POPULARITY
Categories
It's easy to find ourselves in the middle of December with a packed calendar and an unprepared spirit, carrying bitterness, comparison, or disappointment into every day. Drawing from Matthew 3:3, Karen talks about what it means to “prepare the way for the Lord” so we don't miss Jesus in the middle of our own expectations. You'll come away with simple, practical ways to prepare your heart for Christmas, no matter what your circumstances are like.Episode Recap:Today we're talking about preparation (2:15)We must prepare our hearts so we don't miss Christ (3:54)We prepare through self-reflection, repentance, readiness (5:06)It's hard to see the condition of your own heart, so pray about it (6:12)This world is full of trouble, but Christ has overcome the world (13:09)We have to take our thoughts captive over and over and over again (14:45)Practically, how do we prepare our hearts? (17:13)Scripture: Matthew 3:3 (NIV) – ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'Discussion Questions: When you look at this Christmas season, where do you see that your heart might be “unprepared”? (Bitterness, comparison, resentment, fear, exhaustion, etc.)What “self-talk” tends to get loud for you during the holidays (i.e.: life isn't fair, I never have enough, no one appreciates me)? Which scriptures could help you renew your mind with truth instead?Karen shared practical ideas for preparing your heart: starting the day with Jesus, lighting a candle, sitting in silence, simplifying your schedule, serving someone in need. Which one could you realistically try this week?Is there one thing you could say no to this December to create more space for peace, presence, and noticing Jesus? What would it look like to trust God with that decision?Resources:Give today to help us reach more moms with Wire Talk in 2026! boaw.mom/givePick up a copy of Karen's Self Talk curriculum today: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/products/six-truths-study-guide?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=ac36e3440&pr_rec_pid=1414191513677&pr_ref_pid=4773089017933&pr_seq=uniformListen to Noel by Tommee Profitt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDyA9W9CaeQ
Delight Your Marriage | Relationship Advice, Christianity, & Sexual Intimacy
What Turns Her Off — and What Godly Husbands Do Instead Have you ever wished you could just…get inside your wife's heart for a moment? Not to manipulate, but to genuinely understand her. To love her in a way that makes her feel safe and wanted—not pressured or confused. My husband Darrow and I sat down to talk through something men rarely get honest insight about: Her biggest turn-offs. And not because we want to shame or scold—but because clarity brings freedom. When you finally understand what shuts her down, you also discover what opens her heart. So take a deep breath.You're not in trouble.You're learning—and that already makes you a good man. Let's walk through these turn-offs together, with God's kindness leading us all the way. 1. When Affection Feels Like a Transaction One of the most common complaints I hear from wives is this: "Every time he does something sweet, it feels like he's trying to get sex." A back rub, a coffee, a hand on her waist, a date night—beautiful gestures—become tainted when she senses they come with an expectation. When affection is only a bridge to the bedroom, she feels: Used Not loved for who she is Like her worth is tied to her sexual availability God never intended marital intimacy to be a negotiation.Love her without a scoreboard. Bless her without an agenda. 2. Grabbing, Pinching, or Smacking Her Body When She's Not Comfortable Yes…wives talk about this. And I know many husbands mean it playfully.But if she doesn't feel safe—emotionally, spiritually, or physically—this kind of touch feels like entitlement, not affection. Her body is not something to be "snatched."She needs room to open, not pressure to surrender. When she feels cherished—not grabbed—she wants to share her body freely. 3. Taking "Not Now" Personally If she says she's tired, overwhelmed, stressed, or simply "not right now," it's almost never about you. But when a husband interprets it as: Rejection Lack of desire "She doesn't love me" …it puts enormous emotional weight on her shoulders. Instead, respond with: "No worries, sweetheart. Another time would be wonderful." That confidence and peace will draw her toward you—not away. 4. Moping After She Says No Emotional sulking is not harmless. Moping communicates: "You disappointed me." "Now I have to punish you with sadness." "You're responsible for my emotions." This shuts her heart down.Fast. Your steadiness and joy—even when she's not available—makes her feel safe. And safety is the soil where desire grows. 5. Punishing Her for Not Wanting Sex This is one of the deepest wounds wives carry. Punishments include: Silent treatment Withholding affection Moving to another room Being cold or distant Only being "nice" when you want intimacy These behaviors feel manipulative and honestly frightening. Your wife is not the enemy. She is the assignment God entrusted to you. Lead with love, not consequences. 6. Lack of Playfulness Playfulness is essential to intimacy. If everything feels heavy, serious, structured, pressured…then her nervous system never relaxes enough to enjoy being sensual. Silliness is holy ground for a woman's heart. Laughter lowers her guard.Playfulness creates connection. If you want her to be playful in the bedroom, she needs to experience playfulness outside the bedroom. 7. Not Feeling Emotionally Safe Women cannot separate emotional connection from physical intimacy. I'll say that one more time. Women cannot separate emotional connection from physical intimacy. When she feels emotionally unsafe, her body shuts down. Emotional Safety looks like: Listening Compassion Being slow to speak and quick to understand Responding gently Supporting her heart, not "fixing" immediately When she feels heard, she opens. 8. Being a "Negative Nellie" (or Negative Ned!) Constant complaining is exhausting and not attractive. It pulls the atmosphere of the home downward and makes her feel like she has to carry your emotional weight. There is space to process hard things—but constant negativity drains the joy God wants in your marriage. Rejoice. Notice blessings. Bring hope into the home. 9. Bitterness and Resentment Long-term resentment is a marriage-killer. Bitterness communicates: "I haven't forgiven you." "You owe me." "I'm still keeping score." This is the opposite of Christlike love. Your wife cannot relax into intimacy with a man who holds her mistakes over her head. Forgiveness clears the ground for closeness to grow again. And if you need a little extra inspiration, let us turn you to Matthew 6:15 (NIV): "But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." 10. Being Too Serious All the Time Intensity has a place—but not every moment. When a man is always stern, rigid, perfectionistic, spiritual-but-heavy…it makes her feel like she can never fully exhale. If she can't be herself around you, she won't be vulnerable with you. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit—not an optional extra. 11. Using Slang or Sexual Words She Doesn't Like Words matter. Some husbands use slang affectionately or playfully.Some wives love it.Others absolutely don't. If slang or sexual language makes her uncomfortable, embarrassed, or unsafe, it becomes a turn-off—not a turn-on. Honor her preferences. You're not losing freedom—you're gaining connection. Final Thoughts: So What Do You Do with All This? If reading this stirs conviction…good. Conviction is not condemnation.The enemy heaps shame.God invites repentance—and repentance leads to freedom. Your wife is God's daughter. And He entrusted her to you. Every shift you make toward loving her well brings you closer to His heart and closer to hers. We're rooting for you! Blessing, The Delight Your Marriage Team PS - If you want help walking this out in real life—not just head knowledge—that's exactly why our coaching and in-person training programs exist. Men who were separated from their wives…Men in sexless marriages…Men whose wives felt unsafe for years……have seen transformation they once thought impossible.For more information on our In-Person Training programs, launching January 2026, check out delightyourmarriage.com/ipt If you're ready to dive into the Coaching programs, please feel free to schedule a free Clarity Call at delightyourmarriage.com/cc PPS - Here is a quote from a recent In-Person Training pilot program graduate: "My wife and I have been separated for 6 months, and the same day as our [IPT] graduation, she chose to and began moving back into our matrimonial home. I also told her about our [IPT] program that same day. Up until then, I had said I was attending a men's bible study. All praise be to God."
