Consider Your Ways The message begins with the helpless condition of mankind apart from Jesus. Just as the leper could not cleanse himself and Lazarus could not raise himself from the grave, sinners cannot cure the corruption of their own hearts. Religion can identify the problem, morality can attempt to cover it, and people can try to improve themselves, but only Jesus can cleanse the unclean, give life to the dead, forgive sin, and make a person new. Mankind's greatest problem is not merely social, political, economic, or educational—it is a heart problem that only Christ can remedy. That truth leads directly into Haggai's repeated command: "Consider your ways." Judah had returned from captivity with a clear assignment from God and the resources necessary to rebuild His temple. They began the work, but when opposition came, they stopped. Over time, the delay became a way of life. They continued building, but instead of building what God had assigned, they invested their time, strength, and resources into themselves. They allowed opposition to overrule God's assignment, and busyness replaced obedience to Him and His mission. God then used their circumstances to awaken them. They sowed much but harvested little, ate but were never satisfied, earned wages but seemed to put them into a bag full of holes. Haggai reveals that these frustrations were not meaningless accidents; God was graciously using them to get His people's attention. While not every hardship is the result of disobedience, believers should remain sensitive enough to ask, "Lord, is there something You are trying to show me?" One of the great truths of the message is that God's withholding can sometimes be

This brief reflection uses an anecdote about M. A. Carmichael to illustrate that God's answer of 'no' can be a profound act of protection and provision. The story highlights how a denied request for blue eyes ultimately enabled her effective ministry among Indian women by allowing her to blend in seamlessly. It challenges the listener to trust divine wisdom over personal desires, recognizing that what seems like a rejection may actually be a strategic alignment with God's greater plan. The narrative encourages faith in God's sovereign timing and purpose, even when immediate outcomes differ from expectations.

We explain the Biblical meaning behind this text. It's all about NOT getting in the world's way so they can see Jesus! Also Reference: 2 Corinthians 4:5 https://bbfohio.com

The Morning Devotional Season 11 | Edition 78 Psalm 118 Providence Presbyterian Church Evansville, IN Pastor's Website: https://theparchment.net/ This devotional explores Psalm 118 as a profound prophecy of the ministry and suffering of Jesus Christ. The speaker highlights how the psalmist's distress and ultimate deliverance mirror the Lord's rejection by men and His triumph over death through resurrection. Central to the message is the identification of Jesus as the rejected stone that became the cornerstone of salvation. The sermon emphasizes that believers find security not in human power but in God's steadfast love, which endures forever. Through Christ's obedience and victory, sinners are redeemed and assured of eternal life.

The Morning Devotional Season 11 | Edition 78 September 1, 2026 Psalm 118 This devotional explores Psalm 118 as a profound prophecy concerning the ministry, suffering, and ultimate victory of Jesus Christ. The preacher highlights how the psalmist's distress and deliverance prefigure Christ's rejection by men and His triumph over death through resurrection. Central to the message is the identification of Jesus as the cornerstone rejected by builders but exalted by God for the salvation of believers. The sermon emphasizes that trusting in the Lord rather than human authority provides true refuge and strength against opposition. Ultimately, the text calls listeners to rejoice in the day of salvation wrought through Christ's steadfast love and sacrificial work.

A brief bit of encouragement for the journey from God's Word. Today's Scripture reading: 2 Samuel 16 To support this devotional ministry: https://faithbaptiststerling.com/give/ Music: "Awaken the Dawn" by Stanton Lanierhttps://www.stantonlanier.com CCLI #20109360

Suffering is real, but it is not ultimate. In this episode, Dave Jenkins reflects on the Christian's secure hope in the midst of trials, anxiety, spiritual warfare, and hardship. Through Lamentations 3:22–23 and Romans 8:18, listeners are reminded that God is faithful in every season, Christ is victorious, and the hope of believers rests in Him alone. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

How should we navigate friendship? Proverbs 27:1–10 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that humility, gentleness, discernment, and loyalty are essential to making proper use of God's good gift of friendship. This devotional explores biblical principles of friendship, emphasizing the need for humility and trust in a friend's judgment. It warns against associating with those who are easily angered, jealous, or deceitfully pleasant, while highlighting the value of a friend who offers faithful correction. The text encourages believers to remain content in their current relationships rather than pursuing ambitious social elevation. Finally, it calls for loyalty to established neighbors and friends over distant relatives or new acquaintances during times of trouble.

Political outcomes matter, but they are not ultimate. In this episode of Equipping You in Grace, Dave Jenkins concludes the series by calling Christians away from fear, political idolatry, and emotional captivity to the headlines. Drawing from Hebrews 13:14, Psalm 146, Psalm 2, Colossians 1, 1 Timothy 2, and Philippians 4, Dave explains why the believer's hope rests securely in Christ the King. Christians are called to engage public life with truth, prayer, wisdom, and love of neighbor while remembering that Christ reigns and His kingdom cannot be shaken. For more from Equipping You in Grace, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

Insurance customarily existed for the unexpected emergencies that might arise in life. It was not intended to reward bad stewardship or become a substitute for biblical obligations. Have insurance policies replaced God-ordained responsibilities? Chalcedon podcast with host Andrea Schwartz and co host Dr Charles Roberts