Podcasts about acts

Today's Scripture passages are Lamentations 2 - 3 | Acts 15:1-35.Read by Ekemini Uwan.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Pastor Ken completes Acts chapter 5 and continues through chapter 6

It's Thursday, November 13th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Russia bans three Baptist churches Forum 18 reports that Russia continues to crack down on Protestant churches. Russian courts banned three Baptist churches last month for not registering with the government. The congregations are part of the Council of Churches Baptist communities. The group has seen at least 10 of its churches banned. These bans have increased over the last year. Authorities often accuse such churches of “unlawful missionary activity.” However, the Baptist churches continue to meet despite the prohibitions and potential fines. When told not to teach in the name of Jesus, the Apostles said in Acts 5:29, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” European countries upset with Russia's drones European countries are investing in anti-drone systems as Russia continues to fly drones into their regions. Russia is testing NATO borders, flying drones as far as Germany, Denmark, and Belgium. Countries that border Russia, like Lithuania, are building public defense programs to prepare for any crisis. Listen to comments made to CBN News by Vice President Tomas Godliauskas of Lithuania's National Defense. GODLIAUSKAS: “We develop kind of a strategy, how we are preparing our citizens militarily and how we're preparing all the rest of the citizens to build the resilience of our population.” UPS plane crashed in Kentucky, killing 3 aboard and 11 on ground In the United States, a UPS flight tragically crashed in Louisville, Kentucky on Tuesday evening last week. The plane crashed just after takeoff, leaving a trail of destruction through businesses and roads. The incident killed the three UPS crew members on board as well as 11 more people.  UPS said in a statement, “Words can't express the sorrow we feel over the heartbreaking Flight 2976 accident. . . . We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of our colleagues, and to the loved ones of those in the Louisville community.” Supreme Court to hear transgender sports case The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in cases involving transgender sports next year. The cases come from Idaho and West Virginia. In 2020, Idaho became the first state to require people to compete in sports according to their biological sex. West Virginia passed a similar law in 2021.  Lower courts blocked the laws. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the cases by next June. Listen to comments made to CBN News by Jonathan Scruggs with Alliance Defending Freedom. SCRUGGS: “Men are coming into women's sports and taking away podium slots and scholarships. “Just in the West Virginia case alone, since the male athlete there started participating, he's taken away over 400 slots of women and displaced girls, 1,100 times.” International Olympic Committee likely to ban transgenders In a related story, BBC Sport reports the International Olympic Committee is likely to ban transgenders next year. The decision would prohibit men, pretending to be women, from competing in women's categories. The ban would likely take effect before the 2028 Summer Olympics to be held in Los Angeles, California.  13th county in America bans abortion Dickens County, Texas is now the 13th county in the nation to outlaw abortion. County leaders voted on Monday in favor of passing a Sanctuary County for the Unborn Ordinance. Dickens County has a population of 1,725 people. And it is the eleventh county in Texas to outlaw abortion. Augustine's influence felt today And finally, today is the birthday of Augustine of Hippo!  The renowned Christian theologian was born on November 13, A.D. 354 in what is modern-day Algeria, Africa.  Augustine's early life was marred by prodigal living. His mother faithfully prayed for him for years before his eventual conversion in his 30s. This took place after he providentially encountered Romans 13:13-14. The verses say, “Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in … drunkenness … and sensuality. … But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”  Augustine would go on to become Bishop of Hippo, a Roman province in North Africa. An able scholar, he turned his mind to the theological battles of his day, producing Christian classics like Confessions and The City of God.  Augustine's life and work would have a dominating influence on Western civilization. The Protestant Reformers, in particular, would quote him extensively in their efforts to reform the church over a thousand years later. Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, November 13th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

