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At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.”  Matthew 11:25This passage is in stark contrast to the passage just before it in which Jesus chastised the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum for not repenting and believing in Him. And as soon as Jesus issued those rebukes, He turned His eyes to Heaven and offered praise to the Father for revealing the hidden mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven to those who were “childlike.”One of the greatest threats to a pure and childlike faith is intellectual pride. Those who consider themselves as “wise and learned” are often tempted to rely upon their own reasoning abilities to come to conclusions and beliefs in life. The problem is that even though the matters of our faith are fully reasonable, they go beyond the conclusions that human reason alone can achieve. We cannot figure out God by ourselves. We need the gift of faith for that, and the gift of faith begins with a spiritual communication from God through which He reveals to us Who He is and what is true. Only the childlike, meaning, those who are humble, are able to hear this form of communication from God and respond.This passage also reveals to us that Jesus passionately rejoices in this form of humble faith. He gives “praise” to the Father in Heaven for witnessing such faith, because Jesus knows that this form of faith originates from the Father. In your life, it is important that you regularly ponder whether you are more like the wise and learned or like those who are childlike. Though God is an infinite and incomprehensible mystery, He must be known. And the only way we can come to know God is if He reveals Himself to us. And the only way God will reveal Himself to us is if we remain humble and childlike.As we come to childlike faith, we must also imitate the praise that Jesus offered the Father for the faith that He witnessed in the lives of His followers. We, too, must turn our eyes to those who clearly manifest this pure knowledge of God by the gift of faith. As we see this faith lived, we must rejoice and offer praise to the Father. And this act of praise must be given not only when we see faith alive in others, it must also be given when we see the gift of faith grow within our own soul. We must foster a holy awe of what God does within us, and we must rejoice in that experience.Reflect, today, upon Jesus giving praise to the Father as He witnesses the faith born in the hearts of His followers. When Jesus looks at you, what does He do? Does He issue chastisements? Or does His Sacred Heart rejoice and give praise for what He sees. Give joy to the Heart of Christ by humbling yourself to the point that you, too, are counted among the childlike who truly know and love God. My rejoicing Lord, You are attentive to the workings of grace in every human heart. As You see the Voice of the Father speaking to Your children, You rejoice at such a sight. Dear Lord, I pray that my own heart will be the cause of Your joy and Your praise of the Father in Heaven. Please speak to me and help me to believe with all my heart. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2021 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world…” Matthew 5:13–14Every Christian has two primary duties in life. First, we must strive for personal holiness. And second, we must work to help others achieve this same degree of holiness. This is what it means to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.”Consider salt. Salt is a preservative, and it also adds flavor to food. It does so by entering the food and, in a sense, disappearing. So it must be with us. First, our Lord must enter our lives and preserve us from the corruption of sin. But as He does so, He will also bring out our goodness in a way that the “flavor” of holiness is evident to others. In this way, we will be used as salt for others. This is especially done by our works of charity.Saint Thérèse of Lisieux said in her autobiography, “I see now that true charity consists in bearing with the faults of those about us, never being surprised at their weaknesses, but edified at the least sign of their virtue.” She believed that this was especially the way we act as salt and light to others. We help to preserve others from sin by being merciful to them when they are weak. We enrich their lives by seeing their goodness and rejoicing in it. And we do so in a hidden way. By our gentleness and compassion, our kindness and mercy, we preserve others and help them to grow in God's abundant grace. And we do so, many times, without them even realizing how God used us.Consider, also, light. The world in which we live is oftentimes quite dark and despairing. There is corruption all around us and temptations abound. Thus, the light of Christ must be made manifest far and wide. Those all around us need to see clearly the path to holiness and happiness. Again, this is possible if we first work to become light itself. Christ, the true Light of the World, must so permeate our lives that we find it almost automatic to shine brightly in a fallen world. When Christ is alive in us, we will radiate joy and peace, calm and conviction, moral goodness and determination. And when we live this way, we will not have to “impose” the Gospel on others; rather, God's light will simply shine and be a beacon of hope to those who come into our presence.Reflect, today, upon these two missions in life. First, ponder your call to holiness. How does God want to bring light into your own life, preserve you from all sin and add spiritual flavor for holy living? Second, who does God want you to love with His love? Who needs hope and joy, mercy and kindness, words of wisdom and encouragement? Be holy and then allow that holiness to shine forth to others and you will indeed be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.My Jesus, the true Light of the World, please shine brightly in my life so that I will see clearly and will be preserved from the darkness of sin. As You fill me with Your light, please use me as an instrument of Your love and mercy to a world filled with chaos and confusion. Dispel the darkness, dear Lord, and use me as Your instrument as You will. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2021 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Rev. Curtis Deterding of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Kings 4:1-17. The widow had nothing but a vessel of oil. The Shunammite woman was wealthy. Yet, we all have needs and the LORD provides “all that we need to support this body and life.” God worked through Elisha for God’s people and God sends helpers in your life to provide, serve, and care for you and others. For all this generosity from God “it is our duty to thanks and praise, serve and obey Him.” “Heavenly Father, as You provided for the widow and Shunammite woman, provide for our needs. As You used Elisha to serve You people, help us to serve others as You have served us in Christ. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Sunday of the Paralytic: Close to the Sheep's Gate in Jerusalem, there was a pool, which was called the Sheep's Pool. It had round about it five porches, that is, five sets of pillars supporting a domed roof. Under this roof there lay very many sick people with various maladies, awaiting the moving of the water. The first to step in after the troubling of the water was healed immediately of whatever malady he had. It was there that the paralytic of today's Gospel way lying, tormented by his infirmity of thirty-eight years. When Christ beheld him, He asked him, "Wilt thou be made whole?" And he answered with a quiet and meek voice, "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool." The Lord said unto him, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." And straightaway the man was made whole and took up his bed. Walking in the presence of all, he departed rejoicing to his own house. According to the expounders of the Gospels, the Lord Jesus healed this paralytic during the days of the Passover, when He had gone to Jerusalem for the Feast, and dwelt there teaching and working miracles. According to Saint John the Evangelist, this miracle took place on the Sabbath. Kontakion Third Mode I am grievously paralyzed in a multitude of sins and wrongful deeds. As You raised up the paralytic of old, also raise up my soul by Your divine guidance, that I may cry out, "Glory to Your Power O Compassionate Christ."

Jesus prayed, “As You sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” Into the world! That sounds daunting, doesn’t it? The sheer magnitude of the task might leave us immobilized, much the same way one person might feel if they were to put on a pair of cleaning gloves and look out over an entire building. Where do you even start?

1. It's a mixed session out here today. The Russell 2000 index (IWM) which represents small cap stocks in the United States is trading higher along with the tech heavy NASDAQ Composite. On the flip side, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DIA) and the S&P 500 Index (SPY) are slightly negative. As You know, this Friday is options expiration for May. This is usually just going to be choppy week as the institutions will play games with many of the popular stocks into expiration o n Friday.2. Gold/Silver essentially flat. No big deal. Futures are flat. Good pause day after a move like yesterday. 3. Crypto crumble. Listen to Elon and lose money. Today it’s down to 43k. Did Elon sell futures and not actually sell Bitcoin.

'Sports In Depth'  With,Dr.Melhvin ''Doc'' Stanley Sr.,and his sports posse, on this segment is that football maven,'NFL-Ed'. SID is an in depth informative educational and historical look at the world of sports,on this his renowned and legendary award winning,radio show,'Sports In Depth'. Di-versing from both a daily and historical perspective,bringing also both an in depth look and perspective not only on the sports of our times, but too,of the players and performers of the said events, both now and of yesteryear. Sports In Depth,AKA SID, also brings us the unique strategies of sports from an intellectual prospective. Not just athletics because as it takes raw GOD given talent and conditioning it too takes a GOD blessed mind fueled with passion, determination,intellect and a belief of competing and accomplishing too. And with the in depth knowledge and diverse intellect, of Doc's iconic posse,Sports In Depth is too,''the world in Depth''. Thanks for joining us once again,where we always, Rope the Rumors,Hog tie the Issues and Brand the Truth.  And we dedicate this segment of Sports In Depth saying,Happy Birthday to my buddy and legendary boxing champion,Sugar Ray Leonard who turned 65 today.GOD Bless you dear Ray and many more. *TRUST*IN*GOD* ''If you can't remember me, then I will have to forget You.'' ''Why can't I be what I want to be and not what you want me to be?As You simply always be as you desire to be''? ''Tough luck,bad luck or you just simply fucked up''? '' At his best or less still simply the very Best.'' ''Tommorow?,you jest today is still your at hand test.'' ' Doc Stanley's Words of Wit,Wisdom and Truth'

Thomas Sunday May 9 Though the doors were shut at the dwelling where the disciples were gathered for fear of the Jews on the evening of the Sunday after the Passover, our Saviour wondrously entered and stood in their midst, and greeted them with His customary words, "Peace be unto you." Then He showed unto them His hands and feet and side; furthermore, in their presence, He took some fish and a honeycomb and ate before them, and thus assured them of His bodily Resurrection. But Thomas, who was not then present with the others, did not believe their testimony concerning Christ's Resurrection, but said in a decisive manner, "Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe." Wherefore after eight days, that is, on this day, when the disciples were again gathered together and Thomas was with them, the Lord Jesus came while the doors were shut, as He did formerly. Standing in their midst, He said, "Peace be unto you"; then He said to Thomas, "Bring hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and bring hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not unbelieving, but believing." And Thomas, beholding and examining carefully the hands and side of the Master, cried out with faith, "My Lord and my God." Thus he clearly proclaimed the two natures - human and divine - of the God-man (Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-29). This day is called Antipascha (meaning "in the stead of Pascha," not "in opposition to Pascha") because with this day, the first Sunday after Pascha, the Church consecrates every Sunday of the year to the commemoration of Pascha, that is, the Resurrection. Apolytikion Grave Mode Christ our God, You are the Life that dawned from the grave, though the tomb was sealed. Through closed doors You came to the Apostles. You are the Resurrection of all. And, You renewed us through them with an upright spirit, according to Your great mercy. Kontakion Plagal Fourth Mode Thomas examined Your life-giving side with his probing right hand, O Christ our God. As You entered, though the doors were closed, he cried out to You, with the other Apostles "You are my Lord and my God."

