7 The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.” (NIV)  5. They can strengthen us Luke 22:43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.  (NIV)  6. They can perform supernatural feats Luke 22:43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.  (NIV) Daniel 6:22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” (NIV)  Acts 12:10–11 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.” (NIV) Matthew 28:2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. (NIV)   Revelation 20:1-3 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.  3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time. (NIV) 7. They can fight spiritual battles on your behalf Daniel 10:12-13 12 Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer.  13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. (NLT) Jude 9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”  (NIV) 2 Kings 6:16-17 “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” 17 Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. (NLT) 8. They are with Jesus when He returns for His people 1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. (NIV)

As we continue through the book of Daniel we're asking ourselves how can we avoid being formed by our culture and instead bring the kingdom into our culture."If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."Daniel 3:17

4 Major Types of Angels In The Bible 1. Seraphim  Isaiah 6:2-4 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. (NIV) 2. Cherubim Genesis 3:24 After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. (NIV) 3. Archangels 6 Facts About Archangels 1. Michael is the only archangel listed by name in the Bible (Jude 1:9) (Daniel 10:13) Daniel 10:13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia (NLT) Luke 1:19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. (NIV) Luke 1:26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee (NIV) 2. Michael stands guard over Israel 3. Michael directly opposes Satan Jude 1:9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (NIV) 4. Michael battles against evil angels including Satan 5. Michael is a military commander 6. Archangels shout a loud command when Jesus returns for His church 1 Thessalonians 4:16- For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. (NIV) 4. Guardian Angels  Psalms 91:11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; (NIV) Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (NIV) Matthew 18:10 See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. (NIV) Daniel 6:22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” (NIV) Acts 12:15 “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” (NIV) 5. Angels have different rankings and power Revelation 12:7- Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. (NIV)  Peter speaks of Jesus going to Heaven and lists a hierarchy of angels: 1 Peter 3:22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. (NIV) Job 1:6 One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. (NLT) Job 2:1 One day the members of the heavenly court came again to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. (NLT) Psalm 82:1 God presides over heaven’s court; he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings: (NLT) Psalm 82:1 God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: (ESV) 6. Angels are messengers who speak to humanity Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. (NIV) 1. They can give us a promise from God Genesis 16:10 The angel added, “I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count.” (NIV) 2. They can warn us Genesis 19:15 With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.” (NIV) 3. They can give us instructions Genesis 22:11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. (NIV) 4. They can give us directions Acts 8:26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (NIV) 5. They can encourage us Judges 6:12 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” (NIV) 6. They can announce God’s plan Judges 13:3 The angel of the LORD appeared to her and said, “You are barren and childless, but you are going to become pregnant and give birth to a son. (NIV) 7. They can give us the words we need to speak Zechariah 1:14 Then the angel who was speaking to me said, “Proclaim this word: This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion, (NIV) 8. They can encourage us not to be afraid Acts 27:23–25 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. (NIV)  9. They can help us experience salvation

Today we are going to stay in the book of Daniel and specifically look at how we can learn from Daniel and his friends about how we can intentionally build healthy guardrails as people of faith that can help keep us on the right path for the long term just like Daniel walked out over decades. As we bow our knee to Jesus and make him Lord, he begins a refining process in us of using conviction and care to mold us into who he wants us to be.“Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[c] from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.'”Daniel 3:16-18

