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I've recently been in a few conversations about executive presence with colleagues and coaching clients.  These conversations keep coming up because of major misconceptions about executive presence.  When we think about executive presence, we tend to think about traits that allow for high control, high volume, and high power.  However, executive presence is not about dominance or taking up more space than the people around you.  It's about far more.  And, it's quite nuanced.     Unfortunately, many of us don't have great examples of executive presence around us.  This is why we don't have a clear understanding of what it entails and how to develop it.  Without strong mentors and role models, it's hard to know what you're even striving for, right?! In this episode, we will talk about what leaders are getting wrong about executive presence, the components of executive presence that matter most, and specific steps you can take to strengthen your executive presence.  We will also discuss how executive presence has long been weaponized as a gatekeeping tool and to uphold bias.   Please know executive presence is not just for executives!  This is a way of carrying yourself in order to have a commanding presence that calls people in to work with you and listen to you.  Your executive presence at any level, regardless of role or rank, can position you to build trusting relationships, enter into collaborative opportunities, and set yourself up for powerful next steps in your leadership legacy.    Episode Highlights: How executive presence is learned and developed over time Why quiet confidence goes a long way Why executive presence requires balancing confidence with humility Why executive presence has nothing to do with being the loudest or most dominant in the room True executive presence is about how you make others feel How and why to leverage authenticity more than conformity in your leadership Recognizing the role of gatekeeping and bias in many current models of executive presence Links Mentioned: Hire me to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with me: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Interested in becoming a sponsor of the Shameless Mom Academy? Email our sales team at sales@adalystmedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Title: Chains and Afflictions Text: Acts 21:27-36 FCF: We often struggle responding well to slander and persecution for Christ's sake. Prop: Because of the offense of the gospel we will be slandered and reviled, so we must be ready to give a defense for the hope we have in us. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 21. In a moment we will read beginning in verse 27 from the Legacy Standard Bible. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Last week we saw the powder keg situation that Paul and his 8 gentile companions walked into as they brought a gift for the Jerusalem church from several churches in gentile lands. Tension between Jews and the Romans continues to mount and along with that the pernicious rumor that Paul is anti-Mosaic law and advising new Jewish believers to forsake circumcising their children and the laws and customs of Moses. The Elders wisely advised Paul to demonstrate that he is not against the law of Moses by submitting to purity rituals with 4 other men who are doing so. Paul humbly discarded any liberty he may have assumed and willingly submitted to help ease tensions between Jewish Christians and the non-believing Jews. But we know the future. It has been confirmed by many witnesses. Paul will suffer with chains and afflictions in Jerusalem. Although it was wise advice and although Paul humbly submitted, we know that things will implode quickly. But even in this difficult situation, we will find vital lessons for we who claim Christ and face uncertain days. Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Mighty God and Lord of Hosts. You are holy, holy, holy. You have sent the Son to claim Your people for Your Kingdom and You have sent Your Spirit to dwell in us and seal us and preserve us until the Day of Judgment. As You are Alpha and Omega, You have written and decreed the end from the beginning. No one can tell You “no” and no one can slap away Your mighty hand from doing as You please. In these truths Lord, we must rest, especially when we are slandered, maligned, ridiculed, reviled, and persecuted for Your name. Without the truth that all this is according to Your Immutable Will, we would surely flounder and fall. Impress upon us, Your Children, the greater truth that when these days of trouble come upon us, we must rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for when we suffer for Your name, we have a great reward in the Kingdom which we will share with a great cloud of witnesses. Help us to see this and be encouraged in this text this morning. And use this encouragement to turn us away from despairing in trouble. Turn us instead to being ready to give a defense for the hope we have in us. We pray this in Jesus' name… Amen. Transition: Let us once again dive right into the text this morning. I.) Because of the offense of the gospel, men will falsely accuse us of evil things, so we must be ready to give a defense for the hope we have in us. (27-30) a. [Slide 2] 27 - Now when the seven days were almost over, the Jews from Asia, upon noticing him in the temple, began to throw all the crowd into confusion and laid hands on him, i. Ok, so right off the bat there are some contextual clues we need to unravel to understand what is happening here. ii. First, the seven days here is referring to the general process of purification that would need to be endured for these men and for Paul. 1. We aren't exactly sure why these men performing the Nazarite vow were going through purification, because that isn't normally part of it, but the process itself took a week. 2. In that week's time, any seeking purification would have to be ritually washed on the third and the seventh day. No doubt Paul is in the temple on the seventh and final day of his purification. 3. This means that generally speaking, people who had ill intentions toward Paul would know on which day he would be in the temple next. iii. Second, we see that there are Jews from Asia present here in Jerusalem. Well, who are these folks and what are they doing here? 1. We might be tempted to think that these Jews have followed Paul to Jerusalem to harm him. This is possible, but there is a far simpler explanation for why these folks are here. Do you remember? 2. Yep! It is Pentecost, the Jewish feast commemorating the harvest. Shavuot (Sha-voo-ot) is one of the three pilgrimage feasts that are required for Jewish males to attend. 3. Anyone who was a Jew that took seriously the law of Moses would have made every effort to be in Jerusalem for this festival. 4. So, it shouldn't be a big surprise for us to find Jews from Asia in Jerusalem at this time. iv. Third, how would they recognize Paul and what had Paul done that infuriated them so much? 1. Although Luke only mentions the province in which they are from, the capital city of the province of Asia was the great city of Ephesus. A city in which Paul spent three years ministering. 2. Later, we find out that these people recognized one of Paul's companions who was from the city of Ephesus. This almost certainly confirms that these Jews were from or at least very familiar with the city of Ephesus and Paul's 3 year ministry there. 3. So why are they so opposed to Paul? 4. Well Paul preached in Ephesus and many Jews became disciples of Christ. He actually lead them out of the synagogue and took them to the hall of Tyrannus where he continued to teach and preach the gospel. 