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Satan's Place in Heaven Let's start with our familiar text: Awake, O north wind, And come, wind of the south; Make my garden breathe out fragrance, Let its spices be wafted abroad. May my beloved come into his garden And eat its choice fruits!” (So 4:16) This call to “Awake, O North” is thought to encompass three distinct calls recorded in 1. Jeremiah 31:7-8 (exiles of Israel), 2. Isaiah 41:25 (Messiah) 3. Gog and Magog (Ezek 38:2) Why are Gog and and Magog are so attracted to “the beloved city” and its inhabitants to want to destroy them at least twice in Biblical history? Last week's study of the yetzer ha-ra, or evil inclination, as it pertains to satan, was a key piece to the answer. If we can understand that the power of satan is strong against the holy things of this earth, that will explain it. It does need to the be strong to cultivate evil from the wicked. They are already his willing subjects. It is the holy who require him to exert his maximum strength. This sounds incredible, but Scripture reinforces this Jewish principle: “The evil inclination, as a general rule, gravitates toward holiness, and functions at its greatest strength where holiness resides...Evidently, it is because the forces of evil concentrate their greatest efforts on enticing the righteous, those people most deeply immersed in holiness.” (Midrash Rabbah to Shir HaShirim 5§4) WHAT? You're telling me that if I pursue holiness by obedience to the commandments that I make a bigger target? I put that in all caps because we always seem so surprised and indignant when bad things obstruct our pursuit of the Word. I'm not usually an all-caps writer. More than one question mark is just a bridge too far, though. I don't think I've ever had a peeve as a pet, but if I did want a pet peeve, that would probably be it. Multiple question marks instead of one. Only one per interrogative. Please. So, yes, Scripture suggests that holiness acts like a magnet to evil. Even more perplexing, sometimes the Ruach HaKodesh leads us to the place or situation to be be tested in the Word. Here are a few examples of the principle: “I was watching Satan fall from Heaven” (Lk 10:18) “...there was no longer a place found for them in heaven.” (Re 12:7-9) “And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child.” (Re 12:13; 16, 17) “the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them.” (Job 1:6) e. “...a slave-girl having a spirit of divination met us, who was bringing her masters much profit by fortune-telling. Following after Paul and us, she kept crying out, saying, ‘These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.' She continued doing this for many days.” Acts 16:16-18; 8:9-18) f. “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Mt 4:1) When Scripture identifies the intense effort to sabotage the righteous ones and the Holy City Jerusalem, then it is quite evident that the dragon's desire to dominate the heavens is still strong even when bound! For that reason, the satan, the evil imagination, must be bound in our daily lives. It does not go away...it is bound. Disciplined. Exercised authority over. How do the pre and post millennial battles with Gog of Magog (the wicked among the nations, “Amalek”) relate to the texts of Shir HaShirim 4:16 and 5:1? Both attack the Garden-ruled Kingdom of Heaven on earth. Song of Songs 4:16 invites the awakening of the Anointed One to execute the process of the resurrection of the righteous dead and the purging of the wicked, including the satan. He will be bound and tossed into the Abyss, which will be sealed over him for 1,000 years. That's important. If he is only bound or imprisoned by the Holy One, then we cannot try to kill it.
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In this podcast episode ... He's a former teacher in the state of Connecticut who spoke up about DEI training and was disciplined for his comments. We talk to John Grande about his fight with his school union who refused to help him and the state. Plus we take a look at other stories from across the region.
>Join Jocko Underground< How overreacting to headlines, battlefield reports, or business setbacks creates unnecessary panic and poor decision-making. Using the analogy of a “squelch” button on military radios, he explains the need to filter noise, assess information logically, and avoid emotional responses. Leaders must detach, gather reliable intel, and act with calm deliberation. From combat to media consumption, Jocko emphasizes processing input through disciplined frameworks to avoid manipulation, maintain perspective, and preserve credibility and mental clarity in chaotic environments.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content
Live from Medtech MVP, Michael Mahoney, chairman and CEO of Boston Scientific Corp, sits down with Medtech Talk podcast host Justin Klein. They discuss Mahoney's communications strategies to align expectations and convey intentions to shareholders, how to delegate and streamline decision making, and advice on doing better as a partner. Mahoney also shares which second order considerations (such as manufacturing) are important to keep in mind, as well as whether he's a “war time” or “peace time” CEO and what challenges the industry needs to address today to create a better tomorrow. Medtech Talk Links: Cambridge Healthtech Institute Medtech Talk Gilde Healthcare Boston Scientific Corp: Boston Scientific Corp
This week, Sandy continues with week 8 of a 21 week series entitled, "Finish the Race." This series will target the Christian life and how we are supposed to live as followers of Jesus.
Are humans born lazy, or can we choose to be disciplined? YES/NO/WHY? www.maxfitnesscollege.com
Nearly one year after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Butler, the Secret Service confirms six agents were suspended for security failures as a new report reveals some key supervisors were promoted instead of punished. Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett acknowledges growing pressure to enter the 2026 Senate race, with two new polls showing her leading a crowded Democratic primary field. A new book reveals Vice President Kamala Harris picked Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her 2024 running mate based on a gut feeling, reportedly swayed by his choice of Diet Mountain Dew, seriously.Done with Debt: https://www.DoneWithDebt.comTax Network USA: Call 1-800-958-1000 or visit https://TNUSA.com/MEGYN to speak with a strategist for FREE today
Nikita is back to teach us everything he knows about staying disciplined while constantly on the move. Eli is mostly just hoping some of it can rub off on him so he can finally wake up and make it to important appointments on time. The talk includes finding freedom through structure, building rituals on the road, and how discipline can come from joy rather than force. Along the way: ice cream at 2am, spiritual treks in Portugal, and why Eli sometimes locks his phone in a bag just to stay focused.
