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A common and quietly damaging misconception in the Christian life is that holiness means being voiceless, that servanthood means accepting mistreatment, and that Jesus modeled silence in every situation. He did not. Yes, there were moments Jesus chose not to defend Himself. But He also corrected the Pharisees, stood up for Himself when criticized, and questioned those who treated Him wrongfully. The cross was not the story of a doormat — it was the story of the Son of God who laid down His life of His own accord, by His own authority, according to His Father's will. John 10:18 makes that unmistakably clear. There is a straight line from Jesus' example to our own: we are not bad Christians for having a voice. We are not unloving for saying "you hurt me," or "I will speak with you again when you can be respectful," or simply "no." God entrusted us with decision-making. Wisdom, dignity, and worth are not the enemies of humility. They are part of bearing the image of the One who was powerful, purposeful, and deeply worthy. Today's Bible Verse "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."— John 10:18, NIV Ponder Today Jesus was not a doormat — and His example does not call us to be one either. He corrected, questioned, and spoke up when it was right to do so. Holiness is not the same as silence, and servanthood is not the same as accepting abuse. The cross was an act of sovereign power, not passive suffering. Jesus laid down His life of His own accord, by His own authority. That is not weakness — it is the most powerful act in human history, chosen freely out of love. Ask God for discernment about when to speak and when to be still. Jesus operated according to the Father's will, not the pressure of those around Him. That same Spirit is available to guide us in knowing when to speak a brave word and when to remain quiet. A Prayer for You Today Father, I want to thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ — the perfect example He is to me, and for the cross, which is not an endorsement of abuse but a picture of One freely laying down His life for us. It is the ultimate gateway to salvation, and we thank You for it. Teach us when to speak up and when to stay silent. Show us when to act and when to be still. Give us discernment in our knowing and going. In Jesus' name, Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer helped you remember that your voice matters and your worth is real, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to strengthen your identity in Christ every day. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
June 21, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 15:1-10 or Luke 15:11-32Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 24:1-22; John 19:1-22“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.You would expect a father to be furious with his son. First, this son asks for his inheritance while his father is still living - implying that his father is better to him dead than alive. Then, he wastes all of his father's possessions and has the audacity to come home to his father. It's worth noting that the son wants to beg to be his father's servant rather than demanding his place as a son, but it is still insulting. You would expect the father to be angry with his son. But this is a parable told by Christ Jesus, and so it should be no surprise that things go differently than expected. Notice what has happened. “While he was still a long way off,” —the father kept an eye out for his son, waiting for him to return as if he knew the man would come back. The father looks for his son. We might think he'd be waiting to give his son a piece of his mind for trashing the good things he gave him. That's what we expect. But when the father sees his son, he feels compassion for him, not anger. He looks upon this starving, hurting son with mercy and love. And then the father runs to him. He does not wait for the wayward son to reach the house but meets him with love, hence the hugging and kissing. That's not the expectation. No self-respecting landowner would run, especially to a disgraceful son. But to the father, this is a joyous reunion and one of celebration. The father sends for fine clothes and a feast and for merriment because his dead son is alive again; he was lost and now is found. Our Lord tells a parable full of unexpected actions to show how God is. God sees a sinful world full of sinners who take His good gifts and abuse them. He sees a world so broken it would kill His Son. But even while we were far off, not even seeking Him, He ran to us and sent for fine clothes, reinstating us as His children. You are made a son of the Father because He has compassion on you. You are clothed with righteousness won by Christ Jesus on the cross. In your Baptism, you were made His child. You were dead in your sins, and He has made you alive. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord God, heavenly Father, we all like sheep have gone astray and have allowed ourselves to be led from the right path by Satan and our sinful flesh. We implore You, graciously forgive us our sins for the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Enliven our hearts by Your Holy Spirit, that we may abide in Your Word in true repentance and steadfast faith, and so continue in Your Church to the end and obtain eternal salvation; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.
Small Daily Habits Create Strong BelieversScripture: Luke 16:10—One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.Accept Jesus today. https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!****Congratulations! You are now a child of the Most High. John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."****If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.”****Click here for FREE eBook download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love and support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cash App: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles:https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/PastorMalachiBooksHNO Crypto Coin Investing Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HNOCoin-ReferralFREE Ways to Support Me:
Discipline Over FeelingsScripture: Galatians 6:9—And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.Accept Jesus today. https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!****Congratulations! You are now a child of the Most High. John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."****If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.”****Click here for FREE eBook download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love and support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cash App: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles:https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/PastorMalachiBooksHNO Crypto Coin Investing Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HNOCoin-ReferralFREE Ways to Support Me:
Building a Lifestyle, Not a Temporary SeasonScripture: Colossians 2:6–7 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.Accept Jesus today. https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!****Congratulations! You are now a child of the Most High. John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."****If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.”****Click here for FREE eBook download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love and support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cash App: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles:https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/PastorMalachiBooksHNO Crypto Coin Investing Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HNOCoin-ReferralFREE Ways to Support Me:
Discipline Produces Spiritual StrengthScripture: 1 Corinthians 16:13—Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.Accept Jesus today. https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!****Congratulations! You are now a child of the Most High. John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."****If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.”****Click here for FREE eBook download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love and support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cash App: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles:https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/PastorMalachiBooksHNO Crypto Coin Investing Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HNOCoin-ReferralFREE Ways to Support Me:
June is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart.The devotion to the Sacred Heart is a devotion to the love of Our Lord Jesus Christ for us, especially His love for us as manifested in the Holy Eucharist.This devotion to Our Lord's physical heart, as a symbol of His love for us, existed during the Middle Ages, but in the 1600s, Our Lord Himself came down on earth to explicitly ask for Catholics to practice this devotion and for this feast to be instituted.The timing and place was important. Our Lord appeared in France at a time when the heresy of Jansenism was rampant in the Catholic world. This heresy made the hearts of Catholics cold towards God and so, a few decades after its appearance, Our Lord reminded the world of His great love for us and of our duty to love Him in return.If we fast forward to 2026, we find that we as Catholics and even as traditional Catholics very much struggle to love Our Lord as He deserves to be loved. This is why it is important for us to have a devotion to Our Lord's Sacred Heart. This helps us to love Our Lord.We must remember what our catechism teaches us, namely, that we are made to know, love and serve God in this life. We are made to love God. Loving God is to fulfill the very meaning for our existence, to accomplish the purpose for which we exist.There are two pieces of knowledge that are very important for us to possess in order for us to love God: one is an understanding of sin and the other is an understanding of God's love.These two things are mentioned in the beautiful Collect of the Mass of the Sacred Heart: “O God, Who in the Heart of Your Son, wounded by our sins, mercifully lavish upon us the infinite riches of love”.There are two great truths there: a) our sins wound Our Lord; b) Our Lord lavishes His love on us. Both of these truths are attacked today by two great illusions.One is the illusion that our sins do not hurt God. This is one of the reasons why sin is not taken seriously today. People do not worry about sin; they do not worry by saying to themselves, “If I engage in sinful behavior, I will offend God and He will send me to Hell”.This is particularly true of the sin of heresy. Heresy has always been considered to be one of the greatest sins because it is a willful rejection of what God has taught us. Our Lord came on earth, He taught us the truths that we are to believe about Him and which we need to get to Heaven. And the heretic says, “I refuse to believe; I choose not to believe” Offensive!But this is also true with sins against the moral law. Many people have the idea today, including many Catholics, that no matter how you live your life, God is still pleased with you. If you have a homosexual lifestyle, God blesses you; if you divorce and remarry, God blesses you; if you contracept your children, God blesses you.It is a hallmark of love that you seek to avoid anything that might displease the one that you love. But today's mentality is that nothing that I do can displease God, whether it be in thought, word or deed.This idea is false; it is sinful. Liberalism is a sin.The other blind spot we have today is not seeing how much God loves us, only understanding God's love in a minimalist way.
Staying Consistent When You Feel Spiritually DryScripture: Psalm 42:1 —As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. Accept Jesus today. https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!****Congratulations! You are now a child of the Most High. John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."****If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.”****Click here for FREE eBook download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love and support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cash App: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles:https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/PastorMalachiBooksHNO Crypto Coin Investing Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HNOCoin-ReferralFREE Ways to Support Me:
Lloyd discusses the cognitive bias that leads us to trust someone who appears to be in a position of authority. A high‑visibility vest, clipboard, hardhat, or -- in Lloyd's example -- a panel van -- can trigger this bias and cause you to let your guard down. Armed Lutheran Radio is a listener-supported podcast. If you value the information and entertainment we provide, consider supporting the show by joining our membership site, The Reformation Gun Club! http://www.ReformationGunClub.com Links of Interest Buy Duty to Defend, Volume 2 on Amazon – https://amzn.to/3D3frE5* Prayer of the Week O God our merciful Father, who taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending to them the light of Your Holy Spirit, bring us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy comfort; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who with You and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen. Get in Touch Visit our Feedback Page - https://armedlutheranradio.libsyn.com/contact Please tell your friends about us, leave an iTunes review, and like us on Facebook Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/fansofarmedlutheranradio Subscribe to us and follow us on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/armedlutheran Check Out More at our Website- http://www.armedlutheran.us Original Music by Reformer https://www.youtube.com/ReformerBand
Red-faced, tie askew, and ready to sound the alarm at a moment's notice — Disney Pixar's "Anger" from Inside Out is a surprisingly accurate picture of what it feels like when that emotion takes the wheel. In this practical and grace-filled episode, Vivian Bricker uses that familiar character as a jumping-off point for an honest conversation about one of the most common struggles in the Christian life. Anger is not wrong in itself. It is a God-given emotion. But when we act on it without pause, without prayer, and without the Spirit's help, it leads us somewhere we never intended to go. James 1:19-20 offers a deceptively simple prescription: be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. The Greek word used here, orgēn, carries the weight of wrath and indignation, and James knew exactly how destructive it could become in the life of a believer. Vivian reminds us that the antidote is not suppression but surrender, bringing our anger before God, giving ourselves time and space to let the wave pass, and asking the Holy Spirit to replace inner stirrings of wrath with serenity, kindness, and hope. Nothing is impossible for God, and that includes transforming even our most impulsive, red-faced moments into something that glorifies Him. Bible Verse "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." — James 1:19-20, NIV Ponder Today Anger is an emotion, not automatically a sin. It only becomes sin when we act on it without restraint (Ephesians 4:26). The goal is not to never feel angry but to pause, pray, and respond in a way that reflects Christ rather than our impulses. Being slow to speak is a spiritual discipline. James calls us to stop, slow down, and think before we respond. Talking with God before we reply to an anger-provoking situation is one of the most practical acts of faith we can practice. Give yourself time and space when anger rises. A walk around the block, a call to a trusted friend, a few songs, a moment of prayer. Creating distance between the provocation and your response is not avoidance; it is wisdom. Human anger cannot produce God's righteousness. No matter how justified our anger feels, acting from a place of unmanaged wrath will not bring about the righteous outcomes we desire. We must invite God into the situation before we respond. Ask God to weed anger out by His work in you. This is not a battle you fight alone or win by sheer willpower. As you study Scripture and invite the Holy Spirit to do His work, He will equip your heart to release anger and receive peace in its place. A Prayer for You Today Dear God, anger tries to control me at times, but I am choosing to give control over to You. Help me to be slow to speak and slow to become angry. When anger rises like a tidal wave, help me ride it out and allow it to pass. In every situation that provokes anger in my heart, give me space to think and remind me through Your Spirit to turn to You first. Remove any inner stirrings of wrath and replace them with serenity, kindness, contentment, and hope. Thank You for molding me to be more like Your Son. All glory belongs to You. Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer helped you surrender your anger to the One who can truly transform it, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to help you live a life that reflects the peace and righteousness of God every day. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Training Your Mind to Stay Focused on GodScripture: Romans 12:2—Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what the will of God is, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Accept Jesus today. https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!****Congratulations! You are now a child of the Most High. John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."****If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.”****Click here for FREE eBook download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love and support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cash App: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles:https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/PastorMalachiBooksHNO Crypto Coin Investing Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HNOCoin-ReferralFREE Ways to Support Me:
The Battle Against DistractionScripture: Hebrews 12:1—Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Accept Jesus today. https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!****Congratulations! You are now a child of the Most High. John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."****If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.”****Click here for FREE eBook download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love and support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cash App: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles:https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/PastorMalachiBooksHNO Crypto Coin Investing Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HNOCoin-ReferralFREE Ways to Support Me:
Parenting in today's world has never felt more overwhelming. Between rising anxiety, social media, and the pressure to get it all right, many Christian parents are wondering: How do I raise resilient, emotionally healthy kids?In this episode, featuring counselors Sissy Goff and David Thomas, you'll learn:Common parenting mistakes that unintentionally undermine a child's confidence, capability, and emotional growth.How to discern the difference between healthy struggle and situations that require intervention and support.Practical scripts to use when your child experiences failure and disappointment.Tools for overcoming parental shame and trusting God with your child's story.Links and Resources We Mention in This Episode:Stay connected with Sissy Goff and David Thomas by visiting their website, getting a copy of their new book Capable, and following them on social media.Fight for your family by downloading 15 Prayers for Your Husband and 15 Prayers for Your Son or Daughter.We're grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of Therapy & Theology. Click here to apply for their Youth Mental Health Coach program — a biblically grounded, clinically excellent training to help you support youth facing today's most common mental health challenges. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today.Subscribe here to receive new Therapy & Theology episodes straight to your inbox.Want a chance to be featured on Listener Mail? Leave Lysa, Jim, or Joel a message or a question right here.Download a transcript of this episode.
