Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life with Pastor Dave Cover
Christian Meditation can help refocus your mind and recalibrate your body to get the stress, anxiety and anger out of your heart and out of your body. Spend about 23 minutes to "be still" with God as each episode uses a different biblical image to e...
Recent Episodes
Powerful Liturgies From Psalm 118 | Psalm 118
16:09 | 11-11-2021
This episode is a continuation of the previous episode and specifically cites some helpful phrases from Psalm 118 you can easily memorize and say at crucial moments. Language is one of the most powerful ways that our brain perceives and interprets what’s happening in our life circumstances. And so liturgies are memorable phrases we tell ourselves that help us interpret life. The more powerfully worded liturgies we say to ourselves shape our lives by telling us the story we are in. And God has given us powerful liturgies in the Scriptures that we can use to say a quick prayer or speak truth to ourselves or others. Neuroscience shows us that our brain is constantly re-wiring. This is called https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroplasticity (neuroplasticity). Building new neural pathways. Brain circuits that make thought patterns and behaviors more routine and easier to repeat. Neural pathways that shape our responses and reactions. That shape our very lives. Neuroscience is just learning these things because of advanced imagery. We can see new neural pathways develop in the brain through repetition and the kind of things that enhance that happening. Repetition of things that we do, see, and say is the most powerful way to rewire neural pathways in our brains. This has huge implications when it comes to our habits. Habits of things we allow ourselves to watch. Habits of things we allow ourselves to say. They literally hardwire our brains. Of course the Bible has always been way ahead of this for thousands of years by giving us powerful phrases to repeat as liturgies to shape the wiring in our brain and therefore shape our lives. Biblical liturgies are phrases written by the Holy Spirit that we latch onto in order to better rehearse the story our life is in. Repetition. Spoken. Powerful. Since we’ve been looking through Psalm 118 in recent episodes, let’s find some powerful liturgies there. Psalm 118:1–4 ESV 1 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! 2 Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” 3 Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” 4 Let those who fear the LORD say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 118:6–8 NIV 6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I [shall - ESV] look in triumph on my enemies. Psalm 118:8 NIV It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans. Psalm 118:17 ESV I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD. Psalm 118:24 ESV This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:25 NIV LORD, save us! LORD, grant us success! Psalm 90:17 NIV May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 118:27 ESV The LORD is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us. Psalm 118:28–29 ESV 28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. 29 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! The forever God will be my God forever! Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on Twitter https://twitter.com/davecover (@davecover) Follow A Bigger Life on Twitter https://twitter.com/abiggerlifepod (@ABiggerLifePod) This podcast is a ministry of https://www.thecrossingchurch.com/ (The Crossing), a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.
Why You Should Say Biblical Liturgies | Psalm 118
18:20 | 11-09-2021
Language is one of the most powerful ways that our brain perceives and interprets what’s happening in our life circumstances. And so liturgies are memorable phrases we tell ourselves that help us interpret life. The more powerfully worded liturgies we say to ourselves shape our lives by telling us the story we are in. And God has given us powerful liturgies in the Scriptures that we can use to say a quick prayer or speak truth to ourselves or others. Neuroscience shows us that our brain is constantly re-wiring. This is called https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroplasticity (neuroplasticity). Building new neural pathways. Brain circuits that make thought patterns and behaviors more routine and easier to repeat. Neural pathways that shape our responses and reactions. That shape our very lives. Neuroscience is just learning these things because of advanced imagery. We can see new neural pathways develop in the brain through repetition and the kind of things that enhance that happening. Repetition of things that we do, see, and say is the most powerful way to rewire neural pathways in our brains. This has huge implications when it comes to our habits. Habits of things we allow ourselves to watch. Habits of things we allow ourselves to say. They literally hardwire our brains. Of course the Bible has always been way ahead of this for thousands of years. Romans 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will. Philippians 4:8 (NIV) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. So the Bible has been here all along by telling us that what we think about will shape how our mind functions. And we now know that our speech is a huge factor in neuroplasticity. This is why complainers who allow themselves to complain and speak negatively and slander and gossip all the time become people who are more and more unhappy. They are literally hardwiring their brain to always criticize and see circumstances and to see people negatively. Colossians 3:8-10 (NIV) But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Jesus emphasized the power of our words and warned against speaking words carelessly. Matthew 12:34-36 (NIV) …How can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. Matthew 15:18-20 (NIV) But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them. James 3:6 (NIV) The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. So what we SAY, especially repeatedly — repetition of words — liturgies — powerfully builds new neural pathways. The culture has its own liturgies — you only live once — it doesn’t get much better than this — you deserve to be selfish — be true to yourself — live by your truth — believe in yourself. Biblical
Knowing God Is FOR You | Psalm 118
24:55 | 11-04-2021
The New Testament quotes Psalm 118:6-7 in a way that hits all of us where we feel it most. Fear and insecurity in uncertain circumstances. The key takeaway from these verses is to truly know and live like you know that God is always FOR you. Let’s talk about why in this episode. Psalm 118:6–7 ESV 6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? 7 The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. Psalm 118:17 ESV I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD. 1 Corinthians 5:7 NIV For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Psalm 56:3–4, 9-11 NIV 3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise — in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 9 By this I will know that God is for me. 10 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise — 11 in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 18:16–19 NIV 16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. 17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. 18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. 19 He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. Psalm 27:1, 13-14 NIV 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid? 13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Hebrews 13:5–6 NIV God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Romans 8:31–32 NIV If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on Twitter https://twitter.com/davecover (@davecover) Follow A Bigger Life on Twitter https://twitter.com/abiggerlifepod (@ABiggerLifePod) This podcast is a ministry of https://www.thecrossingchurch.com/ (The Crossing), a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.
Re-narrate Your Life Today | Psalm 118
23:06 | 11-02-2021
Psalm 118 was a liturgy in Jesus’s Day as part of the celebration of Passover. Written centuries beforehand, it foretells the story of that final Passover during which Jesus’s death and resurrection would change the word’s story forever. New Testament authors quoted Psalm 118 as the turning point in world history. But Psalm 118 goes beyond that. It summons you and me to enter this wonderful story too. And in this episode we look at key verses that further define how this story can lift up your whole life even now. Psalm 118:14–26 ESV 14 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. 15 Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the LORD does valiantly, 16 the right hand of the LORD exalts, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!” 17 I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD. 18 The LORD has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death. 19 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD. 20 This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it. 21 I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. 22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. 23 This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Save us, we pray, O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success! 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! Exodus 15:2 ESV The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Isaiah 12:2 ESV Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. John 11:25–26 NIV Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Revelation 21:26–27 NIV The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Revelation 22:14 NIV Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. John 10:9–10 NIV I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on Twitter https://twitter.com/davecover (@davecover) Follow A Bigger Life on Twitter https://twitter.com/abiggerlifepod (@ABiggerLifePod) This podcast is a ministry of https://www.thecrossingchurch.com/ (The Crossing), a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.
Where YOU Enter Into Psalm 118’s Story | Psalm 118
25:44 | 10-28-2021
Psalm 118 was a liturgy in Jesus’s Day as part of the celebration of Passover. Written centuries beforehand, it foretells the story of that final Passover during which Jesus’s death and resurrection would change the word’s story forever. New Testament authors quoted Psalm 118 as the turning point in world history. But Psalm 118 goes beyond that. It summons you and me to enter this wonderful story too. Luke 24:27 NIV And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. Luke 24:44 NIV He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Psalm 118:22–24 ESV 22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. 23 This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Matthew 21:42 NIV Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.’”? Ephesians 2:19–22 NIV 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Acts 3:1–3 NIV 1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Acts 3:6–10 NIV 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Acts 3:19–21 NIV 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. Acts 4:1–2 NIV 1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. Acts 4:8–12 NIV 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:23–28 NIV 23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their
The Day Jesus Entered Psalm 118 | Psalm 118
26:51 | 10-26-2021
Psalm 118 was a liturgy in Jesus’s Day as part of the celebration of Passover. And because of that, the words on the lips of those praising Jesus as he entered Jerusalem the Sunday of Passover week fulfilled their own prophecy. You’ve heard these words many times every Palm Sunday. All four gospels record this event as Jesus literally entered the ancient story of Psalm 118. It’s pretty cool how God does these kinds of things. Psalm 118:25–26 ESV 25 Save us, we pray, O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success! 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! Mark 11:9–10 ESV And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” Luke 13:34–35 NIV “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” Luke 19:41–44 NIV As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on Twitter https://twitter.com/davecover (@davecover) Follow A Bigger Life on Twitter https://twitter.com/abiggerlifepod (@ABiggerLifePod) This podcast is a ministry of https://www.thecrossingchurch.com/ (The Crossing), a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.
