Podcasts about discern

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Best podcasts about discern

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Latest podcast episodes about discern

The Key of David (Video)
The Supreme Feat of Accomplishment

The Key of David (Video)

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 27:22


Are you a spiritually-minded believer? Most Christians today would say yes. But how can you know for sure? Discern the Bible's definition of a truly Spirit-minded person.

Millennialz Anonymous Podcast
The More You Discern

Millennialz Anonymous Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2026 92:47


This week on The Sidebar Podcast, Leise Winny and Mr. Royce move from local culture to national dysfunction with one central idea: discernment is survival.The episode opens by pushing back against the lazy idea that Baltimore begins and ends with The Wire, before diving into accents across Baltimore and the DMV, Black speech, and the way identity gets heard before it's understood. From there, the conversation spirals into bigger questions: Are we living in a cult? Are we already at war? And why do people keep dressing dysfunction up as depth?The middle of the episode gets sharper, tackling Trump's name in the files, the repeated disappointment Black women face in America, and the reality that capitalism keeps presenting itself as the final boss in every conversation.By the end, the discussion turns inward — to work, gender, leadership, and the exhausting performance of modern life. Are men natural leaders, or just socialized to think they are? Are jobs just renting your personality? And why does discernment feel more necessary than ever when everything is trying to sell itself as truth?Funny, blunt, observant, and a little chaotic — classic Sidebar.0:00 — Show snippet0:30 — Show disclosure0:38 — Show music1:04 — Intro1:30 — Baltimore is more than The Wire9:59 — Accents in Baltimore & the DMV10:57 — Black accents14:00 — Beyhive is in a cult16:34 — We are at war20:40 — Weird is really just weird23:20 — Trump in those files28:30 — Black women keep getting disappointed by America50:00 — America is capitalism's final boss1:22:20 — Jobs are renting your personality1:30:00 — Discernment is key1:36:01 — Are men natural leaders?1:52:00 — Potlucks are nastyOutro — End of show

CCEF Blogcast
How do I discern true repentance from fake repentance?

CCEF Blogcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2026 9:09


Listen as Darby Strickland answers the question, "How do I discern true repentance from fake repentance?" You can watch the full video here. Have a question you'd like us to answer? Submit it here: ccef.org/ask-the-counselor-questions CCEF (the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation) exists to restore Christ to counseling and counseling to the church. To learn more about biblical counseling and to find more resources that mine the treasures of Scripture for the troubles of life, visit ccef.org. Music: "Desert Sky" by BENSON.

The Retirement Wisdom Podcast
Love & Happiness…in Retirement – Sonja Lyubomirsky

The Retirement Wisdom Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 33:37


Discern what you’ll retire to. Join our group program starting in April. Learn more here _________________________ What if the secret to happiness isn't success or achievement — but simply feeling loved? In this episode, one of the world’s top researchers on happiness and well-being Sonja Lyubomirsky explains why connection, curiosity, and listening may be the most powerful ingredients for a fulfilling life — and a meaningful retirement. Her new book, co-authored with relationship scientist Dr. Harry Reis, is How to Feel Loved: The Five Mindsets That Get You More of What Matters Most —and it offers a surprising and practical roadmap for getting there. Key insights? When you want to feel more loved, don’t try to make yourself more lovable. Don’t try to change the other person. Instead, change the conversation. Go first. Make them feel loved—and watch what happens next. This conversation is full of wisdom for anyone planning for or navigating retirement—a life stage where relationships become the center of your world. Dr. Lyubomirsky talks about the vulnerability paradox, the three magic words everyone wants to hear, why older people are actually happier than younger ones, and what really matters when you’re designing a life worth living. Sonja Lyubomirsky joins us from Santa Monica, California. ___________________________ Bio Sonja Lyubomirsky (AB Harvard, summa cum laude; PhD Stanford) is Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside and author of the best-selling The How of Happiness and The Myths of Happiness (published in 39 countries). Lyubomirsky's research—on the possibility of lastingly increasing happiness via gratitude, kindness, and connection interventions—have been the recipients of many grants and honors, including Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Basel, the Diener Award for Outstanding Midcareer Contributions in Personality Psychology, the Christopher Peterson Gold Medal, a Positive Psychology Prize, and the Faculty of the Year Award (twice). She has four kids, ages 12 to 26, and lives in Santa Monica, California. ___________________________ For More on Sonja Lyubomirsky How to Feel Loved: The Five Mindsets That Get You More of What Matters Most Website  __________________________ Retirement Podcast Conversations You May Like How to Live a Meaningful Life – Dave Evans Retire Happy – Dr. Catherine Sanderson The Good Life – Marc Schulz, PhD ___________________________ About The Retirement Wisdom Podcast There are many podcasts on retirement, often hosted by financial advisors with their own financial motives, that cover the money side of the street. This podcast is different. You'll get smarter about the investment decisions you'll make about the most important asset you'll have in retirement: your time. About Retirement Wisdom I help people who are retiring, but aren't quite done yet, discover what's next and build their custom version of their next life. A meaningful retirement doesn't just happen by accident. Schedule a call today to discuss how the Designing Your Life process created by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans can help you make your life in retirement a great one — on your own terms. About Your Podcast Host Joe Casey is an executive coach who helps people design their next life after their primary career and create their version of The Multipurpose Retirement.™ He created his own next chapter after a 26-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he was Senior Vice President and Head of HR for Global Markets & Investment Banking. Joe has earned Master's degrees from the University of Southern California in Gerontology (at age 60), the University of Pennsylvania, and Middlesex University (UK), a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his coaching certification from Columbia University. In addition to his work with clients, Joe hosts The Retirement Wisdom Podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally in popularity by Listen Notes, with over 1.6 million downloads. Business Insider recognized Joe as one of 23 innovative coaches who are making a difference. He's the author of Win the Retirement Game: How to Outsmart the 9 Forces Trying to Steal Your Joy. ______________________________ Wise Quotes On Love & Happiness “The key to happiness is feeling connected and loved. The secret to feeling loved is really feeling known.” On Going First “When we want to feel more loved, we often try to make ourselves more lovable. But the research suggests something different — we need to start by making the other person feel loved. A relationship is really a series of conversations. Changing the conversation can change the relationship. When you think about a relationship is a series of conversations. And so during your next conversation, the first step is actually to try to make the other person feel more loved. And so we talk about, you know, showing curiosity in the other person and really listening to them and helping them open up, you know, because the secret to feeling loved is really feeling known. You know, you can’t really feel loved by someone else if they don’t know you, right?  If you don’t really know me, I can’t feel loved by you because I’ll always wonder would he still love me if he knew me? If you could see what was sort of behind those walls. It’s a little bit counterintuitive, right? If you want to feel more loved, you want to go first and make the other person feel more loved.” On Vulnerability “I’m not going to feel loved by you just if you’re admiring me. And so that’s where sort of we go wrong where like, it turns out that actually being a little vulnerable and showing more of our kind of real selves, not really real selves, it’s all real, you know, but you know, kind of showing more of our full selves, what’s beneath those walls. That’s actually what forges a connection. So that kind of, in fact, I think it’s called the vulnerability paradox. Like we think people won’t like us if we show a little bit vulnerability or weakness even, but actually people will like us more. Now, if it has to be done at the right pace and at the right time for the right person, right, you have to really read the room so you don’t just like dump your traumas or your weaknesses right away on another person. That’s not, that’s not going to work either.”

Canadian Church Leader's Podcast
Dr. Henry Cloud on the Pastor's Inner Life, Leading Without Losing Your Soul, and Learning How to Discern

Canadian Church Leader's Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 65:47


Today on the podcast, Jason is joined by Dr. Henry Cloud. Henry is a clinical psychologist, leadership consultant, and bestselling author whose work has helped shape the leadership of countless pastors and ministry leaders over the past several decades. Many will know him through books like Boundaries, Integrity, and Necessary Endings, where he brings together insights from psychology, relationships, and leadership to help people grow in health and effectiveness.In this conversation, Henry reflects on his unlikely path from pursuing a career in golf to studying theology, psychology, and eventually working with leaders across both ministry and organizational contexts. Along the way, he developed a deep care and concern for pastors, those who carry enormous responsibility while often receiving very little care themselves.Together, Henry and Jason explore the pressures of pastoral leadership and the unique challenges faced by pastors. Henry shares insights from decades of working with leaders, offering a framework for leadership that moves beyond personality or charisma and toward a set of functions that can be learned and practiced over time.Together, Henry and Jason discuss:Why pastors often find themselves pouring out for others with very few places to be cared for themselves,Why leadership is not merely instinct or gifting, but a craft that must be learned and practiced,The importance of humility and discernment in navigating complex leadership decisions,Why pastors must pursue healing and self-awareness as part of their leadership formation,And the crucial role of trusted relationships outside the ministry system for growth and accountability.Throughout the conversation, Henry speaks with deep respect for pastors. His encouragement is both honest and hopeful: sustainable leadership requires humility, intentional support, and a commitment to becoming whole as we lead others.Show Notes⁠Dr. Henry Cloud WebsiteBooks by Dr. Henry CloudBoundaries.me – Dr. Cloud's platform for personal growth, mental health, and relationshipsCity MeetupsThe Emerging Leaders LabPartnersSpecial thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for making this episode possible. We invite you to explore their ⁠Bible Course⁠ to help your church grow in Scripture engagement.The work of strengthening pastors across Canada is only possible because of generous partners like you. As we look to the future, would you consider joining us in prayer, sharing this episode, or ⁠making a gift to invest in a vibrant, Jesus-centered church in every community⁠?

Let Love
Lent Series EP 3: Learning to Discern Our Thoughts

Let Love

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 42:55


How do we recognize whether our thoughts come from God, ourselves, or the enemy? Drawing on the wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola and real-life stories, the Sisters offer us practical ways to discern our thoughts so we can choose thoughts that draw us toward what is good and true. This season of Let Love is produced in collaboration with Ascension. If you'd like to receive our weekly show notes, as well as occasional updates from the Sisters of Life, text LETLOVE (one word) to 33777 to be added to our email list.

