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Divine Peace Church GarlandHere Is A Word-Centered HomeMost would agree with Jesus’ teaching that “Few things are needed” (Luke 10:42). We understand that people often confuse their wants with needs. We might want many things; but in reality, we only need a few things. So, we would agree with Jesus. “Few things are needed.” However, Jesus said more. “Few things are needed—or indeed only one.” Now we might object. There seems to be more than one true need. We need water, food, clothing, shelter, friendship, etc. Yet, what Jesus said is true. Because only one thing—the gospel—can create and sustain the faith that makes one God’s dear child...2025-07-2323 minDivine Peace Church GarlandWhose Neighbor Am I?We tend to think of distraction and focus as opposites. If someone is focused, they are not easily distracted by random events and encounters. If someone is focused, every decision about how to spend time and resources is calculated. Apart from Christ that type of focus spells disaster for our neighbor. We may dismiss the needs of our neighbor thinking, “If I spend time helping him, that will distract me from other things that need my attention.” This week, Jesus teachers us that he has set us free to live a life of such distraction. No matter the neighbor and...2025-07-1621 minDivine Peace Church GarlandJesus' Followers Are WorkersIn recent weeks we learned that everyone who has seen the grace of God will, whenever the opportunity arises, serve as a witness for Christ. However, Scripture teaches that there is also a need for individuals for whom gospel proclamation is their full-time focus. There are many different terms for these workers: shepherds, pastors, teachers, ministers, missionaries, etc. These workers are called by God himself through the Church to proclaim law and gospel in some public capacity. Called workers carry out their calling, not because of what they might gain from the flock, but because of what the flock...2025-07-0922 minDivine Peace Church GarlandLet Your Service Match Your WordsThere is the type of fan who follows his team if they make the playoffs. Then there is the type of fan who, regardless of his team’s record, watches every game and knows the stats for every player. There are different types of followers: the half-hearted versus the committed. Jesus is uninterested in followers who pay attention to his Word and will only when their other pursuits provide the time. Jesus wants followers who are all in . . . who love him above all things . . . who would be willing to leave everything else behind if that were what it would ta...2025-06-3021 min
INPowering ThoughtsWe are all living soulsTheology and science converge in this thought: this divine energy animates us as individual living souls, an incarnation of individual spirit-filled persons.2025-06-2703 min
Meaning-Purpose Archives - Garland McWattersWe are all living soulsTheology and science converge in this thought: this divine energy animates us as individual living souls, an incarnation of individual spirit-filled persons.
The post We are all living souls appeared first on Garland McWatters.2025-06-2703 minGarland McWattersWe are all living soulsTheology and science converge in this thought: this divine energy animates us as individual living souls, an incarnation of individual spirit-filled persons.
The post We are all living souls appeared first on Garland McWatters.2025-06-2703 minINPowering Thoughts Archives - Garland McWattersWe are all living soulsTheology and science converge in this thought: this divine energy animates us as individual living souls, an incarnation of individual spirit-filled persons.
The post We are all living souls appeared first on Garland McWatters.2025-06-2703 minDivine Peace Church GarlandShare Jesus With The People Right In Front of YouWe tend to think of mission work as being “over there,” something done in a far-away place. It is good and right to support foreign mission work with our prayers and offerings. However, something is off if we allow our appreciation for “over there” mission work to take our eyes off the mission that is right before us.Here is the two-fold reality worthy of our undivided attention this week. First, if we have seen the grace of God, we will serve as witnesses for Christ. Second, we need not cross the ocean to share the gospel. We can s...2025-06-2319 minDivine Peace Church GarlandLove Boasting In The LordAt the top of the list of things worthy of our undivided attention: God. That does not mean if we focus long and hard, we will understand all there is to know about God. That is impossible! For example, Scripture teaches that there is one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our reason objects, “How can three be one?” So, God’s very existence is a mystery, far beyond our ability to comprehend, no matter how long we ponder it.Yet, while we cannot understand everything about our God, he is still worthy of our un...2025-06-1615 minDivine Peace Church GarlandTrust The Holy Spirit Who Builds Real Skyscrapers!Jesus ascended into heaven. That does not mean the gospel has ceased to spread around the world. For Jesus promised to send another advocate to represent God to the world: the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is God. The Holy Spirit is the constant companion of believers in these Last Days. We conclude this worship series with this glorious thought: because he lives, Christ sends us his Spirit.That raises some questions. Where? How? If God now reveals himself by his Spirit, where is the Holy Spirit found? How does he come to us? God has not left...2025-06-0915 minDivine Peace Church GarlandChrist Works Through Us For UnityAfter he rose, when Jesus’ followers gathered together, they comprised a group that was not very diverse. They all belonged to the same ethnic group, grew up in the same culture, spoke the same language, and followed the same customs. That would change drastically on Pentecost, when the gospel would be proclaimed in many languages to people from “every nation under heaven” (Acts 1:5).This diversity has always been part of Christ’s plan. Rather than eliminating differences among the Church’s members, the Church’s unity is built on truths that transcend those differences. The Church truly is a communi...2025-06-0223 minDivine Peace Church GarlandBelieving In Jesus Might Tear Your ClothesConventional wisdom says that joy is a direct result of circumstance. Our disposition is nothing more than the product of the events, conditions, and relationships of which our life consists. Therefore, it would seem that for our disposition to change, our circumstances need to change. But Jesus offers a joy that is superior. It is not a product of circumstance; it’s a product of Easter.Easter proves that God can take what normally causes people to weep and turn it into what causes people to rejoice. Sin, death, and shame went into Jesus’ tomb. Forgiveness, life, and...2025-05-2627 min