In this clip, Joe Kay breaks down how he stays focused, consistent, and locked in—especially when the distractions are loud and the motivation isn't there. From routine to mindset, he shares what keeps him moving with intention. If you're building something real, discipline isn't optional—it's required. Creative Ambiance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative_ambiance/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ambiancepodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rMRH8DVAWKrRGjdMkVMfk?si=0FHGGaYyRFWpEVRyqX0p7w Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ambiance/id1466436193 Joe Kay Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joekay/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/joekay TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joekay Everything: https://joekay.xyz/ #JoeKay #CreativeAmbiance #Discipline #Mindset #StayFocused #ConsistencyWins #VisionOverVibes #SelfDiscipline #CreatorsJourney
In this episode, we are called to seek God through a quiet, disciplined life and to care about justice and righteousness!
Want to hear a hard truth? Not everything that looks productive is actually moving you forward. In this episode, Craig Ballantyne, dubbed the "World's Most Disciplined Man", breaks down how blind devotion to habits and enviable routines can sabotage the very success and freedom you're chasing. You'll learn why massive amounts of effort could be serving the wrong problem. Craig shares tangible systems for building more effective habits, redefining discipline, and filtering out distractions so you can start living with purpose. If you've ever felt burned out from doing "all the right things," this conversation will permanently shift your perspective. What You'll Learn: 03:32 How Craig's extreme discipline nearly cost him love and connection. 06:24 Why most people “eat the frog” last, and what science says about doing hard things first. 10:04 The origin story of Craig's definition: “Putting level 10 effort into your level 10 problem.” 13:06 How Craig and his wife created a bulletproof list to make their marriage an 11/10. 30:39 The difference between discipline, systems, and standards—and how to shift your identity Today, Ginni welcomes Craig Ballantyne, founder of multiple 7-figure businesses including Turbulence Training and EarlyToRise.com. Once plagued by anxiety and introversion, he developed productivity systems that have helped over 55,000 high-performers own their day and scale their income while working less. His best-selling books, The Perfect Day Formula and The Perfect Week Formula, offer proven frameworks for building a business around your life, not the other way around. We'll debunk the myth that discipline in one area of life translates everywhere. Craig gets personal about how his rigid routines once delayed finding love, and you'll hear his perspective on doing what's popular versus doing what matters. You'll also gain practical insights that will help you build new standards. From redefining success to building effortless discipline, this episode moves from mindset to method with humor, vulnerability, and candor. Resources mentioned: Book: When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel H. Pink Book: The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman Book: The Dark Side of Discipline: Stop Chasing. Suffer Less. Achieve More by Craig Ballantyne and Daniel Woodrum Connect with Craig Ballantyne: Website: https://www.craigballantyne.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realcraigballantyne/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClBQyeL63OdkONi5PBDY8Cg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ttfatloss X: https://www.facebook.com/ttfatloss Connect with Ginni: Website: https://ginnisaraswati.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theginnishow/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginnisaraswati Ginni Media: www.ginnimedia.com Got a great show topic idea? A guest you'd love to see on the Ginni Show? Tell us about it: (844) 543-1772
This is the most disciplined thing I have seen in the last 5 years. I also share 5 ways any 18-year-old can start to be more disciplined and confident.Follow me on Instagram @djlogory and DM me "
In this episode, I'm breaking down what a disciplined man does. Discipline is the foundation of everything we do here. It's the first thing I mention for a reason. I believe the biggest reason society is slipping is because too many men are not handling their business. If men stepped up, things would start getting better real fast. So today, I'm laying out the steps every man needs to follow to be disciplined and do his part. Show Notes: [02:33]#1 A disciplined man is discerning about women and men who make themselves and their offerings too easily available. [09:21]#2 Stick to script and process even when success is "late to the party" [16:06]#3 Disciplined men naturally draw admiration from both women and men for reliability and consistency without trying [21:11]Recap Episodes Mentioned: 3331: How To Avoid Traps 3261: The First 3 Laws Of Economics 1431: Discernment: Your Skill Of Perception And Judgement 3012: Happiness Is NOT The Goal 582: Being Motivated Does Not Require Fun, Joy or Happiness Next Steps: ---
Target Market Insights: Multifamily Real Estate Marketing Tips
John Carlson is the CEO of Mark-Taylor Residential and a multifamily veteran with over 20 years of experience in real estate operations and leadership. He began his journey as a resident in one of the company's properties and rose through the ranks with a deep commitment to service, people-first culture, and long-term investment strategy. Today, he oversees a $10+ billion portfolio and is known for championing data-driven decision-making and organizational growth through purpose-driven leadership.
