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Aditi Bhalla's story reads like a cautionary tale about high achievement. A specialist prosthodontist who ticked every box—academic success, specialist training, teaching positions—she found herself breaking down in surgery in 2018, asking the question so many high achievers eventually face: is this it? After developing De Quervain's tenosynovitis from repetitive movements and stress, Aditi was forced to step away from dentistry. What followed was an unexpected journey into spirituality, meditation, and ultimately, retraining as an integrative psychotherapist. Now she works predominantly with dentists and other professionals who've achieved everything they thought they wanted but still feel lost, anxious, and burnt out. Her transformation from perfectionist dentist to spiritual guide offers a roadmap for those struggling with the same questions she once faced.In This Episode00:02:15 - High achievers feeling lost 00:03:10 - The perfectionism plateau 00:04:10 - Growing up as the brainy kid 00:06:35 - School captain to dental specialist 00:08:15 - Choosing prosthodontics 00:10:20 - Breaking down in surgery 00:11:45 - Discovering spirituality 00:14:30 - The spiritual awakening path 00:21:00 - Retraining as a psychotherapist 00:28:00 - Meditation fundamentals 00:32:25 - Breathwork techniques 00:42:00 - Self-compassion versus weakness 00:44:00 - Contentment and ambition coexisting 00:46:20 - The wrist injury that changed everything 00:57:15 - Therapy versus dentistry 01:00:00 - Understanding spirituality 01:03:10 - Blackbox thinking 01:12:10 - The Wellbeing Hub 01:14:35 - Fantasy dinner party 01:16:20 - Last days and legacyAbout Aditi BhallaAditi is a former specialist prosthodontist who trained in India before completing her specialist training at King's College London. She lectured for both King's and Health Education England, teaching occlusion and toothwear, whilst working in multiple practices across the Southeast. After developing Dequervain's tenosynovitis—a repetitive strain injury that left her unable to continue clinical work—she embarked on a spiritual journey that transformed her career. Now an integrative psychotherapist, life coach, and wellness advocate, she works predominantly with dentists, bankers, and medical professionals experiencing burnout and existential questioning despite their professional success.
We live in a world that tells us happiness is always just one more step away—one more raise, one more purchase, one more answered prayer. Yet even when we finally get what we thought we wanted, peace still feels out of reach.In this powerful reflection, Jonathan Youssef invites you to pause and consider a radically different kind of joy, the kind that doesn't depend on circumstances. He takes us to a Roman prison cell, where the apostle Paul, chained and hungry, wrote these astonishing words:“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13Paul wasn't celebrating victory; he was declaring trust. From that dark cell came a light that still pierces our restless culture today: the secret of contentment found in Christ alone.Jonathan explores what it means to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving even when life hurts, and how gratitude can become a spiritual weapon in seasons of loss, waiting, or disappointment.If you've ever wondered how to hold onto peace when everything feels uncertain, this message is for you.True gratitude isn't about pretending life is perfect. It's about believing God still is.Follow Candid Conversations on social media:Instagram: @candidpodTikTok: @officiallycandidpodYouTube: @CandidPodSubscribe & Share:If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.