The post Free From Bitterness – 2 Samuel 1:11-12 – December 4, 2025 first appeared on Enduring Word.
What if the love you're giving, and the love you're expecting, aren't the same thing? In this week's episode of The Cutting Room Floor, Neil and Scott wrap up an 11-week journey through men, women, and marriage. They explore what didn't make it into Sunday's sermon, from C.S. Lewis insights, to Greek word studies on love, to the work that needs to be done in every relationship. Together they unpack why fixing our eyes on Jesus is the only way marriage makes sense at all. Challenge: This week, choose one action that demonstrates love or respect, and practice it without expecting anything in return. Hosts: Neil Gregory & Scott Nickell ⸻ What We Discuss The divine drama of marriage and why it can't simply end with "try harder" What "love and respect" actually mean, and how they're misused The four Greek words for love and why agape changes everything Why biblical love feels impossible without Jesus Tough and tender: the two postures every husband must hold Emotional homework for men (and why anger is rarely the real emotion) Niceness vs. kindness and why only one is a fruit of the Spirit How to recognize the Shepherd's voice in a world full of noise What couples should starve and what they should feed in their marriage ⸻ About Southland Christian Church Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give
In this final reading of Chapter 11 from From Trauma to Trust: The Making of a Messenger, Nancy invites listeners into a piercing encounter with the justice of God, the truth about real forgiveness, and the power of the cross to resolve every deep conflict. This is more than a reading—it's a confrontation with the Esau Syndrome and the subtle ways bitterness, self-pity, and entitlement lure us into trading our birthright for counterfeit healing and temporary relief. Nancy doesn't soften the message—because real transformation doesn't come from sentimentality, but from letting Jesus Himself expose, forgive, and free us. Whether you're facing fresh wounds or decades of unresolved pain, this episode calls you to return to the one true fountain, take your controversy to the cross, and finally live free. Thanks for Listening! I hope that after listening to The Tent Talk Podcast, you'll want to start discussions with your team or small group. These resources can help guide your discipleship journey to maturity and destiny with the Father: Episode Notes & Conversation Guide DOWNLOAD HERE https://nancymccready.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/EPISODE-1001-Birthright-or-Bitterness-6.0.pdf LINKS The Devotional Podcast with Nancy McCready https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2hHjwQ_3Qrp1rhbR9nu68wnBtQY0IHzc The Producer's Way School theproducersway.com Nancy's book, From Trauma to Trust www.amazon.com/dp/B096ZML6R3/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries SUBSCRIBE Like what you hear? Subscribe to Tent Talk with Nancy McCready so you don't miss an episode! nancymccready.com/podcast/ ABOUT NANCY MCCREADY Nancy McCready is redefining discipleship across nations, cultures, and denominations. Through Nancy McCready Ministries, she partners with leaders to build deep, transformative discipleship cultures that provoke people to walk in freedom and live as mature sons of the Father. Her powerful message comes from her journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, and self-destruction to walk in true freedom. She now dedicates her life to helping others grow in intimacy with the Father and live unto Him. ABOUT TENT TALK PODCAST Tent Talk with Nancy McCready is a listener-funded podcast dedicated to helping Christians along their journey of a deeper walk with Christ. With the support of donors like you, we are able to help our listeners gain a deeper spiritual understanding and connection with the Father. Thank you for your support of the Tent Talk Podcast! nancymccready.com/giving/ Brought to you by Nancy McCready Ministries nancymccready.com/
In this episode, Nancy reads directly from Chapter 11 of her book From Trauma to Trust: The Making of a Messenger—a piercing and timely section titled The Esau Syndrome. As we continue in the Birthright or Bitterness series, this episode goes beyond emotional healing to expose how uncrucified independence, unresolved conflict, and false forms of forgiveness open the door to deception, torment, and spiritual stagnation. Nancy shares not just her personal story, but a prophetic message for the church—one that calls us to stop settling for lesser healing and step into the full justice, satisfaction, and freedom of the finished work of the cross. This is not about performance, it's about participation in Christ's life and love. If you are ready to stop nursing your wounds and start walking in your birthright, this episode is for you. Thanks for Listening! I hope that after listening to The Tent Talk Podcast, you'll want to start discussions with your team or small group. These resources can help guide your discipleship journey to maturity and destiny with the Father: Episode Notes & Conversation Guide DOWNLOAD HERE https://nancymccready.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/EPISODE-1000-Birthright-or-Bitterness-5.0.pdf LINKS The Devotional Podcast with Nancy McCready https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2hHjwQ_3Qrp1rhbR9nu68wnBtQY0IHzc The Producer's Way School theproducersway.com Nancy's book, From Trauma to Trust www.amazon.com/dp/B096ZML6R3/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries SUBSCRIBE Like what you hear? Subscribe to Tent Talk with Nancy McCready so you don't miss an episode! nancymccready.com/podcast/ ABOUT NANCY MCCREADY Nancy McCready is redefining discipleship across nations, cultures, and denominations. Through Nancy McCready Ministries, she partners with leaders to build deep, transformative discipleship cultures that provoke people to walk in freedom and live as mature sons of the Father. Her powerful message comes from her journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, and self-destruction to walk in true freedom. She now dedicates her life to helping others grow in intimacy with the Father and live unto Him. ABOUT TENT TALK PODCAST Tent Talk with Nancy McCready is a listener-funded podcast dedicated to helping Christians along their journey of a deeper walk with Christ. With the support of donors like you, we are able to help our listeners gain a deeper spiritual understanding and connection with the Father. Thank you for your support of the Tent Talk Podcast! nancymccready.com/giving/ Brought to you by Nancy McCready Ministries nancymccready.com/
Kim rejoins us on the podcast to talk about how God has been moving her to speak out about bitterness. These are things we all struggle with and God can help us!