The Estherpreneur
God's Way is Lighter

The Estherpreneur

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 19:35


If your business feels heavy, confusing, or constantly demanding more of you, this episode is a holy interruption. In this conversation on The Estherpreneur Podcast, I challenge one of the most deeply ingrained lies in Christian entrepreneurship: that obedience to God must feel exhausting.God's way is not chaotic. It's not confusing. And it's not joyless.In this episode, we explore why joy and peace are not rewards for success, but indicators of divine order, and how identity confusion creates operational clutter in business. You'll hear why simplifying your business doesn't start with systems—it starts with knowing who you are. We talk about over-offering as disobedience disguised as service, why doing “more” can actually delay fruit, and how returning to God's original instruction brings ease without compromise.This episode will help you:1. Discern whether your business is yoked to Christ or driven by pressure2. Identify what God never asked you to carry3. Simplify your offers, focus your assignment, and reclaim joy4. Build with obedience instead of overextensionGod's way is lighter, and you were never meant to build at the cost of your peace. If you've been faithful but tired, productive but not peaceful, successful but not joyful—this message is for you! If this episode stirred something in you, it's time to take the next step. Join my Business Unlimited Group Mentoring Program—a Christ-centered community where we fast, pray, plan, and build together with prophetic precision and practical strategies.

Happy Hour Podcast with Dee and Shannon
EP 260 Not All Events Are Equal: How to Discern Real Value in a Noisy Event Space with Dora Rankin

Happy Hour Podcast with Dee and Shannon

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 28:57


In today's entrepreneurial world, there is no shortage of conferences, summits, masterminds, and learning forums. But here's the real question: How do you know which ones are actually worth your time, energy, and money? In this episode, Shannon sits down with Dora Rankin to talk about discernment in business spaces - especially in a post-COVID world where the coaching and event industry has exploded with noise, hype, and inflated promises. They dive into: Why entrepreneurs are more discerning than ever The rise of "smoke and mirrors" marketing How to vet event hosts and speakers properly What to look for beyond viral posts and flashy branding Why collaboration over competition is the future How to choose rooms that stretch you without compromising your values The importance of structured sales systems alongside marketing If you've ever invested in a room that felt fluffy, performative, or misaligned — this episode will help you make smarter decisions moving forward. Key Takeaways Not all entrepreneurial events are built on substance — discernment matters. Post-COVID attendees expect measurable ROI, not hype. Viral marketing does not equal proven expertise. Testimonials, references, and tangible results matter more than aesthetics. Alignment with leadership style and values is critical. Growth rooms should challenge you — not manipulate you. Collaboration expands credibility and industry standards. Structured sales systems are as important as marketing strategies. About Dora: Dora Rankin is a powerhouse business coach, sales strategist, and author of USA Today bestselling book, The Heart Sell, dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and unlock their highest earning potential. Host of The Heart Sell Signature Summit, Camp Heart Sell Club & Retreats as well as mentor for entrepreneurial organizations like NASDAQ and Tory Burch, Dora is intentional about rolling up her sleeves to build roadmaps to revenue through relationship building strategies. Whether you're a startup or scaling past a million, her Heart Sell methodology produces purpose driven successful businesses for women.    Join Dora at the Heart Sell Summit: https://dorarankin.com/thsss2026    Learn more about Dora here: dorarankin.com    The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Learn to Host Retreats Join our private Facebook Group Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide Get your legal docs for retreats Join Shannon in Denver at the Retreat Industry Forum  Join our LinkedIn Group Apply to be a guest on our show Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let's create a vibrant retreat community together!   Subscribe:  Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify ---------- TIMESTAMPS Setting the Scene & Topic Introduction (00:01:07) Hosts discuss their locations, previous meeting, and introduce the main topic: discernment in entrepreneurial events. Explosion of Coaching & Retreat Industry (00:02:24) Dora shares her perspective on the noisy, crowded event space and the need for discernment. Proving Value & ROI in Events (00:03:29) Discussion on the necessity for event leaders to show real credentials and tangible results. Industry Growth Post-COVID (00:04:20) Shannon explains how COVID-19 led to a surge in new entrepreneurs and coaches, increasing competition and skepticism. Smoke and Mirrors in the Industry (00:05:37) Concerns about inexperienced leaders making big promises without real experience or results. Attendee Disillusionment & Need for Proof (00:05:55) Dora shares that many clients come after spending heavily on ineffective programs, seeking real, proven guidance. Facade of Success & Authenticity (00:07:21) Hosts discuss the disconnect between online personas and actual business success among some industry leaders. Discernment Tips: Testimonials & References (00:08:26) Advice for attendees to ask for proof, testimonials, and references before trusting event leaders. Collaboration Over Competition (00:09:26) Shannon and Dora emphasize the importance of collaboration in the industry, not competition. Risks of Inexperienced Leaders (00:10:39) Discussion on the dangers of unqualified leaders hosting events, leading to negative attendee experiences. Impact of Lived Experience (00:12:25) Dora highlights the importance of real, lived experience in providing valuable learning environments. Discernment Checklist for Attendees (00:14:02) Shannon outlines what attendees should look for: experience, testimonials, references, and alignment. Personality & Teaching Style Alignment (00:15:32) Advice to ensure the leader's style and values align with the attendee's needs, while being open to healthy challenge. Accessibility vs. Vanity Metrics (00:16:54) Dora warns against choosing events based on fame; stresses the importance of leader accessibility. Entertainment vs. Actionable Value (00:17:43) Distinguishing between motivational/entertainment events and those offering actionable business strategies. Integrity in Event Fit & Leader Recommendations (00:19:10) Shannon and Dora discuss the importance of leaders being honest about event fit and referring attendees elsewhere if needed. Sales Cycle & Long-Term Relationships (00:21:42) Dora explains the value of long-term relationships over single ticket sales in the retreat industry. Dora's Heart Sell Summit Overview (00:22:37) Dora introduces her upcoming Cleveland summit, focused on practical sales training for women entrepreneurs. Shannon's Testimonial for Dora's Methods (00:24:23) Shannon shares her personal success using Dora's sales techniques, endorsing the summit. Sales vs. Marketing: Key Differences (00:25:55) Dora explains the difference between sales and marketing, and the need for both in business growth. Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts (00:28:05) Closing remarks, gratitude, and encouragement to connect further with resources and future events.

Noon Business Hour on WBBM Newsradio
WBBM Noon Business Hour - Parent Help

Noon Business Hour on WBBM Newsradio

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 4:37


As young people enter a competitive job market, parents can make a real difference by offering guidance, structure, and perspective - without hovering over every decision. Rick Cobb, founder of the Chicago-based workplace consulting firm 2-Discern, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

Adventist Review Podcasts
unScripted Episode 5 | Can the Church Ever Be Wrong?

Adventist Review Podcasts

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 28:33


Can the SDA Church ever be wrong? Was Hitler really a Christian? And was that "impression" from God... or just last night's pizza?

Experience Jesus with Dr. Patty Sadallah
Practical Tips for Discerning God's Will

Experience Jesus with Dr. Patty Sadallah

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 40:49


This "How To" episode is a compilation of tips that will help you discern God's will through dialogue journaling and scripture research.  Learn how to discern the scripture from the Author of the Word directly.  We will review the basics of how to connect with God using the entire language of the heart with both physical and spiritual senses.  Discern the difference between God's voice, the enemy's voice, and your voice.  Receive some practical tips on how to capture the flow of the Holy Spirit and what to do when you are stuck.   Learn how to find the promises of God in the Word, how to find the conditions that need to be met, and how to pray in agreement with God's will so you can pull those promises down from heaven.  Practice all of these skills as you Experience Jesus personally using all of these tips to address a provisional need that you have and see how the Lord wants to provide for it supernaturally.   Links referenced in this episode: New to the Podcast?  Check out the Trailer Episode for the Biblical Foundation for Experiencing Jesus!  https://PattyEJ.Podbean.com/e/trailer-episode-experience-jesus-with-dr-patty-sadallah   The Special Place Encounter Exercise   https://bit.ly/3cEkYBC   950 Names and Titles of God and their Scripture References:  https://christiananswers.net/dictionary/namesofgod.html   The Encountering God Toolbox by Dr. Patty Sadallah:  https://bit.ly/398YaHJ  This resource is usually $8.99 but is offered FREE here for podcast listeners.   Check out How to Live a Worry-Free Life: Just Ask Jesus Book 1  https://pattysadallah.com/product/how-to-live-a-worry-free-life-just-ask-jesus-book-1/        Check out the NEW Spirit Life Journey App.  Click on the QR Code to play around with it.   Get Two Free Chapters of the Experience Jesus Book Series  https://pattysadallah.com/free-gift/   Check out all of Dr. Patty's books, journals, and downloadable resources at her bookstore, and don't forget to use the code EJPOD to receive 10% off everything, even the things on sale.     And please make sure you share this podcast and share how you were blessed by this episode by commenting below!  THANKS!    

Catholic Moms Made for Greatness
The Mental Load of Catholic Moms

Catholic Moms Made for Greatness

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 8:51


The Mental Load of a Catholic Mom (And What You Can Let Go Of) The "mental load" of motherhood has been all over the internet lately — and often the conversation turns into women vs. men. But before we talk about who should share the load… We need to ask a harder question: Should you be carrying all of it in the first place? In this episode, we take a deeper look at the invisible weight Catholic moms carry — especially the mental load of imaginary futures and unnecessary worries. We talk about: The difference between real problems and imagined ones Why sibling bickering does NOT predict their adult relationship How future "doom stories" drain your energy The schooling anxiety spiral (and how to step out of it) The pressure to give your kids the "perfect childhood" Why prudence includes choosing what not to think about How to bring your mental load to the Lord before bringing it to your husband Before you make a list of everything you're thinking about and ask your husband to share it, pause. Some of the things on that list may not belong there at all. God does not give grace for imaginary burdens. He gives grace for what is real — today. Interior peace grows when we: Discern what is actually ours to carry Release the rest Refuse to live in constant future fear You don't have to carry everything. And you were never meant to.