5. Needless to say, the Jews from Asia were not big fans of Paul. v. In Ephesus and in other cities around the empire, it has been clear thus far that the Jews were not always trusted, liked, or respected by the gentile communities in which they lived. vi. Although their faith was granted a special status as being allowed to be practiced within the empire, it still did not mean that the pagans around them respected them. vii. But here, the non-believing Jews clearly had numerical and ideological superiority over the Jewish Christians. viii. If there was ever a chance to stamp out Paul and his teachings – this is it. ix. So, these Asian Jews take this chance, grab hold of Paul and stir up the crowd against him. x. How? b. [Slide 3] 28 - crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches to everyone everywhere against our people and the Law and this place; and besides, he has even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29 - For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. i. These Asian Jews bring two charges against Paul. ii. The second charge is far more inflammatory to the crowd than the first. iii. The first charge is the accusation that Paul teaches against the Jewish people, against the law of Moses and against the temple of Yahweh, and he does so throughout the Roman Empire. iv. Ironically, this was the same charge levied against Stephen which led to his execution by stoning. Paul once saw things the same way these folks did. But for the grace of God yes? v. Such an accusation could be easily explained away. In fact, Paul's very presence in the temple that day going about his sacrifices and the end of his purity rituals would actually serve to counter their claim. vi. But the second charge is what gets the crowd stirred. vii. They claim that Paul has brought Trophimus, a man they would know to be a gentile, into the temple with him. viii. [Slide 4] As we know the temple mount could be entered by Gentiles. They could actually get fairly close to the temple itself. But Gentiles could not pass into the court of women or the court of the Israelites. ix. [Slide 5] Many scholars make much of the archeological evidence, like the sign on the screen, that warned gentiles with death if they entered into the temple grounds. And we even have speeches from Roman officials which seem to have allowed for the Jews to execute people who did violate such laws. x. But as I studied this, my mind wondered what Old Testament teaching or law is in view with the prohibition of gentiles entering the temple grounds. xi. Especially since they are under the impression that doing so would defile it. xii. What Old Testament law do they base this on? 1. [Slide 6] The closest thing I could find is Ezekiel 44:6-9 a. In reading this text, we can see very clearly that God judges Israel for allowing worshippers to come into the temple and even serve as priests who were neither circumcised in heart nor circumcised in flesh. b. God issues a command that no one shall enter His temple who is uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh. 2. [Slide 7] But what do we do with the 5th gospel of Isaiah, who says in Isaiah 56:6-8… a. Here we see… explicitly… that Gentiles should not be strictly forbidden to come into the temple to make sacrifices. b. Why? c. Because God will be the one bringing them to do that one day! 3. So how do we harmonize these two texts? a. How can God bring foreigners into the temple if those uncircumcised in heart and flesh cannot enter? b. How did the Jews of this time harmonize this? i. The Jews of this time, completely ignore the Isaiah passage. ii. Even if a Gentile converted and became a Jew, even becoming circumcised… they would still not be permitted, even into the court of women. c. So how do we harmonize it? i. While we could be accused of exploiting a loophole, the fact of the matter is that there are many prophetic riddles throughout the scriptures. God expects us to think as we read His Word. ii. [Slide 8] What two conditions must be met in order to reject a foreigner from the temple according to Ezekiel 44? They must be both uncircumcised in heart and in flesh. iii. Trophimus was a gentile, uncircumcised in flesh, but circumcised in his heart. Therefore, he does not meet the conditions of Ezekiel 44 but DOES meet the conditions of Isaiah 56. xiii. [Slide 9] Added to this – These Jews raise issue with Paul and grab hold of him and will drag him out and attempt to kill him even though… 1. He is a Jew 2. He is enduring purification rights under the Mosaic Law 3. Even if he brought a gentile into the temple… the Gentile is the one that should be killed according to their law, not him. He would certainly be punished perhaps even severely. 4. But Paul should not be killed for this infraction even if it were exactly as they said it was. xiv. The fact of the matter is, the Jews, because of their national pride and racial prejudice, have so perverted the Word of God that they have determined that the exact opposite of what He has revealed is true. xv. And now they are going to kill Paul, an apostle of their Messiah and Everlasting King, because of their rebellion and their racism. c. [Slide 10] 30 - Then all the city was stirred, and the people rushed together, and taking hold of Paul they dragged him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut. i. As we pointed out last week, this time period was right in the middle of the escalation of hostility between Jews and the Roman Empire. ii. Although we are still 13 years away from the fall of Jerusalem, the conflict begins in AD 66 which is only 9 years away. iii. Not only that but Festus, a character we will meet in a few chapters, will actually spend two years making peace with the Jews and effectively kick the can of the revolt down the road… iv. Adding all this together we can see that even though the fall of Jerusalem is 13 years away, it is not a stretch for us to consider that at the moment Paul walks in the temple of Jerusalem, the divide between Jews and the Romans was nearing its peak. v. Knowing this, we can see quite easily why the crowd would respond to Paul the way they did. vi. Loyalty to the temple was closely tied to patriotism and Jewish Nationalism. An attack on the temple was an attack on Judaism. vii. And Paul is the lightening rod for all of this. viii. They took him out of the temple, because they could not commit violence and shed blood within the temple courts ix. To avoid this the guards close the doors. x. The temple guards could have stopped the violence. Instead, they closed the doors. d. [Slide 11] Summary of the Point: Throughout the book of Acts Luke has portrayed the Jesus movement as the next step in Judaism. To confess Jesus of Nazareth to be the Messiah of God and eternal heir to the throne of David is to take the next and final step in the redemptive history of Israel. In Acts we've seen many Jews embrace this New Covenant, which was ratified in the death and resurrection of Jesus proving Him to be the Messiah. He is the Son of Man prophesied in Daniel. He is the suffering Servant prophesied in Isaiah. And yet, as clear as this was to many, it remained repulsive and offensive to many more. The offense of the gospel drives natural man to terrible things. Jesus predicted that the disciple is no greater than the master. Meaning that what they did to Him, we can expect the same to be done to us. Paul is actually living out that experience in the pages of the passage we just saw. They accused Jesus of blaspheming the temple. And here Paul is accused of defiling it. We can expect the same to come to us. If we are to preach the gospel, we should both expect it to be offensive to the world and that we will be falsely accused of doing evil things because of it. So, what is our response? Our text this morning does not include Paul's response to all of this. Mainly because his response is quite lengthy. But generally speaking, we can see as Paul raises his defense of the gospel and his ministry, that we too must be ready to give a defense for the hope we have in us. Transition: [Slide 12 (blank)] But surely someone in the crowd will have the sense to question Paul as to whether these things are true? Surely someone will have the courage to say – yes but Paul is still a Jew and can go into the temple himself. So surely he doesn't deserve to die? Let us see if anyone among them will do this. Perhaps the Romans will if the Jews won't? II.) Because of the offense of the gospel men will revile and persecute us, so we must be ready to give a defense for the hope we have in us. (31-36) a. [Slide 13] 31 - While they were seeking to kill him, a report came up to the commander of the Roman cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 - At once he took along soldiers and centurions and ran down to them; and when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. i. Luke doesn't tell us who took the report to the commander. Perhaps one of Paul's companions or the church reported this to the Roman officer? ii. A Roman cohort consists of 1000 men. It is roughly 1/6 of a Roman Legion. iii. Within each cohort there were there were Centuries which would be 100 men, and each of them would be lead by a Centurion. iv. As a Roman officer in Judea, your one job is to make sure that these generally rebellious Jews paid their taxes and didn't revolt. v. During festivals, when Jerusalem was full of Jews on pilgrimage, it would be all hands on deck. vi. We see that this commander wastes no time, at once taking soldiers and their centurions down to where the beating was happening. vii. The Anatolia fortress was located on the Western side of the northern wall of the temple mount. Two stair cases down led to the outer courts. viii. So they were probably there quickly. ix. It is hard to know how many men he took with him, but we can assume at least a couple hundred since he took centurions (plural) with him. x. Assuming that is the case, 200 fully armed Roman soldiers running down the steps to the temple would be quite an intimidating sight. xi. No wonder the Jews stopped beating Paul when they came marching down. xii. But if the relations of the Romans