8/8 Trauma, Memory, and the Silence of "Eating Bitterness" — Tanya Branigan — Branigan characterizes the CRas a collective convulsion or "Maoist hysteria." Mental health infrastructure was historically underdeveloped in China, and psychology was officially condemned as "bourgeois pseudoscience." The pervasive cultural idiom "eating bitterness" reflects fatalistic endurance of suffering without complaint. Severe trauma fractured survivors' memory systems, producing lasting psychiatric consequences including psychotic episodes and dissociative disorders. The national silence surrounding the CR results from both deliberate state suppression and the widespread personal psychological devastation experienced by millions of survivors. 1967
Ephesians 5:21-33 | Join us as Scott unpacks God's intention for marriage in a sermon on love and respect versus bitterness and resentment.
What do you do when you're misrepresented, insulted, or spoken about unfairly? Jesus calls moments like these blessed—not because they feel good, but because they form us. Persecution isn't a sign that something has gone wrong; it's often proof that God is doing something right. In this final week of our Good News for Broken Hearts series, Alan helps us see that every assignment attracts adversaries as we sit under the text. Bitterness shrinks the heart. Love enlarges it. When we pray instead of react, when we stay patient instead of demanding, God uses what hurts to shape what lasts. Our pain can either harden us or become holy ground—an invitation to deeper purpose. Jesus calls us salt and light—people who don't hide, don't withdraw, and don't let darkness define them. Your pain isn't pointless; it's potential. Don't waste it. The harvest on the other side of tears is real. If you've ever wondered how to keep your heart soft when life goes below the belt, this message is for you. God doesn't just heal broken hearts—He enlarges them.
Don't let bitterness take root—trust God daily and let His promises grow true peace in your heart. -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Move on and up
In today's episode, Nancy continues the Birthright or Bitterness series with a compelling and prophetic call to maturity. Drawing from Ephesians 4 and Romans 1:5, she exposes how unresolved conflict, bitterness, and prolonged spiritual infancy create open doors for imposters, manipulation, and deception—even within religious settings. This isn't just about trauma recovery or emotional healing; it's about the deep work of transformation through the finished work of the Cross. Nancy urges listeners to live as sons unto the Father, not as orphans shaped by unmet needs and bitterness. If you're tired of cycles of confusion, creature worship, or false promises wrapped in religious language, this episode offers piercing clarity and direction. Let this message awaken your hunger for maturity, responsibility, and true freedom in Christ. Thanks for Listening! I hope that after listening to The Tent Talk Podcast, you'll want to start discussions with your team or small group. These resources can help guide your discipleship journey to maturity and destiny with the Father: Episode Notes & Conversation Guide DOWNLOAD HERE https://nancymccready.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/EPISODE-999-Birthright-or-Bitterness-4.0.pdf LINKS The Devotional Podcast with Nancy McCready https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2hHjwQ_3Qrp1rhbR9nu68wnBtQY0IHzc The Producer's Way School theproducersway.com Nancy's book, From Trauma to Trust www.amazon.com/dp/B096ZML6R3/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries SUBSCRIBE Like what you hear? Subscribe to Tent Talk with Nancy McCready so you don't miss an episode! nancymccready.com/podcast/ ABOUT NANCY MCCREADY Nancy McCready is redefining discipleship across nations, cultures, and denominations. Through Nancy McCready Ministries, she partners with leaders to build deep, transformative discipleship cultures that provoke people to walk in freedom and live as mature sons of the Father. Her powerful message comes from her journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, and self-destruction to walk in true freedom. She now dedicates her life to helping others grow in intimacy with the Father and live unto Him. ABOUT TENT TALK PODCAST Tent Talk with Nancy McCready is a listener-funded podcast dedicated to helping Christians along their journey of a deeper walk with Christ. With the support of donors like you, we are able to help our listeners gain a deeper spiritual understanding and connection with the Father. Thank you for your support of the Tent Talk Podcast! nancymccready.com/giving/ Brought to you by Nancy McCready Ministries nancymccready.com/
Former Police Officer Samuel Nana Appiah has criticized the extension of the two-year contract granted to IGP Christian Tetteh Yohunu. According to him, many senior officers who believed the IGP was due for retirement had already prepared themselves for possible promotion. He says the decision by the appointing authority to extend the IGP's tenure creates resentment and bitterness within the security services
On October 15, 1985, Kathy Sheets returned home from her morning walk and noticed a small package on the driveway. As she reached for it, a bomb—placed by master forger Mark Hofmann in a desperate attempt to divert attention from his collapsing fraud scheme—detonated, taking her life. Kathy's daughter, Heidi Jones, struggled following her mom's passing with bitterness and deep grief but on today's episode, she shares how a decision to forgive made all the difference. 2:00- The 50-Year-Old Housewife 5:07-October 15, 1985 8:41- The Unseen Aftermath 11:18- An All-Consuming Grief 13:41- Letting Go of Bitterness 19:18- Reconciliation and Testimony 22:03- Forgiving the Unfairness of Life 27:25- The Unseen Aftermath…Again 32:06- Gaining Perspective 35:16- No Unfinished Business 38:59- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? "To apply Christ's Atonement in my life I had to be able to take that huge burden, that oppression, and lay it at the Savior's feet and leave it. Lay it and leave it."