Father and Joe
Father and Joe E451: “Thy Will Be Done” — Love, Limits, and Learning to Discern Like Christ

Father and Joe

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 19:52


A 4-year-old's Lenten question opens a bigger one: what does it actually mean to “act like Jesus” and pray, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”? In this episode, Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks connect Lent, Scripture, and real-life decision-making—showing that God's will is love, but love isn't vague “good vibes.” Love has reality, boundaries, and practical limits: what you can give, what someone can receive, and what wisdom calls for in a specific moment.They start with the Garden of Eden and the way God speaks truth about consequences, then move into how virtue matures us toward love as the “crown” of the virtues. The conversation closes with a key challenge: most of life isn't a carved-in-stone playbook—so how do we actually develop discernment, trust our judgment, and keep growing (with God's grace and the help of others)?Key Ideas“Act like Jesus” isn't imitation theater—it's becoming formed in God's logic over time, especially through Lent.God's will (in heaven and on earth) is love, and virtue exists to serve love.Love has limits in practice: what you can do, what others can receive, and what is realistically possible.We avoid what is clearly wrong, but we don't always instantly know the most loving “right” in gray areas.Discernment grows through prayer, experience, feedback, community wisdom, and noticing wounded places that distort decisions.The Holy Spirit forms Christians gradually—more sensitivity, better judgment, more Christlike freedom.Scripture Mentioned (no links)Genesis 2–3 (Garden of Eden context)Matthew 6:10 (“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”)Galatians 6:2 (“Carry one another's burdens…”)Romans 13:10 (“Love is the fulfillment of the law”)Acts 3:1–10 (the beggar at the Beautiful Gate)Links & References (official/source only)Dr. Jordan B. Peterson (official site):https://www.jordanbpeterson.com/CTA: If this helped, please leave a review or share this episode with a friend.Questions or thoughts? Email FatherAndJoe@gmail.com .Tags (comma-separated)Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, Lent, Ash Wednesday, first week of Lent, giving things up, sacrifice, act like Jesus, thy will be done, God's will, love, virtue, prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude, crown of virtues, discernment, spiritual growth, Holy Spirit, spiritual consolation, wisdom, counsel, moral norms, right and wrong, gray areas, parenting and faith, fatherhood, children's questions, Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve, Genesis, Our Father, Matthew 6:10, Galatians 6:2, Romans 13:10, Acts 3, Beautiful Gate, community learning, trusting intuition, woundedness, conflict aversion, spiritual formation, YouTube podcast, subscribe on YouTube

What The Prophets Say with Emma Stark
171. Christian Dream Interpretation: How to Discern If a Dream Is From God

What The Prophets Say with Emma Stark

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 33:08


Have you ever woken up from a dream and wondered, Was that from God?Many Christians experience vivid dreams but do not know how to interpret them. Some dreams feel peaceful. Others feel confusing or intense. Some stay with you all day.The Bible shows that God speaks through dreams. But how do you know if your dream is from God, from your own mind, or from something spiritual?Matt Johnson, Ali McFarlane, and Susanne Van Capelleveen explore Christian dream interpretation and how to encounter Jesus through your dream life.Does God Speak Through Dreams?Yes, Scripture gives many examples.Joseph interpreted dreams in Genesis.Daniel received prophetic dreams.Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, was warned in dreams.Acts 2 says people will dream dreams in the last days.God still speaks today. Dreams are one way He communicates when our minds are quiet.The First Question to AskWhen you wake up from a dream, ask: Is this dream for me, or is it prophetic?Start with prayer before trying to interpret.How to Discern the SourceDreams usually come from three places:From God These align with Scripture and draw you closer to Jesus.From Your Soul Your mind may be processing events, fear, or emotion.From the Enemy If a dream brings fear or heaviness, pray and take authority in Jesus' name.You can say, “In Jesus' name, nothing from darkness is allowed in my sleep.”How to Remember DreamsIf you struggle to remember dreams:Stay still when you wake up.Ask God to bring it back.Record a voice memo and describe it out loud.Often understanding begins as you speak.Do Not Start With Dream DictionariesChristian dream interpretation is personal. Symbols can mean different things to different people.Instead of searching online first, ask: “Jesus, what does this mean for me?”What If You Feel Emotionally Numb?Sometimes the struggle is not confusing dreams but feeling nothing at all.Emotional numbness can follow pain or trauma. When sadness shuts down, joy often shuts down too.A simple prayer can help: “Lord Jesus, bring my emotions back online.”Dreams can be one way God restores hope and connection.Listen to the Full ConversationThe episode includes prayer for restored sleep and a renewed dream life.Listen now and go deeper.

Unity of Farmington Hills
Wisdom to Discern

Unity of Farmington Hills

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 71:49


This second Sunday of Lent, let's explore how fasting, prayer, and holy pause sharpen our spiritual perception so we can respond from Spirit instead of ego. Discover how divine wisdom quietly prepares us for the love that transforms everything.

Make Prayer Beautiful
How to Discern When It's Spiritual Warfare or Your Own Sinfulness?

Make Prayer Beautiful

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2026 7:47


Faith Led Working Moms - Creating Balance, Biblical Mindset, Routines, Time Management, Priorities, Overwhelm Management
Ep 176 // Is It God or Anxiety? How to Discern the Difference as a Christian Mom

Faith Led Working Moms - Creating Balance, Biblical Mindset, Routines, Time Management, Priorities, Overwhelm Management

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 12:57


Have you ever felt prompted to do something and immediately wondered… Is this God speaking? Or is this just my anxiety? As a working Christian mom balancing career, family, responsibility, and faith, it can feel incredibly difficult to tell the difference between the voice of the Holy Spirit and your own overthinking. You want to obey God. You don't want to miss Him. But anxiety can sound urgent, spiritual, and convincing. In this episode, we talk about how to discern whether what you're hearing is truly God's voice — or anxious thoughts fueled by pressure, exhaustion, or fear. If you struggle with: Overthinking decisions Feeling pressure to “get it right” Anxiety that sounds spiritual Decision fatigue as a Christian mom Fear of missing God's will This conversation will bring clarity and peace. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The key differences between God's voice and anxiety Why anxiety feels urgent — and God rarely does The difference between conviction and condemnation How to filter your thoughts through Scripture A simple 3-question discernment grid you can use in real time Why exhaustion makes spiritual clarity harder How to grow confident in hearing God without fear For the Working Christian Mom Who Feels Overwhelmed Discernment isn't about being perfect. It's about becoming familiar with God's character. When you learn to distinguish peace from panic, you move from reactive living to faith-led decisions. And that changes everything. If this episode encouraged you, share it with another Christian mom who wrestles with anxiety and wants to grow in hearing God's voice with clarity and confidence. You don't need more noise. You need alignment.  

Church At The Bridge Sermon Podcasts
Week 4: How To Discern Between Hype And Holy

Church At The Bridge Sermon Podcasts

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 40:44


In this message from Jesus' letter to the church in Book of Revelation, we unpack the sobering warning to the believers in Thyatira. Though they were loving, serving, and growing, they tolerated a deceptive voice inside the church that led people away from truth. The real danger wasn't culture, it was compromise disguised as depth. In a world full of charisma, confidence, and “new revelations,” how do we discern between hype and holy? Jesus shows us that if it takes you past Him, it's not deeper, it's deceptive. Learn how to guard your heart, anchor yourself in Scripture, and build habits that protect you from “almost right” teaching.

Bible, Babes & Banter Podcast
If You Can't Discern, You Can't Go Ft. Sheniece Charway

Bible, Babes & Banter Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2026 83:42


Yooo people ! Hope you've had a good week ? In this weeks episode we have the sis and the Head of Black Music and Culture at Youtube EMEA @shenicecharway! It's a good one this week ! We talk about what it looks being a light in secular spaces, what and why discernment is key and much much more ! As always, any questions or dilemmas please send a DM or email. Love

Grace in the Shadows
How to Discern if You are Hearing God or Satan

Grace in the Shadows

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2026 19:48


Send a textToday, we discuss how to discern if we are hearing God or Satan.Check us out:https://www.graceintheshadowsor.com/drjonathan@graceintheshadowsor.org(251) 244-4645*If you are searching for a clinical counselor and you live in Alabama, Idaho,  Florida, Virginia, South Carolina, Kentucky, or North Carolina, Dr. Jonathan Behler would be happy to see you as a client! He does all counseling virtually through a secure portal. He will also work with you on payments - don't let finances keep you from getting counseling!Donate to support a church/school multipurpose building and a motorcycle for the missionary to the Maasai tribe. https://www.purecharity.com/fundraisers/sc-africa-talley  (We only need to raise about $600 more for this mission.)Support the show

MORNING, MAMA | Heal From the Past, Parent with Purpose, and Live Out Your Calling - Mental Health, Biblical Parenting, Chris
398. Better Mental Health Isn't Just About Self-Care: The Missing Piece We Don't Talk About.

MORNING, MAMA | Heal From the Past, Parent with Purpose, and Live Out Your Calling - Mental Health, Biblical Parenting, Chris

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 32:21


Do you ever feel like your whole life is about giving… and you're the one left empty? Giving to your kids. Giving to your marriage. Giving to your work. Giving to everyone who needs something from you. Maybe you tell yourself this is what love looks like. Maybe you believe good moms don't need much. Maybe you feel guilty for wanting more than survival. But somewhere along the way, sacrifice stopped feeling holy… and started feeling heavy. In today's episode, we talk about sacrifice — not the kind God invites us into, but the kind that quietly turns into resentment, burnout, and loss of self. Not laying down your life in love. But disappearing in the name of being needed. We talk about how unhealthy sacrifice shows up when: • You ignore your limits • You believe your needs don't matter • You feel selfish for resting • You equate love with suffering • You stay depleted instead of restored This episode will help you: • Discern the difference between godly sacrifice and self-erasure • Understand why constant depletion isn't spiritual • See how resentment is a signal, not a failure • Learn how to honor your needs without guilt • Begin practicing sacrifice that leads to life instead of loss If you've been feeling tired, invisible, or quietly angry — this episode will help you name what's really happening underneath it. God does call us to lay down our lives. But He never calls us to disappear. And when sacrifice flows from love instead of fear, it leads to freedom — not bitterness. love, Brittany    Ready to become a peaceful wife and Mama? Sign Up for the Pain to Peace Academy HERE. Come say hi and join the Morning Mama Facebook Group! I would love to hear your story and know your name.    ALL THE LINKS FOR ALL THE THINGS! Morning Mama Website Pain to Peace Academy Morning Mama Facebook Group Follow Us on Instagram Find a Restoration Therapist Come say hi by emailing hello@morningmamapodcast.com