What if I am lazy? What if I am disciplined? What are the consequences, outcomes, results of either of those choices and do we get to choose? YES/NO/WHY? www.maxfitnesscollege.com
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/B50C1AlD3aoWhat if the things that slow you down… are the very things God wants to use to form you?In this slow, soulful conversation, Jerrad sits down with Jake Weidmann—a master penman (yes, that's a real thing) and artist whose life and work are marked by discipline, creativity, and deep intentionality. From carving sacred art to raising four kids, Jake shares how slowing down has reshaped not just his craft—but his soul.They talk about the connection between beauty and time, why being creative has nothing to do with being “artsy,” and how discipline and delight can co-exist in the life of a godly man. Jake opens up about the doubts that haunted his early career, what it means to “exult in monotony,” and the emotional moment he hoisted an Amish barn beam onto his shoulder—realizing he was quite literally taking up his cross.This episode is a breath of fresh air in a world that worships speed.What You'll Learn:Why slowing down might be the most spiritual thing you do todayHow discipline, doubt, and beauty all shape a man's soulThe lost art of doing one thing well over a long timeWhat it means to create as a reflection of the CreatorHow parenting and craftsmanship have more in common than you thinkWhy creativity isn't just for artists—it's for every man made in God's imageThe surprising story behind Jake's “Old Rugged Cross” artworkMentioned in This Episode:Jake's book and artwork: https://jakeweidmann.comG.K. Chesterton's OrthodoxyThe story of the “pen wizard” and the golden age of handwritingBenedictine wisdom: To work is to prayJerrad's mantra: “Decades over days”
Hebrews 12:4-11Keywords: Obedience, Trials, Training, Discipline, Suffering
Today's guest is Victor Haghani, founder and CIO of Elm Wealth, which focuses on managing wealth with an emphasis on diversification, low fees, and tax efficiency. He's also the author of The Missing Billionaires: A Guide to Better Financial Decisions. In today's episode, Victor explores the Crystal Ball challenge, and how position sizing can be even more important than knowing tomorrow's news headlines. He also addresses the role of disciplined asset allocation in investment strategy, and how foreign stocks might stack up against US equities going forward. Finally, Victor touches on the relationship between expected return, fair value, and mean reversion, and whether or not the markets have a fair value at all. (0:00) Starts (1:45) Introduction of Victor Haghani (2:01) "Tomorrow's Newspaper Today" study (11:46) The Merton share (19:34) Elm Wealth's asset allocation strategy (24:02) Behavioral and tax implications in investing (39:19) Market timing models (56:01) Consumer behavior and Roth IRA conversions (1:02:05) Macro & mean reversion (1:06:08) Victor Haghani's most memorable investment ----- Follow Meb on X, LinkedIn and YouTube For detailed show notes, click here To learn more about our funds and follow us, subscribe to our mailing list or visit us at cambriainvestments.com ----- Sponsor: YCharts enables financial advisors to make smarter investment decisions and better communicate with clients. Get 20% off your initial YCharts Professional subscription when you start your free trial. Follow The Idea Farm: X | LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok ----- Interested in sponsoring the show? Email us at Feedback@TheMebFaberShow.com ----- Past guests include Ed Thorp, Richard Thaler, Jeremy Grantham, Joel Greenblatt, Campbell Harvey, Ivy Zelman, Kathryn Kaminski, Jason Calacanis, Whitney Baker, Aswath Damodaran, Howard Marks, Tom Barton, and many more. ----- Meb's invested in some awesome startups that have passed along discounts to our listeners. Check them out here! ----- Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I spoke with a legaltech consulting veteran, who has lots of thoughts about the current state of technology implementation in law firms + how AI is changing the way attorneys operate. Episode Highlights 02:00 - Effective solutions for technology issues. 05:35 - Solo attorney overwhelmed by marketing success. 06:09 - Embracing AI before hiring staff. 07:40 - Advancing legal tech adoption. 09:23 - Big firm inefficiencies as a small firm advantage. 10:56 - Past the paperless office era. 12:19 - The significance of the cloud for AI advancement. 14:00 - Encouragement to explore beyond generative AI. 16:34 - Custom GPTs for tailored tasks. 18:17 - Perspective on cruises and travel. 20:15 - Utilizing smartphones to the fullest. 23:22 - Psychology of technology resistance. 25:29 - Disciplined technology adoption. 28:00 - Digital nomad lifestyle for lawyers. 30:15 - Importance of password managers. Episode Resources Connect with Jared Correia jared@redcavelegal.com https://redcavelegal.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredcorreia https://twitter.com/RedCaveLegal www.linkedin.com/in/jaredcorreia/ Connect with Ernie Svenson https://ernietheattorney.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernieattorney/
Think discipline is all about cold plunges, waking up at 5 a.m., and resisting chocolate cake? Think again. In this high-impact episode, Craig Ballantyne reveals the real secret to scaling your income, slashing your work hours, and dominating your day without burnout—his 5 non-negotiables for peak performance. You'll discover why systems—not willpower—create freedom, and how… The post 422 – The Missing Link: The 5 Non-Negotiables Of Highly Disciplined People appeared first on Early To Rise.
Hebrews 12:4-11Keywords: Trials, Fathers, Struggle, Discipline, Love
Mike calls up Chris Gordy, Houston Astros pregame host and Locked on SEC host, to break down how the Tigers time in Omaha rolls along, Tigers sitting in the drivers seat ahead of the CWS with their pitching staff, if Derek Curiel really is the best freshman to come through LSU's doors, and more!
Mike calls up Chris Gordy, Houston Astros pregame host and Locked on SEC host, to break down how the Tigers time in Omaha rolls along, Tigers sitting in the drivers seat ahead of the CWS with their pitching staff, if Derek Curiel really is the best freshman to come through LSU's doors, and more!
