United by the Cross (unitedbythecross.org)

He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: Hear now what the Lord says: “Arise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. Hear, O mountains, the Lord’s indictment, you enduring foundations of the earth. For the Lord has a case against His people, and He will argue it against Israel: ‘My people, what have I done to you? Testify against Me how I have wearied you! For I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery. I sent Moses before you, as well as Aaron and Miriam. My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the Lord.’” With what shall I come before the Lord when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? Would the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? The voice of the Lord calls out to the city (and it is sound wisdom to fear Your name): “Heed the rod and the One who ordained it. Can I forget any longer, O house of the wicked, the treasures of wickedness and the short ephah, which is accursed? Can I excuse dishonest scales or bags of false weights? For the wealthy of the city are full of violence, and its residents speak lies; their tongues are deceitful in their mouths. Therefore I am striking you severely, to ruin you because of your sins. You will eat but not be satisfied, and your hunger will remain with you. What you acquire, you will not preserve; and what you save, I will give to the sword. You will sow but not reap; you will press olives but not anoint yourselves with oil; you will tread grapes but not drink the wine. You have kept the statutes of Omri and all the practices of Ahab’s house; you have followed their counsel. Therefore I will make you a desolation, and your inhabitants an object of contempt; you will bear the scorn of the nations.” Micah 6:1‭-‬16 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/mic.6.1-16.BSB Today’s Devotional from Youversion is: What does God want? “What is God’s will for my life?” “What is my purpose and calling?” “What can I do to please God?” In the New Testament, Jesus provides the answer to those questions by telling His followers to love God and love people. In the Old Testament, the prophet Micah—empowered by the Holy Spirit—summarized God’s will for Israel by saying:  “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” ‭‭Micah‬ ‭6:8‬ ‭ESV‬‬  These words were penned during a time when God’s people were trying to please Him with sacrifices, offerings, and going through religious motions, while living lives of deception, violence, and pride. But as the prophet Hosea writes, “I [God] desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea‬ ‭6:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬) God is after our heart motives, not our outward religious activity or begrudging obedience.  Let’s break down what God desires of us: - Do justice. Doing justice requires faith and actions working together: helping the hurting, defending the weak, dealing fairly with the people we encounter, and speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves. In other words, to do justice, we must love others as we love ourselves. - Love kindness. The mercy of God is an extreme kindness. And because we’ve been shown undeserved kindness by Him, we can show undeserved kindness to others. God desires these things more than endless “I’m sorry” speeche

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace Ephesians 1:7 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ. In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory. And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory. For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Ephesians 1:1‭-‬23 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/eph.1.1-23.BSB Today’s Devotional from Youversion is: The Center of Salvation Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus lays a foundation for the power of salvation that is achieved through Jesus’ death and resurrection. The core of the Christian faith is found in this event. The forgiveness of sins that we experience as Christians came through the blood of Christ that was shed on the cross. Jesus lived a perfect life, and became a perfect sacrifice for the brokenness of all mankind. Without the shedding of blood, there would be no forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22). And without the forgiveness of sins, we would not be able to approach our holy and perfect God. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection made a way for us to have a relationship with Him. Jesus gave His life once and for all, which means that He doesn’t have to die again. All of your sins—past, present, and future—are forgiven through Jesus. In fact, nothing can separate you from the love God has for you. Paul says that all of this is in line with God’s grace and His promises. All throughout Scripture God promises to redeem His people. He promises to rescue them and free them from their bondage to sin and brokenness. God accomplishes this through Jesus. Think about God’s great love and grace for you.

​The following is from Living Waters. This audio and others are available free on SoundCloud at https://soundcloud.com/livingwaterspub This message explains why divorce, alcohol and drug addiction, immorality, and abortion are so prevalent within the Church today. Are our churches really filled with true believers? Find more from Ray Comfort and Living Waters at https://LivingWaters.com

On that day David first committed to Asaph and his brothers this song of thanksgiving to the Lord: “Give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the nations. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Seek out the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His marvels, and the judgments He has pronounced, O offspring of His servant Israel, O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones. He is the Lord our God; His judgments carry throughout the earth. Remember His covenant forever, the word He ordained for a thousand generations— the covenant He made with Abraham, and the oath He swore to Isaac. He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant: ‘I will give you the land of Canaan as the portion of your inheritance.’ When they were few in number, few indeed, and strangers in the land, they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. He let no man oppress them; He rebuked kings on their behalf: ‘Do not touch My anointed ones! Do no harm to My prophets!’ Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Proclaim His salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but it is the Lord who made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy fill His dwelling. Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering and come before Him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice. Let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns!’ Let the sea resound, and all that fills it; let the fields exult, and all that is in them. Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the Lord, for He is coming to judge the earth. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever. Then cry out: ‘Save us, O God of our salvation; gather and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy name, that we may glory in Your praise.’ Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.” Then all the people said, “Amen!” and “Praise the Lord!” 1 Chronicles 16:7‭-‬36 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/1ch.16.7-36.BSB

Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness like the dawn, your justice like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm. For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity. The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming. The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked. For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous. The Lord knows the days of the blameless, and their inheritance will last forever. In the time of evil they will not be ashamed, and in the days of famine they will be satisfied. But the wicked and enemies of the Lord will perish like the glory of the fields. They will vanish; like smoke they will fade away. The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving. Surely those He blesses will inherit the land, but the cursed will be destroyed. The steps of a man are ordered by the Lord who takes delight in his journey. Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the Lord is holding his hand. I once was young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread. They are ever generous and quick to lend, and their children are a blessing. Turn away from evil and do good, so that you will abide forever. For the Lord loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off. The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not falter. Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them, the Lord will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned under judgment. Wait for the Lord and keep His way, and He will raise you up to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you will see it. I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree, yet he passed away and was no more; though I searched, he could not be found. Consider the blameless and observe the upright, for posterity awaits the man of peace. But the transgressors will all be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off. The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps and delivers them; He rescues and saves them from the wicked, because they take refuge in Him. Psalms 37:1‭-‬40 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/psa.37.1-40.BSB

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language. Astounded and amazed, they asked, “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? How is it then that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Astounded and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocked them and said, “They are drunk on new wine!” Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, lifted up his voice, and addressed the crowd: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen carefully to my words. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It is only the third hour of the day! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the coming of the great and glorious Day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know. He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross. But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held in its clutches. David says about Him: ‘I saw the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will dwell in hope, because You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.’ Brothers, I can tell you with confidence that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that He would place one of his descendants on his throne. Foreseeing this, David spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did His body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, to which we are all witnesses. Exalted, then, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend into heaven, but he himself says: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’ Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!” When the people heard t

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 BSB Freedom Freedom Conference is tonight and tomorrow. I ask that you join me in prayer for the Holy Spirit to be on and in the people who are volunteering, the small group leaders, and everyone who is attending. Father, thank You for being our provider, healer, shepherd, banner, peace, and way maker. We come before You today as an imperfect, yet eagerly searching people, requesting Your presence. Your Word tells us that when we search for You with all of our hearts and minds, that we will find You. O God, our souls thirst for You like the deer thirsts for water, and we know that You delight in Your children when they seek Your face. You are a good and loving Father and none can compare to You. We haven't given You the proper place of honor in our lives. We've tried to take the lives You provided and do things our own ways. We've broken every law You provided to teach us how to love You and Your children. We are completely depraved and thoroughly disqualified in our sins. Without the intervention of Jesus Christ, we could never be in Your presence. Thank You Jesus, for taking the punishment we rightly deserve, and for dieing to pay for the debt of our sins. We can never thank You enough. Father thank You for loving us enough to allow Your only Son to take our place on that cross. Thank You for Your Word, without which, we couldn't know how wonderful You are and how much You do for the ones You love. Holy Spirit thank You for drawing us to Christ, bringing conviction without condemnation, teaching us, helping us to forgive, providing healing, comforting, teaching us patience, and offering sanctification as You walk through each step with us. God we thank You for love and truth. I pray for hearts and minds to be made new with a hunger for Jesus Christ and a distaste for sin. I pray for chains to be broken and never be put on again, for wounds to be healed, to remove the enemy's foothold and tear down strongholds. I pray that today burdens are surrendered and never picked up again. I pray that every spiritual, mental, and physical attack from the enemy will be made harmless. Every knee must bow down and worship Jesus Christ and every mouth must confess that Jesus Christ is King! Hallelujah! All praise and honor and glory belongs to the Lamb, our Savior, our Messiah, our King, our God! In Jesus's name we pray, Amen.

We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/isa.53.6.BSB Today's Verse In Context: Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken by God, struck down and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. By oppression and judgment He was taken away, and who can recount His descendants? For He was cut off from the land of the living; He was stricken for the transgression of My people. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth. Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the Lord will prosper in His hand. After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors. Isaiah 53:1‭-‬12 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/isa.53.1-12.BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: Heavy Weight Removed We’ve all done things that weigh us down and make us wonder, “Why do I do what I know is wrong?” In Scripture, sin is used to describe actions that miss the target God has asked us to aim for: living a life centered around loving God and others. While there are universal actions that dishonor God, small acts of disobedience also pull us away from Him. The apostle James wrote that “it is a sin to know what the right thing to do is, and then not do it” (James 4:17). In other words, if you know what God is asking you to do, yet you still decide to disobey Him—then you’re undermining God’s authority in your life. Sin entices us because it is self-gratifying, but it results in eternal separation from God and others. For a long time, there was no way for most people to draw near to God because God cannot be a part of anything that undermines His perfect character.  But while we were controlled by sin, Jesus came and died for us. And because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can now experience a life that isn’t ruled by our mistakes.  Jesus’ voluntary sacrifice and separation from God can lead to our reconciliation with Him. None of this is because we deserve it, but because God has always desired it. While we might continue to struggle between doing right and wrong, we don’t have to face this struggle alone. And the great news is: God wants to help because He knows that we can’t overcome sin on our own. So right now, take note of some of the things you are currently struggling with. Where do you need to give God control? Picture handing those things over to Jesus and allow Him to show you His love for you. He paid the price for you

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Exodus 20:8 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: And God spoke all these words: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant or livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them, but on the seventh day He rested. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, or his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Exodus 20:1‭-‬17 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/exo.20.1-17.BSB Today's devotional mentions Genesis 2:1-3 so I'm including it here: Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. And by the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished. Genesis 2:1‭-‬3 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/gen.2.1-3.BSB Today’s Devotional from Youversion is: The Sabbath Practice - Day 1 of 4 Day 1: Stop The word Sabbath comes from the Hebrew word shabbat, which literally means “to stop” or “cease.” But it can also mean to rest, to delight, and even to worship. The first time that shabbat shows up is in Genesis 2:1-3. God finishes the work of creation, and it says “he rested [shabbat] from all his work.” Notice: God sabbathed. Abraham Joshua Heschel notes that God didn’t sabbath because he was tired, or worn out from all the creating he did. Rather, his act of stopping was an act of creation itself. God stops, and in doing so, he creates a rhythm of rest woven into the very fabric of creation. When we live without Sabbath, we go against the rhythm that God the creator himself built into our body and into the fabric of all creation. This is true on the negative side—when you don’t sabbath, you suffer the consequences: burnout, stress, trashed immune systems, brain fog, frayed relationships, distance from God, etc. But it’s also true on the positive side—when we do sabbath, we reap the rewards: peace, health, and delight, just to name a few. But Sabbath isn’t just an aspirational idea; it’s a practice. Sabbath, like all of the practices, is a means to an end. The end isn’t to say “I practice Sabbath.” It’s not even to be well-rested and happy. It’s to participate in the love and life of God himself, to center our entire life around him, and to live more deeply in him—not just on Sabbath, but all week long. You do not have to live a Sabbath-less life of non-stop exhaustion. You, right where you are, no matter your stage of life, can adopt the practice of Sabbath. And you don’t have to buy it, or order it online, or

History and Authenticity of the Bible is a study series by David Hocking, provided on Blue Letter Bible Institute, at the website: https://Study.Bible Blue Letter Bible Institute, with permission from the author, shares the audio and transcripts of the courses. The audio quality was sometimes difficult for me to hear. The audio I'm sharing here, was created by using the transcripts of David Hocking's lectures. I put the text through a text to speech program. I made these audio files for my personal use, but I believe that it can be beneficial for others too. Regarding permissions: I have reached out to Blue Letter Bible Institute regarding permission to share this, but they referred me to the author. I requested permission multiple times by means of different email addresses associated with David's ministry, but I didn't get a response from Mr Hocking. If you know Mr Hocking and he doesn't want me sharing this, please let me know and I will take it down immediately. I do not use ads or accept donations. I only want to further the kingdom. The following description is from the Blue Letter Bible Institute website: History and Authenticity of the Bible Overview This course was taught during twenty-five classroom sessions with the purpose of instructing Bible college students in topics such as the inspiration, the inerrancy, and the authority of God’s Word. The instructor examines how the Bible was written over centuries of time and how it has been preserved by the Author Himself. He explains the process of translations from the original languages; the importance of canonicity; the issues of textual criticism; and the principles of interpretation. This informative series will elicit bold confidence in the inerrant & infallible Word of God. Ages ago someone wisely said, “We cannot dispense with a single word of Holy Writ; the removal of a part would mar the completeness and connection of the whole. Absolutely perfect are the proportions of God’s inspired truth.” That view of the Bible is strictly adhered to in this course taught by David Hocking. It is available through the text or the audio version, and we encourage you to enroll today. David Hocking has been preaching and teaching the Bible for over 50 years and is committed to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. He has pastored churches in Ohio and Southern California, and has been teaching on the radio since 1970. David attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he graduated with a B.A. in Bible, Greek, and Ancient History. After college David attended Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies. David also continued graduate studies and received a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies and languages and a Doctor of Laws degree, being honored by Biola University.

When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death. They bound Him, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate the governor. When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. The chief priests picked up the pieces of silver and said, “It is unlawful to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.” After conferring together, they used the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on Him by the people of Israel, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord had commanded me.” Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, who questioned Him: “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer. Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?” But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement. Now it was the governor’s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing. At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. So when the crowd had assembled, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him. While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.” But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death. “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they replied. “What then should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify Him!” “Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!” When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.” All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” So Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified. Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company around Him. They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. And they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand and knelt down before Him to mock Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly. After they had mocked Him, they removed the robe and put His own clothes back on Him. Then they led Him away to crucify Him. Along the way they found a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross of Jesus. And when they came to a place called Golgotha, which means The Place of the Skull, they offered Him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, He refused to drink it. When they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Two robbers were crucified with Him, one on His right hand and the other on His left. And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him...

Recorded at Generations Conference 2024 www.jackiehillperry.com https://youtube.com/watch?v=D4uuPE_QJrc&si=iwAAlf2P1H5xfc46 Today's message is from the YouTube channel Jackie Hill Perry. Have a Blessed Day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8 BSB Today's Verse In Context: Now after the death of His servant Moses, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying, “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, you and all these people, and cross over the Jordan into the land that I am giving to the children of Israel. I have given you every place where the sole of your foot will tread, just as I promised to Moses. Your territory shall extend from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great River Euphrates—all the land of the Hittites—and west as far as the Great Sea. No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them. Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:1‭-‬9 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/jos.1.1-9.BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion is: Timeless Wisdom After being rescued from Egyptian slavery and wandering around in the wilderness for 40 years, the Hebrew people finally stood at the edge of the land God had promised.  Though their long-time leader, Moses, had just died, God appointed Joshua to take his place. During this transition of authority, God gave Joshua some wise advice: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ The “Book of the Law” refers to the first five books of the Bible—also known as the Torah (in Hebrew) or the Pentateuch (in Greek). Today, we have that and more—66 books of the Bible, including the Old and New Testaments. God gave the Law to Israel through Moses. These instructions reveal God’s intentions, character, and heart. And even though God was speaking directly to Joshua at that time, His advice holds timeless wisdom for us today… Reading, listening to, and thinking deeply about God's story informs and shapes us.  God’s instructions are good, and His commandments are wise. They tell us who God is and who He’s created us to be. They show us where His people have been and where they are going. When we meditate on His Word, study its contents, and understand its core message—everything changes. We don’t have to live meaningless lives; we can step into the world purposefully. And even when we face battles, like Joshua did, it’s always best to be on God’s side. Today's Prayer is: A Prayer of Thanks for God’s Word God, You give us Scripture so that we can know You better. Your Word is not meant to be a list of instructions but a way of life that leads to You. The more time we spend in the Bible, the more deeply we know Your character and nature. Thank you for revealing Yourself to us in this way. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Have a Blessed Day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

And by the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished. Genesis 2:2‭-‬3 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. And by the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished. This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made them. Now no shrub of the field had yet appeared on the earth, nor had any plant of the field sprouted; for the Lord God had not yet sent rain upon the earth, and there was no man to cultivate the ground. But springs welled up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground. Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being. And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, where He placed the man He had formed. Out of the ground the Lord God gave growth to every tree that is pleasing to the eye and good for food. And in the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it branched into four headwaters: The name of the first river is Pishon; it winds through the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. And the gold of that land is pure, and bdellium and onyx are found there. The name of the second river is Gihon; it winds through the whole land of Cush. The name of the third river is Hiddekel; it runs along the east side of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates. Then the Lord God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it. And the Lord God commanded him, “You may eat freely from every tree of the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; for in the day that you eat of it, you will surely die.” The Lord God also said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.” And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and He brought them to the man to see what he would name each one. And whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all the livestock, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while he slept, He took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the area with flesh. And from the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man, He made a woman and brought her to him. And the man said: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of man she was taken.” For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, and they were not ashamed. Genesis 2:1‭-‬25 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/gen.2.1-25.BSB Today’s Devotional from Youversion is: A Rhythm of Rest Where did the idea of a seven-day week come from? Throughout history, cultures have experimented with varying the number of days in a week, but the most enduring pattern for human work and rest is woven into how the Creator made us.  When God first created the world, He finished all He wanted to do in six days. He could have moved on to the next project on His to-do list, but instead, God intentionally rests and enjoys His creation. This is the standard pattern of work and rest created for us from the beginning.  How we create and produce reflects how we are created in His image. Just like God