Sign up for “Different by Design: A Retreat for Gifted, Sensitive & Neurodivergent Adults” happening January 30-31, 2026 https://retreatwithdianne.com/ Are you and your friends invested in your friendships? If the answer is no, it might be time to take a closer look. In this episode of Someone Gets Me, Dianne A. Allen talks about friendships, relationships, and how to connect and engage with others as neurodivergents. She shares the truth about being friendly, how friendship requires reciprocity and energy investment, and what it means to cultivate kindred connections. Gifted people often outgrow relationships, but our self-connection is what aligns us with people who truly understand and resonate with us. Learn more on the Someone Gets Me Podcast – Navigating Friendships When Your Brain Works Differently Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe to the channel, tap the notification bell, and leave a comment! You can also listen to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. How to Connect with Dianne A. Allen Dianne A. Allen, MA is an intuitive mentor, speaker, author, ambassador, hope agent, life catalyst, and the CEO and Founder of Visions Applied. She has been involved in personal and professional development and mental health and addiction counseling. She inspires people in personal transformation through thought provoking services from speaking and podcasting to individual intuitive mentoring and more. She uses her years of experience coupled with years of formal education to blend powerful, practical, and effective strategies and tools for success and satisfaction. She has authored several books, which include How to Quit Anything in 5 Simple Steps - Break the Chains that Bind You, The Loneliness Cure, A Guide to Contentment, 7 Simple Steps to Get Back on track and Live the Life You Envision, Daily Meditations for Visionary Leaders, Hope Realized, and Where Do You Fit In? Website: https://msdianneallen.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianne_a_allen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msdianneallen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianneallen/# Twitter: https://x.com/msdianneallen Check out Dianne's new book, Care for the Neurodivergent Soul. https://a.co/d/cTBSxQv Visit Dianne's Amazon author page. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0F7N457KS You have a vision inside to create something bigger than you. What you need is a community and a mentor. Personal mentoring will inspire you to grow, transform, and connect in new ways. The Someone Gets Me Experience could be that perfect solution to bringing your heart's desire into reality. You will grow, transform, and connect. https://msdianneallen.com/someone-gets-me-experience/ For a complimentary “Get to Know You” 30-minute call: https://visionsapplied.as.me/schedule.php?appointmentType=4017868 Join our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/someonegetsme Follow Dianne's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/msdianneallen Email contact: dianne@visionsapplied.com Dianne's Mentoring Services: https://msdianneallen.com/
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Send us a textSupport the showEarly Access Membership (for avid listeners and those who want all my podcasts early!) $10/month or $100 a year WhatsApp: +66 (Thailand) 06 3359 0002Emails: Arseniobuck@icloud.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thearsenioseslpodcast/Second Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arsenioseslpodcastt/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIzp4EdbJVMhhSnq_0u4ntA
Mainstream Darkness James 3:13-18 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. Envy is rooted in comparison. The antidote to comparison is contentment. Contentment is practiced through gratitude. Selfish ambition is rooted in pride. The antidote to pride is humility. Humility is practiced through service. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Keith encourages us in how we can be intentional in finding contentment no matter the circumstances in our lives.
Vayiqra 3 — The Law of Peace: When Fellowship Becomes FireTeacher: Kerry Battle | Ahava~Love AssemblyThe shalam offering of Leviticus 3 is the peace offering — not for sin, but for communion. This is where fellowship becomes flame — where the altar becomes the table, and the table becomes the meeting place between Yahuah and His people.This teaching unveils nine gates of divine order, revealing how true peace flows only through purity, obedience, and covenant alignment.Chapters / Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction — The Order of Fellowship2:48 – Gate 1: Peace Is the Fruit of Order6:10 – Gate 2: Fellowship Begins with Fire10:05 – Gate 3: The Portion of the Priest13:30 – Gate 4: The Fat Belongs to Yahuah17:00 – Gate 5: Peace Has Boundaries20:20 – Gate 6: Peace Requires Purity24:00 – Gate 7: Peace Without Obedience = False Fire28:15 – Gate 8: Fruit of the Ruach — Contentment32:40 – Gate 9: Final Heart Check & Prophetic Bridge
Revelation isn't a confusing riddle—it's an understandable vision from God designed to transform how you see the world and live in it. This divine prophecy promises blessing and peace to those who take it to heart, with truths as relevant today as they were to first-century believers. Discover how God's sovereign plan can bring clarity and contentment to your life right now.1) Revelation2) Divinely authored prophetic visionary story3) For our blessing, peace, contentment, satisfaction, and shalomText: Revelation 1:1-3
Philippians 4: 4-13
2 Cor 9:6-11
Topics: Halloween, Daylight Saving Time, Jesus/Story, Born Bad At Math, The World Series, Candy Corn, Contentment, Social Media/Life, Life Is Short, Shock Jock Quotes: "People can memorize information better when it's in narrative form. Stories are the way to go!" "Nobody really asked me for baseball statistics." "God has delight in store for us forever." "Social media makes your life shorter." "This show lives up to the hype." . . . Holy Ghost Mama Pre-Order! Want more of the Oddcast? Check out our website! Watch our YouTube videos here. Connect with us on Facebook!