The Color of Money | Transformative Conversations for Wealth Building
What does it really take to build a thriving business and lasting wealth—on your own terms? We sit down with Kito Smith, a standout in the San Antonio real estate scene, to explore what it means to build wealth—and a business—by design. Kito's unwavering commitment to his “why” has shaped his approach to real estate, leadership, and life, driving his success as both a top-producing agent and a mentor within his community.In this conversation, we dive into the discipline behind Kito's daily routines, from his 600+ days alcohol-free to his structured approach to time management and delegation. We unpack how embracing health, therapy, and self-care has transformed not only his business but also his mindset. Kito shares creative strategies for building community and promoting homeownership, including unique events like “Ribs and Tips” that bring real estate education directly to the people.Through mentorship, purposeful action, and a commitment to giving back, Kito shows how self-confidence and clarity of purpose can lead to both personal and professional freedom. This episode is a practical guide to living—and building wealth—with intention.Resources:Learn more at The Color of MoneyRead The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin HardyRead You Owe You by Eric ThomasBecome a real estate agent HEREConnect with Our HostsEmerick Peace:Instagram: @theemerickpeaceFacebook: facebook.com/emerickpeaceDaniel Dixon:Instagram: @dixonsolditFacebook: facebook.com/realdanieldixonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dixonsolditYouTube: @dixongroupcompaniesJulia Lashay:Instagram: @iamjulialashayFacebook: facebook.com/growwithjuliaLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/julialashay/YouTube: @JuliaLashayBo MenkitiInstagram: @bomenkitiFacebook: facebook.com/obiora.menkitiLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bomenkiti/Produced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.
In this episode, Shah Khan, Portfolio Manager and Co-Lead of the Mackenzie Bluewater Team, discusses the implications of market concentration in US mega-cap tech and Canada's resource-heavy sectors. He outlines how his team's disciplined, quality-focused strategy that emphasizes durable growth businesses, positions them to navigate economic slowdowns effectively. Shah also shares insights into the team's buy/sell framework, the evolving role of AI in portfolio construction, and why he maintains a cautious stance on the Canadian consumer amid elevated debt levels and persistent interest pressures. This episode was recorded on June 12, 2025.
This week we talk about the importance of taking food out the freezer, Carter 6 review, Bashful grown men, Spiders memorizing your routine, and much more. Tap in with us! Open your account in 2 minutes at https://www.chime.com/trap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this powerful episode, I sit down with executive coach John Gallagher to explore how intentionality can transform leaders and teams. John shares the daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual disciplines that top-performing leaders implement—and the biggest obstacles that get in their way. We also explore John's 7D Roadmap for sustainable organizational growth and how to lead with legacy in mind. Whether you're a CEO or emerging leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Thanks for listening! Connect with us at mike-goldman.com/blog and on Instagram@mikegoldmancoach and on YouTube @Mikegoldmancoach
In this episode of Celeste, the Therapist, Celeste explores the powerful impact of disciplined consumption on our mindset and daily habits. Drawing inspiration from motivational speaker Myron, she discusses how changing what you consume can help you shift from merely surviving to actively living a fulfilling life. Celeste emphasizes the importance of being mindful about the media and information you expose yourself to and how this intentional consumption can lead to positive changes in your mental health and overall well-being. Tune in for practical tips and insights on how to start incorporating disciplined consumption into your wellness journey. Don't forget to check out the visual version of this episode on YouTube for an enhanced experience. STWYT.com
In this dynamic episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, Mark Jewell is joined by Christine and Jon to unpack the heart of intentional leadership. Together, they introduce a powerful 3D Framework—Deliberate, Disciplined, and Divine—that has shaped their coaching, business, and personal lives. With a blend of practical wisdom, candid storytelling, and faith-filled encouragement, this conversation challenges leaders to rise above the grind, align with purpose, and own their God-given assignment in leadership.Key TakeawaysDeliberate: Lead on purpose, not by defaultIntentional leaders don't drift. Mark, Christine, and Jon share how to design your day and your decisions to reflect what truly matters, rather than being hijacked by distraction or urgency.Disciplined: Consistency builds credibilityDiscipline isn't rigidity—it's alignment. They discuss how true leadership demands follow-through, time stewardship, and the willingness to say no so you can say yes to your mission.Divine: Your leadership is not an accidentThis episode closes with a bold reminder that you were created on purpose, for a purpose. Your role, your wiring, and your influence have divine intention—and recognizing that shifts everything.Notable Quotes“Deliberate leadership starts with deciding what matters most—and living from that place.” – Christine Jewell“Discipline is not about doing more—it's about doing what you said you would.” – Jon Anderson“Your identity as a leader was appointed long before your title.” – Mark Jewell“When you understand you were divinely placed, you lead differently.” – Christine JewellAction StepsAudit your calendar—are you acting deliberately or reacting constantly?Choose one area where you can practice discipline this week (morning routine, focus time, boundaries).Anchor your leadership in the truth: you were created and appointed for such a time as this.Share this episode with another leader who's ready to lead with intention and faith.Listen If You AreA leader navigating growth, burnout, or transitionCraving deeper alignment between your values and your workLooking for a faith-rooted, practical approach to leadershipReady to stop grinding and start leading with purpose and peaceIf this episode resonated with you, join us at the next Thriving Leader Event — where intentional leadership goes from theory to practice. Connect with like-minded leaders and build the clarity, confidence, and capacity you need to grow your people and business.
