For these reasons (and more), Christians can rest well when the results are final.
“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)Please Pray: Dear Lord, sometimes your armor feels heavy and hard to wear. We’re...
We often treat breakfast as a quick chore—something to grab and go just to silence our hunger. But according to ancient wisdom, the first meal of the day wasn't just about filling the stomach; it was a highly functional "blueprint" designed to sustain steady energy for hours.The secret lies in...
Word Unpacked: Devotionals in Romans▶ Watch the full devotional:Romans 14:12 (NIV)So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.If we stood in a courtroom today, what would we be asked to say?We'd probably come prepared. Some of them had grown up keeping food rules and holy...
Ron Edmondson
There are certain aspects of systems and structures that help keep a team healthy. I’ve worked with organizations that had so many systems and structures tha
Jay GardenSome dedications express gratitude. Others preserve a connection across time. Franz Liszt’s (1811–1886) dedication of his Transcendental Études to Carl Czerny may have done both.Liszt dedicated the 1837 version of the études to his former teacher, and he retained the dedication when he published a substantially revised version in 1852....
David Derksen
But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. -Matthew 5:28, NLT Public Service Announcement: Divorce is NOT the enemy. Sin IS! A pet peeve of mine is hearing pastors talk about the tragedy of divorce as if this the problem. Such talk … Continue reading "Sin, NOT divorce is the problem!"
Don Martin
Matthew 25:1-13 shows that we need to pay a price to gain more of the Spirit in our being to enter the wedding feast. The reality of this wedding is the Lamb, Jesus Christ, with His wife, New Jerus…
Robin McKinley
Christine Malkemes
As Jesus' public ministry draws to a close in John 12, we encounter a troubling question: Why did people reject Jesus when the Light of the World stood ...
Shirley Brosius“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) This verse describes spiritual warfare, the conflict between believers and evil satanic forces....
Shirley Brosius“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)Please Pray: Dear Lord, sometimes your armor feels heavy and hard to wear. We’re...
Revive Our Hearts
Cling to the steadfast, immovable character of the Almighty on Election Day and always.
Lisa Price
Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also. Su…
Chris Hutchison
Eliezer Gonzalez
Everyone who believes is freed through Jesus. Acts 13–15 traces Paul’s sermon, the gospel’s mixed reception, and the church’s welcome of Gentiles by grace.
Jay Garden
Chopin was trying to write a letter. Liszt was playing the piano. The letter wasn’t going well.In June 1833, Chopin wrote to fellow musician Ferdinand Hiller that Liszt’s playing of his études was distracting him. He even wished he could play his own music the way Liszt did—a sentiment some...
Eric M. Teitelman
Explore biblical prophecy concerning the Millennial Kingdom, the Second Coming of Christ, the Restoration of Israel, and the Davidic Covenant. Discover the Messianic Kingdom, the Levitical Priesthood, the Reign of the Saints, and God's Eternal Kingdom, culminating in the New Heaven and New Earth.
Yvonne M Morgan“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” -- John 14:27 (NIV)Please Pray:Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your peace. Thank You for...
Yvonne M MorganPhoto by Francesco on Unsplash“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” -- John 14:27 (NIV) The lion walked only a few feet in front of...
Stevens BrookesThe psalmist prays, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14, KJV). Our bodies are a gift, and caring for them can be one way of saying thank you.Yet between work, family, church, and daily stress, the habits that protect our health often slip down...
Eliezer Gonzalez
In a culture addicted to hurry, what does it mean to truly rest? In this message, we explore the story of rest from creation to Christ — tracing the rhythms God set in motion, how sin disrupts our rest, and how Jesus restores it. Whether you’re weary, busy, or longing for deeper peace, this sermon invites you to find true rest for your soul in the finished work of Christ. Watch Out of the Dust: A series on Genesis 1-12.
Jay Garden
How do we measure a musical life? Is it by how much we learn, how often we perform, or how much progress we make? These things matter, but they cannot tell the whole story.In this final episode, we turn to a quieter side of classical music and consider what one...
David Derksen
“I will forgive her even if she cheated on me,” says faithful spouse. “Well, you’d just keep that hanging over her head,” says Cheater Apologist. What is ironic about this response is how tone deaf it is regarding what hangs over the faithful spouse! A faithful spouse who “reconciles” and stays in the marriage will … Continue reading "Hanging over head!"
