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The most basic definition of prayer is “talking to God.” Prayer is not meditation or passive reflection; it is direct address to God. It is the communication of the human soul with the Lord who created the soul. Prayer is the primary way for the believer in Jesus Christ to communicate his emotions and desires with God and to fellowship with God.
Prayer can be audible or silent, private or public, formal or informal. All prayer must be offered in faith (James 1:6), in the name of the Lord Jesus (John 16:23), and in the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26). As the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia puts it, “Christian prayer in its full New Testament meaning is prayer addressed to God as Father, in the name of Christ as Mediator, and through the enabling grace of the indwelling Spirit” (“Prayer” by J. C. Lambert). The wicked have no desire to pray (Psalm 10:4), but the children of God have a natural desire to pray (Luke 11:1).
Prayer is described in the Bible as seeking God’s favor (Exodus 32:11), pouring out one’s soul to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:15), crying out to heaven (2 Chronicles 32:20), drawing near to God (Psalm 73:28, KJV), and kneeling before the Father (Ephesians 3:14).
Paul wrote, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7). Worry about nothing; pray about everything.
Everything? Yes, God wants us to talk with Him about everything. How often should we pray? The biblical answer is “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, ESV). We should keep a running conversation going with God all day long. Some find the ACTS formula of prayer helpful, but there is really no special formula for how to pray in the Bible. We should just do it. We can pray under any and all circumstances. Prayer develops our relationship with God and demonstrates our trust and utter dependence upon Him.
Prayer is the Christian’s way of communicating with God. We pray to praise God and thank Him and tell Him how much we love Him. We pray to enjoy His presence and tell Him what is going on in our lives. We pray to make requests and seek guidance and ask for wisdom. God loves this exchange with His children, just as we love the exchange we have with our children. Fellowship with God is the heart of prayer. Too often we lose sight of how simple prayer is really supposed to be.
When we make petitions to God, we let God know exactly where we stand and what we would like to see happen. In our prayers, we must admit that God is greater than we are and ultimately knows what is best in any given situation (Romans 11:33–36). God is good and asks us to trust Him. In prayer, we say, essentially, “Not my will, but your will be done.” The key to answered prayer is praying according to the will of God and in accordance with His Word. Prayer is not seeking our own will but seeking to align ourselves with the will of God more fully (1 John 5:14–15; James 4:3).
The Bible contains many examples of prayer and plenty of exhortations to pray (see Luke 18:1; Romans 12:12; and Ephesians 6:18). God’s house is to be a house of prayer (Mark 11:17), and God’s people are to be people of prayer: “Dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love” (Jude 1:20–21).
Die mees basiese definisie van gebed is “praat met God”. Gebed is nie meditasie of passiewe refleksie nie; dit is direkte aanspreek van God. Dit is die kommunikasie van die menslike siel met die Here wat die siel geskep het. Gebed is die primêre manier vir die gelowige in Jesus Christus om sy emosies en begeertes met God te kommunikeer en om gemeenskap met God te hê.
Gebed kan hoorbaar of stil wees, privaat of publiek, formeel of informeel. Alle gebed moet in geloof geoffer word (Jakobus 1:6), in die naam van die Here Jesus (Johannes 16:23), en in die krag van die Heilige Gees (Romeine 8:26). Soos die International Standard Bible Encyclopedia dit stel: “Christelike gebed in sy volle Nuwe Testamentiese betekenis is gebed gerig aan God as Vader, in die naam van Christus as Middelaar, en deur die bemagtigende genade van die inwonende Gees” (“Gebed” deur J. C. Lambert). Die goddelose het geen begeerte om te bid nie (Psalm 10:4), maar die kinders van God het ‘n natuurlike begeerte om te bid (Lukas 11:1).
Gebed word in die Bybel beskryf as die soeke na God se guns (Eksodus 32:11), die uitstorting van jou siel voor die Here (1 Samuel 1:15), die uitroep na die hemel (2 Kronieke 32:20), die nader aan God kom (Psalm 73:28), en die kniel voor die Vader (Efesiërs 3:14).
Paulus het geskryf: “Moet oor niks besorg wees nie, maar maak in alles julle begeertes deur gebed en smeking met danksegging bekend by God. En die vrede van God, wat alle verstand te bowe gaan, sal julle harte en julle sinne bewaar in Christus Jesus” (Filippense 4:6-7). Moet oor niks bekommerd wees nie; bid oor alles.
Alles? Ja, God wil hê ons moet oor alles met Hom praat. Hoe gereeld moet ons bid? Die Bybelse antwoord is “bid sonder ophou” (1 Tessalonisense 5:17). Ons moet die hele dag lank ‘n lopende gesprek met God voer. Sommige vind die ACTS-formule van gebed nuttig, maar daar is regtig geen spesiale formule in die Bybel vir hoe om te bid nie. Ons moet dit net doen. Ons kan onder enige en alle omstandighede bid. Gebed ontwikkel ons verhouding met God en demonstreer ons vertroue en algehele afhanklikheid van Hom.
Gebed is die Christen se manier om met God te kommunikeer. Ons bid om God te loof en Hom te dank en Hom te vertel hoeveel ons Hom liefhet. Ons bid om Sy teenwoordigheid te geniet en Hom te vertel wat in ons lewens aangaan. Ons bid om versoeke te rig en leiding te soek en om wysheid te vra. God is lief vir hierdie gesprek met Sy kinders, net soos ons die gesprek met ons kinders liefhet. Gemeenskap met God is die hart van gebed. Te dikwels verloor ons uit die oog hoe eenvoudig gebed werklik veronderstel is om te wees.
