Podcasts about discussion questions

In this episode, Scott, Derek, and Gabrielle explore the often-misunderstood ideas of love and respect in marriage, grounding the conversation in Scripture while sharing real-life stories from their own relationships. They unpack why spouses may long for different forms of affirmation and how understanding those needs can transform everyday connection.Resources- Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs Discussion Questions:1- When do you feel most loved or most respected by your spouse? Can you describe a recent moment?2- Do you think you naturally communicate more love or more respect? How does your spouse typically receive it?3- Have past misunderstandings ever come from giving your spouse what you value instead of what they value?4- What is one simple action this week—public or private—that would communicate either love or respect more clearly?

What does justice truly look like when viewed through the life and teachings of Jesus? In this episode, Pastor Doug explores how Christ defines justice—not as power or punishment, but as truth, mercy, righteousness, and restored relationships. You'll gain clarity on how biblical justice differs from cultural narratives and what it means to seek justice while remaining rooted in faith, humility, and love.Support the mission of the Salty Pastor podcast! Visit our donations page at https://pushpay.com/g/thesaltypastor to help us continue sharing truth with a world in need.Discussion Questions:How does Jesus' teaching on justice compare to the way justice is often discussed in culture today?Where do mercy and truth intersect in the biblical understanding of justice?What practical steps can Christians take to pursue justice while reflecting the character of Christ?

Ep. 127 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Closeness vs. separateness in friendship | Friendship advice for kidsParents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com.FREE quiz: Is Your Child a Good Friend? https://eileenkennedymoore.ck.page/e37dcc098fWould YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit (Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it's not for emergency situations.)For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/Like the podcast? Check out my books at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com.Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents.*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:- How have you tried to learn about other cultures? (Hint: Do you know any words in a different language? Have you eaten food from a different culture? Have you had the chance to travel to different countries? Have you read books about someone who lives in a different country or comes from a different culture?) - Do you like physical affection with friends or do you prefer a hands-off style of relating? How do you let friends know what you prefer? - Has a friend ever told you they wanted space from you or didn't want to be your friend anymore? What happened? - Have you ever wanted physical or emotional space from a friend? How did you handle that? *** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 123 - How to Keep Friends (Eva, Age 6) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep123-how-to-keep-friends-eva-age-6Ep. 111 - Friend won't forgive her (Thea, Age 10) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep111-friend-wont-forgive-her-thea-age11 Ep. 73 - Best friend suddenly stops playing with him (J.J., Age 11) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep73-jj-age-11-best-friend-stops-playing-with-him Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Our hope for endless peace rests on a child who will reign forever.I. The future for God's people is a dawn that drives out darkness (vv. 1-3)II. This dawn will mean the end of enslaving enemies (vv. 4-5)III. God will make this endless peace through a child who will reign forever (vv. 6-7)Digging Deeper    Read Isaiah 9:1-71. “To be in darkness is to seem to be abandoned by God.” By a show of hands, have you ever or do you now feel this way? Share more if you're comfortable. 2. “The first coming of Jesus was the beginning of the end of the darkness of the world.” How have you experienced this line from the sermon? How has darkness begun to end? How is it still present? Think in terms of the world and your own life.3. Anticipating that Christ has come and is coming again should lead to hope and joy. How might we help one another be more intentional about giving thought to Christ's first and second coming?   4. Do you see spiritual enemies (like sin, demons, the fear of death) as your greatest enemies? Why or why not?5. How did Jesus' death on the cross defeat our spiritual enemies?6. Reread Isaiah 9:6, especially the end. Which of the four descriptors of Jesus catches your attention? Why?7. What is a takeaway (s) for us from the fact that roughly 700 years prior to the birth of Jesus, Isaiah so clearly and so specifically foretold his coming?8. Where do you long for peace in your life? With God? With yourself? With others? 9. There are many aspects to the peace Jesus came to bring for his people (e.g. - peace with God, peace among ourselves, peace within ourselves, etc.). Are there any aspects of the peace he brings that you have perhaps not appreciated as much as you should? Why might that be?  How might we grow in gratefulness for all that Christ came to do for us?    10. Read Isaiah 53:5 “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”  How has Jesus brought us peace through his death?  How might we use this verse to share the gospel with someone this Advent season?   Prayer

Why do people everywhere love art—music, stories, beauty, design, creativity? Pastor Doug uncovers how our attraction to art is far more than human taste or cultural trends. It's a spiritual signal pointing back to the creativity, beauty, and truth found in Jesus Himself. Discover how art reveals our longing for meaning, how Jesus fulfills that longing, and why the gospel makes sense of the human drive to create.Support the mission of the Salty Pastor podcast! Visit our donations page at https://pushpay.com/g/thesaltypastor to help us continue sharing truth with a world in need.Discussion Questions:How does the human desire for beauty and creativity point toward a Creator?What forms of art most clearly help you recognize spiritual truth?How does seeing Jesus as the source of meaning change the way you view art and culture?

In Session Twelve, Paul urges Timothy to flee from sin and pursue a life marked by godliness. He encourages him to fight the good fight of faith by taking hold of eternal life and staying blameless until Christ returns. Paul's charge to Timothy becomes a charge to us as well: to reject sin and live with a steadfast, Christ-centered devotion that shapes every part of our lives.Verses Used:1 Timothy 6:11-16Galatians 5:16-17Hebrews 12:1Romans 6:12-13Galatians 2:20Discussion Questions: As Christians, what are we called to flee from? What are we called to pursue?What does it mean to fight the good fight of faith?Paul instructs Timothy to “take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.” How can we be sure we are truly saved?What does it mean to keep the commandment without stain or reproach? What event do the verses in 2 Peter 3:11-14 speak about, and what reasons do these verses give for keeping stain and reproach from our lives? 1 Timothy 6:15-16 declares the majesty of God. Why is it good to reflect on these things? What else can you praise and revere Him for?

In this episode, we begin our Advent journey in Eden, a place of freedom, communion, and life without shame. Eden is not only a moment in history, but also an interior garden within each of our hearts. We talk about the deep ache we all feel for union, rest, and peace, and how this longing reveals our original design for communion with God. We also reflect on the shame that often accompanies this desire for communion with others, especially when our desires are left unmet, and how bringing these places of poverty to Jesus opens us up to real, lived communion with Him.   Heather's One Thing - The Renew Conference in Toronto Heather's Other One Thing - Her Advent Worship Playlist Sister Miriam's One Thing - Sacred Anchor Artisans (Catholic Etsy!) founded by Tim and Molly Olsen Michelle's One Thing - The Inspired Living and this Chrism Candle Michelle's Other One Thing - Fr. Innocent Montgomery, CFR   Welcome, dear friends… to this Advent journey, a pilgrimage of the heart, through four sacred spaces where heaven once touched the earth.   These are the places of Advent. Eden. Loreto. Elizabeth's home. And a stable under starlight.   Each one holds a mystery… a whisper of God's coming, a rhythm of waiting, a quiet invitation to abide.   We begin… in Eden — the garden of beginnings and original designs, Here, everything was whole once, every breath in attunement with God's own. But even in the ache of what was lost, something sacred remains, a longing, a promise, a memory of shalom harmony still written in our bones.   Eden reminds us: our waiting is not empty. It is the remembering of love that has never stopped pursuing us.   Journal Questions: What are the unique gifts that God has placed inside of you? When do I experience shame in the ache for communion? When have I recently experienced a rupture from Eden? Who in your life allows you to feel at home and at ease? How can I return to Eden through a daily practice?   Discussion Questions: How have you experienced yourself as a gift? When have you experienced an ache for Eden in your life? When do you feel exiled from Eden? What glimpses of Eden have you seen in your life recently?   Quote to Ponder: "We all long for Eden, and we are constantly glimpsing it: our whole nature at its best and least corrupted, its gentlest and most human, is still soaked with the sense of exile." (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien)   Scripture for Lectio: "Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame." (Genesis 2:25)   Sponsor - Altar + Home: Altar and Home by Conception Abbey exists to bring the beauty of Benedictine spirituality into your domestic church. The way we as Benedictine monks punctuate our days with prayer. The way we balance prayer and work (ora et labora). The way we pray with scripture in lectio divina. The way we live in community to support one another. Incorporating these treasures into your daily lives can draw you and your domestic church into Christ one day – one prayer – at a time. Our online store offers intentionally Catholic products for every occasion and every season. Lectio Divina rosary guides, daily journals, greeting cards, sacrament gifts, icons, and prints, along with books, bibles, and everything you need to make your home a sacred space.  Make Advent and Christmas a time of joy and peace with our Monk-Curated Collections—bundled sets specifically chosen by the monks to share our lives with each of you. They make the perfect gift for the Catholic in your life. Through this Altar + Home ministry, the Benedictine monks of Conception Abbey share the prayer God calls us to at the altar into the domestic church of our customers as we seek to cultivate one holy, apostolic, Catholic Church. We invite you shop with us at www.altarandhome.org. Use the discount code ABIDE to get 20% off your order.   Chapters:  00:00 Altar + Home 01:25 Intro 02:17 Welcome to Eden 09:38 Our Heart is a Garden and Place of Communion 11:18 We are Made as a Gift 13:32 Healing from Shame in Our Ache 17:57 Homesickness and Exile 20:23 God is Longing for Us 22:16 Imaginative Prayer 24:13 The Goodness of Our Bodies 26:06 Inviting the Lord into Communion 27:47 Advent is a Time of Preparation 29:32 One Things   Music used under license i94Cr0 