Elizabeth Prata
By Elizabeth Prata artist- Greg Copeland, created for Paul L. Maier’s children’s book, Martin Luther: A Man Who Changed the World, published by Concordia Publishing House It’s Ref…
Kim Nowlin
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. – Colossians 2:6-7 (NKJV)Please Pray: Father, we thank You that You have given us the mind...
Kim Nowlin
Photo image courtesy Getty Images for UnsplashAs you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. – Colossians 2:6-7 (NKJV)As I was praying one morning, a...
Sesan OguntadeThese are the scriptures to pray over your business. You will love these as a Christian entrepreneur or a faith-based business owner. Related: Relevance of business platforms and structures Are there scriptures to pray over your business? Yes, there are scriptures to pray over your business. There are: Bible passages Bible texts Bible revelations […]
Mark Brady
Image generated via AI. Night descended, solemn, heavy, upon my weary soul once more. And in that hush, that trembling quiet, I felt a stirring at my spirit’s door, A gentle knock, no louder than a…
Tyler McLaughlinQuick FactsText: 1 Clement 7, a letter from the church at Rome to the church at Corinth, usually dated to around 95–96 A.D.Question: Is the Ninevite example (7.7) the rhetorical climax of 1 Clement 7?Core finding: Yes. 7.7 is the last and fullest example, it closes two verbal rings opened...
David Derksen
“‘…if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.’” -Luke 19:8b, NIV A truly repentant Cheater will offer restitution. This is what I see from this famous story about Jesus meeting Zacchaeus. Jesus did not insist on this. The offer was freely offered by Zaccheaus. He had met … Continue reading "No restitution? No real repentance."
Eliezer Gonzalez
Pray for the persecuted church. Acts 12 shows James killed and Peter imprisoned, while God’s word keeps advancing. This Sunday, pray for believers in Sudan.
Jay Garden
Some seasons leave little time for the things we love. Work, family, and unexpected responsibilities can push our passions aside, even when they remain important to us.Clara Schumann (1819–1896) knew this reality well. A celebrated pianist, composer, and mother of eight, she spent much of her life balancing music with...
Don Martin
Matthew 25:1-13 shows that we need to pay a price to enter the wedding feast.The reality of this wedding is the Lamb, Jesus Christ, with His wife, New Jerusalem. One aspect of paying the price is t…
Matik Nicholls
Sadly, hearing God has at times been a subject of both controversy and frustration in the Body of Christ. Here at Authentic Joy, we believe that from Genesis to Revelation, the Bible records a God …
Elizabeth Prata
By Elizabeth Prata SYNOPSIS In 1998, I drove to Maine’s Farnsworth Art Museum to see Wondrous Strange: The Wyeth Tradition, an eerie exhibition exploring dreamlike and unsettling imagery painted by…
Carolyn Thigpen
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)Please Pray: Dear Father, thank You for saving me from an eternity separated from You. Thank You for sending Your Spirit to dwell in me...
Carolyn Thigpen
Photo image courtesy Josue Michel for UnsplashFor God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)Fresh out of college, I took a job with an insurance company as a loss auditor. Between traveling for...
Mark Brady
Image generated via AI. The GPS insisted they had arrived. The little blue arrow sat confidently on the screen, pulsing as if proud of itself. After eight hours on the road, the Carter family- Matt…
Elizabeth Prata
By Elizabeth Prata 1 Timothy 1:13 says, with Paul writing, Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love wh…
Tyler McLaughlinText: 1 Clement 7, a letter from the church at Rome to the church at Corinth, usually dated to around 95–96 A.D.Topic: How 1 Clement describes salvation being received: repentance and supplication, grounded in the blood of Christ.Key Greek phrase: ἐξιλάσαντο τὸν Θεὸν ἱκετεύσαντες (7.7), “they obtained God’s mercy by...
Eliezer Gonzalez
God’s word advances as Herod falls, but no earthly ruler can stop the gospel mission. Acts 12 points us to the victory and reign of Jesus.
Hannah Morrell
The obsession with hurry and busy-ness in our culture is obvious. When you ask someone how they are doing, often the reply is “busy” as if that is an answer. And if someone is not maxed out with schedules and makes time for rest, the judgement is that they are lazy or just can’t handle it. I have no
Christie Thomas
The phone call usually comes on an ordinary Tuesday. Mom slipped in the kitchen, or Dad forgot his heart pills again, and suddenly you are packing school lu ...