1 Corinthians 9: Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you yourselves not my workmanship in the Lord? Even if I am not an apostle to others, surely I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my defense to those who scrutinize me: Have we no right to food and to drink? Have we no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas? Or are Barnabas and I the only apostles who must work for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk? Do I say this from a human perspective? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned? Isn’t He actually speaking on our behalf? Indeed, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they should also expect to share in the harvest. If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you? If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that something be done for me. Indeed, I would rather die than let anyone nullify my boast. Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility. What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it. Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law. To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:1‭-‬27 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/1co.9.1-27.BSB

Sermon except from: The Lord Comes As A Thief (Rapture) - Paul Washer https://youtube.com/watch?v=MCV8BnjtrIg&si=eJrmQt0JnTeq84Pb

Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own work. Then he will have reason to boast in himself alone, and not in someone else. For each one should carry his own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor. Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith. See what large letters I am using to write to you with my own hand! Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. They only do this to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ. For the circumcised do not even keep the law themselves, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation. Peace and mercy to all who walk by this rule, even to the Israel of God. From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen. Galatians 6:1‭-‬18 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/gal.6.1-18.BSB Today’s Devotional from Youversion is: When You Need Support Everyone carries burdens, and the things we go through shape the way we view the world, and ourselves. But we weren’t meant to carry our burdens alone.   In fact, Jesus says to the people following Him— "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. … For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:28-30 NLT A yoke is a heavy wooden beam that lies across a pair of oxen, evenly distributing the weight of the loads they carry. But the term was also used by Jewish Rabbis. “The yoke of the law” symbolized complete submission to God’s law, and Rabbis taught that becoming yoked to it would free the Jews from enslavement to the world. Jesus is using a phrase that His Jewish followers would have easily understood, but then He flips the illustration. He tells the crowd that they must yoke themselves to Him—because He is the fulfillment of their law.  When they do this, the burdens they carry won’t be heavy at all—because He will bear the weight of their burdens.   Paul references this teaching in his letter to the Galatian Christians:   “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”    Galatians 6:2 NLT  The law of Christ is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). But the only way we can fulfill the law of Christ is if we bind ourselves to Him. When we are yoked to Jesus, He becomes our source of strength.  He helps us endure hard situations and enables us to walk away from poor decisions. He fills us up with His love so that we can pour His love out onto others. He gives us the capacity to support other Christ-followers just like He supports us.    Just as Jesus bore our sins and suffering, we are called to bear the suffering of others. In this way, we show them the love

But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Ruth 1:16 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/rut.1.16.BSB In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. And a certain man from Bethlehem in Judah, with his wife and two sons, went to reside in the land of Moab. The man’s name was Elimelech, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah, and they entered the land of Moab and settled there. Then Naomi’s husband Elimelech died, and she was left with her two sons, who took Moabite women as their wives, one named Orpah and the other named Ruth. And after they had lived in Moab about ten years, both Mahlon and Chilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and without her husband. When Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had attended to His people by providing them with food, she and her daughters-in-law prepared to leave the land of Moab. Accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road leading back to the land of Judah. Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you to your mother’s home. May the Lord show you loving devotion, as you have shown to your dead and to me. May the Lord enable each of you to find rest in the home of your new husband.” And she kissed them as they wept aloud and said, “Surely we will return with you to your people.” But Naomi replied, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you go with me? Are there still sons in my womb to become your husbands? Return home, my daughters. Go on, for I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was hope for me to have a husband tonight and to bear sons, would you wait for them to grow up? Would you refrain from having husbands? No, my daughters, it grieves me very much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me.” Again they wept aloud, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her. “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; follow her back home.” But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.” When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped trying to persuade her. So Naomi and Ruth traveled until they came to Bethlehem. When they entered Bethlehem, the whole city was stirred because of them, and the women of the city exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?” “Do not call me Naomi,” she replied. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has dealt quite bitterly with me. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? After all, the Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me.” So Naomi returned from the land of Moab with her daughter-in-law Ruth the Moabitess. And they arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. Ruth 1:1‭-‬22 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/rut.1.1-22.BSB Portions of the text used in today's message is from https://bible.com/stories/19462

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14 BSB Today's Verse In Context: I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts. I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected. Then the Lord answered me: “Write down this vision and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a herald may run with it. For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay. Look at the proud one; his soul is not upright — but the righteous will live by faith — and wealth indeed betrays him. He is an arrogant man never at rest. He enlarges his appetite like Sheol, and like Death, he is never satisfied. He gathers all the nations to himself and collects all the peoples as his own. Will not all of these take up a taunt against him, speaking with mockery and derision: ‘Woe to him who amasses what is not his and makes himself rich with many loans! How long will this go on?’ Will not your creditors suddenly arise and those who disturb you awaken? Then you will become their prey. Because you have plundered many nations, the remnant of the people will plunder you— because of your bloodshed against man and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers. Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster! You have plotted shame for your house by cutting off many peoples and forfeiting your life. For the stones will cry out from the wall, and the rafters will echo it from the woodwork. Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by iniquity! Is it not indeed from the Lord of Hosts that the labor of the people only feeds the fire, and the nations weary themselves in vain? For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin until they are drunk, in order to gaze at their nakedness! You will be filled with shame instead of glory. You too must drink and expose your uncircumcision! The cup in the Lord’s right hand will come around to you, and utter disgrace will cover your glory. For your violence against Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of animals will terrify you, because of your bloodshed against men and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers. What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it— or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ or to silent stone, ‘Arise!’ Can it give guidance? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, yet there is no breath in it at all.” But the Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him. Habakkuk 2:1‭-‬20 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/hab.2.1-20.BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: Knowledge of God Everywhere you look you can learn something about God. The earth is filled with information about Him. Psalm 19:1 says that the skies proclaim the wonders of God’s handiwork. Romans 1:20 says that since the beginning of creation, God’s attributes have been visible in the world. Learning about God’s character through nature is called General Revelation. These are the things that anyone can learn about God by observing creation. Special Revelation is knowledge about God and salvation that only comes through His Word. One example of Special Revelation is Habakkuk 2:14, which talks about a future day when the earth will be filled with true knowledge of God. When this was first proclaimed, the nation of Israel was in the midst of exile. They were experiencing injustice at the hands of their enemies. But God gave them a promise in the middle of their hopeless situation… For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of..

Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 BSB Today's Verse in Context: Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see. This is why the ancients were commended. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised. And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Now those who say such things show that they are seeking a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones. By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after his birth, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were unafraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch Israel’s own firstborn. By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who...

This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. 1 John 4:9 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you will know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and which is already in the world at this time. You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. They are of the world. That is why they speak from the world’s perspective, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. That is how we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception. Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us. By this we know that we remain in Him, and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him. In this way, love has been perfected among us, so that we may have confidence on the day of judgment; for in this world we are just like Him. There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. We love because He first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well. 1 John 4:1‭-‬21 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/1jn.4.1-21.BSB Today’s Devotional from Youversion is: The Great Love of Jesus Love is the beginning of everything. You and I have life and breath at this very moment because God loves us. God created us because He wanted a people to love, and we are the recipients of His great love. In 1 John 4:9, John tells his readers that the primary way God showed His love toward us is through Jesus. Even while we were considered enemies of God, He sent Jesus to earth on our behalf. While Jesus was on earth, he lived a sinless life as a representative of humanity to God. His death and resurrection made a way for us to be forgiven of our sins and begin a relationship with God. God now gives us His love freely. There is nothing that we can do to earn His love, and there’s nothing about us that deserves His love. This is why John says love comes from God (1 John 4:7). Love is our greatest responsibility in life. Jesus made it very clear to His disciples that loving God and loving others are the two greatest commandments. But the basis for all of this is the love of God through Jesus. John tells us in 1 John 4:7-8 that those who truly know God will also love others. Our relationship with God is the model for how we should love other people. We should never deny someone something we’ve been freely given. And since we have freely received love from God,

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23:4 BSB Today's Verse In Context: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalms 23:1‭-‬6 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/psa.23.1-6.BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: A God of Comfort In ancient Israel, the rod and staff of a shepherd protected and guided the sheep, and even reminded the sheep that the shepherd was there. Familiar with this, King David, a shepherd at one time, used the metaphor in Psalm 23:4 to convey this truth: God was his protector and guide.  King David faced death many times and had enemies bent on killing him. He also dealt with his own sin issues and personal mistakes. But in the midst of all this, he repeatedly turned his attention to the faithfulness of God and to the assurances of God.  Where did he find these assurances?  King David would have been a student of the Hebrew Scripture, the Torah—the first five books in our Bibles.  To a Hebrew, the Torah wasn’t just a story about God, it was the very Word of God. It was authority, promise, and guide. It was this Word that David based his life—and his psalms—upon. David could write about God’s character because: 1. He knew the Word of God. 2. He experienced the faithfulness and goodness of God based on that word. We, too, have this—and more. We have the revealed Word of God from the ancient prophets in the Old Testament, the words of Jesus while on earth, and the revealed words of Jesus through the apostles and authors of the New Testament. In other words, we have what David had: 1. We have the Word of God. 2. We can experience the faithfulness and goodness of God based on that word.  Read what Jesus said to His disciples: I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.  John 16:33 ESV Like David, we don’t have anything to fear, because God is near—and He is our comfort. Knowing Scripture helps us confidently believe that God is and will be a faithful protector, guide, and presence to those who love Him. So today, determine to discover more of God's Word. It is in this source of truth that you will better know He who is the Good Shepherd. Today's Prayer Is: A Prayer for Guidance & Protection God, You are the foundation upon which I build my life. You are my source of protection and strength. You fight for me, protect me, and lead me through hard times. With You, I am never alone or abandoned. Thank You for being my source of strength and salvation. Thank You for crushing the devil’s schemes and guiding me closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Have A Blessed Day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

Watch our overview video on the book of Galatians, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. In Galatians, Paul challenges the Galatian Christians to stop allowing controversial Torah observances to divide their church's congregation. #Galatians​ #BibleProject​ #BibleVideo​ https://youtube.com/watch?v=vmx4UjRFp0M&si=tFI1mcF1gzs0tUkI Today's message is from the YouTube channel BibleProject and is better when watched, so I highly recommend you to see the video. BibleProject provides videos about many Biblical topics, word studies, and each book of the Bible. Their illustrations make topics easier to understand and have been an integral part of my walk with the LORD. I learned a lot by Tim Mackie breaking down patterns and subjects. Though I don't agree with Tim on some topics, overall I know that the LORD has blessed me with understanding that I have yet to hear from anyone else. Have a blessed day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalms 4:8 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved my distress; show me grace and hear my prayer. How long, O men, will my honor be maligned? How long will you love vanity and seek after lies? Selah Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him. Be angry, yet do not sin; on your bed, search your heart and be still. Selah Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord. Many ask, “Who can show us the good?” Shine the light of Your face upon us, O Lord. You have filled my heart with more joy than when grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalms 4:1‭-‬8 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/psa.4.1-8.BSB Today’s Devotional from Youversion is: The Peace of God for Anxious Hearts Many of us struggle with anxiety over our future, finances, career, or personal health. Scripture tells us that while there are some things that are within our control, most things in life are outside of our control. So more often than not, we spend time worrying about things that we have no control over. Scripture tells us that trust in God should fill the gap between reality and what we desire. We should not be anxious about the things we cannot control, but rather we should submit everything to God in prayer. He alone has control over the unknown. That is why the writer of Psalm 4 says that he will lay down at night in peace, free from anxiety and worry. Even though the writer is surrounded by danger, he places his trust in God. That leads him to sleep peacefully and safely. Spend some time considering your own heart. Are you anxious or filled with worry? Meditate on God’s power and sovereignty. Ask Him to fill you with His peace and assurance that He is in control of your future. Continually remind yourself of the promises that God has given you in Scripture. Today’s Prayer is: A Prayer for Rest God, I can sleep peacefully because You care for me and my future. So today, I commit my concerns to You. Give me peace-filled rest so that I can rise joyfully and do all that You have called me to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Have a Blessed Day: “May the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I inform you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines. The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink. For the body does not consist of one part, but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact, God has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you.” Nor can the head say to the feet, “I do not need you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts we consider less honorable, we treat with greater honor. And our unpresentable parts are treated with special modesty, whereas our presentable parts have no such need. But God has composed the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have mutual concern for one another. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be...

For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. Hebrews 4:10 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be deemed to have fallen short of it. For we also received the good news just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, since they did not share the faith of those who comprehended it. Now we who have believed enter that rest. As for the others, it is just as God has said: “So I swore on oath in My anger, ‘They shall never enter My rest.’” And yet His works have been finished since the foundation of the world. For somewhere He has spoken about the seventh day in this manner: “And on the seventh day God rested from all His works.” And again, as He says in the passage above: “They shall never enter My rest.” Since, then, it remains for some to enter His rest, and since those who formerly heard the good news did not enter because of their disobedience, God again designated a certain day as “Today,” when a long time later He spoke through David as was just stated: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same pattern of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:1‭-‬16 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/heb.4.1-16.BSB Today’s Devotional from Youversion is: Called to Contentment Observing Sabbath-rest allows us to step into the same rhythm God established in creating the world. Scripture tells us when God rested from His work, it was because His work was complete (Genesis 2:1). God took joy in His accomplishment.  In Hebrews 4:10, the writer draws a parallel between God's rest and ours: "for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his." We're invited to delight in His presence and share in God’s divine contentment. This rest isn't about taking a break from good works. It’s about surrendering the need to control by trusting in the completeness of God’s work. Our "rest" releases us from the burden of proving ourselves good enough to earn His love and approval. These things have been secured through Jesus’ finished work on the cross. When we step into this rhythm of rest can we find contentment that spills over into every part of our lives. Is God is calling you to stop trying to do everything on your own and instead find peace in Jesus’ finished work on the cross? Lay down your burdens, not out of laziness, but surrender. Believe that the One who made the world also takes care of you. Today’s Prayer is: A Prayer for Release God, my heart is heavy. I release my burdens to You. I lay them down and surrender them to You. Thank You for holding me in my weakness and weariness. Show me how to rest and refuel in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Have a Blessed Day ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 1 Peter 5:6 ESV Today's Verse in Context: As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not Lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you. To Him be the power forever and ever. Amen. Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ. 1 Peter 5:1‭-‬14 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/1pe.5.1-14.BSB Today's Devotional from YouVersion is: Here’s What Humility Looks Like… When you think of humility, what comes to mind?  In our world, humility is not something often celebrated. We would rather be seen as powerful, influential, and competent. If humility is weakness, pride is strength. But is it, really? Pride can feel good, but it can hold us back from who God made us to be. It makes us think that if we try hard enough, we can become good enough. If we’re doing great, pride makes our confidence soar. But if we’re going through a rough season, pride makes us sensitive to our failures. Pride links our worth to our accomplishments, and it prevents us from seeing who we truly are. Humility helps us realize that we are not enough—but God is enough for us. Humility will often ask us to risk something. It might mean laying down our social standing, our reputation, our financial security, our sense of authority, or our expertise.  Surrendering our self-sufficiency, surrendering our pride, lets us embrace God’s authority. And our God did miracles through Moses, established David as king of Israel, worked through Isaiah in the midst of chaos, publicly honored Mary, abundantly provided for Peter, and glorified Jesus by raising Him from the dead.  When we surrender ourselves to God, we allow Him to be glorified through us. Humility might cost us something—but it leads to abundant life.  So today, how can you humble yourself before God? Take a few moments and process what you need to lay down in order to draw closer to God within the upcoming weeks. Today's Prayer is: A Prayer of Surrender God, I need You. I can’t pretend that I have my life together, because I don’t. You alone are able to help and sustain me. You alone are able to give me the strength I need to get through each day. Today, please show me that You are in control—and that You are enough for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Have a Blessed Day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB

And the Lord answered, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: Then the Lord said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of the land of Egypt, and go to the land that I promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ And I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people; otherwise, I might destroy you on the way.” When the people heard these bad tidings, they went into mourning, and no one put on any of his jewelry. For the Lord had said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I should go with you for a single moment, I would destroy you. Now take off your jewelry, and I will decide what to do with you.’” So the Israelites stripped themselves of their jewelry from Mount Horeb onward. Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it at a distance outside the camp. He called it the Tent of Meeting, and anyone inquiring of the Lord would go to the Tent of Meeting outside the camp. Then, whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would stand at the entrances to their own tents and watch Moses until he entered the tent. As Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain at the entrance, and the Lord would speak with Moses. When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they would stand up and worship, each one at the entrance to his own tent. Thus the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent. Then Moses said to the Lord, “Look, You have been telling me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have found favor in My sight.’ Now if indeed I have found favor in Your sight, please let me know Your ways, that I may know You and find favor in Your sight. Remember that this nation is Your people.” And the Lord answered, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” “If Your Presence does not go with us,” Moses replied, “do not lead us up from here. For how then can it be known that Your people and I have found favor in Your sight, unless You go with us? How else will we be distinguished from all the other people on the face of the earth?” So the Lord said to Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name.” Then Moses said, “Please show me Your glory.” “I will cause all My goodness to pass before you,” the Lord replied, “and I will proclaim My name—the Lord—in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” But He added, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.” The Lord continued, “There is a place near Me where you are to stand upon a rock, and when My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back; but My face must not be seen.” Exodus 33:1‭-‬23 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/exo.33.1-23.BSB Today’s Devotional from Youversion is: A Way for Us to Rest It feels intimidating to start something new without knowing how it will work out, whether a new relationship, job, project or even traveling to a new place. We never know what challenges we might face along the way. After God met the people of Israel at Mount Sinai, He gave them a new identity (people belonging to Him), new values (the Ten Commandments), and a new destination (the Promised Land). They had no idea where to go or how long it would take. As God led them further into the wilderness, He also..

