Jesus has two temple clearings in the Gospels.

John 2:13-17 (earlier in His ministry) and

Mark 21:12-14 - Jesus went straight to the Temple and threw out everyone who had set up shop, buying and selling. He kicked over the tables of loan sharks and the stalls of dove merchants. He quoted this text:

My house was designated a house of prayer;
You have made it a hangout for thieves.

Now there was room for the blind and crippled to get in. They came to Jesus and he healed them.

So how do we create an atmosphere that's welcoming to others.

Jonah 1:15-17 - They took Jonah and threw him overboard. Immediately the sea was quieted down. The sailors were impressed, no longer terrified by the sea, but in awe of God. They worshiped God, offered a sacrifice, and made vows. Then God assigned a huge fish to swallow Jonah. Jonah was in the fish’s belly three days and nights.

What happened to Jonah and Asa that weakened their faith? How do we respond is tough times? How do we keep our faith strong and our eye on God and not ourselves?

1- Listen to those speaking truth to us.

2- Seek God first and before people every time

3 - Remember and recount all God has done for you

2 Chronicles 16:7-9 - Just after that, Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said, “Because you went for help to the king of Aram and didn’t ask God for help, you’ve lost a victory over the army of the king of Aram. Didn’t the Ethiopians and Libyans come against you with superior forces, completely outclassing you with their chariots and cavalry? But you asked God for help and he gave you the victory. God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him. You were foolish to go for human help when you could have had God’s help. Now you’re in trouble—one round of war after another.”

Matthew 10:21-23 “When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don’t quit. Don’t cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you’ve run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived.

Jesus has some incredible advice for His Disciples and it's just as meaningful for us!

Verses 24-39 - be pleased when you get the same treatment I do, don't be intimidated, don't be silent because of threats, stand up for ME, don't think I came to make like easy, and forget about yourself and look to Me!

Don't forget to take a look at the entire chapter because Jesus also shares some great advice from verses 1-20 as well.

We and scripture often talk about slowing down, listening, and being still. So are there any places in scripture where it tells us to hurry up?!

*We should hurry when we are in harm's way (Genesis 19:14-15)

*We should hurry to reconcile and forgive (Matthew 5:25)

*When should hurry to obey God's commands (Psalm 119:60)

Today we are talking about navigating life's uncertainty.

In Exodus 14, Moses is leading the Israelites out of slavery to the Promise Land...but they aren't going quietly.

In this rich passage we find 4 questions we can ask when we feel stuck.

Do you believe you can choose to be happy? You may be surprised by the answer.

We all run patterns in our life - both conscious and unconscious. Each pattern serves us or sabotages us.

Today we share questions to ask yourself if you need more happiness and bliss in your life!

1) What are you doing to create more bliss in your life?

2) What are you doing to help others experience happiness and bliss?

3) How blissful am I to be around?

Your current level of joy, happiness, and fulfillment is exactly what you think you deserve and exactly what you think you are worth.

Philippians 4:11-13

I am not saying this because I am in need. I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances. I know how to survive in tight situations, and I know how to enjoy having plenty. In fact, I have learned how to face any circumstances: fed or hungry, with or without. I can be content in any and every situation through the Anointed One who is my power and strength.

Today we're highlighting two organizations that assist single women experiencing homelessness and a development that aims to reduce homelessness in Wake County by 10%, focusing on individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness.

Women's Center

Mission: The Women’s Center of Wake County uses evidence-based practices to provide stability and housing for single women experiencing homelessness.

King's Ridge

King’s Ridge is CASA’s largest, most ambitious project to date. This 100-unit community consists of 1- 2- and 3-bedroom units and is designated for families and individuals moving out of homelessness. For the first time ever, CASA is including supportive services on-site. The building will have two medical clinics, case managers, a tenant liaison, and flexible community space—all designed to wrap our future tenants in care and provide them with a healing and supportive community.

Podcasthon.org

Why Podcasthon was created: is driven by a simple mission: to unite podcasters in making a positive impact on the world. We believe in the power of podcasting to raise awareness and support for important causes. Our goal is to create a global movement where voices come together to amplify the work of charities and inspire change. This non-profit initiative is fueled by enthusiasm and collaboration, with no profit motive—just a shared passion for making the world a better place.

Luke 5:18-20

Some men came to the house, carrying a paralyzed man on his bed pallet. They wanted to bring him in and present him to Jesus, 19 but the house was so packed with people that they couldn’t get in. So they climbed up on the roof and pulled off some roof tiles. Then they lowered the man by ropes so he came to rest right in front of Jesus.

20 In this way, their faith was visible to Jesus.

Jesus (to the man on the pallet): My friend, all your sins are forgiven.