God's Word is still relevant Podcast: Recent Episodes
Hank
Understanding God's word. A detail gocus learning about God's word through God's Word. Letting Scripture speak for itself
Bread is essential to sustain life. The phrase "bread is the staff of life" is not new, it has been around for centuries and is a well-known saying around the world. The phrase “bread is the staff of life" refers to bread is a fundamental food that provides sustenance and nourishment to humanity world-wide. Bread is not only essential to our diet, but it has significant cultural and historical relevance. As follows of Christ, bread is symbolized as the body of Christ.
Matthew 4:4 KJV But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. I can't make it on my own in this world.
Isaiah 55:2KJVWherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
Matthew 6:11KJV Give us this day our daily bread.
John 6:51KJVI am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
John 6:35KJVAnd Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Daily strength, wisdom, and guidance come through Jesus. Best of all, Jesus is the bread of life and is the gift bearer of eternal life.
Inmates across the country look forward to their release day. For many it’s been a long time. Some have served 30, 40 or even 50 years in Prison. The world has changed in so many ways, but they look forward to release day regardless of these changes. So many different emotions, from happiness to excitement, to some anxiety, and joy, They have waited on this day.
But to think that the process of integrating back into society will be smooth sailing is naive. There are major problems ex-inmates face as they seek to rebuild their lives. This is particularly true of parolees that served a very long prison sentence. Today we invite you to join us in our series entitled “Transition”
Isaiah65:17KJV For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
"I must let go the things of this world and hold on to the everlasting hand of Jesus. The things of this world is not remembered, nor come into mind. I will dwell with Jesus in the new earth He has created throughout eternity.
2 Peter 3:13NLT looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. 13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.
Revelation 21:1ESV Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
Revelation 3:12NLTAll who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God—the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And I will also write on them my new name.
Psalm 126:3KJV"The LORD hath done great things for us; Whereof we are glad.
From the beginning to the end of every day, my God does great things for me. On Sabbath, He set it apart to commune with Him. May your Sabbath be filled is special blessings.
Psalm 118:23-24KJV This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
What has God done and is doing for us?
- He has blessed us and continues to bless us daily
Ephesians 1:3KJV Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
- He has chosen us
Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 1 Peter 2:9KJV But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
- Salvation rather than condemnation:
John 3:17KJVFor God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
- Has everlasting love:
Jeremiah 31:3KJV The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
- Keeps His promise:
John 14:3KJV And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
- Reconciled us:
2 Corinthians 5:19KJV To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Psalm 119:103 KJV" How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
The Word of God is full of sweetness. The marvelous favors of mercy, grace, forgiveness, holiness, and righteousness. A taste of heavenly honey covered in love. Oh, taste the goodness of the Lord.
Psalm 19:8-10KJVThe statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Prayer is spiritual communication between man and God, a two-way relationship in which man should not only talk to God but also listen to Him. Prayer to God is like a child’s conversation with his father. It is natural for a child to ask his father for the things he needs. The Word prayer is found at least 508 in the King James Bible. Approximately 343 in the Old Testament and 165 New Testament.
Psalm 112:1 KJV Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, That delighteth greatly in his commandments.
"Real happiness is found in Jesus. His commandments are a reflection of His character. As my relationship grows in Jesus, so does my delight and joy.
Psalm 98:1 KJV O sing unto the LORD a new song; For he hath done Marvelous things: His right hand, and his holy arm, Hath gotten him the victory. God has and continues to do marvelous things in my life. Every victory is by His mighty hand. Praises to my God.
Psalm 139:14KJV I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Restoring my brokenness, Forgiveness of my sins, Jesus my Lord, my Savior, my King you are simply marvelous.
Psalm 91:14 KJV Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
" Praise God for His love. Praise God, He is my place of security. Praise God, regardless of the situation He delivers me. Praise God He knows me by name. Above all, God is worthy of all praise.
Psalm 46:1NLT God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
Psalm 50:15KJV And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
Habakkuk 2:3NLTThis vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.
Psalms 46:10KJV Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Micah 7:7KJV Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.
How good is God to you? Do you know if God is good to you? Has Good been Better to you than you have been to yourself? These questions are based on our relationship with God.
How good is God to you? 2 Peter 3:18
18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. As I know God, I know His grace and Mercy. Each is has experience God; s grace and mercy.
2 John 1:3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. An endless list, starts with Romans 6:23KJV For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. though I’ve sinned, am still alive; for the wages of sin is death, Oh but God, in His grace has allowed me one more day to get things right with Him. Surely
God is good! Has Good been Better to you than you have been to yourself? Psalm 145:9KJVThe Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
Jeremiah 29:11KJV For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Only God is good. Mark 10:18KJVAnd Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
Psalm 84:11 KJV For the LORD God is a sun and shield: The LORD will give grace and glory: No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. "If I lack anything, it is because my relationship with God is lacking. I may not be walking upright (trusting) God in everything. Meaning sometimes, I am guided by self and not His upright word through the Holy Spirit. Therefore, some good things I am missing out on
Psalm 21:1 KJV There is joy in my soul because of you, Lord. In my weakness, I found strength in you. I am rejoicing in Jesus because in Him is salvation. Rejoicing, Praising my SAVIOR. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; And in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
Philippians 4:13KJV I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Psalm 46:1-3KJVGod is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
Exodus 15:2KJVThe Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Psalm 9:9-10KJVThe Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Psalm 21:1 KJV There is joy in my soul because of you, Lord. In my weakness, I found strength in you. I am rejoicing in Jesus because in Him is salvation. Rejoicing, Praising my SAVIOR. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; And in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
Philippians 4:13KJV I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Psalm 46:1-3KJVGod is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
Exodus 15:2KJVThe Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Psalm 9:9-10KJVThe Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Life brings so many challenges and distractions. It's easy to lose focus. Let's praise and trust God in good times and bad times. He is not only worthy of all praise but is the only one who gets me through life challenges. Praise God all day. Note the book of Psalms is filled with reasons to praise to God.