Life pressures don't pause for the market — and they don't pause for your trading either.In this episode, Mike shares real-time lessons from his own season of high pressure and walks through how to protect your clarity and discipline when stress tempts you to force trades or abandon process.You'll learn how to spot the 4 traps that sabotage traders under pressure — and how to stay grounded through it all.Key takeaways:Why overtrading, oversizing, and system-hopping become seductive when life gets loudHow to lean on structure (your trading blueprint) instead of emotionThe vital role of community in helping you stay groundedWhy giving yourself permission to sit out can be your strongest playSimple mindset shifts to safeguard clarity during challenging seasons
Today we're talking about discipline: how to get it and how to stop hating ourselves for not having it. This episode is for you if: You feel like your lack of discipline is the reason you haven't reached your potential. You have something you desperately want to do, but can't seem to stick with it. You wonder why discipline seems so easy for other people — and so hard for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Faithful Stewardship, Disciplined Giving Please turn to 2 Corinthians 8. Our sermon text will begin with verse 16 and will continue through chapter 9 verse 5. You can find that on page 1150. I think, of all the passages we've studied so far in 2 Corinthians, this one has the most context. It has a lot of specifics about the churches and people. Multiple associates of the apostle Paul's are referenced. Some are named and others are not. The big picture is that Paul is sending 3 delegates to Corinth. That includes Titus. They are being sent to collect the offering that the Corinthians had promised. By the way, Paul calls this delegation his “brothers.” They are not literal brothers. Rather, they are spiritual brothers in the faith. Even though this is a narrative, we learn important things about (1) integrity in financial stewardship and (2) obedience in giving. As I read, listen for those examples. Reading of 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5 Prayer As you may know, our philosophy of preaching involves working through books of the Bible. One of the benefits of doing that is that we are forced to deal with difficult or uncomfortable subjects as they come up in the Scriptures. That's a good thing. Well, starting last Sunday, we've come to one of those sensitive topics. Giving. I think this is the first time we've had a sermon (or sermons), that focuses on giving or stewardship. I mention that because if you are visiting or have been visiting, these chapters on giving are part of the message of 2 Corinthians. In other words, we didn't pick these two chapter so we could focus on giving. Rather they picked us. They are just part of the message of 2 Corinthians. And even though it is sensitive, it is important for us. Truly, matters of giving are matters of the heart. As we learned last week, God's grace is the foundation to these 2 chapters. Giving is called an “act of God's grace.” It is God who gives his grace to the giver… He turns his or her heart to give. Furthermore, it is God who blesses the receiver. He likewise bestows his mercy and grace on them. And at the very heart of God's grace is the grace of God in Christ. Remember, chapter 8 verse 9 is key to it all. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” Jesus Christ, God the son, became a man for us. He, in humility, bore our sin on the cross. Jesus endured the shame. You see, he became poor in that way… And through that amazing grace, he has given us riches. Not earthly riches, but riches of his mercy and kindness. In Christ, we have been given peace with God. We have been given the righteousness of Christ. We are now honored not because of any goodness of our own, but only because of the goodness of God in Christ. The grace of God in Christ is what's it's all about. That is why these 2 chapters over and over emphasis the heart. It is about God's transforming grace in us. And an outworking of that grace is a heart desire to give. If you don't remember anything else about last week and this week, remember this. The act of grace in giving is God's act of grace in Christ. Now, if you are still evaluating Christianity, I want you to know that giving will not put you in the good graces of God. You will not merit his favor by donating. Not at all. God does not want or need your money. Rather, he wants you to give something far more difficult to give. He wants you to give your life to him. Jesus said, “if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me.” To put it in terms of 2 Corinthians 8. God's grace is what enables us to recognize our spiritual poverty and recognize our need for the riches of God's mercy. If you are not a believer in Christ, don't give your resources, give your heart. Let me make one final opening comment. There's an really underlying theme that spans both of these chapters, but it is not explicit. And that theme is the unity of the visible church. You see, part of the message of chapter 8 and 9 is that those in the church around the world are united to one another. The Macedonians are brothers and sisters in Christ with the Corinthians. And both the Macedonians and the Corinthians are united together with the poor Christians in Jerusalem. Paul is calling on the church to support the needs of one another no matter the tribe, tongue, or nation. We share something far more important than our culture or language or ethnicity. We share in Christ. To be sure, I'm not diminishing the importance of culture or ethnicity, rather I'm saying that the thing that unites all believers together (all around the world) is Jesus. There are many Christians and churches around the world that have many needs – some are enduring the consequence of war like Christians in Gaza or Ukraine. Others like in Africa or Southeast Asia are in environments of extreme poverty. I don't know what burdens God has placed upon each of you to give… or how we as a church can best support those brothers and sisters in Christ. But God has called us to do so in some way. Perhaps we can find ways to give and support those in deep need. Ok, with that background in mind, let's now shift our attention to these specific verses. We'll consider two main things this morning. #1. The Stewardship of Giving #2. The Discipline of Giving Stewardship… meaning that the resources of the church are God's resources. His kingdom resources – we are stewards and therefore we have the responsibility to administer them with integrity. And discipline… meaning spiritual discipline. we have the responsibility to follow through on the call to give. Giving is a discipline just like other areas of the Christian life. #1 - The Stewardship of Giving And both of these points are exemplified in our passage this morning. In other words, stewardship and discipline are principles modelled for us in these verses. Remember, the apostle Paul is in Macedonia. He's in the northern part of ancient Greece. He's experienced their generosity. In the beginning of chapter 8, he uses the Macedonians as an example for the Corinthians to follow. And now Paul turns his attention to the Corinthians. And one of the things we learn is that the Corinthians had promised to give to the church in Jerusalem. Their promise happened before the false teachers had stirred up dissent. But, nonetheless, they had promised to contribute. Now, Paul recognized the sensitivity of everything that had happened. And because of that, he wanted to ensure the utmost integrity in giving. In other words, he doesn't want anyone to question the legitimacy of the giving. He doesn't want the Corinthians to think that he is taking any of the contributions. He doesn't want his presence to coerce the Corinthians or make them think that this is just his own personal agenda. And so, to address that, here's what he does: he sends this delegation of three men to collect their gifts. Titus is one of them. He was well known by the Corinthians. In fact, Titus had just returned to Paul after visiting with them. And then two other brothers are mentioned. Look at verse 18 – “With him [with Titus] we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel.” This brother, whoever he is, had a reputation of faithfulness among the churches. And he was a great preacher of the Gospel. We don't know who he was. Some scholars and pastors have made educated guesses. I have my thoughts. But he is not named because it does not matter to us. Ok, then there's a third guy mentioned in verse 22. It says, “And with them [you know, with Titus and the other brother] we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters...” We get the sense from the end of verse 22 that he was also known by the Corinthians. So, this delegation was sent… But why did they go? Well, look at verses 20. It captures their purpose. It says, “We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us.” They wanted to be blameless. Do you see that? They wanted to be above reproach. They were overseeing financial gifts and wanted all to be assured of their integrity in handling the donations. And why did they want to be so careful? Verse 21 answers that: “…for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man.” Integrity all around. First, to honor God because they recognized they were stewards of the gifts. And second so that the Corinthians knew of their care in the administration of the gifts. Do you see it now? How this is an example of Godly stewardship and integrity. Stewardship and integrity is just as critical today as it was 2000 years ago. In 2020, a study estimated that 6.5% of donations given by Christians globally is lost to fraud and embezzlement. 6.5%. The study was referring to Christians around the world giving to churches, to charities, and to other non-profits. 6.5% translates to about 52 billion dollars annually. It's just an estimate, but it gives us an order of magnitude of the severity of the problem. That is sad to hear. I suspect some of you know believers who have gotten caught up in fraud of some kind. Or you know of churches that have gone through financial scandals. When I moved to Atlanta in the mid-1990s, I worked for a Christian ministry. That ministry was duped by a so-called Christian philanthropist. He promised that if they invested in his financial firm, he would double or triple their investment in one year. Churches, ministries, and Christian universities were all fleeced by this guy. It turned out to be a Ponzi scheme. And these organizations, like the one I worked for, lost a combined 135 million dollars in the scam – about 300 million in todays dollars. Poor handling of money by Christians or worse theft or even worse scandals, like that one, tarnish the name of Christ. It fosters mistrust inside the church. And its hypocrisy turns people away from Christ and the Gospel. It's tragic. We are called as the church to faithfully steward the resources entrusted to us. Let me highlight 4 principles from this text: 1. Those who handle money need to love the Lord and love his church. In this chapter, the word “earnest” is used 7 times. It testifies to a heart-motivated love for the people of God, or the church of God or an earnestness to faithfully fulfill the responsibility. The word earnest is only second to the word grace in chapter 8. Those who handle money need to have an earnestness that comes from a heart transformed by God's grace. 2. Those given this responsibility need to be tested. They need to be trustworthy. They need to have credibility and experience testified by others. In the case of the delegates, each one of them fulfilled this principle in different ways. Titus was known and proven faithful. The second brother was appointed by the churches (plural) – he had that proven credibility. And the third delegate was “tested.” That's the word used right there in verse 22. He was tested and found earnest. 3. Finances should never be handled by one person. No, there needs to be a team and there needs to be governance. In this example, there were 4 people – the three delegates and Paul from a distance. Just so you know, here at Tucker Pres, we have a finance team, we have a bookkeeper, and we have a third-party accountant. Multiple people involved. 4. And last, #4, transparency. Isn't that what Paul was modelling? He was being transparent so that there would be no questions about their integrity as they oversaw the gifts. So, a love of the Lord… a tested and proven faithfulness… multiple financial overseers… and transparency And every single aspect of this faithful stewardship is to give honor to Christ. As verse 19 puts it, “for the glory of the Lord” and as verse 23 says, “the glory of Christ.” We seek integrity as stewards to honor God because of his grace given to us. #2. The Discipline of Giving Which now brings us to main point number 2. The discipline of giving. Here's the thing. We are called not only to desire to give, but we are called to actually give. Earlier in chapter 8, Paul called the Corinthians to “complete the work.” He says in verse 11, “finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it.” And really, the beginning of chapter 9 emphasizes that. I think you would agree, it's much easier to have the desire to give sacrificially, than to actually give sacrificially. I read a story once of farmer who one day came home with great excitement. He reported with great joy to his wife and family… that their best cow had given birth to twins. He said to his family, “you know when these twin calves were born… I had a sudden urge that we should dedicate one of these calves to the Lord. We will bring them up together, and when the time comes, we will sell one and give the proceeds to the Lord's work.” His wife and children thought that was tremendous idea. But she asked him, “which calf will you dedicate to the Lord?” He replied, “Oh, there is no need to bother about that now…. we will care for both of them well, feed them well, and when the time comes we will offer one to the Lord.” Well, after a few months, the farmer came home one day and he was dejected. His wife asked, “honey, what is troubling you?” He answered, “I have bad news to give you. One of the calves has died…” and then he said, “It was the Lord's calf.” You see, he had the desire to give, but that was not matched with following through. Giving is one of the disciplines of the Christian life. It is an outworking of the grace of God's work in us. It's similar to seeking discipline in our call to purity of thought and word and deeds… or discipline to pursue peace with others. Or discipline in being faithful to serve others or take a sabbath rest and worship. Or pursuing discipline to follow through on the call to pray and read the Word. As we mature in our faith, God matures us in those disciplines. Let me put it this way: giving testifies that the grace of God is at work in your life. Look at chapter 8 verse 24. Paul says, “Give proof before the churches of your love.” “Give proof.” He was exhorting them to follow through and give to the needs of the saints. It would be a demonstration of their love and their faith. I mentioned last week that I do not have access to see who gives what offerings to the church. I do not want access. But I had a very interesting conversation with another pastor a few years ago. He would purposefully look at membership giving. Now, not all the time, but he would occasionally ask for a summarized list of members and their annual giving. That kind of shocked me. But he gave a couple of reasons. He mentioned that little to no giving indicated either a need for spiritual growth or it indicated a need for financial help. In other words, he would give attention to these people. It's like the opposite of showing partiality to someone with more means. This pastor experienced that a lack of giving often indicated a struggle in the Christian life or a struggle in faith or as I mentioned, an unknown need. To be sure, his purpose in coming alongside people was not so that they would give and therefore help the church finances… that was not the reason… rather it was so he could pastor and care for his flock well. I'm not suggesting that the elders or I will do that here at TPC. No. But it is true that our money often redirects us away from loving God. Giving or not giving can be a good indication of where our heart is. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” To say it again, when we are faithful to give generously and sacrificially, according to our means, it testifies to God's work of grace in us. And when we give it has the effect of encouraging others to also support the needs and work of the church Look at chapter 9 verse 2. Paul writes, “for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia [by the way, Corinth is in the region of Achaia] …that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.” There was a mutual stirring up of generosity. The Macedonians gave joyfully. We learned that last week. And they were encouraged by the desire of the Corinthians to give. That is why Paul wants to see the Corinthians fulfill their desire. That's the reason the delegation was sent! It was not, as verse 5 mentions, to “exact” a gift. Paul does mention that not giving would cause humiliation. But that is because they had promised to give. It was not coercion. He is clear about that. Rather, he wants them to honor their promise. And by doing that, it would encourage the Macedonians and bless the Christians in Jerusalem. So really, the Macedonians were an encouragement to the Corinthians to give, and the Corinthians were an encouragement to the Macedonians to give. And all of that would be an encouragement to the believers in Jerusalem, who would themselves give back to the Macedonians and Corinthians… and encourage them. We learned that last week. All of it accomplished the building up of one another in good works and godliness… And all of it was because of the grace of God in Christ, who is glorified in it all. Conclusion To summarize, faithful stewardship and disciplined giving are both expressions of God's grace in Christ. Stewardship is managing the resources that God has entrusted to his church and doing that with the utmost of integrity. When we fulfill that responsibility, as Paul and the delegates modelled for us, Christ is exalted and his bride, the church, reflects his righteousness. Likewise, disciplined giving honors Christ in our lives. It testifies to God's work in us who is transforming us into the image of his son. And to say it one more time, it's all motivated by the grace of God in Christ… who gave up the riches of heaven and became poor to take us out of our poverty and make us rich in his mercy. So, in matters of giving in and to the church, may we seek integrity and faithfulness, all to give honor to God in Christ for his grace. Amen.
Disciplined dedication to the desirable outcome in dangerous times Welcoming the return of Seán Pádraig O'Donoghue, as Mythic News co-cahooter…. We be honoring Pluto, through the smokin' embodiment of Letitia James, weaving to the chart of Kilmer Abridge Garcia (on the theme of “how we rescue our kin from Underworld”), and the US chart… “and grief, beauty and remembrance as currencies for liberation… from the Underworld. Three coins,” sayeth Seán ongoing -Anarcho*Entheo*Astro*Animism… Composting the con of cults into nutrient for egalitarian Community…… Rising to the Occasion, to dree our weird, honing our participatory skills… Otherwordwell.com *Woof*Woof*Wanna*Play?!?* · www.CoyoteNetworkNews.com · The Visionary Activist Show on Patreon The post The Visionary Activist Show – Dedication to the Desirable Outcome appeared first on KPFA.
Discipline is essential for fulfilling your God-given purpose. True success and leadership require self-control, intentional boundaries, and a clear personal vision. Resources: Sermon Notes: Victory Church Notes Get Pastor Mitch's New Book "An Appointment with God's Power": Order on Amazon Website: victorychurchraleigh.com Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast!