Resolute Podcast
Don't Withdraw—Discern | 1 Corinthians 5:9-10

Resolute Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 4:05


Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about Project23 and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is 1 Corinthians 5:9-10. I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people — not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. — 1 Corinthians 5:9–10 Paul clears up a massive misunderstanding. The Corinthians assumed he meant, "Cut off contact with sinful people entirely." But that was never God's strategy. We don't reach the world by abandoning it, avoiding it, or hiding from it. Paul's point is far sharper: Christians are not commanded to avoid the world. Christians are commanded to discern the church. Jesus Himself ate with sinners, welcomed sinners, and loved sinners. But Paul warns believers to be cautious around professing Christians who live openly in sin without repentance—those who claim Christ while rejecting His authority. That's where the real threat lies. Unbelievers acting like unbelievers doesn't corrupt the church. Believers acting like unbelievers without shame does. When the church begins to affirm what God condemns, the confusion spreads. The witness weakens. The church slowly becomes the very culture it's called to rescue. That's why Paul says you'd "have to leave the world" to avoid sinners outside the faith. The danger isn't out there. The danger is when what's out there walks into the church, refuses to repent, and finds applause instead of correction. Your mission is in the world—your discernment is in the church. So be wise about who shapes your spiritual life. Move toward unbelievers with compassion and conviction. But be cautious with believers who live in open rebellion while claiming the name of Christ. Discernment isn't harsh—it's holy. It protects your heart. It protects your relationships. And it protects the church you love. DO THIS: Evaluate your closest Christian relationships. Deepen connections with believers who strengthen your walk with Christ, and set boundaries with those who pull you away. ASK THIS: Who influences my spiritual life the most right now? Are they pushing me toward Christ or pulling me toward compromise? Where do I need to practice healthier discernment? PRAY THIS: Father, give me wisdom to love the world like Jesus did while discerning the church like Paul taught. Guard my heart, shape my relationships, and keep me faithful to You. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Build My Life"

Maranatha Bible Church
Maranatha Bible Church Mon 2-16-2026 How to Discern Truth From Error 1b

Maranatha Bible Church

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2026 25:59


Audition Template: Voice Over track with side-chain ducking of Music Track with 25dB of gain reduction. 44.1k, 16 bit, stereo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria Church
Discierne los Tiempos | Discern the Times | Brian Molina

Victoria Church

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2026 87:30


Discierne los Tiempos | Discern the Times | Brian Molina

Maranatha Bible Church
Maranatha Bible Church Fri 2-13-2026 How to Discern Truth From Error 1a

Maranatha Bible Church

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 25:59


Audition Template: Voice Over track with side-chain ducking of Music Track with 25dB of gain reduction. 44.1k, 16 bit, stereo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reclaimed Leader Podcast: Helping You Lead Change Without Losing Your Roots
RL 429: How to Actually Deploy the Plan (Part 4)

The Reclaimed Leader Podcast: Helping You Lead Change Without Losing Your Roots

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 31:36


We're tackling the last Stage in the 4Ds of leading change (Discover, Discern, Decide, Deploy). And this stage is where most churches struggle. It's not just about what you decide to do but how you implement it that makes or breaks a ministry. It's about your plan of action.

Grace Church Nashville Podcast with Lindell Cooley

“because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.”

Outlook Christian Church | Sermon Podcast
Philippians 1 and 2 | Discern Reality and Capacity

Outlook Christian Church | Sermon Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2026 31:19


Mining Stock Education
How to Discern a Gold Stock Top with 40-year Expert Jacques Bonneau (pro tips & stock pics)

Mining Stock Education

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026 57:36


In this episode of Mining Stock Education, host Brian Leni interviews Jacques Bonneau, a seasoned junior mining investor and author of 'The Art of Investing in Junior Mining.' Jacques shares his insights on how to discern a gold stock market top, the significance of market cycles, and his strategies for investing in junior mining stocks. The discussion covers the recent market movements, the importance of attending mining conferences, and key indicators to monitor for bullish and bearish phases in the gold market. Jacques also highlights several promising junior mining companies worth watching, based on their market cap, management quality, and exploration potential. Jacques Bonneau has over 40 years of experience in the mining industry and is the author of “The Art of Investing in Junior Mining.” He has been involved in all the main stages in the evolution of a mining company, from exploration through development to production. During his career, he rose from field geologist to president of junior mining companies. More recently, he has acted as a consultant, a financial advisor for flow-through funds, a lecturer and a mentor. 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Market Insights from Jacques Bonno 01:11 Conference Week Reflections 03:18 Investment Strategies and Market Cycles 08:04 Gold Price Predictions and Influences 19:16 Rare Earth and Lithium Investments 26:24 Conference Experiences and Networking 30:16 The Value of Attending Investment Conferences 31:25 Choosing the Right Conference for You 33:23 Portfolio Positioning and Investment Strategies 37:42 The Importance of People in Investments 43:00 Promising Companies to Watch 52:34 Where to Find More Information To purchase “The Art of Investing in Junior Mining,” go to: https://www.investinginjuniors.com/ Sign up for our free newsletter and receive interview transcripts, stock profiles and investment ideas: http://eepurl.com/cHxJ39 Mining Stock Education (MSE) offers informational content based on available data but it does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. It may not be appropriate for all situations or objectives. Readers and listeners should seek professional advice, make independent investigations and assessments before investing. MSE does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of its content and should not be solely relied upon for investment decisions. MSE and its owner may hold financial interests in the companies discussed and can trade such securities without notice. MSE is biased towards its advertising sponsors which make this platform possible. MSE is not liable for representations, warranties, or omissions in its content. By accessing MSE content, users agree that MSE and its affiliates bear no liability related to the information provided or the investment decisions you make. Full disclaimer: https://www.miningstockeducation.com/disclaimer/

Faith to Live By with Pamela Christian
Keenly Discern the Times

Faith to Live By with Pamela Christian

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2026 41:29 Transcription Available


Consider everything that is happening from God's perspective to know how to partner with Him to receive His victory from the spiritual reality to our earthly existence.Partial Show Notes - Complete Show Notes Here.Iran: https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-us-and-iran-set-for-talks-trump-warns-bad-things-will-happen-if-no-deal-reached Cuba: https://americanfaith.com/russian-sanctioned-jet-hits-cuba-as-tensions-riseMexico: https://x.com/i/status/2018458357276008601Muslim Takeover: https://x.com/i/status/2016845338510754005 The European Union: https://x.com/visegrad24/status/2018226029983080910Canada: https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/trump-says-canada-will-face-100-percent-tariffs-if-it-makes-a-deal-with-china-5975843CCP/China: https://www.theepochtimes.com/epochtv/how-xi-jinping-broke-all-the-ccps-rules-heng-he-5979088 Tim Walz and Fraud: https://x.com/i/status/2003241589704212935Government leaders opposing ICE - https://x.com/i/status/2018455214412677562Arch Bishop Vigano: https://amg-news.com/boom-archbishop-vigano-drops-nuclear-truth-bomb-names-global-elite-in-crimes-against-humanity-video/Seth Holehouse on Epstein Files: https://rumble.com/v755y58-3-million-epstein-pages-released-i-cant-unsee-what-i-found.htmlIlluminati: https://www.facebook.com/cbnnews/posts/a-satanic-plaque-posted-in-the-minnesota-statehouse-that-thanks-gov-tim-walz-for/1396771962480149/Julie Green: https://rumble.com/v750ey6-live-with-julie.htmlDr. Patricia Green: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10BN6QKHf50&t=20s

Daily in the Word
Power to Discern - Part 2

Daily in the Word

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2026 25:02


Life can sometimes be overwhelming, and balancing all the competing demands we face can be a challenge. But God desires to give you a supernatural strength that only He can give. In this series, The Power of God, Pastor Chappell offers biblical insight and simple steps that can take you from where you are to where you want to be. As you apply the truth of God's Word, your life will change in ways you never thought possible.

Jerry Flowers Podcast
I Don't Dislike You, I Discern You | Offended | Part 4 | Jerry Flowers

Jerry Flowers Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 65:22


This message teaches how offense can quietly steer your life if you don't discern it. Using Jesus' response in Matthew 21–22, it calls believers to stop taking the bait, release bitterness, and respond with spiritual maturity. It's a reminder that growth requires discernment, not reaction.

The Waiting Well - Infertility, Faith-based Encouragement, Trying to Conceive, Fertility
91 | Is IUI Worth It? A Faith-Centered Way to Discern Your Next Step

The Waiting Well - Infertility, Faith-based Encouragement, Trying to Conceive, Fertility

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 27:34


Is IUI the right next step—or a decision made from pressure and fear? In this episode, we unpack what IUI actually is, the emotional cost no one talks about, and a faith-centered framework to help you discern your next step from peace, not panic.  

Daily in the Word
Power to Discern - Part 1

Daily in the Word

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 25:09


Life can sometimes be overwhelming, and balancing all the competing demands we face can be a challenge. But God desires to give you a supernatural strength that only He can give. In this series, The Power of God, Pastor Chappell offers biblical insight and simple steps that can take you from where you are to where you want to be. As you apply the truth of God's Word, your life will change in ways you never thought possible.

FWS Podcast
The Christian Walk (part 72) How to Discern Divine Guidance

FWS Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 33:37


Grace Bible Church - Equipping Hour Podcast
Equipping Hour: Dementia and the Christian Q&A

Grace Bible Church - Equipping Hour Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2026 59:40