Wanneer ons petisies tot God rig, laat ons God presies weet waar ons staan en wat ons graag wil sien gebeur. In ons gebede moet ons erken dat God groter is as ons en uiteindelik weet wat die beste is in enige gegewe situasie (Romeine 11:33–36). God is goed en vra ons om Hom te vertrou. In gebed sê ons in wese: “Nie my wil nie, maar u wil geskied.” Die sleutel tot verhoorde gebed is om te bid volgens die wil van God en in ooreenstemming met Sy Woord. Gebed is nie om ons eie wil te soek nie, maar om onsself meer volledig met die wil van God in lyn te bring (1 Johannes 5:14–15; Jakobus 4:3).
Die Bybel bevat baie voorbeelde van gebed en oorgenoeg vermanings om te bid (sien Lukas 18:1; Romeine 12:12; en Efesiërs 6:18). God se huis moet ‘n huis van gebed wees (Markus 11:17), en God se mense moet mense van gebed wees: “Geliefdes, julleself opbou in julle allerheiligste geloof en in die Heilige Gees bid en julleself in die liefde van God bewaar” (Judas 1:20–21).
Bible Verse and Prayer for Today;
A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
Proverbs 10:1
Prayer
Lord. Please help us as sons and daughters to be wise to our fathers and mothers. Please keep us from foolishness. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen and amen.
Bybel Vers en Gebed vir Vandag
‘n Wyse seun maak ‘n vader bly, maar ‘n dwase seun is die bekommernis van sy moeder.
Spreuke 10:1
Gebed
Here. Help ons asseblief as seuns en dogters om wys te wees vir ons vaders en moeders. Bewaar ons asseblief van dwaasheid. Ons bid in Jesus se naam. Amen en amen.
Bible Teaching of the Day
When a Christian woman is looking for a husband, she should seek a man “after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22). The most important relationship that any of us have is our personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. That relationship comes before all others. If our vertical relationship with the Lord is as it should be, then our horizontal relationships will reflect that reality. Therefore, a potential husband should be a man who has his focus upon walking in obedience to God’s Word and who seeks to live so that his life brings glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
What are some other qualities to look for? The apostle Paul gives us the qualities we should look for in a husband in 1 Timothy chapter 3. In this passage are the qualifications for a leader in the church body. However, these qualities should grace the lives of any man who walks “after God’s heart.” The qualities can be paraphrased as follows: a man should be patient and controlled in his demeanor, not filled with pride but of sober mental attitude, able to master his emotions, given to graciousness to others, able to patiently teach, not given to drunkenness or uncontrolled use of any of God’s gifts, not prone to violence, not overly focused upon the details of life but focused upon God, not apt to be a hot-head or be thin-skinned so that he takes offense easily, and grateful for what God has given, rather than envious of what gifts others have received.
The above qualities describe a man who is actively engaged in the process of becoming a mature believer. That is the type of man a woman should look for as a potential husband. Yes, physical attraction, similar interests, complementary strengths and weaknesses, and the desire for children are things to consider. These things, though, must be secondary to the spiritual qualities a woman should look for in a man. A man you can trust, respect, and follow in the path of godliness is of far greater value than a man of good looks, fame, power, or money.
Finally, when “looking” for a husband, we must be surrendered to God’s will in our lives. Every woman wants to find her “prince charming,” but the reality is that she will probably marry a man with as many flaws as she has. Then, by God’s grace, they will spend the rest of their lives together learning how to be a partner to, and servant of, each other. We must enter into the second most-important relationship of our lives (marriage), not under an emotional cloud, but with eyes wide open. Our most important relationship, with our Lord and Savior, has to be the focus of our lives.
Bybel Lering vir die Dag
Wanneer ‘n Christenvrou op soek is na ‘n man, moet sy ‘n man “na God se hart” soek (Handelinge 13:22). Die belangrikste verhouding wat enigeen van ons het, is ons persoonlike verhouding met die Here Jesus Christus. Daardie verhouding kom voor alle ander. As ons vertikale verhouding met die Here is soos dit behoort te wees, dan sal ons horisontale verhoudings daardie werklikheid weerspieël. Daarom moet ‘n potensiële man ‘n man wees wat daarop fokus om in gehoorsaamheid aan God se Woord te wandel en wat daarna streef om so te leef dat sy lewe God verheerlik (1 Korintiërs 10:31).
Watter ander eienskappe moet ons nastreef? Die apostel Paulus gee ons die eienskappe waarna ons in ‘n man moet soek in 1 Timoteus hoofstuk 3. In hierdie gedeelte is die kwalifikasies vir ‘n leier in die kerkliggaam. Hierdie eienskappe moet egter die lewens van enige man wat “na God se hart” wandel, versier. Die eienskappe kan soos volg geparafraseer word: ‘n man moet geduldig en beheersd in sy gedrag wees, nie vol trots wees nie, maar met ‘n nugter geesteshouding, in staat wees om sy emosies te beheers, toegeeflik wees teenoor ander, in staat wees om geduldig te onderrig, nie geneig wees tot dronkenskap of onbeheerde gebruik van enige van God se gawes nie, nie geneig wees tot geweld nie, nie te gefokus wees op die besonderhede van die lewe nie, maar gefokus op God, nie geneig wees om ‘n heethoof te wees of dunvellig te wees sodat hy maklik aanstoot neem nie, en dankbaar wees vir wat God gegee het, eerder as afgunstig wees op watter gawes ander ontvang het.
