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In the Zone is an in-depth question-and-answer session about a wide range of scriptural topics.In The Zone | June 2026 | Part 2• Am I responsible for how others perceive me?• Compassion, empathy, and co-dependence • Is my creativity productive?• Why is the Christian path easier than the path of the Torah?• True apologies • David eating the set-apart bread (1 Sam 21:1-6)• How to do Shabbat on a cruise• Were Moses' brother and sister racists? (Numbers 12)• Why didn't Elohim forgive these people? (Numbers 14:40)• Are we required to tithe garden produce?• Calming the storm in you • Saying the words without truly meaning them• Discerning between Yahweh and ourselves • Am I using wisdom in these situations?• The method doesn't matter; only that they killed Him• I feel guilty for haggling • Is there any truth to NDEs (near-death experiences)?• Taking a loan from your 2nd tithe?• Can I play with my children on Shabbat?• Is day-trading like gambling, which is wrong? Listen to In The Zone | June 2026 | Part 1Subscribe to be notified of new content each week.Learn more about MTOI:https://mtoi.orgThe MTOI App https://mtoi.org/download-the-mtoi-appFollow MTOI:https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwidehttps://www.tiktok.com/@mtoi_worldwide Contact MTOI:
Episode 6 – Know your Weapons pt. 1 – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare with Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D In this episode of Put on the Armor: A Manual for Spiritual Warfare, Kris McGregor and Dr. Paul Thigpen begin a rich discussion on one of the most hopeful themes in the spiritual life: the weapons ... Read more The post POA6 – Know your Weapons pt. 1 – Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D. – Discerning Hears Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Messy Family Podcast : Catholic conversations on marriage and family
Family life is full of competing needs, responsibilities, and relationships. And sometimes there isn't one obvious "right" answer. Summary In this listener questions episode, Mike, Alicia, and Katie tackle some of the complicated situations real families are facing: What should a mom do when her teenage son starts turning to Dad instead of her? How do you discern where your family should live? Should you move if your spouse is unhappy but your children are thriving? How do you honor your parents while putting your spouse first? They also discuss life with a large family in a small house, sibling bickering, extracurriculars, protecting family dinners, and caring for aging parents from far away. Through all of these questions runs one important truth: you can't eliminate every tension or make everyone happy. The goal is to discern what God is asking of you, protect the unity of your marriage, and confidently lead the family He has entrusted to you. **In this episode:** Connecting with teenage sons as their relationship with Dad changes * Discerning where God is calling your family to live * Balancing the needs of your spouse and children * "Leaving and cleaving" while still honoring your parents * Making small spaces work for large families * Handling sibling bickering and extracurricular overload * Protecting family time in the middle of sports and activities * Loving and caring for aging parents from a distance For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/
In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, Dr. V sits down with Jill Schulman, former United States Marine Corps officer, positive psychology researcher trained at the University of Pennsylvania under Martin Seligman, and globally recognized keynote speaker on the science of bravery. Jill shares her remarkable journey from a small town in Minnesota to the Marine Corps, how she discovered bravery as her life's work, and the evidence-based framework she now teaches leaders and organizations around the world. This conversation dives deep into the psychology of fear, why avoidance destroys potential, how action actually creates confidence (not the other way around), and why the next generation needs more discomfort, not less. In this episode, we cover: The Five to Thrive rapid-fire game show segment Jill's origin story: from small-town Minnesota to the United States Marine Corps How studying positive psychology at Penn led to her focus on bravery The Marine Corps lesson: act when you have 70% of the information, not 100% Why bravery is a trainable skill just like building strength in the gym Discerning between fears you should listen to and fears you should move toward The hidden cost of experiential avoidance (and its link to anxiety and depression) The Navy SEAL confidence course story and why action precedes confidence Discipline vs. motivation and why you should never "press snooze" Marcus Buckingham's "red threads" and how to follow what lights you up How fear shows up in business: difficult conversations and safe goal-setting Why young people need to feel fear more, not less (the biosphere palm tree analogy) What leaders must do: set high expectations and support people to rise Jill is offering a free audiobook to listeners. Just send her a message on LinkedIn or Instagram and her team will send you the link. You can also learn more about her keynote speaking and work at jillschulman.com. If this episode lit a fire in you, share it with someone who's been waiting for permission to be brave, and don't forget to subscribe to the Thrive State Podcast for more conversations that help you thrive. Follow Doctor V https://instagram.com/doctorvmd Get the #1 bestselling book Thrive State https://thrivestatebook.com Download the FREE Longevity & Human Potential Starter Guide https://thrivestatestarter.com Join the Thrive State Membership https://mythrivestate.com/join Learn more about Jhourney retreats: www.jhourney.io
In this heartfelt episode, Amy sits down with Grace and Eric Morrison to explore the beauty of family life rooted in faith, intentionality, and trust in God's plan. They share their journey through marriage, raising six biological children, adopting their youngest daughter from Ukraine, and nurturing a home where prayer, service, and joy were woven into everyday life.They reflect on practical rhythms that kept their family united like family dinner and the rosary, celebrating feast days, welcoming priests into their home, and making faith feel natural and joyful rather than pressured. The conversation also dives into homeschooling, discerning vocations, and the delicate balance of supporting children while remaining open to the unique path God may call each one to follow.You can connect with Grace here https://www.gracemorrisoncoaching.com/
[Link to Pastor Peter's Sermon Notes] In this inspiring episode, Pastor Peter declares that we have entered a "season of the nearness of the Lord," a timely message coinciding with the 299th anniversary of the Moravian Pentecost and its legacy of spiritual renewal. Grounded in 1 Peter 2:1-5, the sermon challenges believers to put away malice and hypocrisy, longing instead for the "pure spiritual milk" of the Word to grow into the fullness of their salvation. Pastor Peter explains that as we come to Jesus—the living stone chosen by God—we are transformed from isolated "piles of rocks" into living stones built together into a spiritual house and a holy priesthood. By emphasizing the importance of connecting with and mentoring the younger generation for future strength, he encourages the church to move from "mourning" into a new "morning" of joy, keeping their "cowboy boots on" to stand firm in their faith as salt and light. Ultimately, this message serves as a corporate recommissioning to prioritize the presence of Christ, reminding us that because "greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world" (Mark 16:15), we can confidently offer spiritual sacrifices and experience a powerful move of God that brings supernatural fruit to our region.