The following is an AI-generated rough transcript of the Equipping Hour. It may contain inaccuracies.  Opening and Introduction Smedly Yates: Well, good morning. Happy Sunday. Welcome to Grace Bible Church this morning and to Equipping Hour. This morning, we’re going to be doing a follow-up from an equipping hour that Jake taught on January 11th on dementia. And that was, Jake, that was riveting and encouraging. And I thought you taught us everything we needed to know, but apparently you didn’t. Because the numbers of follow-up questions from that equipping hour broke all records. So we’ve sort of accumulated those questions. And let me just encourage you, if you didn’t get a chance to listen to that equipping hour from January 11th, pull it up on the website, go back and listen to that. And this morning, what we’re going to do is just put the questions that many of you asked in person and submitted. Or just get to ask those of Jake in front of all of us. And so Jake really is going to give most of the answers here. I don’t know if I have a whole lot to say. Other than these are the questions we got, Jake, help us. So with that, let me open us in a word of prayer and we’ll get started. Heavenly Father, thank you so much for your kindness to us. We don’t deserve to have physical ability endure in this life. We don’t deserve to have mental capacity sustained in this life. We truly only deserve condemnation under your wrath for our sins. And so anything that you give to us, we pray to use as a gift, as a stewardship, to use well and for your glory, and to be content and to trust you as things diminish. And we thank you for the preparation, for mental decline. You’ve already given us from principles from your word. We pray even now as we discuss caring for one another and seeking to glorify you in personal worship in our physical existence that you would be honored as we listen and apply and are strengthened and sharpened to help others. We ask all this in Jesus’ name. Amen. I’m going to start with kind of a personal question that came in, Jake, and it goes like this. If I try not to get dementia, you gave us a lot of helps, dietary exercise, sleep, some of those things that were really helpful, practical things. So if I’m doing those things, if I’m trying not to get dementia, am I expressing distrust and dissatisfaction in God and his sovereignty? Stewardship, Planning, and God’s Sovereignty Jacob Hantla: Maybe. So, yeah, we spend a lot of time talking about the practical ways that you might want to steward this life and this body that God’s given you. The big hitters were exercise, right? We said if there’s one that you can do, it’s that. But there’s a lot more. There’s a, but if you’re doing those things, is that sinful? It might be. There’s a way to do the right thing for the wrong reasons. Planning, though, is not unbelief. Planning like God doesn’t exist is unbelief. or planning like God’s way isn’t best in your selfishly, arrogantly grabbing after your own desires. That’s unbelief. That’s sin. So the issue isn’t whether you should steward, but it’s whether an action that you’re saying is stewardship is actually a mask for control, pride, and fear. Proverbs 27:12 says the prudent sees danger and hides himself. There’s a way to see that. Where you see danger, you hide yourself from it. You take planned steps in order to avoid it that actually roots itself from fear of the Lord. And that would be right. And in contrast, it says the simple go on as if that danger isn’t there and they suffer for it. So there’s nothing inherently righteous or right and just saying, I’m going to trust the Lord and use that as a mask for just lazy thoughtlessness. Similarly, there’s nothing righteous at all in saying, I don’t want what I fear is coming and I’m going to grasp after what I want. But James 4, you guys might want to open there. This is, a really, really helpful section of scripture for planning. And it reveals why we actually have to, at the heart of all of this, guard our hearts, not merely do the right thing. James Chapter 4. And this is in the context of the warning, or the command to humble yourself from verse 10, humble yourselves before the Lord because God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. And now, he says, come now, verse 13, you who say today or tomorrow, we’re going to go into such and such a town, spend a year there trade, and make a profit. Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? You’re a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, if the Lord wills, we will do this or that. So the take home from that is not don’t plan, don’t run a business, but rather as you run it, run it as one who actually embraces and recognizes your temporalness, your weakness, your dependence, and God’s sovereignty. Smedly Yates: If we zoom out from the topic of dementia, and we just think about the principle underlying that, we’re dealing with the realities of God using human means in his sovereign plans. If we rephrase the question, we might say, is it sin and distrust of the Lord to study for your chemistry exam? No, of course not. Can you sin by studying for your chemistry exam without thought toward God and exalt your own pride and intellect and your hard work? Yeah, that’d be wrong. A godless, practical, atheistic approach to effort would be sin. But a laziness that says, well, I’m just trusting in the Lord, but I’m not going to go apply for a job, study from my exam, practice for the athletic endeavor, or whatever is sin the other way. And I love the example of evangelism. We know that God will save people, but we know that God uses means to do it. So is it a failure to trust God when I go out and share the gospel with people? No, it’s actually the obedience that God uses as a means to accomplish his ends. Now, I can’t control the results. So you can be faithful, worshiping the Lord, telling others how great Jesus is all day long and nobody gets saved and God is honored and we trust him. Jacob Hantla: Yeah. There’s two biblical, I love the illustration. It’s throughout the Bible of horses and chariots. You can write down Proverbs 21:31 and Psalm 20:7. In Proverbs 21:31, it says, the horse is made ready for the day of battle. Who does that? We do that. The people do that, and they go, battle, but it says, but victory belongs to Yahweh. And similarly, in Psalm 20:7, this, this was actually one of my favorite passages in fighting cancer. I stole it from Piper in his book, Don’t Waste Your Cancer. He says, some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust in the name of Yahweh our God, which doesn’t mean go to battle with slow horses and broken down chariots, it’s wise to get the best you can. If you know that you might be facing a future with dementia or anything else you might face, chemistry test or other health problem, be diligent to plan, but do it in a way that when you don’t get dementia, it wasn’t your effort that gets the glory. It was Yahweh’s. And if you get dementia anyway, you say, it was the Lord’s will. It’s best, I trust. Reverse Sanctification and Dementia Smedly Yates: A question came through, and really there were several facets that sort of get at the same kind of question. But people wondered, and this comes obviously from people who have worked hard to care for people with various forms of dementia. But it seems like Christians at times can experience what looks like reverse sanctification. Is that what’s going on there? Have people been abandoned by the Holy Spirit when behaviors change in mental decline. Jacob Hantla: Yeah, I think probably about five, six of you asked that question with very particular circumstances in mind. And the question doesn’t overstate the reality of what occurs. So reverse sanctification. Sanctification is the process of progressively being conformed to the image of Christ from the point of salvation, usually, and normally for a Christian, until the point when they finish well, die, and are taken home, and then glory. But that doesn’t always happen for Christians. The reality is sometimes in dementia, some Christians become more childlike in their faith. It’s not inevitable that your sanctification will reverse. And I don’t think that’s the right term. It’s the observed reality that we see. But sometimes their faith becomes more simple, but not less godly. They might tell the same stories over and over again. Or if you imagine sometimes what happens in dementia, your existence in the moment is separated from what’s gone before it. So you’re always disoriented. That’s terrifying. And so you see the Christian in those moments having a childlike trust questions that you feel bad for them, but they are trusting the Lord in a real way. But sometimes, and this is the words of Dr. John Dunlop, wrote a book on the Christian and dementia. He goes, dementia can indeed change personalities. It has transformed wonderful, loving, godly people into tyrants. And that happens. I’ve seen, you see somebody who was self-controlled loving. and as they progress into dementia, they curse. They use language that’s not befitting a Christian at all. There’s inappropriateness in all kinds of ways. And so what’s going on there? I think it’s helpful. I’m going to do another physiology lesson. Bear with me, I promise it’s worth it. It helps me. So there’s some types of dementia, especially that there’s one we talked about called frontotemporal. What does that mean? It’s the area of the brain in which it happens. And it changes the way that your brain physically works. So there’s an, I’m going to oversimplify a little bit. So, but this is, this is helpful. If you think of your prefrontal cortex, you might have heard that word because we joke. Teenagers, their prefrontal cortex isn’t fully developed. And that’s true. It’s why you don’t trust your kids to make life-altering decisions. But the prefrontal cortex is, you could think of it as the executive control center of your brain. It houses the part of your brain for abstract thought, concentration, working memory, and most critically, inhibition of inappropriate thoughts and actions. You and I do it all the time you think it’s like the breaks. There’s a filter on, thank God there’s a filter, right? Something comes to your mind and it doesn’t come out your mouth. Because of the prefrontal cortex, it overrides automatic impulsive thoughts. It helps you consider the consequences in the future before acting. It connects your current behaviors to the past experiences and your goals. And when that area is damaged, somebody has a really hard time choosing the appropriate behavior for the situation. The damage, it sort of removes the filter. There’s another thing, orbital frontal cortex. It’s just another area of your brain. You don’t need to know the big word. But what that is is that’s particularly critical for regulating social behavior. When that area of the brain gets damaged, like if you get a cancer to that area or a surgery that affects, that area instantly, that person can explain what appropriate social behavior is, but they don’t recognize when their behavior violates that. So it’s manifested by like just a list from a textbook that I looked up on this. It’s greeting strangers in an overly familiar manner, standing too close to others, inappropriate touching, being aware of social norms, like I said, but unaware that your behavior violates that, and that can go to extremes, sexual inappropriateness, language inappropriateness, and they’re just unaware. You and I, if we were to be saying that, it would be sin. In this case, it actually may represent a physical inability. So what’s going on there? I want to think about the brain and the believer. When the Holy Spirit expresses self-control in a believer. So, right, the fruit of the spirit is self-control. And I just said, well, self-control comes from the prefrontal cortex. So are we just our brains? No. When the Holy Spirit makes a believer new. And when the Holy Spirit controls that believer, he does it in a way through the working of our physiologic brain that enables us to submit to him, which means that he’s actually using our prefrontal cortex in a renewed way. I think it’s helpful. Open your Bible’s to Ephesians 5:18. I think this is really helpful. And there is an inner working between the way our brains and our most inner us, your soul, your mind, you’re who you are. There’s a working there that we, don’t truly understand, but that we can get glimpses into here. And I think that that, if we think of the way our brains in the working of the Holy Spirit to accomplish things like self-control, I think this is a helpful verse. Ephesians 5:18, do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery. And what’s that contrasted with? But be filled with the Holy Spirit, with the Spirit. So what does alcohol physically do? Alcohol in a person, it actually, you’re going to now see why I did this physiology lesson, it actually dramatically reduces prefrontal cortex activity. It takes the break off. It takes the filter off. You may still have the Holy Spirit, but the physiologic means that he uses to exercise control of, you would use to minimize your expressions of sin while in this body that’s falling apart, you’ve now chemically altered that. And so you have a lack of self-control, an impaired moral reasoning, increased risk-taking. Similarly, your orbital frontal cortex goes dysfunctional. That’s why I mentioned those two things. That happens with alcohol and anything that stimulates GABA receptors. That would be like benzodiazepines, some sleeping pills, some anti-enactylase, some anti-enactylase. anxiety meds, it can lead to social inappropriateness for those same reasons. Opioids. Research shows that chronic amphetamine and opioid use alters decision-making by ways that are very similar to focal damage to that orbital frontal cortex. You can see now chemicals interacting with your brain in a way that we’re used to seeing those people don’t act right. THC from marijuana, same thing, decreased brain volumes in chronic use, especially in the orbital frontal cortex. Sleep deprivation. Tons of breakdown, temporary, and the connection between amygdala, which is like your fighter flight, your stress area, and your prefrontal cortex connectivity. So sleep deprivation triggers this. You basically don’t have a brain. on your emotional regulation. So why am I going through all that? If we have the ability, it’s right for us to keep ourselves from breaking our brain intentionally. Don’t be drunk. Avoid chemicals that would alter those areas and make the expression of self-control more difficult or less likely. and you can actually, you see it in your kids when they’re unslept, more prone to sin. You see it in yourself. So imagine yourself with 48 hours without sleep, then drink a little bit of alcohol. You will become disinhibited, irritable, and be much more prone to sin. Don’t do that to yourself. But now what happens if