and the Jews are so strained, how would the Roman Commander make sure that this doesn't look like the Romans are once again coming in to tell them how they should practice their religion? b. [Slide 14] 33 - Then the commander came up and took hold of him, and ordered him to be bound with two chains; and he began asking who he was and what he had done. i. The Roman Commander has Paul bound in chains, probably to two separate guards. He then asks who the man was and what he has done. ii. The concept of innocent until proven guilty is not a universal ideal. iii. The Romans certainly did not consider prisoners innocent until proven guilty. iv. In fact, as we've seen in the study of the book ok Acts, their subjects especially those who were not Roman citizens, could be beaten and imprisoned, and in some cases even killed without charge. v. This Roman commander shrewdly assumes that the man being beaten is guilty and asks the crowd for the information regarding his guilt. vi. If the answer he got was that clear – that Paul had defiled the temple – the Roman officer probably would have let them kill Paul. c. [Slide 15] 34 - But among the crowd some were shouting one thing and some another, and when he could not find out the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. i. This is the very definition of mob mentality. ii. Most of these people had no idea why they were hitting this man, they just knew that he had done something worth hitting him for. iii. When emotionalism and extreme rhetoric wins, the most natural thing we humans do, is follow the crowd of people who scream the loudest. iv. We'll always find something to be outraged about, and if it isn't what the crowd is outraged about – that's ok – we'll just vent our frustration in the convenient opportunity the mob has provided. v. Like when we burn a city when a football team wins… or also if they lose the big game???? vi. Such in the case here. vii. Seeing that the crowd has no idea who this person is or what he did, the commander chooses to escort the man to safety so that they could interrogate the prisoner himself. Which we will see him attempt to do in a few weeks. d. [Slide 16] 35 - And when he got to the stairs, he actually was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd; 36 - for the multitude of the people kept following them, shouting, “Away with him!” i. Even today, tactically speaking, stairs are what are called fatal funnels. ii. They are essentially hallways forcing you to change altitude and keeping you from flanking to safety. iii. These stairs are probably the first flight of stairs up to the Anatolian fortress. They would have been quite wide, but would have been difficult to navigate especially with a large crowd of people following them trying to get at their prisoner. iv. The Roman soldiers are forced to pick up and carry Paul up the stairs because the crowd continued to try to assault Paul on the way up. v. They call out “away with him” which is a great literal translation of the words, but idiomatically this certainly was their cry for Paul to be put to death. vi. We are reminded of the crowds call to “crucify” someone after He too entered the temple offering something that no one wanted. vii. Scholars sometimes press the similarities too far, but I think it is obvious that Luke sees the similarity of Christ's experience in Jerusalem during his passion week and Paul's experience here. Although they do not end the same of course. e. [Slide 17] Summary of the Point: Although Luke makes it clear in the book of Acts that the Romans saw no threat posed to the empire by the Christians, we should note that that doesn't mean that the Romans would always ride in and save Christians from persecution. In fact, this particular Roman commander not only arrested Paul without any idea what Paul did, he also, as we will see in the following weeks, intends to beat Paul some more in order to find out what happened in the temple. And these Jews, while not being in agreement as to why Paul was being beaten, all agreed on one thing… he needed to die. Again, we compare Paul's experience to our Lord Jesus'. He too was not rescued by the Romans. And the people cried out for Him to be killed too. Paul is suffering the same way Jesus suffered. If it can happen to Paul, and all the apostles, and countless others throughout the church's history, then it most certainly can… and will happen to us. If we faithfully preach the gospel men will revile us and persecute us. Why? Because the gospel is offensive. But again, what do we do when this happens? We must be ready to give an answer for the hope we have in us. Conclusion: So CBC, what have we learned today and how shall we live? Basic Concepts for Faith and Practice: [Slide 18] The gospel is by nature offensive to natural man. The religiously zealous Jews and the Roman pagans alike, both despise what Paul teaches and seek to silence it. And the world goes about silencing those who speak the gospel in two ways presented in this passage. They falsely accuse those who preach the gospel of evil things. They accused Paul of defiling the temple and teaching against the law of Moses. They will also revile and persecute those who preach the gospel. We see them beat, arrest, and call for the execution of Paul, to silence his teaching of the gospel. What does that mean for us? They will hate us too. Even if we are nice. Even if we are kind. Even if we are loving. They will still hate us. They will falsely accuse us of some of the most terrible things. And they will revile us and persecute us. What then should we do? We must be ready to give an answer for the hope we have in us. Even as they usher us through the door to that hope. These are the basic concepts of faith and practice in this text – but let's us dive a little deeper into them today. 1.) [Slide 19] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that the gospel is offensive to natural man. a. Why is it offensive? b. It teaches that every single person, whether they are moral, immoral, religious, irreligious, wealthy, poor, powerful, powerless, strong, weak, regardless of nationality, tribe, language, political party, every person is spiritually dead in their sin. c. They are… as the bible calls them… children of wrath. d. Slaves to sin. e. Every single person lacks all agency to do anything to save themselves or even to seek God to save them. f. This is what Paul says in Romans chapter 3 and this is what Augustine of Hippo defended in his treatise On Grace and Free Will against the Pelagian heresy. g. Mankind is not naturally equipped in their will to choose God or pursue Him in any way. They are given commands by God but are unable to accomplish them without God giving them grace to do so. h. There are two things I have found in my life that seem to be universally true of we humans. i. We hate being told we are wrong ii. And we hate being told we can't do anything about it. iii. Not only do we hate being told these things… we reject these things entirely. i. But the gospel tells us both and to the most extreme degree. i. It isn't just that we are wrong… we are dead wrong. So wrong that we have committed treason against the highest court of the highest kingdom on whose throne sits the highest God, Yahweh. ii. And we not only can't do anything about it… we don't even want to. Men love darkness and hate the light because their deeds are evil and they want to keep doing them. iii. There are none righteous and there are none who seek God. You are children of wrath of your father the devil and slaves to sin. iv. Just to quote a few j. All of this is the preamble of the gospel. k. It's funny – to the world that doesn't sound like good news at all. l. But to we who have been made alive in Christ… To know we are sinners and deserve nothing but judgment and wrath… That truly is good news. m. Why? n. Because Christ died for sinners! Just like you. Just like me. o. But until God gives a new heart and enables a person to see their own wickedness, they will continue to hate the gospel and fundamentally disagree with its accusations against them. p. As Matthew Henry once said, “Men hate Christ because they love their sin.” q. From our discussion last week – fear that the gospel may be right leads them to hate it. And what do we humans do with things we fear? We either flee them or we fight them. r. And that leads us to something we must deny. A lie we must dismiss especially now in the culture we are in… 2.) [Slide 20] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that religious toleration for the true gospel is normative. a. Although it is a much easier sell today than it would have been a few decades ago, because we still have relative freedom to continue to worship God in the way that He has commanded us to, we tend to find it difficult to connect with warnings about coming persecution. b. One other general human trait that I have observed is that we as humans tend to believe that all of