“Discerning and Testing" is a stand-alone sermon from 1 John 4:1-6. This sermon was preached by Elder Allen Cohen on Sunday, August 16th, 2026, during the Covenant Renewal Worship Service at Cross & Crown Church in Warrenton, Virginia. Learn more about our church and mission at www.crosscrownchurch.com.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. —Romans 12:2, ESV
Pastor Ryan continues the new sermon series titled "Discerning the Times" as he preaches a message titled "The Snares of the Enemies" during this Sunday evening service.
Pastor Ryan continues the sermon series titled "Discerning the Times" as he preaches a message titled "The Truth Shall Make You Free" during this Sunday morning service.
Cleveland Browns safety Daniel Thomas joins the show with Matt Forte to talk about faith, football and impacting the community for Christ. TOPICS: (01:36) - Being Drafted in 2020 Covid(03:34) - Playing football in empty stadiums in 2020(06:30) - Finding identy and purpose beyond football(12:01) - How Auburn shaped his journey(15:20) - Having godly friends(18:02) - Cleveland for Christ(23:23) - Favorite on the field football moment(27:47) - Discerning the Lord's voice(32:55) - Posting devotional content on Instagram(35:28) - Who is Jesus to Daniel Thomas today?Have a question? Got a guest suggestion? Want to advertise with us? Email us - jason@sportsspectrum.comWATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:https://www.youtube.com/SportsSpectrumMagazineSign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15https://www.theincrease.com/products/sports-spectrum-magazine Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/
Grab the Guide ... FREE! If you've spent years thinking the problem with planning is you — too scattered, too inconsistent, not disciplined enough — this guide is FOR YOU! Visit https://takecontroladhd.com/planwithadhd and get started today!--- We're on summer break, so this week is a Revisit: a favorite conversation pulled back out of the archive. In this one, Pete and Nikki put on their detective hats to break down an ADHD challenge.The idea is simple. "I can't focus" or "I can't follow through" is too big and vague to solve, so the episode is about investigating what's actually getting in your way and finding the specific roadblock underneath. There's a memorable South Park metaphor involved, plus a practical, low-pressure approach to trying one strategy at a time and keeping track of what works. An encouraging, useful listen, whether it's your first time or a return trip.Links & NotesDr. Dodge Rea's podcast, The Change Paradox, on TruStory FM — and Nikki's guest appearance, Nikki Kinzer and The ADHD Paradox.How to ADHD with Jessica McCabe — the channel behind the motivation video that sparked this conversation (YouTube).Come join the ADHD Discord community.Support the show on Patreon.Tools mentioned in the episode: OmniFocus, OmniGraffle, MindNode, Todoist, and Day One.South Park's "Gnomes" — the origin of the underpants gnomes. (00:00) - Welcome to The ADHD Podcast (02:20) - Check out Nikki on The Change Paradox (03:48) - Skunkface (08:19) - Listener Question: Striking out as an Entrepreneur? (15:28) - Breaking Down an ADHD Challenge (23:38) - Underpants Gnomes (28:36) - Discerning the "Why" ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
I'd love to hear from you! Take this podcast survey for your chance to win a $100 West Coast Catholic gift card. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts with me! xx, MariThis week's episode is a re-run from 2024 with Trey! We sat down for a late-night Q&A and ended up talking about everything from discerning marriage and navigating the early years together to prayer, chastity, NFP, and infertility. There are definitely some fun questions in here too, so I hope you enjoy listening!------Episode SponsorsCrunchi - crunchi.com/mariwagnerWest Coast Catholic - westcoastcatholic.co------Follow Along:Ever Be Podcast InstagramMari Wagner Instagram West Coast Catholic Instagram
The walk of life, why is it so hard to learn?
Monday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time - A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast The post Monday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Monday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time - A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast The post Monday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
The Church is the Family of God. Family means something different to a lot of people in the world than what God originally meant for it to be. The Church, is also seen through the eyes of the Apostle Paul, as a body. We cannot function properly if the body is not working in harmony with itself. When families and our physical bodies do not work in harmony that is usually considered a dysfunctional family or a sick body. If that is so, then we need to discern the body. Which means we need to go to God and ask Him what is going on. Why are we sick and dysfunctional, and then allow the Holy Spirit to show us so, we can discern the body properly and get back to what He has called the Church, Family of God, to do in the world.