Order of Service: - Prelude - The Versicles and Gloria Patri (p. 108) - The Confession of Sin (p. 108) - Hymn 377 - Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me?: vv. 1-3 - John 17: 13-19: (Jesus prayed:) “Now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.” - Devotion - Hymn 377 - Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me?: vv. 5 & 6 - The Collect (p. 108) - The Canticle (p. 108) - Hymn 377 - Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me?: vv. 7 & 8 - Postlude Service Participants: Chaplain Don Moldstad (Preacher), Laura Matzke (Organist)

Chaplain Don Moldstad was preacher for this service. John 17: 13-19: (Jesus prayed:) “Now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.”

The Mercy of the Heart of Jesus shines forth with great radiance. This was the image of Divine Mercy seen by Saint Faustina. The open Heart of our Lord burst forth with an outpouring of light and grace on the world. Jesus wants to continue to shine forth on the world, and He wants to rest in your heart so that He may shine on others through you (See Diary #514).What is in your heart? Is it bitterness and pain? Is it sin and darkness? Or is it the Heart of our Lord? Does Jesus live in your heart? These questions are so very important to answer honestly. If you cannot honestly say that the Heart of Jesus rests in your heart, then this is an important revelation to ponder. Seek to let His Heart melt away any sin and dispel any darkness. In their place, let His light shine forth. When the Heart of Jesus rests in yours, your heart will radiate Mercy and bathe others in its rays.Lord, as I look at my heart, I see sin and darkness at times. Come live in my heart, dispel all darkness and wipe away all sin. As You take possession of my heart, shine forth Your Divine rays of Mercy upon me, and upon a world in need. I give my heart to You, dear Lord. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: www.divinemercy.lifeCopyright © 2021 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Rev. Dr. Steven Schave, Director of LCMS Urban & Inner City Mission and LCMS Church Planting, and co-host of the Mission Field: USA podcast, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28. Find LCMS Urban & Inner City Mission at lcms.org/urban. Learn more about LCMS Church Planting at lcms.org/churchplanting, and find the Mission Field: USA podcast at kfuo.org/missionfieldusa. Paul lovingly provides final instructions to the saints.  Whether it is respect to those who labor in the Word, encouragement for the fainthearted, help for the weak, rejoicing always, or testing everything by the Word, Paul desires that everyone may know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.  We pray the same for our church family, neighbors, and family members, as we know that this grace is sufficient and he desires all to be saved.  “Lord God, shower Your grace upon us, our friends, family, and churches.  As You have made us holy by the blood of Christ, give us the gift of joy, thanksgiving, service, faithfulness to Your Word, and being kept blameless until You return.  Lord have mercy.  In Christ, Amen”

March 31 2021 - Wednesday PM Bible Class   "As You are Going Evangelism": "The Two Types of Evangelism" by Edwin Jones Duration 46:33

In this Episode, I invited Jordan Danielle, Movement Artist•Birth worker•Curator•DJ, A founder of A Queer •Trans •Non Binary & BIPOC centered community org. “As You are”. Here's Jordan. Guest Bio Jordan Danielle, sun child, nature boi, big guppie. Jersey born and raised, they found themselves invited into the state of Utah in 2017 for a dance theatre project that settled them into such a dynamic state, a place they themselves never thought they'd end up being. The blossom of acknowledging and moving forward in truth started here. A journey of finding a once suppressed voice. A multi-faceted being, Jordan is a movement artist, personal chef to themselves and friends, event curator, DJ, birth worker, and founder of As You Are; a platform that promotes and provides resources and interactive experiences across multidisciplinary mediums that benefit the BIPOC and QTGNC community. They are dedicated to creating an educational and artistrical safe and inclusive space for Queer Trans and Gender Non-conforming folx, as they have always desired a space like that for themselves as a young queer kid. An antisocial extrovert, deep lover, constant observer, lover of ramen and mac and cheese sits inside their constant awakening visionary soul. Libra sun. Scorpio moon. Aquarius Rising. A proud forever evolving black trans genderqueer boi. https://www.instagram.com/jordir0c/ https://www.instagram.com/_asyouare.space_/ https://www.unitedinbirth.com/classes-workshops Enjoyed this Episode? I'd love it if you can subscribe and share this with your friends. If you have a story that you want to share on this podcast, visit www.yukoislovelivelife.com and send me a message. Till next story, let's stay connected. xoxo Yuko --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

SET US APART FROM THIS WORLD--Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.-As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.-And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.-John 17-17-19---1. INTRODUCTION --a. Last sermon on Chap 1 of the 1689 Baptist Confession Of Faith.----2. ANALYSIS--a. Context - prayer of Jesus before His arrest, trial and death.--b. Key words- 'sanctify', 'your word-truth'.--c. Message of Jesus.----3. RELEVANCE--Scripture is a life-long tool that God uses to set believers apart from this world.--a. Conversion-i. Set apart from this world. 1 Cor 1-2, Jude 1, Heb 2-11--ii. Set apart from this world illustrated in Acts 26-18.--b. Course Through Life-i. Live differently from this world.--ii. Connected to other believers - Christ through His Church. Eph 2-20-22--c. Conclusion of our Life. -i. Die differently from this world.---ii. Prepare for our last days by His Word. -- When will I die- Job 14-5, Isa 45-9-10--- How will I die- Rom 14-7-8, Phil 2-8--- Final battle with death. 1 Cor 15-26, Ps 23-4, 2 Tim 4-6-8, Luke 23-43----4. APPLICATION--a. Believers - Make John 17-17-19 our constant prayers for the church. --b. Unbelievers and those seeking salvation. -i. To treat the sanctified Saviour as nothing insults God. Heb 10-29--ii. Choose salvation over damnation. John 1-29

Library Guys Go to the Movies comes at you the fourth Wednesday of every month. Join host and resident movie geek Luke and a special guest as they discuss all things film.  This month's episode is all about the cult classic The Princess Bride.  Special guest Melissa from the Orange branch joins me to discuss the film as well as the memoir As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Wesley himself Cary Elwes! To request a copy of The Princess Bride or the book As You wish, just click here. Email us with movie recommendations, suggestions, & feedback at libraryguys@delawarelibrary.org.

As YOU run from the PAIN of GROWTH which leads to GAIN through improvement. And decide to REMAIN in the pain of '' COMFORT DWELLERS'' who hide in their comfort zones, masked up to cover the pain they go through. defining uncomfortable as comfort because they are addicted. The truth is comfort zone can be addictive, but is it really COMFORTABLE? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/benedict-odjobo/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/benedict-odjobo/support

“Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing and everyone is coming to him.” John 3:26 John the Baptist had amassed quite a following. People kept coming to Him to be baptized, and many wanted his ministry to grow. However, once Jesus began His own public ministry, some of the followers of John became jealous. But John gave the right answer to them. He explained to them that his life and mission was to prepare people for Jesus. Now that Jesus had begun His ministry, John joyfully said, “So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:29–30).This humility of John is a great lesson, especially for those who are actively engaged in the apostolic mission of the Church. Too often when we get involved with some apostolate and another’s “ministry” seems to grow faster than ours, jealousy can set in. But the key to understanding our role in the apostolic mission of Christ’s Church is that we must seek to fulfill our role and our role alone. We must never see ourselves in competition with others within the Church. We must know when we are to act in accord with God’s will, and we must know when we are to step back and allow others to fulfill God’s will. We must do the will of God, nothing more, nothing less and nothing other.Additionally, that last statement from John must always resound within our hearts when we are called to actively engage in the apostolate. “He must increase; I must decrease.” This is an ideal model for everyone who serves Christ and others within the Church.Reflect, today, upon those holy words of the Baptist. Apply them to your mission within your family, among your friends and especially if you are involved in some apostolic service within the Church. Everything you do must point to Christ. This will only happen if you, like Saint John the Baptist, understand the unique role that God has given to you and you embrace that role alone.Lord, I give myself to You for Your service and glory. Use me as You will. As You use me, please give me the humility I need to always remember that I serve You and Your will alone. Free me from jealousy and envy and help me to rejoice in the numerous ways that You act through others in my life. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2020 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Christians are ambassadors for Jesus Christ. We are His personal representatives in the devil's world. We represent God before man through our thoughts and actions. God is depending on us to present the Gospel to the lost and dying world. “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” (John 17:18). The angels are observing us and rejoice over the conversion of each person. “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4) The transcript of this episode is unavailable at this time. If you need a transcript to access the show leave us a message. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rick-hughes/message

In this episode of the As You Were Podcast, Shawn and Gio discuss what it is to have a warrior spirit in life. Whether you are a single parent, a fighter, or even a military member downrange. We all have our battles and inner strength to press forward. Subscribe, Rate and Review to “As You […] The post As You Were Podcast: Warrior Spirit appeared first on Radio Influence.

