Set Free 24-7

Lady Wisdom Calls Out | Journey Through Proverbs 8

A Proverb a Day Keeps the Police Away! Join me as we read through the book of Proverbs in the Message Version this month! I love the women that are in my life right now and I am blessed by their love and their wisdom. When lady wisdom calls out to you, don't ignore her call! Today's reading is packed full of wisdom, insight, and good instruction for living to keep you on the right path!
This episode is also available to watch as a video! Click here! https://youtu.be/QiTGFDAEMcw 
 
"Reading The Bible Regularly Leads To Positive Changes In Life"
Summary/Abstract
Robert welcomed the listeners to Set Free 24/7 and began discussing Proverbs and the importance of reading the Bible. He shared a study that he had recently read, which showed that individuals who read the Bible four times or more a week had drastically reduced chances of getting drunk, engaging in sex outside of marriage, viewing pornography, and gambling. Robert concluded by saying that reading the Bible regularly likely also significantly reduces the chances of interacting with police, as this is what Set Free 24/7 is all about. The speaker talks about how reading the Bible every day has made a positive impact in their life. They encourage the listener to read Proverbs 8, which speaks of Lady Wisdom. Lady Wisdom encourages the listener to use good sense, listen to her words, and prefer her life discipline over chasing after money and worldly knowledge. This is because Wisdom is ultimately better than all the trappings of wealth. Lady Wisdom is a personalization of God's spirit, who works within us to help us live God's life and achieve wholeness in our environment. Wisdom is more than just good advice or a brilliant idea; it is a presence that helps us to pursue and deal with brokenness. Eugene Peterson encourages us to embrace Lady Wisdom's ways in order to find life, wealth, glory, honor, and a good name. He emphasizes the importance of being alert and responsive in the morning and listening carefully to Lady Wisdom's teachings. Lady Wisdom is calling out to everyone to embrace life and not settle for anything less than the best. She speaks from personal experience, having overcome her own struggles with drug addiction and fraud. She encourages her listeners to strive for an abundant life that God will make room for. She also offers her support through prayer, inviting anyone who needs to make a request to do so in the comments. Her message is to live life to its fullest and not be afraid to reach out for help.
Timestamps
0:00:00
Heading: Proverbs Reading and Its Impact on Behaviors
0:01:09
Heading: The Benefits of Reading the Bible Every Day
0:03:32
"Exploring Lady Wisdom: An Analysis of Proverbs 8"
0:08:01
Heading: Lady Wisdom's Message: Life is Good and Abundant for All
Highlights
Wisdom is God's spirit working within us to fashion our lives into wholeness in the actual environment in which we find ourselves. In these circumstances, in this neighborhood and in this family, lady Wisdom is present not only to make it possible to pursue wholeness, but also to deal with brokenness. It is no use shutting our eyes to it and saying that it doesn't exist. It's no use wallowing in it and saying that there's nothing that we can do about it.
Wisdom is God's spirit working within us. The Holy Spirit is God moving in us to live God's life. In proverbs this Holy Spirit is given the name lady Wisdom. What that does is personalize this aspect of God so that wisdom is not just information or a direction, not just good advice or a brilliant idea. What this does is personalize this aspect of God so that wisdom is not just information or direction and not just good advice or a brilliant idea.
You'll recognize this as true. You with open minds, truth-ready minds will see it at once. Prefer my life discipline over chasing after money and God knowledge over a lucrative career. For Wisdom is better than all the trappings of wealth. Nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her. I am Lady Wisdom and I live next to sanity. Knowledge and discretion live just down the street. The fear of God means hating evil whose ways I hate with passion, pride and arrogance and crooked talk, good counsel and common sense are my characteristics.
It's right here in black and white. Some people actually just dedicated their lives to this study to get you the information, so do with it as you may. But I know for me, this is the right path. It has to be because I know where I was before when I wasn't reading the Bible every day. I did five years in prison for drug addiction and fraud and all sorts of other crazy crimes that went along with that fed into my drug addiction.

The Knock That Saved My Life | David’s Story of Freedom

Welcome to Set Free 24-7! Today I have a special guest who has battled depression, anxiety, and addiction to painkillers and has a beautiful story that shows how God kept pursuing him, even as he came to the end of himself.
If you don't know David, he has eyes that smile, is always ready to share a laugh with you, and a genuine heart for serving others and the Lord. I met him a year ago and getting to know him and Elizabeth has been a highlight in my life.
This podcast contains topics that can be sensitive to some listeners. David speaks about depression and coming to a place where he was contemplating taking his own life. If you are struggling with these same thoughts, please know that there is help and support available. The Suicide Prevention Hotline number is 988 on any phone and my wife and I are always willing to sit and talk with you.
I pray that David's Story blesses you and gives you a measure of hope today. Thanks for listening!
 