The Church is the Family of God. Family means something different to a lot of people in the world than what God originally meant for it to be. The Church, is also seen through the eyes of the Apostle Paul, as a body. We cannot function properly if the body is not working in harmony with itself. When families and our physical bodies do not work in harmony that is usually considered a dysfunctional family or a sick body. If that is so, then we need to discern the body. Which means we need to go to God and ask Him what is going on. Why are we sick and dysfunctional, and then allow the Holy Spirit to show us so, we can discern the body properly and get back to what He has called the Church, Family of God, to do in the world.
Is your Christian walk a solo journey, or are you thriving in community? Rev. Obeng reveals how true spiritual transformation; demolishing the old man and building the new, requires authentic fellowship and the daily discipline of the school of the Spirit. Tune in to learn how to discern God's voice and live a victorious, connected life.
This week, we offer an exclusive For the Journey conversation between Rev. Bill Haley and Dr. Margot Eyring, Coracle's Spiritual Direction Coordinator. They discuss the ins and outs of Spiritual Direction both for recipients and for practitioners. If you've ever considered finding a spiritual director or becoming one, we hope you find this conversation helpful!Learn More About Spiritual Direction through CoracleView Our Complete Archive of “Space for God” Prayer Practicesinthecoracle.org | @inthecoracleSupport the showFor the Journey is a resource of the Coracle Center of Formation for Action and is made possible through the generous support of men and women across the globe.
John 8:39-59 Our sermon text this morning is John 8:39-59. In the provided pew Bibles, you can find that on page 1063. This is a continuation of Jesus' dialog with the Pharisees. In our verses last week, Jesus told them that true disciples would know the truth and the truth would set them free. Remember, he was speaking about knowing him and being set free from slavery to sin. Well, the Pharisees did not think they were enslaved to anything. Because they were physical descendants of Abraham, they believed they were in right standing before God. In response, Jesus made it absolutely clear that they were not true sons but rather slaves. Jesus alluded to the fact that they had a different father. As I read, be listening for who their father truly was. Reading of John 8:39-59 Prayer I'm not proud of this, but when I was in elementary school, I often did not want to listen to my sister. And so, I would plug my ears and sometimes I would also say over and over "I can't hear you. I can't hear you." By the way, that had the side effect of irritating her. Honestly, it was very immature. I'm thankful for the Lord's work in my heart over time. But it is true that sometimes we just don't want to listen. We don't literally plug our ears, but we sometimes walk away or just dismiss everything that someone else says. We see that on display in public. Sometimes, people walk out of speeches on purpose like at college graduations. Other times, people heckle to distract the speaker and prevent other people from hearing. Honestly, those tactics say more about the people protesting than the one speaking. Well, in our verses today, it's as if the Pharisees had their ears plugged. They did not want to listen to anything that Jesus said. Jesus even pointed that out to them. Look at verse 43. He said, "you cannot bear to hear my words." And at the end of verse 47, Jesus said, "The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God." That's pretty intense. Really, this whole dialog, as you heard, is very intense. In fact, in the narrative arc of John's Gospel, chapter 8 is the climax of the verbal conflict between Jesus and the Jews. It began back in chapter 5 when Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath. It continued in chapter 6 when Jesus claimed to be the manna from heaven because he is the Son of God. It escalated in chapter 7 when Jesus declared that he was living water bringing eternal life. And now in chapter 8, Jesus and the Pharisees have come to this heated confrontation. To be sure, I'm not saying that these verses are the climax of the conflict. No, that will happen in the immediate lead-up to the cross. Rather, these verses are the climax of their interaction. And in the back and forth, we learn who is truly driving the Pharisees' anger and hate, and that is the devil himself. So, let's consider this text. We'll do that in three points this morning. 1. The Fight Over Fatherhood - you know, who is the Pharisees' real father and why? 2. The One Greater than Abraham - Jesus declares that he himself is God 3. The Triumph of Abraham's True Descendants - who are the true descendants of Abraham, and what benefit do they receive? That's where we are headed. 1. The Fight Over Fatherhood (8:39-50, 52) Again, #1, the Fight Over Fatherhood As you heard, Abraham is a central figure in the conflict. According to the Pharisees, because they were Abraham's physical offspring, they considered themselves God's people, with God as their ultimate father. But, as you heard, Jesus made very clear that they were not acting as true sons of Abraham. Jesus essentially gave them two reasons. · First, they were not doing the works that Abraham did. He said that right there in verse 39. Jesus then pointed to the Pharisees' desire to kill him. Their murderous desires betrayed Abraham. Abraham was a man of deep faith and he demonstrated that many times. He lived out his faith. Abraham responded to God's commands. Abraham's true spiritual children would not be acting like the Pharisees. · Second, not only were they not doing the works that Abraham did, but they were also not honoring God. The Pharisees were not listening to his word, as I mentioned earlier. They would not even consider that perhaps Jesus was the Messiah. Later in our text, Jesus made it absolutely clear that they were dishonoring God the Father by dishonoring him. That was very different from Abraham. Multiple times in Abraham's life, God spoke to him. Abraham humbled himself and listened to God and his word. Abraham lived out his faith by hearing God and believing. Now, just to be sure, Abraham was a sinner, but he sought the Lord by faith. The Pharisees, on the other hand, had no faith and no desire to seek the Lord. And for those reasons, Jesus declared that their true father was the devil. The Pharisees demonstrated through their lies and deceit and murderous hearts that they were not of Abraham, they were not of God, but rather, they were of the devil. In response, the Pharisees lashed out at Jesus. They questioned Jesus' origin. They told Jesus that he was a Samaritan, whom the Pharisees hated, and