life will continue as it has. We assume that because we live in a country where we are free from constant persecution against our beliefs that this will always be true. c. However, we know from the words of Christ that if we are His disciple then we should not expect anything less than the same rejection He experienced. d. If Men hate Christ because they love their sin – it stands to reason that they will hate any who follow Christ and are calling them to repent of their sin. e. This is why the “God loves you and is just wanting you to love Him back” gospel message is so popular today. Because it doesn't actually call anyone to abandon their sin. Instead, the message conveys the idea that God would be really lucky to have you if you would just say yes. f. And because of this message being out there, the real gospel message of God calling all men to repent and believe on Christ as Savior and Lord – is reviled and despised. g. And just like Paul was accused of blasphemy against the temple and even betrayal toward his own kinsmen, we too will be slandered. i. We spoke last week how the church is seen as homophobic or transphobic because we agree with God about sexuality and gender. ii. We are accused of hating democracy and freedom because we advocate for our laws to be based on God's moral will. iii. We are accused of intolerance because we believe Jesus when He says He is the only way to the Father. iv. We are accused of hating women because we believe God's word when it tells us of gender roles and authority structures within the home. v. In short, the world will rebrand us as arch villains because we have the audacity to see, through the lens of ancient Scripture, that their cherished practices are sin. vi. And we may, in the most loving and compassionate way we can, call them to repent and trust on Christ for the forgiveness of sin and new life… vii. But remember men love darkness rather than light for their deeds are evil. viii. God must give them a new heart in order for them to receive the gifts of repentance and faith. h. And unfortunately, men's hatred of the gospel and those who preach it will not just stop at slander. As it did with Paul, slander was the vehicle used to harm, revile, and persecute Paul. We too should expect the same. i. It is only a small step from where we are to where many other countries are in relation to persecution. ii. We may be tempted to think that such things could never happen in our country or that if they do, we are decades away. iii. But my friends, it would not surprise me to wake up tomorrow and learn that it is no longer legal to preach certain scripture passages or certain interpretations of scriptures passages. iv. It seemed like overnight governors of states were commanding churches not to sing to God in their services. v. And there isn't a party that exists today that has a biblical worldview. So just like Paul could not look to the Romans to save him, so too we cannot look to the Republicans to save us. vi. We will be persecuted on all sides. Not just from liberals. We will be persecuted by people who call themselves Christians. Perhaps even some in this very room will be the ones turning us in to the authorities. i. I don't know when the hammer will fall. I don't know how long God will allow for us to worship Him in peace with the culture around us. But I do know that from where the country started to where we are – our trajectory is on a nose dive headed straight for persecution. j. It does us no good to put our heads in the sand and continue to deny that such things would or could happen. k. We must even now ready ourselves by counting the cost and whether we are willing to pay it. l. But what is our response to persecution? Should we resist? Should we fight back? 3.) [Slide 21] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must take every opportunity to give a defense of the hope that is in us. a. Interestingly, in this text, there is not a single example positively of what we are to do, nor is there a direct command in this passage associated to what is happening in the text. b. Before the end of this chapter Paul will respond. c. And originally in my sermon planning I did include verses 37-40. d. But in order to understand Paul's response we would need to look into what he says which would mean looking at MANY more verses. e. Paul actually begins his first of 6 defenses of his faith and ministry that are recorded in the last 7 chapters of the book of Acts starting in chapter 22. f. Now without looking at the first defense in its entirety let alone looking at all 6 defenses, we can still draw a very general application from what we know of the remainder of the book of Acts. g. And quite simply that is that we should take every opportunity we are given, in the midst of persecution, in the midst of slander, in the midst of opposition and hardship from all sides, we should take the opportunity we are given to give a defense for the hope that is in us. h. We cannot afford to fight back, resist, or get even when persecution comes. Why? Because we always have a responsibility to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ. i. Paul was gravely assaulted by these people, but he will stand before them and 5 more hostile audiences in the next 7 chapters, and will boldly decare the gospel of Jesus Christ. j. We must do the same. k. And maybe you are thinking… wow. I don't think I can do that. l. That is just not my default setting. Someone takes a swipe at me, my natural impulse is going to be to swipe back. m. So, the real discussion is, how do you fight that natural impulse and do what Jesus commands you to do? n. I think it starts with what Jesus says should be our perspective on persecution in general. 4.) [Slide 22] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must rejoice and be exceedingly glad when we are persecuted for Christ's sake. a. Although you'll have to forgive me for going outside of our text this morning to snag this application, because the scriptures are one, I don't think I am doing any disservice to Luke's account by tossing this little aside in. b. [Slide 23] Matthew 5:11-12 c. After reading this text, tell me you don't see Paul's experience all over Christ's teaching here in the sermon on the mount! d. Paul was slandered. Paul was reviled. Paul was persecuted for Christ's sake. So, what should Paul's response be? What should our response be? e. We must rejoice and be exceedingly glad. f. What? Why? g. Because we are blessed. We are favored of God when this happens. h. How does that compute? How does this comfort us? 5.) [Slide 24] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” Our reward in heaven is great and we are in good company. a. God's kingdom and His righteousness is constantly opposed by a kingdom that is perishing. b. In the Old Testament, God's prophets were treated this way. And time proved that they were right. c. In the New Testament, His apostles were treated this way and time has proved out that they were right. d. My friends, if you are truly slandered, reviled, and abused for the sake of Christ and His gospel… You are blessed. e. You are blessed because your reward will be great in the Kingdom and in that kingdom there will be many, just like you, who were hated for the gospel. f. So, rejoice and be exceedingly glad. g. You are in good company. [Slide 25 (end)] Let me close with a word of prayer from the English Reformer Thomas Cranmer Merciful God, you grant all peace. You are the giver of all good gifts, the defender of all nations. And you desire us to count all people as neighbors, to love them as ourselves, and not to hate our enemies. Rather, you want us to wish them well, and also to do them good if we can. Look down upon us and see this small portion of earth where the name of Jesus Christ is proclaimed. Give to all of us the desire for peace, unity, and calm. Make us weary of all war and hostility, weary of bitterness toward those we call enemies. May we and they praise your holy name with one heart. May we all remake our lives according to your way. Grant, O Lord, that our children's children may know the benefit of your great gift of unity. May you discredit all those who work against it. Diminish their strength and punish those who interrupt godly peace-or rather, convert their hearts to the better way, and make them embrace unity and peace, which will be for your glory. Put away from us all war and hostility. But if we are driven to it, be our shield and protection as we seek peace. Do not look on our sins, Lord, or the sins of our enemies. Do not give us what we deserve, but remember your abundant, infinite mercy. Do this, O Lord, for your Son's sake, Jesus Christ. Amen. Benediction: May the God Who changes not, Who has no shadow of turning, And Whose compassions fail not, Preserve you by His loving kindness, So that you might know, Great are His faithful acts, they are new every morning. Until we meet again, go in peace.