SHOW NOTES: 
"Davids Story: The Knock That Saved His Life"
March 24th, 2023
David is a guest on the Set Free 24-7 podcast, and he has a story to tell. He grew up in a rural area where he was brought up on his grandfather's farm and was an outgoing, but shy kid who loved to talk to people. He enjoyed playing, riding motorcycles, and swimming. His family consisted of his parents, and his father worked a lot so he didn't get to spend much time with him. However, he remembers fondly the family vacations where his father did some fishing and he spent time with his grandparents. He has experienced depression, anxiety, and addiction and has a story to tell of how God kept pursuing him even as he came to the end of himself. The speaker talks about his childhood growing up with two older brothers. They didn't go to church often and when they did, it was a long and boring experience. One of his older brothers joined the Marines at 17 and the other joined the Army and got married at a young age. The speaker was the only kid left at home, so he was very active and played a lot. Dave was the youngest of three brothers and had to fend for himself when his brothers left home. He didn't like school and was not particularly good at academics, but he did enjoy running and wrestling. In high school, he had difficulty fitting in and was beaten up a few times. He tried to stay away from people he didn't like and returned the favor when necessary. During his senior year, he went for a ride with a friend in his new 1971 Chevelle. The speaker was in an accident with a friend in which his friend's brakes went out. The accident was one of the speaker's first experiences with the Lord and he saw white lights and heard the word clear. His friend ended up in a wheelchair due to arthritis. The speaker had a lack of relationship with God before high school. After his brother died in a car accident in 1997, the speaker started to talk to a pastor and started going to church. His parents got divorced shortly after his brother's death and the speaker was very angry at the world. He was almost taken to jail after getting into a confrontation with a truck driver, but he was allowed to go to church instead. He started going to church, but wasn't really invested. Finally, in 2006, he started to invest in his faith and his relationship with God grew from there.
00:00:00
Interview with David: A Story of Overcoming Depression, Anxiety, and Addiction
00:02:32
Heading: Growing Up as a Kid in a Non-Church Going Family
00:04:30
Conversation with Dave about Growing Up as the Baby of the Family
00:06:29
Heading: Reflection on Life-Changing Experiences with God
00:10:20
Recounting a Life-Changing Moment: A Conversation with Coach Chris
00:12:59
Conversation Summary: Group Formation at a Retreat
00:14:46
Subject: Addiction Recovery Support Group Conversation
00:18:45
Conversation on the Benefits of Quitting Drugs Cold Turkey
00:20:53
Heading: Reflection on Baptism and Divorce
00:22:38
Conversation Summary: Life After Divorce and Finding Love Again
00:25:00
Summary of Conversation with Husband Regarding Divorce
00:27:00
Heading: Reflection on Failed Marriage and Turning to the Church for Support
00:29:00
Heading: Reflections on Blended Families and Starting Over
00:33:29
Conversation Summary: Dealing with the Pain of a Breakup
00:35:43
Heading: Conversation about Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts
00:37:18
Heading: Conversation between Pastor Joe and David about Finding Love Again
00:40:40
Conversation Summary: How a Friendship Led to a Relationship
00:42:41
Conversation Summary: Reflection on Baptism and Relationship with Elizabeth
00:46:23
Conversation Summary: Proposing to Partner's Daughter's Mother
00:50:00
Recounting a New Year's Eve Proposal
00:51:52
Conversation Summary: Building Trust and Strengthening Bonds in Marriage
00:53:49
Conversation with Pastor John and Elizabeth: Working as a Team and Finding Hope in Difficult Times
00:56:33
Conversation on the Power of Forgiveness and Starting Fresh
00:58:28
Conversation on Patience, Divorce, and Accountability
01:02:46
Conversation on Gratitude and the Power of Prayer
01:04:32
Interview with David: Exploring the Power of Dressing Up

Journey Through The Message 44 | The Words You Speak Are ETERNAL!

How important are the words that we say to people? In today's reading, we learn that our words are ETERNAL and they matter. As we finish out in Matthew 18 today, we also learn about forgiveness and how many times we are called to forgive...are you keeping track of the number? Maybe we shouldn't be so focused on the number and instead look at the message behind it. In Acts, Paul is back trying to make an impression on the Roman authorities. What in your life, besides your testimony and your proclamtion of faith, is giving witness to the goodness of God to the people around you? And as we close the day out in Leviticus, we see how God cared for his people by the good advice he was handing out, but wow, that sure did make the priests busy having to examine everyone and their sore and sickness. I am thankful for a God who cares about those little details today and points us to the road of freedom. 
 