Divine Mercy Ruimsig's PodcastOur Lady of Fatima - Year CSend us a textTuesday, 13 May 2025 Our Lady of FatimaAntiphons on page 1862 and Readings on page 1620 of the Daily Missal First Reading: Isaiah 61: 9-11The descendants of my people shall be known among the nations, and their offspring in the midst of the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge them, that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed.I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall exult in my God; for he has c...2025-05-1309 minDivine Peace Church GarlandTrust The Victory Through The LambThe world is full of talkers. There are plenty of people who say they care about you. But we are aware of what many of those people will do when it comes time to put those words into action. Jesus tells you in his Word that he cares for you dearly. . . that he would do anything for you. . . that he’s leading you into the green pastures of paradise. How do you know you can trust him? Simple. Jesus followed up his words with action. Jesus promised he would die to save you from your sin. He did. Scripture pr...2025-05-1220 minDivine Peace Church GarlandSee The Resurrected Lord In A Whole New LightA recent survey asked Americans which of the five senses they would least like to lose. 77% chose sight. Navigating life blind poses a plethora of challenges that the sighted do not face. This is why Scripture often uses the concept of blindness as a metaphor for how hard it is to navigate life without a correct understanding of Christ. Spiritual blindness can take many different forms. In some cases, it is hostile opposition to the message of Jesus. In others, spiritual blindness might be demonstrated in confusion about Jesus’ true identity. In still others, spiritual blindness might be the in...2025-05-0521 minDivine Peace Church GarlandView Jesus' Cross For Peace And Life!If Jesus remained dead, all he would provide is an example of a beautiful life. Therefore, if Jesus remained dead, the mission of his followers would simply be to share advice. “Here is how Jesus would want us to love one another. Or “Jesus would want us to think about money like this.” Or “This is how Jesus would pray.” But because he lives, his followers now have a meaningful mission. It is not to share advice, but to testify to what we have seen and know to be true. Christ has risen! Thus, Jesus is not a standard, but our Sa...2025-04-2818 minDivine Peace Church GarlandJesus' Resurrection Made You A Champion In the darkness before dawn, the women walked to the tomb with heavy hearts. Jesus was dead. His mission was over. In their mind, they were feeble followers of a failure. All that was left to do was finish embalming the corpse and then try to move on. Yet, Jesus wasn’t dead. And because he lived, they were not followers of a failure at all. They were disciples of the one who had conquered sin and defeated death.It is as simple as this. Because he lives, we have a whole new identity: not sinners, but re...2025-04-2317 minDivine Peace Church GarlandJesus' Easter Words Assure Your IdentityIt is easy to become so engrossed in the details of historical events—who, when, where—that we miss their significance. For example, consider World War II. There are many compelling stories. Lots of dates and data to remember. However, for a moment, set all that aside, and just imagine the Allies had lost. How would the world be different today? What would life be like for those of Jewish heritage? Would freedom exist in Europe? Would we be speaking German? With historical events, you miss out if you focus only on the details: who, when, where. You also need...2025-04-2117 minDivine Peace Church GarlandAbounding Grace For Abundant SinOn Good Friday we remember the crucifixion and death of our Lord both with sorrow and solemn joy. Though the events of this day fill us with horror, the implications of those events give us every reason for praise. Jesus’ death had this breathtaking significance. Once and for all, it paid for the guild of all of us and for all of time. Standing in our place, our substitute was forsaken by his Father on the cross so that we could be reconciled to God and have an eternal home in heaven.We look at Jesus on th...2025-04-1920 minDivine Peace Church GarlandDivine Peace Church 30th Anniversary ServiceThank you to all who celebrated our 30th anniversary on Palm Sunday! We have a special message from our Pastors:Dear Members and Friends,Welcome to Divine Peace. It was 30 years ago on Palm Sunday that Divine Peace held its first service in a storefront in Rowlett. Over 550 people have held membership at Divine Peace during the 30 years of existence. Today there are 273 souls and 217 communicants at our multisite congregation in Garland and Rockwall. Truly, this is a day for us to give thanks and praise to the Lord for his rich blessings. We can take no...2025-04-1516 minGarland McWattersThere is only UsSeekers of “the way,” regardless of faith origin, heed the admonition to love one another as children of god begotten with divine attributes and inalienable rights.
The post There is only Us appeared first on Garland McWatters.2025-04-1503 minINPowering Thoughts Archives - Garland McWattersThere is only UsSeekers of “the way,” regardless of faith origin, heed the admonition to love one another as children of god begotten with divine attributes and inalienable rights.
The post There is only Us appeared first on Garland McWatters.2025-04-1503 minCollaboration-teamwork Archives - Garland McWattersThere is only UsSeekers of “the way,” regardless of faith origin, heed the admonition to love one another as children of god begotten with divine attributes and inalienable rights.
The post There is only Us appeared first on Garland McWatters.2025-04-1503 minLove-Relationships Archives - Garland McWattersThere is only UsSeekers of “the way,” regardless of faith origin, heed the admonition to love one another as children of god begotten with divine attributes and inalienable rights.
