Celtic Preacher

You may feel uncertain, yet deeply alive. Uncomfortable, yet aware that something is quietly unfolding. This is a liminal space, a threshold between what it was and what is yet to be. Something has ended, and the new thing isn't quite here. Waiting is purposeful with God.   Text Acts 1:1-11

What if God's guidance doesn't always come as we expect it? This teaching explores the surprising ways God leads us, often gently, sometimes dramatically, inviting us to change our expectations and how we live. Text Acts 11  

In a world filled with numerous voices, opinions, and beliefs, how can we recognize the voice of God? Today, Jesus offers a straightforward, soul-centered practice that can help you discern God's guidance for your life. (John 10) 

We've all heard the phrase "just get over it," but what if you're unable to? When we find ourselves trapped in feelings of shame, failure, or grief, Jesus reaches out to us in many ways, helping us break free from the past. This isn't about erasing our history but reframing it to offer a way forward, beyond our painful memories. The text is John 21, Peter, and the dreaded charcoal fire. 

Today, we explore the quiet, often hidden, struggle of doubt – the common dilemma we face when trusting God feels nearly impossible. Like Thomas, who needed to see and touch before he could believe, many of us wrestle with uncertainty, unanswered prayers, and the silence of God. But doubt isn't the end of the story. John 20 

On that first Easter morning, something new began. The risen Christ came not with a fanfare, but with tenderness, meeting each heart's need. He says he has no trouble finding you!  Luke 24:1-12.  .

It's challenging when our plans fall apart, our expectations go unmet, and every door seems closed. Jesus' friends faced this in the final week of His life. We face this too. How do we navigate the tension between our hopes and what God is doing? Palm Sunday text: Luke 19:28-40 

In a world driven by opinions and approval, Jesus shows us another way to live. If you have ever felt the tension between doing what is right and being accepted, you are not alone—the Text: Gospel of John 12—lessons from Jesus' friend, Mary of Bethany.

When We Lose Our Way-How, Did I End Up In This Mess? We all lose our way at times. We make poor decisions, feel uncertain about our purpose, and may lack direction, leading us down the wrong paths. Sometimes, our choices are deliberate and well thought out; other times, we might not even understand why our lives feel chaotic. Jesus reminds us that God relentlessly pursues and finds us, no matter our challenges. Luke 15 

Many people believe that tragedy comes from past mistakes or that God is teaching us a lesson. But is this really the case? Jesus provides insights on how to navigate a world filled with suffering. He warns that pain can either lead us away from God or bring us closer to God. Today, we will explore the themes of trust, resilience, and faith during difficult times.  Luke 13

Jesus embraced courage instead of playing it safe, inspiring us to do the same. He lived with purpose and trust, even amidst misunderstanding. He calls us to break free from fear, remain true to ourselves, and follow his remarkable example, even when it challenges us to go against the grain and step out of our comfort zone.   Luke 13 

We need all three, and yet all three can harm us. Through Jesus' example, we learned when to say No to these natural desires. There's a fine line between trusting God and the temptation to secure our needs on our own. Text Luke 4. 

In a world of differing opinions and voices, why is it so hard to truly listen, especially when the message challenges our beliefs? Today, we will explore our resistance to hearing things that don't align with what we already know or believe.  Luke 9 Text: "This is my son. Listen to Him.” 

Jesus's teaching on agape love empowers us to transcend personal feelings of like or dislike. Agape love breaks the cycle so we can experience true freedom from those who hurt us.   Text Luke 6     Love your enemies     Pod 257

In a world that often feels chaotic and out of alignment, it's easy to lose our way. This podcast explores how to regain your balance, using Jesus' timeless, practical wisdom for living the right way in this world.    Text: Matthew 5 Sermon on the Mount Pod 256  

Life is full of moments when we feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unqualified to take the next step. Like Simon Peter, one of Jesus' closest friends, we all experience those doubts and insecurities. Peter sets the example to push past feelings of inadequacy and let trust guide him forward. Luke 5 Pod 255

Life is full of transitions – some unexpected, some chosen, but all bringing their challenges. This teaching explores how God guides us through change, offering guidance and wisdom for beginning again. Text Nehemiah 8.     