Do you find yourself quickly offering solutions when team members or family members come to you with problems? While this approach may feel helpful, it often robs others of the opportunity to develop their own problem-solving abilities.In the latest episode of Lead Together, Nick and Kim Bogardus explore how coaching skills—typically associated with professional development—can transform your effectiveness in all relationships, from the boardroom to the living room.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

Join Pastor Duane Henry in this thought-provoking message about how our faith can sometimes make it difficult to find Jesus in our lives. Explore the reasons why Jesus may seem hard to find and how we can deepen our relationship with Him.0:00 The True Gospel?5:04 Elevate or Diminish 14:08 Pursuing Transformation19:29 Lead People to JesusWe are committed to "helping people find their way back to God" through our CORE Values:- CONNECT with the Christ's family- GROW in Christ-likeness- SERVE Christ's mission in the worldFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @PORTICOccVisit our website at porticocanada.ca#portico

Gem Of the Day (G.O.D.) about not letting people pull you back from the calling of God

Cloverdale Bibleway 25-0416

The sudden withdrawal of Pat Herrity from the Republican primary for lieutenant governor means the GOP will have no statewide primaries in June. But Michael Pope tells us that Republicans will have ten primaries for House of Delegates seats.

In this episode, I'm breaking down the three key laws of economics—but not the kind you hear about with money and taxes. These laws are about how the world works based on people's choices and actions. Most folks don't even know these laws exist, but they affect you every single day. I'm here to explain what they are, how they work, and why they matter, even when money's not involved. Let's get into it. Show Notes: [03:12]#1 Law of economics is supply and demand.  [13:26]#2 Diminish marginal returns.  [21:30]#3 Opportunity cost. [30:30]Recap Episodes Mentioned: 3203: Why Instagram "Ass Models" Exist 2174: There Are No Perfect Scenarios – Only Trade-Offs Next Steps: ---

Mayor Eric Adams made news on Thursday when he announced he'll be seeking a second term as an independent, bypassing the Democratic primary in June. Sally Goldenberg, senior New York editor at Politico, discusses her interview with the mayor, and other developments in the race including Andrew Cuomo's significant lead and progressive candidates' attempts to garner attention in a crowded race.

In this episode, I talk about how simplicity improves all areas of our lives personally and professionally, how the clearest explanations come from the deepest understanding, why we start complex as beginners, how expertise naturally leads to simplicity, why simple ideas travel further, how clarity creates impact and speed, why the most shareable ideas can be expressed in a single sentence and more.CONNECT WITH ME…→ Instagram — @mattgottesman→ Text Me — 480-530-7352→ My Substack — mattgottesman.substack.com → Apparel — thenicheisyou.comRESOURCES…→ Recommended Book List — CLICK HERE→ Workshops — CLICK HERE→ Masterclass — CLICK HEREWORKSHOPS + MASTERCLASS:→ Need MORE clarity? - Here's the FREE… 6 Days to Clarity Workshop - clarity for your time, energy, money, creativity, work & play→ Write, Design, Build: Content Creator Studio & OS - Growing the niche of you, your audience, reach, voice, passion & incomeOTHER RELATED EPISODES:It's Not Just About Talent, But Also How You ThinkApple: https://apple.co/3XP2EMJSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3Fsa1Dy

Send us a textYou have value.  If you are a podcaster, I don't care if you have 5 listeners... you have a ton of value.  If you are a podcast guest, you have a ton of value.   If someone suggests otherwise, tell them to go jump in the nearest lake.  Listen now for more tips on keeping your head up and holding your own value.     Contact us:Rumble/ YouTube/ IG: @powerofmanpodcastEmail: powerofmanpodcast@gmail.com.Twitter: @rorypaquetteLooking for Like-Minded Fathers and Husbands? Join our Brotherhood!"Power of Man Within" , in Facebook Groups:https://www.facebook.com/groups/490821906341560/?ref=share_group_linkFree Coaching Consultation call whenever you are ready... Message me!Believe it!

Hello, welcome to the Safety Culture Excellence podcast, hosted by Shawn Galloway, CEO of ProAct Safety.    This week's podcast - did you know that "Cultures Increase or Diminish Profitability?"  Do your leaders encourage preferred behaviors? https://proactsafety.com/solutions/consulting/leadership-safety-coaching    I hope you enjoy the podcast.  Have a great week!    Shawn M. Galloway Join the quarterly network discussion with Shawn Galloway on Mar 27th. https://proactsafety.com/events/60-minutes-on-safety-excellence 

Linkedin co-founder Reid Hoffman is bullish on the ability of AI to improve our society and our selves. In his new book, “SuperAgency: What Could Possibly Go Right With Our AI Future?” Hoffman, a longtime booster and investor in AI, and co-author Greg Beato, counter fears that autonomous AI will dehumanize us and make us subject to an Orwellian compliance. Rather, they argue, AI gives humans more agency. “Just as cars gave individual users new superpowers of physical mobility in the 20th century, AI gives individual users new superpowers of cognitive mobility in the 21st century.” We talk with Hoffman and Beato about our AI future and the role of tech titans in the Trump era. Guests: Reid Hoffman, co-founder and former executive chairman, LinkedIn; co-author of "Superagency: What Could Possibly Go Right with Our AI Future" Greg Beato, co-author, "Superagency: What Could Possibly Go Right with Our AI Future"

When life throws challenges your way—whether it's loss, rejection, aging, or comparison—do you allow these experiences to make you feel less than? In this episode of 10 Minutes to Less Suffering, I explore how we often attach our self-worth to external circumstances and how that diminishes our courage, our potential, and our inner light. But what if we refused to let the outside world define us? What if we chose, every day, to stand whole, empowered, and open to life's infinite possibilities—no matter what happens? Join me as we dive into the power of shifting our mindset, embracing uncertainty, and reclaiming our inner strength. Because the life you are seeking is also seeking you. Listen now and step back onto the playing field—whole, worthy, and ready for what's next. If you found this podcast enjoyable, kindly consider subscribing and leaving a rating or review. Additionally, I'd appreciate it if you could share it with your friends to spread the love!  You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and LinkedIn. If you are interested in my work, please check out my books, The Gift of Maybe: Finding Hope and Possibility in Uncertain Times (including a new audiobook), A Year Without Men: A 12 Point Guide To Inspire and Empower Women and my new Audiobook,  Maybe Everything Is Okay, A Parent's Guide To Less Stress and Worry. Also you can check out my new Maybe Cards: A Path to Stress-Free Living or my new digital Maybe Journal. Above all, my sincere wish is that this podcast has contributed to less suffering and more joy in your life!  

Happy Mindset Monday!Overcoming Fear with Action: New Episode of "Living The Sweet Life" Podcast!

Hour 2 – The Drive explained how they want Kelce to return to the Chiefs, and if he does they have to manage his snaps to get the most out of him.