What if beauty wasn't vanity but a radical form of self-respect? In this recap, Lesley Logan and Brad Crowell revisit their inspiring conversation with aesthetic nurse and rejuvenation expert Rachel Varga, exploring what it truly means to age with confidence. From skincare and collagen to breathwork and mindset, they unpack how honoring your appearance can deepen—not diminish—your self-worth. Tune in to learn why self-care is never selfish and how real confidence shines from the inside out.If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co mailto:beit@lesleylogan.co. And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.In this episode you will learn about:How reframing skincare as self-care redefines beauty and confidence.Why genuine confidence changes how you show up in life.How rejuvenation aligns how you feel with how you look.The role of protein, creatine, and collagen in healthy aging.How breathwork lowers cortisol and slows signs of aging.Episode References/Links:World Kindness Movement - https://www.theworldkindnessmovement.orgOPC Winter Tour - https://opc.me/tourPilates Journal Expo - https://xxll.co/pilatesjournalCambodia Retreat Waitlist - https://crowsnestretreats.comAgency Mini - https://prfit.biz/miniContrology Pilates Conference in Poland - https://xxll.co/polandXContrology Pilates Conference in Brussels - https://xxll.co/brusselsXFlash Cards - https://opc.me/flashcardsSubmit your wins or questions - https://beitpod.com/questionsLL on School of Radiance - https://beitpod.com/lesleyonachelsodSchool of Radiance Website - https://www.theschoolofradiance.com (Code: LesleyLogan15 for 15% off one-on-one sessions, tutorial, and membership)Amy Cuddy's TED Talk - https://youtu.be/Ks-_Mh1QhMc100 Acts of Love by Kim Hamer - https://a.co/d/0HLOjhO If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSIDEALS! 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DEALS! https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentCheck out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper's Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentBe in the know with all the workshops at OPC https://workshops.onlinepilatesclasses.com/lp-workshop-waitlistBe It Till You See It Podcast Survey https://pod.lesleylogan.co/be-it-podcasts-surveyBe a part of Lesley's Pilates Mentorship https://lesleylogan.co/elevate/FREE Ditching Busy Webinar https://ditchingbusy.com/Resources:Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gLesley Logan website https://lesleylogan.co/Be It Till You See It Podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjogqXLnfyhS5VlU4rdzlnQProfitable Pilates https://profitablepilates.com/about/Follow Us on Social Media:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lesley.logan/The Be It Till You See It Podcast YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gFacebook https://www.facebook.com/llogan.pilatesLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-logan/The OPC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnlinePilatesClasses Episode Transcript:Lesley Logan 0:00  You figuring out what rejuvenation as a form of self-care that works for you, which is very different than works for me, very different than anyone else, that is like staying in the power stance. It's an action. It's something that you're doing so that you can show up as your whole self and give the world the version of you that will make an impact. That cannot be bad. Lesley Logan 0:24  Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started. Lesley Logan 1:09  Welcome back to the Be It Till You See It interview recap where my co-host in life, Brad, and I are going to dig into the rejuvenating convo I have with Rachel Varga in our last episode. If you haven't yet listened to that episode, you need to do it, because she's amazing, and we've been using her tips, and some of them are extremely effective. I other ones I just haven't tried yet. I'm really impressed. But today, before we get into Rachel's amazing tips for your rejuvenating means, like skin all that kind of stuff, today is November 13th and it is World Kindness Day. Brad Crowell 1:40  Yes, it is. Lesley Logan 1:07  Damn it. That's what my papa Jake would say, celebrating like, meaning like we're gonna do it like that kind of damn it, okay. Celebrated internationally, this holiday was formed in 1998 to promote kindness throughout the world, and it's observed annually on November 13th as part of World Kindness Movement. It's observed in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia and the UAE. World Kindness Day presents us with the opportunity to reflect upon one of the most important unifying human principles. Oh, just period. On a day devoted to the positive potential of both large and small, acts of kindness try to promote and diffuse this crucial quality that brings people of every kind together.Brad Crowell 2:17  Yeah, so the World Kindness Movement. Lesley Logan 2:25  Tell us more. Brad, Brad Crowell 2:26  the world Kindness Movement is an organization, and they so well the world kindness movement.org if you're interested in reading more. I found it really intriguing that this is even a day, but I like the idea. I just think it's important that we are being conscious of this sharing kindness generally, because I think that in our extreme split political environment and belief in science and reality versus non science and non reality, it actually creates a lot of frustration. It really creates a lot of frustration for me, and this is a good reminder to that we still have to treat people who, you know, we definitely disagree with. We still have to treat them as humans, as people, even if we don't think what they're doing or thinking or saying makes sense, they're still humans, and we still have to treat them with kindness, regardless.Lesley Logan 3:18  You know, what's interesting about this is like we used to when we lived in LA, many of our neighbors were homeless, right? Like where we lived, and it's so easy. I watch people like they turn their head away from homeless people like they just don't even look at them, but then they wonder why they're not treating the area like with respect. It's like we don't feel like we're human. You know, you're not looking them in the eye. There are simple acts of kindness you can do every day. In fact, Kim Scott wrote a book, 100 Acts of Love, which you can put kindness in there. There are things you can do for people. Obviously, that book was written for people going through a loss, but there are things you can do. And it's really funny, art, art. My dad is like, he like acts like he hates talking to people. But then we go to the gym, which is through a casino, and he talks to everybody. He knows the name of every security guard. He knows every he knows the name of every parking attendant, right? He we now know the names of several dealers at the casino. And you know what I think makes them their day is that we just like, say hi. They're not they're staying there, waiting for someone to come to their booth or whatever, and we're like, morning, good morning. It just makes people feel seen. Like even just acknowledging people with an eye contact and a wave makes people feel seen. And I think that if we did more of that, the world will be a better place. So I think. Maslow hierarchy of needs is really real. Maslow's hierarchy, hierarchy of needs. It's a hard word for me tonight. And we judge people based on like, Oh my God. I can't believe they did that. But if they don't know where their food or meal or health care is coming from, of course they did that. You are in the Enlightened level because. You have some privileges to your life, and I'm not saying that to make you feel bad about yourself, but it is, we have to stop judging people who have less than us. We have to have more kindness. I I'm in. Okay, you take us through the first half of this list. It's long. Brad Crowell 5:13  All right, we're gonna move real quick through our upcoming events and travel y'all so come join us, if you, if we're gonna be near you. Okay, in November this no, this month we are going to do.Lesley Logan 5:22  Right now the month we're in. Brad Crowell 5:24  Thanks. This month we're gonna go, we're gonna have a Black Friday, Cyber Monday sale for OPC only. Okay, for OPC only. It's gonna be the 26th through December 1st. So check your email for more information. We're gonna send you an email on the 19th. Lesley Logan 5:35  We're not gonna tell you what it is, you just have to find out. Brad Crowell 5:37  So that's six days from now. Then next is winter tour. We are actually going to be on the road in December, and we've already made the announcements go to opc.me/tour for tickets, all the things.Lesley Logan 5:50  Days are already sold out, so you got to get in there quick. Brad Crowell 5:53  Yep. Okay. So next is while we're not doing a Black Friday, Cyber Monday sale in for Profitable Pilates at the end of December, we are going to have a sneak peek option offer for you to join Agency. We haven't really made this announcement anywhere except for the pod, so you are the enlightened ones. As we were talking about, we're giving you a heads up if you've ever considered joining Agency, but you weren't quite sure if it was for you. We got we're going to do just a short month where you can, like, figure it out, see if it's your jam, and join us. Lesley Logan 6:24  Well, it's a full month, but it's a short commitment.Brad Crowell 6:27  Short commitment. I mean, it'll be a month. So anyway, it'll be the end of December, December 26th through the 31st and then in January, Les?Lesley Logan 6:35  I'll be the Pilates journal Expo in Huntington Beach. It's the first one that they're doing in the US. And I've got a world premiere of a workshop that they were like, we love that people really want to, just like, ask you questions. And don't worry, there's an actual workshop to it, but it's a space where you can ask me questions. And so you want to go to xxll.co/pilatesjournal to get your tickets to that. Then also, in January, we're going to open up the early bird discount for our retreat for 2026 and many of you asked about it, you need to be on the waitlist if you want the discount. If you want to pay full price, don't get on the waitlist. It's fine. Go to crowsnestretreats.com and February, Agency Mini is happening. It is you want to get on the waitlist for that as well. Different waitlist link. It's prfit.biz/mini. What is Agency Mini? It's like three days of us digging into your business and on like a problem. So you can see what it's like to coach with us. That's for Pilates instructors and studio owners and anyone who's like in that service-based industry. And then in March, we are going to Poland, and we're going to Brussels with Karen Frischmann. There are different workshops at each they are on different days, because we cannot be in two places at once. So if you are interested in Poland, it's gonna be the one that happens before Brussels. And I can't remember the dates of it, but it's xxll.co/poland it's like the third weekend in March, and then the last weekend of March is Brussels. Not only we there with Karen Frischmann, we're gonna be there with Ignacio, whose last name I can't remember at this moment, but he's amazing, and the most beautiful eyes and the most incredible kind instructor. xxll.co/brussels and then in April, P.O.T London will be there with Claire Sparrow and some amazing other people. You're not gonna want to miss it. So there's your links they're in the show notes. Brad Crowell 8:20  Ignacio Rodriguez. Lesley Logan 8:22  Oh, Ignacio Rodriguez, yes, well, anyways, he is a special soul. I mean. Brad Crowell 8:26  He's from Spain, yeah. Lesley Logan 8:27  I know he's like, a Pilates Buddha. Brad Crowell 8:29  Yes, he's awesome. Lesley Logan 8:31  That's what I like. Whenever I was around him, I just was like, oh my God, he's the calmest person. Like his energy is so calm you cannot be anything but that around him, he doesn't listen to this podcast. So he wouldn't hear the compliment. Okay, before we get into Rachel's episode, who, what is our question this week?Brad Crowell 8:50  Okay this week, with a question on YouTube from @BodyFlexZone, all about the OPC Flashcard Deck series, they asked, Hey, could you possibly include the exo chair and the springboard in your flashcards?Lesley Logan 9:07  So BodyFlexZone, I'm sorry to tell you the news, but this is exciting too, so don't turn it off. We're not going to do that.Brad Crowell 9:15  No. Lesley Logan 9:16  