Life often leaves us wondering what God is doing in our lives, especially when it's unclear if we are on the right track. God is always at work, quietly shaping us, even if it's hidden from us. John 2         Pod 253 

Jesus teaches us that the Holy Spirit is an essential, indwelling presence we all have.  We can learn how to access this extra help, preferably before our own resources run out.      Pod 252 Jesus' baptism. Text Luke 3:15-17

Curiosity, adventure, seeking, Yes, it's all a part of the drive within us. The Magi embody that spirit of adventure that we can quickly push to the side in our own lives. Restlessness isn't always a bad thing.  Text Matthew 2.   Pod 251

Today, we explore the truth that doing the right thing and saying “Yes” can still lead to struggle and inner turmoil.  Luke 1.  Mary  Pod 250

In a world where it's easy to close yourself off, this teaching explores the importance of staying open to new experiences, perspectives and the unexpected changes that come to our lives. When we resist change or shut down new information, we can miss the transformative moments that could shape our lives for the better.  Text Luke 1:5-19 Pod 249 Zachariah

When you find yourself stuck in a pattern of doing the same thing over and over again, don't despair—see it as a wake-up call from God, a chance to make lasting change. Text Luke 3:4 Pod 248.

Our minds often drift to the past or the future, reminiscing, regretting, or worrying. Jesus warns that these distractions can pull us away from what God is showing us today.  Reference: Gospel of Matthew 24. Pod 247  

It takes effort to speak the truth, even when we genuinely want to. We live in a world where deception, division, and lies are pervasive. Jesus encourages us to live courageously and speak the truth, which starts with being honest with ourselves before we can be honest with others. Reference: Gospel of John Chapter 18               Pod 246.

Worrying about the future is something we all struggle with. How do we live in such an insecure world? Jesus offers practical guidance for living when we feel like our safety net has been pulled away. Text Mark 13 Pod 245

Now Would Be A Good Time To Be Brave-Facing Fear In a world of uncertainty, it's easy to be overwhelmed by fear, worry, and apprehension. But every day, we face a choice: we can either allow fear to paralyze us or step forward in faith, trusting that God will provide for us in ways we haven't yet imagined. This kind of trust can help us overcome our fears and fill us with new possibilities. 1 Kings 17:8-16.                       Elijah's Cake                     Pod 244

Grief, change, and loss are unavoidable aspects of life. God meets us in our vulnerability, not with a promise of future assistance but with a guarantee of support in the present moment. Pod 243. John 11 Lazarus

 What Do You Want? Aligning With God's Way. "Express your heart's desire." This question from Jesus reveals the motivations behind our actions. Our impulses can misalign us with God or lead us to the right place at the right time. Mark 10 Bartimaeus Pod 242

We all have hidden agendas in our interactions. Disappointment and conflict can reveal insights about ourselves, guiding us to better understand why we do what we do. Text: Mark 10      The Zebedee Brothers.  Pod 241

Recognizing unhealthy attachments is crucial, as they often lead to suffering. When something feels off, it's a sign that change is needed. Jesus calls us to release these attachments, offering us inner freedom. This presents us with a decisive choice to make. (Mark 10). Pod 240

Heart Connections: God's Intention For Our Relationships Relationships can be life-giving and bring much joy, but they can also deplete us and cause us anxiety. Today, Jesus reminds us of God's intention for our relationships and the foundation on which they must be built to stay strong and beneficial to us. Text Mark 10 Pod 239

Defensiveness often reveals our deeper fears and insecurities as a mirror reflecting our inner struggles. It's comforting to know that Jesus uses our everyday challenges to remind us of who we are in God's eyes and guides us in choosing how to live. The text is Mark 9:38-42. Pod 238

Whatever we argue about, disagree with, and become defensive about can be a mirror to our soul, revealing our insecurities and need for validation. Jesus shows us how to step away from the need to defend ourselves. Text Mark 9            The Sons of Thunder. Pod 237  