There's a way to live that squanders pain while your heart hardens and your trust thins. Things like numbing, retelling the wound, and calling it wisdom. This week on Win Today, Shawn Johnson, lead pastor of Red Rocks Church and author of Attacking Anxiety, joins me to explore how people waste pain and how to steward the middle seasons when nothing seems to be moving, but everything inside you is being formed. We draw the line between rest and peace, why bitterness and distrust grow in the same soil, and how to turn waiting into worship without pretending the ache away. If you're stuck in the middle, angry at the delay, or exhausted from managing outcomes, this conversation will help you regain your presence and cultivate a hard-won hope that lasts. Guest Bio Shawn Johnson is the lead pastor and co-founder of Red Rocks Church (Denver, multi-site), and the author of Attacking Anxiety, where he chronicles his own fight with anxiety and depression and the practices that helped him rebuild. His ministry blends candor about suffering with a relentless call to faith and formation. Today isn't about his résumé; it's about your next faithful step in the middle. Show Partners SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters, because a lot of so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
On this Thanksgiving Eve, Nancy urges us to take our seat at the Father's table—not out of holiday obligation, but in deep spiritual readiness. Continuing the Birthright or Bitterness series, she reads from Hebrews 12 and exhorts listeners to reject the slow drift into exhaustion, entitlement, and self-indulgence that so often emerges under consistent opposition. Through the Word and her own raw testimony, Nancy reminds us that we are not in a “me season,” but in the season of His training. We are being matured for the days ahead—called to live as sons, not slaves; debtors, not victims. This episode is a piercing call to resist fainting, fix your eyes on Jesus, and yield your right to yourself. Everything is connected. The cross is in the field. And the Father is preparing His sons. Thanks for Listening! I hope that after listening to The Tent Talk Podcast, you'll want to start discussions with your team or small group. These resources can help guide your discipleship journey to maturity and destiny with the Father: Episode Notes & Conversation Guide DOWNLOAD HERE https://nancymccready.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/EPISODE-998-Birthright-or-Bitterness-3.0.pdf LINKS The Devotional Podcast with Nancy McCready https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2hHjwQ_3Qrp1rhbR9nu68wnBtQY0IHzc The Producer's Way School theproducersway.com Nancy's book, From Trauma to Trust www.amazon.com/dp/B096ZML6R3/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries SUBSCRIBE Like what you hear? Subscribe to Tent Talk with Nancy McCready so you don't miss an episode! nancymccready.com/podcast/ ABOUT NANCY MCCREADY Nancy McCready is redefining discipleship across nations, cultures, and denominations. Through Nancy McCready Ministries, she partners with leaders to build deep, transformative discipleship cultures that provoke people to walk in freedom and live as mature sons of the Father. Her powerful message comes from her journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, and self-destruction to walk in true freedom. She now dedicates her life to helping others grow in intimacy with the Father and live unto Him. ABOUT TENT TALK PODCAST Tent Talk with Nancy McCready is a listener-funded podcast dedicated to helping Christians along their journey of a deeper walk with Christ. With the support of donors like you, we are able to help our listeners gain a deeper spiritual understanding and connection with the Father. Thank you for your support of the Tent Talk Podcast! nancymccready.com/giving/ Brought to you by Nancy McCready Ministries nancymccready.com/
Get ready for Thanksgiving 2025's Thursday episode: “Choose Gratitude Over Bitterness.”
This is a relaunch of a previous episode, but the lessons contained within it are as important today as they were when we sat down to speak over two years ago. Rory Stewart has spent his life running toward gunfire. At thirty, he was governing millions of Iraqis under siege, rockets landing in his compound while insurgents climbed the walls. Years earlier, he'd walked six thousand miles across Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and India – surviving on strangers' floors, dodging bullets, and at one point sitting down in the snow ready to freeze to death until his dog Babur barked him back to life. Then he tried to fix British politics from the inside – becoming Prisons Minister, running for Prime Minister, and standing as an Independent for London Mayor before Covid cancelled the election seven weeks out and ended his political career. Today he's the force behind the podcasting phenomenon The Rest Is Politics – currently touring the country giving erudite political commentary. While his most recent book, Middleland, launched last month (October 2025), draws on pieces originally written for a local newspaper when he was serving as an MP in Cumbria, it is an urgent and inspiring portrait of rural Britain today. LESSONS YOU'LL LEARN:Permission to fail breeds confidence - Rory's father set impossibly high expectations while making him feel it was okay to fail. That paradox became the foundation for handling extreme crisis without paralysis.Beware thinking in clichés during crisis - Under siege in Iraq, Rory evacuated civilians into an ambush because he fell into a "women and children first" narrative. When you're living the movie version instead of the real version, you make dangerous decisions.Animals are crisis teachers - Babur the dog saved Rory's life by refusing to let him give up in the snow. Animals approach the world with courage, presence, and forgiveness.Bitterness is backwards motion - After being defeated by Boris Johnson, Rory struggled with anger. Whenever you have bitter days, you always go backwards. It's not just bad for you – it's terrible for everyone around you.Test yourself before crisis finds you - By voluntarily embracing discomfort and risk when you don't have to, you build the capacity to handle it when you must.
How do I face bitterness and resentment? Can bitterness be replaced with blessing? The author of Hebrews answers "yes," and points us to the grace of God.The sermon today is titled "Bitterness & Resentment." This sermon is the fourth installment in our recurring series "The Struggles We Face." The Scripture reading is from Hebrews 12:14-15. Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on November 23, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Dealing with Struggles and Suffering.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):Adrian Rogers, "Root of Bitterness." Video and outline.Rick Atchley, "Forgiveness Is A Must." The Hills Church.David Jeremiah, "Slaying the Giant of Resentment."Chris Beall, "When Bitterness Takes Over." Life Church.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.
In this powerful episode, Nancy turns our attention to Hebrews 12 and the great cloud of witnesses who endured unimaginable hardship yet remained faithful. She challenges us to stop measuring life by what others have done to us—and instead look to what Christ has done for us. Rather than living distracted by wounds, bitterness, and unrealistic expectations, we are called to run our race with endurance, with our eyes locked on Jesus. This message cuts deep into the victim mindset, entitlement, and self-pity that keep us from accessing the strength, justice, and forgiveness already made available through the Cross. This is a call to leave the demanding line behind and take your place in the receiving line—where true birthright is found. Thanks for Listening! I hope that after listening to The Tent Talk Podcast, you'll want to start discussions with your team or small group. These resources can help guide your discipleship journey to maturity and destiny with the Father: Episode Notes & Conversation Guide DOWNLOAD HERE https://nancymccready.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/EPISODE-997-Birthright-or-Bitterness-2.0.pdf LINKS The Devotional Podcast with Nancy McCready https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2hHjwQ_3Qrp1rhbR9nu68wnBtQY0IHzc The Producer's Way School theproducersway.com Nancy's book, From Trauma to Trust www.amazon.com/dp/B096ZML6R3/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries SUBSCRIBE Like what you hear? Subscribe to Tent Talk with Nancy McCready so you don't miss an episode! nancymccready.com/podcast/ ABOUT NANCY MCCREADY Nancy McCready is redefining discipleship across nations, cultures, and denominations. Through Nancy McCready Ministries, she partners with leaders to build deep, transformative discipleship cultures that provoke people to walk in freedom and live as mature sons of the Father. Her powerful message comes from her journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, and self-destruction to walk in true freedom. She now dedicates her life to helping others grow in intimacy with the Father and live unto Him. ABOUT TENT TALK PODCAST Tent Talk with Nancy McCready is a listener-funded podcast dedicated to helping Christians along their journey of a deeper walk with Christ. With the support of donors like you, we are able to help our listeners gain a deeper spiritual understanding and connection with the Father. Thank you for your support of the Tent Talk Podcast! nancymccready.com/giving/ Brought to you by Nancy McCready Ministries nancymccready.com/