Small Daily Habits Create Strong BelieversScripture: Luke 16:10—One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.Accept Jesus today. https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!****Congratulations! You are now a child of the Most High. John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."****If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.”****Click here for FREE eBook download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love and support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cash App: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles:https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/PastorMalachiBooksHNO Crypto Coin Investing Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HNOCoin-ReferralFREE Ways to Support Me:
Scrolling through old birthday photos, watching her boys grow from newborns into the children they are today, Emily Rose Massey noticed something she hadn't expected to see in those pictures — her own transformation. Because while she was busy raising four boys, God was quietly, faithfully doing a deep work in her too. That process has a name: sanctification. And in this tender and theologically rich episode, Emily unpacks what it means, why it matters, and why the God who began this work in you is the same God who promises to complete it. Sanctification — being set apart, made holy, conformed to the image of Christ — is not a self-improvement project. It is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of every believer, and 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 makes the most encouraging promise imaginable: the One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it. Emily reminds us that our position in Christ is forever fixed — nothing can snatch us from His hand. But while we rest in the finished work of the cross, we are also called to partner with the Spirit through Scripture, prayer, service, and discipleship, allowing Him to renew our minds and gradually loosen the grip of worldly thinking and fleshly desire. The goal is not perfection this side of heaven — it is a life that, day by day and year by year, looks a little more like Jesus. Today's Bible Verse "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it." — 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, NIV Ponder Today Sanctification is God's work, not yours alone. You partner with the Holy Spirit in the process — but the deep, transforming work of making you holy belongs to the faithful God who called you. Rest in that. Your position in Christ is forever fixed. No failure, no stumble, and no season of spiritual dryness can change what Christ has already secured for you. Sanctification flows from that settled foundation — it does not establish it. Holiness grows gradually, not overnight. The goal is not perfection this side of heaven but a life that, day by day, looks increasingly like Jesus. Small, steady steps of obedience matter more than dramatic overnight transformations. Spiritual disciplines are how we partner with the Spirit. Bible study, prayer, serving others, discipleship, and evangelism are not how we earn God's favor — they are how we open ourselves to the mind-renewing, desire-transforming work of the Holy Spirit. The longer you walk with God, the less the world's pull satisfies. As your mind is renewed through His Word, worldly thinking and fleshly desires gradually lose their grip. That shift in desire is itself evidence of God's sanctifying work in you. A Prayer for You Today Father God, thank You for saving me, setting me free, and continually sanctifying me. I know that I fail every day, but I lean into Your grace all the more. Your grace is sufficient for each day and is such a gift in my life. You are a God who transforms and purifies — so help me renew my mind with Your Word, that I may know Your good, acceptable, and perfect will and see my life conformed more and more to the image of Your Son. In Jesus' name, Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer stirred a fresh gratitude for how far God has already brought you, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to walk alongside you in your journey of faith and growth every day. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Discipline Over FeelingsScripture: Galatians 6:9—And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.Accept Jesus today. https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!****Congratulations! You are now a child of the Most High. John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."****If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.”****Click here for FREE eBook download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love and support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cash App: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles:https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/PastorMalachiBooksHNO Crypto Coin Investing Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HNOCoin-ReferralFREE Ways to Support Me:
Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Karlo Broussard from Catholic Answers to continue our discussion on what Catholics believe about Baptism. Other guests include Gary Zimak with wisdom from the book of Ecclesiastes, and Deacon Nathan Beiersdorfer to continue our series on Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales. Plus news, weather, sports, and more… ***** Prayer of St. Vincent Pallotti Eternal Father,it is Your will that all should be saved.Great is Your mercy.Your Son, Jesus Christ died for all.Teach all people to recognize You and love You.With deep faith in Christ’s deathand resurrection we pray:‘Send Forth, O Lord, laborers into Your vineyardand spare Your people.’Eternal Word, Redeemer of all creation,convert all souls to You.You have been obedient for all,even to death on the cross.Look upon the merits of Your Motherand of all the angels and saintswho intercede for us.Send forth, O Lord, laborers into Your vineyardand spare Your people.O Holy Spirit,through the infinite merits of our Lord, Jesus Christ,enkindle in all heartsYour ardent love that can do all things,that all may be one fold and one Shepherd,and that all may arrive in heavento sing Your Divine mercy.Queen of Apostles and all the angels and saints,pray to the Lord of the harvest:Send forth, O Lord, laborers into Your vineyardand spare your people,that united with you,and the Father and the Holy Spirit,we may all rejoice forever. ***** Full list of guestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Keep Moving ForwardPhilippians 3:13–14—Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended, but one thing I do: forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. 14. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Your growth with God is not about one moment—it's about a daily decision to keep moving forward.Accept Jesus today. https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!****Congratulations! You are now a child of the Most High. John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."****If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.”****Click here for FREE eBook download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love and support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cash App: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles:https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/PastorMalachiBooksHNO Crypto Coin Investing Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HNOCoin-ReferralFREE Ways to Support Me:
Lloyd addresses a common refrain heard any time a Christian argues against the Left's cause du jour: there's no hate like Christian hate (or something to that effect). The point is to suggest that somehow it's hateful to want to protect citizens, babies, and teenagers from woke nonsense. The truth is that there is no hate like Christian hate. We hate the sin, but love the sinner. When the world hates you, it wants you dead. Armed Lutheran Radio is a listener-supported podcast. If you value the information and entertainment we provide, consider supporting the show by joining our membership site, The Reformation Gun Club! http://www.ReformationGunClub.com Links of Interest Buy Duty to Defend, Volume 2 on Amazon – https://amzn.to/3D3frE5* Prayer of the Week O God our merciful Father, who taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending to them the light of Your Holy Spirit, bring us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy comfort; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who with You and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen. Get in Touch Visit our Feedback Page - https://armedlutheranradio.libsyn.com/contact Please tell your friends about us, leave an iTunes review, and like us on Facebook Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/fansofarmedlutheranradio Subscribe to us and follow us on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/armedlutheran Check Out More at our Website- http://www.armedlutheran.us Original Music by Reformer https://www.youtube.com/ReformerBand
What To Do When You Mess Up1 John 1:9 — If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. You will have moments where you mess up.Accept Jesus today. https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!****Congratulations! You are now a child of the Most High. John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."****If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.”****Click here for FREE eBook download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love and support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cash App: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles:https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/PastorMalachiBooksHNO Crypto Coin Investing Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HNOCoin-ReferralFREE Ways to Support Me:
Expect Change, Not PerfectionPhilippians 1:6 — being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; You should expect change, but you should not expect perfection overnight.Accept Jesus today. https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!****Congratulations! You are now a child of the Most High. John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."****If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.”****Click here for FREE eBook download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love and support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cash App: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles:https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/PastorMalachiBooksHNO Crypto Coin Investing Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HNOCoin-ReferralFREE Ways to Support Me:
Surround Yourself With the Right People1 Corinthians 15:33 — Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” Who you surround yourself with will influence who you become.Accept Jesus today. https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!****Congratulations! You are now a child of the Most High. John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."****If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.”****Click here for FREE eBook download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love and support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cash App: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles:https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/PastorMalachiBooksHNO Crypto Coin Investing Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HNOCoin-ReferralFREE Ways to Support Me:
Learning to Pray SimplyMatthew 6:6—But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.Prayer doesn't have to be complicated—it just has to be real.Accept Jesus today. https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!****Congratulations! You are now a child of the Most High. John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."****If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.”****Click here for FREE eBook download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love and support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cash App: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles:https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/PastorMalachiBooksHNO Crypto Coin Investing Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HNOCoin-ReferralFREE Ways to Support Me:
Welcome to Day 2874 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2874 – “Freedom From Bondage” based on Luke 8:22-39 Putnam Church Message – 05/03/2026 The Good News According to Luke: “Freedom from Bondage” Last week's message was: “Where Are You in This Picture?” We reflected on what type of soil our lives represent and whether we are hiding the light of Christ rather than sharing it with others. Today, we continue with our twenty-first message from Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Today's message is: “Freedom from Bondage.” Our core passage today is Luke 8:22-39, which is found on page 1606 of your pew Bibles. Jesus Calms the Storm 22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. 23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. 24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we're going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25 “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” Jesus Restores a Demon-Possessed Man 26 They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes,[a] which is across the lake from Galilee. 27 When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torture me!” 29 For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places. 30 Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. 31 And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. 32 A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. 33 When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. 34 When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, 35 and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus' feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 36 Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. 37 Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left. 38 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for Your living Word and for the Gospel of Luke, which continues to show us more clearly who Jesus is. Thank You that You did not leave this fallen world to sink under the weight of sin, fear, and evil, but You sent Your Son into our darkness. As we come to this passage today, open our eyes to the power of Christ, open our hearts to trust Him more fully, and open our lives to the freedom only He can give. Calm what is storming within us. Break what has held us captive. Strengthen what has grown weak. And let us leave today with a deeper confidence that Jesus is Lord over every force that terrifies us. In His name we pray, amen. As we continue with our twenty-first message in this Luke series, we come to a dramatic turning point. Up to this point, Luke has shown Jesus healing diseases, cleansing lepers, forgiving sins, raising the dead, and receiving the broken. We have watched Him touch individual lives with compassion and power. But in Luke 8:22–39, the curtain pulls back even farther. Here, Jesus does not merely ease suffering. / He confronts the larger powers behind suffering. / He speaks to the wind and the waves. / He commands demons. / He crosses into hostile territory. / He delivers a man no one else could help. / And then He sends that healed man home as a witness. This is not just a story about weather and one troubled man. This is a revelation of the King who has come to reclaim enemy-held ground. The world we live in is not the world God originally made it to be. Genesis tells us that God created a good world, ordered, fruitful, beautiful, and fit for human flourishing. But because of sin, our world has become a place of storms, sorrow, chaos, fear, bondage, disease, death, and decay. We all know this, not just from theology, but from experience. We have all ridden through storms. We have all seen chaos. We have all known people in bondage. And if we are honest, some of us know bondage from the inside. So, this passage asks us a very important question: When the forces of chaos and darkness rise, who is Jesus really? Luke's answer is clear: He is Lord over the storm. He is Lord over the demons. He is Lord over the broken human heart. And He is Lord over the mission that turns the delivered / into witnesses. A Simple Object Lesson Hold up a small chain connected to a padlock and a set of keys. “This is what bondage looks like. Sometimes it is visible, sometimes invisible. Sometimes it is addiction. Sometimes fear. Sometimes bitterness. Sometimes shame. Sometimes torment of mind.” Hold up the keys and say, “Chains are strong, but keys represent authority. The chain may look powerful, but the one with the key has the final word.” Luke 8 shows us a man whom everyone else tried to bind with chains. Those chains failed. But when Jesus arrived, no chain, no demon, no storm, and no chaos could stand against Him. Christ has the key. That leads us to our first of four truths. Main Point 1: Jesus has authority over the chaos that terrifies us. Luke tells us that Jesus said to His disciples, “Let's cross to the other side of the lake.” So, they got into a boat and set out. Then, as they sailed, Jesus fell asleep. A fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat began to fill with water. The disciples panicked and woke Him, crying, “Master, Master, we're going to drown!” Now pause there and feel the scene. These were not children afraid of a little rain. / Several of these men were seasoned fishermen. / They knew this lake. / They had read the sky before. They had handled boats before. But the Sea of Galilee could turn violent in moments. Sitting far below sea level, surrounded by hills, and cut by sudden winds, it could quickly become dangerous. Ancient people often saw the sea not merely as water, but as a symbol of disorder and threat. To them, the sea represented what could not be controlled. The mighty sea serpent. So, when experienced men panic, this was no small inconvenience. And where is Jesus? / Asleep. That detail matters. It reveals both His humanity and His calm. He is weary enough to sleep through danger, and secure enough to rest in the middle of it. Then Jesus rises and rebukes the wind and the raging waves. Immediately, the storm stops, and the lake becomes calm. What a moment that must have been. One instant: shrieking wind, crashing water, frantic bailing, shouted voices, terror in the eyes. The next instant: stillness. Silence. Water settling. Hearts pounding. The disciples staring at Jesus in stunned fear and wonder. And then Jesus asks, “Where is your faith?” / Not, “Why were there waves?” / Not, “Why were you surprised that life got hard?” / But, “Where is your faith?” This passage does not teach that real...