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Send Us Your Prayer Requests --------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.
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center)
As you look at the world around you—with your head spinning at all the chaos . . . all the problems . . . all the wrong thinking . . . in a world that seems upside-down—how can you grow in contentment? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/85/29
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Have you ever wondered if you've truly found your contentment in the Lord? Join Dr. Greg Gifford for help navigating the complex relationship between contentment and ambition. Pitfalls abound, but biblical contentment in God is possible. Transformed Podcast Episode 147 | October 30, 2025 - Thanks for listening! Transformed would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Transformed we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!
Today, we're joined by a woman who truly embodies the journey from outer success to owning her inner authority! Meet Natalie Glebova, Former Miss Universe, author of Temple of Love - A Pilgrimage to the Heart, and an Inner Beauty Coach. Having spent years navigating the judgmental and superficial entertainment industry, Natalie embarked on a transformational spiritual journey to discover that true beauty and success cannot be achieved through physical appearance or superficial gains. As a single working mother, she's passionate about helping others build a solid "Temple of Love" within , combining neurolinguistics and healing modalities to coach her clients to become winners in both life and love.In this essential episode for any woman thought leader or entrepreneur, we dig into the real self-care and how to cultivate the inner qualities that never fade:
In this Q&A Lillian Prince, Emily Niswonger, Heidi Cummings, and Amanda Muirhead share insights and applications from Legacy Groups this fall.
If you're a Christian, how do you cultivate contentment even when circumstances aren't going your way? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/85/29
Most people think success is about doing more.Working harder. Moving faster. Pushing to the end of the year before finally taking a breath.But true success — healthy success — is about rhythm, not rush.In this episode of the 30 Days to Happiness Podcast, Holly explores The Art of Healthy Ambition — how to dream big, build sustainably, and stay grounded in peace, purpose, and faith.She opens with the timeless Bamboo Parable — the story of how growth often happens underground, unseen, and in silence — before it suddenly shoots upward in divine timing.From there, Holly dives into:
Do you ever feel like nothing in your life will ever be good enough? In today’s honest and insightful episode, Heather Creekmore opens up about her struggles with CDD or “Chronic Disappointment Disorder”—a feeling that no achievement or special day is ever truly satisfying. She explores the root of this persistent discontent and uncovers how fear, envy, and comparison play into our longing for "enough." Heather dives deep into the heart-level issues fueling our dissatisfaction and shares practical wisdom on searching for true contentment in Christ. Drawing lessons from Tim Keller’s teachings on envy, Heather reveals how comparison, restlessness, and selfish ambition point us toward deeper spiritual problems, including idolatry. The episode is packed with personal stories, scriptural references, and actionable advice for anyone weighed down by the fear of never measuring up. If you struggle with body image, success, or just feeling like you’re perpetually missing out, Heather walks you through how to identify envy, repent, and redirect your heart toward worship and gratitude. Ultimately, this episode is filled with hope—reminding us that our deepest satisfaction can only be found in Jesus and in the coming kingdom. Episode Highlights: Personal stories of disappointment, from vacations to Mother's Day Discontent, envy, and their spiritual dangers How reslessness and comparison are more than just “bad habits”—they're rooted in envy The connection between body image, identity, and idolatry Scripture references: James 3:16, Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Corinthians 13:4, Proverbs 14:30 Tim Keller’s two directions for overcoming envy: upward (fear of the Lord) and forward (hope in Christ for the future) The crucial role of repentance and confession—not just positive thinking Surrendering goals and desires to God for genuine change Turning discontent into worship and gratitude Resources & Links: The Comparison Free Life by Heather Creekmore* 40 Day Body Image Workbook* Tim Keller’s Sermons on Envy (Listen here) Connect with Heather: Compared to Who? Website Instagram Facebook Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Sign up for “Different by Design: A Retreat for Gifted, Sensitive & Neurodivergent Adults” happening January 30-31, 2026 https://retreatwithdianne.com/ You are more special than what your eyes can see or your ears can hear, and that specialness is both magic and purposeful. In this episode of Someone Gets Me, Dianne A. Allen is joined by Lia Dunlap, the Oracle on Purpose. They talk about how denying your gifts can impact your mental health, how to honor your intuitive abilities, and how to discern intuition from ego. Together, they explore what it takes for true life transformation, the importance of healthy relationships, and the power of being on retreats. Listen to the Someone Gets Me Podcast – Brilliantly Different with Lia Dunlap Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe to the channel, tap the notification bell, and leave a comment! You can also listen to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Lia Dunlap is The Oracle on Purpose with a mission to change people's lives for good. With over 25 years of experience as an Intuitive Business Architect and Coach, she has helped thousands of clients in 76 countries, including hosting three international retreats. As a Best-Selling Author, Founder of the Master Creators Academy, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, International Speaker, and Creator of the POWER Plan Life Coaching Program, her Purpose Is Clear: Helping YOU find and follow Your Purpose. She has worked with thousands of leaders, entrepreneurs, and business owners for over two decades, helping them find and experience their Unique Life Purpose. Website: https://www.oracleonpurpose.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachLiaDunlap X: https://x.com/CoachLiaDunlap Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachliadunlap/# YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8IOgSSGVVNG2usEJE07X8g LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachliadunlap How to Connect with Dianne A. Allen Dianne A. Allen, MA is an intuitive mentor, speaker, author, ambassador, hope agent, life catalyst, and the CEO and Founder of Visions Applied. She has been involved in personal and professional development and mental health and addiction counseling. She inspires people in personal transformation through thought provoking services from speaking and podcasting to individual intuitive mentoring and more. She uses her years of experience coupled with years of formal education to blend powerful, practical, and effective strategies and tools for success and satisfaction. She has authored several books, which include How to Quit Anything in 5 Simple Steps - Break the Chains that Bind You, The Loneliness Cure, A Guide to Contentment, 7 Simple Steps to Get Back on track and Live the Life You Envision, Daily Meditations for Visionary Leaders, Hope Realized, and Where Do You Fit In? Website: https://msdianneallen.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianne_a_allen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msdianneallen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianneallen/# Twitter: https://x.com/msdianneallen Check out Dianne's new book, Care for the Neurodivergent Soul. https://a.co/d/cTBSxQv Visit Dianne's Amazon author page. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0F7N457KS You have a vision inside to create something bigger than you. What you need is a community and a mentor. Personal mentoring will inspire you to grow, transform, and connect in new ways. The Someone Gets Me Experience could be that perfect solution to bringing your heart's desire into reality. You will grow, transform, and connect. https://msdianneallen.com/someone-gets-me-experience/ For a complimentary “Get to Know You” 30-minute call: https://visionsapplied.as.me/schedule.php?appointmentType=4017868 Join our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/someonegetsme Follow Dianne's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/msdianneallen Email contact: dianne@visionsapplied.com Dianne's Mentoring Services: https://msdianneallen.com/
THIS IS OUR 500TH EPISODE!!!! Paul tells Timothy these false teachers have come in and wreaked havoc on the church ion Ephesus. He leaves Timothy there to help get things get back on track and in chapter 6, Paul is going to finalize his instructions. In them he says these false teachers have one main motive—money. They want to get rich and Peter says something similar in his letters to the church. Paul says real wealth comes from two things: godliness and contentment. How do we get those two things? By trusting God to meet our needs...