they accused Jesus of having a demon. Do you see how the conflict has reached new heights? A couple of times in the past, we've talked about how the Gospel of John is written like a play. Each chapter is like a new scene. You know, the curtain opens; the audience sees a new setting; we then witness Jesus speaking to different people. In each scene, Jesus reveals who he is in different ways. Well, for the apostle John's Jewish audience, every new scene challenged their understanding of God and Jesus and the purpose of their Jewish practices and beliefs. I want you to imagine that you are a Jew in the late first century. Imagine that you are hearing this for the first time. And imagine how shocking this interaction would have been. I mean, the tension had been escalating, but then Jesus drops the bomb in verse 44: "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him." Think about how that would have come across. The Pharisees were the Jewish authorities. And yet, Jesus called them out as having the devil as their father. You see, the Apostle John was pressing against his readers' presuppositions and beliefs. He wanted them to re-evaluate everything. He wanted them to see that the very one at the center of it all is truly the promised One, the Son of God. John wanted them to know that there is no place for neutrality. Now, you may be sitting here, and you may be thinking, "Ok, but I don't live in the first century and I'm not Jewish. Why does this matter?" Let me try to answer that. In John's Gospel, the unbelieving Pharisees are the main antagonists. Really, they are the antagonists in all the Gospels. But their unbelief is representative of any and all outright rejection of Christ… back then and today. Not only do they not know God, they are hostile to him. They do not care to listen. Their hearts are full of murder and lies. Jesus is their enemy. They hate him and hate those that love him. On the outside, they are religious, but their religion is driven by the devil whose goal is to undermine the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their opposition to Jesus is the same opposition to Jesus that we see in different ways today. We see that opposition in false religions. We see a similar rejection in the hearts of those opposed to God and opposed to truth and opposed to his standard of right and wrong. That includes those who present a perversion of who Jesus is or reject his divine or human nature. And it is all driven by the devil. You see, we are engaged in a cosmic battle of light versus darkness. It's a battle of the truth of God versus the lies and murders of the great enemy of faith. The hard thing for us is that we live in a time and place where the Christian ethic is still relatively strong. And so, we sometimes don't see the spiritual battle that is raging. In our culture, the light and darkness can sometimes appear to blend together to produce shades of grey. When that happens, it is harder to see and distinguish the light from the darkness. But what we learn in John 8 is that the dividing line is still there. Discerning right and wrong is still at the center of pursuing truth. Good and evil are no less real today than they were in the first century. The devil is still breathing his lies and spreading unbelief as he was in the hearts of these Pharisees. There are plenty of people today who outright reject Jesus, who reject God the Father, and who live a life opposed to him. They are like the Pharisees, unknowingly driven by the father of lies. The devil is at work all throughout the world, some places more than others. As the Scriptures say, he prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour. We need to be aware that there is both God the Father, the father of truth and light and life, who gave his Son; and there is also the father of lies and murder, the devil himself. He hates God and hates the truth and he seeks to undermine Jesus and the Gospel. Now, there is no comparison in who has true authority and who will conquer the other in the end. That is the one true Father, but for now he has given the devil room to lie and deceive the world. 2. The One Greater than Abraham (8:53-59) Ok. That brings us to point #2 - The One Greater than Abraham. In these verses, Jesus makes absolutely clear who he truly is. It's unmistakable. Remember, the Pharisees were the ones who originally brought up Abraham. But then Jesus turned the tables on them. Because the Pharisees rejected him, Jesus made it very clear, as we considered, that they were not true descendants of Abraham. And part of Jesus' argument included his claim that he was the Son of God and that his Father was God the Father. And so, the Pharisees asked him in verse 53, "Are you greater than our father Abraham?" Jesus answered them and he said two things. And speaking of shocking statements, these two statements were scandalous. First, Jesus said to them that "Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it and was glad." That's verse 56. And then second, Jesus said, "before Abraham was, I AM." Let's consider those two statements in order. First, Abraham rejoiced to see Jesus' day. The question is, what was the apostle John referring to? What was that day? Well, that question has been asked for centuries. The general consensus, which I agree with, is the day refers to the day that Isaac was born. You see, as we read earlier in Genesis 15, God promised to give Abraham a son. It seemed impossible, though, especially as Sarah aged, but yet God fulfilled his promise to Abraham. Do you remember what happened when Isaac was born? Abraham and Sarah laughed. It wasn't like the laughter before, when they were questioning God. Rather it was a joyful laughter of amazement. In fact, the name Isaac means "to laugh." The semantic range for the word "laugh" in Hebrew includes a joyous laughter. That's why I think that particular day is the one referred to in verse 56. Abraham saw God fulfill his promise in an amazing way. Abraham then rejoiced when Isaac was born. And he knew, as God had promised, that through Isaac, his offspring would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. He knew, as God also promised, that all the nations of the earth would be blessed through him. You see, the promise that God made to Abraham was the promise of a Messiah. Just like God gave Abraham and Sarah a son according to God's promise, so one of Abraham's descendants would be the promised Messiah. In that sense, Abraham saw Jesus' day and rejoiced. But when Jesus said that, it only further enraged the Pharisees. They said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Which brings us to the second and even more shocking statement. Verse 58. Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” "I AM." We've come across that statement multiple times now. Earlier in chapter 8, Jesus twice said, "I am he." In the Greek it is simply "I am" - "Ego Eimi." In the Hebrew it is Yahweh. Jesus was saying that as God the Son, he is the eternal God and he has always existed. Before Abraham was, I AM. It was yet another claim of divinity. Jesus was indeed greater than Abraham. Let's take a step back for a moment. You know, every Sunday, I try to connect our sermon text to some of John's overall themes. Really, it's helpful to see how each passage fits within the book as a whole. Well, one thing that God has been revealing in John is all the ways that Jesus has been fulfilling God's promises of old. For example, Jesus has been entering into the major Jewish institutions and he has been revealing that he is their ultimate fulfillment. · In chapter 2, Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding, revealing that he is the bridegroom who will cleanse his bride the church. · In the same chapter during the Passover, Jesus declared that he was the fulfillment of the temple. Do you remember that? · Chapter 5's setting was the Sabbath, another institution. Jesus demonstrated he was Lord of the Sabbath. · Chapter 7 and earlier in this chapter, Jesus revealed how he has fulfilled the Feast of Tabernacles as the living water and light of the world. Since most of us don't have a Jewish background, we don't naturally see those connections. But for John's original audience, each example has been expanding their understanding of who Jesus is and making the case that he is the true Messiah. Well, besides institutions, Jesus is also greater than the patriarchs and prophets of old. Back in chapter 6, Jesus revealed that he is the prophet that Moses promised. He revealed that he is greater than Moses. He is the true manna from heaven. Moses was held in great regard, but Jesus, as God the Son, is greater. And when we get to these verses on Abraham, it's similar. Abraham was the preeminent father of the Jewish people. Abraham was the one through whom God promised a people would come, as we already considered. And so, when Jesus said that before Abraham was, I am, it was a remarkable declaration of his preeminence as the God of all creation and over his people. Do you see how all these fulfillments are working together? They all reveal that Jesus is indeed the One in whom life and light is found. It's all an amazing revelation for us to grasp and believe. But, for the Pharisees, again, it was scandalous. Jesus had just declared that the devil, not Abraham, was their father, and now, he claimed that he is greater than Abraham. Look at verse 59. "So they picked up stones to throw at him." Of course, they did. They were enraged and furthermore, in their minds, Jesus had blasphemed God. Their response only confirmed that indeed the devil was their father. They could not stand for truth. They could only do what was in their nature as sons of the devil. They all the more rejected Jesus and sought to kill him. As they went to get stones, Jesus then slipped away into the crowd. As he has said before, it was not yet his time. But Jesus' time would come. You see, Chapter 8 accelerates the path to the cross. The day would soon come when Jesus would bring his fulfillment to completion. And in God's sovereignty, he would use the Pharisees (and others) to accomplish his plan. 3. The Triumph of Abraham's True Descendants (John 8:47, 51) Which brings us to #3. Point 3: The Triumph of Abraham's True Descendants. God's true sons and daughters will "not see death," but live. You know, in the order of the narrative, this point should really be point number 2. The reason that I put it last is because I wanted to end with encouragement. I did not want to end with the devil or the stones that they picked up. Rather, I wanted to end with the blessing of being a true descendant of Abraham. Now, I know that a couple of you here have Jewish roots, but the vast majority of us are Gentiles. We are the nations that have been grafted into Christ. It doesn't matter where you or your family is from, what nationality or ethnicity. It doesn't matter if you have some Jewish heritage or not. No, the only thing that matters is whether you are a true spiritual descendant of Abraham by faith. Look at verse 47. "Whoever is of God hears the words of God." Remember, the question is who their father is. And we learn that those who hear the words of God have God as their father. Those are the ones who are true descendants of Abraham - spiritual descendants by faith. What matters is believing in the Gospel - it is believing in who Jesus is and what he has accomplished. And when you do, then you are a true descendant of Abraham, a spiritual descendant by faith. In Romans 9, it says "It is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring." Galatians 3 uses similar language. It says, "In Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. ...And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise." If that is you, then you can say that Abraham is indeed your spiritual father, through faith… the promise to him of salvation is the promise for you. Let me say one more thing. You know, as we've gone through John's Gospel, we've come across several "truly, truly" statements. Each of those statements emphasizes an important truth. When Jesus uses the phrase "truly, truly", he is saying, "most assuredly I tell you this important truth" and he goes on. Well, in our verses today there are two "truly, truly" statements. One of them we've already considered. "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." The other one is in verse 51. Look at it. Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death." Those who truly hear Jesus, and truly believe in him, and demonstrate their faith by abiding in his word, "will never see death." No, the true descendants of Abraham will triumph with Jesus forever. As we've read over and over in John's Gospel, we will receive eternal life in him. You see, in the middle of this chapter of conflict, there is hope. At the very heart of these verses - where the Pharisees are called out as sons of the devil, and by the way, who are also destined to spend eternity apart from God - at the heart of these verses, there is a promise. And the promise is this: Those who believe in Jesus' word will overcome death. They will be with God forever. It is a hope and promise reserved for those truly of God, who are spiritual descendants of Abraham. It's for those who believe in Jesus as the I AM of God, the eternal God of the universe, the Son of God, who is greater than Abraham. So, may we not plug our ears like the Pharisees, but instead hear Jesus' words, for they are words of life. May we also see the reality of the devil… and know that he is the father of lies who sows darkness and opposes the truth of God. BUT, may we know that as true descendants of Abraham, we will be with Jesus forever.