that’s actually happening physically because areas of your brain are dying, they’re tangled up with proteins, or they’re otherwise that they can’t access the energy stores to function? That’s effectively what they’re, but they can’t sleep it off or sober up. It helps you be probably a little more understanding and maybe see that it’s not actually a reversing of sanctification, but rather, I think it’s a, well, let’s just turn to 2 Corinthians 4, and I think we’ll see what it is. You see that dementia can change behavior by damaging the brain’s physiologic instruments of restraint and judgment, but it’s not the same thing as the Holy Spirit moving out. sanctification isn’t stored in a lobe of the brain. You are more than your brain. It’s actually our brain is that part of us that’s wasting away. It’s not our inner man. So 2nd Corinthians 4:16, we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. day. This is helpful to remember in somebody whose outer self is falling apart, not just physically their body doesn’t work anymore, but their brain’s not working. This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. As we look not to the things that are seen, but the things that are unseen, the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. It’s really helpful. when we look at somebody with dementia and it looks like they’re becoming less and less Christian. I love the way John Piper says it. He has a helpful ask Pastor John on dementia. And he says, Paul’s telling us that weak, in glorious, demented shadow of a once strong Christian in front of us is on the brink of glory and power. You need to go into nursing homes and think that way. These people are on the brink of glory and power. We must keep this continuity in mind between diminished powers of human beings here and the spectacular powers that they’re going to have in the resurrection. It’s so important if we lose a sense of that continuity for the Christian, will assume that we are becoming less human rather than being on the brink of gloriously superhuman. So it’s helpful to see that your brain is the outer person that’s wasting away. And that isn’t necessarily connected to the what God has done in the most inner you. Confrontation, Rebuke, and Care for the Weak Smedly Yates: Given that reality, Jake, we think about somebody whose inhibitions are broken down. The manifest ability for self-control allows things in the heart to make their way out. Is there ever a place for confrontation, rebuke, encouragement, help for somebody who’s still living the Christian life, still susceptible to sin? At what level is it appropriate? How should we think about, you know, helping behavior and rotten speech and things like that? Jacob Hantla: Yeah, absolutely. There is. You have to recognize that the purpose of rebuke would be repentance, right? And just like with children and with all Christians, it’s really wise and necessary to discern when possible between sin and inability. The reality is that we can’t always do that. But before I go there, I want to get back to this question. Let’s think about ourselves and what we’re going to be prone to do with what I just said. I’m going to be prone, you might be prone, to say, well, I didn’t sin. It’s just my physiology that made me do it. You don’t get off the hook ever in the Bible because your physiology had a weakness. God uses our weakness and our physiology as the platform in which he demonstrates his power, and particularly his power over sin. Our brains, actually a significant part of why they’re weak and why they break like this, is because it’s a part of God’s judgment for us. Romans 1, right? We became futile in our thinking, and our minds were darkened as a result of our unwillingness to acknowledge God as God. We are not merely our brains, and yet the dysfunction of our brains is actually a significant part of the fall. God renews that. He changes that in the believer. And if you as a Christian say, I know where I am particularly vulnerable, maybe I’m heading down a path towards dementia, or maybe I have some particular weaknesses where I haven’t slept much this week. I just had back surgery. I know I’m going to be on an opioid for pain, and I know that I’m going to have a particular—even if you can’t say the area of your brain that’s going to not function right—you're going to say, all right, Jake taught me that I’m going to tend to act inappropriately towards people. I’m not going to view myself rightly. I’m going to have a lack of self-control. I better ask for help. I’m not going to justify sin, but I’m actually going to be more vigilant for it. Fight it more diligently and get people around me to help me fight it. So now let’s go to the question of, is it ever appropriate to rebuke a dementia patient? Let’s assume that person is a Christian. Go to 1 Thessalonians 5:14. If that person is a Christian and they are sinning, even if they’re not even aware of it, they’re going to say, will you please come to me and help me? I’m going to need help. We need to, as best we can, use the right tool for the situation. Discern weakness, faint-heartedness, and still don’t hesitate to admonish unruliness or idleness. So 1 Thessalonians 5:14: “We urge you, brothers, admonish the idle or the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak.” Do you see those three different instructions? Somebody might be expressing sin. All three of these might be evidences of—in all of these three cases—there might be somebody evidencing unbelief or something that needs turning, changing. And in one case, the tool is admonishment. In another, it’s actually help. And in the other, it’s encouragement. Now consider the person with dementia. Their brain is not functioning the way that yours is. They can’t connect their actions to what’s socially appropriate. They can’t connect their actions with the goals they’re aiming at. They might be unclear as to even the situation that they find themselves in, the context of their life. That’s a pitiable—in all the right ways—pitiable circumstance. That would tend to make that person fainthearted, very weak. What they probably need more than admonishment is help and encouragement. I love Poithress. This is from Piper and Grudem’s book, Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. He says, “Our privilege as Christ’s children altogether should stimulate rather than destroy our concern to treat each person in the church with the sensitivity and respect due to that person by reason of his age, gift, sex, leadership status, personality,” and I would add mental status. So how should you do this? With mild impairment, let’s just go down a category. If you had somebody with mild impairment—not all dementias, it’s not this catch-all where everybody’s all the same—you can have a mild impairment. Probably normal accountability. They’re going to tend to need more admonishment and help and encouragement, but be slower, be gentle, be more concrete. You’re probably not going to be able to string together three or four if-then statements to logically get them there. Make it simple. Sort of like when you’re admonishing your three-year-old, maybe your five-year-old, your seven-year-old. You still do it, but not in the same way that you would a 25-year-old or a 35-year-old. But then with moderate impairment, your correction probably becomes more redirection. Just simple statements of, “That’s not okay. Let’s go over here.” Change the environment. And then severe impairment, probably treat it more as symptom management, prioritizing safety, comfort. Simple statements still: “That’s not okay.” Like you would use for your one-year-old: “Use your hands for gentleness. We don’t speak like that. That doesn’t honor the Lord.” Normal Aging, Forgetfulness, and Dementia Smedly Yates: Statements like that. This is so helpful, Jake. I think partly because we don’t want to be in a position where we’re shocked and our black-and-white categories of sanctification, justification, get in the way of compassionate care and love for someone who is in a weakened state that needs help. It’s not dismissing sin, but just really helpful, compassionate care. I have a more personal question for you. Last evening, we had a number of friends in our home, and I got confused and thought that a dear sweet friend was somebody else altogether. And it occurred to me later, I asked a really strange question that didn’t make any sense to her at all. Do I have dementia? Jacob Hantla: I don’t think so. But you are getting older. There’s a forgetfulness that’s just a part of being human. And there is a forgetfulness that’s increasingly normal with age. Smedly Yates: You’re right behind me. You’re catching up. No, you’re not catching up, but you’re behind me. Jacob Hantla: Percentage-wise, I’m catching up, and I will never in an absolute, absolute way. So there’s normal aging, and some normal cognitive decline with aging is very different than actual dementia. So if you do have questions about that, it’s helpful. Regardless, if you just say, hey, I’m getting old. I’m not sleeping as well. Just as a result of not sleeping as well, as a result of just being weaker, maybe having more history behind you, some more stuff to forget, or whatever, you realize, hey, I don’t have dementia, but I’m not who I once was. That’s not a bad place to be. There’s a weakness there that’s helpful to get people around you to augment your weaknesses. How much more, if you were heading toward dementia. I promise I’ll tell you if I see it. You do the same for me. But regardless, you might or you might not. I don’t think you do. But let’s say that you’re saying, I forget stuff, do I have dementia? The second that you start thinking that, you’re probably not the right person to be making that call. It’s wise to get family members, elders, even medical professionals, doctors to assess: is this dementia? Is it a reversible cause? What’s the probability it’s going to accelerate? And then as you start seeing more and more likelihood that, yeah, this is progressing, start getting people around you to start relinquishing intentionally controls that you might have on your life. Can you double-check me on any purchases greater than X amount of money? Let’s go update the will. Let’s get you on a power of attorney. Invite them to take away the keys at the appropriate time. Even if you say that’s a long way from now, that’s a really humble way to invite, in a godly way, people who love you to be enabled to help you. Forgetting the Gospel and Childlike Faith Smedly Yates: Jake, can a believer forget the gospel in a mentally diminished state or not have the ability to articulate the gospel? Jacob Hantla: Yeah. They can. Memories are stored in our brain. And you might not have access to those memories even while you are saved. Right? That unbreakable chain of salvation will end in glorification from Romans chapter 8: all those whom he foreknew, and it gets all the way to glorification. And in the midst of that may be a trial like your memories are disconnected from you in a way that you can’t explain concepts like substitutionary atonement, you might not even remember that Jesus is your Savior, though he is. And so if somebody has forgotten those things, don’t tire of reminding them of those things. Because even if that memory can only stay with them for that one moment, it’s real. And it might help them endure that moment. It’s a really complex, I can’t say that we understand it at all. But God does. There’s a complex relationship between our thoughts, our memories, how those connect to our actions, and what our ultimate status before God that’s normally expressed through faith. And you can’t have faith without trusting in Jesus. So how can somebody who doesn’t even know who Jesus is trust in him? I’m just going to say I’m not God. God knows. And when you are in your right mind, if you do, that’s evidence of God’s work in you. Because nobody can say Jesus is Lord apart from, in me, and being it, apart from God changing them, saving them, making them new. And so if their brain breaks, and they no longer are able to say that in the same way, I don’t think that’s going to be devastating because they weren’t saved on the merit of faith, but they were saved by grace through the exercise of faith. That faith may look different now. But it’s helpful to think of what kind of people go into the kingdom. Like the disciples, when the children were coming, and they said, no, don’t let them near. And Jesus says, no, it’s, it’s that kind of person who gets into the kingdom. Don’t think that those, faith doesn’t have to be complex. Faith doesn’t have to be well reasoned out. That doesn’t mean that you have an excuse not to think. Peter says, add to your faith knowledge, right? We are expected to grow in faith. I’d love to hear you expound on this, Smed. But there’s a childlikeness of faith that actually in your dementia, you might be able to express that. In your arrogance, maybe in your self-trusting when your faculties are working, it may actually be God’s means of separating you from your strength, because when we’re weak, we’re strong in him, that we don’t get to see all the interplay of that, but we may be a means moment by moment of reminding the Christian who forgot who Jesus was of who he is. Smedly Yates: I think that’s so helpful. The weakest place you will ever be in life are at your last moments on the earth. No matter how it is you go out of this life. Just last night I was working through the details of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15. And listen to this, Paul is comparing the resurrection to a seed sown into the ground and then what comes out afterwards. And there are different levels of glory from sun, moon to stars, different kinds of bodies, fish, and other things. But not everybody’s the same. But every human being who faces physical mortality ends life here and then experiences resurrection, every one of us will experience the most profound weaknesses in the last moments. And here’s how Paul describes it. The body is sown, placed into the ground like a seed, corruptible. Subject to absolute humiliating corruption, raised incorruptible. No longer ever subject to corruption. And when we think about brain deterioration, that word corruption is weighty. Sown in dishonor. The last moments of anyone’s physicality are the most dishonorable. Stripped of power, stripped of strength, stripped of dignity, but raised in glory. And Jake, what you shared earlier about somebody being on the brink of the kind of glory that C.S. Lewis described—if we were to see a resurrected saint now we’d be tempted to fall down and worship them or run away in abject terror. We just have no idea what this glory is like on this side of it. But we go from the lowest, most undignified, most powerless spot in our earthly existence in those last moments. And he goes on and says, put in the ground in weakness, raised in power, put in the ground