Send us a textWonderful CounselorSenior Pastor Keith StewartNovember 30, 2025In a world that feels darker, louder, and more confusing by the day, we are all desperate for a hope that actually holds. This message invites you to rediscover the wonder of Jesus Who steps into our chaos not just as a comforting presence, but as One Who knows exactly how to lead us through what we cannot fix on our own. Come and hear how real hope is not found in a change of circumstances, but in a Person Who is wonderfully at work in every detail of your life. Discussion Questions 1. Advent begins in darkness, not light. Where do you see “darkness” most clearly right now—in our world, in our community, or in your own story? How does Isaiah's promise of a child born into that darkness speak hope into those specific places? 2. “The doorway to hope is hopelessness.” Can you think of a time when you ran out of “horizontal” hope (people, places, circumstances) and it forced you to look up to God? What did you learn about yourself and about Jesus in that season? 3. “It's US.” We often want to believe our biggest problems are outside of us. Where do you most feel the pull to blame situations, locations, or other people? What might it look like, in that specific area, to pray, “God, I accept it. I'm the problem. It's me,” and invite Christ into that? 4. Losing our sense of wonder. In what ways do you see yourself “bored” with Jesus, church, or your faith—going through the motions more than living with wonder? What “substitutes” (comforts, amusements, habits) tend to dull your sense of awe in Christ? 5. Jesus as Wonderful Counselor – approachable, reliable, available. Which of those three qualities of Jesus do you need most right now—and why? What is one concrete step you can take this week to actually act on that (for example, bringing a specific struggle to Him in prayer, obeying a nudge He's already given, or leaning on the Spirit's presence in a scary situation)? 6. Living the “WOW” of God. If someone looked at your life right now, what would they conclude is your true source of hope and guidance? What is one area where you want Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, to “re-write the story” so that when you look back, you'll say, “WOW—only God could have done that”?

In his sermon, Larry explores the central idea that God communicates His most important truths not primarily through words, but through pictures, signs, and especially people. Beginning with the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words,” Larry explains that some realities are simply too deep to express with language alone. This is why God filled Scripture with vivid symbols—trees, rainbows, the Passover, the Red Sea, the tabernacle, baptism, bread, and wine—because these images convey what words often cannot.   He then shows that God's favorite picture—His clearest sign—has always been people themselves. The lives of biblical figures communicated divine messages more powerfully than their speeches. Prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Hosea lived out symbolic actions that illustrated God's heart: Isaiah naming his sons “Destruction is coming” and “The remnant will return”; Jeremiah burying and retrieving a ruined loincloth; Hosea marrying an unfaithful woman to embody God's relentless love; Ezekiel being commanded not to mourn his wife to display the depth of coming national sorrow.   These people's lives were the message. Larry emphasizes that Jesus is the ultimate sign and picture of God. Jesus' life, not only His teachings, reveals what God is like—His compassion, His priorities, His character. Jesus embodied the fullness of the Old Testament and made the invisible God visible, fulfilling humanity's original calling to be God's image-bearers. Our first vocation was not gardening, Larry notes, but image-bearing—making visible the invisible qualities of God in everyday life.   Christians today carry that same calling. People around us cannot see God's patience, forgiveness, mercy, or truthfulness—but they can see those qualities expressed through the lives of God's people. December, Larry points out, is a uniquely open-hearted season. In conversations, stores, gatherings, and family events, believers have an opportunity not to push opinions on politics or morality but to embody God's goodness, becoming His “light and salt” in the world.   Larry applies this especially to parenting and grandparenting. The most powerful influence we have on the next generation isn't nagging, lecturing, or pushing principles—it's showing a superior, joyful life, one that demonstrates God's character rather than merely describing it. Children and grandchildren learn less from what we say and more from what we consistently live. To illustrate this, Larry recalls his father's transformation and the unforgettable picture of obedience he displayed when God called him to reconcile with someone he deeply disliked.   That image shaped Larry more than any speech his father ever gave. Ultimately, Larry calls believers to embrace their identity as God's image-bearers, empowered by grace to make the invisible God visible wherever they go. Discussion Questions for Putting the Message into Practice Visibility of God: What invisible qualities of God (grace, truth, patience, forgiveness, courage, generosity) do you feel called to “make visible” this month? December Opportunities: Where is God sending you this month—stores, workplaces, gatherings—where you could intentionally embody His character? Influence Through Example: Think of someone in your life who watched your actions more than your words (a child, coworker, friend). What picture are you currently painting for them? Obedience Promptings: When was the last time God nudged you to do something uncomfortable? What might obedience look like now, even if you don't want to do it? Life as a Symbol: If someone could only see your life—not hear your beliefs—what would they conclude about what God is like?

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Those who enter the kingdom depend on Jesus completely and treasure him supremely.I. Who enters: those who depend on Jesus completely (vv. 15-17)II. Who enters: those who treasure Jesus supremely (vv. 18-30)III. How Jesus makes entry possible: suffering in our place (vv. 31-34)IV. How entry looks: dependent faith produces joyful following (vv. 35-43)Digging Deeper    Read Luke 18:15-431. Jesus exhorts us to receive the kingdom of God like a child, in complete dependence. How does this help us in entering his kingdom? 2. What's the opposite of being like a child in approaching God? How could/does this show up in your life?3. Wealth isn't evil, but it is a danger. How is wealth a powerful rival to God?4. Where do you struggle when thinking about money? Greed? Discontentment? Jealousy? Overreliance on it for security? What might you do or change to grow in this area?5. Those who follow Jesus give up much now, but also receive much now. If you follow Jesus, what good things have you already experienced because you are a part of God's kingdom now?6. It was asked in the sermon, “Do you see Jesus's love?” What does it mean to see His love, and how does it help us enter his kingdom?       7. The blind man at the end of the passage is a picture of the one who enters the kingdom. How do we live our lives marked by the kind of joyful following that the blind man exhibits upon being healed? 8. What is one specific thing that keeps you from entering the kingdom? Self-righteousness? Pride? Wealth that consumes your life? How do you flee from it? 9. How can we live in such a way that witnesses to unbelievers about the goodness of entering the kingdom of God?Prayer

“We're used to thinking of ourselves in terms of natural citizenship. But what does it mean to be a supernatural citizen of heaven, chosen and set apart by the King of the universe? In this message, we will explore three blessings of our citizenship: special privileges, duties, and (most of all) final vindication.” Outline: The blessings of our citizenship include three things: special privileges, military duties, and (most of all) final vindication.The blessings of our citizenship include special privilegesThe blessings of our citizenship include military dutiesThe blessings of our citizenship include final vindication Discussion Questions:1. Why is it significant that we are chosen for the same reason Abraham was chosen, solely because of God's mercy? What does it mean to you personally to be set apart in this way?2. One of our duties as citizens of God's kingdom is to wage war against the flesh and the world. How is this duty also a blessing? How do you approach the battle?3. Why can we be confident that despite all our failings and the judgement of the world, God himself will vindicate us before the judgement seat? What evidence of the Holy Spirit's work can you point to in your own life?4.How does knowledge of your heavenly citizenship, with all its blessings, comfort you today? How can you use this knowledge to encourage others?

We find ourselves in a season where the darkness feels particularly heavy—where gloom creates fog in our decision-making, fractures in our relationships, fear about the future, and fragility in our souls. This message draws us into Isaiah 9, a prophecy written hundreds of years before Christ's birth, speaking directly into a divided kingdom experiencing distress and despair. The people were walking in deep darkness, yet the prophet proclaimed that a great light would dawn. What makes this passage so powerful is its relevance to our modern chaos: divided nations, broken families, anxiety that buzzes in our bones like an alarm that never stops ringing. But here's the transformative truth—Christ in us is greater than the chaos around us. The four names of Jesus revealed in Isaiah 9:6—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace—aren't just ancient titles; they're present realities addressing our specific struggles today. When we feel lost in the fog, Jesus reveals what chaos conceals. When relationships fracture, He brings awe-inspiring restoration. When fear grips us, His might steadies us. When we feel fragile, His everlasting arms hold us together. The sermon beautifully illustrates this through the image of sunflowers planted in radioactive soil near Fukushima—plants that absorb toxins and bring beauty to contaminated ground. This is precisely what Jesus does: He absorbed our sin, our pain, our chaos on the cross so we could absorb His peace, hope, and joy. Our hardship isn't a tomb; it's a womb where God is birthing something new.Discussion Questions:-Pull up the ‘What a season of gloom feels like' lists and identify with your group which feels most familiar - now, or in the past. -Which of the four names of Jesus—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, or Prince of Peace—do you need to experience most deeply in your life right now, and why?-When have you mistaken God's peace and rest for Him 'sleeping on the job' during a storm in your life, and how might that perspective shift change your faith?-How can you cultivate the ability to experience Christ's peace internally even when the chaos around you remains unchanged?