Christie Thomas
A friend's five-year-old once spent twenty minutes crouched over a single pinecone, turning it in his hands and asking who decided the scales should sp ...
Tyler McLaughlin1 Clement does not support Roman Catholic Papal succession.Quick FactsText: 1 Clement, a letter from “the church of God sojourning at Rome” to the church at Corinth, usually dated to around 95–96 A.D.Author: Not named in the letter. Dionysius of Corinth first links it to Clement around 170 A.D. (Eusebius,...
Jay Garden
Have you ever put off a project because you felt you didn’t have enough uninterrupted time? Whether it’s practicing an instrument, writing, or tackling a long-postponed task, it can be hard to begin when so many things compete for your attention.We often think we need more time, energy, or motivation...
Bro Sankalp Vs
SANKALP VS- AUTHOR When we speak about the Church, it is easy to think first of buildings, priests, religious traditions, institutions, or parish activities. Yet at the heart of the Church is not a building or an institution. At the heart of the Church is a Person: Jesus Christ. The...
Chris Carpenter
With more than 20 years' experience in film, television, and stage, Lisa Arnold brings a story of hope, faith, and self-discovery to the big screen with her new film, The One, opening in theaters nationwide on November 5th.
David Derksen
You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. -Romans 11:19-21, NIV Often times, … Continue reading "God’s “remarriage” so to speak"
Pam Luschei
Earlier this month, I shared a meal with over 30 women at a restaurant. The varied ages didn’t matter. Our vocation had no importance. What we wore or how we looked had no bearing on why we were there. Our differences made no difference. We had all experienced the loss of a spouse. As I listened to
Karen Cerny
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. – Philippians 4:8 (NIV)Please Pray: Gracious Father, forgive us when we pass judgement without knowing the facts. Forgive us for...
Karen Cerny
Photo by Compagnons on UnsplashFinally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. – Philippians 4:8 (NIV) Spiritual warfare strikes when we least expect it and sometimes on battlefields...
Revive Our Hearts
With New Age practices and “witchcore” aesthetic increasingly normalized in culture, it’s worth considering how easily we gravitate toward practices that promise spiritual help apart from God.
Tyler McLaughlinQuick Facts Question: Does 1 Clement, written around 95 to 96 A.D., teach the Tridentine (Council of Trent) view of justification, as Catholic Answers argues? Short answer: No. 1 Clement places faith at the start of salvation (32:4) and works in remaining justified (30:3). Trent places the sacrament of baptism...
Tyler McLaughlin1 Clement is a letter sent from the church at Rome to the church at Corinth. The letter itself names no author, but Dionysius of Corinth (A.D. 170) attributes it to Clement of Rome; however, this attribution is dubious and is denied by modern scholars. It is usually dated to...
Rich Vega
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 There’s always a cost in being set free. Those for…
Greg Laurie
Cissie Graham Lynch explains why she believes the church has weakened women by hyper-focusing on emotion over strong biblical teaching.
Kathy Collard MillerObviously, they are thinking, “How can the man who claims love as the hallmark of his kingdom and claim to be God be so uncaring and clueless about what is happening?” No wonder they awake him saying, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” For strong men to express such emotion and accuse Jesus of not caring reveals their distrust. What I say goes.” The disciples’ shock is expressed as, “Who then is this?” If only they had reminded themselves who he is—his care, love, and power—they might not have been afraid. And I forgot who you are.” But we can learn to rehearse his caring and love more often as we reflect upon his care in the past.
Eliezer Gonzalez
The church prays for Peter while he is in prison, and God answers in a remarkable way. Acts 12 encourages us to keep praying and trust him with the outcome.
Chris CarpenterJude Hill, Linda Cardellini and Chris Pratt in "Way of the Warrior Kid," premiering November 25, 2026 on Apple TV.What does it mean to be a warrior? For one young boy struggling to find his place in the world, the answer will change everything. Starring Chris Pratt and based on...
Jessica SmootHave you ever said yes to God and then looked around at your life and wondered what in the world you just signed up for?Because let’s talk about it.Sometimes we hear people testify about obedience, and we get to see the beautiful ending. The breakthrough. The answered prayer. The promise...
