The devotional centers on the profound significance of Gideon naming his altar 'The Lord is Peace,' emphasizing that God Himself is not merely the source of peace but is peace incarnate, revealed through the Hebrew concept of shalom—encompassing wholeness, harmony, safety, and divine covenantal faithfulness. It explores how this divine identity calls believers to anchor their minds and hearts in God's unchanging nature, trusting that His peace transcends circumstances and is cultivated through focused faith, not emotional states. Drawing from key passages like Isaiah 26:3 and John 14:27, the message underscores that true peace is not derived from external conditions but from a steadfast orientation toward God, who is the ultimate source and sustainer of shalom. The preacher calls the audience to embrace this truth as a daily spiritual discipline, allowing God's peace to guard the mind and transform life in every sphere, from family to work to personal trials. Ultimately, the sermon invites a posture of trust and worship, rooted in the conviction that God's very being is peace, and that His presence is the foundation of lasting well-being.

Immersed 1 Corinthians 10:1–13 | Romans 6:1–11 | Numbers Central Truth: Baptism does not save us. It publicly declares that we have personally trusted Jesus Christ, been united with Him in His death and resurrection, and received newness of life through Him. This message explores the meaning of believer's baptism through Israel's wilderness journey, the saving work of Jesus Christ, and the personal testimony of a life transformed by His grace. Paul reminds the Corinthians that all Israel experienced God's deliverance from Egypt, passed through the sea, and received His supernatural provision. Yet many remained in unbelief. They were delivered out of Egypt, but Egypt had not been delivered out of their hearts. Their experience illustrates that belonging to a religious community or family does not replace personal faith in the Lord. Paul describes Israel as being baptized into Moses, identifying them with God's appointed leader. Yet Moses, despite his faithfulness, could not redeem their souls. He pointed toward the greater Mediator, Jesus Christ, who alone can save sinners. Romans 6 reveals the extraordinary reality of salvation: believers are united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Water baptism visibly portrays this spiritual reality. Going beneath the water pictures death and burial with Christ, while rising from the water pictures resurrection and the newness of life He provides. The message emphasizes that baptism is an act of obedience, not the source of salvation. Paul's distinction between preaching the gospel and administering baptism in 1 Corinthians 1:17 demonstrates the importance of placing our confidence in Christ rather than a rel

This devotional explores the concept of spiritual maturity by contrasting infantile reliance on basic truths with the capacity for discernment found in solid food. It argues that true growth is not merely an accumulation of doctrinal knowledge but the practical application of biblical principles through constant practice. The preacher emphasizes that God desires hearts conformed to Christ's image rather than heads filled with contradictory facts. Spiritual maturity is evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit, particularly love for God and neighbor, which flows from a life of obedience. Ultimately, believers are assured that God's grace actively works to persevere in their growth until they reach final salvation.

This sermon explores the causes of a heavy heart by examining biblical figures like Esau, David, Ahab, and Naomi who experienced rejection, regret, unfulfilled expectations, and loss. It identifies the primary remedy for such sorrow as receiving a good word from God's Word, particularly through Psalms and Proverbs. The preacher emphasizes that choosing joy and maintaining a merry heart acts as spiritual medicine that sustains the spirit and improves physical health. Believers are encouraged to reject negative influences and instead focus on the hope of eternity and God's providence. Ultimately, the message calls for an intentional choice to find gladness in Scripture rather than dwelling in despair.

BJU equips students to impact the world as they live for truth, seize opportunities and embrace life experiences. Standing on the authority of the Bible, BJU shapes heads, hearts and backbones for Christ by equipping students to lead lives of integrity and influence others for God's glory. www.bju.edu 146

Welcome and thank you for joining Huisache Avenue Baptist Church livestream!

Ecclesiastes 7:3 "Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better." King James Version

God sees all things at all times. The believer sees things clearly by reading and applying the Bible to life. Develop "spiritual eyesight" by regular feeding on the Word of God, the bread of life. Elisha was given "spiritual eyes" to know that the Lord is in control and protecting His people, 2 Kings 6:8-23. Proverbs 15:3, The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good. In 2 Chronicles 16:9, it says the eyes of the LORD go "to and fro" throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong and to support people whose hearts are completely devoted to Him. It also warns that acting foolishly brings war from that point on.

The sermon explores the metaphor of Israel as a backsliding heifer who is transformed into a submissive, serving creature through God's grace. It identifies the root of spiritual decline as a lack of knowledge of God and a rejection of His truth, leading to moral corruption and stubbornness. The message emphasises that God restores backsliders by giving them a new nature, turning their hearts from stone to flesh so they can receive His word with hunger and sensitivity. This transformation results in obedience, where believers learn to serve under God's yoke and are supplied with spiritual nourishment along the way. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a life of surrendered service, promising that those who break up the fallow ground of their lives will experience the showers of blessing and revival.