The post There is only Us appeared first on Garland McWatters.2025-04-1503 minINPowering ThoughtsThere is only UsSeekers of “the way,” regardless of faith origin, heed the admonition to love one another as children of god begotten with divine attributes and inalienable rights.2025-04-1503 minDivine Peace Church GarlandOur King Enters Knowing AllAs we begin Holy Week, we see Jesus bury humanity’s endless attempts at seizing power. In our world, power dynamics are almost always in play. Those who don’t have power want it, often more than anything else. Those who have power are willing to do anything to keep it. In contrast, Jesus possesses all power as the Son of God—willingly surrendered his power and placed himself in the hands of his enemies. Why? What he wanted more than anything else was not power, but you.So, Jesus begins this Holy Week riding into Jerusalem on a d...2025-04-1409 minDivine Peace Church GarlandPilate Declares Jesus' InnocenceJoin us for our last midweek Lenten service as we continue our journey to the cross. Check out Pastor Hering's sermon, "Pilate Declares Jesus' Innocence!" #easter #lent #christ #christian #faith #gospel #lutheran #garlandtx 2025-04-1019 minDivine Peace Church GarlandDon't Throw Away The TreasureThis week we see how our Father makes the treasures of his house available to any and all. He places them in the last place we’d expect—the trash. In God’s family, the things the world prizes and pursues are counted as worthless. Conversely, what the world rejects and discards is considered priceless and worth pursuing.The best example of this is Jesus Christ himself. The Father sent his greatest treasure—God the Son—to earth. And many considered Jesus to be a trash that needed to be taken out. . . a troublemaker that needed to be killed...2025-04-0722 minDivine Peace Church GarlandIt’s Never A Good Idea To Betray JesusIt doesn't take long to think of an example in your own life of a time you were distrusted, sad, or felt hurt. Sometimes it goes on in our life and we don't even know it. Join us as we continue our journey to the cross this Lenten season. Check out Pastor Hering's sermon, "It's Never A Good Idea To Betray Jesus," to learn more!#lent #faith #gospel #christian #christ #Jesus #lutheran #garlandtx 2025-04-0320 min
5AM PodcastFrom Doubt to Divine: Kathy Garland's Shocking Revelations About God | EP X | 5AM Podcast🌟 Prepare for a mind-blowing spiritual journey with Kathy Garland, co-author of 'Revelationships'! 🔥 In this soul-stirring episode:• Uncover the hidden power of vulnerability in finding your life's purpose• Learn why surrendering is your ultimate superpower• Discover how God shows up in the most unexpected places (hint: it's not always in church!)🧠 Key Revelations:• The surprising truth about faith deconstruction• Why focusing on flawed people might be blocking your view of Christ• How ancient "theophanies" are changing modern faith• The real-life battle plan for spiritual warfareWhether you're questioning your faith, seeking personal growth, or just curious about the spiritual realm, this episode is your roadmap...2025-03-3142 minDivine Peace Church GarlandRejoice In The Joy Of SalvationWe assume people get what they deserve. We assume that what goes around comes around. We assume God helps those who help themselves. Those assumptions are false. God does not operate on the principle of merit but of grace. No one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. God never turns it off. At the entrance of God’s open door is not a Father looking to condemn us, but a Father who has eagerly longed for our return. When we do, he takes us in his loving arms and assures us we are still his child. When the...2025-03-3120 minDivine Peace Church GarlandPeter's DenialThe theme for our Lenten services has been "Jesus I will ponder now"...but do we?Check out our most recent sermon, "Peter's Denial," to learn more!Thank you to Pastor Koelpin from Calvary Lutheran for leading our service!#lent #grace #Jesus #Christ #faith #Christian #Lutheran #GarlandTX2025-03-2722 minDivine Peace Church GarlandRemember Who You Are!The heavenly Father is always present in the lives of his children. He sees every sorrow we endure. He also sees every sin that we commit, even if it’s only in our thoughts. He is always present. Yet, he is also always patient. God does not snap at us the second we turn from him. He gives us time to see the error of our ways. He assures us that the door back to him remains always open. By giving us room to share our struggles and shortcomings, he works in us the very repentance he desires and sa...2025-03-2431 minDivine Peace Church GarlandJesus ArrestedWhat were you thinking? 😧There are many reasons why someone might ask you that. Sometimes, it's in total disbelief. How could you possibly think that was a good idea?Join us as we continue on the path to the cross with our latest mid-week Lenten sermon, "Jesus Arrested."Thank you to Pastor Schone from Calvary Lutheran Church for leading our service!#lent #christ #christian #faith #gospel #lutheran #garlandtx 2025-03-2021 minDivine Peace Church GarlandStay On The Path That Leads To Your SalvationThe door to God and the glory he has prepared for us stands wide open. However, he has mapped out a very specific pathway to that door. It is not an easy one. As it did with Jesus, this route takes us through opposition, suffering, and even death. While our human nature may cause us to want to take a detour around these things, Jesus own life shows us that no detour is allowed. His cross came before his crown. The same path lies ahead of us. However, at the end of it, through the open door, we are...2025-03-1721 minDivine Peace Church GarlandJesus Prays In GethsemaneHow could they sleep at a time like this? 🤔Join us on our journey to the cross this Lenten season. Thank you to Pastor Strucely from Atonement Lutheran Church for leading our service!#lent #gospel #Christ #christian #Jesus #lutheran 2025-03-1313 minDivine Peace Church GarlandStand Up Against Any GiantNormally in a family everyone must do their part. . . pitch in. . . pull their weight. In God’s family, he assigns and accepts the work of one on behalf of all. In God’s house, God’s Son—our brother, Jesus— stands alone on the field of battle against our enemies in our place. He fights vicariously. He fights victoriously.This week we see one man, Jesus Christ, stand against Satan. We simply sit and watch with eyes full of wonder and repentant faith. Because Christ fought that battle as one of us, he won that battle for all of us...2025-03-1021 minDivine Peace Church GarlandMake A Commitment To Spiritual FitnessDid you miss our Ash Wednesday service from last night?Check out Pastor Hering's sermon, "Make A Commitment To Spiritual Fitness!" 💪#faith #fitness #christ #christian #gospel #lutheran #garlandtx 2025-03-0720 minDivine Peace Church GarlandLook At What Is ComingWould you look directly at the sun? Only if you wanted to burn your retinas and have permanent blind spots. Would you like to look directly at God? It sounds wonderful in theory. Yet Scripture describes God’s glory as being brighter than the sun. Moreover, one component of God’s glory is his holiness. Being holy doesn’t just mean God loves good; he also hates evil with burning intensity. And we sin every day. No wonder the Lord once told Moses, “No one may see me and live” (Exodus 33:20). Sinners would die of fear if they saw God in all...2025-03-0325 minDivine Peace Church GarlandLearn To Overcome Evil With GoodThroughout this season of Epiphany, Jesus has described the governing principles of his kingdom being completely opposite to the governing principles of the world. This week Jesus asks us to befriend our enemies, to love those who hate us, and to repay evil with good. Worldly logic would say that is a recipe for being walked all over. Yet haven’t we seen this tactic work? When we were Christ’s enemies, he loved us to the point of death. He repays our daily wrongs with the daily goodness of his mercy. In doing so, he won us for hims...2025-02-2426 minDivine Peace Church GarlandNo News Is Good News“This is good. That is bad.” We often think life is that simple. We believe we can assess a situation accurately determine if it is positive or negative. It’s hubris. As Jesus gathered followers, he taught them that his kingdom runs exactly opposite to the principles and priorities of the world. Therefore, much that we think is good is bad, and vice-versa.If we want to accurately see the world, we need to have this epiphany. That which the world considers a blessing can often be a curse. Things like success and wealth and health can lead u...2025-02-1721 minDivine Peace Church GarlandBelieve That God Turns Worthless Into WorthyImagine you need heart bypass surgery. When meeting with the surgeon, you ask, “How many of these have you done?” He responds, “You get the honor of being my very first patient!” You probably feel more anxious than honored. With important jobs, we understand it is crucial that the person doing that job is well-qualified.There is no more important job that sharing the good news of salvation with others. So, you would expect Jesus would only give that job to those most qualified, like the angels. Nope. The least qualified are the first sent. In love, Jesus pr...2025-02-1026 minDivine Peace Church GarlandSucceed By Proclaiming The GospelWhen you are trying to share some important information with someone, but they refuse to listen or perhaps totally reject what you are saying, it feels like you have failed. This is especially true when someone rejects the gospel! We proclaim the good news because want others to know the love of Christ. When people are disinterested in God’s Word, we feel like we’ve failed.