Bogenoemde eienskappe beskryf ‘n man wat aktief betrokke is in die proses om ‘n volwasse gelowige te word. Dit is die tipe man waarna ‘n vrou as ‘n potensiële man moet soek. Ja, fisiese aantrekkingskrag, soortgelyke belangstellings, komplementêre sterk- en swakpunte, en die begeerte na kinders is dinge om te oorweeg. Hierdie dinge moet egter sekondêr wees tot die geestelike eienskappe waarna ‘n vrou in ‘n man moet soek. ‘n Man wat jy kan vertrou, respekteer en volg op die pad van godsvrug, is van veel groter waarde as ‘n man met ‘n goeie voorkoms, roem, mag of geld.
Laastens, wanneer ons na ‘n man “soek”, moet ons ons aan God se wil in ons lewens oorgegee wees. Elke vrou wil haar “prins sjarmant” vind, maar die realiteit is dat sy waarskynlik met ‘n man met net soveel foute as sy sal trou. Dan, deur God se genade, sal hulle die res van hul lewens saam deurbring om te leer hoe om ‘n vennoot en dienaar van mekaar te wees. Ons moet die tweede belangrikste verhouding van ons lewens (die huwelik) aangaan, nie onder ‘n emosionele wolk nie, maar met oë wyd oop. Ons belangrikste verhouding, met ons Here en Verlosser, moet die fokus van ons lewens wees.
Today’s Devotional
In the description of love in 1 Corinthians 13, we find four things that love “always” does. Love is not just an idea; it is action. The third action listed is that love “always hopes” (NIV) or “hopes all things” (ESV). It’s nice to know that love is hopeful, but what exactly does this mean?
The Greek word translated “hope” is from elpidzo, meaning “to hope or wait for salvation with joy and full confidence.” Used 32 times in the New Testament, this word expresses more than a wish or desire, but a confident belief in the unseen. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Faith, hope, and love are often intimately connected in Scripture (see 1 Corinthians 13:13).
In Colossians 1:4-5 we find the same combination of faith, hope, and love: “We heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven” (emphasis added).
Just as God is called “love” (1 John 4:8), Jesus is called our “hope” (1 Timothy 1:1). Hope not only concerns our belief in Christ but describes who He is to us. The hope within us is Christ Himself. If He lives within us, His hope will be seen in how we treat others. Living with such an attitude reflects the way of Christ, leads to holy living, and brings glory to the heavenly Father (Matthew 5:17).
Part of showing love is hoping, and part of hoping is seeing the potential of others. As Goethe said, “If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.” In love, we can always be hopeful and show confidence in others. This does not rule out confrontation or the redress of wrongs, but the impact of a positive attitude in the life of another person is incalculable.
How many times in the Old Testament did Israel fail God? Yet their failure was never final. Love never says die. Peter failed Jesus, yet the Lord restored him. The Corinthians failed Paul in some ways, yet the apostle, in love, patiently corrected them and called them “sanctified” (1 Corinthians 1:2). Love always points to a brighter day ahead. Love is the lifeline that the hurting can hold on to.
If you have ever had a person believe in you and share a hopeful attitude for your future, then you have experienced some of what 1 Corinthians 13:7 teaches. As long as there is love, there will be hope.
Vandag se Bemoediging
In die beskrywing van liefde in 1 Korintiërs 13 vind ons vier dinge wat liefde “altyd” doen. Liefde is nie net ‘n idee nie; dit is aksie. Die derde aksie wat gelys word, is dat liefde “altyd hoop” (NIV) of “alles hoop” (ESV). Dis lekker om te weet dat liefde hoopvol is, maar wat presies beteken dit?
Die Griekse woord wat as “hoop” vertaal word, is van elpidzo, wat beteken “om te hoop of te wag vir verlossing met vreugde en volle vertroue.” Hierdie woord, wat 32 keer in die Nuwe Testament gebruik word, druk meer uit as ‘n wens of begeerte, maar ‘n vol vertroue in die onsigbare. Hebreërs 11:1 sê: “Geloof is om seker te wees van die dinge wat ons hoop en seker te wees van die dinge wat ons nie sien nie.” Geloof, hoop en liefde is dikwels intiem verbind in die Skrif (sien 1 Korintiërs 13:13).
In Kolossense 1:4-5 vind ons dieselfde kombinasie van geloof, hoop en liefde: “Ons het gehoor van julle geloof in Christus Jesus en van die liefde wat julle tot al die heiliges het, vanweë die hoop wat vir julle in die hemel weggelê is” (klem bygevoeg).
Net soos God “liefde” genoem word (1 Johannes 4:8), word Jesus ons “hoop” genoem (1 Timoteus 1:1). Hoop het nie net betrekking op ons geloof in Christus nie, maar beskryf wie Hy vir ons is. Die hoop in ons is Christus self. As Hy in ons leef, sal Sy hoop gesien word in hoe ons ander behandel. Om met so ‘n gesindheid te leef, weerspieël die weg van Christus, lei tot heilige lewe en bring eer aan die hemelse Vader (Matteus 5:17).