Pastor Ryan continues the new sermon series titled "Discerning the Times" as he preaches a message titled "Biblical Worldview vs. Secular Worldview" during this Sunday morning service.
Pastor Ryan continues the new sermon series titled "Discerning the Times" as he preaches a message titled "Tools For Discernment" during this Sunday evening service.
Discerning the Heart Numbers 13-14
In a world filled with confusion, fear, and constant change, the church cannot afford to be spiritually asleep. In this episode, we will discover how to understand the times, recognize what God is doing, and respond with wisdom, courage, and obedience. En un mundo lleno de confusión, temor y cambios constantes, la iglesia no puede darse el lujo de estar espiritualmente dormida. En este episodio, descubriremos cómo entender los tiempos, reconocer lo que Dios está haciendo y responder con sabiduría, valentía y obediencia
Wherever you are today, this biblical meditation, narrated by Tyler Boss, offers a quiet space to pause and reconnect with God. How do you discern what is true? Meditate on John 8:31-32. Abide is a Christian meditation app that helps you experience peace and grow in your relationship with Christ through Scripture, prayer, and reflection. Try Abide free for 30 days and explore our premium, ad-free meditations here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Do your conversations bring life or cause division? Discover how to conquer destructive habits and discern God's voice. Join Rev. Obeng to learn why daily Bible study and authentic community are your greatest spiritual weapons for transforming your words.
Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord. Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I ... Read more The post Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
It's summertime and here on Youth Culture Matters were devoting our time to shorter episodes where we're talking about purposeful parenting, addressing timely topics to encourage and equip you as parents to help your kids navigate their world in ways that bring honor and glory to God. Take a few minutes to listen in today as I share about raising discerning kids.
Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord. Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I ... Read more The post Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Sunday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord. Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I ... Read more The post Sunday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord. The post Monday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Sunday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord. Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I ... Read more The post Sunday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Rachel Hunt, founder of Freedom School Co. and host of the Cyclebreakers Podcast, joins Amy Pons to discuss reconnecting to Indigenous roots, ancestral healing, manifestation through a trauma-informed lens, and cultural appropriation.Amy and Rachel explore the "collective remembering" happening right now — the magic, intuition, and ancestral wisdom that gets trained out of us as children, and how reclaiming it can reshape our relationship to ourselves and the world. They dig into the power of ancestral land, honoring the places we live even when they aren't our own, and how to engage respectfully with cultures other than our own without appropriating them.The conversation also unpacks the physical and emotional toll of ignoring your calling — from toxic workplaces to health crises — as a catalyst for spiritual awakening, and offers a trauma-informed take on manifestation that goes deeper than "ask, believe, receive." Rachel closes with candid guidance on navigating cultural appropriation in spiritual spaces and staying rooted in authenticity.Whether you're on your own path of reconnection or simply curious about the intersection of trauma, healing, and Indigenous wisdom, this episode offers real, grounded insight into unlocking your own magic.0:00 — Introduction: meet Rachel Hunt, indigenous employee empowerment consultant & Cyclebreakers podcast host1:40 — What the Cyclebreakers podcast amplifies; creating safe space for Indigenous voices3:28 — Unlocking childhood "magic" and reclaiming intuitive gifts after corporate life4:56 — Rachel's reconnection journey to her Indigenous lineage and ancestry7:23 — Honoring the land you live on vs. cultural appropriation10:12 — The power of ancestral land connection and privilege of access14:07 — Why society disconnects us from magic and the "collective remembering"17:28 — Rachel's call from Creator during a ceremony in Tulum, Mexico19:10 — Dark nights of the soul, free will, and destiny/blueprint23:22 — Hitting rock bottom in the body: toxic workplace, illness as awakening27:16 — Overview of Freedom School: Indigenous empowerment, subconscious & somatic reprogramming31:48 — Radical trust in self, somatic intelligence, and intuition34:47 — Rachel's LinkedIn post: "Manifestation is everywhere, and a lot of it misses the point"40:15 — Discerning true desires vs. surface-level wants41:06 — How to avoid cultural appropriation and find authentic spirituality44:25 — Where to find Rachel: LinkedIn, Instagram (@freedomrach), Cyclebreakers Podcast, freedomschool.co45:10 — Closing remarksConnect with Rachel HuntLinkedIn: Rachel HuntInstagram: @freedomrachPodcast: The Cyclebreakers Podcast (new episodes every Thursday — YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts)Website: freedomschool.coConnect with Amy PonsLinkedIn: Amy PonsInstagram: @women_making_moves and utm_magicschoolWebsite: Unlock the MagicWomen Making Moves is for personal use only and general information purposes, the show host cannot guarantee the accuracy of any statements from guests or the sufficiency of the information. This show and host is not liable for any personal actions taken.
As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord. The post Monday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Pastor Ryan continues the new sermon series titled "Discerning the Times" as he preaches a message titled "Dangerous Times" during this Sunday evening service.
Pastor Ryan launches a new sermon series titled "Discerning the Times" as he preaches a message titled "Deceptive Times" during this Sunday morning service.
In a world filled with competing voices, distractions and “gravity wells,” how do we discern what truly matters? Reflecting on Solomon's prayer for a discerning mind and Jesus' parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price, Fr Michael explains that discernment is the ability to distinguish what is merely attractive from what is essential. Many things compete to become the centre of our lives, but only one can hold everything together: God and His will. The Kingdom of God is already present—in the Word of God, the Eucharist and God's hidden work within the soul. Like the treasure in the field and the pearl of great price, it is worth surrendering everything to possess. To discover it, however, we must step away from constant noise and enter the peaceful silence in which God speaks to the heart.