So, here is this week’s epiphany. Rejection is not proof of failure. Precisely because the gospel is divine revelation, it is guaranteed to be rejected by many. God’s Word off...2025-01-2722 minDivine Peace Church GarlandThe Special Guest Delivers More Than ExpectedIt is easy for us to assume that if God says “no” to a request, we are getting less than we wanted. We need to have an epiphany moment, seeing the reality—that God always wants more for us than we want from him. Saying “yes” to all our requests would often result in us receiving less joy, less blessing, a lesser life. So, when God says “no” to our request, we can be assured it is because he wants to give us more. Far more than existing as a “help desk” or 911 dispatch, God’s love for us is like that of a gr...2025-01-2024 minDivine Peace Church GarlandWith God Things Are Often Different Than They Appear“Who is Jesus?” For the longest time, people thought the answer to that question was, “Mary and Joseph’s son” or “a carpenter from Nazareth.” While true enough, those answers do not adequately describe Jesus. But when Jesus was baptized, God the Father spoke, declaring Jesus true identity. Jesus was the dearly loved Son of God, chosen to be the Savior of the world.
“Who are you?” someone asks. Perhaps you would answer by providing your name. Maybe you would add additional information— where you are from or what you do for a living. Perhaps, in some dark corner of your...2025-01-1321 minDivine Peace Church GarlandLearn From Queen Sheba Just How Blessed You AreOn Christmas Eve the angel told the shepherds, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). One wonders if those words struck those Jewish shepherds as odd. For centuries, God had given special attention to one nation—Israel. There were Jewish religious leaders who taught that only members of that special people would be saved. Not according to the Christmas angel! The birth of the Savior was good news for all people.
Today we celebrate the Festival of the Epiphany. When the Savior was born, he was first revealed to Israel...2025-01-0621 minDivine Peace Church GarlandJesus Had To Be in His Father’s HouseThe Son of God took on flesh for two reasons: to be our substitute and our sacrifice. You see, when God created mankind in his image, his desire was that we would live holy lives, full of love for him and our fellow man. When mankind fell into sin, that became impossible. So, the heavenly Father sent Jesus. He is the only human being to keep all of God’s law perfectly. He did that as our substitute. Through faith, we claim his perfection as our own. But we needed another gift—one who could pay for the sin we h...2024-12-3031 min
SWAMI SIVANANDA: The Wisdom of a MasterKARMA YOGA - 6. GARLAND OF KARMA YOGA - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Practice of Karma YogaSri Swami Sivananda - The Practice of Karma Yoga - Chapter 6: Garland of Karma Yoga:Sri Swami Sivananda, a revered spiritual master, offers a comprehensive and profound guide to the practice of Karma Yoga in his writings. Karma Yoga, or the path of selfless action, is one of the core practices in Hindu philosophy. It is the path that leads a practitioner toward spiritual liberation (moksha) through dedicated and selfless service, without attachment to the fruits of actions. Chapter 6 of Swami Sivananda's The Practice of Karma Yoga, titled Garland of Karma Yoga, provides i...2024-12-291h 30Divine Peace Church GarlandWe Behold His GloryHave you ever opened a Christmas present and had to ask, “What is it?” Perhaps it was some new type of technology or perhaps a unique toy. You were grateful for the gift, but also not 100% certain what you were looking at. “What is it?” Today, as we look into the manger, we ask that question. In this case, the question is not quickly or easily answered. It requires both deep thought and humble awe. We are looking at the same God who once told the prophet Moses, “No one may see me and live.” Yet, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherd...2024-12-2716 minDivine Peace Church GarlandThe Light That Overcomes The Deepest DarknessWhen the President of the United States visits a city, he does not stay at a discount motel. He stays in some posh hotel with luxury accommodations. Moreover, when making such trips, the President’s agenda generally does not include him spending time with common, ordinary people. He meets with heads of state—powerful, important people. If that is the case when the President makes a visit, what should we have expected when the Son of God came to earth? Not the event of Christmas Eve! Jesus is born into our world far from power, mired in poverty, and abse...2024-12-2611 minDivine Peace Church GarlandTravel With Jesus To The Tree of LifePick an apple off its tree, and you have a great source of antioxidants and fiber. Pluck the fruit of an orange tree. It provides the daily supply of vitamin C. If you are fortunate to live in a climate where avocado trees grow, you get to eat that tasty fruit packed with healthy fats, B6, and potassium. Different trees with different fruits and different health benefits.