Deel van liefde toon is hoop, en deel van hoop is om die potensiaal van ander te sien. Soos Goethe gesê het: “As ons mense behandel soos hulle behoort te wees, help ons hulle om te word wat hulle in staat is om te word.” In liefde kan ons altyd hoopvol wees en vertroue in ander toon. Dit sluit nie konfrontasie of die regstelling van onregte uit nie, maar die impak van ‘n positiewe houding in die lewe van ‘n ander persoon is onberekenbaar.
Hoeveel keer in die Ou Testament het Israel God teleurgestel? Tog was hul mislukking nooit finaal nie. Liefde sê nooit sterf nie. Petrus het Jesus teleurgestel, maar die Here het hom herstel. Die Korintiërs het Paulus in sommige opsigte teleurgestel, maar die apostel het hulle in liefde geduldig reggehelp en hulle “geheilig” genoem (1 Korintiërs 1:2). Liefde wys altyd na ‘n helderder dag wat voorlê. Liefde is die reddingsboei waaraan die lydendes kan vashou.
As jy al ooit ‘n persoon gehad het wat in jou geglo het en ‘n hoopvolle houding vir jou toekoms gedeel het, dan het jy van wat 1 Korintiërs 13:7 leer, ervaar. Solank daar liefde is, sal daar hoop wees.
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TruLight TV –Embracing God’s Assistance in Challenging Times
Do you feel constrained or stuck as a result of inadequate resources, exposure, support, or vision? Watch this video and find inspiration in the story of God’s assistance to Moses when he and the Israelites were trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea if you’re at a loss for what to do. The Group Avenue is today’s guest artist on Gospel Music USA. Consisting of seasoned vocalists Kasey Kemp, Haley Kemp, and Jonathan Mattingly, Avenue has gained recognition in the gospel music industry for their remarkable harmony and stirring messages of hope and encouragement. Thank you for watching, and enjoy the show today.
INTRODUCTION TO THE GOSPEL ARTISTS
Meet Bradley Walker
Country music is at its best when it’s anchored in tradition, rooted in faith and family values and delivered with heartfelt passion that resonates with authenticity. That’s the way Bradley Walker makes country music, and it’s that approach that makes Blessed: Hymns and Songs of Faith such an inspired and compelling collection.
His 2016 album/DVD Call Me Old-Fashioned (Gaither Music Group) hit the top ten of the Country Albums chart and established Walker as one of the finest young voices to carry the torch for traditional country music. On his sophomore Gaither Music collection, Blessed, he returns to his roots, delivering some of gospel music’s best loved classics, among them “Amazing Grace,” “Victory in Jesus,” “Because He Lives” and “I’ll Fly Away” alongside new favorites like “I Will Someday,” penned by Chris and Morgane Stapleton with Ronnie and Garnet Bowman. The 13-track album also features appearances by some of the top names in country, gospel and bluegrass, including Jimmy Fortune, The Oak Ridge Boys, Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, Rhonda Vincent, Charlotte Ritchie, Ricky Skaggs and The Isaacs.
“This is something that I’ve always wanted to do,” says Walker. “I’ve always said, ‘If I’m blessed to make records for any amount of time I want to do a gospel album, an album full of gospel songs I sang in church and gospel songs that I love.’ So many of my heroes–Merle Haggard, Vern Gosdin, George Jones and Conway Twitty–cut some of the greatest gospel albums of all time and I’ve always wanted to do that. Probably all of us started out singing in church. I knew it was something I wanted to do at some point, and I’m thankful to have this chance.”
Many of these songs have long been the soundtrack for Walker’s life. Growing up in Athens, Alabama, he began singing in church but soon graduated to national television when The Oak Ridge Boys invited him to sing on the “Nashville Now” show when he was only 10 years old. Getting into the music business is a challenge for any young hopeful; but for someone born with Muscular Dystrophy, who has spent his whole life in a wheelchair, it might seem especially daunting.
However, Walker has never been one to let anything deter him from his goals, and he credits the support of his parents with fueling his drive to succeed. “Somebody has to put that in you,” he says. “I’m thankful that Mama had the strength to put that in me at an early age because without that I don’t think I’d be here right now. I try to let nothing hold me back. I know it’s cost her a lot of sleepless nights a lot of times when I would get in my vehicle and drive to Nashville to go to the Station Inn to hear some good music or go to the Opry and hang out. I love it.”
Possessing both a fierce, creative spirit and a determined, practical streak, Walker got an education and went to work as a Material Analyst at Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant while plotting how he would succeed in the music business. He has worked his day job while driving his custom van to Nashville to meet with songwriters, play gigs and pursue his dream of landing a deal and making it in the music industry. Along the way, he made a lot of friends and earned the respect of Nashville’s top music makers who were impressed not only by Walker’s evocative voice, but also his work ethic, playful sense of humor and easy-going charm.
One of his biggest fans was the late Joey Feek, who requested he sing at her funeral after her brave battle with cancer came to an end. It was there gospel legend Bill Gaither first heard Walker sing and was so impressed he signed him to a record deal shortly after. Call Me Old-Fashioned, his first recording with Gaither Music Group, was produced by Joey’s husband, Rory, and accompanied by a DVD filmed in the couple’s barn.