Here AgainReleased in 2018 by the band, Elevation Worship who are the music leaders for Elevation Church in NC. It provides opportunities for us to do several things:To acknowledge the hard place we often find ourselves, in-between where we've been and what God has said will be… and then, to lay that struggle, our emotions, our plans, our effort at the feet of the Lord as an offering of trust.For us to glorify the faithfulness of God, recognizing that regardless of how we feel or whether or not we sense His presence, and no matter what happens, He has pursued us our whole lives, has not abandoned us in our place of discomfort, and WILL see us through to the very best He has for us.For us to establish and pursue our relationship with Jesus as the most important thing. Above our comfort, above our desired outcomes, above any godly pursuit, this is our declaration to pursue God Himself first.Submission Facilitates VictoryCan't go back to the beginning, Can't control what tomorrow will bring, Let your love rise above every fear, In my weakness your glory appearsLife is full of difficult spotsLoss of idyllic pastInability to control envisioned futureLamenting failures or sinDealing with trauma from the sin of othersThese places in between “what was” and “what will be” are spiritual battlefields.Enemy will sow everything from bitterness, resentment, fear, discontentment, pride… all things that will rob us of the abundant life Jesus bought for us.James 4:7 (ESV) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.Submission means both “yielding control of” AND “presenting or offering”Acknowledge the hard place we often find ourselves, in-between where we've been and what God has said will be… and then, lay that struggle; our emotions, our plans, our effort at the feet of the Lord as an offering of trust.Submit yourself to God and the enemy will retreat.When we sing these words, offer to the Lord everything weighing you down. Every pain, scar, fear, hope, and plan.Surrender to God's plans for your future and redemption of your past.Commit to stop looking in the rear view mirror and start looking forward.Thank the Lord for breakthroughs that are coming.Never Alone in the ProcessAs I walk now through the valley, Not for a minute was I forsaken, Dry bones awaken, The Lord is in this placeRegardless of how we feel, whether we sense His presence or not, and no matter what happens, He has not abandoned us and WILL see us through to His very best for us.2 Sam 14:14 (NLT) All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him.God has always been, and always will be working to draw us closer to Himself.Doesn't depend on our awarenessExtends beyond our acknowledgementIs a result of His character and the value He's placed on us: the life of His only sonLike David, encourage yourself in the Lord when you feel alone.Acknowledge and give thanks for the ways He's been faithful in the past.Evaluate the following and respond to the Lord accordingly:Facts: You don't FEEL Him, SEE Him working, or UNDERSTAND His plan. Maybe you're even struggling to believe He cares or is even there.Lies: He's abandoned you. You're too broken. He was never really there at all.Truth: God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He demonstrated His love for you in that while you were still embracing sin, He died to justify you in the presence of God the Father and for the CHANCE that you might choose to trust Him for that. There is nothing outside of you or inside of you that can separate you from His love.When we sing these words, praise God for His character of faithfulness and love.Reject the lies the enemy has told you,Embrace the truth of what God says,Regardless of the facts of your circumstance.King First, Kingdom SecondAll I want is all you are, Come Holy Spirit, I'm not enough unless you come, Will you meet me here againThe Kingdom of God is built around and for the glory of God. He is central to all aspects of it.Declaration that we want Him over anything elseInvitation for Him to take His rightful place as the King of our livesDaniel 3:17-18 (NLT) “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”It's easy to develop a relationship with Jesus where we pursue the things He's promised as a priority over pursuing Him.Establish (or reestablish) and pursue our relationship with Jesus as the most important thing. Above our comfort, above desired outcomes, above any godly pursuit; this is our declaration to pursue God Himself first.When we sing these words make them a personal expression from you to Jesus.Invite Him to meet you right where you're atAsk Him to change your heartAsk Him to heal your unbelief

We will either SET the culture or REFLECT the culture. Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. John 17:15-16 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Satan's Lie: “I am all about YOU.” “God is all about HIMSELF.” Genesis 11:4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves.” Genesis 11:9 That is why it was called Babel—because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. Revelation 17:5 The name written on her forehead was a mystery: BABYLON THE GREAT. THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Isaiah 47:8-10 “Now then, listen, you lover of pleasure, lounging in your security and saying to yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me. I will never be a widow or suffer the loss of children.' Both of these will overtake you in a moment, on a single day: loss of children and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and all your potent spells. You have trusted in your wickedness and have said, ‘No one sees me.' Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you when you say to yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me.'” Babylon's Motto: “I AM, and there is none besides ME.” Elevates SELF.  Self-ADORING.  Self-BUILDING.  Self-INDULGING. Lowers GOD  God doesn't LOVE me.  God isn't FOR me.  God wants TOO MUCH from me. Daniel 4:4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous. Daniel 4:22 Your Majesty, you are that tree! You have become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth. Daniel 4:25-26 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.   The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules. Daniel 4:34-37 At the end of that time, I, Neb, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. 1. I will EXALT God. Psalm 145:1 I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. 2. I will ACKNOWLEDGE God. 1 Corinthians 4:7 LB What are you so puffed up about? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why act as though you have accomplished something on your own? 3. I will HUMBLE myself. James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. STANDING STRONG in a pride-inflated culture begins FACEDOWN. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coastalchurch/message