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free…” Luke 1:67–68Our story of the birth of Saint John the Baptist concludes today with the song of praise spoken by Zechariah after his tongue had been loosened on account of his transformation in faith. He had moved from doubting what the Archangel Gabriel had spoken to him to believing and following the command of the Archangel to name his firstborn son “John.” As we saw in yesterday’s reflection, Zechariah is a model and example for those who have lacked faith, have suffered the consequences of their lack of faith, and have changed as a result.Today, we see an even fuller illustration of what happens when we change. No matter how deeply we have doubted in the past, no matter how far we have turned from God, when we turn back to Him with all our heart, we can hope to experience the same thing experienced by Zechariah. First, we see that Zechariah is “filled with the Holy Spirit.” And as a result of this gift of the Holy Spirit, Zechariah “prophesied.” These two revelations are very significant.As we prepare for the celebration of the Birth of Christ tomorrow on Christmas Day, we are also called to be “filled with the Holy Spirit” so that we also can act as a prophetic messenger of the Lord. Though Christmas is all about the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity, Christ Jesus our Lord, the Holy Spirit (the Third Person of the Holy Trinity) plays just as much of a significant role in the glorious event, both at that time and also today. Recall that it was by the Holy Spirit Who overshadowed Mother Mary that she conceived the Christ Child. In today’s Gospel, it was the Holy Spirit Who enabled Zechariah to proclaim the greatness of God’s act of sending John the Baptist ahead of Jesus to prepare the way for Him. Today, it must be the Holy Spirit Who fills our lives so as to enable us to proclaim the Christmas Truth.In our day and age, Christmas has become very secular in many parts of the world. Few people take time on Christmas to truly pray and worship God for all that He has done. Few people continually proclaim that glorious message of the Incarnation to family and friends during this most solemn celebration. How about you? Are you able to be a true “prophet” of the Most High God this Christmas? Has the Holy Spirit overshadowed you and filled you with the grace needed to point others to this glorious reason for our celebration?Reflect, today, upon the role of the Holy Spirit in your life this day. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you, inspire you, and strengthen you, and to give to you the wisdom you need to be a mouthpiece of the glorious gift of the birth of the Savior of the World this Christmas. No other gift could be more important to give to others than this message of truth and love.Holy Spirit, I give You my life and invite You to come to me, to overshadow me and to fill me with Your divine presence. As You fill me, give me the wisdom I need to speak of Your greatness and to be an instrument through which others are drawn into the glorious celebration of the birth of the Savior of the World. Come, Holy Spirit, fill me, consume me and use me for Your glory.  Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2020 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.   Luke 1:39–40We are presented today with the glorious story of the Visitation. When Mary was about two months pregnant, she traveled to be with her cousin Elizabeth who was to give birth within a month. Though much could be said about this as an act of familial love given from Mary to Elizabeth, the central focus immediately becomes the precious Child within the womb of Mary.Imagine the scene. Mary had just traveled about 100 miles. She was most likely exhausted. As she finally arrived, she would have been relieved and joyful at the completion of her journey. But Elizabeth says something quite inspiring at that moment, which elevates the joy of all present, including the joy of Mother Mary. Elizabeth says, “For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy” (Luke 1:44). Again, imagine the scene. It was this tiny child within Elizabeth’s womb, John the Baptist, who immediately perceived the presence of the Lord and leaped for joy. And it was Elizabeth who immediately perceived the joy in her child living within her womb. As Elizabeth expressed this to Mary, who was already joyful at completing her journey, Mary was suddenly all the more overjoyed at the realization that she had brought to Elizabeth and John the Savior of the World living within her womb.This story should teach us much about what is most important in life. Yes, it’s important to reach out in love to others. It’s important to care for our relatives and friends when they need us the most. It’s important to be sacrificial with our time and energies for the good of others, because through these acts of humble service, we certainly share the love of God. But most importantly, we must bring Christ Jesus Himself to others. Elizabeth was not filled with joy first and foremost because Mary was there to help her in her pregnancy. Rather, she was overjoyed primarily because Mary brought her Jesus, her Lord, living within her womb.Though we do not bring Christ in the same way as our Blessed Mother did, we nonetheless must make this our central mission in life. First, we must foster a love and devotion to our Lord so deep that He truly dwells within us. Then, we must bring Him who dwells within us to others. This is unquestionably the greatest act of charity we will ever be able to offer to another.Reflect, today, not only upon your mission to invite your Lord to dwell within you as our Blessed Mother did, but also upon your Christian duty to then bring Him who dwells within you to others. Do others encounter Christ living within you with joy? Do they sense His presence in your life and respond with gratitude? Regardless of their response, commit yourself to this holy calling of bringing Christ to others as an act of the deepest love.Lord, please do dwell within me. Come and transform me by Your holy presence. As You do come to me, help me to then become a missionary of Your divine presence by bringing You to others so that they may encounter the joy of Your presence. Make me a pure instrument, dear Lord, and use me to inspire all whom I encounter every day. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2020 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Give Thanks! As you enter this Thanksgiving season, certainly it’s like no other. In spite of all you’ve experienced thisyear, there’s still a reason to give thanks. As with most of the world, there has been great lossrelationally, financially, emotionally, and spiritually but we still have reason to be grateful and thankful.It may be easier for some than others, but through it all, God is with you. He loves and cares for you. Asyou go through the day, think of good times, do something that brings joy to you. Encourage someone.Whisper a word of thanks to the One who has brought you to this day. Be thankful. Colossians 3:17 “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, givingthanks to God and the Father by him.”

In this episode of the As You Were Podcast, Shawn and Gio discuss life after boot camp and the different trials and tribulations each face. One is a combat veteran. One is not. Both wanted something different. Would they be who they are if the roles were switched? Subscribe, Rate and Review to “As You […] The post As You Were Podcast: Trading Places appeared first on Radio Influence.

I have already chosen what You will. Father, I thought I wandered from Your Will, defied it, broke its laws, and interposed a second will more powerful than Yours. Yet what I am in truth is but Your Will, extended and extending. This am I, and this will never change. As You are One, so am I one with You. And this I chose in my creation, where my will became forever one with Yours. That choice was made for all eternity. It cannot change, and be in opposition to itself. Father, my will is Yours. And I am safe, untroubled and serene, in endless joy, because it is Your Will that it be so. Today we will accept our union with each other and our Source. We have no will apart from His, and all of us are one because His Will is shared by all of us. Through it we recognize that we are one. Through it we find our way at last to God.- Jesus Christ in A Course in Miracles, Lesson 329

As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace–but now it is hidden from your eyes.”  Luke 19:41-42It’s hard to know exactly what Jesus knew about the future of the people of Jerusalem.  But we do know, from this passage, that His knowledge made Him weep in sorrow.  Here are a few points on which to meditate.First, it’s important to see the image of Jesus weeping.  To say that Jesus wept implies that this was not simply some small sadness or disappointment.  Rather, it implies a very deep sorrow that moved Him to very real tears.  So start with that image and let it sink in.Second, Jesus was weeping over Jerusalem because, as He approached and had a good view of the city, He immediately became aware of the fact that so many people would reject Him and His visit.  He came to bring them the gift of eternal salvation. Sadly, some ignored Jesus out of indifference while others were infuriated at Him and sought His death.Third, Jesus was not only weeping over Jerusalem.  He was also weeping over all people, especially those of His future family of faith.  He wept, in particular, at the lack of faith that He could see so many would have.  Jesus was keenly aware of this fact and it grieved Him deeply.  Reflect, today, upon the serious temptation we all face of being indifferent to Christ.  It’s easy for us to have a little faith and to turn to God when it is to our advantage.  But it is also very easy to remain indifferent to Christ when things in life seem to be going well.  We easily fall into the trap of thinking we do not need to daily surrender to Him in the most complete way possible.  Root out any indifference to Christ today and tell Him you want to serve Him and His holy will with your whole heart.Lord, I beg of You to weed out every bit of indifference in my heart.  As You weep over my sin, may those tears wash me and cleanse me so that I may make a total commitment to You as my Divine Lord and King.  Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2020 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Start Today to Expand Your Thinking. As You think bigger, and more expansive your slef worth will naturally increase. As your confidence grows in the knowledge and application of achieving your ideals, you will believe in yourself even more. Learn More about my book The Secret Shift to make small shifts that lead to hugh changes and results in your life! Pick Up Your Copy! (Link Below) https://tinyurl.com/y2vs3aew --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theopulentlife/support

I can give up but what was never real. I sacrifice illusions; nothing more. And as illusions go I find the gifts illusions tried to hide, awaiting me in shining welcome, and in readiness to give God's ancient messages to me. His memory abides in every gift that I receive of Him. And every dream serves only to conceal the Self Which is God's only Son, the likeness of Himself, the Holy One Who still abides in Him forever, as He still abides in me. Father, to You all sacrifice remains forever inconceivable. And so I cannot sacrifice except in dreams. As You created me, I can give up nothing You gave me. What You did not give has no reality. What loss can I anticipate except the loss of fear, and the return of love into my mind?- Jesus Christ in A Course in Miracles, Lesson 322

Thank God We are the Light of this World 1 Cor 15:57-58 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord1. He Overcame All that was in the World and So Can We 1 John 5:4 For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith World – the system alienated and opposed to God's system, lying under the power of the wicked oneJs 3:15-16 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. (Satan is the god of this world system)Eph 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms 1 Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.The Lust of the Flesh – The Appetites and Desires of the Sinful Nature Gal 5:19-21 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of GodThe Lust of the Eye – The Love of Money Eccl 5:10 Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless The Pride of Life – Power and Fame without God #abominationMatt 4:8-10 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 "All this I will give you," he said, "If you will bow down and worship me." 10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" 2 Tim 4:10 Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present worldIf you don't go with the world they will hate you because they hate JesusJn 16:33 In me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world 2. Thank God that Everywhere You Go the Victory Goes with YouJn 17:15-16,18 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.  16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. #LIGHTOFTHEWORLD2 Cor 2:14 (CEV) I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfumeOur lives are an example of the mercy, grace, and victory of the cross 1 Tim 1:12,15-17 (tlb) How thankful I am to Christ Jesus our Lord for choosing me as one of his messengers, and giving me the strength to be faithful to him, 15 How true it is, and how I long that everyone should know it, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-and I was the greatest of them all. 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as an example to show everyone how patient he is with even the worst sinners, so that others will realize that they, too, can have everlasting life. 17 Glory and honor to God forever and ever. He is the King of the ages, the unseen oneWebsite