Are you a busy mom, working hard, caring for others, feeling burned out, overwhelmed, and stuck in survival mode? Please know you're not alone. In this episode, certified professional coach, speaker and author, Asiah Wolfolk-Manning, shares her powerful journey from burnout to balance — and how YOU can do the same!We discuss:✅ Why perfectionism, people-pleasing, and unresolved trauma fuel burnout✅ How to set healthy boundaries without guilt✅ The mindset shifts that will transform your work-life balance✅ Why self-care is NOT selfish (and how to make time for it)✅ Practical tips to reduce stress and prevent feeling depleted✅ Asiah's unique THRIVE framework and how she supports busy women through unpacking these important topics in their day to day life.To connect more with Asiah Wolfolk-Manning:

3.  Discern Your spouse's needs or desires Insecurity may mean your spouse has a need you can meet Sexually your spouse may need more (or less) The issue here is whether or not you are focused on your need or your spouse's need Each of us should be willing to give of ourselves for the sexual needs of our spouse Just practically Maybe he has a hobby that you can attempt to enjoy Maybe she like Hallmark and you can attempt to watch Maybe your spouse needs more encouragement, or time, or some such . . . Little foxes that spoil the vine Hurts Conflicts Busyness How to handle conflicts What can you do to overcome conflicts What are you doing wrong in overcoming conflicts Staying in a cycle that isn't working is silly Get counsel Read some books Talk and listen How to handle each season of life 4.  Diminish the negatives Focus on 10% of negatives and you cannot see the 90% positives 5. Different (do something different) Shake things up occassionally Eat at a different restaurant Take a “talked about” trip Splurge 6. Delight in one another

Sunday January 12, 2025 at the Hub City Church Lessons of PRAYER from the Newborn Church | Acts 1:12-26 The Birth of the Church | a teaching series through Acts Sermon by Tadd Anderson | Lead Teaching Pastor Sermon Notes: “Prayer assumes the sovereignty of God. If God is not sovereign, we have no assurance that He is able to answer our prayers. Our prayers would become nothing more than wishes. But while God's sovereignty, along with his wisdom and love, is the foundation of our trust in Him, prayer is the expression of that trust.” — Jerry Bridges 1. The gospel and the promises of God should not DIMINISH our PRAYERFULNESS but ENERGIZE it! John 14:12-14 // Philippians 4:6 // // James 5:16-18 2. UNIFIED prayerfulness has been a FOUNDATIONAL aspect of the church's MISSION since its INCEPTION. Acts 2:42, 4:24, 6:6, 12:5, 14:23 3. CORPORATE prayer is particularly FITTING as the church enters a new SEASON with NEED for God's DIRECTION. Acts 13:2-3 // Ezra 8:21-23 // Nehemiah 9:1-3 // 2 Chronicles 20:3-4 4. Seeking God's WILL in prayer should always involve 3 key elements: SCRIPTURE, WISDOM, and the GUIDANCE of the HOLY SPIRIT. Psalm 119:105 // Proverbs 3:5-6 // John 16:13 The Hub City Church is a local expression of the church in Crestview, Florida, making disciples Who Believe the Gospel, Abide in Christ and Obey the Word to the glory of God. Join us next Sunday at 10am. 837 W James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536.

It's been a hot topic this season, especially this week after Green Bay fans turned out strong at Lumen Field to watch their Packer team pummel the Seahawks 30-13 in yet another Seattle loss at home. What's REALLY the problem, and can it be fixed? The answer may not be as simple as you think. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FOREVER and get on your way to being your best self. Thank you to our sponsor DUER!! “Built for DOING!” Get 20% off your order with DUER, active denim and lifestyle apparel at www.shopduer.com/FOREVER Sign up for a new account with BetUS and they'll give you 150% sign-up bonus on your first deposit, and 125% on your 2nd and 3rd deposits if you use promo code YouTube150 Here's how you can support the Seahawks Forever channel: SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube Channel for video versions: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKP7ohrtTc8P0a4YIBUTfdg Buy me a coffee, or a beer! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dviens08w Join YouTube Premium! Watch ALL videos across the app AD-FREE (a portion of the fees comes back to the channel) Hit the SUPER THANKS button! Or… just engage with the videos! Comment, critique, as questions. The more interaction the better! FOLLOW me on Bluesky AND Twitter @SeahawksForever For promotional or media inquiries - EMAIL dviens08@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to another episode of the Fertility in Focus Podcast!In this episode, Dr. Christina Burns explores the critical topic of how environmental toxins, can impact your fertility by diminishing your ovarian reserve (aka. lowering your egg count). Toxic exposure is one of the primary ways that we diminish our egg count and egg quality. Drawing from research and her expertise in holistic fertility, Dr. Burns explains how these toxins can accelerate ovarian aging, reduce egg quality, and affect AMH levels. Toxic exposure is one of the primary ways that we diminish our egg count and egg quality!She shares practical tips for identifying and avoiding exposure to these harmful substances, along with actionable advice on supporting your body's natural detoxification processes through diet and lifestyle adjustments.  She will also share herbal tips on how to boost egg count and quality. In this episode, you'll learn:The role of AMH in fertility and why low levels doesn't mean you are infertileThe role of AMH in determining IVF successCommon sources of formaldehyde and benzene, and how they affect ovarian reserve.Practical ways to reduce toxin exposure in your environment.Natural remedies, lifestyle changes, and supplements to improve egg quality and support fertility.Timestamps:[00:00] Welcome and introduction to toxins and their impact on fertility[01:15] What is AMH, and why does it matter for fertility?[06:00] How formaldehyde and benzene accelerate ovarian aging[10:30] Top sources of toxins: What to avoid and how to detox[16:20] Natural strategies to support your fertility and reduce oxidative stress[22:00] Dr. Christina's Egg Quality Formula and how it's helping women worldwide[26:00] Final thoughts on reducing exposure and optimizing reproductive healthAbout Dr. Christina BurnsDr. Christina Burns is the founder and Doctor of Chinese Medicine at the Naturna Institute. Committed, compassionate, and highly skilled in multiple disciplines, Dr. Burns has been in practice since 2004. She empowers both women and men to achieve their optimal life and health goals through natural medicine practices, integrative nutrition, lifestyle management, and personalized mind-body programs.Dr. Burns holds advanced certifications in acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, life coaching, and yoga therapy. She is also the best-selling author of The Ultimate Fertility Guidebook.Connect with Dr. Christina BurnsWebsite: https://www.christinaburns.com/Instagram: @drchristinaburnsOrder The Ultimate Fertility Guidebook: https://a.co/d/hq0nFOoJoin the Eating for Optimal Fertility Course: https://naturna.mn.co/Order Junk Juice: https://junkjuicemagic.com/Follow along with the Naturna InstituteBook an Appointment: https://naturna.janeapp.com/#/listInstagram: @naturna_life

In this episode, I talk about managing your work and creativity like a business, the false dichotomy of the “starving artist,” creatives who've earned millions from their work, becoming more business savvy with your talents, the amplification effect of business knowledge, practical integration and more.CONNECT WITH ME…→ Instagram — @mattgottesman→ Text Me — 480-530-7352→ My Substack — mattgottesman.substack.com → Apparel — thenicheisyou.comRESOURCES…→ Recommended Book List — CLICK HERE→ Workshops — CLICK HERE→ Masterclass — CLICK HEREWORKSHOPS + MASTERCLASS:→ Need MORE clarity? - Here's the FREE… 6 Days to Clarity Workshop - clarity for your time, energy, money, creativity, work & play→ Write, Design, Build: Content Creator Studio & OS - Growing the niche of you, your audience, reach, voice, passion & incomeOTHER RELATED EPISODES:The Best Way to Increase Your Odds of Success is to Become Systematically Good At Several ThingsApple: https://apple.co/4i1VrBmSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4hSIH05

AP correspondent Ed Donahue reports there is zero containment to a Southern California wildfire.

Former coach of the St. Louis Rams and current member of the 33rd Team Mike Martz joins Andy Baskin and Jeff Phelps to talk Browns. The change in play calling, quarterback scenarios, and more.

