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This episode is a "Christmas Edition" episode that is part of the Hymns That I Love series and also accompanies the Songs Of The Season series (from 2021). Join me as we again dive into the background, context, and timeless truths of a beloved hymn.

LO, HOW A ROSE E'ER BLOOMING (HYMNS THAT I LOVE)

Watch Derek's recording here: https://youtu.be/6HVbnazk_Ek

Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
Author unknown (German origins), translated by Theodore Baker with harmonization melody by Michael Praetorius.

Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming
From tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse's lineage coming
As men of old have sung.
It came, a flower bright,
Amid the cold of winter
When half-gone was the night.

Isaiah 'twas foretold it,
The Rose I have in mind:
With Mary we behold it,
The virgin mother kind.
To show God's love aright
She bore to men a Savior
When half-gone was the night.

This Flower, whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor
The darkness everywhere.
True man, yet very God,
From sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load
From sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load

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Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13

If we have had recent victories in our nation, in our churches, our homes, etc, we must still realize this: we are in a spiritual battle. The enemy is prowling, regrouping, and readying an attack -- on those who profess and claim Christ. Today's episode centers much upon spiritual warfare and the realization that as believers, we cannot stop pressing in and moving forward. We must put on the armor everyday. We must plead the blood over our homes. And we must stand in Christ's victory. Are you suited up? Are you getting into the secret place everyday?

Check out my podcast series on The Full Armor of God: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-bold-as-lions-podcast/id1551824939?i=1000593099440

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“To recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.” George Washington

What are the origins of the holiday we celebrate known as Thanksgiving? The day was set aside by a proclamation by President George Washington in 1789. This proclamation has much to benefit our understanding of this day and what it means to our nation. Namely, this day is a day of thanksgiving and prayer to Almighty God. This podcast episode walks through this proclamation and the implications therein...things that still apply to us now some 200+ years later.

Read the proclamation here: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-04-02-0091

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When examine the familiar story of David and Goliath, we see in David a man who is motivated in faith by the fear of his God. David could not have taken the steps of obedience that he took had he not lived in a fearful surrender. The armies of Israel were bound in fear; David stepped forward when no one else did. He also knows God has delivered him from big foes before (lions and bears) and the giant Goliath would be no different. Lastly, he gives all credit to the Lord. The victory is for His glory and His alone. Join Derek for this podcast episode which takes a fresh look at this famous battle. In this, let your own faith be moved forward to trust that God still is the God who takes down giants!

For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? 1 Samuel 17:26

Watch the David and Goliath clip mentioned in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtCm-8qf1fU&t=44s

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Today's podcast is a single episode (i.e. "one-off") which is based on 1 Timothy 1:1-11. In this passage, we read Paul's words to Timothy. His words are full of encouragement. His words are directive (as a mentor to a mentee). His words bring warning against falsehoods and false gospels. These short eleven verses point the believer to find accountability, to be discerning, and to preach the Gospel with our lives on display each day. May this episode be an encouragement for you to live out your faith...boldly!

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Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Joshua 1:2

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

This episode is a call to action. We know the world is in chaos around us. But that should not keep us from entering into the promise God has called us to. What dreams has He laid before you? What things are unachievable unless He steps in? With the backdrop of Joshua 3, this episode looks at the Jordan River crossing by Ancient Israel. In that event, the generation that had been with Moses (the ones who crossed the Red Sea) had all died out. This new generation had to step into the water to see it part. They were also called to memorialize and remember what took place. This story is a reminder to us: God is still calling us to cross Jordan Rivers. What water is He calling you to step into today?

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If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Today's podcast episode is a bit of a departure from other episodes in that its focus is primarily on prayer. There are 4 major areas of focus:

1. Prayer of repentance over this land

2. Prayer for God to bring the right persons into power (president, governors, senators, reps, state and local level officials)

3. Prayer for Christians to be involved in this process and to be bold

4. Prayer for the future of this country and to turn its eyes back to God (revival)

Join Derek as we walk through each of these areas and spend some concentrated time in prayer. We are crying out for the Lord to heal this land. We are crying out for His hand upon this election and leaders as we move forward. We are asking for boldness with the Body of Christ. And we want to see revival in our lifetime! Amen.

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In looking at various passages of Scripture, especially in the New Testament, there are encounters in which a similar sentiment or expression is raised: how do I find salvation? In these encounters, a similar response is given and in-roads are made to the hearer; an unbeliever who is not a follower of Christ but a seeker of truth. A few of these conversations are looked at today: we revisit Paul and the jailer in Acts 16. We look at Nicodemus and his late night visit to discuss matters with Jesus in John 3. And we contemplate Peter once again and the hearers of his sermon at Pentecost in Acts 2 (an event in which 3000 find salvation). Do we understand that many are so close and are looking for the answer to "What must I do to be saved?" If and when we do, we find out that we are the tools God uses to bring about these salvations, through the Holy Spirit.

God Questions - How Can I Be Saved Article: https://www.gotquestions.org/how-can-I-be-saved.html