Jay Garden
In 1913, French composer Erik Satie (1866–1925) published a satirical account of a musician’s daily routine. He described his day with absurd precision:“I rise at 7.18; am inspired from 10.23 to 11.47. I lunch at 12.11 and leave the table at 12.14.”Even inspiration had a place on Satie’s timetable. His...
Karen Del Tatto3 Approaches for Turning Your Disbelief into Belief Throughout our lives we experience times of disbelief, circumstances that we either j...
Don Martin
Revelation 19:7 declares, “Let us rejoice and exult, and let us give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” Eternally the Lamb…
Mary-Ann Oyejobi
Ron Edmondson
In Leadership - rip it off. Or as Barney Fife would say - Nip it in the bud! One of the hardest parts of leadership is doing what you already know needs to be d
Sheryl H. BoldtNo matter what happens in our lives, in the world, or in our battles with sin or temptation, we can be certain, deep down, unshakably certain, that God wins in the end. Not only in some things. Not only in the “big” things. In all things.
Donna Bucher
Autumn is the appellation of elegance for this singular season. As my favorite season, I have long been captivated by the language of autumn.
Greg Laurie
Most of us have experienced grief. I wish so many of us weren’t so well-acquainted with the pain, but our shared experience is also a chance to share hope.
Sesan OguntadeThe name of God and their meanings is the topic discussed and taught at the last Power Outreaches broadcast. What is in the name of God? Why should we study the name of God? These are some of the questions answered during this broadcast and it’s in the video below at the bottom of this […]
Nadia Arensdorf
Submit yourselves . . . to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. – James 4:7 (ESV)Please Pray: Lord, You know my battles. Sometimes it feels hopeless. I want to serve You, but occasionally it just feels like things get in the way of life and ministry....
Nadia Arensdorf
Photo image courtesy of Eduardo Ramos for UnsplashSubmit yourselves . . . to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. – James 4:7 (ESV) The apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12 that, “... we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against...
Heather Creekmore
How can you tell if your pursuit of a better body, better schedule, better finances, or better life is quietly pulling your focus away from Jesus?
Mark Brady
Image generated via AI. There’s a line in The Message translation of Colossians that stops me in my tracks every time. Paul writes that God was pleased to have everything, absolutely everything, in…
Eliezer Gonzalez
Faithful in the face of opposition, James and the church remind us that Jesus is alive, and his gospel cannot be stopped.
David Derksen
“Forgiveness was a public transaction made between two people, and the moral weight was heaviest on the offender. Unlike today where victims are sometimes put under immense pressure to forgive unconditionally and quickly, in the early church, the focus was on the brother or sister who sinned.” -Teasi Cannon in Counterfeit Forgiveness: How a Modern Myth … Continue reading "Book Review: COUNTERFEIT FORGIVENESS by Teasi Cannon"
David M ClarkBy David M ClarkWe’ve checked our messages. We’ve gone over the conversation again. We’ve prayed, and we’re still waiting.Most of us know how that feels. We’d welcome an answer, or even a little clarity. Instead, another day comes, and nothing seems to have changed.Waiting can wear us down, especially when...
Jay Garden
Some days, we measure life by how much we accomplish, ending the day wondering whether we have done enough.Franz Schubert’s daily routine offers a different rhythm. He typically spent his mornings composing, leaving afternoons for walks, visits with friends, and other activities. His life shows how focused work and companionship...
Jay Garden
“I’ll make time for music when things settle down.” It is easy to promise ourselves we’ll make time for music after the deadline, when the house is quiet, or when the errands are done. But life doesn’t always settle down. The weeks fill up, and what matters to us keeps...
Ron Edmondson
Trust is one of the most important ingredients of a healthy organization - and one leaders must work to build. It’s also one of the easiest things for a leade
Futhi Sono
When one season ends, another begins and sometimes, the change is not easy, but it is necessary. Hey mama, I have been wanting to share a little bit about our family’s journey from homeschooling to...
BHKThere are moments in our walk with the Lord that are difficult to explain. They come unexpectedly, and sometimes we struggle to find the words to describe what is happening within us. Yet, they leave us with something precious to reflect upon and share with others. I recently experienced one...
Lisa E. BetzWeary? Uninspired? Frustrated? One way to keep the spark of joy alive in times of weariness or turmoil is to treat ourselves to authentic indulgences.