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16 BSB Today's Verse In Context: But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these! They are the kind who worm their way into households and captivate vulnerable women who are weighed down with sins and led astray by various passions, who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and disqualified from the faith. But they will not advance much further. For just like Jannes and Jambres, their folly will be plain to everyone. You, however, have observed my teaching, my conduct, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my perseverance, my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you have learned them. From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:1‭-‬17 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/2ti.3.1-17.BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: Growing in Righteousness Scripture is one of the most important aspects of our Christian spirituality. God has chosen to speak to us through His Word. Rather than waiting around to hear the voice of God, we can turn to Scripture and hear God speaking to us. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us first and foremost that Scripture is God-breathed. This means that it is inspired by God. This makes Scripture unlike any other book. God divinely inspired human authors to write these letters. More than that, Scripture has the power to radically change our lives if we read it and live it out. Paul tells us that Scripture is able to teach us, rebuke us, correct us, and train us in righteousness. All of these things are happening when we choose to engage in God’s Word. When we read God’s Word, we should be attentive to what God is communicating to us. He may want to correct some of our behavior, convict us of choosing our own way instead of His, or teach us something about Himself. All of these things are so that we can continue to live in a way that pleases God. As we read Scripture and do what it says, we grow in living righteously. We are also equipped for the good works that God wants us to do. Engaging with God’s Word is the primary way that God equips us for the life He planned for us. What ways can you continue to build a habit of reading God’s Word every day? Consider how you can better live out what God’s Word says so that you can grow in righteousness and accomplish all God wants for you. Today's Prayer Is: A Prayer for God’s Word God, thank You for giving me a way to know Your character, nature, and will. Your Word is truth, and nothing can compare with it. I don’t ever want to take Scripture for granted. Help me to prioritize meditating on Your Word, because it has the power to change my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Have A Blessed Day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you;

History and Authenticity of the Bible is a study series by David Hocking, provided on Blue Letter Bible Institute, at the website: https://Study.Bible Blue Letter Bible Institute, with permission from the author, shares the audio and transcripts of the courses. The audio quality was sometimes difficult for me to hear. The audio I'm sharing here, was created by using the transcripts of David Hocking's lectures. I put the text through a text to speech program. I made these audio files for my personal use, but I believe that it can be beneficial for others too. Regarding permissions: I have reached out to Blue Letter Bible Institute regarding permission to share this, but they referred me to the author. I requested permission multiple times by means of different email addresses associated with David's ministry, but I didn't get a response from Mr Hocking. If you know Mr Hocking and he doesn't want me sharing this, please let me know and I will take it down immediately. I do not use ads or accept donations. I only want to further the kingdom. The following description is from the Blue Letter Bible Institute website: History and Authenticity of the Bible Overview This course was taught during twenty-five classroom sessions with the purpose of instructing Bible college students in topics such as the inspiration, the inerrancy, and the authority of God’s Word. The instructor examines how the Bible was written over centuries of time and how it has been preserved by the Author Himself. He explains the process of translations from the original languages; the importance of canonicity; the issues of textual criticism; and the principles of interpretation. This informative series will elicit bold confidence in the inerrant & infallible Word of God. Ages ago someone wisely said, “We cannot dispense with a single word of Holy Writ; the removal of a part would mar the completeness and connection of the whole. Absolutely perfect are the proportions of God’s inspired truth.” That view of the Bible is strictly adhered to in this course taught by David Hocking. It is available through the text or the audio version, and we encourage you to enroll today. David Hocking has been preaching and teaching the Bible for over 50 years and is committed to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. He has pastored churches in Ohio and Southern California, and has been teaching on the radio since 1970. David attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he graduated with a B.A. in Bible, Greek, and Ancient History. After college David attended Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies. David also continued graduate studies and received a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies and languages and a Doctor of Laws degree, being honored by Biola University.

Imagine a deer trail in the woods. We know that the deer are traveling there, because they wear down the grass from going through the same path repeatedly. They take the children through the same path. The way you hunt and kill them is by waiting for them to come back to the same places they were in the past. It's not hard to find them, you just wait for them to come to you. When the ground has been walked over repeatedly, it kills whatever would have grown there. Soil without grass is slippery. Without the grass and its root system, there's no traction. So, when climbing up a slippery path, you will be forced to pull down what is holding you up. Sometimes what you try to hold on to will just break, because it can't hold you up. If you want to kill a deer, you don't wander around in the woods, hoping you stumble upon one. Once you know where they go as a family, all you need to do is wait. You might even bait them with a substance they like. If the hunter wants to wait, they can let the deer live longer, and get bigger. Maybe it will have children too, and knowing the place to wait, they will feed you another day. If it's a male, when they get bigger, you could make them a trophy. Of course, if you remove fathers, you might kill the family off entirely and if you kill them not for food, but because you hate them, this might be the desirable outcome. Be sure, you have an enemy that hates you. The entire reason he exists is to prove that you're just like him. The accuser is here to steal, kill, and destroy. There are no new plays for him to try, so generational sin is an easy method of attack. You are not here to follow the same path as the ones that were before you or the ones that are around you. You are here to follow Christ and make a new path that leaves the death and misery and neglect behind. Scripture: “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14‭-‬15 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. I say to God, my rock: “Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” As with a deadly wound in my bones, my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. Psalm 42

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 BSB Today's Verse In Context: A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She rises while it is still night to provide food for her household and portions for her maidservants. She appraises a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength and shows that her arms are strong. She sees that her gain is good, and her lamp is not extinguished at night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for they are all clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known at the city gate, where he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the days to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well: “Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her at the gates. Proverbs 31:10‭-‬31 BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: True Beauty In God’s infinite wisdom and creativity, He has crafted magnificent things: stunning sunsets, awe-inspiring mountains, turquoise oceans, and beautiful people. Proverbs 31 is a well-known chapter in the Bible about a God-fearing, hard-working, generosity-driven woman. Interestingly, Proverbs 31 was written by a man—specifically, King Lemuel, although it’s technically advice from his mother that he shared when he was king. Something that’s not obvious in non-Hebrew languages is that verses 10-31 actually make up an acrostic poem—each verse beginning with one of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, successively working their way from aleph to tau (from beginning to end). Toward the climax of the poem, the author writes: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭31:30‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Deep down we know this to be true, don’t we? No matter how charming or beautiful a woman is, we know that beauty is fleeting. We know that charm will not last. We know that the aging process will eventually run its course. In this passage, there’s barely any mention of this woman’s physical beauty. Instead, the focus is on her character—on this woman who fears the Lord. An earlier Proverb explains that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10)—the humble realization that anything good and wise and pure and true must have come from Him. So if you know a woman like that—one who loves and respects God, one who honors and cares for people, one who invests wisely and lives purposefully—you might take a moment to thank God for her life. You might even consider how you can be more like her … as she aims to be more like Him. Today's Prayer Is: A Prayer for Women God, today I'm thinking of a woman I know who lives her life for You. Protect and guide her. Fill her with Your strength and hope. I pray she finds her confidence in You, not in the physical beauty standard of the world. Give her wisdom and perseverance as she lives for You. In Jesus' name, Amen. Have A Blessed Day

Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same pattern of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be deemed to have fallen short of it. For we also received the good news just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, since they did not share the faith of those who comprehended it. Now we who have believed enter that rest. As for the others, it is just as God has said: “So I swore on oath in My anger, ‘They shall never enter My rest.’” And yet His works have been finished since the foundation of the world. For somewhere He has spoken about the seventh day in this manner: “And on the seventh day God rested from all His works.” And again, as He says in the passage above: “They shall never enter My rest.” Since, then, it remains for some to enter His rest, and since those who formerly heard the good news did not enter because of their disobedience, God again designated a certain day as “Today,” when a long time later He spoke through David as was just stated: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same pattern of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:1‭-‬16 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/heb.4.1-16.BSB Today’s Devotional from Youversion is: Resting in Obedience In Hebrews 4:11, the consequences of disbelief and disobedience are clear, urging us to avoid repeating the history of the Israelites' rebellion. There's a danger in neglecting God's promised rest. This verse calls for active pursuit of rest, shifting from relying on ourselves to fully trusting in God. By actively seeking this rest, we trade the wilderness of doubt for the green pastures of God’s presence. It sounds a little odd, doesn’t it? Making an effort to rest? What the verse is really saying, though, is that we need to actively trust in the One who provides, and make a conscious choice to surrender and release the burden of proving self-worth. We have to accept that His love and His comfort is enough. We can embrace an unconditional peace that doesn't depend on how well we perform. We rest by setting aside dedicated time for prayer, reflection, and trusting in God’s guidance. We turn toward God and away from doubt and disobedience. What do you need to say no to in order to step into God's rest today? Today’s Prayer is: A Prayer for Less Striving God, break me of my busyness and striving. I want to be a person of peace, not stress. I want to prioritize spending time with You. Show me what I need to surrender. Teach me how to actively pursue rest. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Have a Blessed Day ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24

History and Authenticity of the Bible is a study series by David Hocking, provided on Blue Letter Bible Institute, at the website: https://Study.Bible Blue Letter Bible Institute, with permission from the author, shares the audio and transcripts of the courses. The audio quality was sometimes difficult for me to hear. The audio I'm sharing here, was created by using the transcripts of David Hocking's lectures. I put the text through a text to speech program. I made these audio files for my personal use, but I believe that it can be beneficial for others too. Regarding permissions: I have reached out to Blue Letter Bible Institute regarding permission to share this, but they referred me to the author. I requested permission multiple times by means of different email addresses associated with David's ministry, but I didn't get a response from Mr Hocking. If you know Mr Hocking and he doesn't want me sharing this, please let me know and I will take it down immediately. I do not use ads or accept donations. I only want to further the kingdom. The following description is from the Blue Letter Bible Institute website: History and Authenticity of the Bible Overview This course was taught during twenty-five classroom sessions with the purpose of instructing Bible college students in topics such as the inspiration, the inerrancy, and the authority of God’s Word. The instructor examines how the Bible was written over centuries of time and how it has been preserved by the Author Himself. He explains the process of translations from the original languages; the importance of canonicity; the issues of textual criticism; and the principles of interpretation. This informative series will elicit bold confidence in the inerrant & infallible Word of God. Ages ago someone wisely said, “We cannot dispense with a single word of Holy Writ; the removal of a part would mar the completeness and connection of the whole. Absolutely perfect are the proportions of God’s inspired truth.” That view of the Bible is strictly adhered to in this course taught by David Hocking. It is available through the text or the audio version, and we encourage you to enroll today. David Hocking has been preaching and teaching the Bible for over 50 years and is committed to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. He has pastored churches in Ohio and Southern California, and has been teaching on the radio since 1970. David attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he graduated with a B.A. in Bible, Greek, and Ancient History. After college David attended Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies. David also continued graduate studies and received a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies and languages and a Doctor of Laws degree, being honored by Biola University.

Can anyone explain to me how saying God, followed by dang is better then saying gd? Do you realize that it was just people that decided dang and d a m n are on different levels? The LORD said His name is to be kept holy ¹, not used in vain or as a substitute for filth ². This is like you saying someone you love is a piece of crap, but at least you didn't say they're a piece of sh--. EXCEPT, and this is the part you might've missed, the person you love is innocent and literally left heaven ³ when He volunteered and took your place on death row ⁴. He allowed Himself to be beaten. He allowed Himself to be killed. He conquered death ⁵ and offers you the opportunity to live with Him. Can ANYONE explain how it makes sense to you? Don't take my word for it: 1) Deuteronomy 5:11 BSB 2) Galatians 6:7‭-‬8 BSB 3) John 1:1‭-‬5 BSB 4) Luke 23:34‭-‬43 BSB 5) John 20:1‭-‬31 BSB

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.” Psalms 46:10 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her; she will not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns. Nations rage, kingdoms crumble; the earth melts when He lifts His voice. The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Come, see the works of the Lord, who brings devastation upon the earth. He makes wars to cease throughout the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields in the fire. “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.” The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Psalms 46:1‭-‬11 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/psa.46.1-11.BSB Today’s Devotional from Youversion is: The Power of Stillness We’re busy people. Between work and home, family and friends, full schedules and unending tasks, it’s tempting to hurry through our days without even stopping to look up.  But, speaking through the psalmist, God said:  “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ When was the last time you were intentionally still (and not just when you were sleeping)? When was your body and mind quiet enough to acknowledge that God is God?  Regardless of the past, what will you choose today? You can close this app, check “time with God” off your to-do list, and continue on with business as usual. Or, you can allow the knowledge and truth of God to bring peace to your restless heart. There’s something about stillness that compels us beyond ourselves. There’s something about stillness that heightens our awareness of our need for God.  It’s one thing to acknowledge God with our words, but another to put Him above every other good, bad, and distracting thing in our lives—to live in a way that honors and magnifies Him. There will come a day when, ready or not, God will reveal Himself fully. There will come a day when, willing or not, every secret will come to light. There will come a day when, like it or not, He will be exalted above the nations and honored throughout the world.  But you don’t have to wait to worship Him. You don’t have to wait to call Him your God. You don’t have to wait to make Him the Lord and King of your life. You can be still —right now—and know that He is God. Reflect: How can you be still and experience God today? By admiring His Creation. By reading His Word and reflecting on it. By listening to His voice in prayer. Today’s Prayer is: Awe for God’s Power God, You alone are all-knowing, present, and powerful. You are the God who created the heavens and the earth, the sun and the moon, and all of creation. All people will come to know Your glory and goodness. Please help me linger with You, still and aware of Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Have a Blessed Day: “May the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

History and Authenticity of the Bible is a study series by David Hocking, provided on Blue Letter Bible Institute, at the website: https://Study.Bible Blue Letter Bible Institute, with permission from the author, shares the audio and transcripts of the courses. The audio quality was sometimes difficult for me to hear. The audio I'm sharing here, was created by using the transcripts of David Hocking's lectures. I put the text through a text to speech program. I made these audio files for my personal use, but I believe that it can be beneficial for others too. Regarding permissions: I have reached out to Blue Letter Bible Institute regarding permission to share this, but they referred me to the author. I requested permission multiple times by means of different email addresses associated with David's ministry, but I didn't get a response from Mr Hocking. If you know Mr Hocking and he doesn't want me sharing this, please let me know and I will take it down immediately. I do not use ads or accept donations. I only want to further the kingdom. The following description is from the Blue Letter Bible Institute website: History and Authenticity of the Bible Overview This course was taught during twenty-five classroom sessions with the purpose of instructing Bible college students in topics such as the inspiration, the inerrancy, and the authority of God’s Word. The instructor examines how the Bible was written over centuries of time and how it has been preserved by the Author Himself. He explains the process of translations from the original languages; the importance of canonicity; the issues of textual criticism; and the principles of interpretation. This informative series will elicit bold confidence in the inerrant & infallible Word of God. Ages ago someone wisely said, “We cannot dispense with a single word of Holy Writ; the removal of a part would mar the completeness and connection of the whole. Absolutely perfect are the proportions of God’s inspired truth.” That view of the Bible is strictly adhered to in this course taught by David Hocking. It is available through the text or the audio version, and we encourage you to enroll today. David Hocking has been preaching and teaching the Bible for over 50 years and is committed to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. He has pastored churches in Ohio and Southern California, and has been teaching on the radio since 1970. David attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he graduated with a B.A. in Bible, Greek, and Ancient History. After college David attended Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies. David also continued graduate studies and received a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies and languages and a Doctor of Laws degree, being honored by Biola University.