No. Brad Crowell 9:17  Here's why. Lesley Logan 9:18  Here's why. They're included already. How do I explain this? The I write the cards as a classically trained instructor with classical equipment. They are edited by a contemporary trained instructor who has contemporary equipment, including she is has an exo chair and was trained on a springboard, and the measurements for how to use the hooks on your springboard exist in the Cadillac deck now.Brad Crowell 9:46  So, so while we are not creating a special deck for the exo chair or a special deck for the springboard, if you get the Chairs Deck, the exo chair information would be applicable. It's applicable. You know the information of the Chairs Deck is applicable to the exo chair. And in the same vein, the Cadillac Tower Deck is applicable. It includes information about springboard informationLesley Logan 10:09  Correct, because some springboards have pushed through bars, some springboards don't. There are cards that will say it's pro like they're marked that they might not be available on a tower, which means they're definitely not available on a springboard and so. But also, there's a card in each deck on how to use the deck, and it explains, if you have an Exo chair, like how to it doesn't say exo chair specifically. It's like, if your chair has four hooks, here's how to think about it. So both decks are very useful. And if you get those decks, if you ever have access to a full Cadillac or tower, you have a bunch of cards you get to use. You don't have to take a special training for it, because you've already been trained. So you can get our flash cards at opc.me/flashcards. All six decks are out. Oh, you might want to go to the website during the Black Friday, Cyber Monday. Brad Crowell 10:56  For those of you who were unable to hear what she said, you might want to go to the website during the Black Friday, Cyber Monday sale. Just a heads up.Lesley Logan 11:03  Don't miss it, because if you ask us later, no, we're not the we're only doing it for five days.Brad Crowell 11:09  Hey, send in your questions to the pod. Go to beitpod.com/questions where you can leave a win or a question, or you can also text us at 310-905-5534. Stick around. We'll be right back. We're going to dig into this really interesting conversation we have with Rachel Varga, all about rejuvenation. Brad Crowell 11:27  Welcome back. Let's talk about Rachel Varga. Okay. Rachel is a registered nurse and an aesthetic specialist who's been in the field of non surgical rejuvenation since 2011. She's published research on eye and jawline rejuvenation, teaches doctors and nurses internationally, and now blends her expertise with biohacking to help people age well. Rachel is the founder of the School of Radiance, and also hosts the School of Radiance podcast, where she shares how skincare, lifestyle and self-care can create lasting beauty from the inside out.Lesley Logan 12:01  Yeah, I've been on her pod. You should go listen to our episodes together there, and if you like it, then you have another podcast to listen to. She's, it's, I really enjoy this because, okay, I have been wanting to have someone, an expert like this, on for a while, but I didn't want it to be a vanity, like, I didn't want people to be like, Oh, it's so vain, you know, like so many people are like, I don't know, raw milking it. So they're not going to want to talk about Botox or things like that. And I well, you know, some people get granola and they're like, I gotta not do anything to my body. But also, if something's really, like she said, if something is really bothering you, like specific lines or scars or jowls, addressing it is beneficial, because oftentimes if you feel you look better, you feel better, and if you feel better, you actually just look better, like if you actually feel good about yourself, you walk around taller, you engage with people in a different way. And so it's kind of like a chicken or the egg thing, and I appreciate her approach. If you listen to the episode, it's not like, everyone needs Botox. There's always something wrong with you. No, it's like, okay, what are some of the things you can do that are non surgical, that actually do work? I, I have, I will say you're going to want to listen to her second episode, which we're not going to talk about today, but we talk about a lot of things that are like, a waste of your money and waste your time. She's very, very intelligent and doesn't waste her time. But I do think that what she talked about is people are not viewing rejuvenation as being vain anymore. They're actually seen as a form of self-care. And I do think there's a balance of what can we do as part of our self-care routine that makes us feel better about how we look, so we feel better about how we look.Brad Crowell 13:46  Yeah. That's what I was gonna say, hardcore.Lesley Logan 13:51  Well, I don't know, like, here's the thing, I really appreciate, I forget which actress it was, what's that beautiful woman? Not Diane Lane is beautiful, but she also did one of the Fast and the Furious. She's like a dame, gray hair actress.Brad Crowell 14:06  There were 10 or 11 Fast and the Furious movies. Lesley Logan 14:09  I know the more of the recent of them, and she is like, she also was in like a beautiful bathing suit in the tabloids. And I was like, I want to look like her when I'm when I'm 80. I can't think of it. Everyone's yelling at her in their car right now, but you know who I'm talking about. She talked about how, like, she said, don't like, she's letting wrinkles happen. And I also would like to let those things happen. And there are some things that just bother me, and I don't want them to, and they become a distraction for me, being it till I see it. So I do think that if like how you look is affecting how you're operating your day. It is, there is a point where you do need to actually address, like, what is going on here, because it's becoming an obstacle. I'll look it up while you say what you loved. Brad Crowell 14:52  Yeah. So one thing I thought was important was this conversation of. Lesley Logan 14:58  Helen Mirren. Brad Crowell 14:59  That was really fast. And I'm very impressed. Brad Crowell 15:01  Do you know what I looked up? I said, older actress, stunning, fast and the furious. She's on top of the searches.Brad Crowell 15:12  I went to IMDb and I started with Fast and the Furious. I was like, there's so many actors. Lesley Logan 15:17  You gotta go with my, my way.Brad Crowell 15:23  Yeah, I just, I just thought I wanted to comment about what you had said about what your topic was, that we beat ourselves up over this idea that we're gonna like focusing on how we look is somehow wrong, and I, and I think that.Lesley Logan 15:39  But then also, everything your entire life is based on how you look. You know, like we're told not to focus on how we look. However, especially if you were raised as a woman in the church, how you look could make your brother stumble, so you better figure that out. But then also, you better be sexy for your husband, or he's gonna wander. And then, oh, if you look too old, you're not going to get the job, because they don't want an older woman, like, like, so there's all this stuff about how we're not supposed to care how we look, but actually, everything is about how we look. And if you're a dude, you just get fucking hotter as you get older. And it's really annoying.Brad Crowell 16:14  Well, I love that you took all the words right out of my mouth. So here's what I was going to say, is that I think it's important to that it when we are holding ourselves to this idea that feeling like we want to care about how we look is wrong, somehow. What she mentioned was confidence, and I liked that because I thought, Hey, why do we buy a nice shirt or buy some, you know, dress shoes, you know, for the office, because we like the way that we look in those and it gives us this idea that we got it together. And I don't know why we would think that it's okay to buy a nice blouse or blazer or shoes but not do the same thing for our face or our skincare or our weight or our working out, or whatever.Lesley Logan 17:14  The food we eat or the yeah, yeah, yeah, the things that we do to make ourselves feel good. I agree. I think that makes a lot of sense.Brad Crowell 17:22  Yeah. So, you know, anyway, my point is that it is I think it's okay. I think it's okay. Lesley Logan 17:31  I, here's the thing, I really have come to a place where it's like, if the thing that you do for yourself doesn't affect anyone else negatively, it's none of my fucking business.Brad Crowell 17:43  Okay, here's, here's, let's actually start with, because I'm logical, let's actually start with the definition of vanity. Lesley Logan 17:50  Okay, let's do that. Brad Crowell 17:52  Excessive pride. Well, excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements. Excessive pride, right?Lesley Logan 18:01  So walking around telling everyone I'm so fucking stunning.Brad Crowell 18:02  I'm so amazing. Look how awesome I am. Look how beautiful I am, right? That is vanity, but giving a shit about how you look is not vanity, right? That we've conflated this idea and we beat ourselves up. Lesley Logan 18:17  Brad, you're fucking brilliant. It's like the word selfish, like, how self-care has become selfish care, like the fact that you'd spend any extra amount of time thinking about yourself instead of your children, the people you work for, the people you do things for the people you love. Like, that's selfish. This is amazing. And I do love this because, okay, Amy Cuddy, whose TED Talk is where the title of this podcast came from, and if anyone knows her, I would love that interview. But she talked about how she does study about the power stance, the Wonder Woman stance, when you do it for five minutes, you actually appear and feel more confident in an interview. They did a literal scientific study, and they had people not stand in a power stance and sit slumped for five minutes, bad posture. And then go in, and then they ask them, how confident you feel. They ask the interviewers, how confident did they seem? Did they appear? You figuring out what rejuvenation and as a form of self-care that works for you, which is very different, that works for me, very different than anyone else, that is like staying in the power stance. It's an action. It's something that you're doing so that you can show up as your whole self and give the world like the version of you that that will make an impact. Yeah, that cannot be bad. I'm in. Brad Crowell 18:37  Yeah. And I think that, you know, when we have confidence, obviously it allows us to deliver our, you know, purpose in life better. It makes us enjoy what we're doing more. It definitely just changes the way we show up in our community and the way that we see ourselves. Right? So, you know, and the world sees that too. You know, when we put effort into ourselves, we show the world that we are valuable because we value ourselves. And I think that is also important, is that we that that belief in yourself, right, the knowledge that you are worthy, even though it seems internal, it is very visible to other people. When you know that you belong there to do the thing you know, or you believe you belong there, to do the thing other people perceive that they pick up on that. Lesley Logan 20:25  Well, yeah, and also, like, and just, I'm gonna tell you one of your points, she we're talking about this. We're talking about rejuvenation, way that looks natural and feels good, that builds confidence. We're not talking about like, go overdo it. We know the people who look like they're overdone, you know, like, you know, we're not talking about getting a new face like the Kardashian mom. We're talking about like, just like, and it's we're not talking about doing Botox or or surgery. It can be as simple as, like, massaging your face, or the type that money you spend on the moisturizer that makes you feel good, like, these are, we're talking non surgical approaches.Brad Crowell 21:03  Yeah, yeah. So, you know, I think when you are that, because we think that self-care equals vanity, that's where we're going wrong. But when we, when we can separate the two and understand that vanity is excessive. You know, celebration of your beauty or your achievements, that is obtuse, that is annoying, that is like, you don't want to listen, you don't want to be around somebody like that. We all know people like that. (inaudible)Lesley Logan 21:31  There's the song you're so vain, you