Imagine a tree that produced a fruit that enabled you to live forever. Such a tree once existed. It stood in the middle of the Garden of Eden. When mankind...2024-12-1917 minDivine Peace Church GarlandJoyfully Produce Good FruitMultiple studies have proven that the holiday season exacerbates mental health issues. For some, the pressure to have “a perfect Christmas” can be overwhelming. For others, their loneliness is amplified. Such people need a real Christmas, one that results in great joy. But joy is not the same thing as happiness. It is infinitely better. Happiness is an emotion. Joyfulness is a condition. Happiness comes from your circumstances. Joyfulness comes from Christ assuring you of his abiding love and your glorious future. Therefore, happiness—“holiday cheer”—is fleeting. Joyfulness is enduring.
The historic Christian Church gave...2024-12-1619 minDivine Peace Church GarlandThe Tree of PromiseIn recent years there has been an explosion of companies that help you trace your family tree. You can go back a dozen generations, uncovering the history of your ancestors. Tracing your family tree allows you to learn more about where you came from. . . who you are. Interestingly, St. Matthew’s Gospel begins by tracing Jesus’ family tree. There are multiple reasons for this. First, providing the genealogy of Jesus proves that his is true man, exactly what we needed our Savior to be if was going to take our place. Second, it demonstrates God’s grace, for in Jesus’...2024-12-1217 minDivine Peace Church GarlandRepent To Enjoy A Real ChristmasThe closer we get to Christmas, the greater the pressure. There is so much work to be done! We want our houses to look good for out-of-town guests. We want to impress people with the thoughtfulness of our gifts. What a welcome relief, therefore, to hear what is required to really be ready for Christmas: only repentance. You see, repentance is the opposite of work. It is the candid and honest admission of our sin combined with the joyful trust that everything needed to bring us close to God has already been done by Christ.
At this...2024-12-0927 minDivine Peace Church GarlandThe Tree of RebellionScripture says it was hard to miss, because God placed it “in the middle of the garden”—the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Adam and Eve were allowed to eat from every tree in Eden except that one. Why did God forbid them from eating the fruit of that one tree? Simply so that mankind would have one way to demonstrate they loved and trusted God. By disobeying God, Adam and Eve proved they didn’t fully trust him. More, they proved that they loved the thought of being in control more than they loved God. It was r...2024-12-0521 minDivine Peace Church GarlandRemember Why Christ CameIt is easy to get so caught up in the imagery—a tiny newborn baby, lying in the straw filled manger under a star-filled sky—that we forget the why. Why did the Son of God come into our world and take on human flesh? So that he might die as the sacrifice for our sins. One Christmas carol puts it this way. “Neither crib nor cross refuses, all he suffers for your good to redeem you by his blood.”
Advent marks the start of a new Church Year. We begin at the end, watching Jesus ride into Jer...2024-12-0221 minDivine Peace Church GarlandWords That Fill You With Thanks"You are forgiven. Go in peace."
It’s not the wonderful blessings that God gives us that fills us with thanks and praise. Sure, they do. But it’s rather the peace that God gives us through Jesus Christ, as day in and day out, He says, “you are forgiven.” Live in that peace, rejoice, and let those words fill your heart with thanks.
Check out Pastor Schone's sermon from last night's Thanksgiving Eve service to learn more!
#faith #thanksgiving #thankful #christian #lutheran 2024-11-2817 minDivine Peace Church GarlandWear Eye Protection While Looking Into The Sky“Eyes on the prize.” That axiom stresses that when pursuing some good goal, focus is important. You don’t want distractions or a lack of self-discipline to keep you from obtaining whatever that prize might be. “Eyes on the prize.” You summon the willpower to fixate on that good thing. You let nothing divert your attention from obtaining the prize.
The prize that we want most is spending eternity with Jesus. As the Church Year comes to a close, Jesus promises that he will come again “in clouds with great power and glory” to give us that prize. That pr...2024-11-2624 minDivine Peace Church GarlandThe Victory is GuaranteedSocial Anxiety Disorder (SAD) affects many millions of adults. It is more than shyness. SAD includes an acute fear of being judged. An individual with SAD struggles with everyday tasks like talking to people at work or school because he is terrified that he is constantly being evaluated. Even if you don’t have that disorder, perhaps you have experienced that uncomfortable feeling that others are watching you, trying to find something to criticize. We don’t want others judging us. It is bad enough listening to the voice inside our own head, whispering that we aren’t worthy.
...2024-11-1820 minDivine Peace Church GarlandBe Generous With Your Flour and OilPerhaps you have heard the axiom, “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.” In other words, while you still can, use what you have in order to enjoy life to the fullest. If this life is all there is, St. Paul agrees that would be a good philosophy. Paul wrote, “If the dead are not raised, ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die’” (1 Corinthians 15:32). However, note the “if.” Paul was saying that the epicurean approach to life makes sense only if this life is all we have. But it isn’t. Jesus will raise us from the dead and...2024-11-1124 minDivine Peace Church GarlandLive Knowing You Have A Seat At The Glorious Feast!“It will get better.” We say that to try to comfort someone who is having a bad day (or maybe a whole string of bad days). Perhaps tomorrow will be better. But perhaps it’s worse. In this life, there really are no guarantees that things will get better. That isn’t the case with the life that is to come. That life isn’t just going to be better. It will be perfect.
Since the seventh century, Christians have marked a day to celebrate those who have died in faith and now realize the perfect joys of heaven...2024-11-0418 minDivine Peace Church GarlandCourageously Bear Witness To God Who Delivers UsJesus repeatedly told his followers that living as his disciples would bring hardship. Living life according to God’s Law is going to make one appear odd in the eyes of the world, perhaps even evil. Sharing a message of mankind’s sin and God’s gracious salvation can cause offense. So why not just stay silent if that makes life easier? Why not keep our faith private? Answer: because we are going to live forever. In gratitude for Christ saving us and giving us eternal life, we share the gospel with others, hoping that they will believe and be sav...2024-10-2825 minDivine Peace Church GarlandBe Inspired By Jesus’ Example To Do Whatever It Takes“What’s in it for me?” It’s easy to look at life through the lens of that question, to make decisions based on perceived personal benefit. Perhaps at times we look at Christianity through that lens, wondering what we will gain from following Christ. “What’s in it for me?” Jesus first disciples asked that question. They hoped that following Christ would bring prestige and honor. They assumed following Christ would make life easier. But it doesn’t work like that. Followers of Christ are called to sacrifice for the well-being of others.
