Why Halloween Is Getting Out of Control #9941Podcast (EP 42)

The words of the LORD are pure words (Psalm 12:6) Trustworthy in an untrustable world.

We feel: Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? (Psalm 10:1) . We know: The LORD is king forever and ever (v16), He hears the desire of the afflicted (v17), He will strengthen their heart (v17), and do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed (v18).

You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:10) . So we seek! Again and again…imperfectly…and desperately.

What is man that you are mindful of him? (Psalm 8:4) . The Creator of all universes is mindful of…me?

Dear God, Let all who take refuge in you rejoice (Psalm 5:11). No matter the circumstances. Thank you, Lord.

I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me. (Psalm 3:5) . Independence is a myth.

“Blessed is the man”…who delights and meditates day and night on God’s instruction. (Psalm 1:1-2) Convicting!

Why Trying Harder to Forgive Never Works #9941Podcast (EP 41)

The Lord says: I will make them walk by brooks of water (Jeremiah 31:9). From the Shepherd who knows His sheep, they know His voice and they follow Him away from drought.

On the cross Jesus was mocked— “the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself.” (Mark 15:31) . Actually— of course He could’ve saved Himself. But He chose to give Himself up so that all who look to Him would be saved. 3 days later…the tomb couldn’t hold Him.

“…when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives” (Mark 14:26). . I wanna sing a hymn with Jesus!

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (Mark 13:31) . God has persevered His word in complete Bibles in over 800 languages around the world, and at least some portion in over 4000.

Jesus cuts deep: “Have you not read?” (Mark 12:26) Of course they read—they were religious leaders! Their understanding was darkened by sin.

The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. (Acts 16:14) . Paul’s job was sharing the gospel—that’s faithful evangelism! But only the Lord can open a heart to hear.

God the heart worker: “I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD” (Jeremiah 24:7) . “God, who knows the heart…” . “…having cleansed their hearts by faith.” (Acts 15:8-9)

What They Won’t Tell You About Optimus #9941Podcast (EP 40)

Is not my word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? (Jeremiah 23:29) . Terrible and wonderful news!

Jesus asked 15 questions in Mark chapter 8 (as I count em). Central is this one: “who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:29) Is there a more important question for a human?

Herod killed James the brother of John with the sword (Acts 12:2). . What a loss! Yet, no mention of this in the apostles’ writings—even John through his letters & the book of Revelation. Perhaps it was an honor as much as a grief.