Could the breakthrough you've been praying for begin with slowing down? This week's Walk It Out Wednesday dives deeper into Bishop T.D. Jakes' message “Discerning the Right Moment,” exploring how distraction, tradition, and busyness can keep us from recognizing God's voice. The story of Mary and Martha reveals how your moment is found at Jesus' feet — not in your striving. Whether you're seeking direction, navigating a busy season, or longing to hear God more clearly, this conversation offers practical wisdom to help you discern His voice, embrace His timing, and walk confidently into the moments He has prepared for you. Message: “Walk It Out Wednesday: Discerning the Right Moment” Scripture: Luke 10:38–42 (KJV) Speaker: Pastor Venshard Dobbins, Pastor Don Johnson, Dr. Val Date: July 29, 2026 ✨ Welcome to Your Moment of Transformation You don't have to walk this journey alone. Let Jesus guide your steps and fill your life with purpose and peace.
Could the breakthrough you've been praying for begin with slowing down? This week's Walk It Out Wednesday dives deeper into Bishop T.D. Jakes' message “Discerning the Right Moment,” exploring how distraction, tradition, and busyness can keep us from recognizing God's voice. The story of Mary and Martha reveals how your moment is found at Jesus' feet — not in your striving. Whether you're seeking direction, navigating a busy season, or longing to hear God more clearly, this conversation offers practical wisdom to help you discern His voice, embrace His timing, and walk confidently into the moments He has prepared for you. Message: “Walk It Out Wednesday: Discerning the Right Moment” Scripture: Luke 10:38–42 (KJV) Speaker: Pastor Venshard Dobbins, Pastor Don Johnson, Dr. Val Date: July 29, 2026 ✨ Welcome to Your Moment of Transformation You don't have to walk this journey alone. Let Jesus guide your steps and fill your life with purpose and peace.
Recorded live at the Rocky Mountain Catholic Home Educators Conference (June 20, 2026)Our homes are not just places where we live—they are places where souls are formed.In this keynote from the 2026 Rocky Mountain Catholic Home Educators Conference, Samantha Stephenson invites parents to see their vocation with fresh eyes. In a culture saturated with anxiety, distraction, algorithms, and competing voices, mothers and fathers are called to become guardians of their homes—carefully discerning what enters their family's imagination, habits, and hearts.Drawing from Scripture, Catholic tradition, and practical wisdom for everyday family life, Samantha explores how we can cultivate homes rooted in truth, beauty, goodness, and peace. Rather than reacting to every cultural trend or technological advance, Christian families are called to become intentional communities that form children capable of recognizing the voice of the Good Shepherd.Whether you're homeschooling, raising young children, or simply longing for a more peaceful home, this talk offers encouragement and practical tools for reclaiming your family's attention, imagination, and mission.In this episode:Why parents are the primary formators of their children's hearts and mindsHow modern media and technology compete for our attentionLearning to recognize the difference between God's voice and the voices of fear, consumerism, and distractionBuilding a home centered on truth, beauty, and goodnessCreating habits that foster peace instead of anxietyPractical ways to cultivate silence, prayer, and wonder in family lifeWhy the culture of your home matters more than the culture around youIf this episode encouraged you, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with another parent who could use a little encouragement.Connect with Samantha
In this video, we dive deep into why your current weight loss, money, and career struggles are actually internal operating system problems. Most people spend thousands on hormone coaches or business strategists without upgrading their nervous system, which leads to temporary results and eventual burnout. We explore how to step out of survival mode and into a reality where health and wealth feel easy and predictable.0:00 The root issue of weight and money2:35 Upgrading your internal operating system5:10 The identity of the version that is waiting7:45 Why surface level strategies eventually fail10:15 Discerning intuition versus trauma response12:20 Healing the root and receiving ease13:09 Final thoughts and next stepsSupport the showHosted by Casey Shipp — 3000+ transformations, Self-Made Millionaire, High Priestess, Writer, Fitness Cover Model, and Founder of the Hotbody App.$30M client wins | $7.8M sold onlineRich isn't rare. Category of one is.