“What’s in it for me?” Everythi...2024-10-2116 minDivine Peace Church GarlandReflect Christ's Love In Your HomeLove can cause harm. Consider the wife whose husband wants little to do with church. She loves him and does not want to upset him. So, when her husband wants her and the children to stay home Sunday morning, she complies without protest. That wife’s love for her husband hurts him, her children, and herself. Or consider the father who loves his child so much that he gives the child everything that child asks for. That father’s love is toxic. It is shaping that child to be a selfish, entitled adult.
In our families, it is n...2024-10-0726 minDivine Peace Church GarlandYour Name Will Last Forever🧐 What's in a name? They identify who you are and can be very important at certain milestones in your life. Jesus paid the highest price for our names, and thanks to Him, they will last forever.
Check out Pastor Hering's sermon to learn more!2024-09-3021 minDivine Peace Church GarlandBe Heart SmartHumility and pride are polar opposites. Pride exalts self at the expense of God and others. Humility exalts God and others at the expense of self. Pride is the essential vice, for it increases one’s hunger for all other sins. Humility increases one’s hunger for the forgiveness and healing found in Christ. The one who is proud demands to be served. The one who is humble is not content unless serving others. St. Augustine described it this way: “It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.”
As we see a...2024-09-2323 minDivine Peace Church GarlandThat We May Know (And Share) Maturity In ChristThis week was Life Sunday with a special sermon from Pastor Behringer.
He is chairman of the Christian Life Resources (CLR) National Board. CLR is an organization of WELS members seeking to provide reliable Biblical information on issues relating to life and family, so Christians can use these issues as bridges for the gospel.
The CLR website christianliferesources.com is an excellent source of information on a wide variety of current issues.
Check out Pastor Behringer's sermon to learn more!2024-09-1626 minDivine Peace Church GarlandHeavenly Health CarePower is neither inherently good nor bad. Fire is powerful. The chef uses fire to create meals. But the arsonist uses fire to destroy homes. Nuclear fission is a powerful force. The engineer harnesses it, producing abundant electricity. The tyrant harnesses it, threatening others with nuclear weapons. What matters is the purpose of the one who has that power.
Jesus has limitless power, as the numerous accounts of his miracles demonstrate. Those who witnessed those miracles understood that Jesus used his power for good. That doesn’t mean they all understood Jesus’ true purpose. Some thought Jesus’ purpos...2024-09-0921 minDivine Peace Church GarlandWho Are You?Who are you? You are a child of God and heir of eternal life by grace alone, Scripture alone and faith alone. Now what? Well, A loving father gives his son and daughter a list of rules and regulations. Chores, curfews, civilities, dress code—the father makes his will clearly known. The son strives to follow the rules for two reasons. 1) He wants to get his allowance. 2) He is afraid that if he breaks the rules, his father will punish him. The daughter strives to follow the rules, also for two reasons. 1) She believes her father established those rules no...2024-09-0218 minDivine Peace Church GarlandEnjoy Lady Wisdom's Feast!There are many different theories about the healthiest way to eat. There’s the old food pyramid, built on a foundation of whole grains. There’s the Mediterranean diet, the Atkins diet, the Paleo diet, and many others. We can debate which is best, but what is undebatable is that whatever your diet, you are going to die. Perhaps a vegetarian diet is indeed easier on your heart. Still, your heart is going to stop eventually. But in His Bead of Life discourse, Jesus offers food that enables us to live forever.
There are food...2024-08-1920 minDivine Peace Church GarlandHow Much More Can I Take?Physical food is a blessing from God without which we would literally wither away and die. That is why Jesus lovingly and miraculously fed thousands of followers with only five loaves of bread and two fish. Yet, while physical food is a good thing, it is far from the greatest thing God provides us. The greatest blessing God provides is spiritual food. The best thing God gives us is his Son, the bread of life. Without that spiritual food, we wither and die in a much worse way.
This week we see the multitudes coming to Jesus...2024-08-1221 minDivine Peace Church GarlandGet A Calm Heart With Clear EyesShortly before he ascended, Jesus told his followers they were to engage in meaningful ministry—to work their way through the world, sharing the good news of salvation. Our loving Lord knew that was a big and often intimidating task. So, his next words were a promise. “Surely I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). God’s people still need to hear that promise.
For several weeks, we have been discussing the reality that the Lord of the Church has called all believers to meaningful ministry. Ministry will come with challenges. It can cause fears to arise: the fear of...2024-08-0521 minDivine Peace Church GarlandTrust God's Economic Recovery PlanKing David explains, “The earth is the LORD’s and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). That word “everything” doesn’t leave any wiggle room, does it? That word “everything” means that your home and all its furnishings, your vehicle and all that’s in the trunk, your bank account, the twenty-eight dollars in your wallet, the wallet itself, and the pocket in which you carry your wallet all belong to God. Everything you have was given to you by your good and gracious Father. We need to understand that.
But it is just as important that we understand why God provides f...2024-07-2923 minDivine Peace Church GarlandBe Shepherded SheepIn the ancient Middle East, a shepherd needed certain skills to do his job well: knowledge of edible grasses, ability to trim hooves, capacity to fend off predators, competency to birth lambs. However, the greatest qualification of a shepherd is much simpler. A good shepherd needed to care for his sheep. Without that, none of those other skills would be fully utilized.
In Scripture meaningful ministry is often pictured as a compassionate shepherd caring for his sheep: Jesus’ care for us; a spiritual leader’s care for His “flock.” Certainly, gospel ministry requires specific skills: ability to actively...2024-07-2220 minDivine Peace Church GarlandGod Stands Behind You!When a child asks a sibling to do something there isn’t much certainty as to the results. The sibling might simply ignore the request. However, if that same child goes to a brother or sister with “Dad said so,” it’s a very different story! Now the father’s authority is behind the child’s request.