Personal power is about you, and how you present yourself, it's your level of confidence, and it's about you feeling strong and confident internally. Here's the link to this episode on Sandra's website if you'd like to check it out: https://sandrasmith.com/podcast-episode/3-things-we-do-that-can-diminish-our-personal-power.

Crude prices tumble following reports that Israel will back off targeting Iranian oil or nuclear infrastructure. Opec has also slashed its demand forecast. On Wall Street, the S&P 500 records its 46th record close of 2024, helped along by tech giant Nvidia hitting a new all-time high which places it on the verge of overtaking Apple as the world's most valuable company. We are live at the Paris Motor Show where European car makers pledge to take on Chinese competition. Xpeng CEO Brian Gu tells CNBC the company is looking beyond European Union EV import tariffs. In London, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer vows to cut red tape to ramp up investment in the country. BNY CEO Robin Vince tells this channel a steady, pro-growth and consistent approach is key for investors.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jesus isn't a "Sky-Fairy, Old Man Upstairs, or Homeboy." He also isn't a Hallmark Channel version of God or Genie in a Bottle that much of watered-down Western Christianity makes Him out to be. We need to live bold lives that don't obscure the good news and diminish the great name of Jesus with tepid, religious, and hypocritical behavior.Show Notes:Here's the link to Pastor Tim's recent sermon audio I referenced. You'll find it under (Thursday morning) messages and other excellent teaching:  https://www.evangelchurch.co.uk/bicto...Link to Pastor Tim's church YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@ntpcballynahinchLink to our YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@ConcerningTheTimesKeith Green's message,  What's Wrong With the Gospel?   • What's Wrong With The Gospel? Part 1 ...  Send us a textConnect with us at: concerningthetimes.com

Welcome to our transformative session of Nova Nidra, guided by Ayla Nova. This ancient practice of Yoga Nidra or 'yogic sleep' allows us to delve deeply into relaxation while maintaining a trace of awareness.Understanding Cutting Cords: Historically, the practice of cutting cords stems from various spiritual traditions, where it is used to sever energetic ties that bind us to past experiences or relationships that no longer serve our highest good. These ties are thought to impact our emotional and energetic health, and cutting them is seen as a way to cleanse our spirit or aura and reclaim personal energy.In today's session, Ayla Nova honours the courage it takes to engage in this deep healing work. We begin by setting the stage for a comfortable practice, aligning the body and calming the mind. You will be guided through the layers of your being—from the physical to the profound—using the gentle flow of breath and the power of intention (Sankalpa) to foster inner peace and release.'Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it.' – Eckhart TollePS. Join Live for an Equinox Nova | September 22 | https://youtube.com/live/i5GtQI0vTl0?feature=shareYoga Nidra session will help you:• Release energetic ties from experiences or relationships that no longer serve your highest good.• Diminish feelings of stress and mental exhaustion, rejuvenating your mind.• Set the foundation for a night of deep, healing rest.• Promote a state of emotional neutrality and calm through guided relaxation.What to Expect:• An introduction to Yoga Nidra's core principles• Setting a personal intention or Sankalpa for mental clarity• Guided techniques for profound mental relaxation• A thorough Yoga Nidra journey focusing on anchoring in the presentWho This is For: This session is ideal for anyone looking to embrace their whole self and let go of past burdens. It is particularly beneficial for those dealing with exhaustion from past experiences or connections and anyone seeking deeper self-compassion and understanding.00:12 Welcoming Words from Ayla Nova00:00 Preparing for Yoga Nidra00:00 Nervous System Rest | Deep Breathing00:00 The Practice of Yoga Nidra Begins NowSpecial thanks to the community supporters:

In this episode of The Happy Hormones Coach, Jenifer explores the connection between stress and weight gain, focusing on the role of cortisol and insulin in the body. Learn how chronic stress can lead to weight gain, especially around the belly, and discover the science behind grounding, a simple practice that can help reduce stress, balance your hormones, and support weight loss. Send us a textDisclaimer: The content shared in ‘The Happy Hormones Coach' podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, exercise, or health routine. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any healthcare organizations.Products Disclaimer:The statements made regarding any of the products that I mention including those that I am affiliated with have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Results may vary from person to person, and any weight loss or health benefits should be accompanied by a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle. Please consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any new dietary supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking medication. Use as directed. Discontinue use immediately if you experience any adverse Medical Advice Disclaimer: These affiliate/brand websites does not provide medical adviceThe information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website is for informational purposes only. No material on this si...

In this period of age-segregated living, young and older people rarely meet each other or have real time to connect. To remedy this, our guest, Ellie Katz, created Sages and Seekers, (sagesandseekers.org) an organization that brings teenagers and older adults together in inter-generational programs to connect and learn from each other.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Thomas Mockaitis, Professor of History at Depaul University, author and terrorism expert, joins Wendy Snyder for a look at the Israel-Hamas War. We discuss an attack that killed at least 9 Palestinians, less-than-positive developments on negotiations between Hamas and President Netanyahu, and the long-awaited return of an Israeli hostage from Hamas captivity.

Three second tier lenders have quit New Zealand in the last year - and those in the sector say it means less competition for the big banks.

In this episode, I dive into what to do with your business when you're struggling with your personal life, mental health, etc., and how to not let these things affect you making money or affect your brand image WORK WITH ME www.jillianparekh.com/click-here IMPOSTER SYNDROME TO SALES: FREE 3-DAY CHALLENGE www.yourcoachjill.com/imposter-syndrome-to-sales

The Public Service Association is critical of the government's decision to diminish Te Arawhiti, calling it a disappointing attack on the place of Maori in Aotearoa. PSA Te Kaihautu Maori Janice Panoho spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Welcome to this transformative Yoga Nidra session with Ayla Nova, where we embrace deep rest and explore the realm of the subconscious to bring you closer to As the ancient wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita reminds us, "You have the right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions" (Chapter 2, Verse 47). This teaching resonates deeply, inviting us to engage in actions with love and presence without attachment to outcomes.In today's practice, we journey into radical self-acceptance, encouraging you to be fully present and to release the longing to be anywhere but here.Yoga Nidra session will help you:• Clear pathways that block you from expanding• Diminish stress and mental exhaustion• Pave the way for deep, restorative sleep• Enhance emotional equilibriumWhat to Expect:• An introduction to Yoga Nidra's core principles• Setting a personal intention or Sankalpa for mental clarity• Guided techniques for profound mental relaxation• A thorough Yoga Nidra journey focusing on anchoring in the presentWho This is For: Anyone looking to embrace their whole self. This session is particularly beneficial for those dealing with insecurity, self-doubt, or harsh self-judgment, as well as anyone seeking deeper self-compassion and understanding.Advanced: Yoga Nidra for Releasing Stress and AnxietySpecial thanks to the community supporters:

Sometimes the best way to honor the Lord is to hold your tongue from complaining. -------- 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.