Jesus said you 'must' learn how to deny yourself; otherwise, you have no hope of following me. What does it mean to deny oneself? What are we called to relinquish? Text Gospel of Mark 8                                    Pod 236

How do you respond when God says, "No?" It's easy to give up, withdraw, and stop asking for anything. "What's the point? God doesn't care." We might think.      That's the wrong approach, Jesus teaches. There's something to be said for persistence and tenacity. Ask and you will receive. Mark 7 Pod 235  

Contrary to popular belief, Jesus did not teach, "Don't judge." He taught us how to judge accurately, not superficially. He encouraged us to develop discernment, a skill that allows us to see beyond surface appearances and perceive the truth about people, events, and choices. Text Mark 7 Pod 239 

We can spend too much time mulling over the predicament we find ourselves in. There comes a point where we have to choose to leave fears behind and move on regardless. It's not the stunning victories in our lives that strengthen us. It's how we face profound doubts and fears and move on despite them.  The text is 1 Kings 19:4-8 The prophet Elijah is depressed and ready to give up.  Pod 233

Ever heard the phrase, "Don't be so defensive? While that advice often has its place, Scripture offers a different perspective on defense. Defending yourself is necessary, but we need wisdom on what we protect ourselves against.   Ephesians 6. The Armor of God. Pod 232

Scripture teaches us to channel anger constructively and avoid its destructive pitfalls. The spiritual work is discerning the motivation behind this intense emotion. Once we see why we are angry, we know how to proceed. The text is Ephesians 4. Pod 231

Why do we keep making the same mistakes over and over again? Are we picking the wrong partners or jobs, or do we blame someone else for our unhappiness? Why does history repeat itself? Much of the time, it's because we are not learning from our past mistakes. Learning from past mistakes is challenging because it takes brutal honesty. Exodus 16 Pod 230

Are you facing the same challenge over and over? It might feel like you're stuck in a loop, but could there be a more profound lesson behind it? In this episode, we explore how God uses repeated patterns to give us insight into ourselves and god. John 6 Philip's test Pod 229

Distinguishing my will from God's guidance and leading is an ongoing task. It's not easy to pause and reassess amidst life's reactions, but it is necessary if we desire to access the wisdom God promised us. It takes practice. Text Mark 6. Pod 228

Why do some of us give up quickly while others persevere and gain ground? Today, Jesus addresses some of the challenges of spiritual/emotional growth. Text Matthew 13 Parable of the Sower Pod 227

Setbacks, weaknesses, and failures do not have to define us. Instead, vulnerabilities and flaws can be the doorway to the change we long for. Scripture Text 2 Corinthians 12.     Pod 226

Feeling like you don't belong? Jesus' miracles always pointed to something more than physical restoration. Today, Jesus targets the deep-seated issue of shame we all struggle with. There is a way out of the shame spiral through vulnerability and honesty.  The text is Mark 5     Pod 225 

Instead of succumbing to panic and believing we must solve all our problems on our own, Jesus reminds us that over-dependence on ourselves keeps us in places of high stress and anxiety. True trust transcends self-reliance. Mark 4.   Pod 224

Today, we explore Jesus' counterintuitive teaching that requires us to learn how to wait on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit before we act. This transformative practice of waiting shows us that the most potent action can be inaction. It's during these inactive times we are inwardly changed, and that, in turn, affects how we respond to life's challenges.    Acts 2 Pentecost Pod 223  

While many of us long to rewrite our past and undo poor decisions, God is not limited by our failures and weaknesses. Pod 222. Text Acts 1

Have you ever felt like obstacles and roadblocks are more than just challenges? Perhaps they are divine messages guiding us toward our true path. In this teaching, we explore the idea that these closed doors, blocks, and hurdles serve as a guide to steer us in the right direction. Text Acts 1:6.  Pod 221              

Ease Matters-Guidance When We Feel Driven Jesus' teachings encourage us to find rest and ease instead of constantly pushing ourselves to the limit. By staying connected to him, we can allow things to come to us and trust the path ahead. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is by stopping.  Text Gospel of John 14 Pod 220