Podcasts about empowered

Welcome back to The Empowered w/ Deanna Merlino Podcast! In this episode, I focus on the often-unspoken “sisterhood wound,” exploring the emotional challenges and personal growth that come from evolving friendships and seeking authentic connection. One concept I discuss is how personal change can shift relationship dynamics, sometimes leading to a necessary shedding of old friendships and the courage it takes to step into new, aligned circles. A key theme that comes through is the importance of healing childhood and adolescent wounds around belonging and acceptance, as well as questioning societal programming that pits women against each other. The discussion explored the power of embracing your true self, finding safety in vulnerability, and the collective potential that arises when women support and empower one another. I invite you to reflect on your own experiences and consider how releasing old patterns can lead to deeper, more fulfilling connections and a brighter, more empowered community - and us doing this TOGETHER.

In this episode, LA Opera Connects affiliated scholars Dr. Tiffany Kuo and Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano discuss "The Magic Flute," lighting up the LA Opera stage. They tackle the tough issues of gender raised by depictions of the Queen of the Night. Is she good, or is she evil? Empowered or beholden? Or is it far more complicated than any binary? They also touch on the influence of Freemasonry in Mozart's magical fairy tale, with plenty of musical interludes to whet your appetite. Enjoy, and then get your tickets to "The Magic Flute" at LAOpera.org.

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You can know everything about attachment theory and still keep ending up in the same painful patterns, so what's actually different about the women who break free?Girl, this one's for you if you've read all the books, listened to all the episodes, and you still feel stuck. In this solo episode, I'm getting a little nerdy with you (let's get nerdy together) about the real difference between people who intellectually understand secure attachment and people who actually go build the healthy, loving relationship. Spoiler: it's not about looking a certain way, meeting the right person at a coffee shop, or waiting to be rescued. It's about going internal and doing the deep work — and I'm walking you through exactly what that looks like, story and all.Inside the episode:Why you are the common denominator in your relationships and why that's the most empowering truth, not the harshest oneHow to finally set down the "invisible backpack" of relational trauma you've been carrying without even realizing itThe neuroplasticity piece: how to stop merging onto the old superhighway and start paving your new, securely attached gravel road (plus the sock-stealing story that taught me what a corrective emotional experience really feels like)If you're ready to stop collecting awareness and start embodying secure attachment, the Empowered. Secure. Loved. program is your heart surgery, laser-focused, root-level work with individualized support. Spots are limited and there's a special offer this month. Book your application call using the link in the show notes, and let's get you that relationship you've always wanted. Apply for the Empowered. Secure.Loved Program Program 6.0 Here

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Osahon Obazuaye // June 14, 2026

The Book of Proverbs anticipates the role of the Holy Spirit who will bless us with "skillful and godly Wisdom" and help us "get understanding...from God's Word and life's experiences."  Watch the video version of this sermon.  Check out all of the verses in this sermon → http://bible.com/events/49621450 Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Luke 4:18-19; Acts 1:4-5, 8, 13-14; 2:1-4 Anointed and empowered by prayer for gospel proclamation Anointed and empowered by prayer for gospel demonstration Anointed and empowered by prayer for gospel liberation Speaker: Pastor Dale Evrist Check out additional podcasts for more Bible-based content at lifereachresources.com/podcasts. You can get your CORE4 and CORE4Kids discipleship resources at lifereachresources.com/core4. Find out more about becoming a Disciple-Maker at lifereachresources.com/disciplemakingteam.  

Lead Pastor, Tom Lanham continues our sermon series, "Acts— Empowered & Sent : Gospel Without Walls".

In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit."

It's summer!! That means schedules are full and life is busy. So in this episode we have a mixed bag of conversations that have been on our hearts lately, we hope it blesses you!