I Am Free! (Identity Series) Galatians 5:1 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." We have talked a lot about freedom in my Encounter Ministries class. Fourth quarter was on inner healing, and I learned so much. I had heard that fourth quarter would probably be the most transformational because, as we learn various tools to set people free, we practice using these tools on each other. Instead of just acquiring book knowledge, we gain first-hand experience and begin the healing process ourselves. The amazing thing is that we let the Holy Spirit lead us. We ask the Holy Spirit, Jesus, or the Father questions and allow God to answer them for us. It is pretty remarkable. This verse goes so well with the theme of inner healing. Inner healing is all about freedom. It is freedom from chains that hold us down, freedom from memories that keep us stuck in the past, and freedom from unhealthy attachments that keep us from moving forward. These things can become barriers to the freedom Christ wants for us. The verse says that freedom is why Christ has set us free. Christ died on the cross to set us free from sin, yet we can still allow other things to weigh us down and trap us. There are many ways we can become burdened by a yoke of slavery. Sometimes we bring it on ourselves, and sometimes we do not even realize it is happening. Often, when something happens to us, we create lies about that situation. These lies form in our subconscious and begin influencing our thoughts and actions. I heard an example of a young girl who told her mom about her day and got yelled at. Her mom later apologized and explained she was having a bad day. Even though the girl understood the apology, her young mind formed the lie, “My mom doesn't want to hear about my day.” Without realizing it, she stopped sharing with her mom. Do you see how sneaky the enemy is? He whispers lies, and we start believing them. Another example is soul ties. A soul tie is an unhealthy attachment to another person that limits our freedom. This could happen in a romantic relationship, a friendship, or even with a family member. Have you ever found yourself unable to stop thinking about someone even though you knew they were not good for you? You may have formed a soul tie. The good news is that through the power of Jesus, these ties can be broken, and the Lord can restore freedom. The examples above are ways we may become burdened without realizing it. There are also ways we knowingly give up our freedom. One big one for me is television. I would love to say I am free to turn it off anytime I want. In theory, I can. In reality, I tell myself I will watch one episode and then end up watching for hours. That is not the freedom Jesus died to give us. Another way we burden ourselves is by trying things we know can become addictive. The only time we truly have a choice is often at the beginning. Once addiction takes hold, it becomes much harder to say no. We can also surrender our freedom when we constantly indulge the desires of the flesh. This could be anything from overeating to more serious sins. When we continually choose these things, we are not choosing the freedom Christ won for us. The verse says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” We are told to stand firm in our freedom. Jesus did not die so we could continue living captive. Take a look at your life. Are there areas where you are allowing yourself to become burdened? What has more control over your life than it should? Your schedule? Entertainment? Other people? Addictions? It is important to identify where we have allowed something other than God to take control. If we find those areas, we can surrender them to God and allow Him to restore our freedom. Some of these areas will be easier to overcome than others. If you are struggling with addiction, it may feel impossible. On our own, it often is. However, with the power of the Holy Spirit, all things are possible. We need to remind ourselves that we are more powerful than our wants and desires. Just because we want something does not mean we have to have it. We have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, and that means we have power greater than any temptation. The enemy wants us to believe we are weak, but he knows the power God has placed within us. Too often, we agree with the enemy's lie instead of God's truth. We are strong. Jesus died so we could live in freedom. Let's learn to live in that freedom. Dear Heavenly Father, I ask You to bless all those reading this devotional today. Lord, help us to live in the freedom You want for us. Bring to light any areas in our lives where we are not free. Show us how to become free in those areas. Please show us what needs to change so we can live a life of freedom. We are grateful that You sacrificed Your Son for our freedom. We are sorry we do not always live in that freedom. Please help us to live it more each day. We ask all of this in accordance with Your Will and in Jesus's Holy Name, Amen. Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to Walk Boldly With Jesus. As I was looking through the Identity Series this morning, I realized there was one identity I never recorded—"I Am Free." So today, we are completing the series! If you enjoyed today's episode and would like to dive deeper into these identity teachings, I'll include a link in the show notes to the YouTube playlist containing all 31 Identity Series episodes. CLICK HERE for YouTube Playlist. I also compiled these teachings into my devotional, Walk Boldly With Jesus Devotional, which includes reflection questions to help you journal and apply these truths to your own life. I'll place a link to the book in the show notes as well. CLICK HERE to buy on Amazon. If you'd prefer an autographed copy, you can visit Walk Boldly With Jesus and order one directly from the website. CLICK HERE I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I. Have a blessed day! Today's Word from the Lord was received in November 2016 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, "I call you to a greater prayer, a time for you to multiply your prayer for My sons and daughters. Alone in your room, praying, you have the power to change events on the other side of the world. I will always be with you, aligning My light with your path. I will intercede for you. Enter in and be loved and purified, to be loved and pruned, to be loved and forgiven, to be loved and be blessed. ENTER IN." www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace
Start With the WordMatthew 4:4—But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" If you want to grow in your new life, you have to stay connected to God's Word.Accept Jesus today. https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!****Congratulations! You are now a child of the Most High. John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."****If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.”****Click here for FREE eBook download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love and support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cash App: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles:https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/PastorMalachiBooksHNO Crypto Coin Investing Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HNOCoin-ReferralFREE Ways to Support Me:
O my Love, my only Good, Most Holy Trinity, I adore You, hidden in the depths of my soul. To You, to Your honor and glory, I dedicate my life. May every thought, word and deed of mine be an act of adoration and praise directed towards Your Divine Majesty enthroned in my heart.O Father, Infinte Goodness, behold Your child, clothed in the likeness of Your Son. Extend to me Your arms that I may belong to You forever.O Son, Divine Lord, made man, crucify me with Yourself that I may become, in union with You, a sacrifice of praise for the glory of Your Father.O Holy Spirit, Fire of Everlasting Love, consume me on the altar of Divine Charity, that at the end of life, nothing may remian but that whichbearas the likeness of CHrist.O Blessed Trinity, worthy of all adoration, I wish to remain in spirit on my knees, to acknowledge forever Your reign in me and over me, to Your everlasting glory.Through the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the pure heart of St. Joseph, I consecrate my life to Your adoration and glory.At the moment of death, receive me, O Triune Love, that I may continue my adoration of love through all eternity. Amen. (200 days indulgence) Thank you for your support. God bless all of you.PatreonSend us Fan MailSupport the show
Walking through the aisles of a home décor store, surrounded by signs declaring "Peace," "Joy," "Hope," and "Strength" — it's a lovely sight, but Emily Rose Massey asks the question most of us don't stop to consider: are those words actually rooted in anything real? Because hope that isn't anchored in Christ is just a sentiment — beautiful to display, but powerless when the storms come. In this episode, Emily draws a clear and urgent distinction between the hollow encouragement the world offers and the true, anchored hope that only God's Word can produce in the hearts of His people. True hope, Emily reminds us, is not something we can conjure through positive thinking or a well-timed pep talk. It is a gift given by the Holy Spirit, cultivated through Scripture, and grounded in the unshakable faithfulness of God. Romans 15:4 tells us that everything written in the Word was written for our instruction — so that through perseverance and the encouragement of Scripture, we might have hope. That hope lifts our eyes above the chaos of our circumstances and fixes them on what is eternal. And it is that eternal perspective — the certainty of a heavenly home and the return of Christ — that fuels us to keep putting one foot in front of the other, no matter how dark things become. Today's Bible Verse "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." — Romans 15:4, NASB Ponder Today Hope rooted in anything other than Christ is empty. Decorative signs, motivational quotes, and self-encouragement have their place — but they cannot sustain you through real suffering. Only hope anchored in Christ holds when the storm hits. True hope is a gift from the Holy Spirit, given through Scripture. The more we fill our hearts and minds with God's Word, the more our capacity for genuine, sustaining hope grows. This is not passive — it requires intentional, daily engagement with the Bible. An eternal perspective is your greatest weapon against despair. When you remember that this world is not your home, the chaos around you loses its power to define you. Being heavenly-minded during earthly trials is what keeps hope alive. Your feelings of hopelessness are not the final word. As children of God, we are called to move beyond what we feel and remind our hearts of what is true. The Holy Spirit is ready to help us in our weakness — we simply need to ask. The hope you carry is meant to be shared. You have been given an anchor in a world that is desperately adrift. That message of hope in Christ is not just for you — it is good news for the lost and hurting people around you. A Prayer for You Today Dear Heavenly Father, You have given me the gift of faith in Your Son, and my hope is not built on what this world offers — fleeting and fragile — but on what is eternal and settled. Help me guard my heart when my circumstances tempt me to give in to despair. Remind me that the chaos of this world cannot cause me to sink, because I am anchored in the hope of the heavenly home that awaits me. May I carry that message of hope to the lost and hurting around me. In Jesus' name, Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer helped anchor your soul in something deeper than circumstances, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to keep your hope fixed firmly on Christ every day. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
May 30, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity - Psalm 8:1-2a, 3-5; antiphon: Liturgical TextDaily Lectionary: Numbers 32:1-6, 16-27; Luke 24:1-27Blessèd be the Holy Trinity and the undivided Unity. Let us give glory to him because he has shown his mercy to us. (Antiphon for the Introit on Trinity Sunday) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Tomorrow, we celebrate Trinity Sunday. It's very likely that you'll confess the Athanasian Creed in church tomorrow. The Athanasian Creed describes (in not a few words!) the relationship between the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit – the Three in One and One in Three. And while it may be hard to understand how God can be three Persons in one God, we can believe it by faith, knowing that this is exactly what Jesus has revealed to us. Not only can we believe it, we must believe it. As the creed says, “whoever desires to be saved must, above all, hold the catholic faith…And the catholic faith is this, that we worship one God in Trinity and Trinity in Unity.” There is no salvation without faith in the Trinity, because there is no God beside Him. Which also means there is no salvation apart from Him.And that's really where the rubber hits the road. We must believe and trust that God is triune, but we do not come to that faith by learning about God's omnipotence or His eternal nature, or even that He is Three in One. We come to faith through the Gospel, by hearing what God has done for us in Christ. In fact, I would argue that it is through the Gospel that we learn about the Trinity most clearly. Perhaps that's why Trinity Sunday was placed here at the end of the festival half of the Church Year. The year began with Advent and the Christmas season, in which we are reminded that the Father's love for His creation compelled Him to send His Son, the second Person of the Trinity, to become flesh and blood for us. Next came the Epiphany season in which we heard of Christ's Baptism, fasting, temptation, and Transfiguration – all things He underwent on our behalf to fulfil God's will for our salvation. Then came Lent and Easter, which focus our attention on Jesus' suffering and dying to atone for our sins, and His victorious defeat of death and the devil. Finally, we celebrated the Ascension and Pentecost - Christ's enthronement at the Right Hand of the Father, and the giving of the Holy Spirit who creates and sustains faith in us so that we can believe in Jesus and be saved. Only after learning of all these things that God has done to have us as His people can we truly see who God is. That is, we see beyond the outward characteristics of God (His omnipotence, omniscience, eternal nature, etc.) and we begin to see God's very heart. We see from the Gospel that God, the Three in One, is more than a mysterious power in the heavens, but is in fact our loving Lord, united in nature and essence as well as in our life and salvation. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and finally come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.Rev. Aric Fenske, Executive Director of Lutherans for Life.
Your New Life Has Begun2 Corinthians 5:17 — Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.If you've said yes to Jesus last week, your life has already changed, even if it doesn't feel like it yet.Accept Jesus today. https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!****Congratulations! You are now a child of the Most High. John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."****If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.”****Click here for FREE eBook download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love and support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cash App: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles:https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/PastorMalachiBooksHNO Crypto Coin Investing Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HNOCoin-ReferralFREE Ways to Support Me:
The Decision That Changes EverythingScripture: Romans 10:9 — “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”You can feel conviction… and still ignore it. But there comes a moment where you have to decide: Am I going to stay where I am… Or am I going to turn and follow God? Romans says if you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth, you will be saved.Accept Jesus today. https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!****Congratulations! You are now a child of the Most High. John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."****If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.”****Click here for FREE eBook download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love and support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cash App: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles:https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/PastorMalachiBooksHNO Crypto Coin Investing Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HNOCoin-ReferralFREE Ways to Support Me:
Jesus Is the Only WayScripture: John 14:6 — Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”So let me say this pastorally: You don't get to God by being good enough. You don't get to God by trying harder. You don't get to God by creating your own path. You come through Jesus. Why? Because sin separates you from God… and Jesus is the one who paid the price to restore that relationship.Accept Jesus today. https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!****Congratulations! You are now a child of the Most High. John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."****If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.”****Click here for FREE eBook download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love and support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cash App: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles:https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/PastorMalachiBooksHNO Crypto Coin Investing Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HNOCoin-ReferralFREE Ways to Support Me:
Heaven isn't an endless, joyless routine—it's the believer's eternal home of joyful service, full understanding, and exuberant worship. In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef paints a biblical picture of what awaits those who belong to Christ: Joyful service without distraction: In the New Jerusalem, God's servants will serve Him with eager delight—not as a chore, but as the overflow of perfected love (Revelation 22:3). Full knowledge and clarity at last: The questions that haunt us now—pain, suffering, evil—will be answered when we see the Lord face to face and know fully as we are fully known (1 Corinthians 13:12). Worship that fills heaven: Heaven resounds with praise—“Hallelujah!”—as the redeemed celebrate God's salvation, glory, and power (Revelation 19:1). And when the enemy presses in with temptation, spiritual struggle, brokenness, and fear, this devotional urges you to remember what's coming: a day when Satan's reach ends, sorrow is finished, and Christ's promise stands—“I am coming soon… My reward is with me” (Revelation 22:12–14). Until then, we rejoice in the cleansing power of Jesus' blood and keep our eyes fixed on Him—steadfast in hope as we await the day He returns or calls us home. Prayer: Father, thank You for the eternal home You have prepared for me. Thank You that one day I will no longer face temptations and struggles. Thank You for sending Your Son to atone for my sins. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Revelation for Today, A Vision of Heaven: LISTEN NOW| WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.
Lloyd shares a recent incident at his home and discusses the most basic lesson when it comes to home security. Armed Lutheran Radio is a listener-supported podcast. If you value the information and entertainment we provide, consider supporting the show by joining our membership site, The Reformation Gun Club! http://www.ReformationGunClub.com Links of Interest Buy Duty to Defend, Volume 2 on Amazon – https://amzn.to/3D3frE5* Prayer of the Week O God our merciful Father, who taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending to them the light of Your Holy Spirit, bring us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy comfort; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who with You and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen. Get in Touch Visit our Feedback Page - https://armedlutheranradio.libsyn.com/contact Please tell your friends about us, leave an iTunes review, and like us on Facebook Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/fansofarmedlutheranradio Subscribe to us and follow us on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/armedlutheran Check Out More at our Website- http://www.armedlutheran.us Original Music by Reformer https://www.youtube.com/ReformerBand
Because of Christ's humility and obedience, Godthe Father responded. “Therefore, God has highly exalted Him”.The world rejected Jesus, but the Father exalted Him. Men mocked Jesus, but theFather crowned Him. Men nailed Him to a cross, but the Father raised Him fromthe dead and seated Him at His own right hand in glory. The resurrection andascension were heaven's declaration that Jesus Christ is Lord. Thephrase “highly exalted” means super-exalted or exalted to the highest place. InEphesians 1:20–21, Paul wrote that “God seated Christ at His right hand inthe heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might anddominion”. No one is higher than Jesus. No one is greater than Jesus. Noone will ever dethrone Jesus. Heaven is moving toward one great conclusion, andthat is the complete triumph of Jesus Christ.This exaltation of Jesus includes Hisresurrection, His ascension, His heavenly reign, and His future visiblekingdom. The One who wore the crown of thorns will one day wear many crowns.Revelation 19:16 says Jesus is, “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” ThenPaul continues: “and given Him a name which is above every name.” Whatis that name? Some believe it might refer to the name Jesus, but most likelyPaul is speaking about the title Lord. In verse 11, every tongue confesses thatJesus Christ is Lord. In the New Testament, Paul is declaring thatJesus Christ shares fully in the divine authority and glory of God Himself. Thisis astonishing because, in the Roman Empire, Caesar claimed to be lord, butChristians boldly proclaimed, “Jesus is Lord.” That confession often cost themtheir freedom, their possessions, and even their lives. Still today, declaringJesus as Lord is radical. Because if Jesus is Lord, He has authority over ourlives. He determines truth. He deserves obedience. He deserves worship. Hedeserves first place in our lives. Manypeople want Jesus as Savior, but not as Lord. They want forgiveness withoutsurrender. They want heaven without holiness. They want salvation withoutsubmission. But the gospel calls us to bow before Christ as Lord. Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believein your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”The resurrection proves His Lordship.God exalted Jesus after Jesus humbled Himself. Thisis the principle throughout Scripture. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselvesin the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” 1 Peter 5:6 says, “Humbleyourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” Wealso know that we live in a world obsessed with self-promotion. But God'skingdom works differently. The way up is down. The way to greatness isservanthood. The pathway to honor is humility. Wesee in the Old Testament that when people humbled themselves—like Joseph,David, and Moses—God exalted them. Jesus went to the cross before ascending tothe throne. Today, maybe you feel overlooked. You might feel forgotten or misunderstood,or faithfully serving without recognition. Remember, God sees humble obedience,and your humility is never wasted. God knows how to exalt His servants in Hisperfect time and in His perfect way. Ourresponsibility is not self-promotion. Our responsibility is faithful obedience.One day every wrong will be made right when Christ reigns over all. Today,worship Jesus not only as Savior, but as your Lord. Ask yourself: Is there anyarea of my life resisting His authority? Have I surrendered my plans, myfuture, and my ambitions to Him? Am I living for my kingdom or His? The exaltedChrist deserves complete surrender. Let'spray together. Father, thank You for exalting Your Son, Jesus Christ. Weworship Him today as Lord of all. Forgive us for the areas where we haveresisted His authority. Help us to walk in humility and faithful obedience,trusting You to lift us up in Your perfect time. We pray this in Jesus' name.Amen.
Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North Sermons - Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North
Introduction: What About Spiritual Gifts? (1 Corinthians 12:1-11) Spiritual Gifts are FROM God and FOR Every Believer. (1 Cor 12:4-6) Spiritual Gifts Are to Be Used to BLESS the CHURCH. (1 Cor 12:7) Spiritual Gifts Come in Many FORMS. (1 Cor 12:8-10) 2 Corinthians 12:12 - The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. Hebrews 2:4 - while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Wisdom Knowledge Faith Healing Miracles Luke 9:1 – And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases Prophecy Distinguish between spirits Tongues Interpretation of tongues Spiritual Gifts Are Given at the HOLY SPIRIT'S DISCRETION. (1 Cor 12:11) SEEK God. Consider the INTERSECTION. Take an ASSESSMENT. Take the Spiritual Gifts Test! Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Questions and Answers: What About Spiritual Gifts? Jeff Miller Download Audio Transcript 00:38Open up your Bibles with me, please, to the book of 1 Corinthians 12.00:45While you're turning there, let's just pause for a second, and I'm going to ask that you would please pray for me00:53to be faithful to communicate God's Word accurately and clearly as I should.01:01And I will pray for you to be open to receive what it is that God said. All right, let's pray. Father, sometimes we come to your word and I guess some passages seem to hit some of us more than others. And we're about to enter into a section that according to your word literally is for every single one of us. So I pray.01:31That Your Spirit would be the power behind the wisdom of Your Word and that You would continue to conform us into the image of Your Son, not just individually, but as a church body. Father, glorify Your name as we immerse ourselves into Your Word now. We pray in Jesus' name and all of God's people,02:02Amen. Look at 1 Corinthians 12, verse 1. Paul says,02:07Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.02:18This section of 1 Corinthians has been a big Q&A section.02:25They had sent Paul questions and he was responding with answers.02:28And up to this point, we've mainly been dealing with earthly matters. We've been talking about liberty and marriage and gender. And now we're on to more, I guess you could say, spiritual matters. And he says, concerning spiritual gifts, look at that verse 1, I do not want you to be uninformed. I don't want you to be ignorant about spiritual gifts.02:58Spiritual Gifts. Wow, that's a phrase that really describes the church today. Right? Because as always, church, we will go to either side of the extreme. When we talk about spiritual gifts, immediately you're going to have some people on one end of the spectrum that just completely neglect or ignore them. And think, oh, that's just like,03:28Goofy, charismatic stuff, but we're like sober-minded people. You completely dismiss the role that the Holy Spirit has in the work of the church. They're just neglected. And we do church according to human intellect and creativity. And then you have people on the other end of the spectrum that don't neglect the gifts. You could say they misrepresent the gifts of the Holy Spirit.03:58And over on the other extreme, people are doing all kinds of goofy things in church saying that it's a work of the Holy Spirit. We're slain in the Spirit and we're hooping and hollering and barking and howling. It's a gift of the Spirit. Excuse me. Absolutely essential in your work for Christ. Absolutely essential04:28in the health of the church, in the health of this church, you have to understand what spiritual gifts are, and you have to use your spiritual gift in the church. All right, look at verse 2. He says, you know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to mute idols. However, you were led. What he's doing here is he's setting up a contrast.04:58by idols.05:00And we're going to see this as we go throughout this section,05:03but the Corinthians in their former pagan lifestyle05:07learned a lot of bad methods of worship.05:11Pagan methods of worship.05:13And they brought those into the church.05:15Like, I guess this is how we worship.05:17And Paul here is making the contrast.05:20Like, look, no, no, no.05:22You used to be led by idols.05:24Now, now you are led by the Holy Spirit of God.05:30The Holy Spirit. Somehow, despite how essential His role is in the church, He just doesn't seem to get the press that the other members of the Trinity get, right? I mean, we talk about Jesus a lot. His sacrifice on the cross for our sins. His resurrection from the dead.05:58We talk about God the Father a lot. But God the Holy Spirit, just is essential. The Bible says that every Christian, every born-again Christian receives the Holy Spirit. That's Romans 8 and 9, among other places. That's God's presence abiding in you. Why? Why does God's Spirit live in you? Well, there's two main reasons. One is for character, right?06:28The Holy Spirit manifests the character of Christ in you. That's the fruit of the Spirit. That's Galatians 5. That's love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. That's what the Holy Spirit does in the life of the believer manifesting those characteristics. So it's character. The other reason the Holy Spirit lives in believers is for service.06:58And that's what we're talking about in this passage today. Every believer is given a spiritual gift to be used in the church. And you're like, wow, you know, how do I know that I even have the Holy Spirit? Well, look at verse 3. Paul says, therefore, I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says,07:28Jesus is accursed. And no one can say, Jesus is Lord, except in the Holy Spirit. So how do you know you have the Holy Spirit? Here's a foundational test. How do you regard Jesus? And I don't just mean what do you say about Jesus here in church on Sunday morning or at small group. I mean in your heart, in your innermost being privately,07:58How do you regard Jesus Christ? In your heart, is Jesus Christ everything to you? Because your true heart disposition towards Jesus is manifest by the Spirit. If you're born again, Paul says, you cannot curse Jesus. And apparently some of that stuff was happening in the Corinthian church. That's a whole other study for another time.08:28Paul says, if you have the Holy Spirit living in you, you absolutely will regard Jesus Christ as your Lord. The Holy Spirit. He's not just for preachers and missionaries, by the way. The Christian life, every Christian's life, is a Holy Spirit-led and empowered life. So the question that Paul's getting into here, and Pastor Taylor's going to be talking about this more next week, here's the question on the table.08:58They asked. He's answering, so what about spiritual gifts? I mean, what are spiritual gifts? And how is it that the Holy Spirit uses spiritual gifts in the church? So on your outline, what about spiritual gifts? What about them? Paul's giving us a great foundational teaching on Holy Spirit gifts.09:28Number one, write this down. Spiritual gifts are from God and for every believer. Look at verses four through six. He says, now there are varieties of gifts, but the same spirit. And there are varieties of service, but the same Lord. And there are varieties of activities,09:58is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. He says there's many kinds of spiritual gifts, but notice he says they all come from God. And he really wants to make that point clear because you notice he mentioned every member of the Trinity as being the source of spiritual gifts. You notice that? He talks about the Holy Spirit in verse 4. He talks about Jesus Christ, the Lord, in verse 5. He talks about God, the Father,10:28in verse 6. Spiritual gifts are gifts that come from God. Now, understand that spiritual gifts are different than talents. Okay? Like a skill that you have to play an instrument or to paint a mural. Spiritual gifts are different, but listen. I can show you biblically, and that's a study for another time.10:58come from God. Absolutely.11:03But here we're talking about ministry gifts.11:06Church ministry must be Spirit-powered, not done in the flesh.11:15Why?11:19Because if we're just doing ministry in our power, in man's power,11:25we're going to get man's results.11:27But when ministry is done in God's power, we get God's results. So which do you want? At the end of the day, I want to see what God can do in this church, not what I can do. But you notice the end of verse 6, beginning of verse 7, to everyone, to each. Listen, because every Christian possesses the Holy Spirit, all Christians, all Christians are given a spiritual gift.11:59It's so fascinating because every gift is a characteristic of Jesus Christ Himself. You realize He had everything perfectly. Think about that. Jesus, God in the flesh, who embodied every characteristic perfectly. You see the Holy Spirit giving us a spiritual gift. What's going on here? Here's what's going on. The church is called the body of Christ.12:29And each member is given a gift so that collectively, we as the body of Christ become a sort of representation of Jesus Christ himself. It's absolutely mind-blowing. But God wants the church to be Christ-like, and this is how it happens. We each use our spiritual gift. We're collectively built up in all of the characteristics that Jesus Christ possessed perfectly in the Incarnation.12:57So, spiritual gifts from God for every believer. All right, number two, spiritual gifts are to be used to bless the church. Look at verse 7. He says, to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For the common good.13:28It's kind of funny when you think about it. You're given a spiritual gift, right? But in a real sense, the spiritual gift given to you isn't even for you. Isn't that strange? God's given you a gift, but He goes, oh, that's not for you. That's for everybody else. You see, my spiritual gift is supposed to benefit you.13:57benefit me.14:01And that's why we believe in every member of ministry at Harvest Bible Chapel.14:05If you're attending here, if you consider this your church,14:09we're not shy about asking where do you want to serve.14:15Not because we're like, we need help.14:18We do need help.14:21But that's not the primary reason.14:24It's because if you're part of the church, God has gifted you to bless the church. Right? So I have to ask you, how is God using you in this church? How's God using you? If you've been given a gift that's for the common good, how is that working in your ministry?14:55Now look, I've got to tell you, we are so blessed at this church. We were talking about this not too long ago, but we have a crazy high percentage of people who are actively serving in this church in so many ways. We're not there yet, but that number needs to be 100%. And if you're attending this church and you're not serving, please hear me.15:26I just want to lovingly tell you that God hasn't called anyone to warm a seat. Nobody's spiritual gift is attendance. We need you to be using your spiritual gift for the common good. All right? So spiritual gifts are from God for every believer. Number two, spiritual gifts are to be used to bless the church.15:54And number three, spiritual gifts come in many forms. Here's where we need to spend some time. In this section here, Paul lists nine spiritual gifts. Now, this list is not exhaustive, okay? Actually, we're not going to look there today. We're going to stick in this passage as is our custom. But you can see also Romans chapter 12. You can see Ephesians chapter 4. There are other gifts than the ones that are listed.16:24here. This isn't exhaustive. This is more just representative. Spiritual gifts come in many forms. Let's look at verses 8-10. Paul says, for to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit.16:54To another, faith by the same Spirit. To another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit. To another, the working of miracles. To another, prophecy. To another, the ability to distinguish between spirits. To another, various kinds of tongues. To another, the interpretation.17:24of tongues.17:27Alright, so with spiritual gifts there are two categories.17:31There are speaking gifts and there are serving gifts.17:35But there are also two kinds of gifts.17:38There are permanent gifts.17:40There are gifts that were given that will be active in the church until our Lord returns.17:46And there are gifts that are temporary that were only for a time and purpose.17:51And this is where we get controversial.18:00Because this is where a lot of people have a lot of different opinions. But are you ready to go to Sunday school for a few minutes? Three of you? Okay. Thank you. Tristan always has my back. Always. And some of you are like, I don't know if I want to get out of here.18:23this road. Well, we're going through 1 Corinthians. This is next. And we receive God's Word as presented, right? So let's do it. But I want to talk about temporary gifts. And please hear me out before you storm out. That door's hard to slam, but it can be done. Before you storm out, before you throw anything at me, I would like you to please hear me out for a few minutes, all right?18:53Because this isn't my opinion. This is what the Bible says if you read it straightforwardly. Temporary gifts, sometimes they're called sign gifts. Those are the more miraculous type gifts. Please hear me because this is where I'm going to be misquoted, but not you. Listen, those gifts are not normative today.19:23Do I believe that they still happen? 100% I do. But they are not normative. Okay? So if somebody's like, well, what is Jeff's position on some of these sign gifts? I do not believe that they are normative today. I'm going to show you why. Can God do them? Yes. But, listen close. These sign gifts, are these spiritual gifts19:53that are possessed by people in the day of Paul and the apostles. And the answer is no. They're not possessed by people as they were in Paul's day. God still does them on occasion, not normative, but they're not possessed by people. I want to talk about miracles for a moment. Pastor Taylor and I were talking about this last week.20:23I think when we read the Bible, we get this idea that miracles were just like happening all the time, right? Like Moses woke up and like before his oatmeal, he like fired off five miracles. Boom. Not a man a meal, not oatmeal. But actually miracles in the Bible were actually very rare.20:53And apart from Moses' day, and apart from the day of Jesus in the apostles' ministry, miracles performed through men were actually very rare things. So why did we see so many miracles, especially in Moses' day, and especially in Jesus' and the apostles' day? Because this is why.21:21God performed miracles through people to verify or prove when new revelation was given. That's why it was normative in Moses' day. That's why it was normative for the apostles. Because God was giving new revelation, and that was the way He verified it. Any knucklehead can run around and say,21:51this is the new word of the Lord. And like, how can you prove that? Anybody can say that. God would verify what is actually revelation from him by backing it up with people who were giving not just this message, but performing these miracles. That's why you see that in Jesus. Why did Jesus perform so many miracles? Why did Jesus perform miracles? He's putting on a show, right?22:21He wanted to dazzle people, right? Hey, check this out. Check out what I can do. Anybody got two fishes, five loaves? Let me show you a trick. No! Jesus wasn't an entertainer. Why did Jesus do all the miracles? Actually, He referred to them as signs. Why? Because they were done to prove He is who He said He is. He's like, I'm God in the flesh. And of course, you're going to have people that were like, pfft.22:51I'm not buying that. But when you see this man raising the dead, healing the sick, feeding multitudes, you're like, there's something more to him. Right? Jesus' signs proved he is who he said he is. You're like, awesome, but what about spiritual gifts? Well, same principle here. Listen, to back the apostles'23:21while the New Testament was completed, was being completed, God authenticated the gospel with sign gifts. That's what the Bible says. You're like, where does the Bible say that? Many places. I'll give you a couple. Okay? Like 2 Corinthians 12. Look, the signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience with signs and wonders and mighty works. You see?23:51the true apostles were performing miracles. It was to authenticate the gospel message. Same thing in Hebrews 2.4. It says, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will. Same principle as God was giving us the New Testament. You see, in those days, they didn't have the New Testament completed yet.24:21was being worked on by the Holy Spirit. So when somebody got up and said, let me tell you this message from God, how do we know it was from God? He backed it up with miracles. That's why when you go through the book of Acts, you see miracles less and less and less and less as you go through the book of Acts. We spent like three years in Acts, and that's what you see. In 1 Corinthians here, the book that we're studying, it was one of the earliest24:51written. So sign gifts were still very much a thing when Paul wrote this, but they were on their way out and they were ending as normative spiritual gifts when the New Testament was completed. That's why in none of the other epistles you see any talk about the spiritual gifts of miracles or healings or tongues or interpretation of tongues. You don't see that in any other25:21book in the New Testament.25:25Because it was phasing out.25:28We have God's word complete in written form,25:31so we don't need to verify it with a miracle.25:35God wrote it all down for us.25:37All right?25:39So, with that backdrop, I'm going to go through these quickly.25:44Each one of these could be a sermon,25:45and that's not the intention.25:49Interestingly, Paul does not explain them. He just lists them. I want to give you a little definition for each, a little understanding. So look at your spiritual gifts here, starting in verse 8. The first one is wisdom. What is wisdom? That's just skill in applying the Word of God. Do you know who typically possesses this gift are people that are counselors, whether it's formally or informally, people that are able to say, I understand how to incorporate God's truth.26:19into my life.26:21I can help you incorporate God's truth into your life.26:23It's applying the Word of God.26:24That's wisdom.26:26Next is knowledge.26:30That's understanding the Word.26:34It's somebody that can see Bible facts and knows how they fit together.26:39You know what's amazing?26:40Did you ever see these Christian authors?26:43They take like one subject and they write a whole book about it.26:46That's always amazing to me.26:48Like, how do they do that? They wrote a whole book about one subject? Well, I think a lot of them have the gift of knowledge. Right? Next is faith. Gift of faith. Now, obviously, this is faith beyond believing to get saved, because every follower of Christ has that kind of faith. Right? But you ever notice that there are some Christians that you meet that just seem to have a deeper,27:20Confidence in the Sovereignty of God. You know what I'm talking about? There's some Christians you meet, they could be going through just the worst trials a human being can go through, and they're just like, you know what? God's in control. He's got this. And they're just completely unflappable. They have the gift of faith. Those people are typically the best prayers. Right? Next on the list.27:48is healing.27:51Now again, I believe that this is one of the gifts27:55for people that was phasing out at this point.28:01But what is healing?28:02Well, it's just supernaturally healing a physical illness.28:12I wish I had that gift.28:14I wish it was still a thing.28:17And you might say, well, Pastor Jeff, I think it is still a thing. Because I saw this guy on TV. He was slapping people on the head deaf and they were getting up with full hearing. Interesting about those people, they never go to the cancer ward or the children's hospital. I mean, if I had the gift to heal people, that's the first place I'd go. You're like, oh, so you don't believe in healing? Oh, yeah, yeah. Look, listen.28:47Let's be clear. God still heals. I believe that 100%. And I have seen in this church God miraculously heal people. I believe that God heals. I'm not convinced that Benny Hinn ever did. All right? So next is miracles. Miracles. Like, wait a minute. What's the difference between miracles and healing? I'm not going to bore you with the long systematic Thompson Chain reference.29:17But here's the thing. That word for miracles, when you trace it through the New Testament, was most often connected with casting out demons. That's the difference. That's the distinction. See, that's what Jesus was talking about. Look at Luke 9.1. We'll have it on the screen. It says, and he called the twelve together, look, and gave them power and authority, here it is, over all demons and to cure diseases. So miracles.29:47In the New Testament referred to casting out demons. Again, I believe that was an apostolic era. Do I believe God still does that 100%? Absolutely, yes, He does. Normative? That a person has the gift and is running around doing that? No. All right, next is prophecy. Prophecy. Now, when we think prophecy, when we hear that word, what's the first thing we think of? Like future stuff, right?30:17Tell us the future. Well, sometimes, actually rarely, that's part of it. But you realize that's not what prophecy literally means at all. Do you know what the word prophecy is? It literally breaks down to a compound word that means speak before. You're like, speak before what? Speak before an audience. That's what prophecy is. It's somebody that stands in front of a group of people and says things.30:47Before Them. That's prophecy. It's the public speaking of God's truth. That's what happens when I get up here, Taylor or Brian or Justin or whoever stands up here proclaiming the Word of God. That is prophecy. We are speaking before. Right? Next is distinguishing between spirits. If you're interested, we did a whole sermon series on this.31:17A couple years back, this is what we more commonly call discernment. It's the ability to evaluate if something is from God or not. And in that sermon series, I'm not going to preach it all now, but I'd just like to remind you that that is something that we are all called to do. We are all called to discern what is from God and what is not from God. And again, I'll remind you that we live in a day that it is more crucial than ever because we live in a day where we have access to more information.31:47than we've ever had. You open up your phone, you're going to have 10,00031:51preachers giving you contradictory31:54message about31:55thus saith the Lord. How do we know31:57what God actually said? Discernment32:00is the gift to be able to32:01tell, he's not saying what God32:03said, but this guy definitely is, right?32:05Right?32:10Some people have that gift.32:13Alright, next gift is tongues.32:18Next gift is tongues.32:21You're like, are tongues for today?32:26People ask that, are tongues for today?32:31Yeah, tongues are for today.32:32How would you eat your ice cream otherwise, right?32:38Listen, I'm not going to go too far into this.32:42Oh, you're scared? No, not at all.32:43We're actually going to be doing a very deep dive in this. We're spending four weeks on this subject. But what is tongues biblically? Tongues is the ability to speak in a foreign language unknown to the speaker. It's a known language, by the way. It's not gibberish. It's somebody speaking an already existing language that that person doesn't know. They're just speaking it. Like I said, we're going to spend so much more time on this. And then interpretation of tongues is just simply that.33:13a person that was gifted with the ability to translate what the tongues speaker says. Many forms. One spirit. Oh, speaking of the Holy Spirit, number four. Spiritual gifts are given at the Holy Spirit's discretion.33:47Look at verse 11.33:52He says,33:54All these are empowered by one in the same Spirit34:01who apportions to each one individually as He wills.34:09As He wills.34:11The Holy Spirit, in His sovereignty, determines who does what. That's the Holy Spirit's job. Understand, as your pastor, I did not get to choose your gift. Like, oh, you want to be a part of our church? All right. Prophecy. Okay, how about you? You want to join the church? All right. Healing. You're like, you totally didn't listen to that sermon, did you? I don't get to determine that gift.34:41get to determine that gift. You know what? Preaching looks like a lot of fun. I think I'm going to ask the Holy Spirit for the prophecy gift. He is the one who determines the gift. It is a gift. And the gift giver determines the gift that he wants to give you. The gift giver determines the gift35:12that he wants to give you.35:19And I know this is a hard sell in our day.35:23I mean, Murph, you get it. You go back. We get it.35:27The gift giver determines the gift he wants to give. We get it. The younger people don't get that.35:33Like, why not? Because you know what we do in our day?35:38You know what we do in our day? We have a big event.35:42We have a baby shower, a wedding, little Joey's birthday party. He's turning five. Going to have his party at the Chuck E. Cheese. Do you know what we do today? We tell people what gifts we want, don't we? We do that. Little Joey's turning five. He's registered at Target. Right? Right?36:10Or, yeah, I'm getting married. Yeah, I'm getting married. Yeah, I'm registered at Target. We tell people the gifts that we want. I'm getting married. I want this toaster. I want this knife set. I want this vacuum. And then, I mean, we've done it. Aaron and I will go and be like, okay, this is the vacuum they want.36:40and we buy it and we wrap it up. And then they act surprised when they open it. They open it up and they're like, oh, you got me exactly what I was asking for. Oh, you shouldn't have. But you go back a generation, the gift giver determined what gift you got. Don't try that with the Holy Spirit, okay? You're baptized.37:11I'm registered at Target.37:15Well, we don't get a say in it.37:17It's His gift, right?37:19It's His gift.37:19Do you think I would have signed up for this?37:25Oh no.37:26Oh no.37:30He'll make a better choice than we would anyways.37:33Alright.37:35That's all well and good.37:36But that's really not the question37:39that we're asking right now.37:40The question that we're asking right now is how do I know what my spiritual gift is right I mean it's clear he's given all of us each of us a gift to represent the body of Christ and we're to use it in the common good we saw the kinds and you're like awesome what is my spiritual gift how do I find out what my spiritual gift is all right I'm going to give you three things we're going to close with this three things how do I know what gift I've been given letter A seek God38:10You're like, that sounds like a cop-out. No, look. If you make your life about on-your-face praying and in the Word and just get serving in the church, the Spirit's going to do what the Spirit does. He's going to be at work through you. You're going to figure that out real quick. So just don't worry about seeking a gift. Seek the gift giver. He'll do what He does.38:40That's what he does. Seek God. All right? Letter B. Consider the intersection. Like, what's the intersection? I was studying for this this week. I came across something. I thought it was super helpful. It's one of those diagrams where everything intersects. What do they call that? A Venmo diagram?39:10Venn. Not Venmo.39:20What's a Venmo?39:23Oh, that's giving money.39:26Also a spiritual gift. Right!39:30So you could Venmo your...39:31Alright.39:33I just feel like I had like an inception moment here.39:37Alright.39:38Consider the intersection.39:39Yeah.39:40All right. So I came across this Venn diagram. And I thought it was helpful. I'm going to try to recreate it here. But there's three things here. First of all, this circle here, we're going to call that, we're going to call this one ability. We're going to call this one ability. What is it that you seem, not complicated,40:10You seem like you're able to do this. Right? Of all the gifts. You're like, you know what? That's something that I seem like I'm able to do. I mean, I'm not boasting or anything. It just seems like something that I'm able to do. Okay? And then, with this one, we're going to call this one affinity. That's an idea. Okay. That's affinity. Like, well, that's an idea. Like, what do40:40I enjoy doing.40:42If somebody was like, you can do whatever you want in the church, whatever you enjoy most,40:46what would be the line I get to the front of first?40:50What's my affinity?40:53And then the third thing here, my circles are getting less and less circle-y, but I think you get the idea.41:01This one we're going to call affirmation.41:12You know, you have people maybe in your small group or other people in the church that are, they say to you, you know what? You seem like you have a real gift for teaching. You really seem like you have a gift for praying with people. So the point is this. Consider the intersection right here.41:39This is very likely your spiritual gift. I would say extremely likely. What you're able to do, what you love doing, and what people affirm that it seems like God has equipped you to do, that is very likely your spiritual gift. All right? Then letter C, assessment. Seek God, consider the intersection or assessment. We have a QR code.42:10Go ahead, take your phone out and give that a scan. Pastor Rich sent this along. But this is an online assessment. And really, I think between seeking the Lord, considering the intersection, doing the online assessment, I think that's going to get you all on your way to giving you a deeper understanding of what your spiritual gift is. So go ahead. Go ahead, do the...42:41Either scan that or Venmo me some money. Since you have your phone out and I just learned what Venmo is. Do I have a Venmo? Never mind. Aaron says I don't have a Venmo. All right. Our worship team would make their way up. While they're coming, you know, when I was in high school, I played soccer.43:11In my junior high year of playing soccer, the coach didn't like me. Why? Because I was unlikable. So I sat on the bench most of the season. Now, I knew I had the ability.43:39senior year, we had a new coach, and I didn't sit for one minute that entire season. In fact, I was co-captain of the team. But I got to tell you, I think back to that junior year of playing soccer, and I just remember feeling incredibly frustrated because I felt incredibly useless. You know, you put your shin guards on, you put your cleats on, you put your44:09your soccer uniform on.44:12And you just, I just sat there and watched the whole season.44:16Just sat there.44:21So many times I thought, why am I even here?44:25Why am I even here?44:26What am I doing?44:29I want to tell you, you don't have to worry about that with God's team44:34because there are no bench warmers.44:39God doesn't tell any of His children, you know what? You're nice and all, but you go sit over there. We don't really need you. Or you just wait, and if we decide there's a place we can squeeze you in, we'll see if we can do that. No, no, no, no, no. God's Word has made it very clear that He has called and He has gifted every single one of you.45:08this church. Let's pray. Our Father in heaven, so often we get a gift and we don't say thank you, but Father, we thank you not just for the gift of your Holy Spirit himself who lives within us, but the gift that he has given each of us to serve you and your church. For some people here, Father, this is probably brand new teaching.45:38Never really considered this. And for some people here, Father, maybe we've known this and have sort of strayed from it. But I'm asking today, Father, that your Spirit would grip every heart in this church and grip the church collectively so that we truly, as the body of Christ, might represent the person of Christ.46:08as these spirits are at work in us. So Father, I pray for the person here who maybe has been coming to this church but just hasn't stepped up. Remind them, Father, it's not just a matter of the elders and pastors and ministry team would value your input. Remind them, Father, that you have equipped them to serve your church.46:38We do so to your glory and honor. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 12:1-11What was your big take-away from this passage / message?What does it mean that spiritual gifts are for the common good (1 Cor 12:7)?Are sign gifts such as healing and miracles still possessed by people today? Why or why not?Why is it important to understand that the Holy Spirit is the One Who chooses what gifts believers receive (1 Cor 12:11)?How do you know if a ministry is done by the power of the Holy Spirit, or done in the flesh (that is, just by “human power”)?BreakoutPray for one another.