Today's audio is from Grace Oasis on YouTube. https://youtube.com/watch?v=c-cw-ZgAMdM&si=0jexmJTZ6ppUpxYd Have a blessed day. ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke away their chains. Psalms 107:13‭-‬14 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy and gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no path to a city in which to dwell. They were hungry and thirsty; their soul fainted within them. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress. He led them on a straight path to reach a city where they could live. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men. For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and chains, because they rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High. He humbled their hearts with hard labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men. For He has broken down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. Fools, in their rebellious ways, and through their iniquities, suffered affliction. They loathed all food and drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He sent forth His word and healed them; He rescued them from the Pit. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men. Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and declare His works with rejoicing. Others went out to sea in ships, conducting trade on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep. For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted the waves of the sea. They mounted up to the heavens, then sunk to the depths; their courage melted in their anguish. They reeled and staggered like drunkards, and all their skill was useless. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed. They rejoiced in the silence, and He guided them to the harbor they desired. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men. Let them exalt Him in the assembly of the people and praise Him in the council of the elders. He turns rivers into deserts, springs of water into thirsty ground, and fruitful land into fields of salt, because of the wickedness of its dwellers. He turns a desert into pools of water and a dry land into flowing springs. He causes the hungry to settle there, that they may establish a city in which to dwell. They sow fields and plant vineyards that yield a fruitful harvest. He blesses them, and they multiply greatly; He does not let their herds diminish. When they are decreased and humbled by oppression, evil, and sorrow, He pours out contempt on the nobles and makes them wander in a trackless wasteland. But He lifts the needy from affliction and increases their families like flocks. The upright see and rejoice, and all iniquity shuts its mouth. Let him who is wise pay heed to these things and consider the loving devotion of the Lord. Psalms 107:1‭-‬43 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/psa.107.1-43.BSB Today’s Devotional from Youversion is: Do You Believe? Brought out of slavery in Egypt. Saved from lions. Victorious in battle. The Word of God is full of stories of deliverance, full of accounts of God showing Himself strong as the Deliverer of His people. He hears...

Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion: Greetings. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position. But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation. My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls. Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does. If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:1‭-‬27 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/jas.1.1-27.BSB Today’s Devotional from Youversion is: True Religion What do you think about when you hear the word religion? Maybe you picture a church building. Maybe you envision a cross. Maybe you imagine statues or cathedrals or altars or pews. Maybe the thought of religion brings you comfort, or it makes you want to run in the opposite direction.  Here's what the Bible says religion truly is:  “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” ‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV True religion in God’s eyes is looking after the hurting and most vulnerable, as well as honoring Him with your life.  You can do this in countless ways. Here are just a few: Physically: You could deliver groceries to a widow, teach..

But as for you, be strong; do not be discouraged, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7 BSB Today's Verse in Context: Now the Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded. So he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. For many years Israel has been without the true God, without a priest to instruct them, and without the law. But in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought Him, and He was found by them. In those days there was no safety for travelers, because the residents of the lands had many conflicts. Nation was crushed by nation, and city by city, for God afflicted them with all kinds of adversity. But as for you, be strong; do not be discouraged, for your work will be rewarded.” When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Azariah son of Oded the prophet, he took courage and removed the detestable idols from the whole land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim. He then restored the altar of the Lord that was in front of the portico of the Lord’s temple. And he assembled all Judah and Benjamin, along with those from the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who had settled among them, for great numbers had come over to him from Israel when they saw that the Lord his God was with him. So they gathered together in Jerusalem in the third month of the fifteenth year of Asa’s reign. At that time they sacrificed to the Lord seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep from all the plunder they had brought back. Then they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul. And whoever would not seek the Lord, the God of Israel, would be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman. They took an oath to the Lord with a loud voice, with shouting, trumpets, and rams’ horns. And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn it with all their heart. They had sought Him earnestly, and He was found by them. So the Lord gave them rest on every side. King Asa also removed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a detestable Asherah pole. Asa chopped down the pole, crushed it, and burned it in the Kidron Valley. The high places were not removed from Israel, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted all his days. And he brought into the house of God the silver and gold articles that he and his father had dedicated. And there was no war until the thirty-fifth year of Asa’s reign. 2 Chronicles 15:1‭-‬19 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/2ch.15.1-19.BSB Today's Devotional From You version is: Don't Give Up Can you think of a time recently where something was so hard that you just wanted to give up, but you didn't? Where did you draw strength from? What kept you going? One of the most incredible parts of being a Christ-follower is that our own strength is only part of the equation. God's strength wells up in us. Psalm 46:1 says, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." How incredible that it doesn't say, "A sometimes present help." He is "a very present help." In 2 Chronicles 15, we see that Asa, King of Judah, was up against major challenges—he had been trying to refocus the nation of Judah on God after years of idolatry and war. He was facing a huge challenge! Through the prophet Azariah, God spoke this encouragement to him to build him up: "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV God knew what Asa faced. He knew every detail of the burden, and all that was at stake. God also knew the strength He could provide to someone willing to rely on Him. He didn't say, "Good luck out there, that looks rough so don't blow it." He said, "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be...

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 BSB Today's Verse in Context: Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this ministry, we do not lose heart. Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always consigned to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. And in keeping with what is written: “I believed, therefore I have spoken,” we who have the same spirit of faith also believe and therefore speak, knowing that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in His presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is extending to more and more people may overflow in thanksgiving, to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:1‭-‬18 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/2co.4.1-18.BSB Today's Devotional From You version is: There’s More There are plenty of things we can see: trees, stars, mountains, oceans, people, penguins, our best friend's smile, elephants, skyscrapers, coffee beans, sunsets, and tulips, to name a few. God created all those things. He made the natural world, as well as the laws that govern it.  But there are also things we cannot see: behind the breath of the wind, beyond the depths of the universe, beneath the foundations of love. Through Christ, all things were created—in heaven and on earth, both visible and invisible (Colossians 1:16). And while our mortal eyes might not be able to see the wind or infrared light or the Spirit of God, we still experience their effects. Because there’s more than what meets the eye. There’s more beyond this life.  Paul’s friends, the Corinthians, were experiencing great hardship. They were being hunted and persecuted because of what they believed about Jesus—that He was the long-awaited Messiah. Some were even facing death. But Paul encouraged them to endure such fleeting trials with a hope that’s beyond this world. He wrote: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Human eyes can only see so much. Human minds can only grasp so much. But we can trust God with all that we cannot see or comprehend. God is real. We might not be able to see Him today, with our physical eyes, but we can experience the effects of His life. Jesus sacrificed Himself so that you might live, a

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens. From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger. When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place— what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet: all sheep and oxen, and even the beasts of the field, the birds of the air and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! Psalms 8:1‭-‬9 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/psa.8.1-9.BSB

The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Galatians 5:14 BSB

Today's Verse in Context:

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery. Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love. You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth? Such persuasion does not come from the One who calls you. A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough. I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is troubling you will bear the judgment, whoever he may be. Now, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. As for those who are agitating you, I wish they would proceed to emasculate themselves! For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.

Galatians 5:1‭-‬26 BSB

https://bible.com/bible/3034/gal.5.1-26.BSB

Today's Devotional from YouVersion is:

A True Neighbor

Have you ever wondered: “What does God want me to do?”

If you’re looking for a verse that summarizes the commands in both the Old and New Testaments, here’s what Paul wrote to the believers in Galatia…

“For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Galatians 5:14 NLT

Paul’s words echo a command Jesus gave when He was asked what the most important commandment was (Matthew 22:37-40). What they’re both essentially saying is: beyond loving God with everything in you, you should love your neighbor as yourself. 

Who is your neighbor? A Jewish expert in religious law once asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29) So Jesus told him a story about a man who was beaten and left for dead on the side of the road. Both a priest and a Levite walked by and ignored the man—but it was a Samaritan who sacrificed his time and money to help him heal.

For many reasons, Samaritans were despised by Jews. But that didn’t stop the Samaritan in this story from showing compassion. What Jesus wanted the Jewish expert (and us) to hear is that anyone, anywhere is our neighbor—and everyone is worthy of our sacrificial love.

How do you love yourself? When you...

Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, by their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’ Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its collapse!” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. Matthew 7:13‭-‬29 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/mat.7.13-29.BSB Today’s Devotional from Youversion is: Choose Your Foundation Imagine standing next to the sea as waves crash at your feet, storm clouds swallow the sky, and the wind whips your face.   You know you need shelter—and that’s when you see a small hut nestled in the sand nearby, and one further away that’s firmly built into a rocky hill. Which shelter would you choose to take cover in?  2,000 years ago, when Jesus walked this earth, He often told stories to the crowds that gathered around to hear Him teach. One day, He said to them:  “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.” ‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭7:24-25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ As was His way, Jesus used real-life examples to help explain spiritual truths:  “But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:26-27‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We are all building our lives on something. Every decision we make reinforces what we believe our support system to be. So when life’s storms come, will the thing you’ve built your life on support you—or cause you to crumble?   Jesus’ teachings have remained reliable and steadfast through social upheaval, the rise and fall of government regimes, and generations of historic change. No matter what has happened—God’s Word still stands firm.  Teachings from the world, on the other hand, tend to shift with each generation. Like shifting sand, what current culture provides is usually unstable because its values are constantly changing. Storms are inevitable and challenges will come, but you get to choose your foundation. You can choose to make Jesus the one thing you build your life upon, or you can choose whatever habit, idea, or desire feels good and accessible in the ...

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: In my first book, O Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach, until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen. After His suffering, He presented Himself to them with many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a span of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. And while they were gathered together, He commanded them: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift the Father promised, which you have heard Me discuss. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” So when they came together, they asked Him, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near the city, a Sabbath day’s journey away. When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (a gathering of about a hundred and twenty) and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus. He was one of our number and shared in this ministry.” (Now with the reward for his wickedness Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out. This became known to all who lived in Jerusalem, so they called that field in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) “For it is written in the book of Psalms: ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, ‘May another take his position.’ Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. Acts 1:1‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/act.1.1-26.BSB Today’s Devotional from Youversion is: Live Empowered Imagine God’s Spirit hovering over the face of the earth. Everything is dark and without form until God breathes out the words, “Let there be light.” In an instant, everything changes. The light pierces the darkness, and what was once invisible is now seen clearly. This is what God’s Spirit does. He is always near—bringing light to what was once covered in darkness. The Holy Spirit is available to anyo

Then Jesus said to all of them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. Luke 9:23‭-‬24 BSB Today's Verse In Context: One day as Jesus was praying in private and the disciples were with Him, He questioned them: “Who do the crowds say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that a prophet of old has arisen.” “But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. “The Son of Man must suffer many things,” He said. “He must be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” Then Jesus said to all of them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But I tell you truthfully, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:18‭-‬27 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/luk.9.18-27.BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: Following the Way of Jesus Discipleship is at the center of the Christian life. To be a disciple means to be a learner. It means following after Jesus, and patterning our life after His. Jesus tells us that the starting point of following Him is to deny ourselves. Denying ourselves means we choose to put Jesus’ desires above our own. This means that we must come to recognize that we do not have all the answers, or know the right way to go through life.  Discipleship is not something we do once or twice. It is a lifestyle that must be lived out each and every day. We will spend our entire lives becoming more like Jesus.  The way of life Jesus modeled was to suffer on the cross. When we deny ourselves, we choose to humbly follow Jesus. And as we become more like Jesus, we will also need to take up our cross. We will also suffer for doing good, and for denying things that seem enticing in the moment, but ultimately keep us from God. When we bear our suffering, we represent Christ to those around us. The paradox of following Jesus is that when we give up our life for His sake, we receive eternal life in return. When we hold onto our life and keep it from Jesus, we don’t get to experience the abundant life that He promises. Take some time today to consider how you’re living a life of discipleship. Take inventory on the ways you are denying yourself and living for Christ, or living selfishly for your own pleasure and gain. Commit to following Jesus no matter how hard the path gets. And pray for strength and endurance as you follow Him. Today's Prayer Is: A Prayer to Live Like Jesus God, self-denial can be so hard! I need Your strength and Your grace. I can't do it on my own. Thank You for teaching me how to deny myself and live for You. Show me how to carry my cross like Jesus carried His. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Have A Blessed Day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

This is an important topic. There are too many people giving up and removing themselves from the fight. Whether literally or figuratively, destroying life is not the answer. I know first hand what Jesus Christ can do and the difference He can make in your life, personality, and desires. Please know that it's not over while you have air in your lungs. Cultural devaluing of life doesn't change the fact that each person is made in the image of God, made on purpose for purpose, and their body is a temple for the LORD. Pray for the people around you and intercede for anyone that you think might be on the path of self destruction. God hates sin, but He loves you. The audio is from the sermon here https://youtube.com/watch?v=XCDCAmQaBZ0&si=jKPdwoQFTeLT_5_W

Today's Verse Of The Day Is:

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.

Revelation 3:20 BSB

Today's Verse In Context:

To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation. I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other! So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth! You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me. To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Revelation 3:14‭-‬22 BSB

https://bible.com/bible/3034/rev.3.14-22.BSB

Today's Prayer Is:

A Prayer for Restarting

God, thank You for pursuing me and wanting to intimately know me. Free me from distractions and selfish desires. I let go of my personal comforts and control. Renew my passion and heart for You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a Blessed Day:

‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’

Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB

https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. Proverbs 11:24 BSB Today's Verse in Context: Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but an accurate weight is His delight. When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom. The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them. Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death. The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the faithless are trapped by their own desires. When the wicked man dies, his hope perishes, and the hope of his strength vanishes. The righteous man is delivered from trouble; in his place the wicked man goes in. With his mouth the ungodly man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous are rescued. When the righteous thrive, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. By the blessing of the upright a city is built up, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down. Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent. A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence. For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance. He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure. A gracious woman attains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth. A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself. The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward. Genuine righteousness leads to life, but the pursuit of evil brings death. The perverse in heart are an abomination to the Lord, but the blameless in their walk are His delight. Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape. Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion. The desire of the righteous leads only to good, but the hope of the wicked brings wrath. One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. The people will curse the hoarder of grain, but blessing will crown the one who sells it. He who searches out good finds favor, but evil will come to him who seeks it. He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage. He who brings trouble on his house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner! Proverbs 11:1‭-‬31 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/pro.11.1-31.BSB Today's Devotional from Youversion is: What Does It Mean to Be Generous? The word “generous” is often defined as: - Open in giving or sharing - Willing to give help or support - Unselfish Generous living is not a concept limited to the wealthy, the gifted, or the lucky. Generosity is a lifestyle that stems from a desire to worship God in every area of life. The principle of generosity is laced all throughout Scripture, and we have the best model and mentor when it comes to seeing it in action—God. He sent His Son, Jesus, as a sacrifice for our mistakes so that way we could spend eternity with Him. That is generosity in action. Psalm 24:1 says that “the earth is the LORD’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it…” Everything we have belongs to God and is given to us by Him. He is the owner, and we are His managers. And the people who manage well are often entrusted with more to manage. It doesn’t matter how much we have—it matters what we do with what we’re given. We will live generously when we view everything we hav

Today's message and prayer is from Grace Oasis on YouTube. https://youtube.com/watch?v=3N0PK8VuLMQ&si=THcOChOI7vR9r7cU Today, we draw strength from the story of Jesus in Luke 4, who stood firm against temptation by relying on God’s Word. Let this serve as a reminder that when challenges arise, you too can speak God’s truth over your life. With confidence, declare victory over any obstacle, knowing that you are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you. Stand strong, equipped with the authority of Scripture, and allow God’s promises to fill you with courage and peace. Type "Amen" if this prayer has encouraged you, and let us know if you need prayer. May God's grace and peace be with you!

We want to give you practical tools on how to not just be a perpetual performer in your passions, but a pursuer of your purpose because your purpose is to live your life for His namesake. #Purpose #RedefinedTV #SpiritualMaturity This message is from the YouTube channel RedefinedTV. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ao3DWHIi4WY&si=VM10nF90NrlnkGJu I hope it blesses you like it did me. Have a Blessed Day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

Have a blessed day.

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said! Come, see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ See, I have told you.” So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him. “Do not be afraid,” said Jesus. “Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee. There they will see Me.” While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. And after the chief priests had met with the elders and formed a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money and instructed them: “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ If this report reaches the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So the guards took the money and did as they were instructed. And this account has been circulated among the Jews to this very day. Meanwhile, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain Jesus had designated. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:1‭-‬20 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/mat.28.1-20.BSB

History and Authenticity of the Bible is a study series by David Hocking, provided on Blue Letter Bible Institute, at the website: https://Study.Bible Blue Letter Bible Institute, with permission from the author, shares the audio and transcripts of the courses. The audio quality was sometimes difficult for me to hear. The audio I'm sharing here, was created by using the transcripts of David Hocking's lectures. I put the text through a text to speech program. I made these audio files for my personal use, but I believe that it can be beneficial for others too. Regarding permissions: I have reached out to Blue Letter Bible Institute regarding permission to share this, but they referred me to the author. I requested permission multiple times by means of different email addresses associated with David's ministry, but I didn't get a response from Mr Hocking. If you know Mr Hocking and he doesn't want me sharing this, please let me know and I will take it down immediately. I do not use ads or accept donations. I only want to further the kingdom. The following description is from the Blue Letter Bible Institute website: History and Authenticity of the Bible Overview This course was taught during twenty-five classroom sessions with the purpose of instructing Bible college students in topics such as the inspiration, the inerrancy, and the authority of God’s Word. The instructor examines how the Bible was written over centuries of time and how it has been preserved by the Author Himself. He explains the process of translations from the original languages; the importance of canonicity; the issues of textual criticism; and the principles of interpretation. This informative series will elicit bold confidence in the inerrant & infallible Word of God. Ages ago someone wisely said, “We cannot dispense with a single word of Holy Writ; the removal of a part would mar the completeness and connection of the whole. Absolutely perfect are the proportions of God’s inspired truth.” That view of the Bible is strictly adhered to in this course taught by David Hocking. It is available through the text or the audio version, and we encourage you to enroll today. David Hocking has been preaching and teaching the Bible for over 50 years and is committed to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. He has pastored churches in Ohio and Southern California, and has been teaching on the radio since 1970. David attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he graduated with a B.A. in Bible, Greek, and Ancient History. After college David attended Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies. David also continued graduate studies and received a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies and languages and a Doctor of Laws degree, being honored by Biola University.