What if leadership didn't require you to shrink, shift, or sacrifice who you are?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Latisha Chisholm — researcher, social worker, and founder of Subversive Leader — to explore a bold reimagining of leadership development.Through her groundbreaking work at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Chisholm developed Subversive Leadership: a framework rooted in disrupting cultural reproduction and empowering individuals to lead with authenticity, agency, and intention.We unpack how traditional leadership models — despite being part of a multi-billion-dollar industry — often exclude the very people who could most benefit from them. From cost barriers to cultural misalignment, the system has long prioritized conformity over individuality.That's where Subversive Leader comes in.Dr. Chisholm shares how her AI-powered platform, featuring "Zmara," an AI intelligent leadership coach, is designed to democratize access to leadership development. By centering lived experience, context, and community, the platform offers a radically different approach — one that meets people where they are and helps them grow without losing themselves.This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt like leadership required them to become someone else — and is ready to challenge that narrative.-The origin and meaning of Subversive Leadership-What it means to disrupt cultural reproduction-Why traditional leadership development models fall short-The positive role of AI - artificial intelligence in expanding access to professional development coaching that was once beyond reach-How to develop your leadership identity without losing authenticityDr. Latisha Chisholm is the founder of Subversive Leader and the creator of the Subversive Leadership framework, developed through her doctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania. Her work sits at the intersection of leadership, equity, and innovation, with a focus on expanding access to transformative leadership development.#SkillDevelopment#Mentorship#Networking#PersonalGrowth#CareerAdvice#professional development#ai#aitools#artificialintelligence#aicoaching#blackwomen#blackwomenempoweringblackwomen

Have you ever wondered why certain situations trigger such intense emotional reactions?In this powerful episode of Empowered in Health, Erin sits down with emotional mastery and self-trust coach, Courtney Osselaer, to explore the hidden connection between childhood experiences, emotional triggers, nervous system regulation and overall well-being.Courtney shares her extraordinary journey from working as a pediatric nurse for 15 years to facing a life-altering genetic cancer diagnosis, having her stomach removed and ultimately uncovering deeply buried childhood trauma through EMDR therapy.Together, Erin and Courtney dive into:✔️ Why emotional health is deeply connected to physical health✔️ What your triggers are really trying to tell you✔️ How unresolved trauma impacts relationships, parenting, and energy levels✔️ The role of the nervous system in emotional reactions✔️ How self-abandonment leads to exhaustion and burnout✔️ Practical ways to reconnect with your body and emotions✔️ Why healing begins with self-awareness and self-trust✔️ How inner child work can transform your life and relationshipsWhether you're a busy mom, entrepreneur, caregiver or simply someone looking to understand yourself more deeply - this conversation offers practical tools for emotional healing and personal growth.If you've ever felt overwhelmed, emotionally drained, constantly triggered, or disconnected from yourself, this episode will help you understand why and what you can do about it.Connect more with Courtney here:Website: https://courtneycoacheswellness.com/Book Your Emotional Reset Session: https://go.courtneycoacheswellness.com/emotional-reset-session?utm_source=erintrierTrigger Reflection Journal: https://courtneycoacheswellness.app.clientclub.net/courses/offers/7a002f4b-a269-4927-8a3d-15d51da26ecc?utm_source=erintrierInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_eo_seahorse/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtney.osselaer/If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sharing this episode with a friend can also help us reach more incredible women on their journey to better health.Thank you for being a part of our community and investing in your wellness journey!To stay connected, here's where you can find me online:Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/empoweredinhealth Coaching Business IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/erinktrier Book Free Coaching Call Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.erintrier.com/coachingWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.erintrier.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Girl, you're not lazy and you're not broken, you're overworked and underplayed.In this episode, I satt down with Piera Gelardi, co-founder of Refinery29, creator of 29Rooms, and author of the brand-new book The Playful Way, for a conversation that cracked something wide open in me. Piera built one of the most iconic women's media brands of all time and sold it for over $400 million… then found herself sobbing on her apartment floor at what looked like the peak of her career. Why? She'd zipped herself into a "serious suit" and packed away the playful, curious, creative parts of herself to be taken seriously. Sound familiar, y'all? So many of us do the exact same thing with our healing, we turn self-love into one more job.Inside the Episode:Why "overworked and underplayed" may be the real reason you feel stuck, brittle, and disconnectedHow Piera used play to move through grief, anxiety, and panic (yes, "grief karaoke")Tiny practices, flash expression, the "wonder wander," the shake break, to bring play and self-love back into your everyday relationshipsReady to stop white-knuckling your way toward love? Apply for the Empowered. Secure.Loved Program VIP Program HereConnect with Piera:Grab Piera's book The Playful Way Connect with her: @PieraLuisa Website: pieragelardi.com].