Though Walker had previously established himself in bluegrass circles while working with acclaimed producer Carl Jackson and had earned the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA’s) Male Vocalist of the Year title, Call Me Old-Fashioned broadened his fan base to the mainstream country crowd; and Blessed is sure to solidify his growing base in the gospel arena. “These are songs that mean so many different things to so many different people,” he says of the songs on Blessed. “As far as picking the songs, it came down to the songs that mean the most to me, songs that I sang in church, songs I love that have some kind of meaning behind them, to me, in one way or another. We knew we wanted to do two or three things that were maybe a little bit more obscure and put a couple new things on there too. We were just trying to find the right mix. I think we’ve done that.”
Working with producer Ben Isaacs, Walker has crafted an album that celebrates the church’s most beloved hymns, putting his own unique stamp on the classics and giving them a fresh spin. Vern Gosdin inspired his soulful take on the usually upbeat “I’ll Fly Away.” “Vern turned ‘I’ll Fly Away’ into somewhat of a ballad,” says Walker, who gave “Victory in Jesus” a bluegrassy feel and enlisted Vince Gill to join him on the evergreen “Drifting Too Far from the Shore.” “I love that song because it’s real easy out here in the world to kind of drift away from what we know is right and where we know we need to be sometimes,” Walker says. “It’s a reminder, even to myself sometimes, ‘Hey, you need to stay on the path.’ I love that song. It’s a more well-known song in the bluegrass world. Ben and I really wanted to represent my country influence and background and also my bluegrass influence on this record.”
Jimmy Fortune joins Walker on “The Old Rugged Cross.” “That is one of my favorite tracks on this record,” he smiles. “I had never sang with Jimmy before. What a sweetheart of a guy! I grew up loving the Statler Brothers, and the first time I heard our voices together it brought me to tears because it’s really, really special.”
Longtime friends The Oak Ridge Boys join Walker on “Family Bible.” “Talk about a full circle moment,” he says. “They mean so much to me. They put me on national television when I was 10 years old. They supported me and have been right there with me through all of this, so now to have them singing on my record is just so, so special. That’s something that will live forever. I can’t even really find the words to say what it really means to have those guys on this. When I won Male Vocalist of the Year at the IBMA Awards Joe Bonsall and Duane Allen were there. They have been with me and supported me through my whole life. They are just fine, fine people. They’ve meant so much to me, not just my music career but my life.”
Among the album’s newer fare is “Say Something,” a standout track written by Sonya Isaacs Yeary and Tim Menzies. “Sonya sent that song to me last year when we were looking for songs for the Old-Fashioned record,” Walker says. “I loved it then and hung onto it. That song just really speaks to me, and I think it’s a song that can speak to a lot of people because of what it says. We all come to times in our lives where we look for guidance and answers from God; and when you pray or ask Him for that guidance, you want to get an answer right away. You want to know what His will is right away. Sometimes we have to trust and wait for God’s time. The song talks about being at a place in life where you are just totally relying on God to say something.”
In addition to the album, Walker shares the songs from Blessed on a new DVD, which features musical performances as well as an insightful interview between Walker and Gaither. “A really good friend of mine told me, ‘When you make records you’d better do something that you’re going to be proud of. You’d better be proud of them because it’s the one thing that we get to do that will outlive us and will be around forever. When we’re dead and gone, when we leave this old world, these records that we get to make are still going to live on,’” Walker relates. “He said, ‘So when you pick these songs and make these records it better be something that you’re proud of,’ and I’m so proud of this.”
Blessed occupies an important space in Walker’s life and artistry. It’s the intersection of the music he loves and his faith in God. “What I love about it is the fact that it’s gospel songs, but the arrangements are just as country as they get. I love that about this record,” he says in that warm Southern drawl. “I think it’s just a good representation of me. This is a record that I have honestly laid in bed at night and thought about. I thought, ‘Man, what songs would I want to do if I ever cut a gospel album? How would I want it to sound? What would I want it to be?’ I thought about that a long time ago, and I’ve always said that when and if I ever got that opportunity to make that record, I wanted people to be able to listen to this album and get a good sense of who I am–my style, what I love musically–but also who I am as a person too. I hope that when they hear Blessed that they can hear that.”
It’s a sure bet they will. His heart and passion shine through on every track. Faith is an intricate journey and Bradley Walker will make you want to join him on the ride.
Today on TruLight Radio XM
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00:15 Words to Live By Testimonies
01.15 Science Scripture and Salvation
02.15 Ground Works
04.00 Gospel Concert of the Day
05.00 The Daren Streblow Comedy Show
5:55 It is Today devotional
6:00 Gaither Homecoming Morning Show
7:15 Discover the Word
8.15 Destined for Victory
8:55 Science Scripture and Salvation
9:00 Holy Spirit Hour – Normally Sermons
10:15 Hope of the Heart
11:15 Unshackled
11.45 Words to Live By
12:15 Truth for Life
13:15 Living on the Edge with Chip Ingram
14:15 Focus on the Family
15:00 Kids Hour
16:00 In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley
16:30 Groundwork
17:15 Live in the Light
18:15 Renewing your Mind
19:00 Gaither Homecoming Show
20:15 Growing Hope
21:15 Adventures in Odyssey Radio Drama
21:45 Bible Reading
22:15 Night-sounds
23.00 Good Old Country Gospel / Rhema Gospel Express
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Bible Prophecy in the News
Christian Zionists Are Reminded That Not All Conservatives Are Friends Of Israel
As Israel wages a fierce and targeted campaign against Iran, waves of airstrikes shaking the region, an unexpected front has opened–not in the Middle East, but within the American conservative movement. For those who support Israel both biblically and strategically, the moment is clarifying-and troubling.