Join Meghan and Elle Hales for part 2 as she shares insights into spiritual gift development, the importance of ethics in mediumship, and how to navigate the unseen realm responsibly. This episode demystifies spiritual abilities, emphasizing humility, discernment, and service in connecting with Spirit.In this episode: The mechanics of mediumship: perception, signs, and altered statesEthical boundaries and responsibility in spiritual workThe role of intention, bias, and ego in receiving messagesHow to develop and trust your spiritual senses: clairvoyance, clairaudience, and more Personal stories of Spirit communication, including visualizations and evidence-based guidancePractical tips for protection, setting boundaries, and maintaining spiritual hygieneThe significance of humility, patience, and joy on the spiritual journeyHow spiritual gifts can serve others and foster self-growth Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Spirit communication and gifts in action00:23 - The importance of authenticity and signs in spiritual practice01:06 - Sign seeking vs. true intention: understanding heart-centered asking01:41 - Significance of God's timing and receptivity in miracles02:30 - Discerning readiness and size of signs, gratitude in receiving gifts03:13 - The ethics of psychic work: responsibility and boundaries05:01 - Navigating spiritual boundaries and responsible use of gifts06:24 - Personal boundary-setting and managing spiritual overload07:21 - The reality of spirit worlds and protective boundaries08:45 - Visualizing and interacting with spirit guides in everyday life10:01 - Spirit communication mechanics: visuals, emotions, impressions12:18 - Handling sensitive information & respecting others' boundaries14:29 - The importance of continual self-awareness and humility in gift development15:20 - How mediumship works: altered states & divine tool usage16:12 - The subjective experience of intuition and perception channels18:08 - Recognizing energetic impressions: tension, emotions, and clair senses19:32 - The different “clairs”: clairvoyance, clairaudience, and others explained21:00 - Smelling, tasting, and sensing spirit's messages in everyday life22:34 - Developing personal propensities and biases in spirit communication24:15 - Layered experiences: impressions, visions, voices, and feelings25:45 - The interpretive role of the medium: translating spirit messages29:02 - Protecting yourself spiritually: prayers, visualization, and awareness30:24 - The importance of high frequency and spiritual hygiene32:44 - Trusting divine timing and God's protection in gifting practice34:16 - The journey of growth, deception, and returning to love36:26 - Demonstration of mediumship: connecting with guides and loved ones46:38 - The sacred responsibility of holding space and handling feelings55:10 - Embracing opposites: divine masculine and feminine within us62:33 - Healing inner conflicts, childhood wounds, and self-love70:25 - Recognizing your children's unique spiritual journeys78:58 - Joy, gratitude, and embracing the seasons of life85:17 - Small acts with big impacts: cultivating awareness and lessons learned90:45 - The promise of ongoing spiritual experiences and growth98:39 - The eternal progression of the soul and continuous learning in SpiritResources & Links- Through the Veil PodcastSpiritually Gifted CourseElle Hales on InstagramNote: This episode combines personal stories, spiritual teachings, and practical applications, aiming to empower listeners on their own spiritual journeys—always emphasizing humility, ethics, and service. Continue Your JourneyIf this episode resonated with you, there are several ways to go deeper:
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”Something is shifting under the surface of American culture: Gen Z men are walking back into churches, asking blunt questions about truth, purpose, and what it means to live a good life. Recored before a live audience at St. Mary of Perpetual Help, we talk with Gen Z author John Kruger about his new book Dwelt Among Us: America's Catholic Comeback, and why this renewal feels rooted in more than politics or vibes. When the world gets louder, thinner, and more online, the search for meaning gets more serious.We zoom out to the spiritual and historical backdrop, including Pope Leo XIII's 1884 vision and the St. Michael prayer, then trace a century marked by war, ideological revolutions, and a steady assault on marriage and family life. We also get honest about what young people have actually grown up with: new atheism, social media identity traps, economic anxiety, and the loneliness epidemic. The thread running through it all is simple and demanding: reason points toward truth, and the human heart cannot live on substitutes forever.To close, we hand the mic to men from the audience who share their own conversion stories, from atheism and online ideology to Scripture, Augustine, and finally the Sacraments. If this conversation challenges you, share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review so more people can find it. What's one sign you've seen that people are hungry for faith again?Dwelt Among Us, America's Catholic Comeback by John KruegerVisit Claymore Milites Christi! Join the Movement!Support the show
What if this is the moment that changes everything? In “Discerning the Right Moment,” Bishop T.D. Jakes challenges us to stop allowing busyness, worry, and striving to distract us from what God is doing in our midst. Through the story of Mary and Martha, he shows that breakthrough isn'tfound in doing more — it's found in drawing near to Jesus and discerning the moment He has set before you. Don't miss your moment. Make room for His presence, turn your attention toward Him, and discover what can happen when you lay down the weight you've been carrying. What begins as a message on spiritual discernment becomes a powerful invitation to healing, freedom, and renewed peace in the presence of God. Message: “Discerning the Right Moment” Scripture: Luke 10:23-24, 10:38-42 (KJV) Speaker: Bishop T.D. Jakes Date: July 26, 2026 ✨ Welcome to Your Moment of Transformation You don't have to walk this journey alone. Let Jesus guide your steps and fill your life with purpose and peace.
What if this is the moment that changes everything? In “Discerning the Right Moment,” Bishop T.D. Jakes challenges us to stop allowing busyness, worry, and striving to distract us from what God is doing in our midst. Through the story of Mary and Martha, he shows that breakthrough isn'tfound in doing more — it's found in drawing near to Jesus and discerning the moment He has set before you. Don't miss your moment. Make room for His presence, turn your attention toward Him, and discover what can happen when you lay down the weight you've been carrying. What begins as a message on spiritual discernment becomes a powerful invitation to healing, freedom, and renewed peace in the presence of God. Message: “Discerning the Right Moment” Scripture: Luke 10:23-24, 10:38-42 (KJV) Speaker: Bishop T.D. Jakes Date: July 26, 2026 ✨ Welcome to Your Moment of Transformation You don't have to walk this journey alone. Let Jesus guide your steps and fill your life with purpose and peace.
JOIN US LIVE FOR AN EA POP-UP EVENT IN NYC!Sunday/Monday, August 9–10 | Williamsburg, BrooklynJoin me for two days of embodied astrology, creative practice, and collective care in Brooklyn, NY. Nine astrologers, mystics, movers, makers, and diviners will offer a series of 30–90 minute workshops designed to help us meet this moment together through the wisdom of our bodies, relationships, and imaginations. Click here for more details