Amy is joined once again by fan-favorite guest Eli Weinstein, making his second appearance on the Expecting & Empowered podcast! A longtime supporter of the show and author of From I Do to We Do, Eli brings his signature blend of honesty, humor, and practical wisdom to a conversation about marriage during the busy years of raising young children. Together, Amy and Eli explore what it takes to stay connected as a couple when life feels all-consuming with its never ending mental load of parenthood.One of the central themes of the conversation is the importance of shifting from a “me” mindset to a “we” mindset. Eli explains why keeping score in a relationship - tracking who did more chores, who got less sleep, or who is carrying more of the load - can create resentment, communication breakdowns, and disconnection over time. Instead, he encourages couples to work as a team by openly communicating their needs and sharing responsibilities. Amy and Eli discuss the powerful connection between movement and mental health, especially during demanding seasons of parenthood. They explore how taking care of physical health can positively impact emotional well-being, stress management, and relationships. The conversation highlights the importance of small, intentional moments of connection between partners and how seemingly simple gestures can strengthen a marriage during the years when time and energy are often in short supply. He shares a list of ideas you can implement into your relationship!The episode wraps with a thoughtful discussion on navigating relationships with extended family and establishing healthy boundaries with in-laws. Filled with practical tools, relatable examples, and encouraging reminders, this conversation offers couples actionable ways to strengthen their partnership and remember that they are on the same team through every season of family life.If you enjoyed listening to this episode, we would love it if you could share it to your Instagram stories and tag us, @eliweinstein_lcsw and @expectingandempowered. As we like to say, knowledge is power, and we just really want to give more people the information that they may need on their parenting journey!Follow Eli on InstagramEli's WebsiteCheck out Eli's Podcast, The Dude TherapistOrder your copy of Eli's book, From I Do to We Do: Navigating Marriage in Parenting Years, available now!Listen to episode 33: Navigating Parenthood From the Non-Birth Partner Perspective with Eli Weinstein, LCWSLinks & ResourcesExpecting and Empowered App - Enter code ''podcast25” at checkoutExpecting and Empowered WebsiteExpecting and Empowered InstagramThis episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