History and Authenticity of the Bible is a study series by David Hocking, provided on Blue Letter Bible Institute, at the website: https://Study.Bible Blue Letter Bible Institute, with permission from the author, shares the audio and transcripts of the courses. The audio quality was sometimes difficult for me to hear. The audio I'm sharing here, was created by using the transcripts of David Hocking's lectures. I put the text through a text to speech program. I made these audio files for my personal use, but I believe that it can be beneficial for others too. Regarding permissions: I have reached out to Blue Letter Bible Institute regarding permission to share this, but they referred me to the author. I requested permission multiple times by means of different email addresses associated with David's ministry, but I didn't get a response from Mr Hocking. If you know Mr Hocking and he doesn't want me sharing this, please let me know and I will take it down immediately. I do not use ads or accept donations. I only want to further the kingdom. The following description is from the Blue Letter Bible Institute website: History and Authenticity of the Bible Overview This course was taught during twenty-five classroom sessions with the purpose of instructing Bible college students in topics such as the inspiration, the inerrancy, and the authority of God’s Word. The instructor examines how the Bible was written over centuries of time and how it has been preserved by the Author Himself. He explains the process of translations from the original languages; the importance of canonicity; the issues of textual criticism; and the principles of interpretation. This informative series will elicit bold confidence in the inerrant & infallible Word of God. Ages ago someone wisely said, “We cannot dispense with a single word of Holy Writ; the removal of a part would mar the completeness and connection of the whole. Absolutely perfect are the proportions of God’s inspired truth.” That view of the Bible is strictly adhered to in this course taught by David Hocking. It is available through the text or the audio version, and we encourage you to enroll today. David Hocking has been preaching and teaching the Bible for over 50 years and is committed to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. He has pastored churches in Ohio and Southern California, and has been teaching on the radio since 1970. David attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he graduated with a B.A. in Bible, Greek, and Ancient History. After college David attended Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies. David also continued graduate studies and received a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies and languages and a Doctor of Laws degree, being honored by Biola University.

History and Authenticity of the Bible is a study series by David Hocking, provided on Blue Letter Bible Institute, at the website: https://Study.Bible Blue Letter Bible Institute, with permission from the author, shares the audio and transcripts of the courses. The audio quality was sometimes difficult for me to hear. The audio I'm sharing here, was created by using the transcripts of David Hocking's lectures. I put the text through a text to speech program. I made these audio files for my personal use, but I believe that it can be beneficial for others too. Regarding permissions: I have reached out to Blue Letter Bible Institute regarding permission to share this, but they referred me to the author. I requested permission multiple times by means of different email addresses associated with David's ministry, but I didn't get a response from Mr Hocking. If you know Mr Hocking and he doesn't want me sharing this, please let me know and I will take it down immediately. I do not use ads or accept donations. I only want to further the kingdom. The following description is from the Blue Letter Bible Institute website: History and Authenticity of the Bible Overview This course was taught during twenty-five classroom sessions with the purpose of instructing Bible college students in topics such as the inspiration, the inerrancy, and the authority of God’s Word. The instructor examines how the Bible was written over centuries of time and how it has been preserved by the Author Himself. He explains the process of translations from the original languages; the importance of canonicity; the issues of textual criticism; and the principles of interpretation. This informative series will elicit bold confidence in the inerrant & infallible Word of God. Ages ago someone wisely said, “We cannot dispense with a single word of Holy Writ; the removal of a part would mar the completeness and connection of the whole. Absolutely perfect are the proportions of God’s inspired truth.” That view of the Bible is strictly adhered to in this course taught by David Hocking. It is available through the text or the audio version, and we encourage you to enroll today. David Hocking has been preaching and teaching the Bible for over 50 years and is committed to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. He has pastored churches in Ohio and Southern California, and has been teaching on the radio since 1970. David attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he graduated with a B.A. in Bible, Greek, and Ancient History. After college David attended Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies. David also continued graduate studies and received a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies and languages and a Doctor of Laws degree, being honored by Biola University.

History and Authenticity of the Bible is a study series by David Hocking, provided on Blue Letter Bible Institute, at the website: https://Study.Bible Blue Letter Bible Institute, with permission from the author, shares the audio and transcripts of the courses. The audio quality was sometimes difficult for me to hear. The audio I'm sharing here, was created by using the transcripts of David Hocking's lectures. I put the text through a text to speech program. I made these audio files for my personal use, but I believe that it can be beneficial for others too. Regarding permissions: I have reached out to Blue Letter Bible Institute regarding permission to share this, but they referred me to the author. I requested permission multiple times by means of different email addresses associated with David's ministry, but I didn't get a response from Mr Hocking. If you know Mr Hocking and he doesn't want me sharing this, please let me know and I will take it down immediately. I do not use ads or accept donations. I only want to further the kingdom. The following description is from the Blue Letter Bible Institute website: History and Authenticity of the Bible Overview This course was taught during twenty-five classroom sessions with the purpose of instructing Bible college students in topics such as the inspiration, the inerrancy, and the authority of God’s Word. The instructor examines how the Bible was written over centuries of time and how it has been preserved by the Author Himself. He explains the process of translations from the original languages; the importance of canonicity; the issues of textual criticism; and the principles of interpretation. This informative series will elicit bold confidence in the inerrant & infallible Word of God. Ages ago someone wisely said, “We cannot dispense with a single word of Holy Writ; the removal of a part would mar the completeness and connection of the whole. Absolutely perfect are the proportions of God’s inspired truth.” That view of the Bible is strictly adhered to in this course taught by David Hocking. It is available through the text or the audio version, and we encourage you to enroll today. David Hocking has been preaching and teaching the Bible for over 50 years and is committed to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. He has pastored churches in Ohio and Southern California, and has been teaching on the radio since 1970. David attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he graduated with a B.A. in Bible, Greek, and Ancient History. After college David attended Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies. David also continued graduate studies and received a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies and languages and a Doctor of Laws degree, being honored by Biola University.

He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful. John 15:2 BSB Today's Verse in Context: “I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples. John 15:1‭-‬8 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/jhn.15.1-8.BSB Today's Devotional from Youversion is: What It Takes to Thrive In both gardening and spiritual terms, planting and harvesting are exciting seasons. Planting is the start of an adventure, and harvesting is the product of hard work. It’s easy to celebrate new beginnings and hard-earned completions—but one thing that’s not as much fun?  The pruning process. Who wants to acknowledge what’s dead and unproductive in their lives? Who wants to trim back what’s already blooming—leaving you smaller, awkward, and feeling extra weak? But pruning is exactly what we need to keep producing fruit. “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:2 NIV Jesus mentions two separate actions in this process—cutting off what’s dead and pruning fruit. Cutting out what’s dead makes sense. It’s extra weight, it’s unproductive, it’s blocking sunlight, and it’s stealing good energy from branches that could thrive. But without proper context, pruning fruit feels backwards. However, the purpose of pruning isn’t to disable something, but to revitalize it.  If a branch is weak or diseased, it could not only damage itself, but the surrounding trees as well. Without pruning, both the tree and the life surrounding it can never reach full potential. Pruning creates room for more growth. Pruning stimulates production. Pruning keeps the plant or person strong. God is a good Gardener. He wouldn’t be a good Gardener if He left you to yourself—overgrown, ineffective, and full of dysfunction. But He cares for those He loves. He cuts off what’s dead for your benefit. He lovingly trims back ineffective things in your life to make way for more fruit.  You can trust God with your life because He cares about who you are and who you can become. So what “dead branches” are you dragging around? Is it possible that God is pruning you for future growth? Take a few moments and talk to God about any areas in your life that you recognize need to change. Today's Prayer is: Declutter My Life God, You know everything about me. You know the areas of my life that have potential but are being held back by broken habits and belief systems. Please bring clarity and healing to my life by cutting away anything that is cluttering or destroying my heart and mind. Transform me so that way I continue to bear healthy fruit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

History and Authenticity of the Bible is a study series by David Hocking, provided on Blue Letter Bible Institute, at the website: https://Study.Bible Blue Letter Bible Institute, with permission from the author, shares the audio and transcripts of the courses. The audio quality was sometimes difficult for me to hear. The audio I'm sharing here, was created by using the transcripts of David Hocking's lectures. I put the text through a text to speech program. I made these audio files for my personal use, but I believe that it can be beneficial for others too. Regarding permissions: I have reached out to Blue Letter Bible Institute regarding permission to share this, but they referred me to the author. I requested permission multiple times by means of different email addresses associated with David's ministry, but I didn't get a response from Mr Hocking. If you know Mr Hocking and he doesn't want me sharing this, please let me know and I will take it down immediately. I do not use ads or accept donations. I only want to further the kingdom. The following description is from the Blue Letter Bible Institute website: History and Authenticity of the Bible Overview This course was taught during twenty-five classroom sessions with the purpose of instructing Bible college students in topics such as the inspiration, the inerrancy, and the authority of God’s Word. The instructor examines how the Bible was written over centuries of time and how it has been preserved by the Author Himself. He explains the process of translations from the original languages; the importance of canonicity; the issues of textual criticism; and the principles of interpretation. This informative series will elicit bold confidence in the inerrant & infallible Word of God. Ages ago someone wisely said, “We cannot dispense with a single word of Holy Writ; the removal of a part would mar the completeness and connection of the whole. Absolutely perfect are the proportions of God’s inspired truth.” That view of the Bible is strictly adhered to in this course taught by David Hocking. It is available through the text or the audio version, and we encourage you to enroll today. David Hocking has been preaching and teaching the Bible for over 50 years and is committed to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. He has pastored churches in Ohio and Southern California, and has been teaching on the radio since 1970. David attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he graduated with a B.A. in Bible, Greek, and Ancient History. After college David attended Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies. David also continued graduate studies and received a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies and languages and a Doctor of Laws degree, being honored by Biola University.

History and Authenticity of the Bible is a study series by David Hocking, provided on Blue Letter Bible Institute, at the website: https://Study.Bible Blue Letter Bible Institute, with permission from the author, shares the audio and transcripts of the courses. The audio quality was sometimes difficult for me to hear. The audio I'm sharing here, was created by using the transcripts of David Hocking's lectures. I put the text through a text to speech program. I made these audio files for my personal use, but I believe that it can be beneficial for others too. Regarding permissions: I have reached out to Blue Letter Bible Institute regarding permission to share this, but they referred me to the author. I requested permission multiple times by means of different email addresses associated with David's ministry, but I didn't get a response from Mr Hocking. If you know Mr Hocking and he doesn't want me sharing this, please let me know and I will take it down immediately. I do not use ads or accept donations. I only want to further the kingdom. The following description is from the Blue Letter Bible Institute website: History and Authenticity of the Bible Overview This course was taught during twenty-five classroom sessions with the purpose of instructing Bible college students in topics such as the inspiration, the inerrancy, and the authority of God’s Word. The instructor examines how the Bible was written over centuries of time and how it has been preserved by the Author Himself. He explains the process of translations from the original languages; the importance of canonicity; the issues of textual criticism; and the principles of interpretation. This informative series will elicit bold confidence in the inerrant & infallible Word of God. Ages ago someone wisely said, “We cannot dispense with a single word of Holy Writ; the removal of a part would mar the completeness and connection of the whole. Absolutely perfect are the proportions of God’s inspired truth.” That view of the Bible is strictly adhered to in this course taught by David Hocking. It is available through the text or the audio version, and we encourage you to enroll today. David Hocking has been preaching and teaching the Bible for over 50 years and is committed to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. He has pastored churches in Ohio and Southern California, and has been teaching on the radio since 1970. David attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he graduated with a B.A. in Bible, Greek, and Ancient History. After college David attended Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies. David also continued graduate studies and received a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies and languages and a Doctor of Laws degree, being honored by Biola University.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

Today's Verse In Context:

Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be deemed to have fallen short of it. For we also received the good news just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, since they did not share the faith of those who comprehended it. Now we who have believed enter that rest. As for the others, it is just as God has said: “So I swore on oath in My anger, ‘They shall never enter My rest.’” And yet His works have been finished since the foundation of the world. For somewhere He has spoken about the seventh day in this manner: “And on the seventh day God rested from all His works.” And again, as He says in the passage above: “They shall never enter My rest.” Since, then, it remains for some to enter His rest, and since those who formerly heard the good news did not enter because of their disobedience, God again designated a certain day as “Today,” when a long time later He spoke through David as was just stated: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same pattern of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:1‭-‬16 BSB

https://bible.com/bible/3034/heb.4.1-16.BSB

Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is:

God Speaks Today

Have you ever asked God to speak to you? It can be tempting to think that we could have more faith if God would simply speak to us. If God would just speak, then we would know that He is real and exists.

While at one time God spoke through prophets, He has spoken to us through the Bible which is His Word. Scripture is God’s means of communicating with His people. Every time we open up God’s Word, we are listening to the words of God Himself.

That’s why Scripture says the Word of God is alive and active. It is the primary way that God speaks to His people to guide our thoughts and direct our ways. God’s Word actively refreshes us and provides us with wisdom for living.

The author of Hebrews also tells us that Scripture is like a sword that can cut and divide our innermost places. God’s Word reveals our true heart. It exposes our emotions and thoughts, and then guides us toward what is right.

God’s Word is full of refreshment for our weariness. He speaks encouragement to those who follow Him and listen to His voice. Scripture is also full of God’s truth that guides us into right-living. It shapes our hearts and minds toward loving God and loving those around us.

One of the best things you can do for your life is to engage in Scripture daily. If we rarely read God’s Word, then we will rarely hear His voice speaking to us. The more that we develop regular habits of engaging with God, the easier it will be to hear and follow His guidance.

In this transformative session from the Acts 242 Conference, Jackie Hill Perry delivers a powerful message on the importance of engaging with Scripture authentically. Drawing from Acts 17, Jackie challenges believers to be like the Bereans, who received the Word with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily. To connect with Jackie Hill Perry, visit https://jackiehillperry.com/ This audio is from the YouTube channel Acts 242. https://youtube.com/watch?v=pUE_KkjwvIo&si=5QnkyptQ7PCZ3gBd

History and Authenticity of the Bible is a study series by David Hocking, provided on Blue Letter Bible Institute, at the website: https://Study.Bible Blue Letter Bible Institute, with permission from the author, shares the audio and transcripts of the courses. The audio quality was sometimes difficult for me to hear. The audio I'm sharing here, was created by using the transcripts of David Hocking's lectures. I put the text through a text to speech program. I made these audio files for my personal use, but I believe that it can be beneficial for others too. Regarding permissions: I have reached out to Blue Letter Bible Institute regarding permission to share this, but they referred me to the author. I requested permission multiple times by means of different email addresses associated with David's ministry, but I didn't get a response from Mr Hocking. If you know Mr Hocking and he doesn't want me sharing this, please let me know and I will take it down immediately. I do not use ads or accept donations. I only want to further the kingdom. The following description is from the Blue Letter Bible Institute website: History and Authenticity of the Bible Overview This course was taught during twenty-five classroom sessions with the purpose of instructing Bible college students in topics such as the inspiration, the inerrancy, and the authority of God’s Word. The instructor examines how the Bible was written over centuries of time and how it has been preserved by the Author Himself. He explains the process of translations from the original languages; the importance of canonicity; the issues of textual criticism; and the principles of interpretation. This informative series will elicit bold confidence in the inerrant & infallible Word of God. Ages ago someone wisely said, “We cannot dispense with a single word of Holy Writ; the removal of a part would mar the completeness and connection of the whole. Absolutely perfect are the proportions of God’s inspired truth.” That view of the Bible is strictly adhered to in this course taught by David Hocking. It is available through the text or the audio version, and we encourage you to enroll today. David Hocking has been preaching and teaching the Bible for over 50 years and is committed to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. He has pastored churches in Ohio and Southern California, and has been teaching on the radio since 1970. David attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he graduated with a B.A. in Bible, Greek, and Ancient History. After college David attended Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies. David also continued graduate studies and received a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies and languages and a Doctor of Laws degree, being honored by Biola University.

The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:25‭-‬26 BSB Today’s Verse in Context:I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of God’s wrath. He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness instead of light. Indeed, He keeps turning His hand against me all day long. He has worn away my flesh and skin; He has shattered my bones. He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. He has made me dwell in darkness like those dead for ages. He has walled me in so I cannot escape; He has weighed me down with chains. Even when I cry out and plead for help, He shuts out my prayer. He has barred my ways with cut stones; He has made my paths crooked. He is a bear lying in wait, a lion hiding in ambush. He forced me off my path and tore me to pieces; He left me without help. He bent His bow and set me as the target for His arrow. He pierced my kidneys with His arrows. I am a laughingstock to all my people; they mock me in song all day long. He has filled me with bitterness; He has intoxicated me with wormwood. He has ground my teeth with gravel and trampled me in the dust. My soul has been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, “My strength has perished, along with my hope from the Lord.” Remember my affliction and wandering, the wormwood and the gall. Surely my soul remembers and is humbled within me. Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope: Because of the loving devotion of the Lord we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is still young. Let him sit alone in silence, for God has disciplined him. Let him bury his face in the dust— perhaps there is still hope. Let him offer his cheek to the one who would strike him; let him be filled with reproach. For the Lord will not cast us off forever. Even if He causes grief, He will show compassion according to His abundant loving devotion. For He does not willingly afflict or grieve the sons of men. To crush underfoot all the prisoners of the land, to deny a man justice before the Most High, to subvert a man in his lawsuit— of these the Lord does not approve. Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it? Do not both adversity and good come from the mouth of the Most High? Why should any mortal man complain, in view of his sins? Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the Lord. Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven: “We have sinned and rebelled; You have not forgiven.” You have covered Yourself in anger and pursued us; You have killed without pity. You have covered Yourself with a cloud that no prayer can pass through. You have made us scum and refuse among the nations. All our enemies open their mouths against us. Panic and pitfall have come upon us— devastation and destruction. Streams of tears flow from my eyes over the destruction of the daughter of my people. My eyes overflow unceasingly, without relief, until the Lord looks down from heaven and sees. My eyes bring grief to my soul because of all the daughters of my city. Without cause my enemies hunted me like a bird. They dropped me alive into a pit and cast stones upon me. The waters flowed over my head, and I thought I was going to die. I called on Your name, O Lord, out of the depths of the Pit. You heard my plea: “Do not ignore my cry for relief.” You drew near when I called on You; You said, “Do not be afraid.” You defend my cause, O Lord; You redeem my life. You have seen, O Lord, the wrong done to me; vindicate my cause! You have seen all their malice, all their plots against me. O Lord, You have heard their insults,

History and Authenticity of the Bible is a study series by David Hocking, provided on Blue Letter Bible Institute, at the website: https://Study.Bible Blue Letter Bible Institute, with permission from the author, shares the audio and transcripts of the courses. The audio quality was sometimes difficult for me to hear. The audio I'm sharing here, was created by using the transcripts of David Hocking's lectures. I put the text through a text to speech program. I made these audio files for my personal use, but I believe that it can be beneficial for others too. Regarding permissions: I have reached out to Blue Letter Bible Institute regarding permission to share this, but they referred me to the author. I requested permission multiple times by means of different email addresses associated with David's ministry, but I didn't get a response from Mr Hocking. If you know Mr Hocking and he doesn't want me sharing this, please let me know and I will take it down immediately. I do not use ads or accept donations. I only want to further the kingdom. The following description is from the Blue Letter Bible Institute website: History and Authenticity of the Bible Overview This course was taught during twenty-five classroom sessions with the purpose of instructing Bible college students in topics such as the inspiration, the inerrancy, and the authority of God’s Word. The instructor examines how the Bible was written over centuries of time and how it has been preserved by the Author Himself. He explains the process of translations from the original languages; the importance of canonicity; the issues of textual criticism; and the principles of interpretation. This informative series will elicit bold confidence in the inerrant & infallible Word of God. Ages ago someone wisely said, “We cannot dispense with a single word of Holy Writ; the removal of a part would mar the completeness and connection of the whole. Absolutely perfect are the proportions of God’s inspired truth.” That view of the Bible is strictly adhered to in this course taught by David Hocking. It is available through the text or the audio version, and we encourage you to enroll today. David Hocking has been preaching and teaching the Bible for over 50 years and is committed to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. He has pastored churches in Ohio and Southern California, and has been teaching on the radio since 1970. David attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he graduated with a B.A. in Bible, Greek, and Ancient History. After college David attended Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies. David also continued graduate studies and received a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies and languages and a Doctor of Laws degree, being honored by Biola University.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3‭-‬4 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience. And our hope for you is sure, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort. We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to their prayers. And this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God. For we do not write you anything that is beyond your ability to read and understand. And I hope that you will understand us completely, as you have already understood us in part, so that you may boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of our Lord Jesus. Confident of this, I planned to visit you first, so that you might receive a double blessing. I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to return to you from Macedonia, and then to have you help me on my way to Judea. When I planned this, did I do it carelessly? Or do I make my plans by human standards, so as to say “Yes, yes” when I really mean “No, no”? But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed among you by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in Him it has always been “Yes.” For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him, our “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God. Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come. I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. Not that we Lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm. 2 Corinthians 1:1‭-‬24 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/2co.1.1-24.BSB Today’s Devotional from Youversion is: The Source of Comfort When you find yourself in pain, it’s natural to seek comfort. Everyone wants the agony of injury, illness, or heartbreak to disappear as quickly as possible. If you touch a hot stove, you might grab a ice for your burn. If you get caught in a rainstorm, you might immediately look for shelter. If you experience the loss of someone you love, you might do whatever you can to distract yourself from grief.  We can also seek things like food, shopping, work, drugs, alcohol, technology, or entertainment as min

The following is from Living Waters. This audio and others are available free on SoundCloud at https://soundcloud.com/livingwaterspub Why do 80–90% of those making a decision for Christ fall away from the faith? What is the biblical principle that Spurgeon, Wesley, Whitefield, etc., used to reach the lost? Why has the Church neglected it? Don’t let anything stop you from listening to this incredible teaching. Find more from Ray Comfort and Living Waters at https://LivingWaters.com

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. Psalms 42:1 BSB Today's Verse In Context: As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence? My tears have been my food both day and night, while men ask me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things come to mind as I pour out my soul: how I walked with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God with shouts of joy and praise. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence. O my God, my soul despairs within me. Therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon— even from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and waves have rolled over me. The Lord decrees His loving devotion by day, and at night His song is with me as a prayer to the God of my life. I say to God my Rock, “Why have You forgotten me? Why must I walk in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?” Like the crushing of my bones, my enemies taunt me, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. Psalms 42:1‭-‬11 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/psa.42.1-11.BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: Desiring God's Presence The writer of Psalm 42 compares himself to a deer that is longing for water. The deer is weary and parched without it, and so all it wants is to find a stream to drink from. In a similar way, the psalmist is weary and exhausted from life. He is under pressure and growing tired. And yet, his innermost desire is for God. Just like the deer desires water, the psalmist’s soul desires the presence of God. He knows that the solution to his problems is not more accomplishments and praise—it’s spending time in the presence of God. It’s not wrong to have desires and goals in life. But our foremost desire should be for God, because true satisfaction is only found in His presence. All it takes is your desire and commitment to spend time with Him by reading His Word, talking to Him through prayer, or reflecting on His faithful character. As you draw close to Him, He is ready and willing to be close to you, and to restore your soul. Spending time with God is a basic spiritual need of ours, but it is a powerful time that can change the course of our life and the center of who we are. Take time to be with Him now, but also come up with a plan that helps you continue to seek God every day. Today's Prayer Is: A Prayer for Desiring God God, I truly want Your presence to overwhelm me right now. I feel tired and worn out by the news and everything happening in this world. I release my problems to You and embrace Your peace. Fill my thirsty soul and satisfy me like only You can. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Have A Blessed Day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

History and Authenticity of the Bible is a study series by David Hocking, provided on Blue Letter Bible Institute, at the website: https://Study.Bible Blue Letter Bible Institute, with permission from the author, shares the audio and transcripts of the courses. The audio quality was sometimes difficult for me to hear. The audio I'm sharing here, was created by using the transcripts of David Hocking's lectures. I put the text through a text to speech program. I made these audio files for my personal use, but I believe that it can be beneficial for others too. Regarding permissions: I have reached out to Blue Letter Bible Institute regarding permission to share this, but they referred me to the author. I requested permission multiple times by means of different email addresses associated with David's ministry, but I didn't get a response from Mr Hocking. If you know Mr Hocking and he doesn't want me sharing this, please let me know and I will take it down immediately. I do not use ads or accept donations. I only want to further the kingdom. The following description is from the Blue Letter Bible Institute website: History and Authenticity of the Bible Overview This course was taught during twenty-five classroom sessions with the purpose of instructing Bible college students in topics such as the inspiration, the inerrancy, and the authority of God’s Word. The instructor examines how the Bible was written over centuries of time and how it has been preserved by the Author Himself. He explains the process of translations from the original languages; the importance of canonicity; the issues of textual criticism; and the principles of interpretation. This informative series will elicit bold confidence in the inerrant & infallible Word of God. Ages ago someone wisely said, “We cannot dispense with a single word of Holy Writ; the removal of a part would mar the completeness and connection of the whole. Absolutely perfect are the proportions of God’s inspired truth.” That view of the Bible is strictly adhered to in this course taught by David Hocking. It is available through the text or the audio version, and we encourage you to enroll today. David Hocking has been preaching and teaching the Bible for over 50 years and is committed to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. He has pastored churches in Ohio and Southern California, and has been teaching on the radio since 1970. David attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he graduated with a B.A. in Bible, Greek, and Ancient History. After college David attended Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies. David also continued graduate studies and received a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies and languages and a Doctor of Laws degree, being honored by Biola University.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 1 Corinthians 13:4 BSB Today's Verse In Context: If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be restrained; where there is knowledge, it will be dismissed. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial passes away. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I set aside childish ways. Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:1‭-‬13 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/1co.13.1-13.BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: Love Like Him From friendships to family, relationships can be tough to navigate sometimes. But if there’s one thing that can set your relationships apart, it’s understanding real love. In Paul’s first letter to the believers in Corinth, Greece, he explains that even if you have all the faith, all the knowledge, or all the generosity in the world, or if you can speak in tongues, or if you have the gift of prophecy—none of it means anything without love. He continues: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-8 ‭NIV Chances are, you want to be a patient person. You intend to be a kind human. You desire to be a content and humble individual. But, sometimes you get in a hurry. Sometimes you get annoyed. Sometimes you can be rude, selfish, jealous, unthoughtful, or arrogant.  Sometimes, it’s hard being human. But God knows that and He wants to help you. In the same letter, Paul goes on to say that love keeps no record of wrongs and rejoices in the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. Most notably, love never fails.  But why does love seem to fail at times? After all, divorce rates are high, estranged families are commonplace, and the brokenness of this world is evident on just about every news broadcast or social media feed. And that’s exactly why Jesus came! He offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of the world. And that’s what real love looks like—to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13). He is love, and His love never fails. So, now that redemption has begun to break through—first, through Jesus and, now, through His Spirit inside of us—we can love others well by looking to Him, leaning on Him, trusting in Him, listening to Him, and following His lead. God has given you everything you need to love others like He loves you. What step will you take today to show someone else this love? Today's Prayer Is: A Prayer to Love Like God Loves God, You are the model of love. Help me show love to others as You have shown it to me. Let my actions prove that I love You, and that ...

History and Authenticity of the Bible is a study series by David Hocking, provided on Blue Letter Bible Institute, at the website: https://Study.Bible Blue Letter Bible Institute, with permission from the author, shares the audio and transcripts of the courses. The audio quality was sometimes difficult for me to hear. The audio I'm sharing here, was created by using the transcripts of David Hocking's lectures. I put the text through a text to speech program. I made these audio files for my personal use, but I believe that it can be beneficial for others too. Regarding permissions: I have reached out to Blue Letter Bible Institute regarding permission to share this, but they referred me to the author. I requested permission multiple times by means of different email addresses associated with David's ministry, but I didn't get a response from Mr Hocking. If you know Mr Hocking and he doesn't want me sharing this, please let me know and I will take it down immediately. I do not use ads or accept donations. I only want to further the kingdom. The following description is from the Blue Letter Bible Institute website: History and Authenticity of the Bible Overview This course was taught during twenty-five classroom sessions with the purpose of instructing Bible college students in topics such as the inspiration, the inerrancy, and the authority of God’s Word. The instructor examines how the Bible was written over centuries of time and how it has been preserved by the Author Himself. He explains the process of translations from the original languages; the importance of canonicity; the issues of textual criticism; and the principles of interpretation. This informative series will elicit bold confidence in the inerrant & infallible Word of God. Ages ago someone wisely said, “We cannot dispense with a single word of Holy Writ; the removal of a part would mar the completeness and connection of the whole. Absolutely perfect are the proportions of God’s inspired truth.” That view of the Bible is strictly adhered to in this course taught by David Hocking. It is available through the text or the audio version, and we encourage you to enroll today. David Hocking has been preaching and teaching the Bible for over 50 years and is committed to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. He has pastored churches in Ohio and Southern California, and has been teaching on the radio since 1970. David attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he graduated with a B.A. in Bible, Greek, and Ancient History. After college David attended Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies. David also continued graduate studies and received a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies and languages and a Doctor of Laws degree, being honored by Biola University.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 BSB Today's Verse in Context: Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, inscribed on our hearts, known and read by everyone. It is clear that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such confidence before God is ours through Christ. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God. And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness! Indeed, what was once glorious has no glory now in comparison to the glory that surpasses it. For if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which endures! Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at the end of what was fading away. But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:1‭-‬18 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/2co.3.1-18.BSB Today's Devotional From You version is: True Freedom is Here Everyone thinks about freedom differently. Most people would say freedom is a virtue that should be sought, but that idea changes depending on how it’s defined. A lot of people think freedom is the absence of restraints. We are truly free when we are free from things that hold us back. Others define freedom by our human will—if we can choose what we want, then we can be free.  These ideas are a bit different from what we find in Scripture. According to God’s Word, freedom is found wherever God is found. Freedom is found when we live according to God’s original design for our life. When we begin our life with Jesus, He gives us a new heart and way to live. He also sends the Spirit of God to live within us. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3:17 that wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is true freedom. That means all of us who believe in Jesus have access to this freedom. Freedom doesn’t come from doing whatever we want but from living according to the Spirit of God who lives within us. Paul goes on to say that those of us who belong to the Lord should spend time in God’s presence. It’s only when we sit with God daily that we are transformed by Him. Through God’s Word and talking with Him, we have access to true life transformation and true freedom. Can you identify one or two things that are holding you back from living this way? It may be an unresolved conflict or a recurring sin. Whatever it is, spend some time with God today, asking for forgiveness and seeking out your next steps. Spend time in His presence through prayer and reading Scripture. Your life will be transformed if you continue to spend time with the only One who can thoroughly change you. Today's Prayer is: A Prayer for Breakthrough Jesus, thank

And He said to them, “Come with Me privately to a solitary place, and let us rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they went away in a boat by themselves to a solitary place. Mark 6:31‭-‬32 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: Meanwhile, the apostles gathered around Jesus and brought Him news of all they had done and taught. And He said to them, “Come with Me privately to a solitary place, and let us rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they went away in a boat by themselves to a solitary place. But many people saw them leaving and recognized them. They ran together on foot from all the towns and arrived before them. When Jesus stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things. By now the hour was already late. So the disciples came to Jesus and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” They asked Him, “Should we go out and spend two hundred denarii to give all of them bread to eat?” “Go and see how many loaves you have,” He told them. And after checking, they said, “Five—and two fish.” Then Jesus directed them to have the people sit in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, Jesus spoke a blessing and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to His disciples to set before the people. And He divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. And there were five thousand men who had eaten the loaves. Mark 6:30‭-‬44 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/mrk.6.30-44.BSB Today’s Devotional from Youversion is: Resting to Restore Hurry. Hustle. Go. Do. Achieve. Fix. How many of your days begin with thoughts like these at the front of your mind? Adulthood is marked by the pressures of so much to do and never enough time. There are due dates, bills to pay, people to speak to, and things that demand our attention.  We need reminding—as we did when we were children—sometimes it’s time to rest, even if we didn’t get our list of chores done. Jesus’ disciples were healthy men with energy and skills, but even they became overwhelmed by the strain of attending to a constant stream of needs. Jesus noticed this and called them away to be alone and get some much-needed rest.  No matter how great our capacity is, we all have limits. Even those with tremendous energy and passion need time to rest. It's not a sign of failure. It's a sign of trust in God. Jesus took naps and spent time alone to regroup and rest. He made plans for His disciples to do the same. His pattern and invitation are there for us, too. He knows we need downtime.  If you’re exhausted, how might Jesus be inviting you to get away and rest in His presence? As you look around and see others who are weary and heavy-laden—maybe not even stopping to eat—how might you bless them by helping them to take a break? Today’s Prayer is: A Prayer for Rest Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd who leads me into green pastures and beside quiet waters to restore my soul. Help me notice when I’m overwhelmed and tired and then accept Your invitation to rest in Your presence. Amen. Have a Blessed Day: “May the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children,

Ephesians 5:1 BSB

Today's Verse in Context:

Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God. But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. Test and prove what pleases the Lord. Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself. So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. Indeed, no one ever hated his own body, but he nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church. For we are members of His body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church. Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Ephesians 5:1‭-‬33 BSB

https://bible.com/bible/3034/eph.5.1-33.BSB

Today's Devotional from YouVersion is:

Be Imitators

Children learn to function in real life by imitating those around them.

They learn to speak by listening to their family’s words and copying what they hear. They learn to interact with others by observing how their loved ones interact with others. They learn what’s culturally and socially appropriate by watching and imitating.

Learning by imitation doesn't stop in childhood. Adults, too, will often reflect those closest to them, as well as their environment.

Perhaps that’s why, while writing from the confines of a Roman prison, the apostle Paul gave the believers in Ephesus this heartfelt charge:

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Paul knew that loving and reflecting God was foundational. What we observe will get repeated and, eventually, passed along.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. Matthew 6:19 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: “Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours. When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough troubl

However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. John 16:13 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: “I have told you these things so that you will not fall away. They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. They will do these things because they have not known the Father or Me. But I have told you these things so that when their hour comes, you will remember that I told you about them. I did not tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you. Now, however, I am going to Him who sent Me; yet none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ Instead, your hearts are filled with sorrow because I have told you these things. But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because they do not believe in Me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world has been condemned. I still have much to tell you, but you cannot yet bear to hear it. However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. He will glorify Me by taking from what is Mine and disclosing it to you. Everything that belongs to the Father is Mine. That is why I said that the Spirit will take from what is Mine and disclose it to you. In a little while you will see Me no more, and then after a little while you will see Me.” Then some of His disciples asked one another, “Why is He telling us, ‘In a little while you will not see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” They kept asking, “Why is He saying, ‘a little while’? We do not understand what He is saying.” Aware that they wanted to question Him, Jesus said to them, “Are you asking one another why I said, ‘In a little while you will not see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me’? Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman has pain in childbirth because her time has come; but when she brings forth her child, she forgets her anguish because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask Me anything. Truly, truly, I tell you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. An hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you this way, but will tell you plainly about the Father. In that day you will ask in My name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and entered the world. In turn, I will leave the world and go to the Father.” His disciples said, “See, now You are speaking plainly and without figures of speech. Now we understand that You know all things and that You have no need for anyone to question You. Because of this, we believe that You came from God.” “Do you finally believe?” Jesus replied. “Look, an hour is coming and has already come when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and you will leave Me all alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. I have told you these things so that in

History and Authenticity of the Bible is a study series by David Hocking, provided on Blue Letter Bible Institute, at the website: https://Study.Bible Blue Letter Bible Institute, with permission from the author, shares the audio and transcripts of the courses. The audio quality was sometimes difficult for me to hear. The audio I'm sharing here, was created by using the transcripts of David Hocking's lectures. I put the text through a text to speech program. I made these audio files for my personal use, but I believe that it can be beneficial for others too. Regarding permissions: I have reached out to Blue Letter Bible Institute regarding permission to share this, but they referred me to the author. I requested permission multiple times by means of different email addresses associated with David's ministry, but I didn't get a response from Mr Hocking. If you know Mr Hocking and he doesn't want me sharing this, please let me know and I will take it down immediately. I do not use ads or accept donations. I only want to further the kingdom. The following description is from the Blue Letter Bible Institute website: History and Authenticity of the Bible Overview This course was taught during twenty-five classroom sessions with the purpose of instructing Bible college students in topics such as the inspiration, the inerrancy, and the authority of God’s Word. The instructor examines how the Bible was written over centuries of time and how it has been preserved by the Author Himself. He explains the process of translations from the original languages; the importance of canonicity; the issues of textual criticism; and the principles of interpretation. This informative series will elicit bold confidence in the inerrant & infallible Word of God. Ages ago someone wisely said, “We cannot dispense with a single word of Holy Writ; the removal of a part would mar the completeness and connection of the whole. Absolutely perfect are the proportions of God’s inspired truth.” That view of the Bible is strictly adhered to in this course taught by David Hocking. It is available through the text or the audio version, and we encourage you to enroll today. David Hocking has been preaching and teaching the Bible for over 50 years and is committed to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. He has pastored churches in Ohio and Southern California, and has been teaching on the radio since 1970. David attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he graduated with a B.A. in Bible, Greek, and Ancient History. After college David attended Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies. David also continued graduate studies and received a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies and languages and a Doctor of Laws degree, being honored by Biola University.

History and Authenticity of the Bible is a study series by David Hocking, provided on Blue Letter Bible Institute, at the website: https://Study.Bible Blue Letter Bible Institute, with permission from the author, shares the audio and transcripts of the courses. The audio quality was sometimes difficult for me to hear. The audio I'm sharing here, was created by using the transcripts of David Hocking's lectures. I put the text through a text to speech program. I made these audio files for my personal use, but I believe that it can be beneficial for others too. Regarding permissions: I have reached out to Blue Letter Bible Institute regarding permission to share this, but they referred me to the author. I requested permission multiple times by means of different email addresses associated with David's ministry, but I didn't get a response from Mr Hocking. If you know Mr Hocking and he doesn't want me sharing this, please let me know and I will take it down immediately. I do not use ads or accept donations. I only want to further the kingdom. The following description is from the Blue Letter Bible Institute website: History and Authenticity of the Bible Overview This course was taught during twenty-five classroom sessions with the purpose of instructing Bible college students in topics such as the inspiration, the inerrancy, and the authority of God’s Word. The instructor examines how the Bible was written over centuries of time and how it has been preserved by the Author Himself. He explains the process of translations from the original languages; the importance of canonicity; the issues of textual criticism; and the principles of interpretation. This informative series will elicit bold confidence in the inerrant & infallible Word of God. Ages ago someone wisely said, “We cannot dispense with a single word of Holy Writ; the removal of a part would mar the completeness and connection of the whole. Absolutely perfect are the proportions of God’s inspired truth.” That view of the Bible is strictly adhered to in this course taught by David Hocking. It is available through the text or the audio version, and we encourage you to enroll today. David Hocking has been preaching and teaching the Bible for over 50 years and is committed to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. He has pastored churches in Ohio and Southern California, and has been teaching on the radio since 1970. David attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he graduated with a B.A. in Bible, Greek, and Ancient History. After college David attended Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies. David also continued graduate studies and received a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies and languages and a Doctor of Laws degree, being honored by Biola University.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. Ecclesiastes 4:9 Today's Verse In Context: Again I looked, and I considered all the oppression taking place under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed, and they had no comforter; the power lay in the hands of their oppressors, and there was no comforter. So I admired the dead, who had already died, above the living, who are still alive. But better than both is he who has not yet existed, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun. I saw that all labor and success spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh. Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind. Again, I saw futility under the sun. There is a man all alone, without even a son or brother. And though there is no end to his labor, his eyes are still not content with his wealth: “For whom do I toil and bereave my soul of enjoyment?” This too is futile—a miserable task. Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up! Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:1‭-‬12 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/ecc.4.1-12.BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: Made For Community Have you ever worked in a group with other people who only slowed down your progress? A lot of people actually prefer working alone so that they can manage priorities the way they want. While this may be a good method in some cases, it’s not usually the best way to live. From the very beginning of creation, God created us to be in relationship with other people. We are created for community and friendship, and God intended for us to work together and help each other through life. And yet— a lot of people live their life in isolation from others. They believe that as long as they have Jesus, they don’t need anybody else. But you and Jesus can’t make it through life alone. You were created to share life with others. The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us that there are many things that one person cannot do alone. We need others to help us when we fall. We need others to encourage us when we’re down. We need people to accomplish tasks in life that are greater than us. Most people who have gone through difficult seasons of life wish there had been someone to walk alongside them. We long for connection and community. This is how God designed us—we were created to share the burdens of life together.  God created the Church to be a community of people who all love God and love others. When we find community within the people of God, we will also find people who can walk through life together with us. You don’t have to walk through life alone—God has provided other people to help you along. And you are also called to help those in your life.  Take some time today to thank God for the friends and community He has given you. Thank God for each of them by name. As they come to mind, be sure to let them know that you appreciate their friendship in your life. Seek out ways that you can continue to build a healthy community of friends. Today's Prayer Is: A Prayer for Community God, thank You for creating me to live in community with others. I’m grateful that I don’t have to go through life alone. Please put people in my life who will pray for me during hard times and celebrate with me during good times. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Have A Blessed Day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

History and Authenticity of the Bible is a study series by David Hocking, provided on Blue Letter Bible Institute, at the website: https://Study.Bible Blue Letter Bible Institute, with permission from the author, shares the audio and transcripts of the courses. The audio quality was sometimes difficult for me to hear. The audio I'm sharing here, was created by using the transcripts of David Hocking's lectures. I put the text through a text to speech program. I made these audio files for my personal use, but I believe that it can be beneficial for others too. Regarding permissions: I have reached out to Blue Letter Bible Institute regarding permission to share this, but they referred me to the author. I requested permission multiple times by means of different email addresses associated with David's ministry, but I didn't get a response from Mr Hocking. If you know Mr Hocking and he doesn't want me sharing this, please let me know and I will take it down immediately. I do not use ads or accept donations. I only want to further the kingdom. The following description is from the Blue Letter Bible Institute website: History and Authenticity of the Bible Overview This course was taught during twenty-five classroom sessions with the purpose of instructing Bible college students in topics such as the inspiration, the inerrancy, and the authority of God’s Word. The instructor examines how the Bible was written over centuries of time and how it has been preserved by the Author Himself. He explains the process of translations from the original languages; the importance of canonicity; the issues of textual criticism; and the principles of interpretation. This informative series will elicit bold confidence in the inerrant & infallible Word of God. Ages ago someone wisely said, “We cannot dispense with a single word of Holy Writ; the removal of a part would mar the completeness and connection of the whole. Absolutely perfect are the proportions of God’s inspired truth.” That view of the Bible is strictly adhered to in this course taught by David Hocking. It is available through the text or the audio version, and we encourage you to enroll today. David Hocking has been preaching and teaching the Bible for over 50 years and is committed to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. He has pastored churches in Ohio and Southern California, and has been teaching on the radio since 1970. David attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he graduated with a B.A. in Bible, Greek, and Ancient History. After college David attended Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies. David also continued graduate studies and received a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies and languages and a Doctor of Laws degree, being honored by Biola University.

Yes, God got you out of Egypt... but now your wilderness season is so God can get the Egypt out of you! Today's message is from Time Of Celebtation Ministries Church and Redefined TV.

History and Authenticity of the Bible is a study series by David Hocking, provided on Blue Letter Bible Institute, at the website: https://Study.Bible Blue Letter Bible Institute, with permission from the author, shares the audio and transcripts of the courses. The audio quality was sometimes difficult for me to hear. The audio I'm sharing here, was created by using the transcripts of David Hocking's lectures. I put the text through a text to speech program. I made these audio files for my personal use, but I believe that it can be beneficial for others too. Regarding permissions: I have reached out to Blue Letter Bible Institute regarding permission to share this, but they referred me to the author. I requested permission multiple times by means of different email addresses associated with David's ministry, but I didn't get a response from Mr Hocking. If you know Mr Hocking and he doesn't want me sharing this, please let me know and I will take it down immediately. I do not use ads or accept donations. I only want to further the kingdom. The following description is from the Blue Letter Bible Institute website: History and Authenticity of the Bible Overview This course was taught during twenty-five classroom sessions with the purpose of instructing Bible college students in topics such as the inspiration, the inerrancy, and the authority of God’s Word. The instructor examines how the Bible was written over centuries of time and how it has been preserved by the Author Himself. He explains the process of translations from the original languages; the importance of canonicity; the issues of textual criticism; and the principles of interpretation. This informative series will elicit bold confidence in the inerrant & infallible Word of God. Ages ago someone wisely said, “We cannot dispense with a single word of Holy Writ; the removal of a part would mar the completeness and connection of the whole. Absolutely perfect are the proportions of God’s inspired truth.” That view of the Bible is strictly adhered to in this course taught by David Hocking. It is available through the text or the audio version, and we encourage you to enroll today. David Hocking has been preaching and teaching the Bible for over 50 years and is committed to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. He has pastored churches in Ohio and Southern California, and has been teaching on the radio since 1970. David attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he graduated with a B.A. in Bible, Greek, and Ancient History. After college David attended Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies. David also continued graduate studies and received a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies and languages and a Doctor of Laws degree, being honored by Biola University.

Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the main street of the city. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be within the city, and His servants will worship Him. They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night in the city, and they will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the sun. For the Lord God will shine on them, and they will reign forever and ever. Then the angel said to me, “These words are faithful and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel to show His servants what must soon take place.” “Behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of prophecy in this book.” And I am John, who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things. But he said to me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!” Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of prophecy in this book, because the time is near. Let the unrighteous continue to be unrighteous, and the vile continue to be vile; let the righteous continue to practice righteousness, and the holy continue to be holy.” “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by its gates. But outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star.” The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say, “Come!” And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely. I testify to everyone who hears the words of prophecy in this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen. Revelation 22:1‭-‬21 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/rev.22.1-21.BSB

and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 BSB Today's Verse In Context: Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more. For you know the instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God; and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness. Anyone, then, who rejects this command does not reject man but God, the very One who gives you His Holy Spirit. Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another. And you are indeed showing this love to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to excel more and more and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone. 1 Thessalonians 4:1‭-‬12 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/1th.4.1-12.BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: A Quiet Life In our hustle-and-bustle world, busyness is often glorified, and silence is neglected. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Thessalonians, offers a countercultural challenge—a call to embrace a quiet life: "And make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you." 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NIV Did you notice how Paul uses a bit of irony? He says to make it your "ambition" to lead a "quiet" life. The two seem to contradict each other, yet they blend to create a powerful calm. How do we follow Paul's guidance? One simple way is to “mind your own business” (1 Thessalonians 4:11). It may sound quaint in our age of constant comparisons, but, instead of meddling in others' business, we should focus on the mindful work we've been called to do. As Paul says, "work with your hands'' (1 Thessalonians 4:11). We are called to approach our work with diligence and excellence, acknowledging that everything we do is unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). In this quiet dedication, we earn the respect of even those who don't yet know the Lord, showing them the transformative power of faith in God through our actions (1 Thessalonians 4:12). This is the invitation available to you: embrace the call to live a quiet life, mind your own affairs even as you minister to others, and work diligently with your hands. Today's Prayer Is: A Prayer for a Quiet Life God, thank You that Your desire for me is simple: to trust You and focus on what You've put in front of me. Help me let go of comparisons and let go of any busyness that doesn't line up with the life You want for me. Thank You for the calm You provide as I live a quiet life in You. Have A Blessed Day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

History and Authenticity of the Bible is a study series by David Hocking, provided on Blue Letter Bible Institute, at the website: https://Study.Bible Blue Letter Bible Institute, with permission from the author, shares the audio and transcripts of the courses. The audio quality was sometimes difficult for me to hear. The audio I'm sharing here, was created by using the transcripts of David Hocking's lectures. I put the text through a text to speech program. I made these audio files for my personal use, but I believe that it can be beneficial for others too. Regarding permissions: I have reached out to Blue Letter Bible Institute regarding permission to share this, but they referred me to the author. I requested permission multiple times by means of different email addresses associated with David's ministry, but I didn't get a response from Mr Hocking. If you know Mr Hocking and he doesn't want me sharing this, please let me know and I will take it down immediately. I do not use ads or accept donations. I only want to further the kingdom. The following description is from the Blue Letter Bible Institute website: History and Authenticity of the Bible Overview This course was taught during twenty-five classroom sessions with the purpose of instructing Bible college students in topics such as the inspiration, the inerrancy, and the authority of God’s Word. The instructor examines how the Bible was written over centuries of time and how it has been preserved by the Author Himself. He explains the process of translations from the original languages; the importance of canonicity; the issues of textual criticism; and the principles of interpretation. This informative series will elicit bold confidence in the inerrant & infallible Word of God. Ages ago someone wisely said, “We cannot dispense with a single word of Holy Writ; the removal of a part would mar the completeness and connection of the whole. Absolutely perfect are the proportions of God’s inspired truth.” That view of the Bible is strictly adhered to in this course taught by David Hocking. It is available through the text or the audio version, and we encourage you to enroll today. David Hocking has been preaching and teaching the Bible for over 50 years and is committed to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. He has pastored churches in Ohio and Southern California, and has been teaching on the radio since 1970. David attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he graduated with a B.A. in Bible, Greek, and Ancient History. After college David attended Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies. David also continued graduate studies and received a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies and languages and a Doctor of Laws degree, being honored by Biola University.

History and Authenticity of the Bible is a study series by David Hocking, provided on Blue Letter Bible Institute, at the website: https://Study.Bible Blue Letter Bible Institute, with permission from the author, shares the audio and transcripts of the courses. The audio quality was sometimes difficult for me to hear. The audio I'm sharing here, was created by using the transcripts of David Hocking's lectures. I put the text through a text to speech program. I made these audio files for my personal use, but I believe that it can be beneficial for others too. Regarding permissions: I have reached out to Blue Letter Bible Institute regarding permission to share this, but they referred me to the author. I requested permission multiple times by means of different email addresses associated with David's ministry, but I didn't get a response from Mr Hocking. If you know Mr Hocking and he doesn't want me sharing this, please let me know and I will take it down immediately. I do not use ads or accept donations. I only want to further the kingdom. The following description is from the Blue Letter Bible Institute website: History and Authenticity of the Bible Overview This course was taught during twenty-five classroom sessions with the purpose of instructing Bible college students in topics such as the inspiration, the inerrancy, and the authority of God’s Word. The instructor examines how the Bible was written over centuries of time and how it has been preserved by the Author Himself. He explains the process of translations from the original languages; the importance of canonicity; the issues of textual criticism; and the principles of interpretation. This informative series will elicit bold confidence in the inerrant & infallible Word of God. Ages ago someone wisely said, “We cannot dispense with a single word of Holy Writ; the removal of a part would mar the completeness and connection of the whole. Absolutely perfect are the proportions of God’s inspired truth.” That view of the Bible is strictly adhered to in this course taught by David Hocking. It is available through the text or the audio version, and we encourage you to enroll today. David Hocking has been preaching and teaching the Bible for over 50 years and is committed to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. He has pastored churches in Ohio and Southern California, and has been teaching on the radio since 1970. David attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he graduated with a B.A. in Bible, Greek, and Ancient History. After college David attended Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies. David also continued graduate studies and received a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies and languages and a Doctor of Laws degree, being honored by Biola University.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said! Come, see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ See, I have told you.” So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him. “Do not be afraid,” said Jesus. “Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee. There they will see Me.” While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. And after the chief priests had met with the elders and formed a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money and instructed them: “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ If this report reaches the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So the guards took the money and did as they were instructed. And this account has been circulated among the Jews to this very day. Meanwhile, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain Jesus had designated. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:1‭-‬20 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/mat.28.1-20.BSB Today’s Devotional from Youversion is: The Mission of the Church After Jesus’ death and resurrection, he spent 40 days on earth ministering to people and preparing His disciples for life without Him. Jesus planned on leaving earth and ascending to heaven, but before doing so, He gave His disciples a mission found in Matthew 28:19-20. We often call this mission The Great Commission. The Great Commission begins with getting up and going to places where people need to hear about the good news of Jesus. This doesn’t mean you have to leave your country—there are people in your own neighborhood and workplace that need to hear the hope of Jesus. The ultimate goal of the Great Commission is to make followers of Jesus. So as we go about sharing the good news of Jesus with people, we’re to show people how Jesus has changed our lives, and invite them to discover Jesus for themselves. Jesus also instructs us to baptize new believers. Baptism is a symbol of someone’s incorporation into the family of God. It is their public display of their new faith in Jesus. Baptism is such an important part of the Christian life that Jesus made sure to include it in our mission. It can be easy to think that making disciples and baptizing believers is the responsibility of our church pastors and ministry leaders. While those things certainly are part of every church’s mission, Jesus intended for every believer to be making disciples. So take a moment to think about someone in your own life who helped you grow spiritually. Ask God to bring to mind someone you can help and disciple. Then, allow God to give you the courage to share the hope of Jesus with those around you. Reflect:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live? Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it. Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many. See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears. For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm; to a trumpet blast or to a voice that made its hearers beg that no further word be spoken. For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.” The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.” Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if the people did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject Him who warns us from heaven? At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.” The words “Once more” signify the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that the unshakable may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. “For our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:1‭-‬29 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/heb.12.1-29.BSB

Today's Verse Of The Day Is: Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/jas.1.12.BSB Today's Verse In Context: James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion: Greetings. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position. But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation. My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls. Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does. If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:1‭-‬27 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/jas.1.1-27.BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: Walking Through Trials Let's start by debunking a myth: nowhere in Scripture does God promise us a perfect life, free from troubles. In fact, many, many times in the Bible, Christ-followers find themselves persecuted, under attack, or facing trouble of all kinds. In a letter from James to first-century believers, James informs them about the various trials that they will experience in life: "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." James 1:12 NIV When we see trials as a means of becoming more like Jesus, then we’ll be blessed by them.

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire. This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord! And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby, who was lying in the manger. After they had seen the Child, they spread the message they had received about Him. And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as the angel had told them. When the eight days until His circumcision had passed, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He had been conceived. And when the time of purification according to the Law of Moses was complete, His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer the sacrifice specified in the Law of the Lord: “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what was customary under the Law, Simeon took Him in his arms and blessed God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.” The Child’s father and mother were amazed at what was spoken about Him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary: “Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed— and a sword will pierce your soul as well.” There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was well along in years. She had been married for seven years, and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming forward at that moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem..

The Zen TV Experiment Written by Adbusters in May 2002 and pinched from adbusters.org. How Many of You Know How to Watch Television? “How many of you know how to watch television?” I asked my class one day. After a few bewildered and silent moments, slowly, one by one, everyone haltingly raised their hands. We soon acknowledged that we were all “experts,” as Harold Garfinkel would say, in the practice of “watching television.” The purpose of our un-TV experiment was to provoke us into seeing television as opposed to merely looking, and to stop the world as the first step to seeing. Here we engage in stopping the world by stopping the television. For the experiment, students were asked to watch TV consciously. Insofar as this is sort of “Zen and the art of TV watching,” I said to them, “I want you to watch TV with acute awareness, mindfulness and precision. This experiment is about observing television scientifically, with Beginner's Mind, rather than watching television passively with programmed mind. Ordinarily, if you are watching TV you can't also observe and experience the experience of watching TV. When we watch TV we rarely pay attention to the details of the event. In fact, we rarely pay attention.” Count the Technical Events In this particular experimental odyssey, we are going to be exploring how we subject ourselves on a daily basis to the overwhelming sirens' song of TV entertainment (the great electronic cyclops) and, like Homer's Odysseus, we will need to strap ourselves to the mast–in this case, the mast of counting technical events. For 10 minutes simply count the technical events that occur while you are watching any show. This is a TET or Technical Events Test as Jerry Mander discusses it in Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television. What is a technical event? We've all seen TV cameras in banks and jewelry stores. A stationary video camera simply recording what's in front of it is what I will call “pure TV.” Anything other than pure TV is a technical event: the camera zooms up, that's a technical event; you are watching someone's profile talking and suddenly you are switched to another person responding, that's a technical event; a car is driving down the road and you also hear music playing, that's a technical event. Simply count the number of times there is a cut, zoom, superimposition, voice-over, appearance of words on the screen, fade in/out, etc. Now proceed with these experiments: Watch any TV show for 15 minutes without turning on the sound. Watch any news program for 15 minutes without turning on the sound. Watch television for one half hour without turning it on. The time requirements in these experiments are extremely important. I would urge you, the reader, to undertake the experiment personally rather than merely going on to read the results. Anger and Resistance: What's the Meaning of This?! In examining the results of this experiment, one of the first things that consistently comes up is students' anger and resentment at being made to do such a thing–an anger and resentment very different from what comes up, say, in regard to the reading load or the writing requirements of the course. This anger, I think, is quite good and useful–not per se, but insofar as students notice their anger and then inquire into and examine the sources of that anger. For, in studying society, we often unconsciously assume we are studying “them”–but we are not. We are studying ourselves and we resist that, we dislike that. It makes us uncomfortable and it makes us angry. Socrates wasn't given a medal and a tickertape parade after all. As the Russian existentialist philosopher Shestov said, “It is not man who pursues truth, but truth man.” One expression of this anger that comes up repeatedly is “I wasted 30 minutes of my time.” Is it possible that this is a very valuable waste of time? Is it possible that “wasting time” is a very valuable thing to do in studying society? Pursuing this experien

Then Jesus declared, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Mark 2:27 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: One Sabbath Jesus was passing through the grainfields, and His disciples began to pick the heads of grain as they walked along. So the Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” Jesus replied, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? During the high priesthood of Abiathar, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which was lawful only for the priests. And he gave some to his companions as well.” Then Jesus declared, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” Mark 2:23‭-‬28 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/mrk.2.23-28.BSB Today’s Devotional from Youversion is: God’s Rhythm to Bless Us Humans have a complicated relationship with rules. Even as small children, we struggle to understand the “why” behind them.  Consider how parents teach children to brush their teeth, reminding them morning and night. That child might only appreciate the chore years later, as they grow into adults and experience expensive and uncomfortable dental work. It’s then that a dull tooth-brushing routine feels valuable. What a shift in perspective!  We weren’t made to serve a strict toothbrushing schedule, but toothbrushing was made to serve us to help maintain healthy teeth.  Jesus brings similar wisdom and perspective to the expectation of taking a regular day of rest (Sabbath). The Jews knew that God was insistent on Sabbath observance, but they almost thought of it as if it were a chore. Jesus reminds them that people weren’t made for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath was created for people by God to provide much-needed rest.  Sabbath rest is God’s rhythm to bless us, not God’s requirement to burden us. How can we know this is true? Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath. He’s the maker (and fulfiller) of all God’s good rules, and He knows that regular rest is one of the rhythms that leads to an abundant life. Today’s Prayer is: A Prayer to Learn to Rest Lord Jesus, You are wise and good in all things. Thank you for creating both work and rest as a blessing. Teach me to rest regularly and to receive it as the gift You made it to be. I need wisdom and faith to do this. Amen. Have a Blessed Day: “May the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

This audio is from Pastor Jerry Flowers https://youtube.com/@Beredefined so while I do not have rights to this content, I do not accept any form of payment for what I share with you. I only pray that this blesses you like it does me. If it blesses you, please go to the YouTube channel and join me in watching the sermon tomorrow. Have a blessed Sabbath and may the LORD Jesus Christ be with you.

For context, this portion of Scripture is at the time when Israel was returning from exile and rebuilding the temple of the LORD. Though some were trying to restore the temple according to the design laid out by God, others were still trying to do things their own way. May God bless the reading and hearing of His word.

Nehemiah 13

At that time the Book of Moses was read aloud in the hearing of the people, and in it they found the passage stating that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God, because they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but had hired Balaam to call down a curse against them (although our God had turned the curse into a blessing). As soon as the people heard this law, they excluded from Israel all of foreign descent. Now before this, Eliashib the priest, a relative of Tobiah, had been put in charge of the storerooms of the house of our God and had prepared for Tobiah a large room where they had previously stored the grain offerings, the frankincense, the temple articles, and the tithes of grain, new wine, and oil prescribed for the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, along with the contributions for the priests. While all this was happening, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to Artaxerxes king of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign. Some time later I obtained leave from the king to return to Jerusalem. Then I discovered the evil that Eliashib had done on behalf of Tobiah by providing him a room in the courts of the house of God. And I was greatly displeased and threw all of Tobiah’s household goods out of the room. Then I ordered that the rooms be purified, and I had the articles of the house of God restored to them, along with the grain offerings and frankincense.
Nehemiah 13:1‭-‬9 BSB
https://bible.com/bible/3034/neh.13.1-9.BSB

What did you notice?
Pray for God to give you understanding and read it again.

The following is what I received:
God's ways are perfect. His instruction will lead to His glory and our benefit. Who we do life with is just as important as how we live. Put God before everything, even family.

Taking up residence inside God's Holy temple was wrong. Was the man supposed to make the place common with the objects from his daily life and to make a space for himself, taking away from the purpose and design of the temple of the LORD. Remember that the LORD is holy and His design has purpose. We must not allow ourselves to make common what is set apart by God.

We ourselves are the temple of the LORD, therefore we should try to give space in our hearts only to that which is desirable to the Father, and to follow the Holy Spirit's instruction to the best of our ability, so that we might not sin against Him by taking that which is holy for granted, putting ourselves above His instruction, or polluting the environment that we ask Jesus Christ to occupy.

I pray for application of the principals and direction of God to be made whole in His children.

Father, You are wonderful and Your ways are perfect and good. We have placed our own desires above Your Word. Thank you for letting Jesus Christ, Your Son, pay the debt of all of our sins and for showing us what it means to love. Holy Spirit, please remove everything that doesn't belong, and fill us according to Your will. It's an honor to be allowed to be yoked with our God, and we pray that You don't let us forget it or take You for granted. Father, this is the desire of our hearts, but we pray, may Your will be done, in the name of Jesus Christ we pray, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, amen, amen, amen.

When Jesus had finished saying all these things, He told His disciples, “You know that the Passover is two days away, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him. “But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.” While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He reclined at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, “Why this waste? This perfume could have been sold at a high price, and the money given to the poor.” Aware of this, Jesus asked, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful deed to Me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me. By pouring this perfume on Me, she has prepared My body for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus. On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” He answered, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him that the Teacher says, ‘My time is near. I will keep the Passover with My disciples at your house.’” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. When evening came, Jesus was reclining with the twelve disciples. And while they were eating, He said to them, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray Me.” They were deeply grieved and began to ask Him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” Jesus answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray Me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed. It would be better for him if he had not been born.” Then Judas, who would betray Him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said it yourself.” While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in My Father’s kingdom.” And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of Me. For it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter said to Him, “Even if all fall away on account of You, I never will.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus declared, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter replied, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You.” And all the other disciples said the same thing. At that time Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He told them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” Then Jesus returned..

Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God. 3 John 1:11 BSB Today’s Verse in Context: The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth: Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers. For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. Beloved, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, and especially since they are strangers to you. They have testified to the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. For they went out on behalf of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth. I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction. So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God. Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true. I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink. Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak with you face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send you greetings. Greet each of our friends there by name. 3 John 1:1‭-‬14 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/3jn.1.1-14.BSB Today’s Devotional from Youversion is: A Heart That Follows God When we plant apple seeds, we expect an apple tree to grow. It’s the seed and the roots that decide what kind of tree grows in the soil.  Similarly, when we belong to God we expect goodness and righteousness to grow in our lives. It is the fruit of our actions that tells us what kind of seeds we’ve planted. One of the ways we can identify the work of God in our life is by watching what type of fruit we produce. A sign of a growing and godly life is a heart that desires to live and act in accordance with God’s Word. Only someone who has spent time with God will produce that type of action in their life. John cautions us to be mindful of what type of fruit our lives produce. When we truly belong to God, and we spend time with Him, our lives will naturally produce goodness and right living.  The goal is not to be prideful about how many good deeds we do, but instead, to cultivate a heart that wants to selflessly do good to others in the name of Jesus. We may not be perfect, but our hearts should desire to follow God. Take a moment to think about your thoughts and actions over the past week. Do they reflect a heart that has been in a close relationship with God? Think of some steps you can take to create regular rhythms of spending time with God. Today’s Prayer is: A Prayer for Imitating God God, I truly desire to imitate and know You! When people see me, I also want them to see You. Guide me as I seek to follow You with my whole heart. Bring godly people into my life. Surround me with positive relationships, so I can better imitate You. In Jesus' name, Amen. Have a Blessed Day: “May the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23‭-‬24 BSB Today's Verse in Context: Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. When you lived among them, you also used to walk in these ways. But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all. Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. Colossians 3:1‭-‬25 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/col.3.1-25.BSB Today's Devotional from YouVersion is: Changing Our Perspectives Have you ever found yourself tasked with doing something that was boring, uneventful, uncomfortable, or difficult? When we find ourselves in those situations, our first reaction might be to complain or quit trying. Sometimes, mundane jobs and everyday responsibilities don’t feel like worthwhile investments of our time and energy.   But the truth is: everything we do matters to God and is used by Him.  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”  Colossians 3:23-24 NIV  Whatever you do. Whether you’re in your dream career or working for someone difficult, whether you’re taking care of your home, or organizing a business—everything we do is an opportunity to worship Jesus.  It’s just a matter of perspective.  If we view life through a lens that is only concerned with ourselves, we will quickly grow tired of our circumstances and disappointed by our striving. But if we view life through a lens of worship...

When anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation delights my soul.
Psalms 94:19 BSB

Today's Verse In Context: O Lord, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth. Rise up, O Judge of the earth; render a reward to the proud. How long will the wicked, O Lord, how long will the wicked exult? They pour out arrogant words; all workers of iniquity boast. They crush Your people, O Lord; they oppress Your heritage. They kill the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless. They say, “The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.” Take notice, O senseless among the people! O fools, when will you be wise? He who affixed the ear, can He not hear? He who formed the eye, can He not see? He who admonishes the nations, does He not discipline? He who teaches man, does He lack knowledge? The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile. Blessed is the man You discipline, O Lord, and teach from Your law, to grant him relief from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked. For the Lord will not forsake His people; He will never abandon His heritage. Surely judgment will again be righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it. Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will stand for me against the workers of iniquity? Unless the Lord had been my helper, I would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence. If I say, “My foot is slipping,” Your loving devotion, O Lord, supports me. When anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation delights my soul. Can a corrupt throne be Your ally— one devising mischief by decree? They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. But the Lord has been my stronghold, and my God is my rock of refuge. He will bring upon them their own iniquity and destroy them for their wickedness. The Lord our God will destroy them. Psalms 94:1‭-‬23 BSB

Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: God is Our Comfort

Have you ever looked around you and wondered, “why is there so much evil, wickedness, and pain in the world?” 

In Psalm 94, King David is extremely upset about the state of humanity. People are blaming God for the world’s rampant wickedness as though God did not see it and did not care (verses 1-7). So David reminds his audience that the Lord is Creator, and He knows, sees, and hears all that goes on (verses 8-11). 

Because of God, David could say, “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” (Verse 19)

King David’s “cares of the heart” were because of the wickedness and evil he saw—and our world is not much different. But David’s consolation in all the evil he witnessed was his Creator and Savior. 

That’s why He could close his psalm by writing, “But the LORD has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge. He will bring back on them their iniquity and wipe them out for their wickedness, the LORD our God will wipe them out.” (Verses 22-23)

This isn’t the most pleasant psalm to read. It’s full of pain and anger, sorrow and injustice. But, it’s a prayer of hope and perspective which we can learn from.

There is wickedness, injustice, and war all around us. But in the midst of pain and brokenness, we can follow King David’s example and look to God for comfort and peace. God took care of our shame and sin through the death of Jesus Christ, and He will one day take care of all wickedness and evil. 

Until then, like David, we can say, “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”

By trusting in God and knowing that He will one day wipe away all wickedness, we can bring Him our hopes, dreams, fears, and concerns and receive His comfort.

So right now, think about the cares you have that need to be given to God. How can knowing God cheer your soul?

Today's Prayer Is: A Prayer for Comfort and Joy God, thank You that I am Your child. And because nothing can separate me from You, I can run to You when I face troubles of any kind. Please help me to remember that. Remind my soul of what is true, and comfort...

In this heartfelt prayer, we lift our voices to praise and adore the Lord Jesus, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His strength during life’s toughest challenges. We surrender to His will, trusting that every trial is a step towards spiritual growth and deeper faith. Join us in this prayer of surrender and transformation, and feel the peace that comes from placing our lives in His hands. If this prayer resonates with you, type 'Amen' and let us know how we can pray for you today. May God's grace and peace be with you always. This message is from the YouTube channel Grace Oasis. https://youtube.com/watch?v=DYjgXt3A4b8&si=aiV0QbqdfVCpMUxh Have a blessed day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB