Being Podcast

Hey There!Welcome to the Being Podcast.  Today's podcast is a Monday Meditation.  Monday Meditations will be a second release weekly on Mondays and will feature different focus areas than the Thursday Scripture meditation.Today we'll be focusing on the fact that you have value.   Thomas Merton said "Prayer does not blind us to the world, but it transforms our vision of the world, and makes us see it, all men, and all the history of mankind, in the light of God."  Invite God to give you a new filter in the moments of today.  Let Him transform your day in His light.You can find more information at:thebeingpodcast.comSupport the show

Hey There!Welcome to the Being Podcast.  Today's podcast is a Monday Meditation.  Monday Meditations will be a second release weekly on Mondays and will feature different focus areas than the Thursday Scripture meditation.Today we'll be focusing on the fact that you have value.   Thomas Merton said "What am I?  I am myself a word spoken by God.  Can God speak a word that does not have any meaning?”  You are made in the image of God, with the breath of God.  You have infinite value.  You have meaning.  Focus on that today.You can find more information at:thebeingpodcast.comSupport the show

Hello!Welcome to the Being Podcast.  Today we're continuing through Season 4: Love!  1 John 4:8 says that our God is love.  Not loving, not super duper good at love, he is love in it's essence.  Love Is unable to exist without the literal adhesion to our God's character.  We can be desensitized to the word love, over this next season we'll be allowing God and the literal presence of love to reactivate our attentions by giving focusing and meditating on some of the most powerful scriptures on love.  Today we'll be exploring 1 Corinthians 13:1-7___________________________________________You can find links and episode updates at www.thebeingpodcast.comThanks for listening!Love Is the Greatest1 Corinthians 13:1-713 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God's secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn't love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would have gained nothing.4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.Support the show

Hey There!Welcome to the Being Podcast.  Today's podcast is a Monday Meditation.  Monday Meditations will be a second release weekly on Mondays and will feature different focus areas than the Thursday Scripture meditation.Today we'll be focusing on letting go of expectations.  Sometimes we hold onto pressure and stress that no one put on us but ourselves.  Sometimes we have to just let go of those expectations.  Life happens.  That's okay. You can find more information at:thebeingpodcast.comSupport the show

Hello!Welcome to the Being Podcast.  Today we're continuing through Season 4: Love!  1 John 4:8 says that our God is love.  Not loving, not super duper good at love, he is love in it's essence.  Love Is unable to exist without the literal adhesion to our God's character.  We can be desensitized to the word love, over this next season we'll be allowing God and the literal presence of love to reactivate our attentions by giving focusing and meditating on some of the most powerful scriptures on love.  Today we'll be exploring 1 John 4:13-19___________________________________________You can find links and episode updates at www.thebeingpodcast.comThanks for listening!Loving One Another1 John 4:13-19 And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. 14 Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love.God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 19 We love each other because he loved us first.Support the show

Hey There!Welcome to the Being Podcast.  Today's podcast is a Monday Meditation.  Monday Meditations will be a second release weekly on Mondays and will feature different focus areas than the Thursday Scripture meditation.Today we'll be trying to "fix our thoughts".  Philippians 4:8 calls us to fix our thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.   This week we'll try doing that with a Monday Meditation.  We'll focus on focusing on things you can be grateful for.  Things that are good.You can find more information at:thebeingpodcast.comSupport the show

Hey There!Welcome to the Being Podcast.  Today's podcast is a Monday Meditation.  Monday Meditations will be a second release weekly on Mondays and will feature different focus areas than the Thursday Scripture meditation.Today we'll be trying to "capture our thoughts".  2 Corinthians 10:5 calls us to take every thought captive, so this week we'll try doing that with a Monday Meditation.  We'll focus on allowing yourself to think, to process, to not chase away your thoughts, but notice them, and then refuse them.You can find more information at:thebeingpodcast.comSupport the show

Hello!Welcome to the Being Podcast.  Today we're continuing through Season 4: Love!  1 John 4:8 says that our God is love.  Not loving, not super duper good at love, he is love in it's essence.  Love Is unable to exist without the literal adhesion to our God's character.  We can be desensitized to the word love, over this next season we'll be allowing God and the literal presence of love to reactivate our attentions by giving focusing and meditating on some of the most powerful scriptures on love.  Today we'll be exploring 1 John 4:7-12___________________________________________You can find links and episode updates atwww.thebeingpodcast.comThanks for listening!Loving One Another1 John 4:7-12Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.Support the show

Hello There!Welcome to the Being podcast!  The Being podcast is a spiritual meditation podcast to give you a moment in the week to breathe, rest, and just... be.  There's a quote that says "you're a human being, not a human doing", and that emphasizes my hope for you with this podcast!We'll be diving into Season 4 on the focus of "Love".  Love is a word that has lost a lot of meaning for us over time, but scripture says our God IS Love.  We'll be meditating on what scripture has to say about love, how we can receive it, express it, and become it.I hope you enjoy it, and I hope you're encouraged.Remember, you're a human being,not a human doing.- Matt V.Support the show

Hey There!Welcome to the Being Podcast.  It's been awhile, so if you're a longtime listener, welcome back!  Sorry it's been a bit, but we're back now and I can't wait to get started with the new season.  If you're new, then welcome in, we can't wait to help you focus more on "being" rather than "doing".  If you can, rate and review this podcast so others can find it, and share it so others can "be" alongside you!You can find more information at:thebeingpodcast.comSupport the show

Hello!Welcome to the Being Podcast.  Today we're continuing through Season 3: Prophets!  The prophets spoke truth to God's people.  In many scenarios this is a hard truth of correction or rebuke, but much of it is a call to identity.  While these books are references of a specific message for a specific people, the beauty of scripture is that much of what they are told then are things we need to be reminded of today.  Today we'll be exploring Lamentations 3:25-26___________________________________________Alongside Season 3 we're adding a bunch of extra content for you!  Beginning the first week in July we'll be launching Monday Meditations, which will be a weekly meditation podcast available in addition to a weekly scripture meditation on wednesdays!  We will also be adding a YouTube channel and are proud to announce that we'll be starting a Patreon!Patreon is the best way for you to support the channel and get extra access to things along with special merch and early access!www.patreon.com/beingpodcastYou can find links and episode updates at www.thebeingpodcast.comThanks for listening!Lamentations 3:25-26“The Lord is good to those who depend on him,to those who search for him.So it is good to wait quietlyfor salvation from the Lord."Support the show

Hello!Welcome to the Being Podcast.  Today we're continuing through Season 3: Prophets!  The prophets spoke truth to God's people.  In many scenarios this is a hard truth of correction or rebuke, but much of it is a call to identity.  While these books are references of a specific message for a specific people, the beauty of scripture is that much of what they are told then are things we need to be reminded of today.  Today we'll be exploring Isaiah 44.___________________________________________Alongside Season 3 we're adding a bunch of extra content for you!  Beginning the first week in July we'll be launching Monday Meditations, which will be a weekly meditation podcast available in addition to a weekly scripture meditation on wednesdays!  We will also be adding a YouTube channel and are proud to announce that we'll be starting a Patreon!Patreon is the best way for you to support the channel and get extra access to things along with special merch and early access!www.patreon.com/beingpodcastYou can find links and episode updates at www.thebeingpodcast.comThanks for listening!Isaiah 44:21-23“Pay attention, O Jacob,    for you are my servant, O Israel.I, the Lord, made you,    and I will not forget you.I have swept away your sins like a cloud.    I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist.Oh, return to me,    for I have paid the price to set you free.Sing, O heavens, for the Lord has done this wondrous thing.    Shout for joy, O depths of the earth!Break into song,    O mountains and forests and every tree!For the Lord has redeemed Jacob    and is glorified in Israel."Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hey There!Welcome to the Being Podcast.  Today's podcast is a Monday Meditation.  Monday Meditations will be a second release weekly on Mondays and will feature different focus areas than the Wednesday Scripture meditation.You can support this podcast at:patreon.com/beingpodcastYou can find more information at:thebeingpodcast.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hello!Welcome to the Being Podcast.  Today we're continuing through Season 3: Prophets!  The prophets spoke truth to God's people.  In many scenarios this is a hard truth of correction or rebuke, but much of it is a call to identity.  While these books are references of a specific message for a specific people, the beauty of scripture is that much of what they are told then are things we need to be reminded of today.  Today we'll be exploring Zephaniah 3.___________________________________________Alongside Season 3 we're adding a bunch of extra content for you!  Beginning the first week in July we'll be launching Monday Meditations, which will be a weekly meditation podcast available in addition to a weekly scripture meditation on wednesdays!  We will also be adding a YouTube channel and are proud to announce that we'll be starting a Patreon!Patreon is the best way for you to support the channel and get extra access to things along with special merch and early access!www.patreon.com/beingpodcastYou can find links and episode updates at www.thebeingpodcast.comThanks for listening!Zephaniah 3:14-20"Sing, O daughter of Zion;    shout aloud, O Israel!Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,    O daughter of Jerusalem!For the Lord will remove his hand of judgment    and will disperse the armies of your enemy.And the Lord himself, the King of Israel,    will live among you!At last your troubles will be over,    and you will never again fear disaster.On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be,    “Cheer up, Zion! Don't be afraid!For the Lord your God is living among you.    He is a mighty savior.He will take delight in you with gladness.    With his love, he will calm all your fears.    He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”“I will gather you who mourn for the appointed festivals;    you will be disgraced no more.And I will deal severely with all who have oppressed you.    I will save the weak and helpless ones;I will bring together    those who were chased away.I will give glory and fame to my former exiles,    wherever they have been mocked and shamed.On that day I will gather you together    and bring you home again.I will give you a good name, a name of distinction,    among all the nations of the earth,as I restore your fortunes before their very eyes.    I, the Lord, have spoken!”Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hey There!Welcome to the Being Podcast.  Today's podcast is a Monday Meditation.  Monday Meditations will be a second release weekly on Mondays and will feature different focus areas than the Wednesday Scripture meditation.Today we'll be trying to be more present.  Life is easy to sprint by sometimes, and it can more challenging but more fulfilling to be completely present in each day.  Today's episode is all about "increasing the you in the room".  No matter how distant or inattentive you are, to bring that back into focus and aware in the "here and now".You can support this podcast at:patreon.com/beingpodcastYou can find more information at:thebeingpodcast.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hello!Welcome to the Being Podcast.  Today we're continuing through Season 3: Prophets!  The prophets spoke truth to God's people.  In many scenarios this is a hard truth of correction or rebuke, but much of it is a call to identity.  While these books are references of a specific message for a specific people, the beauty of scripture is that much of what they are told then are things we need to be reminded of today.  Today we'll be exploring Isaiah 40 with our guest Austin Wickum!___________________________________________Alongside Season 3 we're adding a bunch of extra content for you!  Beginning the first week in July we'll be launching Monday Meditations, which will be a weekly meditation podcast available in addition to a weekly scripture meditation on wednesdays!  We will also be adding a YouTube channel and are proud to announce that we'll be starting a Patreon!Patreon is the best way for you to support the channel and get extra access to things along with special merch and early access!www.patreon.com/beingpodcastYou can find links and episode updates at www.thebeingpodcast.comThanks for listening!Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hey There!Welcome to the Being Podcast.  Today's podcast is a Monday Meditation.  Monday Meditations will be a second release weekly on Mondays and will feature different focus areas than the Wednesday Scripture meditation.Today we'll be going over silence, something available to everyone but avoided by most of us.  Something I've found helpful is when I know an expectation for silence.  Something else can be responsible for keeping me on track, and I don't have to check my phone.  So that's my challenge for you!  Put your phone away and experience 2 minute of true silence.You can support this podcast at:patreon.com/beingpodcastYou can find more information at:thebeingpodcast.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hello!Welcome to the Being Podcast.  Today we're continuing through Season 3: Prophets!  The prophets spoke truth to God's people.  In many scenarios this is a hard truth of correction or rebuke, but much of it is a call to identity.  While these books are references of a specific message for a specific people, the beauty of scripture is that much of what they are told then are things we need to be reminded of today.  Today we'll be exploring Lamentations 3:22-25 in which the we are reminded that God's love is always present, and his mercies are new every morning.___________________________________________Alongside Season 3 we're adding a bunch of extra content for you!  Beginning the first week in July we'll be launching Monday Meditations, which will be a weekly meditation podcast available in addition to a weekly scripture meditation on wednesdays!  We will also be adding a YouTube channel and are proud to announce that we'll be starting a Patreon!Patreon is the best way for you to support the channel and get extra access to things along with special merch and early access!www.patreon.com/beingpodcastYou can find links and episode updates at www.thebeingpodcast.comThanks for listening!Lamentations 3:22-24The faithful love of the Lord never ends!    His mercies never cease.23 Great is his faithfulness;    his mercies begin afresh each morning.24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;    therefore, I will hope in him!”Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hey There!Welcome to the Being Podcast!  Today we're going through a Monday Meditation.  Monday Meditations will be a second release weekly on Mondays and will feature different focus areas than the Wednesday Scripture meditation.Today we'll be going over the Lord's Prayer, something familiar that loses it's meaning to us many times.  Take a moment now to pray and just be.You can support this podcast at:patreon.com/beingpodcastYou can find more information at:thebeingpodcast.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hello!Welcome to the Being Podcast.  Today is the third episode of Season 3: Prophets!  The prophets spoke truth to God's people.  In many scenarios this is a hard truth of correction or rebuke, but much of it is a call to identity.  While these books are references of a specific message for a specific people, the beauty of scripture is that much of what they are told then are things we need to be reminded of today.  Today we'll be exploring Isaiah 43:14-21 in which the God speaks the the new work He is going to do in and through His people.  A new thing that brings refreshment, and water in the desert.___________________________________________Alongside Season 3 we're adding a bunch of extra content for you!  Beginning the first week in July we'll be launching Monday Meditations, which will be a weekly meditation podcast available in addition to a weekly scripture meditation on wednesdays!  We will also be adding a YouTube channel and are proud to announce that we'll be starting a Patreon!Patreon is the best way for you to support the channel and get extra access to things along with special merch and early access!www.patreon.com/beingpodcastYou can find links and episode updates at www.thebeingpodcast.comThanks for listening!Isaiah 43:14-21The Lord's Promise of Victory"This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:“For your sakes I will send an army against Babylon,    forcing the Babylonians to flee in those ships they are so proud of.I am the Lord, your Holy One,    Israel's Creator and King.I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters,    making a dry path through the sea.I called forth the mighty army of Egypt    with all its chariots and horses.I drew them beneath the waves, and they drowned,    their lives snuffed out like a smoldering candlewick.“But forget all that—    it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.For I am about to do something new.    See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?I will make a pathway through the wilderness.    I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.The wild animals in the fields will thank me,    the jackals and owls, too,    for giving them water in the desert.Yes, I will make rivers in the dry wasteland    so my chosen people can be refreshed.I have made Israel for myself,    and they will someday honor me before the whole world."Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hey There!Welcome to our very first Monday Meditation.  Monday Meditations will be a second release weekly on Mondays and will feature different focus areas than the Wednesday Scripture meditation.Today we'll be going over silence, something available to everyone but avoided by most of us.  Something I've found helpful is when I know an expectation for silence.  Something else can be responsible for keeping me on track, and I don't have to check my phone.  So that's my challenge for you!  Put your phone away and experience 1 minute of true silence.You can support this podcast at:patreon.com/beingpodcastYou can find more information at:thebeingpodcast.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hello!Welcome to the Being Podcast.  Today is the second episode of Season 3: Prophets!  The prophets spoke truth to God's people.  In many scenarios this is a hard truth of correction or rebuke, but much of it is a call to identity.  While these books are references of a specific message for a specific people, the beauty of scripture is that much of what they are told then are things we need to be reminded of today.  Today we'll be exploring Habakkuk 3 in which the people of God are faced with a dire situation.  The writers response is remarkable.___________________________________________Alongside Season 3 we're adding a bunch of extra content for you!  Beginning the first week in July we'll be launching Monday Meditations, which will be a weekly meditation podcast available in addition to a weekly scripture meditation on wednesdays!  We will also be adding a YouTube channel and are proud to announce that we'll be starting a Patreon!Patreon is the best way for you to support the channel and get extra access to things along with special merch and early access!www.patreon.com/beingpodcastYou can find links and episode updates at www.thebeingpodcast.comThanks for listening!Habakkuk 3:17-19"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,    and there are no grapes on the vines;even though the olive crop fails,    and the fields lie empty and barren;even though the flocks die in the fields,    and the cattle barns are empty,yet I will rejoice in the Lord!    I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!The Sovereign Lord is my strength!    He makes me as surefooted as a deer,    able to tread upon the heights."Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hey There!Welcome to our very first Monday Meditation.  Monday Meditations will be a second release weekly on Mondays and will feature different focus areas than the Wednesday Scripture meditation.Today we'll be going over breathing, and how even though you take a breath, you may not be getting the most out of it.You can support this podcast at:patreon.com/beingpodcastYou can find more information at:thebeingpodcast.comSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hello!Welcome to the Being Podcast.  Today is the first episode of Season 3: Prophets!  The prophets spoke truth to God's people.  In many scenarios this is a hard truth of correction or rebuke, but much of it is a call to identity.  While these books are references of a specific message for a specific people, the beauty of scripture is that much of what they are told then are things we need to be reminded of today.  Today we'll be exploring Isaiah 43 which focuses on a call to remember that we are loved, and we are God's people.  He chooses us, and associates Himself with us.___________________________________________Alongside Season 3 we're adding a bunch of extra content for you!  Beginning the first week in July we'll be launching Monday Meditations, which will be a weekly meditation podcast available in addition to a weekly scripture meditation on wednesdays!  We will also be adding a YouTube channel and are proud to announce that we'll be starting a Patreon!Patreon is the best way for you to support the channel and get extra access to things along with special merch and early access!www.patreon.com/beingpodcastYou can find links and episode updates at www.thebeingpodcast.comThanks for listening!Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hey There!Welcome to the Being Podcast.  We're coming up on Season 3, and along with that we're adding a bunch of extra content for you!  Beginning the first week in July we'll be launching Monday Meditations, which will be a weekly meditation podcast available in addition to a weekly scripture meditation on wednesdays!  We will also be adding a YouTube channel and are proud to announce that we'll be starting a Patreon!Patreon is the best way for you to support the channel and get extra access to things along with special merch and early access!www.patreon.com/beingpodcastYou can find links and episode updates at www.thebeingpodcast.comThanks for listening!Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hello!Today is the final episode of Season 2 of the Being Podcast: New Life. We'll be wrapping up the season by going back to the beginning.  We'll be reading through Genesis 1, remembering God's intention for life from the beginning, and that He is a creative God.There's some exciting things coming up soon, so don't miss out on the new things to come, and continue to take moments to "be" throughout your week!Follow us on Instagram @being.podcastSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hello!We're in Season 2 of the Being Podcast: New Life.  Today we'll be going through Psalm 33, a passage of hope.“While optimism makes us live as if someday soon things will soon go better for us, hope frees us from the need to predict the future and allows us to live in the present, with the deep trust that God will never leave us alone but will fulfill the deepest desires of our heart... Joy in this perspective is the fruit of hope.” ― Henri J.M. NouwenPsalm 33"1 Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord;    it is fitting for the pure to praise him.2 Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre;    make music for him on the ten-stringed harp.3 Sing a new song of praise to him;    play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy.4 For the word of the Lord holds true,    and we can trust everything he does.5 He loves whatever is just and good;    the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.6 The Lord merely spoke,    and the heavens were created.He breathed the word,    and all the stars were born.7 He assigned the sea its boundaries    and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs.8 Let the whole world fear the Lord,    and let everyone stand in awe of him.9 For when he spoke, the world began!    It appeared at his command.10 The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations    and thwarts all their schemes.11 But the Lord's plans stand firm forever;    his intentions can never be shaken.12 What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord,    whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.13 The Lord looks down from heaven    and sees the whole human race.14 From his throne he observes    all who live on the earth.15 He made their hearts,    so he understands everything they do.16 The best-equipped army cannot save a king,    nor is great strength enough to save a warrior.17 Don't count on your warhorse to give you victory—    for all its strength, it cannot save you.18 But the Lord watches over those who fear him,    those who rely on his unfailing love.19 He rescues them from death    and keeps them alive in times of famine.20 We put our hope in the Lord.    He is our help and our shield.21 In him our hearts rejoice,    for we trust in his holy name.22 Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord,    for our hope is in you alone."Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hello!We're in Season 2 of the Being Podcast: New Life.  Today we'll be going through 12:9-18, a passage instructing us how to live a life of love.Rev. Martin Luther King Jr."Love is the greatest force in the universe. It is the heartbeat of the moral cosmos. He who loves is a participant in the being of God."Romans 12:9-18"Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.14 Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.16 Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone."Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hello!We're in Season 2 of the Being Podcast: New Life!  Today we'll be going through 1 Peter 1:3-7, a passage that reminds us of the new life we've been promised, and the hope ahead.1 Peter 1:3-7"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.6 So be truly glad.  There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world."Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hello!We're in Season 2 of the Being Podcast: New Life!  Today we'll be going through Psalm 104.  This passage is a journey of the psalmist seeing creation with a fresh set of eyes, and then seeing the creator in it, seeing all life around him as a gift. I hope you are reminded of the creation and life around you, and can see it as a gift.Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hello!We're in Season 2 of the Being Podcast: New Life!  Today we'll be going through Proverbs 27:17-27.  We're going to treat it a bit different since the content is much simpler and straight forward.  I'll read through the passage twice, once for your to hear and process it, and a second time for you to mediate on it and ask God to show how you can apply this wisdom do your life.Your Face Mirrors Your Heart17 You use steel to sharpen steel,    and one friend sharpens another.18 If you care for your orchard, you'll enjoy its fruit;if you honor your boss, you'll be honored.19 Just as water mirrors your face,so your face mirrors your heart.20 Hell has a voracious appetite,and lust just never quits.21 The purity of silver and gold is tested    by putting them in the fire;The purity of human hearts is tested    by giving them a little fame.22 Pound on a fool all you like—you can't pound out foolishness.23-27 Know your sheep by name;    carefully attend to your flocks;(Don't take them for granted;    possessions don't last forever, you know.)And then, when the crops are in    and the harvest is stored in the barns,You can knit sweaters from lambs' wool,    and sell your goats for a profit;There will be plenty of milk and meat    to last your family through the winter.Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hello!We're in Season 2 of the Being Podcast: New Life!  Today we'll be going through Romans 5:3-11, a passage of Jesus laying down his life to give us life, and make us friends of God.Romans 5:3-11"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God."Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hello!We're in Season 2 of the Being Podcast: New Life!  Today we'll be going through Psalm 65:5-13, a passage of all the life God gives and brings and sustains.Psalm 65:5-13"You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds,   O God our savior.You are the hope of everyone on earth,    even those who sail on distant seas.You formed the mountains by your power    and armed yourself with mighty strength.You quieted the raging oceans    with their pounding waves    and silenced the shouting of the nations.Those who live at the ends of the earth    stand in awe of your wonders.From where the sun rises to where it sets,    you inspire shouts of joy.You take care of the earth and water it,    making it rich and fertile.The river of God has plenty of water;    it provides a bountiful harvest of grain,    for you have ordered it so.You drench the plowed ground with rain,    melting the clods and leveling the ridges.You soften the earth with showers    and bless its abundant crops.You crown the year with a bountiful harvest;    even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture,    and the hillsides blossom with joy.The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep,    and the valleys are carpeted with grain.    They all shout and sing for joy!"Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hello!We're in Season 2 of the Being Podcast: New Life!  Today we'll be going through John 1:6-18, a passage continuing off of last weeks meditation.  The light has come into the world.  God's unfailing love has come through Jesus Christ.John 1:6-18"God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son.John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.'”From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God's unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father's heart. He has revealed God to us."Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hello!We're in Season 2 of the Being Podcast: New Life!  Today we'll be going through John 1:1-5, a passage of scripture bringing us back to the beginning.  In the beginning was the Word.  All things were created through him, and gave life to everything.  We'll spend time reflecting on this well-known passage and allow God to illuminate new truths within it.John 1:1-5In the beginning the Word already existed.    The Word was with God,    and the Word was God.He existed in the beginning with God.God created everything through him,    and nothing was created except through him.The Word gave life to everything that was created,    and his life brought light to everyone.The light shines in the darkness,    and the darkness can never extinguish it.Support the show

Hello!We're in Season 2 of the Being Podcast: New Life!  Today is an open instrumental for you to use in your own meditation.  You can read scripture while listening to this, or use it as an easy transition into your morning!Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hey There!This week is Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter Sunday.  We're going to be reading through the passages of scripture that tell the story of Easter Thursday through Sunday.Today is Easter Sunday!  Happy Easter.  Today marks the day of victory over death, as Jesus resurrected on the 3rd day.  We believe this marks God's plan of restoring all that is broken back to Him, through the conquering of death.These Easter readings are meant to be a time to reflect on the story of New Life through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus as told in the Gospels.  These would be a great time to gather your family and listen together as a moment after dinner, reflection before bed, or midday break to remind yourself of the story of Easter.Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hey There!This week is Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter Sunday.  We're going to be reading through the passages of scripture that tell the story of Easter Thursday through Sunday.Today is Holy Saturday. On this day, the world was silent.  Jesus was dead.  It was real.  He was in the tomb.  It was a day of silence for those who had loved and followed Jesus so closely.  The silence would soon be broken the next day on Easter Sunday....These Easter readings are meant to be a time to reflect on the story of New Life through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus as told in the Gospels.  These would be a great time to gather your family and listen together as a moment after dinner, reflection before bed, or midday break to remind yourself of the story of Easter.Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hey There!This week is Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter Sunday.  We're going to be reading through the passages of scripture that tell the story of Easter Thursday through Sunday.Today is Good Friday. It marks the day of Jesus' death on the cross.  We remember His sacrifice on this day.These Easter readings are meant to be a time to reflect on the story of New Life through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus as told in the Gospels.  These would be a great time to gather your family and listen together as a moment after dinner, reflection before bed, or midday break to remind yourself of the story of Easter.Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hey There!This week is Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter Sunday.  We're going to be reading through the passages of scripture that tell the story of Easter Thursday through Sunday.Today is Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday. It recalls the Last Supper of Jesus with his Disciples, as described in the canonical gospels. It is the fifth day of Holy Week, preceded by Holy Wednesday and followed by Good Friday.These Easter readings are meant to be a time to reflect on the story of New Life through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus as told in the Gospels.  These would be a great time to gather your family and listen together as a moment after dinner, reflection before bed, or midday break to remind yourself of the story of Easter.Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Hello There!Welcome to the Being podcast!  The Being podcast is a spiritual meditation podcast to give you a moment in the week to breathe, rest, and just... be.  There's a quote that says "you're a human being, not a human doing", and that emphasizes my hope for you with this podcast!We're jumping into Season 2 of the Being Podcast as we move into this Spring + Easter Season!  We'll be focused on the life we have because of what Easter means for us, and the life that God wants to continue to cultivate within us, and give towards us.I hope you enjoy it, and I hope you're encouraged.Remember, you're a human being,not a human doing.- Matt V.Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Welcome to the first episode of Season 2: New Life!  Today we'll be goin through Psalm 8, a passage of scripture identifying the creation around us, and God's intention for it.Psalm 81 O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!    Your glory is higher than the heavens.2 You have taught children and infants    to tell of your strength,silencing your enemies    and all who oppose you.3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—    the moon and the stars you set in place—4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them,    human beings that you should care for them?5 Yet you made them only a little lower than God    and crowned them with glory and honor.6 You gave them charge of everything you made,    putting all things under their authority—7 the flocks and the herds    and all the wild animals,8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,    and everything that swims the ocean currents.9 O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Welcome to our journey through the Psalms.  Today is our last episode for this season!  Today's Meditation is a Lectio Divina (scripture meditation, see the very first podcast for an explanation of Lectio Divina) of Psalm 100.  It's a reminder to ground ourselves in thanksgiving and gratitude.Psalm 100A psalm of thanksgiving.1 Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!2     Worship the Lord with gladness.    Come before him, singing with joy.3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God!    He made us, and we are his.    We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving;    go into his courts with praise.    Give thanks to him and praise his name.5 For the Lord is good.    His unfailing love continues forever,    and his faithfulness continues to each generation.Support the show

Welcome to our journey through the Psalms.  Today's Meditation is a Lectio Divina (scripture meditation, see the very first podcast for an explanation of Lectio Divina) of Psalm 91.  Few passages could be more needed amidst the world's current state.  This is a reminder that God sees us, cares about us, and that we can trust Him.Psalm 911 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.2 This I declare about the Lord:He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;    he is my God, and I trust him.3 For he will rescue you from every trap    and protect you from deadly disease.4 He will cover you with his feathers.    He will shelter you with his wings.    His faithful promises are your armor and protection.5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,    nor the arrow that flies in the day.6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,    nor the disaster that strikes at midday.7 Though a thousand fall at your side,    though ten thousand are dying around you,    these evils will not touch you.8 Just open your eyes,    and see how the wicked are punished.9 If you make the Lord your refuge,    if you make the Most High your shelter,10 no evil will conquer you;    no plague will come near your home.11 For he will order his angels    to protect you wherever you go.12 They will hold you up with their hands    so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;    you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.    I will protect those who trust in my name.15 When they call on me, I will answer;    I will be with them in trouble.    I will rescue and honor them.16 I will reward them with a long life    and give them my salvation.”Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Welcome to our journey through the Psalms.  Today's Meditation is a Lectio Divina (scripture meditation, see the very first podcast for an explanation of Lectio Divina) of Psalm 16.  This is a beautiful reflection of remembering that all good things come from God.Psalm 161 Keep me safe, O God,    for I have come to you for refuge.2 I said to the Lord, “You are my Master!    Every good thing I have comes from you.”3 The godly people in the land    are my true heroes!    I take pleasure in them!4 Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.    I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood    or even speak the names of their gods.5 Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.    You guard all that is mine.6 The land you have given me is a pleasant land.    What a wonderful inheritance!7 I will bless the Lord who guides me;    even at night my heart instructs me.8 I know the Lord is always with me.    I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.9 No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.    My body rests in safety.10 For you will not leave my soul among the dead    or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.11 You will show me the way of life,    granting me the joy of your presence    and the pleasures of living with you forever.Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Welcome to our journey through the Psalms.  Today's Meditation is a Lectio Divina (scripture meditation, see the very first podcast for an explanation of Lectio Divina) of Psalm 66.  This is a beautiful reflection of David's encounter with God's presence.In this moment, David is gratefully reminding himself that God's presence is available in the highs and lows, that God's love was present before he was even born, and that God cares about him dearly.Psalm 66Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth!Sing about the glory of his name!    Tell the world how glorious he is.Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!    Your enemies cringe before your mighty power.Everything on earth will worship you;    they will sing your praises,    shouting your name in glorious songs.” InterludeCome and see what our God has done,    what awesome miracles he performs for peopleHe made a dry path through the Red Sea,    and his people went across on foot.    There we rejoiced in himFor by his great power he rules forever.    He watches every movement of the nations;    let no rebel rise in defiance. InterludeLet the whole world bless our God    and loudly sing his praises.Our lives are in his hands,    and he keeps our feet from stumbling.You have tested us, O God;    you have purified us like silver.You captured us in your net    and laid the burden of slavery on our backs.Then you put a leader over us.    We went through fire and flood,    but you brought us to a place of great abundance.Now I come to your Temple with burnt offerings    to fulfill the vows I made to you—yes, the sacred vows that I made    when I was in deep trouble.That is why I am sacrificing burnt offerings to you—    the best of my rams as a pleasing aroma,    and a sacrifice of bulls and male goats. InterludeCome and listen, all you who fear God,    and I will tell you what he did for me.For I cried out to him for help,    praising him as I spoke.If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,    the Lord would not have listened.But God did listen!    He paid attention to my prayer.Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer    or withdraw his unfailing love from me.Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Welcome to our journey through the Psalms.  Today's Meditation is a Lectio Divina (scripture meditation, see the very first podcast for an explanation of Lectio Divina) of Psalm 51.  This passage is David's writing after one of his greatest mistakes.  He was responsible for breaking up a family, murdering a man, and ruining his dignity.  In this passage he is crying out to God to create a new heart in him, to restore all that was good before his mistake.  To revive the life inside of him.  Amidst our huge mistakes or small errors we can be plagued with guilt much like David, and we need to experience God's unfailing love.  My hope is you can experience that through this passage.Psalm 51For the choir director: A psalm of David, regarding the time Nathan the prophet came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.Have mercy on me, O God,    because of your unfailing love.Because of your great compassion,    blot out the stain of my sins.Wash me clean from my guilt.    Purify me from my sin.For I recognize my rebellion;    it haunts me day and nightAgainst you, and you alone, have I sinned;    I have done what is evil in your sight.You will be proved right in what you say,    and your judgment against me is just.For I was born a sinner—    yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.But you desire honesty from the womb,    teaching me wisdom even there.Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.Oh, give me back my joy again;    you have broken me—    now let me rejoice.Don't keep looking at my sins.    Remove the stain of my guilt.Create in me a clean heart, O God.    Renew a loyal spirit within me.Do not banish me from your presence,    and don't take your Holy Spirit from me.Restore to me the joy of your salvation,    and make me willing to obey you.Then I will teach your ways to rebels,    and they will return to you.Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves;    then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness.Unseal my lips, O Lord,    that my mouth may praise you.Support the show