PRAYER FOCUS: NOAH A MAN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS OBEYED AND RESTED IN TRUST OF GOD! Listen to the Prayer Audio: Heavenly Father, We come in humble submission to Your Perfect Will for us! Lord, we know Your Ways are not our ways and Your thoughts are not our thoughts so we are here trusting Your Words of Promise that You will never leave us or forsake us. No matter how weak we may feel we know we can do all things in Christ Jesus Your Son. For greater is He that in us than he that is in the world. Lord, we walk by Faith to be in harmony with Your Heart and all that You command us to do this day and everyday as we are Your Warriors in an Army slated to be victorious as we see already Your Plans are coming to pass for us in this hour. We have a bright Hope that no man can take from us. No matter what the media or naysayers speak we will see the re-election of President Trump and what You have planned for us is awesome and miraculous, yet it is happening for this we give You all thanks and praise. It is all for Your Glory! Father through the authority that Your Son, Yeshuah has given us we bind the strong man and use the word of Faith to crush the strongholds that have been allowed to exist in our nation. We divorce ourselves from all the false worship of idols that are given to us through a corrupt media and entertainment world. Lord, more and more of Your People are waking up who fallen asleep in the pews and are now taking the Message of the Good News to the streets. Just as You commissioned us Your Apostles so we too are here to defend the Truth, to speak the truth and to act boldly in Faith all that You lead us to do to show others Your loving kindness to all who are in need and have been treated harshly and cruelly. As You said we are bind up the wounds of others, heal the sick, raise the dead, and spread the Kingdom for what You have begun will not fail for as You said the gates of hell will not prevail and through the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit we are a part of the Great Harvest You have begun. Father, we thank You that Amy Coney Barrett is now on the Supreme Court! One more sign that what has been prophesied will come to pass. Our prayer is being heard so we are here to continue to push on and defeat the enemy on the front line! Lord as more and more of those who are involved with the media and entertainment lie slander and deceive through their mouths, may they be silenced and those words are their own trap to fall into. Justice will prevail and those who are lawless will be brought to justice, either repent and change your life or see the judgment fall and recompense be made. Mercy is only for those who repent and show a change in their lives, for too long we have seen fake repentance and then those who are corrupt are left to continue in their own lies. But No more this is the time of separation of the wheat from the chaff and sheep from the goats. The stubborn hearted will fall and we will see the humble exalted by You, God! This that hour! Praise God! Lord, during this time we pray that more and more Americans will arise and use their freedom to vote and choose properly those You have anointed for such a time as this. That more will understand that their vote does count, that fraud and corruption have been used against us.. But no longer Truth shall prevail and the deceiver will lose their political power! The Lion of Judah is roaring in our day, we will see the enemy fall as the name of Jesus is spoken clearly the demons tremble and run from us for Jesus has already defeated our enemy, so that when we speak His Words we are standing in the perfect Will of our Father! Father, let Your Holy Fire purify our hearts to stand in harmony with You so that we will see Your Glory all around. We are not afraid Lord for You are with us and in us! The words of truth we speak are a fire that will turn to ashes all that is not of You,

This conversation with author, Erin Carlson of I'll Have What She's Having: How Nora Ephron's Three Iconic Films Saved the Romantic Comedy made me so unbelievably happy! Erin and I discuss one of our favorite Nora Ephron films, You've Got Mail. Erin shares anecdotes from the set based on sources she spoke to, stories of Nora and the famous dialogue she created and tidbits from her interviews with the cast including Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. As we go through our thoughts on this iconic and beloved romantic comedy, Erin and I contemplate the themes of dreams, forgiveness, your purpose in life and what it means to find the person that is right for you. As You've Got Mail is a love letter to words so is this conversation a love letter to creator Nora Ephron and this magical movie. If you are a fan of You've Got Mail, you'll love this conversation and leave feeling all the good. .....#feelthegoodpodcastFollow Shawl on Instagram/Twitter: @shawlinivmh.comWebsite: https://www.shawlinivmh.com/Transcripts Available: https://www.shawlinivmh.com/ftg-transcriptsFollow Erin Carlson Website: http://erinlcarlson.com/Instagram: @erinleighcarlsonTwitter: @erinlcarlsonPurchase Her Book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ill-have-what-shes-having-erin-carlson/1124564336Spread the Good- Erin's Charitable Organization Mentioned in this Episode:*National Association of Black Journalists: https://www.nabj.org/

Ho'oponopono Healing Meditation - Change Your Reality! Have you ever hear of Ho'oponopono? This is a powerful healing meditation or prayer, used by Hawaiian culture for thousands of years! It is used to heal any kind of relationship, situation or scenario. Some families use it to heal relationships with other families even. Recently I came across this meditation & the results were ground breaking. This meditation was discovored by Dr. Ihaleakala, who was a Dr for these patients who went through some form of war. As he read the cases of the patients, he would do this meditation or healing prayer, & then the patients would begin to heal, and change. Why is it that Dr Ihaleakala would do this healing prayer for himself, and the patients would heal? This is where we go deep down the rabbit hole into the TRUTH about REALITY. What was happening was he was healing HIS versions of them. Because he was the one creating them. Everything is a mirror reflecting your internal condition & energetic vibration. He began to heal his perception of them, and his beliefs about them. Your beliefs are the bubble in which you walk around in creating your reality, or keeping you prisoner. This is because everything is pure cosmic energy, & at our core we are not even separate. That is the greatest illusion in this 3d realm. We are all one force of energy, which is unconditional love. Everything is data, mathematics, dimensions. As he began to heal the data stream within him, his outer began to reflect that back to him. Since then Hawaiian's have been using this healing modality to change their lives. We are talking about a shift in consciousness here. As YOU begin to heal yourself from within, the way you are perceiving reality, it will begin to change for you as well. Everything is a reflection of the one, and we are not so separate at all. WE are here on Earth on a journey of self discovery, remembering who we are. Practice this meditation for 21 days to reprogram and rewire your subconscious mind, thought forms, and patterns. The subconscious mind governs about 90 percent of our reality. Your diet is not only what you eat, it is what you see, hear, smell. Listen to this meditation while you are going about your day, working, cleaning, or anything for that matter. Then watch how your life begins to change. You could say that words are spells. Get it? spell-ing. Grammar comes from the Old English word "Grimoire" which literally means book of spells. Words carry a vibration that echo into eternity. Repeat after me. "I am sorry. Please, forgive me. Thank you, I LOVE YOU"! That is the Ho'oponopono Healing Meditation - love & light --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/meditationwithchristopher/support

PRAYER FOCUS: CAN YOU HEAR GOD? YOU CAN WITH A PURE HEART! PURITY OF HEART IS THE HEART OF A PRAYER WARRIOR! Listen to the Prayer Audio: Heavenly Father, We repent of any blocks in our heart to hear You and love You. You know my heart Lord, cleanse me of anything that hinders my closeness to You! Without You I can nothing and You are the only source I need for everything I face. You know me and know everything about me even before I speak it or act for You know my sitting down and my getting up. You understand my thoughts from afar. Where can I go from Your Spirit? You have knitted me in my mother's womb. I shall praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made! Lord God we are here as Your Army to defend and spread the Kingdom here in our land and among the nations especially Your land of Israel! Father in this hour when there is much chaos, rebellion and lawlessness in the land, separate those who are Yours from those who choose to live in darkness and choose to follow the wicked ways of the enemy. As You have said in Your Word: Surely You will slay the wicked, O God, therefore we say depart from us men of destruction and chaos. Any of the wicked who speak evil of Your Name are not our fiends and we hate their words a You hate them and none who are in darkess can stand in Your Presence! So we say: search us O God as You know our heart. Try us and see us to lead us in Your Way! Father, deliver us from the disorder in our day! Preserve us from the violent men who continually gather together fo war and have sharpened tongues like a serpent and have poisoned words on their lips. Father there is so much of this in our day we seek the crushing of the media and those who are using their venomous poison against President Trump and those who are aligned with him. Even now Lord protect his newest appointment of Amy Coney Barrett as the slander and scandal are plotted against her and even her family. Lord in the Mighty Authority of Jesus we proclaim this will not continue. Those who have plotted and schemed to stop this appointment may their lies fall on them and may their tongues be filled with a fire that will stop them from doing anything further. Lord, we take authority over these Senate proceedings may they have no interruptions and run smoothly in fairness and Justice according to our Constitution of Advice and Consent. Lord, this woman stands in righteousness so shall we see her approved and sworn is as a Justice that will serve us honorably and make our Supreme Court like unto Your heavenly court! It is so! Father, as we have prayed for General Flynn and others who have been prosecuted unfairly and with trickery let them be set free and be restored and dismissed from any further judicial tyranny! Lord, like Your Court of Heaven we want Justice served here in America and that a true reform will bring a lasting change to our system! Lord, continue to give us judges and those who attend to our courts be men and women of integrity and honor! Lord, we thankful for those You have anointed to arise during this time and we place a shield of protection around them and their loved ones that they may serve without fear and speak boldly the Truth. Yes, Lord the time has come for us to see those words of the prophet come true Roe v. Wade overturned and to see marriage restored to the way You have planned it from the beginning one man and one woman and all other ideas and perversion will have no ore sway in America! Lord, only You can move those who are corrupt in their thinking to face the consequences of their foolishness. Now is the time to bring perversion to an end in our Land! Lord, with the struggle we are in to win the heart of America back to You give us the boldness to speak, to act and to vote according to our Faith. That none of us will be ashamed or fearful to say that we stand for Jesus the Christ and we will support and honor those who are willing to govern us ...

Thanks for joining Francie on this episode of Heaven in Your Home. We hope you’ll be inspired by this episode, and feel led to share it with someone you know would be ministered to by Francie’s message. In This Episode Francie talks about: James 1:5 Psalm 127:3-5 Fierce Marriage Podcast:  Abortion, Birth Control, IVF and Babies Psalm 139 Prayer:  God we thank you that You are an available God.  There isn’t any subject that we can’t come to You to ask for wisdom.  As You say in Your Word in the book of James, when we lack wisdom, we can ask of You and You will give it freely.  Give us courage to bring our questions to You.  Thank you for surrounding us with a community where we can connect together to learn, grow and share Your wisdom.  Thank you for the gift of procreation.  We confess our culture’s idols of comfort and control.  We ask for unity in our marriages.  We pray to bring You glory and honor with our choices for our family planning inside our homes.  We surrender to Your way and we trust You.  In Your precious name.  Amen.   Connect with Francie: Website Instagram Facebook group Please share Heaven In Your Home with your friends!