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Pastor Dirk Says . Christian Zionism is a Doctrine of Demons – Read More About it
Signs of the Times
Lessons From A Dying Church – The United Church Of Canada Path To Extinction
On June 10, the United Church of Canada (UCC) turned 100 years old. The Herald reports that, “statistically, the UCC closes a church a week and some predict it may be extinct within 15 years.
Gog and Magog Update
Where Is The ‘Axis of Resistance’? Iran Is Left To Fight Alone
When Iran launched its barrage of missiles and drones in retaliation toward Israel, it was expecting that its regional network–the so‑called “Axis of Resistance”–would erupt in synchronized retaliation. But Israel remains largely unchallenged from these allies, save for a lone Houthi missile. Where are Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran‑aligned militias in Iraq and Syria?
Israel’s Crushing Blow Leaves Iran With Few Cards Left
In the span of just a few days, the Islamic Republic of Iran has seen its military prowess shattered, its defenses overwhelmed, and its strategic options narrowed to a thin, dangerous edge. So what does Iran have left? Very little–and none of it good.
Unprecedented: How Israel’s Mossad Pulled Off A Masterstroke Inside Iran
In an extraordinary demonstration of intelligence prowess and military precision, Israel launched a stunning, covert attack deep inside Iran’s territory that has stunned the world and reshaped the strategic calculus in the Middle East. This operation, executed with a level of sophistication rarely seen in modern warfare, has been hailed by defense experts as a watershed moment — a brilliant convergence of espionage, technology, and battlefield strategy.
HEALING ARTICLES AND PRAYER
TruLight Ministries offer a Wide Range of EYE OPENING Healing Articles and various Illnesses . Cancers and other Chronic Illness :
TruLight Ministries bied ‘n wye reeks OOGOPENENDE Genesingsartikels en verskeie siektes. Kankers en ander chroniese siektes:
“”” If 87% of diseases are a result of what goes on in our thought life, then
87% of diseases can be cured by sorting out our thought life. “””
Dr Michelle Strydom MD – Healing begins with Sanctification of the Heart – 19 Video Teachings . One Video per Day
Dr Michelle Strydom trained and qualified as a medical doctor in South Africa and her desire is to practice medicine for the glory of God and leave behind a legacy of His love. She authored Healing Begins with Sanctifcation of the Heart and uncovers the foundation of disease by providing insight, from both a medical and Biblical perspective, into the spiritual, psychological and physical mechanisms that produce ill health. Her teaching demonstrates how latest medical research confirms Biblical principles of health and disease and reveals how coming back in line with His Word through repentance and sanctification helps us to overcome illness, be healed and made whole.
Teaching 13 : – LIFE THREATENING MINDSETS
TruLight Ministry News
TruLight Ministries orders from God since 2012 . Teach Them , Comfort Them and Warn Them!
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TruLight Ministries opdrag vanaf God sedert 2012. Leer hulle, Troos hulle en Waarsku hulle!
Welcome to TruYouth, the ultimate hub for young people seeking inspiration, entertainment, and spiritual growth. Get ready to be blown away by the mind-blowing albums from our stunning gospel artists! We’ve got the hottest Christian gospel shows that will have you dancing and praising all day long. Immerse yourself in the world of Christian Shows / Video Blogs. podcasts, and top 10 gospel hits that will uplift your spirit. From powerful vocals to inspiring lyrics. But that’s not all! We also bring you inspiring Christian articles written by the youth themselves, giving you a fresh perspective on faith. And if you’re in the mood for some heavenly beats, check out our TruMix Music section that will have you grooving to the rhythm of the Lord. Plus, we’ve got a collection of Christian movies that will touch your heart and strengthen your faith. Plus, don’t forget to watch the thought-provoking video of STINT, where they tackle the questions and topics that resonate with us every day. Don’t miss out on all the goodness, visit our TruYouth website now!.
TruLight School of Theology have started with Its daily Bible Study – Pastor Counselling Certificate – we are Starting with 36 Studies with 10 Studies per Topic from 1st of April 2025 – Over the Next 2 Years we will Include One Daily Study per Topic on this Platform. The Daily Manna Bible Study will be Available in English and Afrikaans!
We will Start with a 68 week Study on “Know Your Bible” Daily Bible Summaries of every Chapter in the Bible! From the Old Testament to the New Testament , from Genesis to Revelation 66 Books of the Bible.
Started 1st April 2025
This is our Study Principals:
SOAP
Scripture: Read a short passage out loud.
Observation: What do you notice about the verses?.
Application: How can you apply this to your life?.
Prayer: Pray about what you’ve learned.
REAP
Read: Read the passage carefully.
Engage: Ask questions about the passage.
Apply: Think about how the passage applies to your life.
Pray: Pray about what you’ve learned.