Join my wife and me as we read through the Bible in The Message version this year! Put a fresh set of eyes on the Bible with this beautiful translation and enjoy a little back and forth as we dig into God's Word. Grab a cup of coffee, put us in the background, and let's read this amazing book together. 
Today's Text if you are following along:
Matthew 18:15-35
Acts 25:13-27
Psalm 41
Leviticus 11-13
 
Continue the conversation on our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/5879162978841385 
Want to follow along with us? Get the Message Devotional Bible HERE! https://amzn.to/3IBtT6F 
Need a LARGE PRINT VERSION? -- https://amzn.to/3IO01nJ
The Message Devotional Bible (Hardcover): Featuring Notes and Reflections
from Eugene H. Peterson
Find Your Way in Scripture.Scripture is another world. One we find our way into. And one that finds its way into us. Steeped in Scripture, Eugene Peterson’s faith-filled reflections open the door.The Message Devotional Bible invites you on a journey―call it practicing resurrection, call it eating this book, or call it simply a long obedience in the same direction. From the pastor who translated the entire Bible, The Message Devotional Bible sets you on the right path―devoted not just to the Bible but to God, who, in Jesus, became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.Open the door between Scripture and your world.From Eugene . . .
Over 600 scriptural insights
52 contemplative readings
Introductions to the books and genres of the Bible
Plus . . .
More than 400 reflection questions
9 neighborhood-themed articles

Journey Through The Message 43 | Whoever Becomes Simple Again

How high do you want to rank in God's kingdom? Are you ready to become simple again? Have faith like a child? It's funny that Jesus doesn't list a bunch of rules to follow or things to do. As we join Paul, he is with Festus but not having a "festus" kind of day and you can tell he is tired of playing games. He is bold in his faith and knows the law and how to use it. And as we close today in Leviticus, we see God punishing some of the priests for not following directions in their worship and sacrifices. Sometimes I wish God would intervene like that today with some of the people that call themselves preachers. The Gospel doesn't need you to fluff it up or make it anything that it isn't. God's love and his work on the cross is good enough! Join us as we Journey through some important passages and have a little fun doing it! 
 
Join my wife and me as we read through the Bible in The Message version this year! Put a fresh set of eyes on the Bible with this beautiful translation and enjoy a little back and forth as we dig into God's Word. Grab a cup of coffee, put us in the background, and let's read this amazing book together. 
Today's Text if you are following along:
Matthew 18:1-14
Acts 25:1-12
Psalm 40
Leviticus 8-10
 
Continue the conversation on our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/5879162978841385 
Want to follow along with us? Get the Message Devotional Bible HERE! https://amzn.to/3IBtT6F 
Need a LARGE PRINT VERSION? -- https://amzn.to/3IO01nJ
The Message Devotional Bible (Hardcover): Featuring Notes and Reflections
from Eugene H. Peterson
Find Your Way in Scripture.Scripture is another world. One we find our way into. And one that finds its way into us. Steeped in Scripture, Eugene Peterson’s faith-filled reflections open the door.The Message Devotional Bible invites you on a journey―call it practicing resurrection, call it eating this book, or call it simply a long obedience in the same direction. From the pastor who translated the entire Bible, The Message Devotional Bible sets you on the right path―devoted not just to the Bible but to God, who, in Jesus, became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.Open the door between Scripture and your world.From Eugene . . .
Over 600 scriptural insights
52 contemplative readings
Introductions to the books and genres of the Bible
Plus . . .
More than 400 reflection questions
9 neighborhood-themed articles

Smooth Talking Honey Tongued Seductress | Journey Through Proverbs 7

A Proverb a Day Keeps the Police Away! Join me as we read through the book of Proverbs in the Message Version this month! Have you ever met a smooth-talking honey-tongued seductress? Don't allow temptations to knock you off course! Today's reading is packed full of wisdom, insight, and good instruction for living to keep you on the right path!

Always Cooking Up Something Nasty | Journey Through Proverbs 6

A Proverb a Day Keeps the Police Away! Join me as we read through the book of Proverbs in the Message Version this month! Have you ever wondered what God hates? How about learning lessons from an ant? Today's reading is packed full of wisdom, insight, and good instruction for living to keep you on the right path!
 
Videos for this series are available on my YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@setfree247 

Nothing But Sin and Bones | Journey Through Proverbs 5

A Proverb a Day Keeps the Police Away! Join me as we read through the book of Proverbs in the Message Version this month! Why should you allow strangers to take advantage of you? Why be exploited by those who care nothing for you? We learn today that it is OK to have good boundaries in your life, especially when you are helping someone! Today's reading is packed full of wisdom, insight, and good instruction for living to keep you on the right path!
 
Videos for this series are available on my YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@setfree247 

Live Long and Shine Bright | Journey Through Proverbs 4

A Proverb a Day Keeps the Police Away! Join me as we read through the book of Proverbs in the Message Version this month! Have you ever met someone and they just had a certain glow about them? In Proverbs 4 we learn that right living people glow with light and the longer they live, the brighter they shine! Today's reading is packed full of wisdom, insight, and good instruction for living to keep you on the right path!
 
Videos for this series are available on my YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@setfree247