Daniel 6:4 Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn't find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.” Daniel 6:16-22 So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.”A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own royal seal and the seals of his nobles, so that no one could rescue Daniel. Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn't sleep at all that night. Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions' den. When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?” Daniel answered, “Long live the king! My God sent his angel to shut the lions' mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.” Daniel 6:23 The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God. How do we grow in consistency? 1. START WITH THE END IN MIND Daniel 1:8 NKJV But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…. 2. EMBRACE THE PROCESS Daniel 6:10 But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. 3. FOCUS ON PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION Winston Churchill - “perfection is the enemy of progress.” Philippians 3:12-13 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coastalchurch/message

I Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. Daniel 3:12 But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:13-14 Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up?  Standing firm TAKES COURAGE. Daniel 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not worried about what will happen to us.” Courage isn't the ABSENCE of fear. Courage is standing firm IN SPITE of my fear.  Standing firm REQUIRES FAITH. Daniel 3:17-18 TLB “If we are thrown into the flaming furnace, our God is able to deliver us; and he will deliver us out of your hand, Your Majesty. But if he doesn't, please understand, sir, that even then we will never under any circumstance serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have erected.” If we don't stand FOR SOMETHING, we will fall FOR ANYTHING. Daniel 3:26-27 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.  Standing firm INSPIRES OTHERS. Daniel 3:28-30 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.” Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon. We are called to be a VOICE not an ECHO. 1. Stand in PRAYER. Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  Ephesians 6:13-14a Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then… 2. Stand for MY PURPOSE. I Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 3. Stand for GOD. Matthew 10:32 MESS “Stand up for me against world opinion and I'll stand up for you before my Father in heaven.” Colossians 3:1 …where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Acts 7:55-56 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coastalchurch/message

The Bible is full of stories of God doing amazing things for those He calls. One of the most famous seems too good to be true—but it is!   Daniel, God's man in exile in Babylon, insisted on worshiping the Lord, and not a human king. This was against the law. When those who were jealous of him urged the king to punish Daniel, the prophet was thrown into a lion's den overnight.   And that was that…or was it?   The next morning the king was so anxious about Daniel that he ran to the den and called out to him, to see if he was still alive.   Daniel 6:21–22 says, “Daniel answered, ‘May the king live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.'”   When life threatens to rip you up, remember that the Lord has you. God is on your side, knows where you are, and will hide you in the palm of His strong hand. Believe that He will.   Let's pray.   Lord, this story inspires us to rely on you when times are really bad. Thank you for being our rescue. In Jesus' name, amen.

The Rabbis share thier insights and observations on one pasuk from Megilas Esther וַיֹּאמֶר הָמָן לַמֶּלֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ יֶשְׁנוֹ עַם־אֶחָד מְפֻזָּר וּמְפֹרָד בֵּין הָעַמִּים בְּכֹל מְדִינוֹת מַלְכוּתֶךָ וְדָתֵיהֶם שֹׁנוֹת מִכׇּל־עָם וְאֶת־דָּתֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ אֵינָם עֹשִׂים וְלַמֶּלֶךְ אֵין־שֹׁוֶה לְהַנִּיחָם׃ Haman then said to King Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people, scattered and dispersed among the other peoples in all the provinces of your realm, whose laws are different from those of any other people and who do not obey the king's laws; and it is not in Your Majesty's interest to tolerate them. Click here to view the pasuk on Sefaria

Today, Adam kicks off the show by showing the differences in persecution from both genders, Dr. Drew reports back from the Legion of Skanks, and the news outlet who put themselves out of business. Plus, Whoopi's lack of information, and the sad story of a girl named, Your Majesty.

Today we learn from Daniel that obedience to God's law is non-negotiable and unchangeable. Please join Pastor Jeff in this amazing podcast episode! Daniel 6:6-7 6 So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever! 7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions' den.

Join Pastor Jeff today as he continues to share from the book of Daniel. God provides us chances to repent our sins every day. And there is only way to do that. it is by accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior!   Daniel 4: 24,25 and 27 24 “This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king: 25 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes. 27 Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.”