As believers carry out gospel ministry, encouraging others to turn to Christ in repentance, people might push back. “What gives you the right?” Maybe we ask that question ourselves. “I’m far from perfect. So, what gives me the right to talk about things...2024-07-1523 minDivine Peace Church GarlandGod Wants Us To Learn SomethingIf ministry involves serving others with love and compassion, you would think that people would respond only with glee and gratitude for the help they received. Sometimes, but not always. If you offer to help a family member who is having trouble paying his bills, he might be offended, wondering if you are implying that he is not a good provider. Likewise, if you try and share the gospel with someone, he might resent the message that he is a sinner in need of salvation. You are trying to minister to this man’s greatest need. Your intentions are lo...2024-07-0820 minDivine Peace Church GarlandJesus Did It! He Conquered Death!Most people fear death to some degree. Some fear death because they assume it is the end. Others fear death because they assume it isn’t the end at all, but that there is some sort of reckoning after death which might not go well for them. And have you seen what happens to a dead body? It is far from pretty. So, it is understandable that most people would fear death.
Not so for those to whom God has given a top-down faith. Christianity teaches that for God’s children death is not discipline but deliverance. The...2024-07-0118 minDivine Peace Church GarlandA Christian's Role In Disaster ResponseA powerful tornado rolls through your neighborhood. A massive hurricane heads straight for your city. A bolt of lightning sends 300 million volts to earth. The raw power and unpredictability of storms can inspire both awe and terror. We cannot stop storms from coming. We can only hope to survive them. However, we know the Almighty God can stop storms. He can calm literal storms. He could remove metaphorical storms, other types of troubles and trials. So, if he can, why doesn’t he?
Well, would you rather have a God who was distant from you but removed al...2024-06-2420 minDivine Peace Church GarlandDon't Cross The Line In The SandLook at our lives—the problems, the pains—and it’s easy to conclude that we are losing. Look at the world—the brokenness, the bedlam—and it’s easy to believe that the devil is winning. It all can lead us to despair. Yet this turmoil is exactly what God said would happen already in the Garden. There God declared that until the end of time enmity would prevail between the devil and mankind. But God promised more than that. He promised that from humanity would rise one who would completely defeat the devil.
We need a top-down f...2024-06-1719 min
The Resilient Heart PodcastEmbracing Purpose as a Single Woman Without Children with Sonjia “Lioness” MackeyIn a world often fixated on family and children, single childfree women may wonder about their place and purpose. But fret not, for your path to fulfillment lies in embracing your unique journey. Your divine purpose isn't bound by societal norms or expectations; it's about discovering what truly ignites your soul. Dive into your passions, explore new interests, and seize every opportunity that speaks to your heart. In this episode, I am joined by Sonjia “Lioness” Mackey, divine purpose and life coach who targets single childfree women, to talk about how single women can discover their...2024-06-1346 minDivine Peace Church GarlandTrust God's Love For The RemnantUsually, a kingdom advances and is secured through things like military might or political force or worldly wealth. It can be tempting to believe the same holds true in the kingdom of God. Perhaps we think churches would flourish if we had the right rulers passing and enforcing the right laws. Or we believe that for a church to do good requires a robust budget. Political force. Worldly wealth. This way of thinking is breathtakingly wrong.
We need God to give us the top-down faith that grasps the fact that kingdom of God advances in ways that are imperceptible...2024-06-1024 minDivine Peace Church GarlandPraise God! Jesus Messed Up The Sabbath!After a long day of work, you have earned the right to sit down in your favorite chair, put your feet up, and watch your favorite program. After a hard week on the job, you have earned the opportunity to relax a bit that weekend. After doing your job well for many months, you have earned those two weeks of vacation at the beach. This is how everyone thinks: rest is something you earn through hard work. We even teach that to our kids: no gaming until homework is done, no playing with friends until chores are complete.
2024-06-0420 minDivine Peace Church GarlandStand Before God As His Dear ChildNo Christian teaching demonstrates that we have a top-down faith more than the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Scripture teaches that there is only one God. Yet that God exists as three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Incomprehensible! It is the type of teaching about which the psalmist declares, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain” (Psalm 139:6). We believe in the Triune God without fully comprehending His existence, simply because the Spirit has given us the gift of faith. Our belief in the triune God came from the top down.
Not only...2024-05-2719 minThe Resilient Heart PodcastReclaiming Sexual and Spiritual Wholeness with Lorna GaleIn this episode, I am joined by Lorna, an Elder, Somatic Sexuality and Spirituality Mentor and Story Unweaver who helps people experience sexual freedom and spiritual wholeness. She is a poet, writer, and “story unweaver” in the spiritual, erotic realm where divine feminine energy and sacred masculine form reflect Spirit in the human experience. After being a stay-at-home mom for 12 years, followed by a 12-year career as an educator in the school system, Lorna turned her focus to wellness for herself and then as a teacher of energy medicine, bodywork, somatic sex education, and Bondassage. Through their work with Lorn...2024-05-2341 min
Springcreek Church - Garland, TX PodcastSpiritual Journey | Whose Race Are You Running?Send us a textWHOSE RACE ARE YOU RUNNING?Springcreek Church | Dr. Jessica FernandezNovember 26, 2023#realspringcreekchurch #whoseraceareyourunning #runtherace #race #Joshua #faith #hebrews #perseverance #divineguidance #challenges #overcomer #purpose #endurance https://www.springcreekchurch.org/ "Whose Race Are You Running" is a sermon that encourages us to reflect on our personal spiritual journey, urging us to discern whether we are running the race set by God or following our own desires. By applying Joshua's lessons of faith, perseverance, and divine guidance to our lives, we are motivated to stay committed to God's pa...2023-11-2625 minThe Resilient Heart PodcastNurturing Your Intuition: A Journey of Co-Creation with the CreatorNurturing Your Intuition is all about learning to listen to that inner voice, that gut feeling, and understanding it as a partnership between you and the Creator. This journey is about co-creating with the divine, unlocking your innate wisdom, and embracing the guidance that flows from within. It's a path of trust, self-discovery, and deep connection, where you explore the powerful relationship between your intuition and the higher source, working hand in hand to navigate life's twists and turns. In this episode, we are joined by Michelle Nichols, a life coach and a healer, to t...2023-11-0240 min
Sessions With KatExisting ElsewhereWelcome back to Sessions With Kat! Welcome to season 4 y’all! In today’s episode we’re discussing the Aramaic meaning of death: existing elsewhere. Also check out Megan Watterson’s book Mary Magdalene Revealed and her oracle deck The Divine Feminine Oracle. You can email any questions, comments, or service inquiries to sessionswithkat@gmail.com2023-09-1527 min
This Film Could Be Your LifeEp.45 - Annihilation (2018)On this episode, hosts Jonathan Divine and Mike Overstreet journey into the weaving shimmer of Alex Garland's sci-fi horror masterpiece, hoping to unravel the mysteries of existence, identity, and the St. Mark's nature preserve: it's Annihilation (2018).