Welcome to our journey through the Psalms.  Today's Meditation is a Lectio Divina (scripture meditation, see the very first podcast for an explanation of Lectio Divina) of Psalm 146.  This passage is a perspective changer.  Sometimes we get the wrong perspectives of life, God, or ourselves, and God is calling us to gently shift them, to align them to his view, which is so much better.Psalm 146Praise the Lord!Let all that I am praise the Lord.I will praise the Lord as long as I live.    I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath.Don't put your confidence in powerful people;    there is no help for you there.When they breathe their last, they return to the earth,    and all their plans die with them.But joyful are those who have the God of Israel[a] as their helper,    whose hope is in the Lord their God.He made heaven and earth,    the sea, and everything in them.    He keeps every promise forever.He gives justice to the oppressed    and food to the hungry.The Lord frees the prisoners.The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down.    The Lord loves the godly.The Lord protects the foreigners among us.    He cares for the orphans and widows,    but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.The Lord will reign forever.    He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations.Praise the Lord!Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Welcome to our journey through the Psalms.  Today's Meditation is a Lectio Divina (scripture meditation, see the very first podcast for an explanation of Lectio Divina) of Psalm 118.Psalm 118:19-29Open for me the gates where the righteous enter,    and I will go in and thank the Lord.These gates lead to the presence of the Lord,    and the godly enter there.I thank you for answering my prayer    and giving me victory!The stone that the builders rejected    has now become the cornerstone.This is the Lord's doing,    and it is wonderful to see.This is the day the Lord has made.    We will rejoice and be glad in it.Please, Lord, please save us.    Please, Lord, please give us success.Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord.    We bless you from the house of the Lord.The Lord is God, shining upon us.    Take the sacrifice and bind it with cords on the altar.You are my God, and I will praise you!    You are my God, and I will exalt you!Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!    His faithful love endures forever.Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Welcome to our journey through the Psalms.  Today's Meditation is a Lectio Divina (scripture meditation, see the very first podcast for an explanation of Lectio Divina) of Psalm 62.The Psalms are a reminder that we're not alone.  They show us the vulnerable moments in life, the moments of thanking God and the moments of questioning him.  In this passage we see David betrayed by everyone around him.  We see him face relationship struggles and self-doubt, but his hope always rests back on a God that never leaves him or lets him down.Psalm 62:1-8I wait quietly before God,    for my victory comes from him.He alone is my rock and my salvation,    my fortress where I will never be shaken.So many enemies against one man—    all of them trying to kill me.To them I'm just a broken-down wall    or a tottering fence.They plan to topple me from my high position.    They delight in telling lies about me.They praise me to my face    but curse me in their hearts.Let all that I am wait quietly before God,    for my hope is in him.He alone is my rock and my salvation,    my fortress where I will not be shaken.My victory and honor come from God alone.    He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.O my people, trust in him at all times.    Pour out your heart to him,    for God is our refuge.Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)

Welcome to our journey through the Psalms.  Today's Meditation is a Lectio Divina (scripture meditation, see the very first podcast for an explanation of Lectio Divina) of Psalm 13.The Psalms are a reminder that we're not alone.  They show us the vulnerable moments in life, the moments of thanking God and the moments of questioning him.  In this passage we see David experiencing tragedies through life, but his redemptive view at the end of it.  I hope this passage can be a reminder to you that you're not alone, in your questions or in your praises.Psalm 13O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?    How long will you look the other way?How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,    with sorrow in my heart every day?    How long will my enemy have the upper hand?Turn and answer me, O Lord my God!    Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.Don't let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!”    Don't let them rejoice at my downfall.But I trust in your unfailing love.    I will rejoice because you have rescued me.I will sing to the Lord    because he is good to me.Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/beingpodcast)