Psalm 7:17 KJV I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: And will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
Psalm 106:1KJV Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psalm 106:48KJVBlessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.
Psalm 111:1KJVPraise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
Psalm 115:18KJVBut we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.
Luke 1:37KJVFor with God nothing shall be impossible.
Mark 10:27KJVAnd Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Genesis 18:14ESV Is anything too hard[a] for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.”
I've arrived at a point to know God can and does whatever He wants, but to also understand no thought or action goes undetected by Him. Therefore, with humility and love, I seek His counsel and guidance. Trusting and growing in Jesus Christ.
Job 35:5 KJV Look unto the heavens, and see; And behold the clouds which are higher than thou."
Nothing nor anyone anywhere is greater than God. He sees and knows all. Therefore, I come boldly seeking Jesus as my Lord and Savior, depending on him for everything.
Hebrews 6:13KJV For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
Philippians 4:13KJV I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Psalm 83:18KJV That men may know that thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, art the most high over all the earth.
Psalm 135:5KJV For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
1 Chronicles 17:20KJV O Lord, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
We all lack wisdom and understanding. The Lord is the source of wisdom and understanding. Simply ask and trust in the Lord, He will provide all I need.
James 1:5KJV If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Proverbs 3:13KJVHappy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
Proverbs 2:6KJVFor the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
James 3:17KJV But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
Psalm 111:10KJVThe fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
Job 21:34 KJV How then comfort ye me in vain, Seeing in your answers there remaineth falsehood?
When I am in real hurting, the pain penetrates to every fabric of my body. Mere words are not enough. It takes the hands of one who can comfort and heal. These are the hands of Jesus. Cry out to the Lord. He will answer. He is the great physician. No pain nor discomfort in which Jesus can't bring total relief to.
Matthew 26:28KJV For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. God remits sin on the basis of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Complete remission means all signs of your cancer (SIN) are gone by the hands of the great physician.
Colossians 1:20KJV And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Ephesians 1:7KJV In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
Ephesians 2:13KJV But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Hebrews 12:24KJVAnd to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
Job 14:4 KJV Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one. Not one of us can clean up our sin mess. However, Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin, forgives and covers us with His righteousness. Hallelujah.
Job 7:17 KJV What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? And that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him? I must not put my focus on people or the things of this world because they're temporary. I must magnify and grow in Jesus. Give Jesus the honor and praise, He is worthy.
Psalms 34:3KJV“O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.”
Psalms 69:30KJV“I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.”
Psalms 104:1KJV“Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.”
Psalm 35:27AMPLet them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication and want what is right for me;
Let them say continually, “Let the Lord be magnified, who delights and takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant
Luke 1:46KJV“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,”
Job 1:21KJV and said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
Job tells me I came naked into this world, and I'll leave naked out of this world. I may have clothes on, but into the grave I go. For the clothes are not for me but respect for the living. I have no idea what I am wearing or where I am. We are stewards of God owning nothing. I am an earthly manager of God’s possessions; some forget that we can’t take material wealth with us. to the next life. It’s really about my character. It will determine if I am in the 1st resurrection or the second resurrection. This is determined by my character and relationship with Jesus.
1 Timothy 6:7:NLTAfter all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. God has the right to give abundantly or to take away from us. He does according to His will to draw us close to Him. God knows that some of these things interfere with our relationship with Him. Regardless, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. I am going to give God praise at all because He is worthy to be praised.
Esther 3:8 NLT"Then Haman approached King Xerxes and said, “There is a certain race of people scattered through all the provinces of your empire who keep themselves separate from everyone else. Their laws are different from those of any other people, and they refuse to obey the laws of the king. So it is not in the king’s interest to let them live.
Man writes laws to his SATISFACTION. The laws change according to man's need. Praise God His laws are everlasting don't change. God's laws reflect His character of LOVE
The law of God is understood in terms of who God. God is as the Creator of all. Jesus is Lord of Lord, Kini of Kings, our Savior, our redeemer. “God’s requirements have not altered, but we are not the ones to meet them. Praise God, He is the Lawgiver on the Throne, and He is the Lawkeeper in my heart. He who gave the Law, Himself keeps it.
Psalms 36:9KJV For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.”
You alone, are God. Nothing, nor anything compares to you. Creator, provider, sustainer, you Lord are our everything. I praise you; I worship you, I glorify you, I love you. I thank you for all you do.
- Exodus 1:17 KJV But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.
Proverbs 1:7KJV The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Psalm 111:10KJV The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
Proverbs 8:13KJV The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Matthew 10:28KJV And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Psalm 56:3AMPWhen I am afraid, I will put my trust and faith in You.
- A personal relationship with Jesus requires me to completely follow Him, doing what is right in every situation.