Today’s Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Gospel – John 17:1-11a – Jesus raised His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to Your Son, so that Your Son may glorify you, just as You gave him authority over all people, so that Your Son may give eternal life to all You gave Him. Now this is eternal life, that they should know You, the only true God, and the One Whom You sent, Jesus Christ. I glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work that You gave Me to do. Now glorify Me, Father, with You, with the glory that I had with You before the world began. “I revealed Your Name to those whom You gave me out of the world. They belonged to You, and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they know that everything You gave Me is from You, because the words You gave to Me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from You, and they have believed that You sent Me. I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones You have given Me, because they are Yours, and everything of Mine is Yours and everything of Yours is Mine, and I have been glorified in them. And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to You.” Bishop Sheen quote of the day
Heavenly Father, as we celebrate the Ascension of Your Son into glory, we thank You for the gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life. Lord Jesus, though You ascended to the Father, You remain with us always through the Holy Spirit, guiding Your Church with love and strength. Help us to keep our hearts fixed on heaven while faithfully carrying out Your mission on earth. Give us courage to proclaim the Gospel, hope in times of doubt, and trust in Your constant presence. May the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints intercede for us, so that one day we may share fully in the glory of Your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lloyd reacts to the most recent attempt on the life of President Trump and the lack of shared moral values that makes support for political violence possible. Armed Lutheran Radio is a listener-supported podcast. If you value the information and entertainment we provide, consider supporting the show by joining our membership site, The Reformation Gun Club! http://www.ReformationGunClub.com Links of Interest Buy Duty to Defend, Volume 2 on Amazon – https://amzn.to/3D3frE5* Prayer of the Week O God our merciful Father, who taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending to them the light of Your Holy Spirit, bring us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy comfort; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who with You and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen. Get in Touch Visit our Feedback Page - https://armedlutheranradio.libsyn.com/contact Please tell your friends about us, leave an iTunes review, and like us on Facebook Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/fansofarmedlutheranradio Subscribe to us and follow us on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/armedlutheran Check Out More at our Website- http://www.armedlutheran.us Use these Links to Support Armed Lutheran Radio If you value the information and entertainment we provide, consider supporting the show by joining our membership site, or shopping at your favorite online stores using the links below. Check all the books by the Armed Lutheran - https://amzn.to/4kan8JL Shop at Amazon* - https://amzn.to/4ahxBii Disclaimer The links above which are indicated with an asterisk (*) are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Original Music by Reformer https://www.youtube.com/ReformerBand
“Good works” are the backbone of every man-made religion—systems built on striving, earning, and self-improvement. But in today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef draws a bright line between human effort and the Gospel: Christianity is not about what you can do for God, but what God has done for you by grace. Dr. Youssef shows why it's a tragic—and eternally dangerous—mistake to assume, “I've lived a good life. I don't need saving.” The Bible's verdict is universal: we are all under sin's curse and unable to earn heaven by morality, rituals, or religious performance. That's why Paul's words are so freeing: salvation is by grace through faith, a gift from God, so no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8–9). And here's the hope that lifts shame: no one falls beyond the reach of God's grace. Romans declares that where sin increases, grace increases all the more—because through the obedience of Jesus Christ, sinners can be made righteous and receive eternal life (Romans 5:19–21). If you've been trying to “work your way” into peace with God, this devotional calls you to stop striving and come to Christ—who alone can forgive, redeem, and restore. Prayer: Father, thank You for Your extravagant grace demonstrated in the gift of Your Son. Thank You for doing for me what I could never do for myself. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!” (Romans 5:15). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Got Freedom?: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.
He [Jesus] lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son that the Son may glorify You, since You have given Him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I glorified You on earth, having accomplished the work that You gave Me to do. And now, Father, glorify Me in Your own presence with the glory that I had with You before the world existed. I have manifested Your Name to the people whom You gave Me out of the world. Yours they were, and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they know that everything that You have given Me is from You. For I have given them the words that You gave Me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from You; and they have believed that You sent Me. I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. All Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your Name, which You have given Me, that they may be one, even as We are One.” (John 17:1b-11)
There are seasons when the voices around us — and sometimes within us — speak so loudly that we begin to forget who we truly are. Guilt whispers that we have strayed too far from grace. The words of others write a story over us that feels more real than what God says. Failure leaves us feeling untethered, and we begin to walk not as beloved children of God, but as people weighed down by an imposed identity of unworthiness and shame. In those moments, we desperately need someone to speak our name and remind us of what is true. 1 John 3:1 does exactly that. The Apostle John does not say we will one day be called children of God, or that we might be if we try hard enough. He says we are — right now, in this moment, with all our imperfections and all our doubts. And as if anticipating our disbelief, he adds a quiet but stunning clarification: and so we are. This is not a self-proclaimed identity we talk ourselves into on good days. It is a reality declared by the Father Himself, rooted not in anything we have earned but in the great love that compelled Him to bring us near, adopt us, and call us His own. When other aspects of life — our failures, our relationships, our sins — try to define us, we can return to this truth again and again. He knows our name. He has declared who we are. And He will keep calling us by that name until we finally believe it. Today's Bible Verse "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." — 1 John 3:1, ESV Ponder Today Our identity as children of God is not self-proclaimed or conditional — it was declared by the Father Himself, rooted entirely in His love and not in anything we have earned or deserved. Guilt, shame, and the words of others will always try to write a false narrative over our lives — but the Sovereign of all has already spoken the definitive word about who we are. John's quiet addition — "and so we are" — is one of the most grounding statements in all of Scripture, a simple but stunning confirmation that our identity in Christ is a present reality, not a future hope. We are not distant individuals straining to reach God — we have been brought near, adopted, and welcomed into the family of God through the love that sent Jesus to lay down His life for us. Even when we forget or struggle to believe who we are, God does not — He knows our name, He calls us His own, and He will keep speaking that truth over us until it takes root in our hearts. Today's Prayer Great God, You are the One who names the stars and spoke the world into being — and You are the One who has already declared who I am. Yet I so easily forget when warring narratives come my way or failure leaves me feeling untethered. Remind me again, gracious Father, that I am Your child — beloved not because I am perfect or have earned Your favor, but simply because of Your love. It was love that sent Your Son, love that led Him to lay down His life, and love that sustains and keeps me today. Help me walk in that love as Your child, living from the truth of who You say I am rather than the lies that try to define me. In Jesus' name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Welcome to Day 2859 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2859 – “In Defense of a Doubter” based on Luke 7:18-35 Putnam Church Message – 04/12/2026 The Good News According to Luke: “In Defense of a Doubter.” Last week's message was: “He is Risen Indeed!” We will celebrate the resurrected Christ and the assurance we have in the salvation that He brings. Today, we return to Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Today's message is: “In Defense of a Doubter.” We will explore the doubts of Jesus's cousin, known as John the Baptizer. Our core passage today is Luke 7:15-35, which is found on page 1603 of your pew Bibles. Jesus and John the Baptizer 18 John's disciples told him about all these things. / Calling two of them, 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” 20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?'” 21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” 24 After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written: “‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'[b] 28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.) 31 Jesus went on to say, “To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: “‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.' 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.' 34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' 35 But wisdom is proved right by all her children.” Opening Prayer Father, thank You that You are not threatened by our questions and not surprised by our weakness. Thank You that in Jesus Christ You meet us not only in strength, but also in struggle. As we open Your Word today, give us honesty, humility, and hope. Help us to see that doubt does not have to destroy faith, and that Your Son is still enough / even when life does not make sense. In Jesus' name, amen. Introduction There is a kind of faith that sounds strong but is actually fragile. It never asks hard questions. It never admits confusion. It never confesses pain. It smiles through gritted teeth and calls that spirituality. But the Bible gives us something far more honest than that. The Bible gives us John the Baptizer. The same John who leaped in Elizabeth's womb at the presence of Christ. The same John who thundered in the wilderness. The same John who said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” The same John who pointed away from himself and toward Jesus. And now in Luke 7, that same man is in prison, and he is asking a question he never expected to ask: “Are You the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” (Luke 7:19) That question surprises us. But Luke includes it because he wants us to learn something important: A season of doubt does not automatically mean the death of faith. Sometimes doubt is rebellion. Sometimes doubt is unbelief. But sometimes doubt is the cry of a wounded believer trying to reconcile what he knows about God with what he is living through. And that is where many believers live at one point or another. You may trust God and still have questions. You may love Christ and still ache. You may believe deeply and still struggle honestly. So today we are going to stand in defense of a doubter—not to glorify doubt, but to understand what Jesus does with it. Main Point 1: Faith Can Be Shaken Without Being Destroyed Luke 7:18–20 John's disciples come to Jesus and ask the question straight out: “Are You the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” Let's not rush past how astonishing that is. John was not a casual observer. He was not a spiritual dabbler. He was not a man who had built his beliefs on rumors. He knew the prophecies. He had heard the voice of God. He had publicly identified Jesus. He had baptized Jesus. He had seen the Spirit descend. And yet now, from a prison cell, John is trembling. Why? Because circumstances can shake even the strongest believers. John expected the Messiah to come with power, to cleanse, to judge, and to bring visible kingdom change. And yet Herod still sits on the throne, evil still seems to prosper, and John himself—the faithful prophet—sits forgotten in a dungeon. If Jesus is truly the Expected One, why does the world still look so wrong? That is not a foolish question. That is an agonizing one. And many of us know something about it. A praying parent watches a child drift farther from God. A faithful wife buries a husband too soon. A godly man loses his job while dishonest people advance. A believer fights disease, grief, betrayal, or depression and quietly wonders, “Lord, where are You?” That does not mean the believer has become an unbeliever. It may mean the believer has run out of easy answers. Object Lesson — The Storm-Bent Tree Imagine a strong tree in a storm. The wind bends it. The branches whip. Leaves tear loose. For a while, it looks unstable. But when the storm passes, the roots remain. That is John. He is bent, but not uprooted. He is shaken, but not blown away. And that is a needed reminder. A believer can be deeply troubled and still deeply rooted. Matthew's Parallel Helps Us Matthew 11 records this same incident. Matthew gives us the same question, the same prison setting, and the same answer from Jesus. That tells us this was not a minor moment in Christ's ministry. The Spirit wanted the church to remember that even the greatest prophet of that generation went through a dark night of the soul. So, if you are in a season of doubt, do not assume that the struggle itself means your faith is fake. Some doubt is corrosive. But some doubt is the painful honesty of a real disciple asking, “Lord, help me understand.” Related Scriptures Psalm 73 — Asaph struggling with the prosperity of the wicked. Habakkuk 1 — “How long, O Lord?” Mark 9:24 — “I...
The rich young ruler didn't just have wealth—he trusted it (Matthew 19:16–30). His money gave him a false sense of security and self-sufficiency, convincing him he was in control. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef shows why Scripture repeatedly warns against that trap and calls believers to live differently. Paul's instruction to Timothy is direct: don't be arrogant, and don't put your hope in wealth “which is so uncertain,” but in God who provides richly (1 Timothy 6:17). Jesus goes even further, urging us to stop stockpiling temporary treasures and instead invest in eternity—because what you treasure reveals what you truly worship (Matthew 6:19–21). Dr. Youssef also exposes the deeper misconception behind the ruler's mindset: thinking salvation can be earned, purchased, or donated into existence. No amount of rule-keeping, good deeds, or financial generosity can reconcile a sinner to God. Jesus makes the point unmistakably: what is impossible with man is possible with God (Matthew 19:26). Only God can change a sinful heart, and only the blood of Jesus can secure forgiveness and eternal life. If you've been tempted to rely on resources, status, or self-effort for security, this devotional will redirect your hope to the only sure foundation: Christ alone. Prayer: God, thank You for sending Your Son to die on the cross for me. Help me to remember to put my hope in You every day, not in my finances. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Encountering Christ, Arms Wide Open: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.
"Your Voice, my Father, then is mine as well, and all I want is what You offer me, in just the form You choose that it be mine. ⁵Let me remember all I do not know, and let my voice be still, remembering. ⁶But let me not forget Your Love and care, keeping Your promise to Your Son in my awareness always. ⁷Let me not forget my self is nothing, but my Self is all."(https://acim.org/acim/en/s/783#1:4-7 | W-358.1:4-7)Visit the website at:https://www.acimwithkeith.com/You can watch many older meetings on the YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@acimwithkeith Our meetings are organised in the Facebook group, "A Course In Miracles With Keith" Please ensure you read and agree to the group rules on application to have membership approved. This is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/384802770144828If you'd like to donate, you can do so with paypal here:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/keithkavOr you can donate with credit card here:https://www.mypos.com/@keith
Praying for our family shouldn't be our last resort — it should be our first priority.In this episode, you'll learn:Scripture-based prayers you can borrow when you feel inadequate or short of words.How to persist and make peace with prayers that have gone unanswered.The powerful, generational impact prayer can have on your family.Links and Resources We Mention in This Episode:Give today, and get a copy of Come Close to Jesus by Lysa TerKeurst as our thank-you. Get started here!Fight for your family by downloading 15 Prayers for Your Husband and 15 Prayers for Your Son or Daughter.We're grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of Therapy & Theology. Click here to apply for their Youth Mental Health Coach program — a biblically grounded, clinically excellent training to help you support youth facing today's most common mental health challenges. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today.Subscribe here to receive new Therapy & Theology episodes straight to your inbox.Want a chance to be featured on Listener Mail? Leave Lysa, Jim, or Joel a message or a question right here.Click here to download a copy of this transcript. We're nearing the end of this mid-year season, still working toward our $760,000 goal, with $213,000 already given. And right now, your gift can go twice as far thanks to the generous friends who have paved the way. If this is stirring something in you, don't wait! Give now and help put Truth in front of her right when she needs it most.
Do you ever feel like you want to pray … but don't know what to say?In today's episode, Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson sit down with Wendy Blight to talk about a simple but powerful shift: praying God's Word.Because when emotions run high — especially in the relationships that matter most — it's easy to default to reacting, fixing, or striving for change. But what if the most impactful thing you could do is pray differently?Wendy shares honestly about a hard season with her daughter and how learning to pray Scripture didn't just change her prayers — it changed her heart, her words, and the atmosphere in her home.If you've ever felt stuck in your prayer life or unsure how to pray for someone you love, this episode will give you a clear place to start.You'll learn:Why praying Scripture brings clarity when you don't have the words.How to identify the heart issue behind what you're praying for.A simple way to turn Bible verses into personal prayers.What it looks like to pray in both everyday moments and hard ones.How God uses prayer to shape your heart, not just your circumstances.Resources From This Episode:Download “15 Prayers for Your Son or Daughter.”If you're not sure where to begin, this resource will help you start praying Scripture over your child in a simple, meaningful way.Listen to Therapy & Theology Season 12: “Fight for Your Family.”Get practical, biblical insight to help you strengthen your relationships and fight for what matters most.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Want More on This Topic? With so much against us and our families in today's world, how can we build a family rooted in biblical Truth and a strong sense of belonging? Listen to this episode of Therapy & Theology to learn how.
Welcome to Day 2854 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2854 – “He is Risen Indeed!” based on 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 Putnam Church Message – 04/05/2026 Resurrection Sunday – “He is Risen Indeed!” Last week's message was: “Behold He Comes!” This covered the entire Passion Week, with the launching point of Zechariah 9:9 Today, our focus is on Resurrection Sunday. Today's message is: “He is Risen Indeed!” We will celebrate the resurrected Christ and the assurance we have in the salvation that He brings. Our core verses this week are 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 20-23 3 I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. 20 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. 21 So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. 22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. 23 But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back. Opening Prayer Father in heaven, on this Resurrection Sunday, we come with gratitude, wonder, and praise. Open our eyes to see the glory of Your Son. Open our hearts to receive the power of the empty tomb. For those who are joyful, deepen their joy. For those who are weary, strengthen their faith. For those who are grieving, breathe hope again. For those who are uncertain, make the truth of Christ's resurrection clear and living. May this not be just a familiar holiday to us, but a holy encounter with the risen Lord. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Introduction This morning our message is titled: “He Is Risen Indeed!” That is more than a phrase. It is more than a tradition. It is more than a beautiful greeting to exchange on Easter morning. Across the centuries, believers in many lands have greeted one another with words like these: “Christ is risen!” - “He is risen indeed!” Why has the church loved that greeting so much? Because Easter is not simply about springtime, flowers, new grass, warmer days, or the turning of the seasons. Easter is not the church's way of saying, “Things will probably get better.” Easter is not vague optimism. Easter is not religious cheerfulness. Easter is the declaration that Jesus Christ, who was crucified, buried, and mourned, has bodily risen from the dead. That changes everything. The four Gospels all testify to this glorious truth. Matthew tells us about the earthquake, the angel, and the guards' fear. Mark emphasizes the shock and amazement of the women at the tomb. Luke draws us into the confusion, the angelic reminder, and the burning hearts on the Emmaus Road. John gives us the intimacy of Mary Magdalene in the garden, Peter and John running to the tomb, and the risen Christ calling His sheep by name. Each Gospel brings its own emphasis, but together they proclaim one great truth: The tomb is empty because Jesus is alive. And because He is alive, we do not merely have a memory to cherish. We have a Savior to trust, a Lord to follow, and a living hope to sustain us. Main Point 1: The Resurrection Is a Real Event, Not a Religious Idea At the center of Easter is not a mood, but a miracle. Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark or just at dawn, the women came to the tomb. That detail matters. They were not coming to celebrate a victory. They were coming to mourn a death. They brought spices. They expected a sealed grave. They were not looking for resurrection. They were looking for a body. That is why the empty tomb startled them so deeply. Matthew says the stone was rolled away. Mark says they wondered who would move the stone. Luke says they found the stone rolled away and did not find the body. John says Mary Magdalene saw the stone had been moved and ran to tell the disciples. This is not the language of people inventing a legend to comfort themselves. This is the language of startled witnesses who encountered something unexpected. Expanded Narrative In the first-century Jewish world, burial mattered deeply. Graves were places of finality. Bodies were wrapped, laid to rest, and mourned. A large stone meant closure. For Jewish families, proper burial was an act of honor and reverence. No one visited a tomb on the third day expecting a loved one to walk out. That is what makes Easter morning so startling. The women go in sorrow, not anticipation. Peter runs in confusion. John stoops and sees the linen wrappings lying there. Mary stands outside weeping, thinking someone has taken the Lord away. This is not fantasy. This is eyewitness faith born out of astonishment. And the church, that matters because Christianity stands or falls on this. If Christ has not been raised, then our faith is empty. But if He has been raised, then everything He said is true, everything He accomplished on the cross is complete, and everything He promised is secure. Illustration Sometimes people want Easter to mean only that “hope rises” in a poetic sense. But that is like saying a check is valuable because it is beautifully written, even if there is no money in the account. The beauty of the words means little without the reality behind them. The power of Easter is not that it sounds inspiring. The power of Easter lies in the fact that it happened. Object Lesson Bring a sealed envelope and an open envelope. Say: “A sealed envelope means the message is still hidden. But an opened envelope means the message has been revealed. The tomb was sealed, but on Easter morning it was opened. God was declaring to the world that His Son had conquered death.” Related Scriptures 1 Corinthians 15:14, 17 – If Christ has not been raised, our faith is useless. Psalm 16:10 – God would not allow His Holy One to rot in the grave. Acts 2:24 – It was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him. Romans 1:4 – Jesus was shown to be the Son of God in power by His resurrection from the dead. Summary of Main Point 1 Easter is not built on religious imagination but on a real, historical resurrection. The empty tomb, the startled witnesses, and the transformed disciples all point to the same conclusion: Jesus truly rose from the dead. Our faith is not resting on symbolism alone, but on a risen Savior. Main Point 2: The Resurrection Gives Us a Living Hope Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:3: "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, A better phrase is this: a living hope. Not a dead hope. Not a faint hope. Not a wishful hope. Not a seasonal hope. A living hope. Why is it living? Because it is tied to a living Christ. If Jesus were only a memory, then hope would eventually fade into sentiment. But because Jesus is alive, hope lives too. Expanded Narrative Peter knew what he was talking about. He had failed Jesus publicly. He had denied Him three times. He had wept bitterly. By Friday night, Peter's courage was gone. By Saturday, his hope must have felt shattered. But then came Sunday morning. Then came the empty tomb. Then came the risen Christ. The man who once cowered before a servant girl would later stand and preach Christ boldly. Why? Because the resurrection changed him. And Peter later wrote to believers who were suffering. They were not living easy lives. They were facing pressure, hardship, misunderstanding, and persecution. Peter did not tell them to pretend life was simple. He did not tell them to smile more and think positively. He pointed them to the resurrection. That is Christian realism. The New Testament does not deny trouble. It...
Healthy relationships require healthy boundaries — even with family members. While dysfunction or even abuse needs to be addressed, are there instances where we have taken boundaries "too far"?In this episode, you'll learn:When relational boundaries become unhealthy, leading to cutoffs, emotional distance, or family estrangement.How to set boundaries with family members in a way that increases safety, improves communication, and reduces isolation.How to protect your emotional health without attempting to control another person.Links and Resources We Mention in This Episode:Fight for your family by downloading 15 Prayers for Your Husband and 15 Prayers for Your Son or Daughter.We're grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of Therapy & Theology. Click here to apply for their Youth Mental Health Coach program — a biblically grounded, clinically excellent training to help you support youth facing today's most common mental health challenges. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today.Subscribe here to receive new Therapy & Theology episodes straight to your inbox.Want a chance to be featured on Listener Mail? Leave Lysa, Jim, or Joel a message or a question right here.Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We're nearing the end of this mid-year season, still working toward our $760,000 goal, with $213,000 already given. And right now, your gift can go twice as far thanks to the generous friends who have paved the way. If this is stirring something in you, don't wait! Give now and help put Truth in front of her right when she needs it most.
It's not always the “big betrayals” that damage trust in a marriage. More often, it's the seemingly “little things” that are easy to overlook.In this episode, you'll learn:The two essentials that must be present for trust to thrive.How to stop having the same argument with your spouse.A simple assessment to help you establish your unique “trust language” as a couple.Links and Resources We Mention in This Episode:Download the "Healthy Conversations Contract" here.Fight for your family by downloading 15 Prayers for Your Husband and 15 Prayers for Your Son or Daughter.We're grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of Therapy & Theology. Click here to apply for their Youth Mental Health Coach program — a biblically grounded, clinically excellent training to help you support youth facing today's most common mental health challenges. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today.Subscribe here to receive new Therapy & Theology episodes straight to your inbox.Want a chance to be featured on Listener Mail? Leave Lysa, Jim, or Joel a message or a question right here.Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We're nearing the end of this mid-year season, still working toward our $760,000 goal, with $213,000 already given. And right now, your gift can go twice as far thanks to the generous friends who have paved the way. If this is stirring something in you, don't wait! Give now and help put Truth in front of her right when she needs it most.
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