The Two Key Verses in the Middle of the Bible | Psalm 118
28:54 | 10-21-2021
There are 31,174 total verses in the Bible. Psalm 118:8-9 are the 15,587th and 15,588th verses. The very middle of the Bible. It’s probably just random chance, or maybe it’s God’s way of winking at us, but these two verses in the very middle of the entire Bible seem to capture well the bottom line to our fight of faith. Where the rubber-meets-the-road of whether or not we’ll live in God’s bigger story. To whom or where will you turn in your anxieties and insecurities? We all turn somewhere. These verses paint a powerful poetic image of why your choice really matters. Psalm 118:8–9 ESV 8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. 9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. Psalm 40:4 NIV Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. John 5:44 NIV How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? John 5:42 NIV But I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. Psalm 146:3–6 ESV 3 Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. 4 When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. 5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, 6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever. Psalm 37:3 NIV Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Isaiah 57:11–13 NIV 11 Whom have you so dreaded and feared that you have not been true to me, and have neither remembered me nor taken this to heart? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear me? 12 I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not benefit you. 13 When you cry out for help, let your collection of idols save you! The wind will carry all of them off, a mere breath will blow them away. But whoever takes refuge in me will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain. Isaiah 2:22 NIV Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem? Psalm 5:11 ESV But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. Psalm 9:10 ESV And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on Twitter https://twitter.com/davecover (@davecover) Follow A Bigger Life on Twitter https://twitter.com/abiggerlifepod (@ABiggerLifePod) This podcast is a ministry of https://www.thecrossingchurch.com/ (The Crossing), a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.
A “Quiet Time” To See God’s Goodness and Love | Psalm 118
28:31 | 10-19-2021
The New Testament tells us that “https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%204%3A4-6&version=NIV (the god of this age)” casts a kind of spell on our minds and hearts to keep us from seeing God’s glory. One way he does it is by constantly filling our lives with cultural distractions. An incessant stream of noise to keep us from being able to contemplate spiritual reality. This episode will help you create some “quiet time” so you can https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%203%3A14-18&version=NIV (contemplate God’s glory) in his goodness and steadfast love for you, so that the Holy Spirit can transform your life more and more. 2 Corinthians 3:14–18 NIV 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 4:3–6 NIV 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. Psalm 118:1–4 ESV 1 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! 2 Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” 3 Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” 4 Let those who fear the LORD say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Exodus 34:5–6 NIV 5 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. 6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness…” 2 Chronicles 5:13–14 NIV 13 The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud, 14 and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God. 2 Chronicles 7:1–3 NIV 1 When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. 2 The priests could not enter the temple of the LORD because the glory of the LORD filled it. 3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying, “He is good; his love endures forever.” Romans 8:35, 37-39 NIV Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ...37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Who can you share
A Big Reason Why I Believe the Gospel is True | Psalm 117
24:36 | 10-14-2021
There are some good arguments non-Christians make as to why Christianity isn’t true. But Psalm 117 provides one of the many good reasons why I believe it is. Let’s discuss it in this episode. Psalm 117 ESV 1 Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! 2 For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD! Romans 15:5–7 NIV 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Galatians 3:7–9 NIV 7 Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. 8 Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” 9 So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. Genesis 12:1–3 NIV 1 The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. Genesis 15:5 NIV He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Genesis 18:18 NIV Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. Genesis 22:15–18 NIV 15 The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, “I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” Genesis 26:4 NIV I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, Genesis 28:14 NIV Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. Revelation 7:9–10 NIV 9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 1 Corinthians 5:7 NIV For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on Twitter https://twitter.com/davecover (@davecover) Follow A Bigger Life on Twitter https://twitter.com/abiggerlifepod (@ABiggerLifePod) This podcast is a ministry of https://www.thecrossingchurch.com/ (The Crossing), a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.
To Call Upon the Name of the LORD, C.A.L.L. | Psalm 116
27:09 | 10-12-2021
In the Bible, repetition is always used for emphasis. And the most repeated phrase in Psalm 116 is “call upon the name of the LORD.” God’s people learn to call upon the name of the I AM as a lifestyle. That’s what makes them different. And that’s what this podcast is really all about. And to help you remember all that that means, you just need to remember the letters C.A.L.L. We do that in this episode. Psalms 116:2 (ESV) Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. Psalms 116:4 (ESV) Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!” Psalms 116:13 (ESV) I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. Psalms 116:17 (ESV) I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. Calling upon the name of the Lord is one of the Bible‘s favorite phrases to describe what it means to walk with God. For God to be your God. To be one of God’s people. Genesis 4:26 (NIV) “At that time people began to call on the name of the LORD.” Genesis 5:22-24 (NIV) After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. 1 Corinthians 1:2 (ESV) To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours. C.A.L.L. — Come confidently through Christ. Awaken my awareness of God’s always 100% presence Lift up my eyes to see the glory and wisdom and love of the I AM Lift up my cares because he cares for me Come to God confidently through Christ. Jesus says pray “in my name.” Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV) Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are —yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 10:19-23 (NIV) Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Awaken to an awareness of God’s always 100% presence with you. The I AM is always in the present tense. Psalms 139:7-8 (ESV) 7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! Jeremiah 23:23-24 (NIV) “Am I only a God nearby, ” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the LORD. Matthew 6:6 (NIV) But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists (“he is”) and that he rewards those who seek him. Walk and talk with him Matt 28:20, Jesus said to his disciples, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Rather than...