2023-09-121h 45
Prayers that Bring Us HomePsalm 141"God, lead me away from temptation... for my eyes are toward you"... we continue in the shadow of Psalm 139's divine intimacy, but explore the attacks that come against that closeness, and return to the uncomfortable idea of "perfect hate"2023-09-0217 minPrayers that Bring Us HomePsalm 140"GOD, PROTECT ME FROM THE EVIL ONE... LET ME DWELL IN YOUR PRESENCE" this Psalm begins a movement of 5 prayers that respond to the great, divine intimacy of Psalm 139 with the reality of that intimacy's desperate need for protection... Christians understand these Psalms from the last line of the "Lord's Prayer": deliver us from the evil one2023-09-0110 minSessions With KatGetting Back To The BasicsHow do we come back to the middle? The simpler way of life? How do we get back to where the divine flowed into everything that we do?2023-06-2413 minSpringcreek Church - Garland, TX PodcastService | Made to Make a Difference: Service or Serve Us - Part 4Send us a textMADE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCEService or Serve Us - Part 4Senior Pastor Keith StewartOctober 9, 2022There is something you, uniquely, were made to do. You were created on purpose and for a purpose. Though none of us gets to spend 100% of our time just doing that one thing, you want to be sure at the end of the day and most definitely by the end of life you’ve accomplished what God put you on this planet to do. Join us this weekend as we wrap up ou...2022-10-0939 minSpringcreek Church - Garland, TX PodcastGod | Wrathful God vs Loving GodSend us a textWrathful God vs Loving GodJanuary 9, 2022Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith Stewart#areasonablefaith #wrath #love #GodYou make a decision to read the Bible so you begin with the very first book. As you begin reading, you find out fairly quickly about God destroying the earth with a flood. Not long after that, He commanded the annihilation of Sodom and Gomorrah. Then you read about the 10 plagues that fell on Egypt. You also discover, if you lived back then, you didn’t want to be a Canaanite or an...2022-01-0947 min
Infinite Love CreationLaws Of The UniverseTHE LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE "When we align with these laws… When we align with the universe… When we align with love… Love aligns with us! The Universe aligns with us! We begin to Flow together."The Law of One - Separation is the greatest illusion…The Law of vibration & Energy - The entire universe was created from one source... The Law of Correspondence - As above so below. As within so without...Law of Cause & Effect - All actions have a reaction. We reap what we sow...Law of...2021-06-2417 min
New Books in South Asian StudiesMichael Slouber, "A Garland of Forgotten Goddesses: Tales of the Feminine Divine from India and Beyond" (U California Press, 2020)Michael Slouber's new book A Garland of Forgotten Goddesses: Tales of the Feminine Divine from India and Beyond (University of California Press, 2020) surveys the diversity of India's feminine divine tradition by bringing together a fresh array of captivating and largely overlooked Hindu goddess narratives from different regions. As the first such anthology of goddess narratives in translation, it highlights a range of sources from ancient myths to modern lore. The goddesses in this book battle demons, perform miracles, and grant rare Tantric visions to their devotees. Each translation is paired with a short essay that explains the goddessess his...2020-10-1356 min
New Books in FolkloreMichael Slouber, "A Garland of Forgotten Goddesses: Tales of the Feminine Divine from India and Beyond" (U California Press, 2020)Michael Slouber's new book A Garland of Forgotten Goddesses: Tales of the Feminine Divine from India and Beyond (University of California Press, 2020) surveys the diversity of India's feminine divine tradition by bringing together a fresh array of captivating and largely overlooked Hindu goddess narratives from different regions. As the first such anthology of goddess narratives in translation, it highlights a range of sources from ancient myths to modern lore. The goddesses in this book battle demons, perform miracles, and grant rare Tantric visions to their devotees. Each translation is paired with a short essay that explains the goddessess his...2020-10-1356 min
Garland Faith SDA Church SermonsThe Divine Engineer - Elder Wilton WilliamsScripture: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1: 1-3 (KJV)2019-08-1143 min
Bringing the WordDivine JudgmentBased on Luke 13.1-92016-02-2814 min
Download New Releases Full Audiobooks in Religion & Spirituality, Buddhism & Eastern ReligionsSupreme Breath Audiobook by Deborah GarlandListen to this audiobook in full for free onhttp://hotaudiobook.comTitle: Supreme Breath
Subtitle: Yogi Breathing to Access Higher Life Force Energy
Author: Deborah Garland
Narrator: Deborah Garland
Format: Unabridged
Length: 4 hrs and 10 mins
Language: English
Release date: 10-30-15
Publisher: Radiance Publishing
Ratings: 2 of 5 out of 2 votes
Genres: Religion & Spirituality, Buddhism & Eastern Religions
Publisher's Summary:
Deborah Garland presents a clear, inspiring and practical introduction to pranayama, yoga breathing, to create greater vibrancy and radiance in life. The yogis mastered the practice of breathing. They understood that breath is both the physical act of respiration and the act of distributing...2015-10-304h 10