Message for 2/04/2024 "Sticks and Stones" by Justin McTeer. *All verses are NLT unless otherwise noted* Matthew 1:1 - This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham Matthew 1:18-23 - This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. 20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord's message through his prophet: 23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us John 3:1-2 - There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee.2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.” Matthew 2:1-12 - Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” 3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. 4 He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: 6 ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.'” 7 Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. 8 Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” 9 After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. Matthew 2:13-18 - After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 14 That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, 15 and they stayed there until Herod's death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.” 16 Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men's report of the star's first appearance.17 Herod's brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: 18 “A cry was heard in Ramah—weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead.” Matthew 2:19-22a - When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. 20 “Get up!” the angel said. “Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead.” 21 So Joseph got up and returned to the land of Israel with Jesus and his mother. 22 But when he learned that the new ruler of Judea was Herod's son Archelaus, he was afraid to go there. Matthew 2:22b - Then, after being warned in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee. 23 So the family went and lived in a town called Nazareth. This fulfilled what the prophets had said: “He will be called a Nazarene.” Isaiah 11:1-5 - Out of the stump of David's family will grow a shoot—yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. 2 And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. 3 He will delight in obeying the Lord. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. 4 He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked. 5 He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment. Jeremiah 23:5-6 - For the time is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David's line. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land. Matthew 21:42 - Then Jesus asked them, “Didn't you ever read this in the Scriptures? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord's doing, and it is wonderful to see.' Daniel 2:31-35 - “In your vision, Your Majesty, you saw standing before you a huge, shining statue of a man. It was a frightening sight. 32 The head of the statue was made of fine gold. Its chest and arms were silver, its belly and thighs were bronze, 33 its legs were iron, and its feet were a combination of iron and baked clay. 34 As you watched, a rock was cut from a mountain, but not by human hands. It struck the feet of iron and clay, smashing them to bits. 35 The whole statue was crushed into small pieces of iron, clay, bronze, silver, and gold. Then the wind blew them away without a trace, like chaff on a threshing floor. But the rock that knocked the statue down became a great mountain that covered the whole earth.

Devilution of Man - Neanderthals Are Now Smarterhttp://www.battle4freedom.com/avdio/?id=1918Website: http://www.battle4freedom.comNetwork: https://www.mojo50.comStreaming: https://www.rumble.com/Battle4Freedomhttps://youtu.be/ZV5arQxexyg?si=wAH8Lehb4_gtPnT7Ayn Rand Institute - Democracy vs a Constitutional Republichttps://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+29%3A9&version=ESVProverbs 29:9 If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.Once upon a time, in a vibrant forest, a donkey and a tiger engaged in a fervent debate about the color of the grass. The donkey firmly believed that the grass was blue, while the tiger insisted that it was green. Unable to reach a resolution, the two animals decided to seek arbitration from the wise and powerful lion.As they approached the lion, the donkey cunningly took the opportunity to manipulate the situation in its favor. It loudly exclaimed, "Your Highness, isn't it true that the grass is blue?" Seizing the moment, the lion, without investigating the truth, proclaimed, "True, the grass is blue."The donkey, triumphant in its victory, urged the lion to punish the tiger for disagreeing and causing annoyance. The lion, unaware of the donkey's deception, declared that the tiger would face five years of silence as punishment.Perplexed but obedient, the tiger accepted the punishment and questioned the lion privately, "Your Majesty, why have you punished me when the grass is, in fact, green?" The lion calmly responded, "Indeed, the grass is green. However, the punishment stems not from the color of the grass but from wasting time arguing with a foolish donkey and disturbing my peace."https://youtu.be/V83BSNn4vFI?si=gd8oW494tFQm5WSUAyn Rand Institute - Does God Exist?https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13021117/elon-musk-neuralink-brain-implant-patient.html'Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than an auctioneer': Elon Musk reveals first human has had a BRAIN implant from Neuralink's new 'Telepathy' product - allowing people to use technology 'just by thinking'Elon Musk announced the news on X, saying the operation happened on SundayHis firm Neuralink was granted permission in September to begin human trialsNeuralink is intended to allow paralyzed people to control movement by thoughthttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13019295/Alzheimers-spread-humans-Groundbreaking-study-reveals-five-people-caught-memory-robbing-illness-discontinued-hormone-treatment-scientists-warn-hundreds-risk.htmlAlzheimer's can be spread BETWEEN humans: Pioneering study reveals at least five people have 'caught' memory-robbing illness - as scientists warn hundreds more may be 'at risk'Children were given growth hormones and later developed early-onset dementiaAlzheimer's is caused by a toxic amyloid-beta protein building up in the brainhttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13019245/How-soon-feel-ill-catching-elses-disease-measles-colds-flu-Covid-expert-guide-symptoms-hit-long-infectious-for.htmlHow soon until you feel ill after catching someone else's disease? From measles to colds, flu and Covid, our expert guide to when the symptoms will hit... and how long YOU are then infectious forhttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13019067/Richard-x-bove-dollar-collapse-china-money-superpower.htmlFamed financial analyst Richard X. Bove predicts the fall of the US economy and says China will take over as the money superpower in his final forecast ahead of his retirement: 'The dollar is finished as the world's reserve currency'The recently-retired banking oracle - who forecast the 2008 housing crisis - made the dramatic prediction this weekBove, 83, claimed other analysts won't make the same admission because they're 'monks praying to money' who rely on the mainstream financial systemIt comes despite the collapse of its property sector, which accounts for roughly a quarter of the country's economy, and US growthhttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-13002033/The-dawn-aquatic-age-begun-Silicon-Valley-billionaires-investing-floating-cities-international-waters-avoid-regulations-taxes.html'The dawn of the aquatic age has begun'! Silicon Valley billionaires investing in floating cities in international waters where they can avoid regulations and taxesFirst SeaPods unveiled in 2022, with plans for offshore 'seasteads'Bitcoin entrepreneur unveiled 'seastead' off coast of Thailandhttps://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1%3A20&version=ESVFor his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.Romans 1:20