Vitality Biomarker Podcast || Dare To Be Vital BookFIVE PRIMARY POINTS of the PODCAST* Vitamin D Acts Like a DNA Aging ShieldA four-year randomized trial of 1,000+ adults showed that 2,000 IU of vitamin D₃ daily preserved telomere length—the “plastic tips” on DNA—by the equivalent of three years of aging, while omega-3s and placebo had no effect.* Purpose-Powered PerformanceTo outperform mere biomarkers, cultivate four intangibles: Purpose, Discipline, Intuition, and Composure. Pinpointing a purpose in 8 words or less sharpens decision making ability. Disciplined consistency “crushes complexity”. Intuition becomes a like trained radar and composure helps survive chaos.* SEAL wisdom: Captain Chaby's Top 4 intangibles & the 20-ft wave testFormer SEAL Team 5 commander Captain Tom Chaby counters with Mindset, Discipline, Resilience, and Leadership, forged by drills like swimming through 20 foot surf—an exercise in re-labeling “threats” as challenges and embracing the suck .* 5-Step Pressure Playbook * Disciplined thinking—control the controllables;* Go automatic—turn basics into habits to free bandwidth;* Deliberately set a challenge mindset with three self-checks (know what's required, capable, motivated) ;* Process over outcome—focus on the next right action ;* Stay neutral—good or bad, keep emotions level .* Fusion of Metrics and MindsetsThe episode closes with Mishra coaching Chaby on pre-surgery “vitality pre-hab,” illustrating how tangible levers (vitamin D, sleep, strength) and intangible skills work together to “be so good they can't ignore you.” This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vitalityexplorers.substack.com/subscribe
Twenty-twenty-five will definitely go down as a chaotic year. But listen, I am not going to complain because it's not productive. Productivity, very difficult to achieve in any field without the freedom of creativity. Creativity is suppressed when worry and doubt are present. I read an article in Psychology Today recently called, How Anxiety Harms Creativity (And What to Do About It). You can find a link in the show notes. The article draws a correlation between anxiety and creativity that outlines why and how fear, exhaustion and doubt can hinder creativity. And how creative types can struggle from this. As a creative who speaks to other creatives, and for you, as a creative listening, we are in the same headspace, think about that for a minute. Designer Resources Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise. Design Hardware - A stunning and vast collection of jewelry for the home! - Where service meets excellence TimberTech - Real wood beauty without the upkeep We are all alone, together in the pursuit of meaning, creative expression, love and satisfaction. If you are in constant state of chaos and worry, how can you do your best work. We can't. Think about Convo By Design as a respite from the external chaos and a place to reconnect with others who are likeminded and in pursuit of the same things you are. And in that effort, today, you are going to hear from Dan D'Agostino, founder and principle architect at Plan Architecture. Dan and I talk about creative freedom and we go into the work they are producing at Plan Architecture. We go into it and one of the things I find so interesting about Dan and his firm is that the work is complex and covers multiple styles and influences. From traditional to modern and much in between. In addition to external factors complicating the creative process, often, creative types will become fixated on signature style and often, it's not intentional. It just happens. Creative flexibility is a gift and one you will hear Dan and I explore along with a number of other topics. All in an effort to inspire you, spur creative thought and get you out of your head for a little while. So, let's get to it. Right after this. Thank you, Dan. Enjoyed this immensely. Thank you to my incredible partner sponsors, TimberTech, Pacific Sales, and Design Hardware. Amazing companies and great friends to the trade so please give them an opportunity for your next project. Thank you for listening, subscribing to the show and sharing with your colleagues. If not already subscribing, please consider that so you receive every new episode automatically to your podcast feed. Please keep those emails coming convo by design at outlook dot com and follow the conversation on Instagram, @ConvoXDesign with an “X”. Until next week, thank you for sharing this time together, until the next episode, be well, stay focused and now that it has arrived in earnest, try to rise above the chaos. - CXD
God had in mind a new method for saving the world. He would send messages to everyone who would listen. This message was (Evangelical) or good news to those who wanted to change. He would inspire willing servants to carry this good news to the world.
Pastor Aaron Carlson preaches on Hebrews 12:3-11Support the show
Discipline doesn't have to be hard, you're overcomplicating it.Find Me here:1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/jamesbrackin/1?month=2023-09Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-brackinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrackiniv/
Some wounds don't come from the battlefield-they come from within the ranks. Brandon Caserta was strong. Disciplined. Determined. He had a dream to serve in the military, to push himself to the limits, to be part of something greater than himself. But when he faced toxic leadership, retaliation, and neglect from those meant to lead, the weight became unbearable. His parents, Terri and Patrick Caserta, were left with the unimaginable loss of their son. But instead of letting their grief consume them, they fought back-championing the Brandon Act, a law ensuring service members can confidentially seek mental health help without fear of retaliation. In this episode, we discuss: Brandon's story-the warning signs, the failures, and the tragic end The deep-seated issues of toxic leadership in the military How the Brandon Act is changing the way service members access mental health care What veterans and active-duty personnel can do to protect themselves and support their brothers and sisters in arms Brandon should still be here. His story should have had a different ending. But because of his parents' fight, lives are being saved today. Listen in and share this episode-because no service member should feel alone in their struggle. Timestamps 00:02:15 - Who Brandon Caserta was and the values he lived by 00:10:15 - The toxic leadership and broken culture within the Navy 00:29:00 - The events leading up to Brandon's death on the flight line 01:04:20 - How Terri and Patrick uncovered the truth and began their fight 01:32:10 - What the Brandon Act means for today's service members Links & ResourcesVeteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.thebrandonact.org Foundation: https://www.brandoncasertafoundation.org Follow The Brandon Act on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrandonact Follow The Brandon Act on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrandonact/ Follow The Brandon Act on Twitter/X: https://x.com/ActBrandon Follow The Brandon Act on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-brandon-act-719821228/TranscriptView the transcript for this episode.
Michael Reddington is a former private investigator and Forensic Interviewer. In his book "The Disciplined Listening Method," he describes lessons learned from conducting Interviews, and his belief that every conversation has hidden meaning and value, and that two people effectively communicating can meet both of their needs, and the role of empathy in motivational conversations. Follow his work at www.michaelreddington.com. Visit www.grandviewforgood.org to see this month's highlighted charity, an organization advocating for mental health awareness and funding for those who cannot afford psychological treatment.
This week on The Capitalist Investor, Derek and Dave Abate break down how today's hyperconnected world is reshaping the way we invest. From the rise of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and the viral spread of market rumors to the explosive growth of meme coins and NFTs, they explore the emotional traps that can derail even seasoned investors. Learn how instant-access trading apps, social media, and influencer hype have made the market more reactive than ever—and what you can do to stay grounded. They also share real-world strategies on taking emotion out of investing, including setting clear plans, diversifying, and using a “sandbox” portfolio for speculative plays. If the market noise has you second-guessing every move, this episode will help you refocus and invest with confidence.
The REAL Reason Financially Disciplined Men Succeed (Trappin Tuesday's)