This week at Venture, Pastor Brandon continues our Journey Through Ephesians series with a powerful message from Ephesians 4 — a chapter filled with practical instructions for how believers should live as part of God's family. Using the illustration of “family rules,” Pastor Brandon teaches that when we become followers of Jesus, we're adopted into God's household — and with that comes a new identity, a new way of living, and new expectations. We are no longer who we used to be. We represent Jesus. We represent our church. And the Gospel should transform the way we think, speak, work, and respond to others. From Paul's call to “live a life worthy of your calling” to practical warnings against lying, anger, bitterness, unwholesome talk, and idleness, this message challenges us to live differently — because we are different. If you want to grow in spiritual maturity and understand what it means to truly reflect Christ in your daily life, this message will encourage and challenge you. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Online Campus welcome00:12 – Welcome from Pastor Brandon00:44 – Parenting stories and family expectations01:49 – “In our house, we do hard things”02:14 – We don't quit — teaching perseverance03:12 – Following through with commitments03:34 – Working hard and having jobs growing up04:10 – College expectations and values05:48 – “Our family goes to church”06:43 – You represent your family07:20 – Transition to Ephesians 408:08 – Live a life worthy of your calling08:57 – Old Testament vs. New Testament obedience09:24 – Expectations for believers, not seekers10:01 – “Don't live like the Gentiles do”10:31 – Who you were vs. who you are now11:23 – Hardened hearts and transformation12:08 – We represent Jesus in everything we do12:40 – “We are Venture”13:13 – Making Jesus famous14:01 – Grace should change how we live14:43 – Putting off your old self15:14 – The symbolism of baptism15:42 – New mind, new life, new identity16:25 – Faith should change your values and worldview17:12 – Chapters 1–3 vs. chapters 4–617:40 – “Take off your grave clothes”18:50 – Expectations for God's family19:26 – Five things we don't do in God's house20:11 – #1 We don't lie21:12 – Truth-telling vs. the enemy's lies22:14 – Speaking the truth in love23:21 – Accountability and honesty in the church24:11 – #2 We control our anger25:28 – How anger becomes sin26:57 – Don't let anger smolder27:27 – The danger of wrath and malice27:52 – #3 We don't steal — we work28:36 – The expectation that believers work29:53 – Psychological benefits of working31:06 – Pastor Brandon's upbringing and work ethic32:09 – First job stories32:16 – #4 Think before you speak32:54 – No unwholesome or corrupt talk33:21 – How Jesus changed our speech34:08 – Gossip, slander, corrupt communication34:40 – #5 We don't let bitterness control us35:19 – Bitterness grieves the Holy Spirit35:59 – The danger of harboring bitterness36:49 – The journey of transformation37:16 – We represent our Father37:40 – Summing it up: Be kind, compassionate, forgiving38:11 – Closing prayer39:12 – Service close and announcements
Sin can steal your joy, just as it did David's, but turning to God opens the door to restoration and true joy. -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Ready to move past Thanksgiving and embrace true gratitude every day? Discover how a thankful lifestyle can heal relationships, foster forgiveness, and bring new blessings into your life. Join us as we explore Mary and Martha's story to identify five obstacles to lasting gratitude and learn how to overcome bitterness through forgiveness.Scriptures ReferencedLuke 10:38-42; Ephesians 4:29-32; Philippians 2:3-4; Colossians 3:12-14; James 4:6Key InsightsWe will invest in things we really want, no matter the cost.Gratitude is the overflow of a selfless life posture.Selfishness keeps score. Gratitude loses count.Bitterness turns memories into weapons and rewrites a good story around the worst moment.True forgiveness draws circles, not lines.Gratitude should be a lifestyle.https://springhouse.captivate.fm/episode/the-pathway-to-gratitude Subscribe & Follow the PodcastDownload our appOur WebsiteOnline Tithes & OfferingsJoin our LivestreamGathering TimesSundays, 9:00 AMSundays, 11:00 AMThursdays, 6:00 PM Contact InfoSpringhouse Church14119 Old Nashville HighwaySmyrna TN 37167615-459-3421 CCLI License 2070006
Join George and Elle as they explore the text of Narrative Numbers!If you have questions, send them in to TextInUs@gmail.com and we will get to them in our next mailbox episode!Content Warning: sexual themes, violence against women
In today's episode, Nancy continues confronting the beast of bitterness and how it wreaks havoc on the mind, blinds us to our inheritance in Christ, and enslaves us to self-indulgent appetites. This is not just about hard circumstances or unfair people—it's about what happens when we stand in the demanding line, expecting God or others to pay what we think is owed. Nancy draws a striking contrast between entitlement and inheritance, reminding us that our birthright as sons is received, not earned or demanded. If you feel worn out, bitter, or locked in patterns of emotional chaos, this episode will call you out of victimhood and into ruling and reigning with the Father, not over others—but over yourself. Thanks for Listening! I hope that after listening to The Tent Talk Podcast, you'll want to start discussions with your team or small group. These resources can help guide your discipleship journey to maturity and destiny with the Father: Episode Notes & Conversation Guide DOWNLOAD HERE https://nancymccready.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/EPISODE-996-Birthright-or-Bitterness.pdf LINKS The Devotional Podcast with Nancy McCready https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2hHjwQ_3Qrp1rhbR9nu68wnBtQY0IHzc The Producer's Way School theproducersway.com Nancy's book, From Trauma to Trust www.amazon.com/dp/B096ZML6R3/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries SUBSCRIBE Like what you hear? Subscribe to Tent Talk with Nancy McCready so you don't miss an episode! nancymccready.com/podcast/ ABOUT NANCY MCCREADY Nancy McCready is redefining discipleship across nations, cultures, and denominations. Through Nancy McCready Ministries, she partners with leaders to build deep, transformative discipleship cultures that provoke people to walk in freedom and live as mature sons of the Father. Her powerful message comes from her journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, and self-destruction to walk in true freedom. She now dedicates her life to helping others grow in intimacy with the Father and live unto Him. ABOUT TENT TALK PODCAST Tent Talk with Nancy McCready is a listener-funded podcast dedicated to helping Christians along their journey of a deeper walk with Christ. With the support of donors like you, we are able to help our listeners gain a deeper spiritual understanding and connection with the Father. Thank you for your support of the Tent Talk Podcast! nancymccready.com/giving/ Brought to you by Nancy McCready Ministries nancymccready.com/
Mark plays an interesting soundbite from Paul Skenes. Mike Decourcey joins the show for his weekly hit See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark plays an interesting soundbite from Paul Skenes. Mike Decourcey joins the show for his weekly hit