Join us live as we dive into Philippians 4:10–13 and discover the secret to true contentment. Whether in seasons of plenty or in times of need, God's provision is constant. Through Christ who gives us strength, we can learn to live with peace and confidence in every circumstance. Be encouraged and reminded that with Him, you already have everything you need.
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3787: Mike Donghia reflects on how the constant urge to acquire more, whether through impulse buys or social comparison, gradually erodes contentment. By learning to pause before purchasing, appreciate what we already have, and find satisfaction in simplicity, he reminds us that genuine fulfillment comes not from accumulation but from mindfulness and gratitude. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://thisevergreenhome.com/desire-for-more/ Quotes to ponder: "Buying more doesn't usually solve the problem of being more satisfied, organized, or content, but instead leads to more overwhelm of your possessions, more ungratefulness of what you actually have, more debt, and less time to spend on the things that you value most." "I need to live my own life, be content with what I have, and stop desiring what others have." "Everyone lives their own lives, so wanting what others have in hopes that it'll make my life easier and prettier will likely not satisfy a deeper desire once those items are bought." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Speaker: Dr. Justin Nalls, Lead Pastor
For This I Bow My Knees with Tracy Frederick A Bible podcast for ladies Ep197 - Capturing Contentment
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3787: Mike Donghia reflects on how the constant urge to acquire more, whether through impulse buys or social comparison, gradually erodes contentment. By learning to pause before purchasing, appreciate what we already have, and find satisfaction in simplicity, he reminds us that genuine fulfillment comes not from accumulation but from mindfulness and gratitude. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://thisevergreenhome.com/desire-for-more/ Quotes to ponder: "Buying more doesn't usually solve the problem of being more satisfied, organized, or content, but instead leads to more overwhelm of your possessions, more ungratefulness of what you actually have, more debt, and less time to spend on the things that you value most." "I need to live my own life, be content with what I have, and stop desiring what others have." "Everyone lives their own lives, so wanting what others have in hopes that it'll make my life easier and prettier will likely not satisfy a deeper desire once those items are bought." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3787: Mike Donghia reflects on how the constant urge to acquire more, whether through impulse buys or social comparison, gradually erodes contentment. By learning to pause before purchasing, appreciate what we already have, and find satisfaction in simplicity, he reminds us that genuine fulfillment comes not from accumulation but from mindfulness and gratitude. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://thisevergreenhome.com/desire-for-more/ Quotes to ponder: "Buying more doesn't usually solve the problem of being more satisfied, organized, or content, but instead leads to more overwhelm of your possessions, more ungratefulness of what you actually have, more debt, and less time to spend on the things that you value most." "I need to live my own life, be content with what I have, and stop desiring what others have." "Everyone lives their own lives, so wanting what others have in hopes that it'll make my life easier and prettier will likely not satisfy a deeper desire once those items are bought." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Big Idea of the Series: In this eight-week series on the book of Philippians, we will examine the source of Paul's defiant joy while he lived under house arrest in Rome. The apostle Paul was a light to the Philippians, radiating joy to a church disheartened by their mentor's imprisonment. Like Paul's letter to the church in Philippi, this series is designed to encourage the church to find joy in the midst of suffering, bringing hope to those who are hurting.Key Verse: Philippians 4:10–20.Summary: Paul can be joyful in all situations because he has learned to be content in all situations. Christians should not seek abundance and affluence, but contentment, which breeds happiness.__________________________________Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/legacychurchtx/Join us in person:https://legacychurchhutto.comMusic used with permission:Dreamers by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.com
We have the ability as believers to strengthen the faith of others through our love of Christ. Although others strengthen our faith, it is Christ alone that brings true contentment. No matter what life throws at us, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