probably think the song is about you. That is a definition.Brad Crowell 21:43  But when you care about yourself, you know it's okay to to put yourself first and make that part of your self-care routine and you know. Lesley Logan 21:53  Well, I also think you're I'm not (inaudible) you up. I'm so sorry. This is our ADHD problem. I think if something is keeping you from showing up and making the impact in your world, and it has to do with your looks. It is not vain or selfish to do something about it, if it's if, if that thing is keeping you from actually showing up as your whole self to make the impact you so desire to make, the world is missing out. Brad Crowell 22:18  Yeah. Actually, a great example would be braces, or Invisalign, or, you know, even, like surgical, surgery, surgery on your teeth. Like it comes across as, like a crazy expense sometimes, but, you know, night and day difference we, we've had, I've had a really close friend of mine growing up who had surgery in his 20s, and he smiles now, you know. And I remember seeing the difference in him because he never he was no longer judging himself, you know, (inaudible).Lesley Logan 22:19  I watched something where this girl, every time she'd smile, she or laugh out loud, put her hand in front of her mouth, because she doesn't want people to see her teeth and and then, through this one organization, they fixed them. And no one would say that she's being fucking vain. No one would. And because we're now.Brad Crowell 23:12  I mean that was surgery, that was surgery. This subject, we're not necessarily talking about it, but like Invisalign, or braces (inaudible).Lesley Logan 23:18  If it's going to make you smile a little brighter, going back to World Kindness Day and making people feel seen, I would hate for someone to not get the joy from your smile. When people smile at me, I'm like, Oh, hi. Like it just brightens your day, like it snaps you out of the whirlwind that's in your mind. And I just, I was really excited to have her on because I thought it was a really honest conversation about about inner beauty and what we what would make us feel good. And I just don't think there's anything wrong. And I think it's really important you hear this, there is nothing wrong with doing things for yourself that make you feel beautiful. And if you were ever told that focusing on what makes you feel beautiful is wrong. There's some deconstruction and some, I really, when we took my eyelashes, my fake eyelashes off, it was really hard for me. It was extremely hard. I didn't look the same anymore. I had to do a lot of self-talk, but I went to Sephora, literally the next day, I was like, you have to help me. I look like a molten like a mole rat. And that is an actual thing that exists. And yes, I did look like a mole rat, if you look it up, but I she taught me, okay, the best makeup starts with the best skincare for you, she said to me, and that's what Rachel's also talked about, the non surgical approaches. And then the second thing is, by that girl teaching me a couple tricks with makeup, I could show up and do my tour as my whole self in a non-distracted way. Because I was like, Oh, my God, people are gonna be staring at me. Talk about the braces and the weird things. I have no eyelashes. That is not what people are used to seeing. Okay? So, so I just think that, like, I if it's okay, I believe it, because I felt it. I've been there. I've been there when you're like, Oh my God, my face is numb from the dentist. Like, I don't even want to see me. If things like that are keeping you from showing up on a daily basis, you owe it to yourself and the people that you can impact on this world to find some way to fill that natural confidence by taking care of yourself. So that's what I think.Brad Crowell 25:24  All right, awesome. Well, I think we've, we've talked through that pretty exhaustively. Lesley Logan 25:28  I feel good about it. Brad Crowell 25:29  Yeah, stick around. We'll be right back. We have some more tips from Rachel and the Be It Action Items. We'll be right back. Brad Crowell 25:36  Welcome back. Finally, let's talk about those Be It Action Items. What bold, executable, intrinsic or targeted action items can we take away from your convo with Rachel Varga? She said, Hey, high protein and creatine, right? High protein intake, one gram to one and a half grams of protein per pound of body weight. Now, you probably heard Lesley mention this a lot. She definitely is on board with this. She said. Lesley Logan 26:00  It's so hard. Just be kind to yourself. Brad Crowell 26:02  It's hard, but, but, you know, there's, there are ways, and actually, a lot of it had to do with changing the food that we're eating. For example, I had a high protein bagel today, you know. And you know, it was, I don't even know what it was, a lot of protein for a bagel. And so they're, you know, eggs, and all those extra beans.Lesley Logan 26:18  I, we're not sponsored by them. But hi, Owyn, they have a 32 gram protein shake, and it's only what you need. There's nothing weird about it, I'm sure. Like, look, the biohackers would not like that we're talking about processed food, but it takes time to switch your diet around. And if you're trying to do this, it does take time. So pick a meal a day and kind of work your way towards her. But I wanted to say, I fucking love that her, Be It Action Items have nothing to do with like, going to a med spa. Brad Crowell 26:45  Right, to do beauty stuff or whatever. Yeah, I mean, because it's just like your your your Sephora experience, she said the best way to fix your eyelashes is your skincare, right? So the in this case, she's Rachel's talking about high protein and creatine, because when you she started lifting heavy and focusing on high protein, it gave her more inner power activation, and that was great for her skin, right, So that's, that's, that's.Lesley Logan 27:14  And there's tons, ladies who are listening, we have a lot of perimenopausal women. There's a ton of research on doubling up on that creatine.Brad Crowell 27:20  Yeah. And she also talked about collagen, because collagen will also help your skin. If you're watching YouTube, you can laugh along with me.Lesley Logan 27:31  I've been doing collagen since, like, religiously, since 2016 because in 2015 I did a test, and the guy's like, you have no collagen. And then a year later I did the test, he's like, okay, so you you're off the charts in collagen. And I was like, is that a bad thing? Should I, like, slow it down? And he's like, I think you could be okay. And I have not slowed it down.Brad Crowell 27:48  So we've got a call to action for you here if you want to go to theschoolofradiance.com theschoolofradiance.com, you can use a promo code, LesleyLogan15, L-E-S-L-E-Y Logan15 for 15% off one of her membership. She said there's also a free 30-minute biohacking lesson you can get on there that has a checklist, her skincare checklist, and it's available on her site. Lesley Logan 28:11  And also, like, depending on where you live, the seasons change your skincare routine has to as well. Brad Crowell 28:16  Yeah. What about you? Lesley Logan 28:18  Okay, another interesting non-meds related, Be It Action Item, which is just why I love her, right? Like you don't like, it doesn't have to always be like, get this moisturizer. She recommended breath work, specifically during exercise, to keep cortisol down and remain in a parasympathetic rest and digest state, which helps slow aging and collagen loss. So this is what I love, because in the like, people are gonna try to sell you stuff all the time, and this is fucking free. So breathe in for four seconds, hold it for four seconds, exhale for four seconds, and do that four to five times, by the way, it's called Box breathing as well. And she explains that elevated cortisol results in a drop in estrogen. When estrogen falls, collagen, elastin fall too. So you want to breathe, because it's going to help slow your aging down, and that costs $0.Brad Crowell 29:14  Yeah, she said, you two were specifically talking about lifting in the gym. And she said the guys will try to spike their cortisol. And she said, I don't want to do that. Lesley Logan 29:23  Yeah, also, and I know there's and I being a woman today, it's like, what are we listening to? Look, keeping your cortisol down is always going to be a good thing, especially if you're in perimenopause or post it'll help your sleep, which is going to help you age better. But also, when you're doing Pilates, this is something that people struggle with. You got to breathe in and out through your nose, because that keeps you cool. It keeps you calm, it keeps you grounded, keeps that cortisol down, which helps you age slower. I love this. She's coming back because I was like, Oh my God, I didn't even get to all the tools. Like, do I need to buy this? Do you buy this? Do I need to buy this? And she is going to change her life with that. I'll let you know when the episode's coming out, of course, but until next time, I'm Lesley Logan. Brad Crowell 30:08  And I'm Brad Crowell. Lesley Logan 30:08  Share this with a friend who needs to hear it, leave us a review. Tell Rachel Varga how these tips and tools helped you. And until next time, Be It Till You See It. Brad Crowell 30:13  Bye for now. Lesley Logan 30:13  That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.Brad Crowell 30:57  It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 31:02  It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.Brad Crowell 31:06  Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.Lesley Logan 31:13  Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.Brad Crowell 31:16  Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/be-it-till-you-see-it/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This greatest of Christian orators is commemorated not only today, but as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs (with St Basil the Great and St Gregory the Theologian) on January 30.   He was born in Antioch to pious parents around 345. His mother was widowed at the age of twenty, and devoted herself to rearing her son in piety. He received his literary and oratorical training from the greatest pagan teachers of the day. Though an illustrious and profitable career as a secular orator was open to him, he chose instead to dedicate himself to God. He lived as a monk from 374 to 381, eventually dwelling as a hermit in a cave near Antioch. Here his extreme ascetic practices ruined his health, so that he was forced to return to Antioch, where he was ordained to the priesthood. In Antioch his astonishing gifts of preaching first showed themselves, earning him the epithet Chrysostomos, "Golden-mouth", by which he became universally known. His gifts became so far-famed that he was chosen to succeed St Nectarius as Patriarch of Constantinople. He was taken to Constantinople secretly (some say he was actually kidnapped) to avoid the opposition of the Antiochian people to losing their beloved preacher. He was made Patriarch of Constantinople in 398.   Archbishop John shone in his sermons as always, often censuring the corrupt morals and luxurious living of the nobility. For this he incurred the anger of the Empress Eudoxia, who had him exiled to Pontus in 403. The people protested by rioting, and the following night an earthquake shook the city, so frightening the Empress that she had Chrysostom called back. The reconciliation was short-lived. Saint John did not at all moderate the intensity of his sermons, and when the Empress had a silver statue of herself erected outside the Great Church in 403, accompanied by much revelry, the Patriarch spoke out against her, earning her unforgiving anger. In 404 he was exiled to Cucusus, near Armenia. When Pope Innocent of Rome interceded on his behalf, the imperial family only exiled him further, to a town called Pityus near the Caucasus. The journey was so difficult and his guards so cruel that the frail Archbishop gave up his soul to God before reaching his final place of exile, in 407. His last words were "Glory be to God for all things."   Saint John Chrysostom is the author of more written works than any other Church Father: his works include 1,447 recorded sermons, 240 epistles, and complete commentaries on Genesis, the Gospels of Matthew and John, the Acts of the Apostles, and all the Epistles of St Paul.   His repose was on September 14, but since that is the date of the Exaltation of the Cross, his commemoration has been transferred to this day.

Acts 16:16-24 – Slave Girl

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners Jesus's reminder that, "if we being evil know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"Scripture References: Luke 11:13; Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-5; Luke 1-3; Luke 10:41-42; Luke 11:1-13; Matthew 6-7; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:11; Romans 3:23; Galatians 5:22-23 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

In this Bible Story, we witness the tragic yet noble death of James. He would be the first apostle to become a martyr, and he would not be the last. As persecution of the church increases, so does the risk of imprisonment. Yet death is no match for Jesus, nor is it a threat to those who believe in him. This story is inspired by Acts 12. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Acts 12:7 from the King James Version.Episode 227: As men and women ran from burning buildings to escape death, they were captured by King Herod and imprisoned. These Christians were the only thing standing between him and power. James, one of the Lord’s twelve disciples, remained in the city preaching about the restoration that Jesus brings. While he was preaching, Herod sent guards to kill him where he stood. A public death sent a message from Herod that he is King, not Jesus. But this persecution could not stop Jesus or His followers. Even when Peter was captured and imprisoned, God made a way for him to escape death.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"What were Paul's missionary journeys? Where did Paul travel to and why was it important? In today's episode, Emma Dotter helps us understand the context, geography, and detials of Paul's missionary journeys. Emma helps us see how Paul's missionary journeys were a partial fulfillment of Acts 1:8. Additional References: Titus 1:5; 1 Timothy 1:3 You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1755623322&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8aeeec3b-6c1c-416d-87ae-5dfbbb6981df"

You're starting a new, global enterprise designed to last at least 2000 years and change the world. You're the founder, the leader, the head. Your startup plan is to spend six weeks meeting off and on with your leadership team—and then vanish just before you go public. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Augustine wisely argued that pride is the root of all sin. That's a solid interpretation of biblical teaching but is that all there is to be said on the matter? Obviously not. We know that there are good people in our daily lives. We tell our daughters, when they are looking for a husband, to find a good man. We know people in our daily lives—jobs, workplaces, churches—who are pleasant, who have an excellent demeanor. Acts 11 describes Barnabas as good man. Were the apostles wrong to so describe him? Mark and I work through different elements of what it means to be good and include angles like salvation and goodness, the different directions in life toward balance, whether Jesus in saying "take up your cross and follow me" meant we should kill the self, and the different thresholds for determining unhealthy pride. Mark recounts pride of homeownership. Ed recounts having spoken about self-esteem at a college women's dorm floor meeting. Come, think and laugh with us about pride and the Christian worldview.

Welcome to Episode #190 of the Way of the Bible podcast. This is our sixth of eight episodes in our Twenty-Fourth mini-series entitled The Return of Jesus Christ [3]. On today's episode, we will explore the second coming of Jesus in contrast to the greatest news for the church —the Great Snatching Away, or Rapture of the church. On our last episode (#189), we addressed a plethora of New Testament passages that speak of the return of Jesus Christ for his bride, the Church. Jesus is coming back aerially, the same way he went up in Acts 1:9-11. Jesus is returning to snatch believers off the earth before the tribulation that is to follow, which will come upon every person remaining on the earth. That tribulation ends on the Day of the Lord, when Jesus returns bodily to judge the world and establish his kingdom that will have no end.

Acts 16:11-15 - Lydia

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners this verse in Mark's gospel that relates how JESUS was hungry. Scripture References: Ephesians 5:15-17; Mark 11:12; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 5:13; Acts 12:12; Acts 15:36-41; Mark 1:1-3; Mark 11:1-12; Ephesians 1:13-14; Matthew 28:20; John 3:17 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

Acts 17:1-4

"This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.” (Acts 4:12)

This conversation peels back the glossy veneer on modern church culture and asks what Jesus actually had in mind. We talk megachurch money, the “business model” of religion, and whether tithing-as-law was ever the point. Amy unpacks the influencer pastor era, the pressure-cooker system that breeds burnout, and why Acts-style fellowship (shared tables, rotating teachers, real accountability) still works. We compare Sunday stage shows to small, Spirit-led communities and ask if the apostles would even recognize our churches. From Laodicea warnings to Watchman Nee–style generosity, we press into discipleship over attendance. It's frank, hopeful, and aimed at reform from the inside out with one of our favorite guests- Amy from Eyes on the Right podcast!Amy's Counseling Website: https://www.biblicalguidancecounseling.com/Amy's Podcast Same Topic: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mega-church-money-machine/id1692081180?i=1000716256160*Catch This Must-Watch Docuseries : https://www.thereligionbusiness.com/purchase/AMYW36*IG: eyesontherighpodcast & eyesontheright4.0https://www.unrefinedpodcast.com +Timestamps:00:01:00 Exposing the business of Christianity00:02:47 Mention of “The Religious Business” documentary00:05:08 Heart posture vs church consumerism00:07:29 Institutional systems and fallen influence00:09:42 Pastoral pressure and spiritual burnout00:11:56 Success measured by butts in pews00:14:23 What is church? The body of Christ00:16:42 Pedestal pastors and misplaced focus00:18:59 Shared teaching and authentic leadership00:21:25 Comparing Acts church to modern models00:22:05 Tithing vs New Covenant generosity00:24:32 Giving as worship and heart posture00:26:45 Generosity, reaping, and sowing in faith00:29:05 Can the megachurch model be redeemed?00:31:22 Laodicea church and spiritual blindness00:33:43 House church rhythm and online fellowship00:36:03 Would the apostles recognize our churches?00:38:19 One-anothering and real fellowship00:40:41 Why recovery groups feel like real church00:43:07 Transparency, confession, and authentic ministry00:45:26 Amy's story — “Get up” and walk again00:47:46 Prayer for the church and believers00:49:53 Guest plugs and final thoughtschurch reform, megachurch culture, prosperity gospel, tithing debate, modern Christianity, church business, religious institutions, discipleship, Acts church, house church, faith and money, church accountability, spiritual authenticity, pastoral burnout, influencer pastors, transparency, corporate Christianity, biblical generosity, Laodicea church, religious corruption, faith over fame, gospel integrity, consumer Christianity, spiritual reformation, faith community, worship culture, religious hypocrisy, Holy Hustle, Christian leadership, church finance, heart posture, revival vs revenue, kingdom mindset, body of Christ, church manipulation, spiritual discernment, modern faith crisis, Christian culture critique, Unrefined Podcast, Eyes on the Right

Isaiah 57:1-13 | Acts 24:1-9 | Psalm 122:1

Acts Series  Message: 04 Episode: 1 of 3 Broadcast: November 12, 2025 Key Verses: Acts 2:1-13 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz continues his powerful teaching series through the book of Acts with a message titled "The Baptism and Filling of the Holy Spirit" from Acts 2:1-13. As the Holy Spirit descends on the believers at Pentecost, we see the birth of the church and the transforming power of God at work in ordinary people. Pastor Michael unpacks what it means to be filled with the Spirit and how this same power equips believers today to live boldly, walk in truth, and make a lasting impact for Christ. This teaching will encourage and strengthen you to live out your faith with confidence and rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance in every part of your life. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

Fr. Dom is back! James and Fr. Dom tackle one of the most misunderstood yet absolutely essential topics in the spiritual life: baptism. This is not just another Church formality. This is the dividing line between belonging to the Kingdom of God and the dominion of Satan.Drawing from Scripture, the Catechism, and the wisdom of the saints, TMC lays out with clarity and conviction what baptism truly does: freeing us from original sin, making us sons of God, and incorporating us into the Body of Christ. Without it, you remain enslaved to sin and outside the family of God.You'll hear why the early Church Fathers, councils, and even the Protestant revolution itself reveal that there's no salvation without baptism. Fr. Dominic doesn't sugarcoat the truth — he calls modern men to wake up to the spiritual reality of this sacrament and to recognize the Church as the one true means of salvation given to us by Christ Himself.James and Fr. Dom also confront why our age resists authority, why relativism and pride have blinded so many, and why men must reclaim their God-given duty to lead their families into the faith by baptizing their children without hesitation.In this episode, you'll discover:The biblical foundation of baptism — from Acts to Corinthians to the Great Commission.Why baptism isn't symbolic but supernatural warfare.How baptism undoes the curse of Adam and Eve and reclaims your soul for God.Why relativism, pride, and modernism are destroying moral order — and what Catholic men must do to restore it.The spiritual danger of delaying baptism for your children.Why contemplating death (memento mori) prepares your soul for heaven.Challenge to Men: If you have children who aren't baptized — schedule it now. Don't delay. Fathers, you are the protectors of your family's souls. Take your post. Lead your household back under the protection of God. Baptism is the first weapon in your family's arsenal against hell.3 Powerful Quotes:“Through baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God. We become members of Christ and sharers in His mission.”“If you're not going to follow God, then who do you belong to? Baptism begins to undo definitively the faults of our first parents in the garden.”“Parents, you're supposed to protect your child. Why would you let them walk this world owned by Satan when baptism can claim them for God?”Key Takeaway: Baptism isn't optional — it's the decisive act that transfers your soul from the dominion of darkness to the Kingdom of Christ. Every Catholic man must treat it as a matter of eternal life and death.Send us a text Support the showPlease prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy faces Check out our website Contact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.com

Daily Dose of Hope November 12, 2025   Scripture – John 19   Prayer: Holy God, You are a God of order and a God of purpose.  The world may seem chaotic, but you are not.  You have ordered your world with perfection.  Help us trust you.  Lord, fill us with your perfect peace.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  As most of you know, we have been walking through the Gospels and will soon walk through Acts.  Today, we begin John 19.    Our passage begins with Jesus before Pilate.  Even Pilate, the Roman official, recognizes that Jesus has done nothing wrong. Pontius Pilate is an interesting guy.  He knows that Jesus hasn't done anything wrong, certainly nothing worthy of execution, and he truly wants to free Jesus.  The text indicates that Pilate is somewhat scared of Jesus. He tries to placate the Jewish leaders.  He has Jesus flogged.  He offers to release Barrabas, a noted insurrectionist, thinking for sure they would rather have Jesus set free rather than a murderer.  But that isn't what happened. And Pilate isn't willing to stand up for what he knows is right.  His own role in Jesus' death lands him a mention in the Apostle's Creed, the most famous and oldest Christian Creed.  Think about it, for two thousand years, Christians around the globe have been declaring that Jesus died under Pontius Pilate.    Bottom line:  The Jewish officials are desperate to get rid of Jesus. They are blinded by fear, jealousy, and contempt. In an attempt to get Pilate to cooperate with their plans, they threaten to report him to Caesar. After all, Jesus claimed to be king and anyone who made such a claim would be considered a threat to the emperor. The great irony here is that the Jews are essentially presenting themselves as better Roman citizens than Pilate, the Roman official. When it's convenient for them, they are happy to use the pagan Roman government to get their way. They will sacrifice their own ethics to ensure that Jesus is killed.   The thing about sacrificing our ethics is that it's a slippery slope, is it not? These Jewish officials were probably very pious men. They thought they were doing the right thing. Afterall, Jesus was saying blasphemous things and he didn't follow their rules. They needed to step in and take care of it. But gradually their dislike of Jesus became hate. They so badly wanted him gone that they were willing to do anything, break their own laws, disobey Torah, simply to get rid of him. They were willing to do anything, no matter how shady it was or low they had to go.   Has your hatred of another person ever made you compromise your own values? We think we are so much better than these Jewish officials but I think sometimes we are just like these Jewish officials. Dig deep today, friends. Examine your own heart. The remainder of the chapter is pretty powerful.  Jesus carries his own cross to the place of his execution.  The soldiers cast lots for his clothing.  He breathes his last breath without any of his bones being broken by the soldiers.  They pierced his side with a spear.  Lots of prophecy being fulfilled here.   Finally, two faithful Jewish men, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, take Jesus' body and place it in a tomb.  Not a lot can be done to prepare the body for burial because it's Friday afternoon and the Sabbath is upon them.  Things will have to wait.  But things may look a lot different on Sunday morning.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

11-12-25 & 11-19-25 H.C.C. is a non-denominational, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation specializing in counseling, healing, teaching, ministering in the Spirit and deliverance. It is based on Matthew, Mark, Luke & John and patterns its practice after the Book of Acts. It’s board members include one licensed Assembly of God pastor and one former Arizona prison chaplain. The ministry also operates the House of Healing and the Charity Counselor’s Association in central Phoenix. The Biblical theme of the ministry is Acts 10:38: "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost & power. He went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil." One of the main services provided by the ministry is to provide free counseling services to the poor. https://hardcorechristianity.com/Support the show: https://hardcorechristianity.com/donations/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morning lessons: Psalms 32, 36; Judith 4; Acts 15:1-21.  Blessed is the one whose unrighteousness is forgiven, and whose sin is covered.

RSM Podcast Archive Room revisits a 1963 sermon by evangelist Fred Huckleberry, unpacking Acts 2:37–38 and the steps to become a Christian: belief, repentance, and baptism leading to the gift of the Holy Spirit. This episode features historic radio announcements, an old‑fashioned revival call to obedience, and a heartfelt invitation to commit to Christ.

Pastor Phelps preaches on the conversion of Saul from Acts 9. Message originally preached Sunday morning November 9, 2025.

JR, Bill and Kevin get the ball rolling in Acts.