Have you ever wondered why success, health, or happiness always feel just out of reach—no matter how hard you try? Why you keep repeating patterns of over-giving, frustration, and disappointment in your relationships? Or why emotional wounds eventually show up on your face or even in your physical health?In this powerful session, Dr. David Snyder uncovers the hidden emotional blocks, unprocessed grief, and subconscious patterns that keep people stuck. He reveals how the lines and features on your face can reflect energy levels, trauma, emotional repression, and even predispositions to chronic illness. Listeners will learn why knowledge alone—certifications, trainings, endless learning—never leads to true transformation without hands-on practice and real emotional work.Key insights include:How facial markers reveal patterns of stress, over-giving, unresolved grief, and fear.Why “over-nurturing lines” and “bitterness lines” show up when emotional frustration goes unaddressed.How suppressed emotions impact both appearance and long-term physical health.This episode invites you to reflect deeply:What unresolved emotions are you still carrying? What is your face quietly revealing about your journey? And what could your life become if you finally addressed the patterns holding you back?If you're ready to rewrite your story and break free from the cycles that limit your happiness, explore the tools and trainings shared in this session—and begin your transformation today.Quotes:"Bitterness lines are a problem—by themselves, they indicate emotional toxicity, but when you add disappointment and over-nurturing, you have a recipe for chronic illness.""Face reading can give us a glimpse into where the problem areas are and how to fix them before they become a deeper problem.""If you're suppressing emotions or rushing through grief, you may not realize just how much it affects your physical well-being."Actionable Takeaways:Examine your own face in the mirror and look for subtle lines—above the lip, on the chin, or between the eyes—that might signal patterns of over-giving, disappointment, bitterness, or repressed emotion. Journal your observations and see what personal stories or memories come up.Ask yourself: Which emotional issues or past traumas might I still be carrying, unprocessed? How might this be manifesting as physical symptoms or recurring life patterns?Challenge your current approach to learning and self-improvement: Are you just chasing more certificates, or are you truly mastering the skills through hands-on practice and real-world application?Episode Timeline:00:26 — The Stories Your Face TellsHow your philtrum shape and facial lines reveal your energy, resilience, and lifelong health patterns.10:15 — The Hidden Costs of Over-GivingWhat “over-nurturing” lines above your lip expose about frustration and giving more than you receive.11:29 — Emotional Health, Written on Your FaceProfiling trauma, internal health, and unhealed wounds—all visible if you know where to look.15:29 — Are You Really Learning?Why certificates don't always mean competence, and the critical difference hands-on practice makes.25:18 — Repression and the BodyDiscover how unprocessed grief and fear show up as lines on your chin—and what to do about it.33:17 — Impatience Etched InWhat lines between your eyes say about waiting, frustration, and learning to grow.35:04 — Self-Sabotage & Achievement BlocksThe “suspended needle” line, anger, and why success sometimes stops just short.38:49 — Emotional Baggage Becomes PhysicalHow stagnant feelings lead to chronic illness—and what your body is trying to tell you.Links:To learn more about Dr. David Snyder and everything about NLP, visit:Website: https://www.nlppower.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidSnyderNLPInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidsnydernlp
On This Week at Charlestown Road, Jason and Roger revisit Sunday morning's sermon, “Seasons of Faith in the Book of Ruth: Chapter 1” digging deeper into the story of Naomi and Ruth and how we must continue to battle against bitterness when life is tough.
In this raw and urgent episode, Nancy confronts the powerful and often undetected beast of bitterness—and its grip on individuals, families, and even the Church. Drawing from Hebrews 12 and the story of Esau, she exposes how bitterness doesn't just stem from trauma or pain but becomes a root system that feeds self-indulgence, victim mentalities, and spiritual stagnation. Nancy calls us to step out of the swirl, stop crawling into the belly of the beast with those we love, and instead take our place at the table of the Lord—where justice, identity, and restoration are found in Him alone. This is a sobering call to break free from the cycles of performance, creature worship, and resentment, and to choose your birthright in Christ over the bait of bitterness. Thanks for Listening! I hope that after listening to The Tent Talk Podcast, you'll want to start discussions with your team or small group. These resources can help guide your discipleship journey to maturity and destiny with the Father: Episode Notes & Conversation Guide DOWNLOAD HERE https://nancymccready.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/EPISODE-995-Beast-of-Bitterness-2.0.pdf LINKS The Devotional Podcast with Nancy McCready https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2hHjwQ_3Qrp1rhbR9nu68wnBtQY0IHzc The Producer's Way School theproducersway.com Nancy's book, From Trauma to Trust www.amazon.com/dp/B096ZML6R3/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries SUBSCRIBE Like what you hear? Subscribe to Tent Talk with Nancy McCready so you don't miss an episode! nancymccready.com/podcast/ ABOUT NANCY MCCREADY Nancy McCready is redefining discipleship across nations, cultures, and denominations. Through Nancy McCready Ministries, she partners with leaders to build deep, transformative discipleship cultures that provoke people to walk in freedom and live as mature sons of the Father. Her powerful message comes from her journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, and self-destruction to walk in true freedom. She now dedicates her life to helping others grow in intimacy with the Father and live unto Him. ABOUT TENT TALK PODCAST Tent Talk with Nancy McCready is a listener-funded podcast dedicated to helping Christians along their journey of a deeper walk with Christ. With the support of donors like you, we are able to help our listeners gain a deeper spiritual understanding and connection with the Father. Thank you for your support of the Tent Talk Podcast! nancymccready.com/giving/ Brought to you by Nancy McCready Ministries nancymccready.com/
Bitterness is the poison you drink expecting someone else to die. It's the corrosive emotion born from crisis that fills your throat with bile and consumes your every waking thought with questions like "why me?".In this special compilation episode, I've pulled together five extraordinary conversations with people who have every right to be bitter about what they've faced, but who have found their own methods of beating it back: Anthony Scaramucci, fired from the White House in 11 days while missing his son's birth and facing divorce; Amanda Knox, who served four years in an Italian prison for a murder she didn't commit; Mo Gawdat, former Google X exec who lost his son Ali to medical negligence; Lisa Squire, whose daughter Libby was tragically abducted, raped and murdered; and David Holmes, Harry Potter's stunt double who was paralysed from the waist down in an accident that should never have happened. LESSONS YOU'LL LEARN:Close the gap between "should" and "is" - Bitterness lives in the space between what ought to have happened and what actually did. Accept the world as it is, not as you think it should be.Shift from victimhood to agency - Work out what is in your control and what isn't, then focus on the former.Pair emotional honesty with tiny steps forward - Feel everything, embrace it, sit in it - but understand that emotion alone changes nothing.Choose your narrative consciously - In any crisis, there are multiple stories you can tell. Choose those that dial up pride, purpose or perspective and dial down bitterness.Forgiveness is for you, not them - Holding onto blame and hate doesn't punish those who wronged you; it only prolongs your suffering.
Gossip. Slander. Rumors, Whispers. Accusation. Most of us have been talked about before. We have felt the piercing of sharp tongues set to do us harm. In our Bible, a man named Shimei unleashes upon King David years of pent-up bitterness, anger and contempt. What will King David do - how will the man after God's own heart respond when verbally, publicly attacked? From this moment in David's life, we can gain both wisdom and empowerment from God when we find ourselves treated wrongly by others. Bitterness and resentment are poison to the soul. David's response helps us to see a higher road to choose when we are attacked. This road is steep, so it is not easy; but it leads to a powerful place with God.