In this episode, Patrick discusses what it means to build an empowered career & explore creative career portfolios with Jean Hsu (VP of Engineering @ Range) and Cate Huston (author of The Engineering Leader and fractional CTO @ Twill). Both share their unique engineering leadership journeys & how they built creative career paths through exploration & finding room for optionality. We dissect the identity crisis that eng leaders face – whether they are ICs or managers – and how to navigate the tension between individual & team productivity, especially taking into consideration AI. Lastly, Jean and Cate share insights on letting go of societal norms, unique ways to expand your work, taking on bets, and incorporating your values into your career.   ABOUT JEAN HSU Jean is a builder, writer, coach, and fractional VPE at Circuit & Chisel. She was previously in leadership roles at Pulse, Medium, and Range, and also built out a leadership development company focused on engineers. She lives in Berkeley with her partner and three kids.   ABOUT CATE HUSTON Cate is the author of The Engineering Leader, fractional CTO at Twill, and engineering leadership coach. She was previously in leadership roles at DuckDuckGo and Automattic, and an advisor at Glowforge. She has been all over the world, but now lives in Ireland.   Check out DRI Your Career today and use promo code “ELCPODCAST” for 15% off any of Cate and Jean's three courses!   SHOW NOTES: What it means for creative career paths to become the norm (1:42) Navigating the tension between individual vs. team productivity (3:34) What an empowered career looked like in Jean's leadership journey (5:00) Cate's decision to craft her own career narrative (10:46) Redefining work-life balance (12:54) How to cultivate time to explore future projects & create room for optionality (15:59) Why it can be challenging to find the space / time to experiment (19:17) Let go of “societal shoulds” (23:37) Frameworks for building out your career portfolio (28:43) Unique ways to expand the type of work you can perform (30:23) Using AI tools to help orient your career & incorporate your values (34:35) Thinking about your career portfolio as bets (40:14) Final thoughts on what it means to build an empowered career (44:47) Rapid fire questions (46:13)   This episode wouldn't have been possible without the help of our incredible production team: Patrick Gallagher - Producer & Co-Host Jerry Li - Co-Host Noah Olberding - Associate Producer, Audio & Video Editor https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-olberding/ Dan Overheim - Audio Engineer, Dan's also an avid 3D printer - https://www.bnd3d.com/ Ellie Coggins Angus - Copywriter, Check out her other work at https://elliecoggins.com/about/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Business is asking a lot of us at the moment and it's a whirlwind of creativity and genuine joy, but to ride those wild horses we are having to double down on looking after ourselves and keeping our vitality high. So this week, along with our regular catch up, Elizabeth is reading from the first chapter of her book the Empowered Entrepreneur, entitled 'Vitality - The Sustaining Force of your Business'. We hope you enjoy lovely listeners. The book is on half price summer sale at the moment so if you'd like to snag your copy while stocks last then you can order your personal signed copy from Elizabeth's website here https://www.elizabethcairns.com/book Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You're not stuck because you're lazy. You're stuck because the support you picked doesn't match the stage you're actually in. In this episode, I walk through the three financial phases I've watched business owners move through over 11 years at Kickstart: Foundation (where you need clean books and visibility), Empowered (where you start using your numbers to lead), and Elevation (where you bring in forecasting and strategy). The phases aren't tied to revenue, they're tied to how you lead and how you make decisions. Once you know which phase you're actually in, you can stop chasing random financial advice and finally get the support that fits. In this episode of CEO Numbers Network, I break down what each phase looks like in real life, the signs that tell you which one you're in, and the kind of support that makes sense at each stage. You will learn how to spot the phase you're in, why DIYing the wrong solution keeps you stuck, and what financial leadership looks like once your books are no longer the bottleneck. If you have ever followed financial advice that worked for someone else but didn't move the needle for you, this episode will explain why and give you a clearer path forward.  

Message from June 7, 10:00 A.M. Service.

Sermon of the week at Christian Renewal in Brunswick, GA.Speaker: Pastor Mark LintonMessage: Made For More: Empowered | Pastor Mark LintonScripture: Acts 4:31-35Date: 6/7/26INFO⁠⁠⁠https://www.christianrenewal.church⁠⁠⁠CONNECTFill out an online connect card: ⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/connect2crc​⁠⁠⁠GIVE ⁠⁠⁠https://christianrenewal.org/give⁠⁠⁠SOCIAL MEDIAhttps://www.facebook.com/christianrenewalhttps://www.instagram.com/christianrenewal

You're not stuck because you're lazy. You're stuck because the support you picked doesn't match the stage you're actually in. In this episode, I walk through the three financial phases I've watched business owners move through over 11 years at Kickstart: Foundation (where you need clean books and visibility), Empowered (where you start using your numbers to lead), and Elevation (where you bring in forecasting and strategy). The phases aren't tied to revenue, they're tied to how you lead and how you make decisions. Once you know which phase you're actually in, you can stop chasing random financial advice and finally get the support that fits. In this episode of CEO Numbers Network, I break down what each phase looks like in real life, the signs that tell you which one you're in, and the kind of support that makes sense at each stage. You will learn how to spot the phase you're in, why DIYing the wrong solution keeps you stuck, and what financial leadership looks like once your books are no longer the bottleneck. If you have ever followed financial advice that worked for someone else but didn't move the needle for you, this episode will explain why and give you a clearer path forward.  