natural, raised supernatural. And so the earthy is first and then the spiritual. And so it’s just helpful to think about not being surprised when someone is at their most profoundly weak, not just physically but mentally, end-of-life scenarios. Jacob Hantla: Yeah, it’s profoundly humbling. And it makes us want to say, I don’t want to be there. Can I avoid that? Okay. I mean, do your best. And ultimately God may bring us there in a way that all of us, sometimes our last moments are momentary, sometimes our last moments of that corruptible humiliation last a really long time. In this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on, we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, this physical body that’s falling apart, we groan, being burdened. Not that we would be unclothed. It’s not merely saying, hey, let’s take this thing off, but that we would be further clothed so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. It’s not even worth comparing. And so if that’s the way that God has to be glorified in us—to go back to that first question—okay, I’ll do that. It’s light and momentary, even if it lasts a long time. And even if I’m not even able in the moment to contemplate what time is, it’s humiliating. And you know what? I’m going to ask the Lord to take that from me. I’m going to say, God, please don’t. That’s an okay prayer. That’s similar to what Paul prayed and said in 2 Corinthians 12. And Jesus says, no, my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. And if Jesus says that to you, Christian, you can say, okay, I’m going to be content with weaknesses. And man, if you get to care for somebody in their weak moments there, it’s helpful to have these things in mind to know they’re on the brink of glory. Marriage, Roles, and Dementia Smedly Yates: I want to move to a practical and theological question related to roles, thinking particularly about husbands and wives honoring biblical roles in marriage, particularly when a husband is experiencing mental decline and dementia. How does a wife caring for a husband honor those roles with a diminished ability? Jacob Hantla: Yeah, that’s a really helpful question. I loved thinking through this. Smedly Yates: I came up with it myself. No. Several people asked. I just wrote it down. Jacob Hantla: You did. I think we want to avoid two opposite errors. One is a view of submission and leadership as a rigid subservience. If a husband can’t lead, the wife can’t act. Or on the other side, a role evaporation. That illness or inability cancels biblical patterns. Both of those would be absolutely wrong. Did you get that? One would be if the husband can’t lead, then the wife shouldn’t be able to act. And if the husband can’t lead because of inability, role distinction, that God set out that is grounded in creation order, not in ability, right? Men aren’t pastors because we’re better at it or smarter at all or better teachers. That’s not where God grounds it. But in his purposes. And so it’s helpful. If we think about what femininity is, so we’re helping a wife whose husband is just incapable of leading in the ways that she wishes he could, a heart that longs to follow. You think of 1 Peter 3:4. The adorning for the woman is in the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. Normally, that’s going to be expressed through submitting to husbands, to their leadership, even in ways, as long as their leadership—for unbelievers, as long as their leadership doesn’t lead them to go against the Lord—even submitting to that with a gentle and quiet spirit. That’s going to play itself out differently for a husband who can’t lead through inability or poor decision-making due to brain decline. You go to Proverbs 31. This breaks the category of a submissive wife as one who’s subservient and just says, “Tell me exactly what to do, so I only do that thing.” No, an excellent wife who can find, she’s far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her. He will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not harm all the days of her life. You see right there a husband who can trust his wife, whose wife is working for his good and not harm, that’s a wife who’s embraced godly roles. It’s not a wife, it’s not neediness that she expresses, but productivity and care. Jump forward to verse 15 of Proverbs 31. She rises while it is yet night, provides food for her household, portions for her maidens, she considers a field and buys it, the fruit of her hand, she plants a vineyard, she dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable, her lamp does not go out at night. This is a woman who can work, who can work hard, but very different from that which feminists would say, hey, a woman who doesn’t need a man, a woman who functions for her own good, depart from him, but this is a woman who’s functioning strong for the good of her husband. And her husband trusts, she, verse 27, looks to the ways of her household. She doesn’t eat the bread of idleness. Children and her husband call her blessed and praise her. Charm is deceitful, beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. This biblical femininity is rooted in fear of the Lord, love of her husband, not a desire to dominate over the husband, but to come alongside as a God-given helper to build him up, that can be demonstrated in very unique, very God-glorifying ways with a husband whose mind is increasingly not working. It’s fundamentally a disposition to honor and support the husband voluntarily and gladly. Leadership often involves delegation. So, husbands: if you’re heading that way, plan in advance for the kinds of ways so that your wife, even when you can no longer give your preferences, she knows, and it seems like in the moment, she’s actually working against it when you no longer understand what’s going on. She’s actually able to follow. So it’s good and right for the wife to be productive, capable, in a way that might look independent, but with a hard attitude that supports. So anticipate that. I want to give a personal example. This is actually hard and a little bit embarrassing. So dementia is different than delirium. Delirium is something that’s short-term, usually from a cause. You see it in elderly when they get like UTIs. You can see it from medications. Post-surgery, I see it all the time with anesthesia. As many of you guys know, I spent a long time in the hospital with Burkitt lymphoma. I was getting a lot of chemo. They stick a needle in my spine, give me chemo directly into my cerebral spinal fluid around my brain. I was on tons of pain medication and all kinds of other medications that did weird things to my brain. I don’t remember this time, but there was apparently a few days—I remember bits and pieces of it—where I was out of my mind. I at one point apparently tried to hit Kiki. I took all my clothes off and tried to go in the hall at the hospital. Kiki was a loving, submissive, supportive wife by helping me not do that. I am very grateful for her tearfully persevering, guarding me from myself as my brain was failing me. At that point, thankfully, in a reversible way. But she was not stepping out of her God-ordained role by saying, “No, Jake, you cannot go in the hall naked. No, Jake, you cannot hit me. Jake, get in bed,” and even physically and chemically restraining me for a time. That was a gracious expression of role differentiation that I think honored the Lord and honored me. I remember also, just husbands to wives, me at the—I was reading my vows this morning from almost 25 years ago. I wrote in those vows. And I’d encourage you guys to think through that now. And singles, as you’re thinking through marriage, think through what it might mean in all the different stages. I said, “I pray that as we grow old together, our love will grow stronger because we are together growing as one closer to Christ. I commit myself to loving you, even when your beautiful body is gone, even when your mind is not sharp, even when you do not recognize who I am. No matter what the cost to me, I will be married to you until God takes you.” And that’s what it means. That love isn’t in it for what the other one can give. It’s not self-seeking. It actually seeks the good of the other. So have this mind in you, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped after, but he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being found in human form. He did that all the way to the point of death, death on the cross. That’s what husbands are called to. That’s what all of us are called to. So thinking, I am above changing this diaper or correcting my spouse for the thousand and seventy-second time this week. Stooping that low is nothing compared to our Savior’s humble condescension to us. And so you actually are embracing God-given roles as a Christian when we help and endure and love our spouse to the very end. Honoring Parents and End-of-Life Care Smedly Yates: And that’s a great segue, Jake. When I think about what you just described, our parents did those very things for us when we were helpless. There may come a time where those roles are reversed and we’re helping our parents in their end-of-life situations. I’m going to ask you a series of questions that came in and you can answer whichever ones you want. I’ll try to go faster so we get through them. Maybe. Maybe we do a part 17 of this series, whatever. But I’m thinking about the command, the prohibition, do not sharply rebuke an older man. And the positive commands honor your father and mother. Those commands don’t expire. And when I think about don’t sharply rebuke an older man, there ought to be an elevated view of those who have walked this life longer than we have. We’ve lost that in an American culture, right? Tribal cultures have kept that in some ways. Other places, other cultures have kept that. We just sort of disregard the elderly as a new cultural phenomenon. And, you know, the word euthanasia, the beginning of the word is, is eu or good and thanasia, thanos, death. Good death. It’s not good. And we don’t discard people when they’re no longer of utilitarian purpose. But that is where our culture is going. And Christians must look very different. So when we think about how do we gently, compassionately, lovingly honor God, honor our parents, loving them through end-of-life scenarios. Here’s a series of questions. How do I honor those relationships when compassionate care, sometimes correction, help the 1,077th time. Dad, use your words. Don’t use your hand. You know, whatever it is. Give me the keys. How do we do that and honor them in our disposition? Number two, is it sin to employ the resources of home health care or a live-in situation, a retirement community, etc.? And then what do we need to think about with end-of-life scenarios? Yeah. That’s a lot of questions. Let’s go. Jacob Hantla: Let’s go. So I think honoring your parents means, first off, it’s a disposition of the heart, but it’s a disposition of the heart that is connected to meeting their physical needs. You went to 1 Timothy 5. Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but encourage him as you would a father. And then dot that dot, second, verse 2, older women as mothers. And then it rolls into, let’s think of widows who are truly widows. Open to 1 Timothy 5. This is maybe a section that you’re like, you might not read this honor widows who are truly widows section, thinking it applies to you. It does. And I think in it is the answer to this question, or at least a significant part of it. Verse four, the thought here is the church needs to take care of widows, but don’t do so in a way that robs a family of the responsibility and need to take care of their own parents. So look at verse four. If a widow has children or even grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household. And now look at this three part: make some return to their parents. So rooted in just a mom, dad, thank you for however many years of my life. You changed my diapers and fed me and looked after every need. It’s okay if my career is messed up because I have to have you in my home and I have to go take care of you. That is, do you see what it says? That is actual showing of godliness. I love what you just said. It’s so different than the culture. The culture might do this in a way that Christians have to be sharply different than. It is godliness to make return for the way that your parents cared for you. Number two, this is pleasing in the sight of God. You don’t do it out of social obligation—well, who else is going to do it? They don’t have enough insurance. Or even if they do have insurance and you do get the privilege of having live-in help. No, you are seeking to please the Lord as you make return to them. This is pleasing. Yeah, and then the third was, yeah, so godliness, make return to their parents. It’s please the Lord. Take care of your parents. Meet the needs. And if you don’t, verse 8, do you see what it says? If anyone does not provide for relatives, especially members of his household, do you see what you’re saying? You have denied the faith and you are worse than an unbeliever. This is what James is referring to in chapter 2. That’s a faith that’s dead being by itself. The religion, end of James 1, the true religion, takes care of orphans and widows in their distress. How much more are your parents? So, yes, take care of your parents. You have to. It’s a great privilege. It’s actually God’s ordained means of living out godliness. So can you send your parents to a care home? Does that mean you have to maximally sacrifice? Not necessarily. It doesn’t mean that you have to perform every task. Neglect is sin, but using help may be wisdom. The reality is dementia needs are often 24-7. They involve skilled needs at times. They may wander, fall, be incontinent, unsafe swallowing. Care at home at all costs—that may be rooted in love. It may also be rooted in pride or even foolishness. Honor can actually look like choosing a good facility, visiting often, advocating, overseeing care. Encourage the church to be involved, but don’t demand the church do the work at you avoiding it. I don’t remember what the other questions were. Smedly Yates: That’s all right. We got one minute left, Jake. Would you close our time in prayer? Closing Prayer Jacob Hantla: God, thank you for your word and just how replete it is with wisdom and principles and instruction and most of all revelation of who you are and what pleases you. God, I pray from this and just from this lesson and all the trials that you bring us through related to dementia and so many others that you would increasingly form us each individually and then corporately as your body. Form us into your image. Increase our godliness and then, God, bring us safely home. We love you. Be glorified in our lives and in our church. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. The post Equipping Hour: Dementia and the Christian Q&A appeared first on Grace Bible Church.