Introduction to the Bible – Bible Summary
Summary of the Book of 1 John
Author: 1, 2, and 3 John have from earliest times been attributed to the apostle John,
who also wrote the Gospel of John. The content, style, and vocabulary seem to warrant
the conclusion that these three epistles were addressed to the same readers as the
Gospel of John.
Date of Writing: The Book of 1 John was likely written between A.D. 85-95.
Purpose of Writing: The Book of 1 John seems to be a summary that assumes the
readers’ knowledge of the gospel as written by John and offers certainty for their faith in
Christ. The first epistle indicates that the readers were confronted with the error of
gnosticism, which became a more serious problem in the second century. As a
philosophy of religion it held that matter is evil and spirit is good. The solution to the
tension between these two was knowledge, or gnosis, through which man rose from the
mundane to the spiritual. In the gospel message, this led to two false theories
concerning the person of Christ, Docetism—regarding the human Jesus as a ghost—and
Cerinthianism—making Jesus a dual personality, at times human and at times divine.
The key purpose of 1 John is to set boundaries on the content of faith and to give
believers assurance of their salvation.
Key Verses:
1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and
purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 3:6, “No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has
either seen him or known him.”
1 John 4:4, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one
who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
1 John 5:13, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so
that you may know that you have eternal life.”
The key word is “knowledge,” with its related words, occurring at least 13 times in the
Book of 1 John.
Brief Summary: False spiritual teachers were a big problem in the early church. Because
there was not a complete New Testament that believers could refer to, many churches
fell prey to pretenders who taught their own ideas and advanced themselves as leaders.
John wrote this letter to set the record straight on some important issues, particularly
concerning the identity of Jesus Christ.
Because John’s letter was about the basics of faith in Christ, it helped his readers reflect
honestly on their faith. It helped them answer the question, Are we true believers? John
told them that they could tell by looking at their actions. If they loved one another, that
was evidence of God’s presence in their lives. But if they bickered and fought all the time
or were selfish and did not look out for one another, they were betraying that they, in
fact, did not know God.
That did not mean they had to be perfect. In fact, John also recognized that believing
involved admitting our sins and seeking God’s forgiveness. Depending on God for
cleansing from guilt, along with admitting our wrongs against others and making
amends, was another important part of getting to know God.
Connections: One of the most often-quoted passages regarding sin is found in 1 John
2:16. In this passage, John describes the three aspects of sin that recall the first and most
earth-shattering temptations in all of Scripture. The first sin—the disobedience of Eve—
was the result of her yielding to the same three temptations as we find in Genesis 3:6:
the lust of the flesh (“good for food”); the lust of the eyes (“pleasing to the eye”); and
the pride of life (“desirable for gaining wisdom”).
Practical Application: The Book of 1 John is a book of love and joy. It explains the
fellowship we have with others and with Jesus Christ. It differentiates between
happiness, which is temporary and fleeting, and true joy, which 1 John tells us how to
achieve. If we take the words written by John and we apply them to our daily lives, the
true love, commitment, fellowship, and joy we long for will be ours.
The apostle John knew Christ well. He is telling us that we can all have that close,
intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. We have the witness of men who had direct and
personal contact with Him. The Gospel writers present their solidly based testimony on a
historical reality. Now, how does that apply to our lives? It explains to us that Jesus came
here as the Son of God to create a union with us based on His grace, mercy, love, and
acceptance. So many times people think Jesus is off in some faraway place and that He
doesn’t really concern Himself with our daily struggles, issues, and concerns. But John is
telling us that Jesus is right here with us in both the simple, mundane parts of our lives
and in the complex, soul-wrenching parts as well. John testifies as a witness of his
personal experiences that God became flesh and lived among men. That means Christ
came here to live with us and He still lives with us. As He walked the earth alongside
John, so does He walk through each and every day with us. We need to apply this truth
to our lives and live as if Jesus were standing right next to us every second of the day. If
we put this truth into practice, Christ will add holiness to our lives, making us more and
more like Him.
Inleiding tot die Bybel – Bybel Samevatting
Opsomming van die Boek van 1
Johannes
Skrywer: 1, 2 en 3 Johannes word van die vroegste tye af toegeskryf aan die apostel
Johannes, wat ook die Evangelie van Johannes geskryf het. Die inhoud, styl en
woordeskat regverdig blykbaar die gevolgtrekking dat hierdie drie briewe aan dieselfde
lesers as die Johannes-evangelie gerig is.
Datum van Skrywe: Die Boek van 1 Johannes is waarskynlik tussen 85-95 nC geskryf.
Doel van skryf: Die boek 1 Johannes blyk ‘n opsomming te wees wat die lesers se
kennis van die evangelie soos geskryf deur Johannes veronderstel en sekerheid bied vir
hul geloof in Christus. Die eerste brief dui aan dat die lesers gekonfronteer is met die
dwaling van gnostisisme, wat in die tweede eeu ‘n ernstiger probleem geword het. As ‘n
godsdiensfilosofie het dit vasgestel dat materie boos is en gees goed is. Die oplossing
vir die spanning tussen hierdie twee was kennis, of gnosis, waardeur die mens
opgestaan het van die alledaagse na die geestelike. In die evangelieboodskap het dit
gelei tot twee valse teorieë aangaande die persoon van Christus, Dosetisme—wat die
mens Jesus as ’n spook beskou—en Cerinthianisme—wat Jesus ’n dubbele
persoonlikheid maak, soms menslik en soms goddelik. Die kerndoel van 1 Johannes is
om grense te stel aan die inhoud van geloof en om gelowiges sekerheid van hul redding
te gee.
Sleutelverse:
1 Johannes 1:9 , “As ons ons sondes bely, Hy is getrou en regverdig, en Hy vergewe ons
ons sondes en reinig ons van alle ongeregtigheid.”
1 Johannes 3:6 , “Niemand wat in Hom woon, bly sondig nie. Niemand wat aanhou
sondig, het Hom óf gesien óf geken nie.”
1 Joh 4:4 “Julle, liewe kinders, is van God en het hulle oorwin, want die een wat in julle is,
is groter as die een wat in die wêreld is.”
1 Joh 5:13 “Dit skryf ek aan julle wat in die Naam van die Seun van God glo, sodat julle
kan weet dat julle die ewige lewe het.”
Die sleutelwoord is “kennis”, met sy verwante woorde, wat ten minste 13 keer in die
Boek van 1 Johannes voorkom.
Kort opsomming: Valse geestelike leraars was ‘n groot probleem in die vroeë kerk.
Omdat daar nie ‘n volledige Nuwe Testament was waarna gelowiges kon verwys nie, het
baie kerke die prooi geval van voorgeeders wat hul eie idees geleer het en hulself as
leiers gevorder het. Johannes het hierdie brief geskryf om die rekord reg te stel oor ‘n
paar belangrike kwessies, veral aangaande die identiteit van Jesus Christus.
Omdat Johannes se brief oor die basiese beginsels van geloof in Christus gegaan het,
het dit sy lesers gehelp om eerlik oor hul geloof te besin. Dit het hulle gehelp om die
vraag te beantwoord: Is ons ware gelowiges? Johannes het vir hulle gesê dat hulle kon
sien deur na hul optrede te kyk. As hulle mekaar liefgehad het, was dit bewys van God
se teenwoordigheid in hulle lewens. Maar as hulle heeltyd gekibbel en baklei het of
selfsugtig was en nie vir mekaar omgesien het nie, het hulle verraai dat hulle God nie
ken nie.
Dit het nie beteken dat hulle perfek moes wees nie. Trouens, Johannes het ook erken
dat glo behels dat ons ons sondes erken en God se vergifnis soek. Om van God
afhanklik te wees om van skuldgevoelens te reinig, tesame met om ons verkeerde dinge
teenoor ander te erken en reg te maak, was nog ‘n belangrike deel daarvan om God te
leer ken.
Verbindings: Een van die gedeeltes wat die meeste oor sonde aangehaal word, word in
1 Johannes 2:16 gevind . In hierdie gedeelte beskryf Johannes die drie aspekte van
sonde wat die eerste en mees aardskuddende versoekings in die hele Skrif herinner. Die
eerste sonde – die ongehoorsaamheid van Eva – was die gevolg daarvan dat sy aan
dieselfde drie versoekings toegegee het as wat ons in Genesis 3:6 vind : die
begeerlikheid van die vlees (“goed vir voedsel”); die begeerlikheid van die oë
(“welgevallig vir die oog”); en die trots van die lewe (“wenslik om wysheid te verkry”).
Praktiese toepassing: Die Boek van 1 Johannes is ‘n boek van liefde en vreugde. Dit
verduidelik die gemeenskap wat ons met ander en met Jesus Christus het. Dit onderskei
tussen geluk, wat tydelik en vlietend is, en ware vreugde, wat 1 Johannes vir ons vertel
hoe om te bereik. As ons die woorde wat deur John geskryf is, neem en ons dit toepas
op ons daaglikse lewens, sal die ware liefde, toewyding, gemeenskap en vreugde waarna
ons smag, ons s’n wees.
Die apostel Johannes het Christus goed geken. Hy sê vir ons dat ons almal daardie
hegte, intieme verhouding met Jesus Christus kan hê. Ons het die getuienis van manne
wat direkte en persoonlike kontak met Hom gehad het. Die Evangelieskrywers lewer
hulle stewige getuienis oor ‘n historiese werklikheid. Nou, hoe is dit van toepassing op
ons lewens? Dit verduidelik vir ons dat Jesus hierheen gekom het as die Seun van God
om ‘n eenheid met ons te skep gebaseer op Sy genade, barmhartigheid, liefde en
aanvaarding. So baie keer dink mense dat Jesus weg is in een of ander ver plek en dat
Hy Homself nie regtig bemoei met ons daaglikse stryd, kwessies en bekommernisse nie.
Maar Johannes sê vir ons dat Jesus hier by ons is in beide die eenvoudige, alledaagse
dele van ons lewens en ook in die komplekse, sielverskeurende dele. Johannes getuig as
getuie van sy persoonlike ervarings dat God vlees geword het en tussen mense gewoon
het. Dit beteken dat Christus hier gekom het om by ons te woon en Hy woon steeds by
ons. Soos Hy saam met Johannes die aarde bewandel het, so loop Hy elke dag saam
met ons deur. Ons moet hierdie waarheid op ons lewens toepas en leef asof Jesus elke
sekonde van die dag reg langs ons staan. As ons hierdie waarheid in die praktyk bring,
sal Christus heiligheid tot ons lewens toevoeg en ons meer en meer soos Hy maak.
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