He was born in Rome, and as a young man was chosen by the Emperor Constantine to assist in the foundation of his new capital at Byzantium. An outbreak of leprosy in the new City became so severe that the Emperor ordered that all lepers, whatever their rank, be driven from the city or drowned in the sea. Zoticus, moved by compassion for these people, went to the Emperor and asked him for a large amount of gold to buy gems and pearls to enhance the glory of the city, 'For, as Your Majesty knows, I am well-qualified in this field.' The Saint then used the gold to ransom all those being led into exile or to drowning, and to establish for them a camp on the hill of Olivet on the opposite shore of the Bosphorus. There he brought the sick and provided for their care.   In 337 Constantius, an Arian heretic, took the throne upon the death of his father. Some of Zoticus' enemies at court, seeing an opportunity, denounced Zoticus to the new Emperor, saying that he not only held subversive views, but had misappropriated public money. When he learned of these charges, Zoticus presented himself to the Emperor, finely dressed, and offered to take Constantius to see the gems and pearls that he had bought on his behalf. When they reached the hill of Olivet, Constantius was astonished to see a company of lepers coming to greet him with lighted candles, honoring and praising him and their patron Zoticus. Then the holy Zoticus said to the Emperor, 'These are the precious stones and brilliant pearls that give luster to the crown of the heavenly Kingdom that you will inherit by their prayers. I bought them for the salvation of your soul.'   Instead of being grateful, the heartless Emperor ordered that Zoticus be tied behind wild mules and dragged until dead. The mules ran down the hill, breaking the Saint's body upon the rocks and brush. Then, of their own accord, they returned to the top of the hill, still dragging the body, and, like Balaam's ass (Numbers ch. 22), spoke and proclaimed that the Martyr must be buried on that hill. The astonished and repentant Emperor ordered the Martyr buried with honor, and commanded that a hospital for lepers be built there, staffed by the best physicians and caretakers.   Saint Zoticus is also called Orphanotrophos, 'Cherisher of Orphans,' because in later years a large orphanage was added to the leprosarium. The orphanage included a general hospital and a home for the aged. The Saint was honored throughout Byzantine history as the patron of the orphanage.