Join Laura Echols-Richter and Jennifer Brad on our 150th episode as they explore the power and complexity of forgiveness through the story of Saul's transformation in Acts. Together, they reflect on fear, healing, and Desmond Tutu's Fourfold Path of Forgiveness—reminding us that letting go isn't weakness but courage. This episode invites listeners to stop throwing stones and start building bridges of grace, hope, and renewal.

Todayin Ephesians 3, we're talking about the mystery of the church. The word mysteryis used at least six times in the New Testament to refer to the church that wasborn on the day of Pentecost. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit would comeupon people and anoint them to do special deeds, great works such as Samsondid. But in the New Testament, something new takes place. Something that washidden in the Old Testament. The Holy Spirit would not only come down upon thepeople and upon the church (Acts 2:1-4), but He would enter the hearts of thebelievers and dwell there and never leave.  TheHoly Spirit might be grieved (Ephesians 4:30), and He might be quenched (1Thessalonians 5:19), but the Holy Spirit will still be there. Our body is thetemple of the Holy Spirit, the temple of God. 1 Corinthians 6:19:20. My friend,we need to believe and understand this truth, this truth of the mystery of thechurch, being born on the day of Pentecost, is now God's agency, God'sinstitution that He is using to spread the Good News, the Gospel to let theworld know that by faith you can have a relationship with God through JesusChrist. The church is “according to theeternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord”.  Thisgreat mystery and truth was important to Paul (vv. 1-5). It was important tothe Gentiles that now they could be one with the Jews and be one in Christtogether (vv. 6-8). It was important to the angels (vv. 9-10).  And as we've been seeing through this chapter,it is also very important to the believers that today we should understand thisgreat truth. When God saved Paul, He deposited with him the precious treasuresof the Gospel truth (1 Timothy 1:11). Paul in turn committed these truths to othersand exhorted them to commit the truths to faithful men who would guard and sharethem (2 Timothy 2:2).  And in those apostolicdays, the truth of the church was being made manifest in such a way thateverywhere everyone went and they knew as they became a part of that local bodyof believers, the body of Christ, that they were a part of something specialand they had a plan and program. They had a mission to be on with God, and theyturned the world upside down for Jesus Christ (Acts 17:6). And in a very wicked,evil, cruel world, things changed because of the church.  Today,I believe that the same thing is happening again. I really believe in theselast days before Jesus Christ comes again. This great truth, the mystery of thechurch should be important to us today as we study through the Scriptures. Weknow that this “mystery” is the key to what God promised in the Old Testament.What Christ did in the gospels, what the early church did in the book of Acts, whatPaul and the other writers teach in the epistles, and what God will do asrecorded in the book of Revelation. God's program today is not the headship ofIsrael, Deuteronomy 28:1-13, but the headship of Christ over the church. Wetoday are under a different leadership, dispensation, if you want to call itthat, from that of Moses and the prophets. We must be careful not to confusewhat God has clarified.  Thereason so many churches are weak and ineffective because they do not understandwhat we have and what they have in Jesus Christ. This great truth concerning the church is not a divine afterthought. Itis part of God's eternal purpose in Christ (Ephesians 3:11). When we know this truth, we will have boldness and access with great confidenceinto the Holy of Holies, into the presence of God, and to go forward againstthe gates of hell with the message of Jesus Christ.  Oh,my friend, today, like Paul, we ask that you don't lose heart over what ourspiritual leaders and the people of God might suffer on behalf of sharing thisgood news with the others in the world. This passage of scripture shouldencourage us today to give our all to Christ, live for Him, and let His Gospelbe known to the world around us.

In this Bible Story, Saul and Barnabas team up to advance the gospel in Antioch. Saul is still learning about what it truly means to walk with Jesus, and Barnabas acts as a brilliant mentor and friend. This story is inspired by Acts 11:19-30. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Acts 11:26 from the King James Version.Episode 226: As more men and women came to faith in Jerusalem, more were beaten and thrown into jail. Because of this, many believers scattered across the Roman Empire setting as far as Cyprus and Antioch for safety. In these cities, the gospel began to break out from being a Jewish-only message, now Greeks and Hellenists were receiving Jesus too! The attitude of the believers in the city was so helpful that people began to refer to these followers as little Christs, a name that has stuck with us for generations.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

" How can the church stay healthy as it grows? In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses Acts 18-20 and the dominio affect of faithfulness we see with Apollos, Priscilla, and Aquilla. Emma challenges listeners to recognize their role in the mission of God in faithful obedience to sharing the Gospel and discipling others. You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1755623322&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8aeeec3b-6c1c-416d-87ae-5dfbbb6981df"

How can generosity lead to a more blessed life?   In this message, Pastor David Lindell teaches from Acts 20:35 and Isaiah 32:8 that generosity isn't about what you have, but who you are. When you live open-handed—planning to give, standing firm in generosity, and putting God first—you experience a life that overflows with blessing, peace, and purpose. Our prayer is that you'll see how true joy and lasting fulfillment come when you live to give, reflecting the heart of Jesus in everything you do.

Rediscovering the Lost Art of Walking with God | KIB 505 Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Description A heartfelt Veterans Day prayer, candid talk on current events, and a deeply practical call to walk with God continually—not just in set "prayer times." Dr. Michael and Mary Lou Lake unpack the Hebraic pattern of halikha (walking), Genesis 17's call to be tamiym (complete), the friendship of God that grows through constant conversation, and how everyday listening births real intercession that can change lives. In this episode (KIB 505): Veterans Day gratitude & prayer for healing, provision, and justice Discerning the times without fear—and praying for spiritual awakening Why "talking with God all day" transforms prayer closet power Abraham's journey (Gen 17) and the invitation to walk before God as El Shaddai supplies every need Acts 4 boldness: being recognized as those who have been with Jesus Isaiah 11's seven-fold Spirit and cultivating holy reverence Practical stories: technical problems solved through dialogue with God, unexpected intercessions, and the joy that returns to daily obedience Scripture references (ESV): Genesis 17:1, Matthew 6:7–8, Acts 4:13, Isaiah 11:1–3.

In this episode of the New Churches podcast, Noah Oldham sits down with pastors Will Basham, Bryan Loritts, and Jon Kelly to explore the inevitable conflicts church planters face, drawing lessons from Acts 15. The post When Conflict Happens appeared first on New Churches.

In this prayer-focused conversation, Pastor Rod Parsley and Ashton Blaire unpack how prayer moves from routine to relationship. Together, they break down the ten types of prayer, what it truly means to “pray without ceasing”, and why agreement multiplies power. You'll hear how Acts 19 proves that the anointing is both tangible and transferable, how to build an “altar of the heart” in your everyday life, and what to do when answers seem delayed. Don't forget to join us - LIVE or in person - for Prayer Cloth 2025! Sunday, November 23rd | 10AM ET | World Harvest Church | Columbus, OH Send us your greatest prayer requests and reserve your personal prayer cloth as a point of agreement in faith by visiting RodParsley.com/PrayerCloth.  Keep feeding your faith and remembering that revival rides on the wings of prayer! New original episodes of The Rod Parsley Podcast drop every Tuesday, 8am ET.

Today's Scripture passages are 1 Chronicles 3:10-16 | Jeremiah 39 - Jeremiah 40:6 | Jeremiah 52:6-27 | 2 Kings 25:8-21 | Acts 14.Read by Ekemini Uwan.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Idolatry is making a good thing an ultimate thing, and political idolatry is looking to a politician, party, or nation in place of God. Pastor Jeremy continues our series through Acts with a sermon from Acts 12:20-25.

A new MP3 sermon from Iglesia Biblica del Señor Jesucristo is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: El libro concluye... la misión continúa Subtitle: Hasta lo último de la tierra Speaker: Sugel Michelen Broadcaster: Iglesia Biblica del Señor Jesucristo Event: Sunday Service Date: 11/10/2025 Bible: Acts 28:16-31 Length: 50 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Iglesia Biblica del Señor Jesucristo is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: El timón invisible de Dios Subtitle: Hasta lo último de la tierra Speaker: Sugel Michelen Broadcaster: Iglesia Biblica del Señor Jesucristo Event: Sunday Service Date: 11/2/2025 Bible: Acts 27:1-28:15 Length: 49 min.

In this episode of The Leader's Notebook, I continue our series, Also Featured in the Cast, with a look at the Apostle Paul—not as the star of the story, but through the lives of three people who shaped his journey: Ananias, Barnabas, and Stephen. Each of these men was “also mentioned in the cast,” yet each played an indispensable role in God's plan. Ananias obeyed a terrifying call to reach out to a persecutor. Barnabas became the encourager who restored others when no one else would. And Stephen's Christlike suffering sowed the seeds of Paul's conversion. Their stories remind us that God often works through ordinary people in unseen moments—and that our obedience, compassion, and faithfulness may change lives in ways we'll never fully know. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - The Unfamiliar Margaret Hamilton(00:02:18) - Acts 4, The Son of Exclamation(00:06:30) - Three Disciples of Paul the Apostle(00:13:24) - The crazy old Welshman from Port St. Joe(00:16:51) - Barnabas and Saul of Tarsus(00:22:30) - The Life of Barnabas(00:26:46) - Paul the Apostle and Saul of Tarsus(00:32:54) - Suffering in the Gospel(00:37:59) - The Leader's Notebook

The Truth About Admissions, Debt & AI's Role in the Future of Higher EdCollege costs are soaring, mental health struggles are rising, and the path to success looks more uncertain than ever.In this conversation, Eric Kasimov talks with Senan Khawaja, Co-founder and CEO of Kollegio, an AI-powered platform helping students and universities rethink the college admissions process.They explore the question that so many students and parents are asking: Is college still worth it?Together they unpack how higher education, entrepreneurship, and technology are colliding in real time.What You'll HearWhy student debt is becoming a startup killer for young professionalsThe mental health toll of college admissions — and what schools are missingThe rise and fall of the “test optional” movementWhy SATs and ACTs are making a comebackHow grade inflation and participation trophies distorted the systemWhat resilience really looks like in education and entrepreneurshipHow AI can democratize opportunity — not just automate itAbout SenanSenan Khawaja is the Co-founder and CEO of Kollegio, an AI startup rethinking college admissions and guidance. A Stanford grad, he's focused on making higher education more accessible and data-driven. Learn more about kollegio.aiAbout Entrepreneur PerspectivesReal conversations on business, creativity, and life—hosted by Eric Kasimov. Founder of KazSource.More from the KazSource NetworkAbout that Em-Dash That Everyone Now Seems to Hate — KazCM21% of College Students Use Financial Aid to Bet on Sports — SportsEpreneurAI Security and 15M in Series B Funding — Deep Sentinel interviewEntrepreneur Perspectives is produced by QuietLoud Studios — part of the KazSource network.Get in touch with Eric Kasimov:X | LinkedInCredits:Music by Jess & Ricky — SoundCloud

Acts 16:6-10 – The Call

Today is day 315 and we are studying The Sixth Commandment. 315. How did Christ cause life to flourish? Jesus sought the well-being of all who came to him: he healed the sick, fed the hungry, cast out demons, raised the dead, preached good news, forgave his enemies, and offered his life to redeem ours. (Isaiah 53:4–5; Matthew 4:13–17; Luke 4:17–21; 7:20–22; 23:32–34; Acts 10:34–42) We will conclude today by praying Proper 24 found on page 621 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Acts 16:35-40

"What's the problem we're trying to solve? Because oddly enough, sometimes that's not really understood." Before Mercedes Ikard solves a problem, she asks a question most leaders skip: Are we even solving the right problem? In a world demanding immediate action, she's built her leadership on something more powerful: the discipline to pause, listen, understand, and ensure everyone's calibrated on what actually matters before moving forward. As Senior Director of US Benefits Operations at The Walt Disney Company, Mercedes leads benefits strategy for one of the world's most complex workforces—six generations, cast members in theme parks and executives in boardrooms, each with different needs. For Mercedes, this complexity requires constant calibration. "Empathy I think is important. And I think it's important to be a decent human. If we start out to be a decent human, that really is a good barometer and we really make decisions a lot easier." This is where calibration begins. Not with spreadsheets or plan designs, but with a fundamental check: Are we being decent humans? When issues explode in the cultural ethos, Mercedes does a gut check: Is this really an issue within this organization? She's learned to calibrate signal from noise, solving problems that actually impact her workforce rather than chasing topics du jour. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, discover why constant calibration might be leadership's most powerful skill. Not as hesitation, but as disciplined checking that everything stays aligned with what actually matters. From bifurcating work and home with precision to extending grace in postmortems, Mercedes has built her career on understanding before acting, clarity before speed, grace before perfection. Her superpower isn't speed. It's the wisdom to calibrate constantly on the right problems, with empathy, and with grace. Key Insights: Why "what's the problem we're trying to solve?" eliminates most organizational chaos How listening to understand rather than respond creates scalable solutions The discipline required to separate workforce-relevant issues from topics du jour Why plain language and "side streets" serve six generations better than complex plan details How bifurcating your day prevents the exhaustion of never decompressing Why showing yourself grace isn't optional for sustainable leadership About the Guest: Mercedes Ikard serves as Senior Director of US Benefits Operations at The Walt Disney Company, leading benefits strategy for one of the world's most complex and diverse workforces. Her leadership philosophy centers on calibration: constantly checking that she's solving the right problems, leading with empathy, and extending grace to herself and others navigating the high-pressure demands of corporate leadership. Health Podcast Network Chapters 0:00 Intro 2:05 Why Benefits Leadership Matters 4:03 Finding Her Passion in Healthcare and Retirement Benefits 6:59 Managing Disney's Multigenerational Workforce 10:42 Problem-Solving Framework for Complex Workforce Challenges 13:26 Leadership Skills That Matter: Empathy and Listening 15:03 The Power of Processing: Resisting the Urge to Act Immediately 18:29 Work-Life Balance and Decompression Strategies 21:11 Career Advice: Be Yourself and Show Grace Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Mercedes Ikard on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

In the final nine chapters of the Acts of the Apostles, Paul journeys across the Middle East, planting, encouraging, and supporting Christian churches. Among other places, he visits Macedonia, Greece, Ephesus, Jerusalem, Malta, and finally Rome. Along the way, he is relentlessly pursued by a group of Jews who, much like Paul before his conversion on the road to Damascus, seek to eradicate Christianity—particularly by killing Paul—as people turn toward the Good News and away from the temple and synagogues. During these travels, Paul wrote most of the New Testament via letters he wrote to the churches he founded. Show Notes Twitter | Rumble | BitChute | Spotify | Apple -------------------------------- Support the podcast by shopping at the Truth Quest Shirt Factory. Check out our "Christian Collection" of shirts inspired by this episode.

Pastor Frank's Sunday morning sermon covering Acts 6:8-15.To learn more about CCPV, visit us on our…Website: www.ccpomonavalley.comInstagram: @calvarychapelpomonavalleyFacebook: @ccpomonavalleyYouTube: @CalvaryChapelPomonaValleyFind us on the Church Center App!

Acts 12: Corky Holland brings a message about the power of earnest prayer.

How can generosity lead to a more blessed life?   In this message, Pastor David Lindell teaches from Acts 20:35 and Isaiah 32:8 that generosity isn't about what you have, but who you are. When you live open-handed—planning to give, standing firm in generosity, and putting God first—you experience a life that overflows with blessing, peace, and purpose. Our prayer is that you'll see how true joy and lasting fulfillment come when you live to give, reflecting the heart of Jesus in everything you do.

Welcome to the last Messianic Checkpoint! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the Gospel of Luke and highlight the distinctive aspects of this synoptic Gospel. We learn that the Gospel of Luke uniquely captures the humanity of Jesus, the role of women, Jesus' frequent engagement with individuals on the margins, and the mystery of the Ascension. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.