In this episode of Porn and the Gospel, host Spencer Sutton invites brothers in Christ to take the first step on the ladder of blessing—becoming “poor in spirit.” Drawing from Matthew 5:3 and insights from Jerry Bridges, Charles Spurgeon, and Dane Ortlund, Spencer explores what true humility before God looks like for men striving for purity and holiness. Through Scripture, reflection, and prayer, he reminds us that we cannot lead our families, workplaces, or ourselves without first surrendering our pride and acknowledging our spiritual poverty. This is where grace begins—and where real transformation takes root. Key Takeaways Poverty of spirit is an attitude of the heart. True humility isn't about behavior—it's about posture before God. God blesses the humble. He dwells with the contrite and revives the heart of the lowly (Isaiah 57:15). Confession is freedom. Like the tax collector in Luke 18, we come to God not with good works, but with open repentance. Seeing God clearly reveals our need. When Isaiah saw the Lord, he said, “Woe is me!” before receiving cleansing and calling. Humility magnifies grace. As Dane Ortlund writes, Christ is a billionaire in mercy—our dependence only deepens His display of grace. Spiritual ambition and humility can coexist. Christ modeled both: total commitment to God's mission and total lowliness of heart. Scripture References Matthew 5:2–3 — “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” Deuteronomy 8:2 — God humbles to reveal what's in our hearts. Isaiah 57:15 — God dwells with the contrite and lowly. Luke 18:11–14 — The Pharisee and the tax collector. Isaiah 6:5 — “Woe is me, for I am lost.” Philippians 4:13 — Contentment through Christ, not self-sufficiency.
We often think generosity only happens when we have more than enough.But what if the true miracle is giving when you have nothing?What if, even in your moment of greatest need, you still find the grace to give: not from abundance, but from faith?This generosity reflects the very heart of Christ. He gave everything, even His life, for us.Join us as we learn from the church in Macedonia—a powerful example of faithful, sacrificial giving—and discover how such generosity advances the kingdom of God.
We often think generosity only happens when we have more than enough.But what if the true miracle is giving when you have nothing?What if, even in your moment of greatest need, you still find the grace to give: not from abundance, but from faith?This generosity reflects the very heart of Christ. He gave everything, even His life, for us.Join us as we learn from the church in Macedonia—a powerful example of faithful, sacrificial giving—and discover how such generosity advances the kingdom of God.
We often think generosity only happens when we have more than enough.But what if the true miracle is giving when you have nothing?What if, even in your moment of greatest need, you still find the grace to give: not from abundance, but from faith?This generosity reflects the very heart of Christ. He gave everything, even His life, for us.Join us as we learn from the church in Macedonia—a powerful example of faithful, sacrificial giving—and discover how such generosity advances the kingdom of God.
We often think generosity only happens when we have more than enough.But what if the true miracle is giving when you have nothing?What if, even in your moment of greatest need, you still find the grace to give: not from abundance, but from faith?This generosity reflects the very heart of Christ. He gave everything, even His life, for us.Join us as we learn from the church in Macedonia—a powerful example of faithful, sacrificial giving—and discover how such generosity advances the kingdom of God.
In week two of “Chasing Happy,” Pastor Brent unpacks how comparison robs us of joy and contentment. Instead of chasing what others have, we're invited to trust God's plan, practice gratitude, and find true peace in Jesus.
God has given us what we need to be content in every season and circumstance, but this must be learned. This is the main idea shared in this sermon and the higlhights on contentment are: Contentment is Based On God’s Providence, Not Circumstances. -Phil. 4:10-12 Contentment comes from God’s Presence & Power. Phil. 4:13 Contentment is found in trusting God’s Promised Provision. Phil. 4:18-19 Contentment is Experienced Through Prayer & God’s Peace. Phil. 4:6-7 Application exhortations for this sermon are: Enjoy the presence of God and find strength from him through prayer, thanksgiving, and praise. -Phil. 4:6 Ponder the reality that God is enough for you and has provided what you need and promises to continue to do so. Resolve to find contentment in Christ so that you can be freed up to live on mission and be joyfully generous.