Imagine standing before a judge, knowing you're guilty, the evidence overwhelming, your failure undeniable. Just as you're about to confess, someone steps between you and the bench, declaring 'not guilty' on your behalf. This is the breathtaking reality Romans 8 reveals to us. We journey from the depths of Romans 7, where we wrestle with our own wretchedness and ask 'who will deliver me from this body of death?' to the triumphant declaration that there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. This isn't just theological theory—it's the lived tension we all experience. We're still in the flesh, still breathing sinful air, still struggling with why we do what we don't want to do. Yet the Spirit of the living God dwells within us. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in our mortal bodies. We're called to set our minds not on the flesh, which leads to death, but on the Spirit, which brings life and peace. This means diving deep into God's Word, letting it dwell richly in us, gathering with other believers to encourage one another, and learning to cry out when we don't even have words—trusting that the Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for utterance. We're not elevated or special; we're simply people in whom God chooses to dwell, and that changes everything about how we live each ordinary day.**Sermon Notes:****Introduction:**- The speaker, Pastor Will, introduces the series on the book of Romans, specifically focusing on Romans chapter 8.- Emphasizes the significance of Romans 8 as one of the most important chapters in the Bible.**Key Points:**1. **Courtroom Analogy:** - Illustration of a courtroom scene where one is guilty but Jesus steps in, declaring "not guilty." - Romans 8:1 states, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."2. **All Are Guilty:** - Romans 3:23 states all have sinned and fall short. - No hierarchy in Christianity; all are equal before God.3. **No Condemnation:** - Only those in Christ are free from condemnation. - The law exposes sin, highlighting the need for Jesus.4. **Freedom in Christ:** - Those in Christ are set free from the law of sin and death. - Galatians 2:20 discusses living by faith in Christ, not by flesh.5. **Spirit vs. Flesh:** - Believers live in the tension between flesh and Spirit. - Setting the mind on the flesh leads to death, the Spirit leads to life and peace.6. **Holy Spirit's Presence:** - Romans 8:9 emphasizes the Spirit dwelling in believers. - The Spirit is essential; without Him, one does not belong to Christ.7. **Dwelling in the Spirit:** - The Spirit wants to dwell in us, impacting every aspect of life. - Importance of being in God's Word and fellowship for spiritual growth. - Colossians 3:16 encourages letting the word of Christ dwell in us.8. **Prayer and the Spirit's Help:** - The Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we don't have the words. - Romans 8:26 highlights the Spirit's aid in our weakness.**Practical Applications:**1. **Embrace Your Position in Christ:** - Live with the assurance that you are no longer condemned if you are in Christ. - Reflect on the courtroom analogy when guilt arises.2. **Cultivate Mindset on the Spirit:** - Regularly engage with scripture; let it shape your thoughts and actions. - Seek spiritual fellowship and accountability within the church community.3. **Invite the Holy Spirit to Indwell You:** - Begin each day in prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit's guidance and presence. - Make time for worship and reflection, allowing God to dwell in your daily life.4. **Rely on the Spirit in Weakness:** - When struggling, trust that the Holy Spirit intercedes even when words fail. - Be persistent in prayer and quiet time with God.**Discussion Questions:**1. How does the imagery of the courtroom help you understand your position in Christ?2. What practical steps can you take to shift your mindset from the flesh to the Spirit?3. In what ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to dwell more fully in your life?4. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit's intercession in times of weakness or uncertainty?5. How can the community of believers support you in living according to the Spirit?

Everyone wants to be happy. Don't you? Yet happiness seems one of the most elusive feelings in the world for most people.   One of the most shocking and powerful aspects of the apostle Paul was his ability to live happy. This guy didn't fake it. He didn't hide it. He didn't struggle with it. He simply found the secret to happiness and couldn't wait to share it with us. While the whole letter of Philippians is aimed at joy, this last lesson focuses in on happiness and how to achieve it. This is gold and it's ours for the taking in Christ Jesus!   Discussion Questions: How did Paul always rejoice?   Can you remember the definition given for contentment? How would you define contentment?   Do you remember the five (or some) obstacles to contentment? What hinders you from contentment?   What are some things you practice to grow in contentment?   Social media is one of the obstacles to joy in modern life. How's your relationships with social media and in what ways do you need to make changes to it?   Consider these thoughts and write down what comes to mind. Jesus + nothing = everything. Contentment is the bold affirmation that my Father knows best. We're all going to go through various seasons in our life. The key to joy is to learn what Paul learned, which is to be content.   ABOUT: Lina AbuJamra is a Pediatric ER doctor, now practicing telemedicine, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her bold faith and down-to-earth honesty, she's passionate (and allegedly funny) about helping people connect biblical truth to everyday life. Whether through teaching, writing, or podcasting, Lina brings hope to those wrestling with life's hardest questions. When she's not speaking or creating content, she's providing medical and humanitarian aid in crisis zones like Lebanon and Uganda. Learn more about her at LivingWithPower.org. Follow on Insta: linaabujamra Follow on Facebook: Lina Abujamra

What truly carried the Pilgrims through unthinkable hardship? In this episode, Pastor Doug uncovers the often-overlooked story of the Pilgrims' redemption—how their deep faith, repentance, and reliance on God shaped not only their survival but the birth of a new spiritual identity. You'll discover the spiritual convictions that guided them and how those same truths can anchor your life today.Support the mission of the Salty Pastor podcast! Visit our donations page at https://pushpay.com/g/thesaltypastor to help us continue sharing truth with a world in need.Discussion Questions:How did the Pilgrims' understanding of redemption shape the decisions they made as a community?What parallels do you see between their struggles and the challenges Christians face today?How can embracing biblical redemption change the way you respond to adversity?

Main idea:  God overturns human evil through His sovereign providence, the intercession of His mediator, and justice that secures His people's salvation. God's Providence Sets the Stage (6:1–14) God's Mediator Identifies with the Condemned (7:1–6) God's Justice Secures His People's Salvation (7:7–10) Discussion Questions: 1. Anxiety often comes from believing we must control everything. How does recognizing God's providence help us respond to fear or worry about circumstances beyond our control? 2. God's timing is perfect, even when it seems delayed or hidden. How do we cultivate patience and trust in God's timing, especially when the results of His providence are not yet visible? 3. How does Esther's courage and identification with her people point to Jesus' work as our mediator? How does seeing Christ as fully identifying with sinners deepen your understanding of the gospel?

Send us a textThe Value of DisappointmentPastor Jerrid Fletcher November 23, 2025The Value in Dealing with Disappointment” walks us through what happens in the gap between what we expected and what God allowed, and how to meet God honestly in that space. Jerrid shares a raw season of stacked grief—seven family deaths in six months—and the quiet, unspoken disappointment that formed when heaven seemed silent, and God didn't move the way he'd hoped. From there, the message names different “flavors” of disappointment (circumstantial, from others, from ourselves, and with God) and makes an important distinction between being disappointed with God's decisions and being disappointed in God's character. Using Psalm 13 as an anchor, we see David model biblical lament as a healthy way to deal with disappointment: he begins with honest complaint (“How long, Lord?”), moves into petition (“Look on me and answer”), and ends in trust (“But I trust in Your unfailing love”) even though nothing on the outside has changed. The message challenges us to reject myths like “If I ignore it, it'll go away” or “If I was more spiritual, I wouldn't feel this,” and instead to name our pain, turn it into conversation with God, and surrender the outcome to Him. Ultimately, it calls us to believe that disappointment is real,but it doesn't get to define who God is—that healing begins when we bring our honest hurt to Him and let disappointment become a doorway to deeper faith, not a wall between us and His heart.Discussion Questions 1. Where have you seen disappointment show up in your own life this year—circumstantially, through others, through yourself, or with God—and how have you tended to handle it (ignore it, control it, stuff it, or bring it to God)?2. The message distinguished between being disappointed with God (what He allowed) and being disappointed in God (who He is). Which one do you relate to more right now, and what does that reveal about the state of your trust in Him?3. Psalm 13 shows a clear movement: complaint → petition → trust. Which part of that process is hardest for you and why—being honest about your hurt, asking God specifically for help, or choosing to trust Him before anything changes?4. One line from the message was, “If it stays vague, it stays powerful.” What specific disappointment might God be inviting you to name clearly so He can begin to heal it, and what would it look like to turn that into a simple, honest prayer this week?

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Come to God, trusting not in yourself, but in Jesus. God's saving mercy and grace are only for those who know they don't deserve it.Digging Deeper    Read Luke 18:9-141. In our passage, the Pharisee comes to God trusting in himself (and how good he is). Where do we see this in the text?2. What are subtle or obvious ways we can trust ourselves instead of Jesus?3. “Whenever we feel God does not love us because we have failed, we have adopted the Pharisee's approach.” Do you experience this? If so, how can you respond to these feelings? How can we help each other?4. One of the ways Pharisee-like self-righteousness reveals itself is in a propensity to treat others with contempt (cf. v.9b). Reflect on some of the words (and tone) you have used with others around you in the past. Do you see any supporting evidence that you may have, at times, been guilty of treating others with contempt?  What heart-level attitudes might such words reveal? 5. How tempted are you to compare yourself with others to determine how good or bad you are? A lot? A little? Something else?6. What's the problem with assessing yourself based on comparison to others?7. How easy is it to view yourself like the tax collector, claiming no righteousness of your own?8. It was said in the sermon, “... we are all far more sinful than we think. And it is only when we grasp this that we can receive the good news.” What was meant by this?  Do you agree?       9. How might we use this parable (and the truths it teaches) to engage with unbelievers about the good news of the Gospel?   10. What one specific application from this passage might God want you to consider and take with you into the week ahead?  Please share. Prayer

This message challenges us to examine where our treasure truly lies and whether God holds the preeminent place in every area of our lives. Drawing from Matthew 6:21, we're reminded that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. The sermon walks us through the biblical foundation of generosity, starting with Cain and Abel's offerings in Genesis, where we see that God desires our first and best, not our leftovers. Abel brought the firstborn of his flock in faith, while Cain brought what remained after the harvest. This principle echoes throughout Scripture: God gave first, loved first, and came first. Through Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek and the Old Testament practice of tithing, we see a consistent theme that giving isn't about God needing our resources, but about our hearts being aligned with His. The most powerful insight comes from recognizing that we are merely stewards of what belongs to God anyway. As Psalm 24:1 declares, the earth is the Lord's and everything in it. When we grasp that every breath we take, every dollar we earn, and every blessing we receive comes from Him, giving becomes an act of worship and gratitude rather than obligation. The question isn't whether God needs our money, but whether we trust Him enough to put Him first in all things.**Sermon Notes:****Introduction:**- Pastor Rick introduces himself and mentions the church's journey through the book of Romans.- He shares an impactful experience from a conference in Jacksonville, Florida, led by Pastor Joby Martin and Church of 1122.**Main Themes:**- **Culture of Generosity:** Pastor Rick felt corrected and inspired regarding his approach to giving.- **Importance of Giving:** Emphasis on giving as a reflection of gratitude and faith rather than obligation.**Key Scriptures:**- **Colossians 1:15-18:** Jesus is the image of the invisible God, preeminent in all things, emphasizing His centrality.- **Psalm 24:1:** Everything belongs to God; all creation and ownership are His.- **Matthew 6:19-21:** Storing treasures in heaven; where your treasure is, there your heart will be.- **1 Timothy 6:6-10:** Warning against the love of money and its destructive potential.**Principles of Giving:**- God wants the first and best of what we have as a demonstration of our faith, not leftovers (Genesis 4: Cain and Abel).- The story of Abraham and Melchizedek (Genesis 14) as an example of purposeful giving.- **Old Testament Tithe:** Explained as giving the first 10% of one's earnings for the support of the temple and community (Malachi 3).**New Testament Insights:**- **Matthew 23:23:** Jesus acknowledges the importance of tithing but prioritizes justice, mercy, and faith.- **New Testament Giving Principles (1 Corinthians 16):** Giving should be periodic, personal, planned, proportionate, and plentiful.**Pastor Rick's Personal Reflection:**- Rick shares his own journey in understanding and practicing generosity, emphasizing obedience and faithfulness in giving.**Conclusion:**- The ultimate model of giving is Jesus, who gave everything for humanity, prompting us to mirror that generosity in our lives.**Practical Applications:**1. **Evaluate Priorities:** Reflect on where your financial resources go, as it indicates where your heart truly lies.2. **Plan Your Giving:** Set a regular time to tithe or give, ensuring it is a thoughtful and purposeful act, not an afterthought.3. **Start Small if Necessary:** If a full tithe is daunting, begin with a smaller, consistent amount, and increase as your faith grows.4. **Teach Generosity:** Share the principle of giving with your family, emphasizing its importance and spiritual basis.**Discussion Questions:**1. How does recognizing God's ownership of everything change your perspective on your resources?2. In what ways can you ensure that your giving is from a place of gratitude and not obligation?3. Reflect on the principle "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." What does this reveal about your current heart posture?4. What steps can you take to make Jesus preeminent in all areas of your life, including your finances?5. Share a personal experience where you felt called to give. What was the impact of your obedience?By exploring these concepts, the sermon encourages personal reflection and practical steps toward embodying a culture of generosity in personal and community life.

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What if Jesus walked through the doors today and told us He was returning exactly one year from now? How would that change everything about the way we live? This powerful message from 1 Peter 4:1-11 challenges us to examine whether we're truly living like the end is near or just going through the motions of faith while our hearts remain tethered to temporary things. The passage confronts us with uncomfortable questions about idolatry in our modern lives, reminding us that anything elevated above God, whether it's sports, relationships, approval, or even our own families, can become an idol that steals our worship. Peter urges believers to arm themselves with Christ's attitude toward suffering and to be anxious to do God's will rather than chase our own desires. The text reveals ten diagnostic questions to identify idols in our lives, from what dominates our thoughts to what we defend excessively. But this isn't just about what we avoid; it's about what we pursue. People who live like the end is near are earnest and disciplined in prayer, show deep unconditional love that covers a multitude of sins, and actively use their spiritual gifts to serve others. The challenge isn't to live in fear, but to live with purpose, knowing that opposition will come when we choose to follow Jesus faithfully, yet pressing forward anyway because eternity is what truly matters.**Sermon Notes:****Title:** Living Like the End is Near **Speaker:** Jesse **Text:** 1 Peter 4:1-11 (NLT)**Detailed Notes:**1. **Introduction:**  - Jesse expresses gratitude for the opportunity to lead a student takeover and highlights how student ministry serves as a bridge from kids' ministry to adult services.  - The series has been based on 1 Peter, focusing on the call to live in light of the living hope through Jesus.  2. **Theme of 1 Peter:**  - The book emphasizes living in response to the living hope given through Jesus.  - Christians should live with an awareness that this world is temporary.3. **Passage Overview:**  - Jesse reads 1 Peter 4:1-11, highlighting the call to arm ourselves with Christ's attitude, be prepared to suffer, resist sin, and live for the will of God.4. **Main Points:**  - **Arm Yourself with the Attitude of Christ:**   - Be ready to suffer as Christ did and cease following your sinful desires.   - Prioritize living for God's will over worldly pursuits and pleasures.  - **Understanding Idolatry:**   - Anything elevated above God can become an idol (e.g., power, pleasure, money).   - Evaluate priorities to ensure they are aligned with God's will.  - **Expect Opposition:**   - Faithful following of Jesus will likely lead to slander or rejection by former friends or worldly influences.   - Opposition is a normal part of sincerely following Christ.  - **Stay Eternally Focused:**   - Be earnest and disciplined in prayer.   - Show deep love to others, practicing hospitality and using spiritual gifts for service.    - **Utilize God's Gifts:**   - Recognize and actively use the spiritual gifts God has bestowed for the benefit of others and God's glory.5. **Concluding Story:**  - Jesse shares an experience of witnessing baptisms and the heartfelt reminder that choosing to follow Jesus is the most significant decision in life.  - Encourages living every day with the urgency that the end is near.**Practical Applications:**- **Evaluate Priorities:** - List and rank your current priorities. Align them with God's will, ensuring that none take precedence over your relationship with Him.- **Identify Idols:** - Reflect on what you might be elevating above God in your life. Commit to submitting these areas to Him.- **Face Opposition with Grace:** - Prepare for slander or rejection by grounding your identity in Christ. Maintain love and grace towards those who oppose you.- **Enhance Prayer Life:** - Set a daily routine for earnest and disciplined prayer, focusing on God's guidance and interceding for others.- **Use Your Gifts:** - Identify your spiritual gifts and find ways to serve in your church community or local area, contributing to God's work.**Discussion Questions:**1. **Idolatry Reflection:**  - What are some potential idols in your life that can interfere with your relationship with God? How can you ensure that God remains your top priority?2. **Handling Opposition:**  - How have you experienced opposition when trying to live out your faith? What strategies have you found effective in maintaining faithfulness to Christ in these situations?3. **Prayer and Urgency:**  - How does the idea of living like the end is near change your approach to prayer and interaction with others?4. **Gifts and Service:**  - What gifts has God given you? How can you begin or continue to use them to serve others and glorify God within your church and community?By focusing on these elements, individuals can be encouraged to align their lives more closely with biblical teachings, fully utilizing their spiritual gifts, and living with an eternal perspective.

In session eleven, we examine what godliness looks like in the thick of everyday life. As we live in a culture that pulls at our hearts, competes for our attention, and tempts us to drift away from the Lord, it's essential that we heed the warnings found in Scripture and pursue God above all else.Verses Used:1 Timothy 6:1-10Titus 2:9-10Titus 2:12 Timothy 3:16Philippians 4:10-12Discussion Questions:Why are we called to show honor to those we work for, and what are ways we can do that?How does Paul describe the content of the message and the character of those who put forth false doctrine, and what does false doctrine result in, according to 1 Timothy 6:3-5?What does 1 Timothy 6:6 say should accompany our godliness? Why is this quality sometimes hard to maintain, and how can we strive to lay hold of it?What is the result of those who want to get rich and have a love for money? How have you seen this to be true?Instead of treasuring earthly riches above all else, what should we treasure? What should the pursuit of our lives be?

Send us a textThis week, Courtney's dear friend and first Colorado roommate joins The Daily Nothings—everyone say hey to thee one and only Alexandra Neyrey!! Not only did she just complete the NYC marathon, but she did it for an incredible cause. Listen to her story and learn what it was like being one of the runners, and every little moment that she had to choose excellence to get to this point. Hearing about someone completing their big goals is truly so inspiring.Discussion Questions:1. What's the biggest goal you have in your life right now? 2. What's a goal that seems unattainable but would be cool to complete—yet deep down you wonder if you'll ever do it?3. In what ways is the Lord inviting you to push yourself a little bit more this week?Abundantly Yours: Black Friday Sale starts NOW! Up to 60% off sitewide at https://abundantlyyours.org/Tan Digital: Coming from Tan Books is a new app, that is basically an online Catholic bookstore, that you can find in the app store! Just search "Tan Digital" and download today to start your free trial!Bible Across America: From the St. Paul Center, enter into Advent this year with Bible Across America! Sign up here: stpaulcenter.com/adventReceive EXTRA content by joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/TheDailyNothingsPodcast Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/@thedailynothingspodcast?si=zxKuNgKossdwHvQhThanks for listening to The Daily Nothings Podcast! Be sure to subscribe and leave a rate and review.

Send us a textSuccessful or Faithful?Senior Pastor Keith StewartNovember 16, 2025What if the very thing we chase most—success—isn't what God wants for us at all? In a world obsessed with winning, Pastor Keith exposes the myth of “spiritual success” and invites us into something far deeper: the sacred art of faithfulness. You'll discover that in God's eyes, true success isn't measured by trophies, titles, or applause—but by whether we look more like Jesus after the struggle than we did before. It's a call to stand with the poor, the overlooked, and the broken—and to keep walking faithfully, even when victory seems out of reach. Come hear a message that will upend how you define success and reignite your faith in the quiet strength of perseverance._____________Discussion Questions 1. After vs. Before: Where have you looked more like Jesus after a hard season? 2. Success Audit: Which “success metrics” (size, speed, spotlight, likes) subtly steer your decisions? What would a faithfulness metric look like? How would it be different? What things matter most in regards to faithfulness? 3. The Long Defeat: What does “fighting the long defeat” mean in your neighborhood, workplace, or city? Share one situation where you might choose faithfulness over visible wins. 4. It's Expensive to Be Poor: Where do you see the “poverty penalty” (housing, food deserts, transport, healthcare) in our area? Which one could your group meaningfully address? 5. Matthew 25 Checkup: Of Jesus' list—hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, prisoner—which one is God highlighting for you right now? What is one concrete act you'll take this week? 6. Charity vs. Advocacy: Giving “stuff” meets real needs, but where might God be asking you to defend a cause (Jer. 22:16)—to speak up, show up, or help change an unfair process? Proverbs 17:5 Mirror: In what subtle ways do we “mock the poor” (assumptions, jokes, social posts,indifference)? What repentance and new practice would honor the God who made them? 7. Him and Them: If your politics were discipled by the two great commandments, what would change about your tone, sources, and priorities this month? Optional Group Practices (pick one for the week) Proximity Step: Spend an hour at a local clinic, food co-op, or reentry ministry; ask, “What helps most that we never think to offer?” Advocacy Action: Write one respectful, specific note to a local leader supporting a policy or process that reduces a “poverty penalty.” Daily pray, “Lord, make me faithful—form Christ in me; align my life with the least of these.”

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Jesus' sure and sudden return calls for wholehearted loyalty and persevering prayer.Digging Deeper    Read Luke 17:20-18:81. Did this sermon help you in your understanding of what the Kingdom of God is? How so? 2. How does Daniel 7:13-14 shed light on what Jesus meant when he spoke of “the kingdom of God” and “the Son of Man”?3. The coming of the Son of Man will be unmistakable to all (17:22-25). Why do you think Jesus wants his disciples (including us) to know this? What does this truth help guard against? 4. The coming of the Son of Man will be unexpected by many (17:26-30). In mercy, Jesus is warning his people, lest we be numbered among those who are not ready for his return. How can we help one another guard against complacency and against living with no sense of urgency (as those in Noah's and Lot's day did - until it was too late)? 5. The coming of the Son of Man will be for salvation and judgment (17:27, 29, 34-35). Apart from God's grace, we can be inclined to think that we're really not all that bad, and certainly not worthy of God's judgment. How might we use the truths taught in this passage to help unbelievers see both the sober reality of coming judgment and the salvation Christ offers?      6. One rightful response to what Jesus shows us in this passage about his return is to live with wholehearted loyalty to God. Is there a specific area of your life in which you are okay with something less than wholehearted loyalty to God? Please share. What would be a good next step toward change in this area? 7. Another rightful response in light of the second coming of the Son of Man is persevering prayer to God (18:1-8). Are there things you have prayed for, and yet God has not answered the way you hoped he would?  Have you found yourself tempted to give up praying, and “lose heart”?  Please share. 8. It was said in the sermon that “the key to not losing heart (in prayer) is the character of God.”  What aspects of God's character would you say are most important for you to be mindful of as you seek to persevere in prayer until the Son of Man comes again? 9. What might be some ways we can encourage one another to persevere in prayer until the Son of Man returns?  Prayer

Discussion Questions:What stood out or what did you learn?Is it hard for you to reconcile the justice of God and the mercy of God and why?Have you seen examples of some of the types of false teachings Jude addressed today? How did it impact your faith?What keeps you from contending for your faith or if you're already good at it, what tools have helped you contend. Who is someone in your life that you think may be ready to listen?

Romans 7 presents us with one of the most raw and vulnerable passages in all of Scripture, where we encounter the apostle Paul wrestling with a tension that every believer knows intimately: the struggle between who we are in Christ and the sin that still clings to our flesh. This passage doesn't offer us a polished, perfect Christianity—instead, it invites us into the messy reality of spiritual transformation. We discover that being saved doesn't make us perfect; it makes us forgiven. The profound truth here is that we are no longer 'in the flesh' but we are still 'of the flesh'—we've been freed from sin's dominion, yet we still battle its presence. Paul's honest confession 'I do not understand my own actions' resonates deeply because it mirrors our own experience. We find ourselves doing the very things we hate and failing to do the good we desire. This isn't a sign that our salvation is invalid; rather, it's evidence of the spiritual war raging within every Christ-follower. The beauty emerges when Paul asks not 'what will deliver me?' but 'who will deliver me?'—pointing us away from self-help solutions toward the only One who can truly save us. The answer comes thundering through: 'Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord,' followed immediately by the liberating declaration of Romans 8:1—'There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.' We're reminded that our Father stands with arms wide open, not waiting to condemn us for our failures, but inviting us to run to Him with every struggle, every sin, every moment of weakness.### Detailed Sermon Notes**Introduction:**- Pastor Will introduces himself and shares his recent mission trip to Malawi and South Africa. He emphasizes the gratitude for the church's support, which enables partnerships and gospel sharing in extremely impoverished regions.**Scripture Focus (Romans 7:13-25):**- **Struggle with Sin:** - Paul's honesty about his battle with sin highlights a universal Christian experience. - Believers are of the flesh yet in Christ, creating a tension of living according to the Spirit while wrestling with sinful nature. - Paul's question, "Why do I do what I don't want to do?" resonates with many believers.**Life as a Journey:**- **Analogy of the River:** - Life's path before Christ is like flowing downstream. Conversion is the turning point, representing the choice to paddle upstream against worldly currents.**Personal Story:**- Will shares a story of his son breaking a TV and promptly confessing, illustrating how God desires us to come to Him after we fail, instead of trying to fix things on our own.**Main Points:**- **Human Nature vs. Divine Calling:** - Despite being saved, Christians have an ongoing struggle with sin due to their fleshly nature. - Quoting John MacArthur, Will explains that believers are not "in" the flesh but "of" it, highlighting the continuous internal conflict.**Closing Message:**- Only Jesus, not human efforts, can deliver from sin's power.- Encourages transparency within the church, fostering a community where individuals can confess struggles without judgment.### Practical Applications1. **Embrace Transparency:**  - Cultivate authentic relationships within the church by admitting and discussing personal struggles.2. **Run to God:**  - Develop a habit of confessing sins to God promptly and seeking His strength to overcome, rather than relying on self-improvement techniques.3. **Rely on Grace:**  - Focus on understanding and relying on God's grace through Christ, rather than attempting to achieve righteousness through personal effort.4. **Scripture Engagement:**  - Regularly read and meditate on Scripture to reinforce the truth of God's grace and the ongoing internal battle with sin.### Discussion Questions1. **Personal Reflection:**  - Describe a time when you felt like Paul, struggling between your desires and your actions. How did you handle it?2. **The Role of Grace:**  - How can embracing God's grace daily help you in your struggle against sin?3. **Community Support:**  - In what ways can you contribute to making the church a more open and accepting environment for vulnerability and authenticity?4. **Prayerful Dependence:**  - What steps can you take to run to God and seek His help whenever you face temptation or failure? 

There is no in person church gathering on November 16. This short message talks about how the Big Story helps us make sense of weird stories in the Bible. This week's discussion questions are below: Discussion Questions: → How does viewing the Old Testament through the “lens of Jesus” change the way you understand difficult or confusing passages about God? → What do these stories teach us about God's patience and faithfulness—and about our own calling to partner with Him today? → How does understanding Israel's covenant with God help us interpret passages that seem outdated or harsh? → When you read scripture, what helps you stay focused on Jesus as the central point of the story? How might this change the way you apply scripture to daily life? → What are some practical ways you can “partner with God” this week—reflecting His character and joining in His story of redemption?

Are the Old Testament and New Testament in conflict—or do they tell one unified story? In this episode, Pastor Doug explores how both testaments reveal God's character, His plan for humanity, and the foundation of the gospel. You'll gain clarity on how the Bible fits together, why both sections matter, and how understanding them deepens your faith.Support the mission of the Salty Pastor podcast! Visit our donations page at https://pushpay.com/g/thesaltypastor to help us continue sharing truth with a world in need.Discussion Questions:How do you see the themes of the Old Testament fulfilled in the New Testament?What misconceptions have you heard about the differences between the two testaments?How does understanding the unity of Scripture strengthen your faith and trust in God?

In Session Nine, Paul continues instructing Timothy on how the church should function, once again focusing on elders. He addresses their responsibilities, how to handle sin among them, and warns against appointing leaders too quickly. We'll also explore our own role and response to church elders in light of these teachings.Verses Used:1 Timothy 5:17-181 Peter 5:1-51 Timothy 5:171 Timothy 5:19-21Deuteronomy 19:1-51 Timothy 5:22-25Discussion Questions:1. According to Scripture, what does it mean to “rule well” as an elder?2. 1 Timothy 5:17 says elders who rule well are worthy of double honor. In what practical ways can we and should we show honor to our church elders?3. How should elders who are caught in sin be dealt with? Why do you think this is?4. How should the church respond when church discipline occurs, whether it is an elder or another member of the body?5. What do 1 Timothy 5:24-25 mean, and what encouragement or warning do these verses hold for us?

Big Idea: In a fight, keep your guard tight.1 Corinthians 16:13-14Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.I. Be alertII. Be steadfastIII. Be strongIV. Be loving.Next Steps: Believe: Today, I surrender my soul to King Jesus.Become: I surrender my battles to King Jesus this week. Be Sent: I will send someone a Survival Guide this week.Discussion Questions: How would you describe spiritual warfare to someone who has never read the bible?What is the toughest spiritual battle you've ever been in?How did you stand firm in the faith the last time you were under spiritual attack?What are the main spiritual tools the enemy uses to attack you?What area of your life can we pray for spiritual strength this week?How does your personal holiness help or hurt during a spiritual battle?Pray for the Holy Spirit to show you someone who is fighting for survival this week. 

What if God's Power Shines Most When You Stop Pretending? Discussion Questions for 2 Corinthians 11-13: Why does Paul spend so much time "boasting" about his sufferings and weaknesses in chapter 11? What point is he making? In 2 Corinthians 12:2–4, Paul mentions being "caught up to the third heaven." What does this mean, and what might Paul have experienced or seen there? Why do you think Paul refers to himself in the third person when describing this heavenly vision? What does this tell us about Paul and his purpose in sharing it? What do you think Paul's "thorn in the flesh" might have been? Why do you think God allowed it to remain? Read verse 9. What does it mean for God's grace to be sufficient for you? How can you practically "boast in weakness" so that Christ's power may rest on you? Read verse 10. Reflect on this paradox: "When I am weak, then I am strong." What does this look like in real life? Can you think of a time when God's strength showed most clearly through your weakness? Read 13:5. What is the true test of salvation according to this passage? How does that differ from assessing our works or inspecting our fruit?

Title: Under Pressure - Enduring the Tests of TemptationSpeaker: Manny CollazoScripture: James 1:12-18Link to Discussion Questions

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview The whole Christian life is enabled by faith in Christ.Digging Deeper    Read Luke 17:1-191. Faith in Christ gives us a sort of superpower to do things that are really hard (some would say impossible). From the passage or the sermon, what kinds of things does faith enable?2. After all the hard things Jesus has been calling the disciples to, they feel that they need an increase of faith (vs. 5). Why do you think they ask for more faith, instead of more of something else?3. What is or may be an area you have freedom to pursue that you intentionally don't because you want the spiritual good of someone weaker in the faith?4. Christians are commanded to reconcile wrongs with others. What makes it difficult to be reconciled with someone who has wronged us (or make amends to someone whom we have wronged)?5. Where do you need to go and be reconciled? Consider both relationships in which you need to forgive, and relationships in which you need forgiveness.6. Have you ever experienced a surprising ability to serve God (through increased grace for others, stamina in ministry, resistance to sin, etc.)? Where did this come from, according to Luke 17? 7. In the sermon, it was said that faith enables us to receive God's mercy. Is it ever hard for you to receive mercy from others? What about from God? 8. Where in your life do you need to have faith in God right now and ask him to move? Do you trust Him to do what you're asking? Be specific. Prayer

No matter the cost, no matter the difficulty, no matter the alienation and ostracization, no matter the suffering it will cause, the holy man does what his Lord says to do. Today's passage looks at not only the why of holiness, but also the what and the how. Sermon Outline:I) The Why of HolinessII)The What of HolinessIII)The How of Holiness Discussion Questions:The message begins by connecting Reformation Day to holiness. How does this connection help reframe our understanding of “justification by faith alone”?Holiness is both a gift and a requirement — that you are “saved by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone.” How can this tension between grace and holiness be understood and applied in daily Christian life?In today's culture, holiness is often viewed negatively as “judgmental” or “intolerant.” What practical steps can Christians take to pursue holiness without falling into self-righteousness or snobbery?The message describes holiness as obedience to God “no matter the cost.” How do modern distractions, pressures, or relationships challenge that kind of total obedience today?The passage concludes that true holiness depends on the work of the Holy Spirit through the “ordinary means of grace.” How can believers more intentionally structure their lives around Scripture, prayer, and worship to grow in holiness?

The War With Pride, 2 of 5 from November 9, 2025 “In a world absorbed with manipulating appearances we openly practice faithful love.” 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the challenge of remaining faithful to Christ in a culture obsessed with controlling narratives and manipulating appearances. Pastor Michael discusses how Paul defended his ministry in 2 Corinthians against "super apostles" who undermined his work through eloquent speech and self-promotion. Instead of matching their aggression, Paul demonstrated genuine love through self-sacrifice and integrity. The message urges believers to focus on practicing faithful love openly, cautioning against messages that contradict Scripture and emphasizing discernment in recognizing false teachers.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

We find ourselves in one of the most challenging sections of Romans, where Paul confronts us with a profound truth: the law reveals our sin but cannot save us from it. Through the lens of the tenth commandment—'thou shalt not covet'—we discover how deeply sin runs in our hearts. The message uses a simple yet powerful illustration of children wanting each other's ice cream to show us something profound: we are perfectly content with what we have until we see what others possess. This isn't just about material things; it's about the human heart's tendency to compare, desire, and ultimately rebel against God's boundaries. The beauty of this teaching lies in its honesty—we learn that even the greatest saints, like Paul himself, wrestled with sin daily. The law acts as a mirror, showing us our need for a Savior, but it cannot cleanse us. Only the blood of Jesus can do that. When we stand before God, it won't be our good deeds that save us, but Christ stepping onto the scales of justice in our place. This message calls us to guard our hearts, cultivate gratitude instead of covetousness, and remember that when we do fall—and we will—we have an advocate in Jesus Christ who pleads our case before the Father.### Sermon Notes: Understanding Romans 7:7-14#### Detailed Notes1. **Introduction**  - The sermon focuses on Romans 7:7-14, noted as a dense and challenging part of the scripture where Paul discusses the law and sin.  - Central theme: The law's role in revealing sin and the struggle of living under sin's influence despite knowing the law.2. **Prayer for Clarity**  - Asking for divine help to illuminate the passage and remove distractions for better understanding.3. **Missions Update**  - Brief updates on church missions to Malawi, South Africa, and Myanmar, emphasizing global reach and community impact.4. **Exposition of Romans 7:7-14**  - Example of coveting as illustrated in Exodus 20:17 (The Tenth Commandment).  - Story of personal experience with grandchildren to highlight the human tendency toward covetousness.  - Emphasis that coveting stems from the heart, leading to actions contrary to God's commandment.5. **Boundaries and Sin**  - Illustration of boundaries using a playground metaphor, explaining how humans naturally push against established limits.  - The law serves as a boundary to reveal the sin within, not to save.6. **Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21)**  - Jesus teaching against covetousness by focusing on the parable where temporal possessions take precedence over spiritual richness.  - Warning against the dangers of greed and the temporal nature of material possessions.7. **David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12)**  - The story of King David's sin due to covetousness as a demonstration of how a desire stems from the heart and leads to breaking multiple commandments.  - Nathan's confrontation of David and the ensuing consequences.8. **Covetousness and Spiritual Life**  - Recognizing that covetousness begins in the heart and can lead to a cascade of sinful actions.  - Encouragement to guard the heart against such desires (Proverbs 4:23).9. **Paul's Struggle with Sin**  - Insight into Paul's internal struggle with sin, possibly rooted in personal inadequacies and past actions.  - Importance of grace through Jesus as the only path to overcoming sin.10. **Practical Implications of the Sermon**  - Recognizing our daily battles with sin and relying on Jesus as our advocate.  - Importance of gratitude as a weapon against covetousness and material obsession.  - Encouraging humility and recognition of one's sinfulness to experience growth and redemption.#### Practical Applications1. **Cultivate Gratitude**  - Regularly practice gratitude to combat covetousness. Maintain a gratitude journal or share daily thanks with family or friends.2. **Guard Your Heart**  - Be mindful of thoughts that lead to coveting. Establish personal 'guardrails' when engaging with media that fuels envy or discontentment.3. **Recognize Boundaries**  - Identify areas in life where you push against God's established boundaries and work on staying centered through prayer and reflection.4. **Pursue Spiritual Richness**  - Prioritize investments in spiritual growth over material acquisitions. Participate in church activities, bible studies, and community services.5. **Rely on Jesus' Advocacy**  - When struggling with sin, verbally acknowledge Jesus as your advocate in prayer to foster reliance on His grace.#### Discussion Questions1. How does understanding the purpose of the law help you in your daily struggle with sin?2. Can you identify ways in which covetousness surfaces in your life? How do you typically respond to it?3. Reflect on a situation where gratitude has helped you overcome feelings of envy or dissatisfaction. Share with the group.4. In what ways can we as a community support each other in establishing and respecting personal and spiritual boundaries?5. How does the understanding of Jesus as your advocate change your perspective on personal failings and sins?

Starting a new chapter of COD with bible study! Join us! Scripture: Psalm 34:18; Ecclesiastes 3:1–4Theme: Acknowledge grief as a natural, God-understood part of life.Leader Notes: Begin with an open discussion about recent losses or emotional struggles participantsmay have faced. Emphasize that grief is not weakness but part of being human.Discussion Questions:• How have you processed loss or pain in your past?• Why do men (or believers) sometimes hide grief instead of expressing it?• What can honesty about grief teach others about faith?

Until you understand how Jesus changes everything, you are at risk of wasting your life. This podcast will remind you what you gain when you have Jesus. Discussion Questions: How can we unleash real joy in our life in difficult seasons? What do you think it means to “put no confidence in the flesh?” What does it mean “to know the power of his resurrection”? What does it mean “to share in his suffering”? What are some ways you can do that today? Paul had one goal in life. Do you know what it was? What is your one goal for your life? What are some ways to grow your desire for a deeper knowledge of Christ?   ABOUT: Lina AbuJamra is a Pediatric ER doctor, now practicing telemedicine, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her bold faith and down-to-earth honesty, she's passionate (and allegedly funny) about helping people connect biblical truth to everyday life. Whether through teaching, writing, or podcasting, Lina brings hope to those wrestling with life's hardest questions. When she's not speaking or creating content, she's providing medical and humanitarian aid in crisis zones like Lebanon and Uganda. Learn more about her at LivingWithPower.org. Follow on Insta: linaabujamra Follow on Facebook: Lina Abujamra

In Session Nine, Paul instructs Timothy on how believers should treat one another as members of God's household: with honor, in proper order, and in purity of heart. God's compassion for the vulnerable is revealed through Paul's instructions on how God's people are to provide for widows. When the church and our homes reflect His design, they become places where every person is valued, every generation is honored, and every need is met.Verses Used:1 Timothy 1:51 Timothy 5:1-2 1 Timothy 5:3-4, 8Ruth 1:16Deuteronomy 24:191 Timothy 5:9-15 1 Timothy 5:16Discussion Questions:How does Paul contrast a worthy widow with a worldly one in 1 Timothy 5:9-13?How do we see God provide for and protect widows in Scripture? (See Deuteronomy 10:17-18, Psalm 68:4-5, Psalm 146:9, and Proverbs 15:25.)What are the Israelites commanded to do in Deuteronomy 24:18-22, and why? What would it look like to practice this verse in today's society?On Who ought a widow to fix her hope, according to 1 Timothy 5:5? What does it look like to do this and why is it important? How might obeying this verse impact your mental/emotional/spiritual life?It is clear that God cares for those in distress who are unable to help themselves. Why should we do the same? Is there anyone God has placed in your life that is distressed that you could offer assistance to? How so?

In this episode, we reflect on what it means to cultivate peace–as a fruit that grows from communion with God. The cultivation of peace is not something we control. It comes from learning to rest in God's presence, even amid life's storms. We talk practically about how to tend the soil of our hearts, so that peace can take root and grow into a fruit that becomes a visible witness to others. We also discuss how Jesus, the Prince of Peace, invites us to make room for His presence, allowing His breath to bring healing where fear and sin have disrupted our peace.    Heather's One Thing - Triumph of the Heart is now streaming! Sister Miriam's One Thing - Healed by Love: Contemplation as a Path of Healing according to St. John of the Cross by Daniel Chowning, OCD Michelle's One Thing - Feast: A Men's Devotional for Advent by Paul George    Journal Questions: What places of my heart are filled with anxiety or despair? Where am I seeking to be fixed instead of seeking communion with the Lord? What sins am I justifying that are robbing me of peace? What lies am I trying to talk myself into? Who or what are you trying to fix in your life that you need to surrender to the Lord?   Discussion Questions: How are you trying to control your life and heart rather than cultivating? What things motivate you to operate out of fear or mistrust? How can you internally cultivate peace? How can you externally cultivate peace?   Quote to Ponder: Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices. (St. Teresa of Avila)   Scripture for Lectio: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7)  Sponsor - BeeStill Design: BeeStill Design is a handcrafted Catholic jewelry and art brand founded by Louisiana artist and entrepreneur Holly Klock. A wife and mom of three, Holly has built BeeStill from a small creative outlet into a growing brand known for pieces that are both beautiful and meaningful. Her collections feature heirloom-quality jewelry, pressed flowers, and custom intaglios, along with enamel work and ornaments. From the very beginning, she has sought to bring the joy and beauty of our faith into each creation—always with the same vision: to design timeless pieces that tell stories of faith, love, and family. Whether you are looking for a piece of jewelry to be a daily reminder of God or would like to find a meaningful gift for someone in your life, head over to beestilldesign.com and use the code abidingtogether for 20% off your order.   Chapters:  00:00 BeeStill Design 01:08 Intro 01:59 Welcome 04:11 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder 06:31 Planting Peace in the Soil of Our Hearts 08:34 Cultivating vs Controlling 11:08 Fertilizing the Soil Around Us 13:56 The Breath of Peace 16:25 When We Feel Afraid 18:51 Communion Brings Healing 21:23 Wanting Peace for Those Around Us 23:26 Sin Disrupts Our Peace 27:52 Practical Tips for Cultivating Peace 32:55 Prayer 34:49 One Things

Are You Being Built Up—or Just Impressed? Discussion Questions for 2 Corinthians 10-11: What are some "earthly weapons" people rely on today, and how do they differ from the spiritual weapons Paul describes? How do we practically "take every thought captive"? What does that look like in a day-to-day mental battle? When have you seen someone use their leadership position to build others up rather than tear them down? Why do we often fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others in life (or ministry), and what exactly can shift our focus back to God's unique calling for us? What does it mean to be "betrothed to Christ"? How does that shape our daily choices and loyalties? In what ways do "false apostles" or modern spiritual distractions pull believers away from the simplicity of Christ today? How can we discern the difference between charisma that may draw larger crowds and genuine Christ-centered power in teaching today?

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Because death reverses the wrongs of life, the living should hear God now and respond.Digging Deeper    Read Luke 16:19-311. Money is a recurring theme in Luke 16. What does Jesus say about money? Why do you think he talks about it so much?2. When you think about someone spending an eternity without God, do you struggle with whether it is just? Why, or why not?3. Real people go to a real hell. What difference should this reality make in our lives now?4. It can be easy to feel like we have to get it all right in this life so we don't end up like the rich man in the parable. What helps us avoid thinking we can earn our way to heaven due to a fear of hell?5. The great news of the gospel is that if we are in Christ, we are beneficiaries of a second reversal, greater than that of death. What was that reversal, and what does it mean for believers?6. What brokenness in our world now might we joyfully anticipate being reversed in eternity later?7. How do you do justice and show mercy in your everyday life? If you struggle with this, how can you grow in showing mercy? 8. In the sermon, we heard that part of responding to the reversal that is death is “to be generous and prepare.” What are some needs around us that we can anticipate and meet as a community? 9. How do we share this truth of the gospel - this reversal of right and wrong - to someone who doesn't believe there is anything other than this life?Prayer

Brian Feroldi discusses the current state of the stock market, providing insights on market valuations, personal investment strategies, and the impact of artificial intelligence on stock analysis. The conversation highlights the importance of sustainability in stock market growth, potential investment pitfalls, and the benefits of leveraging AI tools for detailed analyses. Key Topics & Timestamps Introduction to the State of the Stock Market (00:01:01) Overview of stock market performance in 2025, with S&P 500 recording over 15% growth year-to-date. Current Market Valuation Insights (00:02:04) Discussion on historical performance indicators and high valuation levels. "Sustained double-digit growth in the stock market isn't feasible long-term." (00:02:15) Brian Feroldi's Personal Investment Strategy (00:05:00) Brian shares his strategy of maintaining a 30% cash position during high valuations and investing 70% in the market. Importance of personal financial situations when making investment choices. Impact of AI on Stock Analysis (00:24:19) Insights on how AI can enhance stock analysis when provided with clear directives. "As long as you're giving AI clear directions, it can provide incredible analysis." (00:26:10) Audience Questions and Answers (00:30:00) Discussion on individual stocks vs. index funds and thoughts on tax implications. Benefits of Fee-Only Financial Advisors (00:53:24) Advocating for fee-only hourly consultations for transparent financial advice versus traditional AUM models. Conclusions and Future Predictions (01:03:05) Summary of Brian's thoughts on market sustainability and advice for investor strategies moving forward. Actionable Takeaways Maintain a cash reserve during high market valuations to ensure better investment opportunities. (00:06:32) Utilize AI tools for deeper stock analysis, focusing only on credible data sources. (00:26:10) Regularly consult fee-only financial advisors for actionable insights without ongoing asset management fees. (00:53:24) Key Quotes Brian Feroldi: "Investment strategies should reflect personal financial situations." (00:05:00) Brian Feroldi: "Dollar-cost averaging into total stock market index funds is just so rock solid." (00:21:27) Related Resources Notebook LLM (00:25:05) Finviz Stock Screener (00:40:09) Nectarine (00:53:24) OpenPath Financial (00:54:32) Abundo Wealth (00:54:32) Discussion Questions How has the recent performance of the S&P 500 influenced your investment strategy? (00:02:04) What role do you think AI will play in future investment decisions? (00:26:10) How do you approach high market valuations as an investor? (00:06:32)

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Pursue a God-pleasing righteousness from the heart, including in your marriageI. The righteousness God seeks is from the heart (vv. 14-15)II. The kingdom Jesus brings fulfills the law but does not relax righteousness (vv. 16-17)III. God's enduring desire for righteousness is shown in his enduring instruction about marriage (v. 18)Digging Deeper    Read Luke 16:14-181. In the sermon, righteousness is “being right, doing right, before God.” The righteousness God is seeking is righteousness from the heart. What's the difference between being righteous just on the outside (like the Pharisees) and being righteous from the heart?2. Have you ever found yourself resisting a teaching in the Bible, only to later realize (or experience a sense of conviction from the Holy Spirit) that it is a truth that was pressing on something you were loving as a rival to God?  Please share.3. If you were to be honest, is there an area of your life where you are settling for outward conformity (a merely external righteousness)?  What might be a good step toward pursuing change in this area of your life?4. After hearing this sermon, how might you respond to someone who thinks they can live however they want because Jesus counts us as righteous through trust in him?5. Jesus didn't come to make righteousness unnecessary, but rather to make it possible.  What does that mean?  Do you find this truth encouraging?  How so? MARRIAGEIn our culture, the starting point for thinking about marriage is often self-fulfillment: my wants, my needs, my goals. It's easy to miss God's design for marriage, which is a covenant to which we must be faithful, a union that is only broken with great trauma, and a picture of God's love and faithfulness. It is, therefore, not surprising that so many fail to see the grievousness of divorce as God does. 6. How can we speak and act about marriage so that those around us are pointed toward God's good design of marriage?7. This passage urges us to “Pursue a God-pleasing righteousness from the heart, including in (our) marriages.”  If you're married, what would this practically look like?8. Given your marital situation and background, what was one takeaway from this sermon God might want you to remember in the days ahead? Prayer

In this episode, Dr. Shane Owens, a scholar of St. Augustine, joins us to discuss the power of memory. Together, we explore how memory is a place to where we withdraw to understand our identity, shape our whole self, and begin to see God working in our lives. Memory exists for the purpose of hope and we not only talk about how the Scriptures and Eucharist bear the memories of the Church, but also how our sorrowful memories can become sources of hope.    Heather's One Thing - Pope Leo XIV: Son of St. Augustine (A conversation with Fr. Dave Pivonka and Dr. Shane Owens) Heather's Other One Thing - Franciscan University's Festival of Praise Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Archdiocese of Sydney, Australia Michelle's One Thing - Return to the Heart: The Biblical Spirituality of St. Augustine's Confessions by Dr. Shane Owens Michelle's Other One Thing - Heaven for Me! by St. Thérèse of Lisieux Dr. Shane Owens' One Thing - Bible Across America from the St. Paul Center   Journal Questions: Am I savoring or swallowing the gifts God has given me? What core memories of my life have been rewritten by God? What sorrowful mysteries of my life feel too complicated to ponder? Where in your memory do you need to ask Jesus where He was present in it?   Discussion Questions: How can you hone your spiritual palate to be present to the good that God is doing in your life? When have you experienced the living power of memories? How have your memories been a source of hope? How are you being invited to slow down and ponder?   Quote to Ponder: “The heart is the dwelling-place where I am, where I live; according to the Semitic or Biblical expression, the heart is the place "to which I withdraw." The heart is our hidden center, beyond the grasp of our reason and of others; only the Spirit of God can fathom the human heart and know it fully. The heart is the place of decision, deeper than our psychic drives. It is the place of truth, where we choose life or death. It is the place of encounter, because as image of God we live in relation: it is the place of covenant.” (CCC 2563)   Scripture for Lectio: “But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)   Sponsor - Hallow: Get 3 months free of Hallow at hallow.com/abide and enjoy over 10,000 audioguided prayers, meditations, and music. Hallow can help you find peace, build a daily habit of prayer, and grow closer to God.   Chapters:  00:00 Hallow 01:00 Intro 01:50 Welcome 05:35 Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote 07:07 Who is St. Augustine? 09:30 What Inspired this Book? 11:18 Entering into Our Memories 13:20 How We Write Our Own Stories 15:34 Scripture and the Eucharist Help Us Understand Our Own Story 17:37 Chewing the Cud 20:47 Wondering vs Pondering 24:30 Hope in Our Sorrowful Mysteries 30:30 Finding Jesus in Painful Memories 38:59 Setting Aside Time to Hope 43:46 One Things

What's That Smell? (Grace Giving and Grace Living!) Discussion Questions for 2 Corinthians: Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-16. What does it look like to “be separate” without being isolated or legalistic? How are you “different” in this world? Read 2 Corinthians 7:8-10. What is the difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow? Explain in your own words. Read 2 Corinthians 8:12-15. What do we learn about how the early church was invited to share with each other to meet needs? Read 2 Corinthians 9:5. Why did Paul send someone to go ahead of him? What does that show us about Paul's heart? Read 2 Corinthians 9:6. React to this statement: If we invest in the gospel, we're going to see a harvest: transformed lives! Read 2 Corinthians 9:7. What four expressions here show exactly what a healthy motivation for giving looks like? How is this different from the “give until it hurts” mentality? What meant the most to you from Andrew's message today? Why?

Brad interviews Chris Hutchins, host of the podcast All The Hacks. They dive deep into challenging the traditional mindset of financial independence (FI), exploring the balance between saving for the future and enjoying life experiences in the present. The discussion revolves around the potential pitfalls of overly conservative financial strategies and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing valuable life experiences while ensuring future financial security. Conservative Goals Discussion (00:01:12) Chris shares his reflections on why many in the FI community may prioritize financial safety at the cost of meaningful experiences. He poses the question of whether we are taking the wrong risks by focusing too much on certainty in our finances. The 4% Rule (00:03:47) The hosts discuss the 4% rule, a guideline suggesting retirees can withdraw 4% of their savings annually. They highlight that, according to guests like Tyler Gardner, our focus on safety might lead to over-saving and depriving ourselves of essential life experiences. Rethinking Life Choices (00:10:44) As parents, they reflect on how the fleeting nature of time with children should influence our financial and personal choices. Chris shares insights on making bold decisions, such as considering taking significant time off for experiences with loved ones. Spending for Experiences (00:14:01) Brad challenges listeners to evaluate where they are spending their money and whether they can invest in experiences instead. The conversation emphasizes that creating memories often yields a higher return on investment than merely accumulating wealth. Importance of Flexibility in Spending (00:40:12) They discuss the benefits of being flexible in both finances and travel planning, underscoring the importance of planning ahead to maximize opportunities for experiences. Key Insights: Opportunity Costs: Focusing solely on savings can result in missing out on valuable life experiences (00:10:44). Flexibility Maximizes Value: Being flexible can help optimize travel rewards and reconcile the costs of memorable experiences (00:36:11). Rethinking Risks: Evaluate the balance between financial security and living fully. Exploring new experiences can often feel riskier, but not taking them can lead to regret (00:15:04). Actionable Takeaways: Regularly evaluate spending to identify areas for investing in experiences instead of saving (00:23:30). Plan trips or memorable activities well in advance to create anticipation and excitement (00:35:02). Embrace the risk of enjoying life and create a budget that allows for valuable experiences (00:14:01). Quotes to Remember: "Avoiding all risks in finance can lead to over-saving and missed life experiences." (00:08:02) "Focusing solely on savings can result in missing out on desired life experiences." (00:10:44) Discussion Questions for Reflection: Are you overly conservative in your financial strategies? How can you shift your mindset? (00:09:43) What experiences are you prioritizing in your life right now and why? (00:14:01) Related Resources: Chris Hutchins Website and Podcast       

In this episode, we explore the gift of tears and the importance of allowing ourselves to cry. We reflect on our experiences with crying and talk about how tears, especially in painful moments, can be a powerful expression of surrender, lament, and hope when offered to God. With the help of the Holy Spirit, our sensitivity and capacity to cry reflect the way we were beautifully created to respond to what breaks God's heart. We discuss the vulnerability of crying, the pain of resisting it, and how Jesus crying out on the cross reveals the value of our own cries. Whether you're too tired to cry, afraid to show need, or already feel safe expressing emotion, we invite you to see crying as an act of worship and intercession. In our sorrow, God meets us with love, truth, and the hope that He can actually do something with our pain.   Heather's One Thing - Spirit Breathe by Sarah Kroger and Echo Harbor Worship Sister Miriam's One Thing - Beloved Son by Carrie Daunt Michelle's One Thing - Her new back porch!   Other Resources Mentioned:  Pope Leo XIV's General Audience of September 10, 2025 The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer   Journal Questions: When was the last time I cried? What would it look like for me to cry well? Where has my heart been repressed? Where do I need to cry out?   Discussion Questions: How did Pope Leo's words change your perspective on crying? How are you tempted to give in to cynicism? In what ways are you self-reliant in this season of life? How can you be an empathetic witness to someone crying out in their life?   Quote to Ponder: “Finally, she asks God to give her a gift of tears to draw his mercy down upon the world, and especially upon his church.  In one of her visions, Catherine records having been told by God: “If you open your mind's eye you will see that the Holy Spirit weeps in the person of every one of my servants who offers me the fragrance of holy desire and constant humble prayer.” (St. Catherine of Sienna, The Dialogue Study Edition)   “We are accustomed to thinking of crying out as something disorderly, to be repressed. The Gospel confers an immense value to our cry, reminding us that it can be an invocation, a protest, a desire, a surrender. It can even be the extreme form of prayer, when there are no words left. In that cry, Jesus gave all that he had left: all his love, all his hope.” (General Audience, September 10, 2025, Pope Leo XIV)    Scripture for Lectio: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1)   Sponsor - Beata Home: This episode is sponsored by Beata Home, a boutique-style print shop founded by Katie, a wife and mom of four. The word Beata is derived from the Latin word for “blessed,” and that is her hope, that each piece will be a blessing to homes and families. Born out of the conviction that beauty has the power to evangelize, Beata Home makes it easy for Catholic families to surround themselves with art that reflects their faith and lifts hearts and minds to God. Beata Home offers something for every family and every budget: Digital downloads for instant access and affordable printing Fine art prints in sizes from 8x10 up to 30x40 inches Ready-to-hang framed artwork in seven different frame styles Artwork is printed on museum-quality paper with archival inks, ensuring beauty that lasts for generations. Whether it's a small image for a prayer corner or a statement piece for your living room, Beata Home makes it simple to bring beauty and faith into your everyday spaces. The heart of Beata Home is sacred art, but the collection also includes carefully chosen vintage artwork because all beauty points to the Creator. Visit beatahome.com to explore the growing collection, and as a gift for Abiding Together listeners, use the code ABIDING10 for 10% off your first purchase. Support a Catholic family business and bring beauty into your domestic church with Beata Home!   Chapters:  00:00 Beata Home 01:14 Intro 02:04 Welcome 03:58 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder 05:11 The Pain of Resisting Tears 06:58 Crying Out is Vulnerable 08:50 Tears are a Gift 11:45 A Remedy for Self Reliance 13:23 What Happens When We Stop Crying Out 15:25 Crying with Others 17:53 Being Needy vs Having Needs 20:41 Sometimes All We Can Do is Cry 22:54 God Speaks to You Though Tears 24:30 Slowing Down 26:37 Crying as an Intercession 28:46 One Things