In this powerful episode, men's mental health expert, Shayden Bertagnolli, explores the profound impact of gratitude on men's mental health. Drawing from personal experiences, biblical insights, and the inspiring story of Holocaust survivor Eddie Jocko, he reveals how focusing on what we have—rather than what we lack—can heal bitterness, strengthen faith, and lead to personal wholeness. The episode challenges men to practice gratitude as a spiritual discipline and a pathway to deeper mental and emotional well-being.
In today's episode, Nancy draws us into a timely word from Hebrews 12 about the gradual drain that can leave us weary, exhausted, and quietly resigned. It's not always the dramatic attacks that take us out—it's often the repetition, the subtle wear, and the daily pressures that grind us down over time. Whether it's external opposition or internal fatigue, Nancy shares how Jesus endured bitter hostility and shame by fixing His eyes on the joy set before Him—and how we can do the same. This is not about pumping yourself up or pretending things don't hurt. It's about recognizing the slow fade, refusing to faint in your mind, and returning to the Source of your strength. If you've ever whispered, “I'm just tired,” this episode will meet you there—and invite you to let Jesus invigorate you from the inside out. Thanks for Listening! I hope that after listening to The Tent Talk Podcast, you'll want to start discussions with your team or small group. These resources can help guide your discipleship journey to maturity and destiny with the Father: Episode Notes & Conversation Guide DOWNLOAD HERE https://nancymccready.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/EPISODE-994-Beast-of-Bitterness.pdf LINKS The Devotional Podcast with Nancy McCready https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2hHjwQ_3Qrp1rhbR9nu68wnBtQY0IHzc The Producer's Way School theproducersway.com Nancy's book, From Trauma to Trust www.amazon.com/dp/B096ZML6R3/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries SUBSCRIBE Like what you hear? Subscribe to Tent Talk with Nancy McCready so you don't miss an episode! nancymccready.com/podcast/ ABOUT NANCY MCCREADY Nancy McCready is redefining discipleship across nations, cultures, and denominations. Through Nancy McCready Ministries, she partners with leaders to build deep, transformative discipleship cultures that provoke people to walk in freedom and live as mature sons of the Father. Her powerful message comes from her journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, and self-destruction to walk in true freedom. She now dedicates her life to helping others grow in intimacy with the Father and live unto Him. ABOUT TENT TALK PODCAST Tent Talk with Nancy McCready is a listener-funded podcast dedicated to helping Christians along their journey of a deeper walk with Christ. With the support of donors like you, we are able to help our listeners gain a deeper spiritual understanding and connection with the Father. Thank you for your support of the Tent Talk Podcast! nancymccready.com/giving/ Brought to you by Nancy McCready Ministries nancymccready.com/
This sermon tackles something we all face at one point or another: the feeling that life just isn't fair. Using the story of the Prodigal Son, the message shows how bitterness can creep in when we compare ourselves to others and wonder why God seems to bless them more than us. Pastor Roscoe helps us see how bitterness can steal our joy, strain our relationships, and keep us from noticing the blessings already in our hands.But this isn't just a talk about what's wrong—it's a message of hope. You'll hear why God's grace matters far more than getting what we think we “deserve,” and how letting go of bitterness can open the door to freedom and joy. With simple, practical steps like focusing on the cross, trusting that God sees your faithfulness, and choosing daily gratitude, this sermon gives you tools to break free from resentment and step into a life filled with peace, gratitude, and deeper connection with God.
I. See and Accept the Hand of God II. Acknowledge and Convey to God the Bitterness of Soul III. Hope in God IV. Wait on God V. Repent and Obey
We all have names that, when mentioned, stir up old wounds and unresolved tension within us. These names are attached to stories—stories of offense, betrayal, or deep hurt. If we don't learn how to move forward, these wounds can imprison us, affecting our present relationships and even our walk with God. The story of Louis Zamperini, a man who endured unimaginable suffering as a prisoner of war and then found himself trapped in bitterness and hatred, powerfully illustrates the destructive power of unforgiveness. His journey to freedom began not when his circumstances changed, but when he encountered the grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Only then was he able to forgive those who had wronged him, and in doing so, he found true freedom.Forgiveness is not natural; it is supernatural. Our instinct is to seek justice, to make others pay for what they've done. But the gospel flips the script. Jesus teaches us that the forgiveness we receive from God is meant to flow outward to others. This is not a suggestion but a command for those who follow Christ. Paul, writing from prison, reminds us in Ephesians that our identity as forgiven people should shape the way we relate to others. We are called to “get rid of all bitterness” and to forgive “just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” This is not about minimizing the pain or pretending the offense didn't happen. Rather, it's about recognizing the depth of our own need for forgiveness and the immense cost Jesus paid to cancel our debt.Forgiveness is not forgetting, excusing, or instantly restoring trust. It is not the same as reconciliation, nor does it remove consequences. Forgiveness is a decision—a choice to release the right to collect a debt that is genuinely owed. Sometimes, this is a process that must be repeated as old wounds resurface. At times, wisdom calls us to overlook minor offenses; at other times, we must have hard conversations, always with humility and a desire for restoration, not vindication.Ultimately, forgiveness is about freedom—freedom for the one who forgives. Jesus endured the cross, absorbing the cost of our sin, so that we could be set free. As we grasp the depth of what we've been forgiven, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to extend that same grace to others. This is the path to healthy relationships, spiritual maturity, and true freedom in Christ.Youtube Chapters[00:00] - Welcome[01:30] - The Story of Louis Zamperini[04:54] - Encountering the Gospel and Forgiveness[08:04] - The Challenge of Forgiving the Unrepentant[10:31] - Forgiveness Does Not Erase the Past[13:10] - Jesus' Teaching on Forgiveness[14:40] - Forgiven People Become Forgiving People[18:05] - Paul's Letter to the Ephesians: Context[20:21] - Grieving the Holy Spirit with Bitterness[23:48] - Taking Out the Trash: Removing Bitterness[25:15] - Kindness, Compassion, and Forgiveness[28:17] - The Vertical and Horizontal Dimensions of Forgiveness[33:30] - The Cost of Our Forgiveness[35:47] - Jesus' Suffering and the Depth of Our Need[42:30] - What Forgiveness Is (and Isn't)[48:41] - Boundaries, Consequences, and Reconciliation[51:18] - Forgiveness Is Not a Feeling or Contingent on Apology[56:26] - Overlooking Offenses and When to Confront[59:58] - The Freedom of Forgiveness and Invitation to Respond[62:42] - Closing Prayer and BlessingSermon Notes:https://www.bible.com/events/49521262
Greg and Nathan continue their journey through the book of Ruth, turning to chapter 2 — where quiet faith meets surprising grace. Ruth steps out to glean in the fields, “happens” upon Boaz's land, and discovers that God's providence is often at work in the most ordinary moments. Along the way, Greg and Nathan unpack what it means for Boaz to be a “worthy man,” explore the beauty of refuge under God's wings, and watch Naomi's heart begin to move from bitterness toward hope. Join the conversation and see how Ruth 2 shows God's kindness breaking through everyday life — one act of faithfulness at a time.
Empowered Youth Conference - Tuesday PM
When we are hurt, it's imperative that we learn to forgive and let go. Being bitter is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to be affected! Forgiving others does not excuse their behavior or diminish our pain; rather, it frees us to heal. We only hurt ourselves further by holding onto unforgiveness. By the grace of God, let's forgive others.
Jonah wasn't afraid to obey God. He refused to obey. He had become bitter and resentful against his hated enemies, the Assyrians whose capital was Nineveh. There was no way Jonah was going to give the Ninevites a chance to repent and receive mercy. Ever felt that way? Bitterness does not satisfy or protect like it promises, though, and it has disastrous consequences for us and the people around us. Check out this message to see what we mean.Hearing God's invitation to act is one thing. Receiving it and obeying is a whole 'nother kettle of fish. Jonah heard the voice of God, but it wasn't something he wanted to hear, so he tried to run away from it. Have you ever done that? Some stories in the Bible have more to teach us about what not to do than what to do. The book of Jonah is one such story.Join us for service every Sunday at 9:15am or 11:00am (EST). Here are ways to connect with us!Text TODAY to 937-358-6565 to let us know you decided to say 'Yes!' to Jesus leading your life. Text BAPTISM to 937-358-6565 to find out more about getting baptized as an expression of your new faith.Text SERVE to 937-358-6565 to find a serve community to join that matches your skills and passions.Text PRAYER to 937-358-6565 to let us know how we can be praying for you!And if you would like to support The Valley Church financially, you can GIVE online via our website: www.thevalley.church/give.
An honest assessment. Don’t let anger become bitterness. How to win long-term. Arctic Frost was horrible but how did we get here? How was so much of that ‘legal’? Why doesn’t Jesse take calls? If New York City burns will it sway norm? Follow The Jesse Kelly Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJesseKellyShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What do you do when things keep going wrong—and staying open feels impossible? In this episode of In Your Right Mind, we explore the quiet power of choosing openness, even in the face of disappointment, frustration, or pain. It's not about pretending everything's fine—it's about finding the courage to stay soft when you want to shut down. Because every moment offers a choice: bitterness or openness. And the choice you make shapes not just how you feel—but who you become.
OG Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner's new memoir is here! “Golden Years: What I've Learned from Love, Loss, and Reality TV,” dives into Gerry's early life and career, as well as his marriage to his beloved Toni. But the lion's share of the memoir is focused on “The Golden Bachelor”: his casting, the experience of filming, the women he met along the journey, the cursed Golden Wedding, and, of course, all of the ways in which his relationship with Theresa Nist was seemingly doomed from the jump. We go into the memoir's juiciest claims and explore why Gerry still seems to feel so much bitterness towards his now ex-wife. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What if the person you refuse to forgive is the very thing keeping you from freedom? In this week's message from our Good News for Hurting Hearts series, we explore Jesus' words: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." Mercy isn't about excusing what's wrong — it's about releasing what's holding you back. Alan helps us see that resentment doesn't heal us, it hardens us. Bitterness isn't a strategy for life — it's a slow poison for the soul. Unforgiveness may feel like protection, but it closes the door on how God wants to show up for us. When we choose mercy, our hearts open again. When we forgive, we make room for God's grace to flow. As Scripture says, "With the merciful, You show Yourself merciful." (Psalm 18:25) If you've ever asked, "How do I let go?" or "Can I really forgive them?" — this is the good news: God has shown us mercy so we can live mercifully. And every time we forgive, we experience again the mercy that first found us.
Pastor Kelly Soiles teaches that forgiveness is a courageous, ongoing practice empowered by Jesus, beginning with honestly naming the hurt and handing it to God. She reminds us that forgiveness leads to freedom and quiet joy as we trust Christ more than revenge.
Dave Rubin of “The Rubin Report” talks about Marc Maron's interview with Barack Obama on the final episode of the WTF Podcast where he doesn't even try to hide his bitter resentment towards Donald Trump after he accomplished the peace deal between Israel and Hamas that everyone said was impossible; Scott Jennings getting CNN's Kasie Hunt and guests to go speechless after he rips into Barack Obama for refusing to acknowledge that Trump is accomplishing everything that Obama and Biden couldn't; The View's Sunny Hostin and Whoopi Goldberg being able to give Donald Trump any credit for negotiating the Middle East peace deal while only Alyssa Farah Griffin and Sara Haines can acknowledge Trump's role in getting all of the remaining Israeli hostages freed; the Jimmy Kimmel Live! audience not being happy with Jimmy Kimmel giving Donald Trump credit for ending the Israel-Hamas War; Gavin Newsom and Senator Chris Murphy trying to understand why everyone hates Democrats; Meet the Press' Kristen Welker trying hard not to laugh at Mark Kelly for suggesting that Kamala Harris should be the Democrats nominee in the 2028 election; Club Random's Bill Maher getting William H. Macy to admit that it's impossible to deny Donald Trump's success at this point; and much more. WATCH the MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE segment of the show here: https://rubinreport.locals.com/ Check out the NEW RUBIN REPORT MERCH here: https://daverubin.store/ ---------- Today's Sponsors: Tax Network USA - If you owe back taxes or have unfiled returns, don't let the government take advantage of you. Whether you owe a few thousand or a few million, they can help you. Call 1(800)-958-1000 for a private, free consultation or Go to: https://tnusa.com/dave Crypto.com - Trump Media just signed a massive $6.4 billion deal with Yorkville Acquisition Corp. and Crypto.com. This new company will be the largest publicly traded CRO holder out there. For more information, visit Yorkville Corporation's Public filings: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1849635/000114036125032615/ef20054552_ex99-2.htm Go to https://crypto.com Noble Gold Investments - Whether you're looking to roll over an old 401(k) into a Gold IRA… or you want physical coins and bars delivered right to your home Noble Gold makes the process simple, safe, and stress-free. Download the free wealth protection kit and open a new qualified account and get a FREE 10-ounce Silver Flag Bar plus a Silver American Eagle Proof Coin. Go to http://DaveRubinGold.com and