This Is My Story is a special season of Impolite Company focused on telling the stories of women who have made voting an act of faith. In this first episode, we talk with Megan Westra, a Milwaukee-based pastor and author of the new book Born Again and Again: Jesus' Call to Radical Transformation. You can find Megan online at meganwestra.com (https://meganwestra.com/) and buy her book (https://bookshop.org/books/born-again-and-again-jesus-call-to-radical-transformation/9781513806747) by supporting independent bookstores. Continue the conversation with us at https://www.facebook.com/thisismystoryproject EPISODE TRANSCRIPT:    AMY SULLIVAN: I’m Amy Sullivan, and you’re listening to This Is My Story, a special season of Impolite Company.    Each week, we’ve be joined by a woman who was once solidly rooted in the world of conservative white Christianity, but whose faith and politics have since shifted. She’ll tell us that story, about what convicted her to see loving her neighbor as a commandment to shape not only how she lives her life, but also how she votes.   In this first episode, I’m talking with Megan Westra, a Milwaukee-based pastor and writer. Megan grew up in Appalachia, in the kind of evangelical community where sometimes kids rededicated themselves to Christ before they were even out of elementary school—because you can never be too sure. She’s the author of a new book called “Born Again and Again: Jesus’ Call to Radical Transformation.” It takes a hard look at the stories so many of us were taught about Christianity, unravels them, and then puts them back together with refreshingly practical suggestions for both churches and individuals who are looking to embody a different kind of Christianity.   As Lisa Sharon Harper says in her foreword to the book, “Megan invites those disillusioned by a white Jesus to be born again, again.”   And in Megan’s case, that may technically be born again, again, again. But I’ll let her tell it. This is her story.    MEGAN WESTRA: I was born and raised right on the West Virginia/Virginia border, so in the Appalachian mountains. A little bit further north than the heart of the Bible Belt, but still definitely in that part of the country. The very first church experience I had was we went to a United Methodist congregation for the first ten years of my life that my great-grandparents had helped found. I was super-super-churched—going to the United Methodist church on Sundays, but then I went with a friend to an Awana program at their Baptist church. I was a kid of the South in the 90s! If there was a church thing, I was there. Church camp, church whatever.    In my book, I talk about how I got saved for the first time when I was four years old, apparently. I don’t remember that, but that’s what my mom always told me. From the get-go—I do not have memories outside of a life that was steeped in some kind of faith.    Now, granted, growing up it was this very traditionally evangelical—like, altar calls at the end of every service, “If you were driving home from church tonight and you got in a car accident, do you know where you would go?” Right, that kind of rhetoric. And very much defined by all of the markers that we’ve become familiar with since 2016, as far as, what are the things that evangelicals care about. Well, we want somebody who says that they oppose abortion. And I want to be real clear—they say that they oppose abortion.   AS: And were those messages, in terms of what the political priorities were, cultural priorities—were those explicit? Or are those things that you just pick up from being part of the community?   MW: That we should support pro-life candidates, and only pro-life Republican candidates, was pretty explicit from really early on in my life. I remember being in elementary school, and I was watching Nickelodeon with my cousins at my grandparents’ house, and there was a kids’ election poll. I don’t even remember who was running—it was one of the Clinton terms, though. You still called in on your landline phone because cellphones weren’t a thing yet. And you pressed “1” to vote for one person and “2” to vote for the other. My cousins both called in and voted for Bill Clinton. And I was like, “I’m sorry—what? What? That’s not allowed.” That was my framework, even as a young child. You’re not allowed to do that and love Jesus.   AS: I love that you write about rededicating your life to Christ by the age of, what, 12?    MW: Yeah! The ripe old age of 12!   AS: You are not the first person I’ve talked to who felt like they must have erred at some point and had to rededicate themselves at age 8 or 10 or 12. What was your sense of what was required of you as a Christian?   MW: I don’t even know if I had a really strong sense of what that would have looked like. If someone had sat 10-year-old me down and told me my life: Megan, you are in church three days a week and you help your parents with things and you go visit your grandparents. All the little things that kids do to try to be good little humans. If somebody had sat me down and said, what else would the Lord require of you? I don’t think I could have answered that question. It more came down to this constant image of God that I was being fed, by faith leaders from the pulpit on Sunday mornings, in Sunday school lessons.  That God was angry and needed to be appeased. You had to accept Jesus into your heart. And God killed Jesus so that you could be—not even okay with God, but God wouldn’t burn you forever because God killed God’s son.    That’s such a horrible story. That’s a terrible story!   AS: Well, it’s definitely not an uplifting story, that’s for sure. You know, I really connected to the kind of Catch-22 that you write about, that if you’re a child who grows up in the church, there’s a pretty good chance that you’re already on the straight and narrow. And yet the church places such an emphasis on having a story of transformation. What do you do if there’s no turnaround that has to be effected? I’m wondering—so you’re a self-described super-church kid, you’ve been saved multiple times. What was your thinking as you approached the end of high school?   MW: I’m feel like I’m kind of a stereotype because I came up through youth group in a period when the assumption was: “When you get to college, your faith is going to be challenged. You’re going to have to work really hard to not let the ‘liberal’ professors pull you away from God. So be prepared. Be prepared to have to stand for your faith. Going into the university, be prepared to be persecuted. Be ready.”   So I went a small Christian college in part because that was, “Well, if you don’t want to be completely dragged away, you should go to a Christian college. It’ll still be hard! You’re still going to be pulled by the influences of the world and of academia! But at least you’ll have some strong Christian professors who will be helping you.”   I went to a small Christian college there in my hometown, both because that seemed to make a lot of sense and my parents really encouraged that. I didn’t give a whole lot of thought to it beyond, I need to be prepared to defend my faith, even on this small Christian college campus. And just assumed that was what I would have to do, that I would get there and there would be some professors that would be really supportive and there would be professors who would try to “lure” me away. I remember in my freshman year, all of us from a fundamentalist background whispering about a professor who didn’t believe in inerrancy.    There would be some professors who would try to lure me away. I remember in my freshman year, all of us whispering—those of us who were coming out of a more fundamentalist background: “Oh, watch out for this one professor. He doesn’t believe in inerrancy. You have to be careful in his class!” And I just laugh about that now, because I’m like, “Oh, man, I probably should have paid more attention in his class. I probably would have learned some really great things.”    AS: But it turns out that your faith was challenged in college. Just not in the way you had anticipated...    Link to full transcript of This Is My Story, Episode 1  

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name.”  Luke 1:46-49These, the opening lines of our Blessed Mother’s glorious song of praise, reveal who she is.  She is one whose whole life proclaims the greatness of God and rejoices continually.  She is one who is the perfection of humility and, therefore, highly exalted by every generation.  She is the one for whom God has done great things and the one whom God has covered in holiness.  The Solemnity we celebrate today, that of her Assumption into Heaven, points to God’s acknowledgement of her greatness.  God did not allow her to taste death or any consequences of sin.  She was Immaculate, perfect in every way, from the moment of her conception to the moment she was taken body and soul into Heaven to reign as Queen for all eternity.The Immaculate nature of our Blessed Mother may be hard for some to comprehend.  That’s because her life is one of the greatest mysteries of our faith.  Very little was said of her in the Scriptures, but much will be said of her for all eternity as her humility is unmasked and her greatness shines forth for all to see.Our Blessed Mother was Immaculate, meaning without sin, for two reasons.  First, God preserved her from original sin at the moment of her conception by a special grace.  We call this a “preservative grace.”  Like Adam and Eve, she was conceived without sin.  But unlike Adam and Eve, she was conceived in the order of grace.  She was conceived as one who was already saved by grace, by her Son whom she would one day bring into the world.  The grace that her Son would one day pour on the world transcended time and covered her at the moment of her conception.  The second reason our Blessed Mother is Immaculate is because, unlike Adam and Eve, she never chose to sin throughout her life.  Therefore, she became the new Eve, the new Mother of all the Living, the new Mother of all who live in the grace of her Son.  As a result of this Immaculate nature and her continuous free choice to live in grace, God brought her body and soul into Heaven upon the completion of her earthly life.  It is this glorious and solemn fact that we celebrate today.Reflect, today, upon your understanding of our Blessed Mother.  Do you know her, understand her role in your life and continually seek her motherly care?  She is your mother if you choose to live in the grace of her Son.  Embrace that fact more deeply today and choose to make her an even more important part of your life.  Jesus will be grateful you do!Lord, help me to love Your mother with the same love You have for her.  As You were entrusted to her care, so I desire to be entrusted to her care.  Mary, my Mother and Queen, pray for me as I have recourse to you.  Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2020 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