Elizabeth Prata
By Elizabeth Prata EPrata photo And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7). It’s a grace to have this peace. …
Carol McLeod
Guest author, Paige Allen, shares how Leah’s story reminds us how comparison steals our joy, and how turning our eyes from what we lack to God can lead us into praise, peace, and purpose.
Pam Childs
Photo by sippakorn yamkasikorn on UnsplashBe sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. – 1 Peter 5:8 (CSB) One fall evening my aunt and uncle from Ohio were visiting my parents in their Florida home. A cozy...
Revive Our Hearts
What do we do when our deepest longings remain unmet? These ten truths from Psalm 16 remind us that we can find comfort in God, even when our circumstances don’t change.
Maureen Hall Puccini
I'm a terrible forgiver. Once the offense hardens into concrete, I can't let it go. But God taught me a better way to deal with my pain.
Mark Brady
Image generated via AI. It always starts the same way: a quiet, creeping panic. That moment when someone realizes the last gas station was thirty miles ago, and the next one might as well be in ano…
Mike Genung
We are a Church at War. We’re losing many battles because we’re not equipping God’s people in spiritual warfare. Pastors and ministry leaders fall daily. Suicide takes many lives. Many are walking away from the faith. A once every 2-3 years message on the armor Read More
David Derksen
Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. -Isaiah 61:7, NIV Life gets better! I remember having a conversation with a friend at a gym back in Connecticut before … Continue reading "Life gets better! My birthday."
Wanda Alger
In this night parable, Holy Spirit is calling the Church to prepare a place where His presence and glory dwells - for the sake of the lost.
Jay Garden
Over the past seven episodes, we have met composers who lived more than one kind of life. Ives worked in insurance, Borodin was a chemist and professor, Mussorgsky was a civil servant, Hoffmann was a judge, Paderewski became a statesman, and Herschel became an astronomer. Their paths were very different,...
Don Martin
Here is the concluding portion of a hymn about New Jerusalem. Words are by Witness Lee and music by Herbert Booth. The full hymn with music is here. —From the throne of God, its center, ——Flows the…
Sesan OguntadeEffective Prayers for uncommon miracles was the theme of the Power Outreaches broadcast yesterday. I was able to discuss the most important key for effective Prayers. Related: Why persistent Prayers get answered What is effective Prayers for uncommon miracles? Effective prayers for uncommon miracles are the prayers offered to God to provoke His reactions […]
Karen Ganon
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power...and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. – Ephesians 6:10,18bPlease Pray: Lord, spiritual warfare is hard and it is scary. Yet You are the General who goes before us and remains beside us in battle. May...
Jay Garden
Before William Herschel (1738–1822) became known for discovering Uranus, he earned his living through music. He taught music, composed, conducted, and served as a church organist. For years, music was his profession and his everyday life.Then his curiosity led him somewhere unexpected: the night sky.From Music to AstronomyBorn in Hanover,...
Matik Nicholls
Hello everyone! Here at Authentic Joy we have been celebrating an amazing milestone – 100,000 people have completed Authentic Joy Bible plans on the YouVersion app! Wow! Who would have though…
Eliezer Gonzalez
What does it mean to be human, and how do we relate to one another as men and women? In this sermon, we zoom in on God’s creation of humanity and discover the beauty of being made male and female in His image. We see God’s good design for marriage, the call to community, and the deeper belonging we find in Christ, our true Bridegroom. Watch Out of the Dust: A series on Genesis 1-12.
Sarah Freymuth
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. – Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)Please Pray:Father, thank You for sending Jesus to take on the punishment we deserve. Thank You for Jesus’...
Sesan OguntadeThere are surely Propehts of the nations. There are Prophets over nations. God appoints prophets over countries and they speak for God in nations. They see the future and see and say the mind of God over nations. It is a calling and God always gives this privilege to whomever He chooses. Not every pastor […]
Summer Marrero
Spiritual warfare is a reality every Christian needs to understand. The Bible teaches that we have a spiritual enemy who seeks to deceive people, tempt them to sin, and turn them away from God̵…
Jay Garden
We began this series with a simple question: what happens when a musician has to earn a living another way?We’ve met composers who worked as clerks, civil servants, naval officers, and chemists. For our final episode, we turn to perhaps the most extraordinary case of all: E. T. A. Hoffmann...