He was born in Rome, and as a young man was chosen by the Emperor Constantine to assist in the foundation of his new capital at Byzantium. An outbreak of leprosy in the new City became so severe that the Emperor ordered that all lepers, whatever their rank, be driven from the city or drowned in the sea. Zoticus, moved by compassion for these people, went to the Emperor and asked him for a large amount of gold to buy gems and pearls to enhance the glory of the city, 'For, as Your Majesty knows, I am well-qualified in this field.' The Saint then used the gold to ransom all those being led into exile or to drowning, and to establish for them a camp on the hill of Olivet on the opposite shore of the Bosphorus. There he brought the sick and provided for their care.   In 337 Constantius, an Arian heretic, took the throne upon the death of his father. Some of Zoticus' enemies at court, seeing an opportunity, denounced Zoticus to the new Emperor, saying that he not only held subversive views, but had misappropriated public money. When he learned of these charges, Zoticus presented himself to the Emperor, finely dressed, and offered to take Constantius to see the gems and pearls that he had bought on his behalf. When they reached the hill of Olivet, Constantius was astonished to see a company of lepers coming to greet him with lighted candles, honoring and praising him and their patron Zoticus. Then the holy Zoticus said to the Emperor, 'These are the precious stones and brilliant pearls that give luster to the crown of the heavenly Kingdom that you will inherit by their prayers. I bought them for the salvation of your soul.'   Instead of being grateful, the heartless Emperor ordered that Zoticus be tied behind wild mules and dragged until dead. The mules ran down the hill, breaking the Saint's body upon the rocks and brush. Then, of their own accord, they returned to the top of the hill, still dragging the body, and, like Balaam's ass (Numbers ch. 22), spoke and proclaimed that the Martyr must be buried on that hill. The astonished and repentant Emperor ordered the Martyr buried with honor, and commanded that a hospital for lepers be built there, staffed by the best physicians and caretakers.   Saint Zoticus is also called Orphanotrophos, 'Cherisher of Orphans,' because in later years a large orphanage was added to the leprosarium. The orphanage included a general hospital and a home for the aged. The Saint was honored throughout Byzantine history as the patron of the orphanage.

We live in a Spiritual Crab Pot, will the Freedom Caucus break the hold of The Party of crabs? MSNBC's Mika Brezinsky just complained people are being allowed to see the true Joe Biden. She is angry people get to see Biden's dementia in the full light. Mika is a crab who wants to pull other people into the hot pot. In a spiritual sense, she is in the darkness and is clawing to bury us with her. The spiritually captured crab-bosses at FOX News didn't give their audience a chance to see J6 in full light when they fired Tucker Carlson before he could air his interview with the D.C. police chief who confirmed the FBI had agents all over the J6 crowd.The Freedom Caucus is at least performing the act of bringing light to the utter rot of the FBI, the FISA Court and the spiritually captured crab-bosses of the Pentagon. Even if they don't get any legislation passed, they are bringing the demons into the light, which will eventually send them back to the pit. What does God's Word say? Daniel 4:25-35 25 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes. 26 The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules. 27 Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.”The Dream Is Fulfilled28 All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”31 Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. 32 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.”33 Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.35 All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?”Episode 954 Links:Biden skips NATO leaders dinner, with officials citing busy scheduleMSNBC's ⁦@morningmika to Biden's staff: “Do a better job b/c you can't have these video images of the president tripping or the president like going to wrong way … b/c his age is going to be factor … It makes me mad.”Capitol Police Chief told Tucker that J6 crowd was loaded w/federal agents. Fox fired Tucker before he could air the interview. The Biden regime doesn't want the country to know the truth about J6. It was a highly coordinated federal operationA great video summary of the broken FBIToday I filed a resolution to end illegal FISA surveillance of American citizens. The persistent abuse of Section 702 of FISA underscores the disturbing trend of our federal government being weaponized against its people. The blatant misuse of warrantless surveillance powers targeting Americans' communications should not be accepted or reauthorized. We must uphold national security without sacrificing the constitutional rights of our fellow Americans. Biden is reportedly providing banned cluster munitions to Ukraine, despite the Cluster Munitions Treaty signed by over 100 countries, per NYTMatt Gaetz: Today I spoke in support of my amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) before the House Rules Committee. Here are some of the critical amendments I introduced:Jim Jordan: Retaliate against a whistleblower? Lose your salary. Discourage U.S. Marshals from protecting #SCOTUS justices? No funds for you. And no new funds for an FBI headquarters! Freedom Caucus appropriations requests4Patriots https://4patriots.com Protect your family with Food kits, solar generators and more at 4Patriots. Use code TODD for 10% off your first purchase. Alan's Soaps https://alanssoaps.com/TODD Use coupon code ‘TODD' to save an additional 10% off the bundle price. BiOptimizers https://magbreakthrough.com/todd Use promo code TODD for 10% off your order. Bonefrog https://bonefrog.us Enter promo code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your subscription. Bulwark Capital http://KnowYourRiskRadio.com Find out how Bulwark Capital Actively Manages risk. Call 866-779-RISK or visit KnowYourRiskRadio.com Patriot Mobile https://patriotmobile.com/herman Get free activation today with offer code HERMAN. 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