Ring of Fire

God’s love in Christ is special because it is covenantal, secure, transforming, and glorifying. It’s not just affection—it’s adoption, inheritance, and eternal union.

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God's Surprises

Christians have both many reasons and an obligation to give thanks to God. All nations are called upon to acknowledge and be thankful to God, for He is the ultimate source of every blessing, but genuine Christians especially should "Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations" (Psalm 100:4-5).

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God's Gifts Fill Us with Gratitude | Pastor Melinda Garza Moran

Now that the holidays are here, there is an emphasis on giving to others. While this season is a reminder, it's actually biblical to look after others all year-round. 

After you finish listening, please head over to the comments section at www.BlenCouragesU.com so we can continue our conversation!

Thanks everyone and God bless you!

Yours in faithful service,

Blen

BCU Podcast | Looking After Others |  Ep 415

This sermon, delivered during the second Sunday of the Coptic month of Hatur, emphasizes the overarching theme of preparation for receiving Jesus Christ, the incarnate word of God. By repeatedly selecting the Parable of the Sower, the church delivers a persistent ritual message urging the congregation to prepare your heart like the good ground to receive the spiritual seed and bear fruit. The preacher highlights a clever biblical connection, noting that just as Jesus used the surrounding environment to teach, the church uses the current agriculture month to remind believers that the seeds, plants, and branches seen everywhere symbolize the one true seed, Jesus Christ, as foretold in scripture. Ultimately, the spiritual message is one of consecration of sight, encouraging attendees to train yourself to see God in all your surroundings so that their eyes and bodies become holy, making their hearts ready to receive Christ.

The Preparation Journey

This sermon uses a passage from the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus heals a man who is demon-possessed, blind, and mute, to contrast the works of the devil and the works of God. The speaker explains that the devil's work is characterized by blindness and muteness, which are likened to an "infinite prison of darkness" and the inability to communicate or function, leading to a complete cessation of life. In stark contrast, God's work, exemplified by Christ's healing, is defined as restoration and liberty, moving individuals from darkness to light and from the slavery of corruption to the glorious freedom of God's children. The source emphasizes that freedom is the central theme, being the commandment of the Father, the work of the Son, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, urging listeners to embrace Christ, the ultimate liberator.

The Work of God vs the devil

This sermon uses the biblical story of Simon the Pharisee's banquet for Jesus (Luke 7:36-50) to deliver three powerful spiritual lessons centered on the need for self-examination of the heart. The text critiques Simon for extending only superficial hospitality—inviting Jesus to his house but not to his heart—failing to offer customary courtesies like foot washing or oil anointing because he sought to use God to gain credit and praise rather than acting out of genuine love. Furthermore, Simon is presented as a complete hypocrite because he internally judged and condemned both Jesus and the repenting sinful woman, exposing a lack of mercy and understanding. Ultimately, the sermon asks listeners to question whether their relationship with God is one of genuine love or a business deal, warning against treating spiritual practices as investments with expected returns.

Lessons from the Banquet for Jesus

This sermon passionately explores the multifaceted significance of the cross, framing it through three primary messages: the love of God, the wisdom of God, and the power of God. The text emphasizes that the cross is the ultimate display of divine love, asserting that Christianity is a "love story written in blood" where Christ sacrificed himself not only for friends but also for enemies, taking on humanity’s sin and curse to offer righteousness and peace. Furthermore, the wisdom of God is manifested in the cross's transformation from a symbol of shame, Roman tyranny, and fear into a sign of hope, comfort, and mercy. Finally, the source highlights the power of God, describing Christ as the ultimate warrior who won the battle against death and Satan with only "two pieces of wood," ultimately disarming principalities and powers, making the message of the cross the power of God for salvation.

Messages From the Cross

This sermon reflects on the biblical account of Jesus inviting Levi, a despised tax collector, to "follow me" while Levi was still working in his tax office, emphasizing the importance of accepting God's call just as you are. The speaker contrasts this direct invitation with the human tendency to believe one must first repent, cleanse oneself, or become worthy before returning to God, arguing that such attempts to self-justify negate the need for Christ’s sacrifice. Using the parable of the Prodigal Son and a passage from Galatians, the sermon powerfully asserts that if humans could achieve righteousness through their own works or efforts, Christ died in vain, underscoring that our transformation is God's work, not our prerequisite to follow Him. The core message encourages listeners to immediately follow Christ, who will then initiate the necessary change, much like Levi the sinner became Matthew the evangelist.

Inviting Levi to Discipleship

blessings

Tairo - Dubplate - Little Lion Sound - Blessings 

Surah 55: Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful) - Recited by Ahmed Abdelhamid Tahoun

Ar-Rahman is the fifty-fifth chapter of the Holy Qur'an, consisting of 78 verses. It is a unique Surah known for its rhythmic, musical quality and the famous refrain, repeated 31 times: **"Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?"**

The Surah is a grand exposition of God's universal mercy and power, demonstrating His blessings across creation, from the Revelation of the Qur'an to the final rewards in Paradise. The audience is addressed as both mankind and the jinn.

Key Themes in Surah Ar-Rahman include:

* The Source of Blessings: The Surah starts by highlighting the greatest blessings: the teaching of the Qur'an and the creation of man.
* Cosmic Order: Detailing the perfect balance in the cosmos—the sun and moon, the sky and the balance (Mizan)—all functioning by God's decree.
* Dual Destiny: Starkly contrasting the terrifying Judgment Day and the torments of Hellfire with the four levels of Gardens (Jannah) prepared for the righteous, complete with detailed descriptions of their eternal delights.
* The Refrain: The powerful, rhetorical question challenges the arrogance of those who benefit from God's blessings yet refuse to acknowledge His sovereignty.

#quran #arrahman #surah55 #mostmerciful #blessings #ahmedtahoun

Surah 55: Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful)

"Greetings of the season - may we grant each other peace." ~ Shelby Flint

What a lovely message for the holiday season.

Modern Angels performed many songs in concert that we never had the opportunity to record in the studio. This beautiful song written by the legendary Shelby Flint is one of them. Our 1992 Christmas concert (which ultimately turned out to be our last Christmastime concert) was the one and only time we ever performed this song. Thankfully someone was there with a VHS camera and a tripod who recorded the entire show from the back of the theater. We are so grateful to have this vintage concert preserved, and now thanks to the wonders of modern technology it is our pleasure to finally be able to bring some of these performances out of the vaults and share them with the world. 

"When the world astounds us, and we question what is true, may the message of this season still be there to lift us up and see us through." 

We hope you enjoy this song along with our "living Christmas card" video version on YouTube. May it add more light, warmth and love to your holidays.

---------------------------------------------------

GREETINGS OF THE SEASON
Music and lyrics by Shelby Flint, Flintworks Music BMI

Greetings of the season, may we grant each other peace
May the blessings of this time be ours to keep
Celebrate the reason to be children once again
And welcome in a stranger as a friend

It's the very best time of the year
Calling up the best of what we are
Telling us to follow all our highest dreams
Just as others followed a star

Time to decorate the windows and light the fire bright
Join our voices in the music filling up the frosty night
Forget our foolish grudges and put away all care
Gather all together the gifts we bring to share

Love is all around us, what a magic time is here
To remember as we start another year
When the word astounds us and we question what is true
May the message of this season still be there to lift us up and see us through

So I send this season's greetings to you

---------------------------------------

Mark Geisler: lead vocal, keyboard
Frances Leah King: vocals
Maggie Stenson: vocals
Vickielee Wohlbach: vocals

Recorded live at The Village Theatre, Issaquah, Washington, December 15, 1992
Audio remastering by Gabriel Pehrson
Video concept by Mark Geisler

©2025 Shining Heart Productions
ModernAngels.com

Greetings of the Season [Single Version]

A song about gratitude, hope, and the quiet miracles we often overlook.
“I am loved and hopeful. This life is a grateful life.”
This piece is a reminder that even in the simplest moments — breath in the morning, food on the table, clothes to wear, love that surrounds us — there is beauty worth celebrating.

Hats Full of Blooming Flowers  EP

We'll Get Through The Day

yes i need my body movin 
yes i need my body movin

OGteriyaki2k - TikToky and IG

I Aint Come Here For Nun (Prod.YakiSoSaucy)

How many blessings do we miss because we try holding on to our lives, our reputations, our rights, our time, our convenience, our comfort?

Hungry

Filipino Native, Christian, Assisted Music Composer from Canada. I make Christian Pop/EDM songs, and any kinds of music. Thank you for listening! 💖🌏👍🏽

Jonathan Taylor — Founder of CREAGEO® | Creative Intelligence Rooted in Christ

Jonathan Taylor, born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, is the visionary founder of CREAGEO® — Creative Intelligence-The Light Within, a concept grounded in the belief that creativity is a gift entrusted by God. For Jonathan, creativity is not merely artistic ability; it is spiritual stewardship, a responsibility to shape ideas with intention, purity, and excellence.

Rooted deeply in his love for Christ, Jonathan sees every expression of creativity — from branding to storytelling to music — as a reflection of the Light within, the divine spark that God breathes into His people. The signature CREAGEO® identity — its earth-tone palette, flowing curve, and the iconic inverted lightbulb — symbolizes this truth: light flows downward from God into us, illuminating our minds and inspiring creation.

Though Jonathan does not sing or play instruments, his heart for music runs deep. He is a writer, a vessel whose words carry testimony, revelation, and worship. His gift is the pen, and his ministry is found in crafting lyrics that reveal the character and glory of Christ.

In this journey, SUNO became an unexpected blessing — a tool God placed in Jonathan’s hands to transform written worship into sound. Through SUNO, it’s revealed that music isn’t limited by human ability; when the message is His, He provides the means. SUNO allowed Jonathan’s written devotion to take form in melody, helping him reveal Christ to others in ways he never imagined possible.

Through CREAGEO®, Jonathan aims to merge creativity, faith, and excellence — proving that artistic intelligence and spiritual depth belong together. His work inspires others to see creativity as worship, design as revelation, and innovation as a path God uses to make Himself known.

Above all, Jonathan creates with one enduring truth:
All wisdom, all art, all intelligence — CREAGEO — flows from the heart of God.

Praying With The Eyes is a ministry of Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs which combines the beauty of God's Word with the beauty of his creation.

Reggae Dancehall 
Sound System since 2004 
From Geneva, Switzerland 

A MUSICBOX READY TO BE OPENED!
Bookings: yakisosaucy@gmail.com

We're here to help YOU #StayOnTheWall for the Lord Jesus with encouragement from the Word of God, life experiences, my observations, and a little humor! Please stop by http://blencouragesu.com for more information, education and inspiration! See you there!

Upper Room Media is a ministry of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Its mission is to bring the word of God from a timeless faith into your hearts and mind anywhere at anytime.

The Orthodox Church worships God in continuity with the earliest Church, and as such is the oldest Church. It is a Church of balance: between the mystical and the tangible; between spirituality and theology; between the worship of God and service to humanity. Everything is in balance, otherwise known as right worship, which means Orthodox. It is not a denomination, but rather pre-denominational. It is not a religion but rather a life with God in Christ. 

The Orthodox Church worships God in spirit and truth (John 4:24) and dynamically incarnates that truth in every age - empowering all people from all walks of life to love God, others, and themselves. 

Contact us for more information.

Connecting people to True Abundance in Christ.  Gather for worship Saturdays at 5 pm & Sundays at 9 am & 11 am.  Live streamed on Sundays at https://goodshepherd.com/worship.

Mark Geisler is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, arranger and producer.  His musical career spans over 35 years both as a solo artist and founding member of the Seattle based musical ensemble Modern Angels. 

This soundcloud page includes tracks from Mark's numerous CDs as well as new material and exclusive tracks that haven't been issued on any CD and are only available here. Opening a song in a new tab will take you to that song's page where you will find information and liner notes about the song as well as lyrics. Be sure to follow the link to Mark's YouTube channel as well!

If you like Mark's music and would like to purchase CDs please contact Mark directly at markgeislermusic@gmail.com.  

Thanks for listening and enjoy the music!

New tracks tagged #blessings