Share your thoughts and comments by sending me a text messageS.10 E.10 When the Democrats cannot achieve their goals and objectives through the legislative process or through executive action, then they look at the judicial system as a tool to get what they want. The Democrats are not happy with the U.S. Supreme Court, because of its 6-3 conservative majority. And now, Biden has a plan to diminish the power of the U.S. Supreme Court. In this episode, I discuss the matter.ABOUT: Tawsif Anam is a nationally published writer, award-winning public policy professional, and speaker. He has experience serving in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors in United States and overseas. Anam earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master of Public Affairs degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tawsif Anam's opinions have been published by national, state, and local publications in the United States, such as USA Today, Washington Examiner, The Washington Times, The Western Journal, The Boston Globe, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin State Journal, The Capital Times, and The Dodgeville Chronicle. His writings have also appeared in major publications in Bangladesh including, but not limited to, The Daily Star and The Financial Express. Visit my website www.tawsifanam.net Visit my blog: https://tawsifanam.net/blog/ Read my published opinions: https://tawsifanam.net/published-articles/ Check out my books: https://tawsifanam.net/books/

How do you handle a PR crisis that could jeopardize your business?  This week, Oliver Aust joins Gloria Chou in this episode of “Small Business PR,” to discuss strategies for dealing with PR crises and creating buzz on a budget. Oliver shares his extensive experience in crisis communication and creative PR campaigns. He provides actionable tips for how small businesses can prepare for inevitable crises, from negative reviews to cyberattacks, and highlights the importance of having a crisis communication plan.  Learn how to implement the triple A's—Acknowledge, Apologize, Act—while avoiding the three D's—Deny, Diminish, Deflect. Discover powerful PR tactics to build buzz around your brand, even with limited resources. Oliver's lessons provide small businesses with practical tools to find their way through tough times, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and visibility. Tune in for your crisis communication strategy and know how to make your message stand out. Get the free Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://www.eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/ Connect with Gloria Chou:  https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou 

Have you noticed the tropes used to diminish the election campaign of Vice President Harris and other Black women in leadership roles? On today's episode, Ben and Jamesa discuss the trends in these tropes, why they are problematic, and what you can do about them. Join the conversation!

What do you do when you are in a PR crisis that puts your company or business reputation at risk? This episode with communications expert Oliver Aust reveals the best ways to deal with challenges that poses a threat to your reputation that can arise from media backlash, product defects, legal matters, bad reviews and more. We also highlight the most CREATIVE PR campaigns on a budget to inspire you to build buzz around your brand even on a shoestring budget!Here's What We Cover In the Episode and More:Crises are inevitable and can significantly impact a small business's revenue and profitability.Common crises include negative online reviews, cyberattacks and health related issues.The necessity of preparation, including vulnerability assessments and crisis communication plans.The triple As— Acknowledge, Apologize, Act— and advises against the three Ds— Deny, Diminish, Deflect.Incentive PR tactics such as leveraging unique events and building strong relationships with journalists.Memorable campaigns like sending pizza-sized cookies to journalists and using visual stunts at airports. Power of authenticity and taking contrarian viewpoints to capture media attention.Maintaining a reputation for honesty and delivering compelling stories.Evolving media landscape, including the rise of AI in communications.How AI can automate routine tasks, freeing up time for genuine human connections.Value of unique, original voices. Being prepared and creative in crisis PR can not only help small businesses survive tough times but also can turn challenges into unique opportunities for growth and visibility. Additionally, these strategies can help differentiate themselves and cultivate robust relationships with journalists, even when operating with limited resources. Product Businesses! Download my free HOW TO GET INTO A GIFT GUIDE/PRODUCT ROUND UP roadmap for free HERE to get more sales and traffic to your site this season.If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclassWatch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 daysJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDownload the 10 ways to get free PR for your small businessDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou Join Gloria Chou's PR Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941Follow Oliver Aust on LinkedIn: linkedin.

Am I Diminishing It?

A report released Wednesday by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization finds that fisheries around the world are likely to take a much bigger hit from climate change if global warming gets up into the 3- to 4-degree range, compared to 1-and-a-half, or 2 degrees Celsius. Host Jeff Douglas is joined by Dalhousie University biologist Derek Tittensor, who was involved in the research.

AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports on how the president of France, Emmanuel Macron, has gone from a successful political newcomer to a weakened leader.

Welcome to a special Yoga Nidra session with Ayla Nova, designed to unblock the limiting beliefs holding you back from your full potential. This practice, also known as NSDR (non-sleep deep rest), is a powerful tool for clearing mental clutter and achieving tranquillity through the ancient art of yogic sleep."Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes." - Carl JungYoga Nidra session will help you:• Clear pathways that block you from expanding• Diminish stress and mental exhaustion• Pave the way for deep, restorative sleep• Enhance emotional equilibriumWhat to Expect:• An introduction to Yoga Nidra's core principles• Setting a personal intention or Sankalpa for mental clarity• Guided techniques for profound mental relaxation• A thorough Yoga Nidra journey focusing on anchoring in the presentWho This is For: Anyone ready to take their life beyond illusory limits through deeply resting the mind. You may be battling insomnia, anxiety, or chronic overthinking and will find this session beneficial, as will those looking to improve their sleep quality. This practice is suitable for all levels, from beginners to seasoned practitioners. No prior experience with meditation is needed; just come as you are.00:00 Introduction00:12 Welcoming Words from Ayla Nova02:13 Preparing for Yoga Nidra03:00 Nervous System Rest | Deep Breathing03:50 The Practice of Yoga Nidra Begins NowSpecial thanks to the community supporters:

Kentucky made it to Omaha and won a game at the College World Series. They have nothing to hang their heads about. This will only help them immensely going forward. Mark Pope has an interesting quote. Deone Walker pokes at the Cards. Hope Rhyne Howard is okay. https://t.co/JW25MHgiIv

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase. Paul Pierce Calls Out Anthony Edwards, Gil's Arena And John Salley Try To Diminish The Greatness Of Michael Jordan, Paul Pierce Exposes Klutch Sports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Otto - The Paradox of our National Security Complex: How secrecy and security diminish our liberty and threaten our democratic republicNovember 15Most Americans live very hectic lives and have little time to devote to reading lengthy tomes on a single subject, never mind researching these matters. Here, in a single volume, Richard Otto presents a series of compelling essays on Vietnam, Watergate and the assassinations of the 1960s. The Paradox of our National Security Complex examines the consequences of our militaristic and corporatist policies since World War II on our liberty, our security, and our democracy.BookBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

Shaking up their quarterback room after losing Drew Lock in free agency, the Seahawks took a big swing for a potential future starter by acquiring Sam Howell in a draft pick swap from the Commanders. Does that deal decrease the odds of Seattle pursuing a quarterback in April's draft? Hosts Corbin Smith and Rob Rang discuss and debate how Howell's arrival may impact draft plans for John Schneider and company, tackle listener mailbag questions, and take a look at the latest series of expert mock drafts from a Seahawks perspective. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  

Do you want to decrease your sugar cravings, balance your blood sugar, and lose weight? Today I go through these 5 tips: 1. Watch your internal dialogue 2. Balance your blood sugar 3.  Optimize your vitamin D level 4.  Boost your omega 3's 5.  Optimize your sleep Mentioned in this episode: