GO Fellowship On Demand

READ: GENESIS 2:9; 3:1-7, 22-24; DEUTERONOMY 21:22-23; 1 PETER 2:21-25 The American poet Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. once wrote, “In fact, there’s nothing that keeps its youth, so far as I know, but a tree and truth.” Truth is eternal, and the long life of trees gives them the appearance of eternality. Perhaps it is not surprising then, that our ultimate source of truth in this world, the Bible, contains the running theme of trees throughout its pages. In the beginning, God places two trees in the Garden of Eden with the first humans. One tree represents their faith and obedience to God, and it leads to life. The other represents their disobedience and their choice to seize power and knowledge apart from God, and it leads to death. Sadly, they choose the second tree, plunging all of humanity into exile from God’s life-giving presence and under the inescapable curse of death. As the biblical narrative progresses, people choose to reject God over and over again. Even God’s people, the Israelites, choose their own version of the second tree—doing what is right in their own eyes rather than trusting and obeying God. And every time, it ends in death and destruction. But despite humanity’s faithlessness, God provides a path of repentance and restoration back to Himself (Jeremiah 3:12-15). Jesus, the eternal Son of God, became human and took upon Himself our curse of death by dying on a cross, fashioned from a tree. Galatians 3:13 says, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, because it is written, Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” In His death and resurrection, Jesus destroyed “the one holding the power of death—that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14) and gave us participation in His divine life. So all who trust in Jesus will have restored access to the tree of life in the world to come (Revelation 22:1-4). As we wait for His return, trees are a living testament to Christ’s sacrifice and His victorious resurrection, pointing us forward to the eternal life we have in Him. • Kayla Esguerra • We all face the temptation to think and act in ways that make sense to us but would be in opposition to trusting and obeying God’s Word. Can you think of a few examples? When you face choices like these, who are trusted Christians you can be honest with about your questions and struggles—people who will help you dig into Scripture, pray with you and for you, and encourage you to confess your sins to Jesus and rest in His great love and forgiveness? He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. “By his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 (CSB) 

As you walk in the ways of the Lord, be steadfast in the pursuit of His Word. It will lead and guide you to a deeper understanding of your Father’s heart and give you a glimpse into all He desires for your life. - Chelsey DeMatteis In today’s episode of Your Daily Prayer, Chelsey DeMatteis shares a heartfelt reflection on the power of repentance and the comfort found in God's Word—especially through the Psalms. Drawing from Psalm 91 and Psalm 119, she encourages us to seek God as our refuge, bring our whole selves before Him, and embrace His forgiveness and grace. Topics covered: Why the Psalms are vital for spiritual growth How God’s Word leads us to repentance Trusting God as our refuge and fortress The transforming power of Scripture Encouragement to boldly share God’s truth with others Scripture References Psalm 91:1–2 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” Read Psalm 91:1–2 on BibleStudyTools.com Psalm 119:1–8 “Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!... I will praise you with an upright heart when I learn your righteous rules.” Read Psalm 119:1–8 on BibleStudyTools.com Prayer Summary This prayer asks God for a heart of repentance, a deeper love for His Word, and boldness to share His truth and grace with others. It is a beautiful reminder that in God's presence, we find both correction and comfort. Calls to Action ✅ Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily inspiration and spiritual growth Share this devotion with someone who needs encouragement today Leave a review to let us know how God is working through this series in your life Follow us on social media for more devotionals and resources Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Even with our high-tech world of communication and social media, people are desperately lonely. The reason is because God wired us for real human connection. Today, Becky Harling, is going to encourage you with ways to cultivate meaningful relationships with others – and equip you with the practical tools you need to do that.   Receive the book Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World plus a free audio download of "Transforming Loneliness into Thriving Friendships" for your donation of any amount!    Get More Episode Resources    If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback. 

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I ask the question posed by many in the foster care system: should I adopt my foster kids? How will I know if that is what God is calling me to do? Or… what if He says no? I share statistics, information, but also share my personal experience where God told our family “no” to an adoption and I was not expecting it. As I like to say, in this calling you must “love fiercely and hold loosely.” In this calling, you have to be prepared for the unexpected, various outcomes, unknown possibilities and know God is with you every step of the way. Prayer is crucial, as well as unity in your marriage, and your support systems. Hopefully, through this episode, you are better equipped to face those situations… Here are a few takeaways: Statistics show that 400,000 children enter foster care annually.Adoption through foster care is often unpredictable.Foster parents must guard their hearts due to impermanence.Congruent planning can put pressure on foster parents.Unity in marriage is crucial for decision-making.Children in the home should be a top consideration.Not every foster child is meant to be adopted.Peace in decision-making is a sign of God's will.Listening to your body's stress signals is important.You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at [email protected]. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!

In week 3 of our Redeemed series, Pastor David takes us to Mark 5, where a man broken beyond repair encounters Jesus—and everything changes. Jesus didn’t just rescue and redeem him—He restored and repurposed him to tell others. If you’ve been rescued by Jesus, you have a story that matters. This message will remind you that your testimony isn’t just personal—it’s powerful. You’ve been redeemed to tell the world what He’s done.

Podcast Episode: Discipling Your Kids at Home with Author David SundeThis week on the podcast, hosts Tricia Goyer and Mike Nawrocki welcome author David Sunde to discuss his powerful new book, Home Grown Disciples: Parenting Rhythms for Drawing Your Kids into Life with God.If you’ve ever struggled with how to raise children with a deep, lasting Christian faith in today’s fast-paced world, this episode is for you. David shares seven practical rhythms that help parents become spiritual leaders in their homes—without needing a seminary degree or perfect schedule.Discover how to:Build a Christ-centered home using rhythms of apprenticing, renewal, hospitality, community, compassion, generosity, and gratitudeGrow spiritually alongside your kids through life’s ups and downsTurn everyday moments into opportunities to teach faith and model graceCreate a nurturing environment where your children encounter God’s loveHome Grown Disciples is a must-read for Christian parents, homeschool families, and ministry leaders who want to disciple kids intentionally and authentically. Tune in now to hear David Sunde’s insights and start building rhythms that bring your family closer to God.------------The BIble for Kids is now a 501c3 non-profit and we'd love to have you join us in our mission of reaching kids with the message of the Bible. Our NEW store now features "Pay What You Can" pricing on many items with more coming soon. Visit TheBibleforKids.com to donate or learn more today!The Bible for Kids Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org