PRAYER FOCUS: THAT WE ALL HAVE THE ZEAL FOR GOD’S WORD AS WE BATTLE TO SAVE AMERICA! Listen to the Prayer Audio: Heavenly Father, Here we are Your army of prayer warriors seeking intercession for protection from all the attacks of the enemy.   Father we seek more zeal for Your word.  Yes, we believe but we want to renew our strength to battle even more fiercely to overturn the rebellion and chaos the enemy has brought into our land.  Lord, we stand in unity to strike down at the root the evil that lurks in the shadows to blind people to the truth.  Lord let our light shine brightly to expose the desecration and abomination of sexual perversion towards our children and all the trafficking that is even hidden under those who are wolves in sheep clothing like even mega ministries that worship at the altar of Baal and have forgotten that Jesus is Lord and He is our Head and we recognize no other.  Lord we are with zeal for Your Kingdom come and Your Will be done! Father w set a protective shield around President Trump and those who are loyal to his leadership like AG William Barr and the other righteous men and women who work to bring Justice to America and especially the over throw of a dysfunctional justice system that needs cleansing of judges and attorneys that have taken the bribe and are prejudicial in their decisions.  That the innocent will be set free from all false accusations and slanderous talk that denies their right to a fair and honest trial before their peers.  Lord that we will voice we are a free people and true believers in Jesus Christ as our Lord and no one can take from us.  That we stand committed to voice the truth and will not back down because it is not politically correct or some take offense because the truth cuts like a knife in a surgeon’s hand.  Lord let the Holy Spirit pour forth mor convicting power over all those who in public office to either repent of their sin against our nation or be brought to the courts of Justice to receive proper punishment and to make proper restitution.  As You promised a 7 fold return! Father, we also pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who suffer persecution for  their Faith in You, O Lord. And who struggle to throw off the tyranny of those puppet masters who promote slavery over freedom and deny the truth by repeating lies from the pits of hell.  Lord let the Holy Spirit pour forth His Power to bring about an end to the corruption that rules on earth that in our day we will see the great Harvest and Your Indwelling Presence rule here on earth as You do in heaven! Lord, in our prayer we cover the nation of Israel that their government may rule with Justice and fairness.  That the movement of the Holy Spirit will blow across the land that as Your propeht Kim Clement said across the Middle East we will hear the young say & sing Yeshuah! Yeshuah! Jesus is Lord! Lord, in this hour we pray for all the sick and disabled in our land that Your healing Love will touch them and raise them up to have a full life filled with Divine Favor and Divine health.  Let Your healing miracles continue to sweep across the land.  Lord that this day as Your Warriors walkforth that anyone they see or touch who is in need of prayer and healing will sense it from us and Your Will be don in the lives we contact today! Lord, we intercede fr all those You have anointed to lead us in worship and praise of You that they will have the zeal to rise up now!  Just as in the past in our fight for independence from the tyranny of an unjust king we had men who were pastors of the church rise up as the Black Robe Regiment to  fight for and encourage others to fight for freedom even to dying for this just cause that today we have the Black Robes arise and lead us now in this spiritual battle to win the heart and soul of America for God.  Lord we want zeal for Your Kingdom to reign here in America!

PRAYER FOCUS: ARE YOU NUMBERED AMONG HIS WARRIORS? ARE YOU A NUMBER OR ARE YOU COMMITTED? Listen to the Prayer Audio: Heavenly Father, We place ourselves in Your Hands seeking to be under Your protective Wing to keep us safe from any of the firey darts of the enemy.. Place Your holy Angels around so that these moments we spend with You the enemy will be distracted and nothing will interfere with our time with You even technically to be open and under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit!  Lord we are here to give You all the Glory, praise and honor in thanksgiving.  We are Your Army Father, and we stand under the banner of our Lord Jesus Christ for it is by His Blood that we are made whole and clean to serve You and be one with Your heart all of our days! We lift up to You our nation O Lord that it may be cleansed of all that has been used to destroy us as a nation.  That all those who have willfully and deceptively brought us to the brink of destruction by their power hungry grabbing and keeping us captive to demonic attitudes of a world ruled by evil and those who would make themselves gods against You O Lord!  As You formed Your people in the wilderness under Moses now You are forming us and preparing us for the Next Wave of Your Might and Power as we prepare to remember the day You gave Your people the 10 Commandments and it is also a time to remember the birth of Your Church/Sacred Assembly by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit!  Lord that we will have open hearts hungry and thirsty for the Holy Spirit to fill us with Power.  A power that has been hidden from us and has been ignored for so long by shepherds who were more interested in fattening themselves than tending to the sheep as You have always wanted.  Lord, that we will have more shepherds who will be a direct imitation of of Your Son, willing to give their life for the flock.  Lord, as we did yesterday we remembered those who have given their lives to keep America free may we walk forward with a renewed spirit to be bold and courageous in professing Jesus Christ is Lord and America is a Kingdom Nation now forever. Father put special protection over our President Trump and all those who in this day are bringing to Justice the deep state that is filled with evil to make America a nation subject to the world order and other demonic ideas of captivity and control.  Give our AG William Barr  and all those who are working with him insights from the Holy Spirit to bring about the destruction and deliverance from the deep state.  Let more and more revelation come to make us more aware of how Your plan to save us as Light of Hope to the world is being fulfilled now by those You have anointed to lead us and You are continuing to raise up in this hour to be people of righteousness!  Lord as the prophets of our day have proclaimed You have a plan and it will be fulfilled in our day and we as Your people pray it to be so and are in agreement with Your Word for we are here to live it and be it now and for the future! Lord, in our moments alone with You let us see how valuable and worthy we are to You.  That You have bought us at a great price the Love poured out by Your Son, Jesus the Christ.  Lord we are more than just a number we are Yours our hearts are committed to You and we are here to do Your Will.  Let it unfold before us now as we will see as Your see and be the clay You will form into the Image of your Son so that the world will know You love us with an everlasting love and all we must do is regret anything that has displeased Your heart, so that we repent and know Your forgiveness covers us and so we are made one in Your Family that pleases You and delights Your heart.  Thank You Father in the Name of Your Son, Jesus in the Unity of the Holy Spirit! Amen! Search Strike Force of Prayer Search for: Categories Action (7)

As You can see, My family likes the play Hamilton :) Narrated & Produced by Luke Snyder --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serrated-edge/message

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  John 14:6Are you saved?  Hopefully the answer to this is “Yes” in three ways: You were saved by grace through Baptism, you continue to be saved by God’s grace and mercy as you freely choose to follow Him, and you hope to be saved in your final hour so as to enter the glories of Heaven.  Anything we accomplish in life means nothing if we cannot answer “Yes” in this threefold way.It’s also important to be reminded of how we are saved.  How is it that we were, are and hope to receive the precious gift of salvation?  The answer is simple: Through the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, our one and only Way to the Father.  There is no other way we obtain salvation than through Him.  Sometimes we can fall into the trap of thinking that we achieve salvation by simply being “good.”  In other words, do your good works save you?  The proper answer is both “Yes” and “No.”  It is “Yes” only in the sense that our good works are a necessary part of union with Christ.  Without Him we can do nothing good.  But if we have accepted Christ into our life and, thus, if we are on the road to salvation, then good works will be necessarily present in our life.  But the answer is also “No” in the sense that Jesus and Jesus alone is the only Savior.  We cannot save ourselves no matter how hard we try to be good.This discussion is especially familiar among our evangelical Christian brothers and sisters.  But it’s a conversation we should be quite familiar with also.  At the heart of this conversation is the Person of Jesus Christ.  He and He alone must be the central focus of our lives and we must see Him as the Way, the Truth and the Life.  He is the only Way to Heaven, He is the fullness of the Truth we must believe, and He is the Life that we are called to live and is the source of this new life of Grace.Reflect, today, upon the central and singular role of Jesus in your life.  Without Him you are nothing, but with Him you obtain the life of perfect fulfillment.  Choose Him in a very personal and concrete way this day as your Lord and Savior.  Humbly admit that you are nothing without Him and let Him into your life so that He can offer you to His loving Father in Heaven.My Lord and my Savior, I say “Yes” to You this day and accept You into my life as my Lord and Savior.  I thank You for the gift of Baptism which began my life of grace and I renew my choice to follow You, this day, so that You may enter more fully into my life.  As You enter into my life, please offer me to the Father in Heaven.  May all my actions be directed by You so that I may be an eternal offering with You, dear Jesus.  Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2020 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

YOU may find Yourself dealing with the uncertainty and unpredictableness of this crisis. There are endless questions that can plague YOU like: "Am I ready?" "Is my family safe?" "What will happen to the economy?" "How will I be affected short-term and long-term?" As YOU navigate this Global Pandemic on a personal level, YOU can Soul Set. YOU can Prepare for the emergency, Process Your emotions of fear and anxiety and get Peace of Mind! It is Possible to Soul Set as YOU check Your MIND - (Mindset), WILL - (Action Set), and EMOTIONS - (Heart Set). Soul Set is a dynamic process; once YOU learn these techniques, YOU can use them continually. Good things can come from a Crisis, especially as YOU set in place New Life habits! Use this time to Reflect, Mediate, and try to Keep Calm. Do what YOU can and place Yourself in God's Hands. Here's how to get the most updated information on COVID-19 from the Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/share-facts.html We'll continue to work and provide the very best service possible during this challenging time. God Bless YOU and Keep YOU! Sherri & the team ON THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR ABOUT… How YOU can Quiet Your Fears of COVID-19 How YOU can Soul Set How YOU can use this Pause SOME QUESTIONS ASKED: 1. How are YOU handling Your Fears? 2. Are YOU prepared? 3. How Can YOU Soul Set? WHAT DO YOU THINK? Do YOU Find Yourself full of uncertainty? How Do YOU Cope with these Situations? How Can YOU Soul Set? HERE'S HOW YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW You can be the first to know when new episodes come out! https://apple.co/2IPf5Bl Podcast reviews are very important to iTunes. The more reviews we receive, the more likely we can get this podcast in front of more people. It would be so awesome if you LEAVE A REVIEW - https://apple.co/2IPf5Bl --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sherri-belmar-theis/support