Preaching and Teaching
#798 - Learning to Pray, Discern Truth, and Live Fully Submitted to Christ

Preaching and Teaching

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 52:03


Her Faith Inspires Podcast
Ep 325: The Comfort Trap: How to Discern Trials, Consequences, and Compromise

Her Faith Inspires Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2026 45:54


How do we know if what we're walking through is a trial God is using to refine us—or a consequence of our own sin? In this episode, we take a biblical look at suffering, discernment, and the subtle danger of the comfort trap. We'll talk about why our desire for comfort can sometimes lead us to compromise, how Scripture helps us distinguish trials from consequences, and what God actually promises when it comes to comfort. If you've ever wondered why life feels hard—or questioned what God is doing in the middle of it—let's talk about it!  Join my Worldview in 3 Minutes Newsletter  Find Shanda www.shandafulbright.com Instagram & Facebook: @shandafulbright Email: hello@shandafulbright.com Free Resources: https://shandafulbright.com/links YouTube: http://bit.ly/ShandaYT2021 Store: www.Shandafulbright.com/shop  

A Word Fitly Spoken
How to Discern Christian Nationalism

A Word Fitly Spoken

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2026


Have you heard the term, Christian Nationalism? What is it, and what do Christian Nationalists believe? It is a movement that has become more prevalent in the past year or two, and it’s a discussion that a lot of people are having right now. Join us as we give a top-level overview to explain and […]

Dad Tired
Dad Tired Daily 006: Are You Resting… or Just Checking Out?

Dad Tired

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2026 6:23


How do you know if you're actually resting… or just checking out?In today's Dad Tired Daily, Jerrad talks about the difference between restorative, soul-level rest and numbing behaviors that help us escape but don't actually restore us.Most men aren't lazy — they're tired. And when we don't know how to rest, we reach for things that temporarily quiet the noise but leave us more exhausted the next day.This episode will help you:Discern rest vs. numbing in everyday lifeUnderstand why numbing works short-term but drains you long-termLearn what real, boring, restorative rest actually looks likePractice a simple way to help your soul slow downInspired by Psalm 23 and Jesus' invitation to rest.Rested men lead their families well.

Dharmaseed.org: dharma talks and meditation instruction
Dawn Neal: Guided Meditation and Dharmette: Connect, Sustain, Discern, Let Go

Dharmaseed.org: dharma talks and meditation instruction

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2026 43:13


(Insight Santa Cruz)

MORNING, MAMA | Heal From the Past, Parent with Purpose, and Live Out Your Calling - Mental Health, Biblical Parenting, Chris

Are you ready for change—but feeling overwhelmed about where to start? You know something needs to shift this year. Maybe it's your spiritual life, your marriage, your mental health, or simply how you're showing up day to day. But when you try to decide what to work on first, everything feels equally important… and equally exhausting. In today's episode, we move beyond inspiration and into practical action. This is the next step in our Wonder series, where we take the declarations you made in previous episodes and finally put hands and feet to them. Because while mindset matters, real transformation happens when faith meets intentional action. In this episode, I walk you through a clear, prayerful, step-by-step process to help you: Identify the one area God is inviting you to focus on right now Stop trying to change everything at once (and burning out) Discern what habits to add, what to drop, and what actually fits your season Invite God into your decision-making instead of relying on pressure or comparison Choose 1–3 realistic next steps that lead to lasting change This is not a “feel good and forget it in two weeks” kind of episode. This is a grab-a-pen, pause-the-podcast, let's-do-this-together kind of episode. love, Brittany    Ready to become a peaceful wife and Mama? Sign Up for the Pain to Peace Academy HERE. Come say hi and join the Morning Mama Facebook Group! I would love to hear your story and know your name.    ALL THE LINKS FOR ALL THE THINGS! Morning Mama Website Pain to Peace Academy Morning Mama Facebook Group Follow Us on Instagram Find a Restoration Therapist Come say hi by emailing hello@morningmamapodcast.com

The Influential Personal Brand Podcast
You Are Your Niche: How to Turn Life Lessons into Leads

The Influential Personal Brand Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2026 43:24


How Niche Is Too Niche? Crafting a Story That Converts, Not Just Connects Most people stumble when asked, "What do you do?" But in today's crowded marketplace, a vague story doesn't sell—it stalls. In this episode, AJ and Rory Vaden break down how to clarify your story, define your audience, and convert conversations into clients. You'll learn how to: Identify your niche through your personal story—not the other way around Discern which version of your past self you're best positioned to serve Create a simple but powerful elevator pitch that moves people to action Use the "six-foot rule" to uncover hidden offline opportunities Avoid the trap of telling stories that connect but don't convert Whether you're speaking on stage, posting online, or standing in line at Starbucks—this episode will help you master the art of storyselling and turn everyday moments into meaningful business growth.

Java with Jen
278 | The WORD for 2026 : God is Removing the Limitations w/ Jenilee Samuel

Java with Jen

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2026 31:33


GRAB THE PROPHETIC NEW YEAR PLANNER, FREE DOWNLOAD HERE: subscribepage.io/NewYearPlannerGET IT PRINTED FOR YOU ON AMAZON: https://a.co/d/6xKetjn----------------------------------------------------Every year has a spiritual pace. A word that hovers over it, pregnant with promise for the new season.In this episode, I share the prophetic word God gave me for 2026—a word meant to birth promise, bring alignment, and establish vision for how you can move forward with Him in the year ahead.This is not a reaction to current events or a pep-talk message.It is a prophetic word meant to help you understand how God is leading, what He is addressing, and what posture is welcomed as you enter 2026.This Episode Will Help You:Understand the spiritual tone and direction of 2026 as I'm hearing it from the Lord (it's not the only thing He is saying, but it is AN invitation)Discern where misalignment, fear, or limitation may be shaping your life experiencesRecognize what God is inviting you into in the coming yearShift from limitation, confinement and pressure into trust, freedom, and peace with GodEnter 2026 with a clear internal compass instead of confusion or anxietyI also lead listeners through a guided prayer of alignment, helping you release what no longer belongs in the new season and respond to God's leadership with faith and surrender.If you've been sensing that something is changing, that God is calling you to move differently, or that the next year requires a new posture—this episode will help you set your footing before you take your next steps.GRAB THE PROPHETIC NEW YEAR PLANNER, FREE DOWNLOAD HERE: subscribepage.io/NewYearPlannerGET IT PRINTED FOR YOU ON AMAZON: https://a.co/d/6xKetjnCONNECT WITH JEN: IG: www.instagram.com/javawithjenEmail: jen@javawithjenpodcast.comMAKE A value-for-value DONATION TO THE PODCAST:PAYPAL GIVING LINK:https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7B647DMFXD5L8VENMO: @JavawithJenCASHAPP: $JavawithJen

Your Daily Prayer Podcast
A Prayer to Discern How to Spend Your Time

Your Daily Prayer Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2025 8:21 Transcription Available


Life is filled with endless choices, responsibilities, and opportunities—yet time remains limited. Whether you’re facing a full to-do list, standing at a crossroads, or simply longing for your days to feel purposeful, God invites you to seek His wisdom. James 1:5 assures us that when we ask God for guidance, He gives generously and without judgment. Honoring God with our time begins by going to Him first—listening, waiting, and trusting His direction. Even when clarity feels delayed, we can rest in the confidence that God is at work and will guide each step as we surrender our plans to Him. Main Takeaways You’ll learn why discerning how to spend your time begins with seeking God’s wisdom. Discover how waiting on God can sometimes be the most faithful response. Understand why uncertainty doesn’t mean failure, but often invites deeper trust. Reflect on how God works through both action and stillness to accomplish His will. Be encouraged that when you are in Christ, God redeems and guides every moment. Bible Verse References James 1:5 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/james/1-5.html Romans 8:28 (referenced conceptually) – https://www.biblestudytools.com/romans/8-28.html Your Daily Prayer Dear Lord, You are sovereign over my time, my choices, and my days. Teach me to seek Your wisdom daily and surrender my plans to You. When I feel uncertain, help me wait patiently and trust that You are working even in the silence. Guide my steps, shape my decisions, and use every moment of my life for Your glory. Thank You for promising to lead me with generosity and grace.In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily encouragement and biblical wisdom. Leave a rating or review to help others discover the podcast. Visit LifeAudio.com for more Christ-centered podcasts. Explore faith, life, and spiritual growth articles at Crosswalk.com and Christianity.com. Relevant Links & Resources Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes by Keri Eichberger – available on Amazon and major online retailers Study today’s Scripture passages at:BibleStudyTools.com – https://www.biblestudytools.com Christian living and devotional resources:Crosswalk.com – https://www.crosswalk.comChristianity.com – https://www.christianity.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.