The Joy of Christian Contentment & the Misery of Loving Money
A sermon by Joe Byler based on Ecclesiastes 5&6 preached on October 26th for our Short North congregation as part of our sermon series called "Fully Alive: Wisdom and the Way of Jesus in Ecclesiastes"
Topics: Love Your Enemies, Question The Culture, Welcome to the Show, Jesus Relevant, Singing at Salvation Army, Contentment, AI Articles BONUS CONTENT: Relationships, The Untrue Cartoon Quotes: “How do I pray for people that drive me crazy.” “Optimizing ruthlessly is not wisdom.” “Career and success is not going to bring you what you want.” “Everything Jesus says is a genius way to live.” “Words are a big deal.” . . . Holy Ghost Mama Pre-Order! Want more of the Oddcast? Check out our website! Watch our YouTube videos here. Connect with us on Facebook! For Christian banking you can trust, click here!
The Power of Listening—Lessons from Elephants and Lions Elephant Wisdom: Be Still, Listen, and Lead Episode 278: (Hugh is based in San Fransico) In this conversation with Hugh Coppen we explore: how animals communicate clearly without words why listening is a survival skill in nature—and in business what elephants and lions can teach us about leadership how body language signals intent, trust, and respect the importance of belonging and team spirit why patience and silence build awareness how communication extends across species how natural systems model mutual respect and cooperation how immersion in wilderness renews perspective and purpose the elephant's message for human beings: listen, think, and be content ----- About our guest, Hugh Coppen: Hugh grew up on his family farm in Zimbabwe where he developed his lifelong passion for wildlife and nature in the African wilderness. He eagerly spreads his love of nature and lessons from wildlife. He has severed as CEO of companies in the US, Canada and the UK. He leads safaris to Zimbabwe to help connect you with nature and the lessons of African wild life. https://tasimba.com/ ----- Key lessons from this conversation: Listening deeply reveals more than speaking. Body language is the oldest and most honest form of communication. Smell, sound, and stillness carry powerful meaning. Awareness depends on observation and patience. Trust and belonging are essential survival messages. Respect sustains harmony and safety. Communication includes shared signals across species. Leadership in nature depends on clarity and calm. Contentment and self-awareness are signs of true wisdom. Happiness is created, not consumed. ------ ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We'll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more. Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He's fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success. Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills
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Topics: Moses, Coffee Pumpkin, Parent Reminder, Shock Jock, Contentment, Wisdom, Squeaky Shoes BONUS CONTENT: Relationships Quotes: “You're not going to see a major repentance story by May.” “Maybe God's waiting for us to be weak.” “Time is finite with your kids.”
For many people, contentment feels just out of reach—always tied to the next raise, the next purchase, or the next season of life. Yet Scripture calls us to something deeper and more lasting: a contentment that doesn't depend on circumstances but rests in Christ Himself.Psalm 23 begins with a stunning declaration:“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” — Psalm 23:1 (NLT)David's words remind us that contentment doesn't come from acquiring more but from trusting the One who provides. Just as sheep rest securely under the care of their shepherd, we can rest in God's faithful provision.True contentment isn't about suppressing desire—it's about redirecting it. When we find sufficiency in Christ rather than in money, possessions, or achievements, we're freed from the trap of covetousness and anchored in the truth that in Him, we already have all we truly need.The Ancient Lie of DiscontentmentDiscontentment has plagued humanity from the beginning. In Eden, Adam and Eve had everything they needed, yet the serpent's lie convinced them they lacked something essential. Discontentment still whispers, “God is holding out on you—you'd be better off if you had more.”Today, that same voice is amplified through advertising, social media, and cultural comparison. We scroll through highlight reels and feel our lives don't measure up. But Hebrews 13:5 offers the antidote:“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”The cure for discontentment isn't having more—it's remembering that God is always with us.The Freedom of “Enough”Contentment is not resignation—it's liberation. It frees us from envy, overspending, and the crushing weight of comparison. Instead of striving endlessly for more, we learn to steward wisely what God has entrusted to us.Proverbs 30:8–9 captures this balanced perspective beautifully:“Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me…”The wise steward seeks enough—not excess. When we live this way, our financial decisions change. We spend with purpose. We give with joy. We save with peace. Contentment reorients money from being our master to being a tool for God's Kingdom.Think of the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17. With only a handful of flour and a little oil left, she faced famine. Yet when Elijah asked her to make him a cake first, she trusted God's word—and He provided, not with overflowing barns, but with daily sufficiency.Or consider the Macedonian believers in 2 Corinthians 8. Paul wrote,“In a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity.”Despite having little, they gave with glad hearts because their contentment was in Christ, not in their circumstances.These examples remind us that contentment and generosity often go hand in hand. When we are satisfied in Christ, we're free to bless others.Trusting the God Who ProvidesAt the heart of contentment is trust. Jesus said in Matthew 6:25–26,“Do not be anxious about your life… Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”Contentment flows from believing that God knows what we need and delights to provide for His children. As Elisabeth Elliot once wrote, “The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.”When Christ becomes our treasure, everything else finds its proper place.That's why Paul could say in 1 Timothy 6:6:“Godliness with contentment is great gain.”Contentment isn't a loss—it's true gain. It's the kind of wealth no market downturn can erase and no thief can steal. Choosing contentment doesn't mean settling for less; it means resting in the sufficiency of Christ.When we stop chasing “more” and start trusting God's daily provision, we discover freedom, peace, and joy. That's the essence of faithful stewardship—not just managing money, but aligning our hearts with the One who promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I own several rental properties and would like to leave one to each of my children. I still want to collect the rental income, but I'd like to avoid probate and ensure a smooth transition when I pass away. How can I set up a trust to do that, and what's the best way to move forward?I got divorced in my mid-50s and had to start over from scratch. I'm now 66 with a little over $37,000 in my 401(k), which I'm eligible to roll over into an IRA. I'd really like to invest that money through a biblically based firm, but most of the ones I've contacted require a minimum investment of $50,000. Do you have any suggestions? And how can I build my savings over the next four years? $37,000 won't last long.I'm retired, and my husband will be retiring soon. We don't have a lot saved, but he does have a 401(k) through work. We're unsure what to do with it or how to ensure we'll have enough to live on in retirement. Can you help us think through the next steps?I work with students, and I've offered to invest $4,000, allowing them to choose some stocks to learn how investing works. Since I'll keep the money but let them make the decisions, what's the best way to buy individual stocks for this kind of project?My daughter's credit score is around 625, and she's committed to improving it. My score is over 800, and I've heard that adding her as an authorized user on my credit card could help her. Can you explain how that works and whether it could affect either of our credit scores?I feel completely lost when it comes to finances, but I want to set my family up for success. Can you recommend a reliable resource or starting point for learning the basics of managing money wisely?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Open Hands FinanceFidelity | Charles Schwab | Robinhood | Public | Stash | SoFi InvestYour Money Counts: The Biblical Guide to Earning, Spending, Saving, Investing, Giving, and Getting Out of Debt by Howard DaytonMaster Your Money: A Step-by-Step Plan for Experiencing Financial Contentment by Ron Blue with Michael BlueRedeeming Money: How God Reveals and Reorients Our Hearts by Paul David TrippMoney, Possessions, and Eternity: A Comprehensive Guide to What the Bible Says about Financial Stewardship, Generosity, Materialism, Retirement, Financial Planning, Gambling, Debt, and More by Randy AlcornWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What if the secret to joy isn't more but less? John and Nancy reflect on a lighthouse keeper's sacred task (watcher of the infinite) and draw a striking parallel to our own spiritual calling. Contentment, Nancy says, is elusive. You find it, lose it, and have to find your way back...maybe 76 times a day. But contentment comes not from how much we have, but where we look. The invitation is to scan the horizon not for what we want, but for what God is already doing.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.TEXT US at 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team