Your Words Are Powerful Since YOU speak and write all day long, keep in mind that: Your Words Shape Your Attitude. For example, when YOU say out loud, “I am SO mad.” Then feel the difference when YOU say, “I am SO HAPPY!” Can YOU sense the difference? Words possess the Power to affect and shape your feelings and attitudes. ATTITUDE is Everything! Your Words Form Your Beliefs. If YOU repeat it enough, YOU will Believe it. When YOU say, “I am so _______,” “I can’t ______,” or “This is so _______,” and YOU qualify negatively, over time this will become a set belief. Your words cement the ideas into place, whether they are true or not. It is of utmost Importance to Choose with what Words YOU want to build. Your Words Guide Your Conduct. As YOU repeat a message over and over again, they hold an influential role in dictating and predicting Your future. You will discover that it is a matter of time before Your Conduct mirrors Your Words. Make sure the Words YOU choose affirm the Conduct YOU want to see. ON THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR ABOUT… How Your WORDS produce an Impact How Your Morning can Support YOU How to Reframe the Words YOU use SOME QUESTIONS ASKED: 1. Do YOU evaluate Your daily INPUT? (what’s going IN) 2. To what do YOU say “NO” or say "Yes"? 3. What feeds YOU daily? WHAT DO YOU THINK? What Changes are willing YOU make? Do YOU have a daily routine in place? What do YOU find supportive for Your daily success? HERE’S HOW YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW YOU can be the first to know when new episodes come out! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-soul-set-podcast/id1485418885?uo=4 Podcast reviews are critical to iTunes. The more reviews we receive, the more likely we can get this podcast in front of more people. It would be so awesome if you LEAVE A REVIEW - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-soul-set-podcast/id1485418885?uo=4 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sherri-belmar-theis/support

Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. Mark 1:21-22As we enter into this First Week of Ordinary Time, we are given the image of Jesus teaching in the synagogue. And as He teaches, it’s clear that there is something special about Him. He is one who teaches with a new authority. This statement in Mark’s Gospel contrasts Jesus with the scribes who apparently teach without this unmistakable authority. This statement should not go unnoticed.Jesus exercised His authority in His teaching not so much because He wanted to, but because He had to. This is who He is. He is God and when He speaks He speaks with the authority of God. He speaks in such a way that people know His words have transforming meaning. His words effect change in people’s lives. This should invite each one of us to reflect upon the authority of Jesus in our lives. Do you notice His authority spoken to you? Do you see His words, spoken in Sacred Scripture, having an effect upon your life? Reflect, today, upon this image of Jesus teaching in the synagogue. Know that the “synagogue” represents your own soul and that Jesus desires to be there speaking to you with authority. Let His words sink in and change your life.Lord, I open myself to You and Your voice of authority. Help me to allow You to speak with clarity and truth. As You do, help me to be open to allowing You to change my life. Jesus, I trust in You.

WHY AND HOW TO CHOOSE A GUIDING WORD FOR THE YEAR YES!!! YOU did it! YOU made it to a New Year! There are Awesome things in store for YOU! As YOU begin this Journey into a New Year, there is much anticipation as to what's ahead. After all the festivities, it’s time to get on the Move. Do New Years Resolutions work for You or do You find Yourself lagging behind by mid-February? Why I Choose a Guiding Word? A favorite practice, at the end one year and begin the next is to choose One Word that will be an Underlying Theme throughout the year. This modest practice provides four benefits and perks. First, it gives Direction and offers a path to keep You on track and veer away from distractions. A Guiding Word not only gives YOU Direction but secondly, it marks a clear Destination. The Destination reflects Your Goals and Targets. It holds the ability to steer Your Thoughts and more importantly Your Actions. Often the Word is about the way of doing or being. Thirdly, a Guiding Word helps You measure the Distance between where You are and where You want to be. There is a tangible space or gap between You and Your desired state. Ultimately, Your Guiding Word will help Define and inform Your daily decisions. It will offer Clarity and Focus, facilitating YOUR decision making process. ON THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR ABOUT… 6 Tips to Choose a Guiding Word for the Year The Importance of a Guiding Word What are the Benefits of a Guiding Word SOME QUESTIONS ASKED: 1. Do YOU have a Guiding Word for the Year? 2. How YOU can establish Your a Guiding Word? PLACES TO HOOK UP AND BUILD THE SOUL SET CIRCLE: FACEBOOK Page: https://www.facebook.com/sherriSOULSET/?modal=admin_todo_tour INSTAGRAM SoulSet: https://www.instagram.com/sherri_soulset/ To Be Announced: Exclusive Live Event on January 20 - (First 25 people Only) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sherri-belmar-theis/support

We are in our Christmas Series! I Love Christmas! The Lights, the Trees, the Decorations! It’s fun to step back from the Year and Celebrate and take Inventory before YOU barrel into a New Year. What happens when Life isn’t so fun, and YOU have to deal with rough situations at home or work? In the Christmas story, we find some “Hidden Figures,” which is, by the way, a Great Movie if you haven’t seen it! It’s a drama about a trio of African-American women doing maths wonders for Nasa has few subtleties, but is done with such vigor it’s hard to dislike. In the Christmas story, YOU find these Hidden figures, and we trace their path from Obscurity to Honor. So many times in Life, You can feel buried by the mundane and feel like YOU have little sense of what's really is going to last in time. As YOU consider the Family Tree of Baby Jesus, there are Women whose names leap from the pages. In this episode, YOU will hear about an unlikely figure who is woven into the fabric of this incredible story. Her Life will Inspire YOU to consider the possibilities of Change! This woman had the odds against her, maybe just like YOU. Take time to listen to this episode and be Inspired by the Possilbites that the Interuptions in Life Can Provide! It is a Story of Courage and Bravery, Maybe her story could be YOURS. ON THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR ABOUT… How to manage a CAREER CHANGE? What YOU Believe is Vital! How to Embrace Your Uniqueness SOME QUESTIONS ASKED: Is CONFLICT a bad thing? When do YOU know it’s Time for a Career Change? Are YOU willing to rewrite Your Story? WHAT DO YOU THINK? HOW do YOU respond to Change? HOW do YOU Define Yourself? Are YOU Willing to try something new? HERE’S HOW YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW You can be the first to know when new episodes come out! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-soul-set-podcast/id1485418885?uo=4 Podcast reviews are very important to iTunes. The more reviews we receive, the more likely we can get this podcast in front of more people. It would be so awesome if you could leave a review. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-soul-set-podcast/id1485418885?uo=4 #SOULSET Are YOU enjoying this podcast? Please use the hashtag #SoulSet to share with our Soul Circle how YOU feed your soul every day. I will be posting some of my favorite images and ideas too. Thanks for joining me today! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sherri-belmar-theis/support

Your Ambassador of JOY welcomes the incomparable Tom Ziglar to The JOY of LIVING. Tom has the rare privilege of having spent his life surrounded by top leaders, innovators, and motivators. After all his father was the world's TOP motivator Zig Ziglar. As a result, Tom's arsenal of experience and information is absolutely unparalleled. As You'll hear Tom carries on the Ziglar philosophy: “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” Tom Ziglar was a key collaborator with his father on Zig Ziglar's 30th book, Born to Win. The Born to Win philosophy is both “profoundly simple” and “simply profound.” You must plan to win and prepare to win, then and ONLY then can you expect to win! Barry and Tom discuss how You can have a life of Success and Significance and You can leave a Legacy that will ripple through eternity. You'll learn the seven key areas of SUCCESS: mental, spiritual, physical, family, financial, personal, and career.

As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace–but now it is hidden from your eyes.”  Luke 19:41-42It’s hard to know exactly what Jesus knew about the future of the people of Jerusalem.  But we do know, from this passage, that His knowledge made Him weep in sorrow.  Here are a few points on which to meditate.First, it’s important to see the image of Jesus weeping.  To say that Jesus wept implies that this was not simply some small sadness or disappointment.  Rather, it implies a very deep sorrow that moved Him to very real tears.  So start with that image and let it sink in.Second, Jesus was weeping over Jerusalem because, as He approached and had a good view of the city, He immediately became aware of the fact that so many people would reject Him and His visit.  He came to bring them the gift of eternal salvation. Sadly, some ignored Jesus out of indifference while others were infuriated at Him and sought His death.Third, Jesus was not only weeping over Jerusalem.  He was also weeping over all people, especially those of His future family of faith.  He wept, in particular, at the lack of faith that He could see so many would have.  Jesus was keenly aware of this fact and it grieved Him deeply. Reflect, today, upon the serious temptation we all face of being indifferent to Christ.  It’s easy for us to have a little faith and to turn to God when it is to our advantage.  But it is also very easy to remain indifferent to Christ when things in life seem to be going well.  We easily fall into the trap of thinking we do not need to daily surrender to Him in the most complete way possible.  Root out any indifference to Christ today and tell Him you want to serve Him and His holy will with your whole heart.Lord, I beg of You to weed out every bit of indifference in my heart.  As You weep over my sin, may those tears wash me and cleanse me so that I may make a total commitment to You as my Divine Lord and King.  Jesus, I trust in You.

The Drama Behind Hearing No in Network Marketing You’ll find the show notes at - http://341.StreetSmartWealth.me  I’m Jackie Ulmer and I coach Network Marketers and entrepreneurs on how to be the success they want to be; make more money and not annoy their family and friends. Learn more at StreetSmartWealth.com Also, are you in my facebook group? streetsmartwealthschool.com  Few things upset a new Network Marketer than hearing the word no about their business. Whether it’s about the products, which you are SO excited about; or the opportunity itself, which you can’t BELIEVE not everyone would say yes to. So, let’s talk about The Drama Behind Hearing No in Network Marketing What You’ll Learn from this Episode: Mind Drama Stories We Make Up Handling Shutdowns and Nos Other People’s Opinions  Timeline of Success Your Posture and Follow Up The Power of Vision = Beckwith Mind Drama I don’t know when or where it happens in our lives that so many of us get caught up in drama. Mostly Mind Drama. Instead of just looking at something as it is - a circumstance with no feelings emotion or belief attached to it, we feel compelled to make up a story. For almost any circumstance or situation we find ourselves in. This is pure mind drama and it will derail you from any goal you try to achieve if you let it. It has many names. It’s that small, still voice that chides you gently and reminds you that you can’t possibly achieve what you have set out to do. Sometimes, it’s that loud voice. That monkey that sits on your shoulder. Sometimes that voice has a name. A family member, good friend, bully from the playground. If you close your eyes I am sure you know what I am talking about. Recognize this for what it is - Mind Drama. Stories We Make Up Mind drama is what leads us to make up stories. These stories are nothing more than thoughts we had about a circumstance, that we formed into a belief. You have many of them, I’m sure. Especially about Network Marketing and your ability to be successful. We start doubting one thing….and then another….and then another. We start buying into that lie we have been telling ourselves for far too long - That we don’t measure up; that we aren’t good enough;  We look at what other people are doing; we look at their success; we see them on the top of the Leader Boards; crossing the stage with a big check; going on VIP cruises and trips!   We get so bogged down with the mindset pitfalls,   We MUST get out of our own head - it’s a scary place.  Because it’s in our minds that we create our own stories about experiences and perceptions.   I’m not as good as so and so…   I don’t have what it takes…   I can’t figure it out….   I should have never even started….   I’m a LOSER….. We create big stories in our head that crush our confidence, shatter our belief and bring us down. And, we have all been there with that small, annoying voice that whispers in our ear -   Who do you think you are? You aren’t as good as so and so…   How come YOU aren’t at the top level of your company?   You don’t have what it takes…   You should just stick to what you know… NONE of this is true. These are just those little run away thoughts that you have let go crazy and turn into beliefs that are now thwarting your success. Handling Shutdowns and Nos I had a neighbor in my life, way back when I started my Network Marketing journey. She will forever be known to me as “Mean Janeen!” Listen to the show to hear the story. Here are some things you must know about your entrepreneurial journey,.   First, not everyone is going to tell you yes, and you may hear a few no's before you get to some yeses. If you know this going in, and are prepared for it, then you will be expecting to hear no from some who you are hoping will join you.   Can you prepare for that now? Can you handle it if and when they say no?   Here is one thing I assure you – if you will stick with your business; develop your business skills and keep following up with those who you have talked to previously, many of those will come back and say YES at a later time. That is my story. I said no WAY before I said yes. Nothing had changed in the business, products, compensation plan, etc, when I decided to say yes. What had changed was ME. I was now ready.   Remember, other people can only affect you if YOU allow them to. Their opinion does not reflect on you, your company and products, or your decision, It's simply a reflection of them, and where they are in their life right now. And, if someone happens to be mean or nasty about it, then that speaks a bit to character and their own insecurities, in my opinion. http://StreetSmartWealthAcademy.com has some great training on powerful answers and “come backs” when people get arrogant with you! So, again, some close to you will say no; some may laugh; some may be mean. NONE of them matter. Be prepared going in but understand timing and follow up. Will you prepare for that now? People will commit and then no show; they will let you down. Detach from the outcome. It is NOT about you. Other People’s Opinions Other People’s Opinions about what you are doing and decisions you’ve made in your life and career don’t reflect on you, your company, products or your decision. Remember Mean Janeen.  When you start to feel down, ask yourself - Do they make my house payment; my car payment? Send my kids to college? Pay for braces and karate lessons? What do you do when they live in your home, and maybe sleep in your bed (spouse.) Don’t push; don’t hide; share with “I” statements. Negative reinforcement. "You can't really have an opinion about what I am doing if you haven't even seen what it is. If you would like to look it over and then give me an educated opinion, I would love to have that conversation." The Timeline of Success Understand the timeline of success. In the beginning, it feels like you are doing a LOT of work for little to no pay. And, you are! It’s like a scale that is weighted at one end. Over time, as you stay consistent, it begins to balance with time and pay, and pretty soon, it tips to the side where you are working the same or less time, and making a WHOLE lot of pay. Remember, you are building ongoing income and like compound interest, in the beginning, it seems so slow. Also, understand the timeline of others. Some will come in right away, some will over time, some never will. Some will work their business right away, some will over time, and some never will. As YOU stay consistent, you will create that tipping scale that leans in your favor! Set realistic goals and expectations and avoid “buyers remorse.” 2-5 year plan and your first 90 days are critical. Your Posture and Follow Up We all have “Posture” when we discuss various things; especially those things we feel passionate about. How are you showing up? What’s your posture like? One thing I really want to stress – when people are negative or ask – is this MLM – what they want to see is YOUR belief. Make sure you have it! Avoid making claims you won’t live up to. Team members tell me all of the time “what they are going to do” before they do it, and then they don’t. My mantra is - don’t tell me before, go do it and tell me after. It’s much more empowering for both of us. How are you showing up? On time; keep commitments and follow ups; be bold; don’t apologize - you are not asking for a favor, you are offering a gift or an opportunity. Posture is how you feel and how you express it. It’s in asking questions and not being defensive. It’s not being salesy and hypey!  And, never neglect to follow up with anyone who tells you no at first. We wouldn’t be having this conversation today had I not seen the opportunity again after I said no the first time. Lives change; situations change; be there for that change; and keep showing up. Amateurs show up every once in a while, they flake out on commitments, they get caught up in drama on Facebook; and make tons of excuses why the whole world has conspired against them to make things impossible., Now, who’s the pro? Shows up on time, gets things done, takes things seriously. They don’t let something or someone else sweep their to do list off the table, to be replaced by meaningless junk.  If you were the best in the world in your business or what you are working toward, how would you behave? How would you show up each day? What would others say about you? Are you following through? Are you keeping your word? Are you producing no matter what? IF not, you are not operating at pro level.  The Power of Vision = Beckwith Pain pushes you until vision pulls you.  – Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith Without a vision, the people perish. What is your vision for your life? Your Business? Your success? Without a new, compelling one that you are drawn to, you will likely stay right where you are. Get clear on and committed your vision today. Mind drama will hold you back in every aspect of your life. You’ve got to get past those false stories you’ve been running through your head. Stories that don’t serve you and make you feel bad about yourself. Stories that aren’t even true. If you take a look at where you are in your business, and you are not thrilled with it; answer this question. What is holding you back from being where you want to be? Is it mind drama? Drama around the word no; other people’s opinions? You own opinions about yourself? We have a powerful module called “Managing Your Mindset” in the Street Smart Wealth Academy. If you will spend a little time in these lessons s daily or weekly; you will see a huge shift in your business and your life. What would that be worth to you? To have the success you desire show up easily and effortlessly? Join us - StreetSmartWealthjAcademy.com I’ll see you on the inside and remember this - “Hesitation NEVER cashed a check.”

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick.  Matthew 14:13-14Humanly speaking, Jesus’ heart was grieved by the death of John the Baptist.  He loved John and was deeply saddened by his beheading.  So He withdrew in a boat to a deserted place alone.  But the crowds were hungry for more!  They wanted to see Jesus and listen to Him.  They knew many who were ill and wanted Jesus to heal them.  So they sought Him out despite the fact that He had withdrawn from the crowd to be alone.What was Jesus’ reaction?  Did He look at them and sigh saying to Himself, “Why don’t they leave me alone.  Don’t they know I am grieving?”  No.  Instead, Jesus was filled with mercy and compassion for them and He went to them to heal many of their sick.This gives us insight into the heart and compassion of our Lord.  Many times, we are afraid to go to God.  We are afraid to turn to Him because of our sin.  We are afraid of what He will think and say to us.  We feel guilty and ashamed and, as a result, fail to seek Him out.But just as Jesus had compassion for those who sought Him out in this story, so also He will ALWAYS have the deepest of compassion for us every time we seek Him out.  If we find our lives steeped in sin, but run to Him anyway, He will look at us with compassion and mercy.  He never tires of us returning to Him, seeking His healing and mercy.  We should always have hope in Him and turn to Him with the greatest confidence.Reflect, today, upon how comfortable you are in turning to Jesus just as you are.  Are you afraid or worried about what He thinks of you?  Are you ashamed of your sin or weakness?  Do you worry He will judge you and not care?  Have confidence in His abundance of mercy and run to Him without fear.Lord, help me to trust in Your love and compassion.  Help me to know that You always long for me to come to You.  As You never tire of me coming to You, may I never tire of coming to You.  Jesus, I trust in You.

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves.  By their fruits you will know them.  Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?”  Matthew 7:15-16The obvious answer to this question of Jesus is “No, people do not pick grapes from thornbushes.”  In other words, an evil person cannot bear good fruit.This statement from our Lord can give us much guidance in the area of discernment.  First of all, it’s important to be aware of the very simple fact that “false prophets” do exist.  This can be understood as anyone who actively misleads another under the guise of doing good.  Some may do this unknowingly, but normally the one who acts as a wolf in sheep’s clothing does so out of the intention of some form of selfish gain.  The selfish gain by which they are motivated could be many things, but the basic principle of selfishness usually applies. By way of a secular example, take a used car salesman who deceptively tells a potential car buyer that a particular car is wonderful, when the salesman actually knows the car has serious mechanical problems.  His goal is the sale of the car for a selfish profit with little care about the harm done to the unexpectant buyer.Similarly, many of us may be tempted to “sweet talk” people or say what we think others want to hear in order to get them to do what we want.  This is deceptive and misleading.When it comes to discernment, the key Jesus gives us is to look at the fruit of what someone says or does.  Inevitably, when something comes from the Heart of our Lord and is in accord with His will, the fruit will be good.  But when it is deceptive or misleading, cloaked in superficial “goodness,” the end result, the fruit that is born, is at most only sour grapes.Reflect, today, upon anything in your life you are striving to decide or discern.  If you truly want to know the Lord’s will in your daily decisions, try to look beyond the immediate choice to the effects that this choice will have down the road.  If you sincerely see goodness as a result of certain choices, know that this is a good sign that it is good and from the Lord.  If you see negative effects of certain decisions, producing bad fruit, then it is a good sign that the decision you are contemplating is not from God.  Choose the good fruit and you will be choosing the will of God.Lord, give me the grace of discerning Your holy will in my life.  Help me, especially, to see the good fruit that comes as a result of following You always.  As You bear good fruit in my life, dear Lord, help me to continue down that holy path toward an abundance of every good gift.  Jesus, I trust in You.