Listen to our recent message from our Senior Pastor, Miles Fidell–preaching live from our ACC Atlanta location!

Welcome back to The Empowered w/ Deanna Merlino Podcast! SURPRISE! My first guest since I've been back - is hereeee! Casey Samsel is a returning guest on the podcast AND we've decided to launch a mini series together! In this first installment of the Casey & Deanna Pod Series, we reconnect after a couple years for a deep, insightful conversation about personal growth, alignment, and the challenges of playing small in life. Inspired by the powerful energy of the most recent full moon, the discussion weaves through themes of self-discovery, embracing discomfort, and finding balance between masculine drive and the softening into vulnerability. Together, we explore the "cosmic void," the courage to sit in discomfort, and the importance of tuning into intuition amidst an overstimulated world. Tune in for an authentic, unfiltered look at healing, embracing duality, and creating real change from the inside out - plus a sneak peek at upcoming topics in this transformative four-part series!Find Casey on Instagram HERE!--Let's connect! To see what else I'm up to, get more info on my latest offerings, and updates on my life and the podcast, follow me on Instagram: @thedeannamerlinoClick here to receive my FREE & potent Manifestation Vault with 15 tools!Sign up for my hybrid group mentorship - The Expansion Room *waitlist* here before doors reopen!Info and enrollment for WildFire, Quantum recalibration & Alchemical Immersion Retreat. All other programs/offerings: www.deannamerlino.com

Welcome back to The Empowered w/ Deanna Merlino Podcast! SURPRISE! My first guest since I've been back - is hereeee! Casey Samsel is a returning guest on the podcast AND we've decided to launch a mini series together! In this first installment of the Casey & Deanna Pod Series, we reconnect after a couple years for a deep, insightful conversation about personal growth, alignment, and the challenges of playing small in life. Inspired by the powerful energy of the most recent full moon, the discussion weaves through themes of self-discovery, embracing discomfort, and finding balance between masculine drive and the softening into vulnerability. Together, we explore the "cosmic void," the courage to sit in discomfort, and the importance of tuning into intuition amidst an overstimulated world. Tune in for an authentic, unfiltered look at healing, embracing duality, and creating real change from the inside out - plus a sneak peek at upcoming topics in this transformative four-part series!Find Casey on Instagram HERE!--Let's connect! To see what else I'm up to, get more info on my latest offerings, and updates on my life and the podcast, follow me on Instagram: @thedeannamerlinoClick here to receive my FREE & potent Manifestation Vault with 15 tools!Sign up for my hybrid group mentorship - The Expansion Room *waitlist* here before doors reopen!Info and enrollment for WildFire, Quantum recalibration & Alchemical Immersion Retreat. All other programs/offerings: www.deannamerlino.com

Finally, Doug & Paula explain how a person receives the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. Discover how simple it is to understand what to do, and how challenging it can be to actually do it!-Feel free to email us with any questions at info@servingbb.org or for more information check out our website at https://servingbeyondborders.org-Follow us on:Instagram - @servingbeyondbordersYouTube - Serving Beyond BordersFacebook - Serving Beyond Borders-"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve. . ." Mark 10:45-TUNE IN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-radical-christian-life-with-doug-and-paula/id1562355832

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In Part Three of our Empowered series, Pastor Jay Tyler explores how the Holy Spirit transforms believers from the inside out. If you are seeking spiritual renewal or a deeper walk with God, this message will encourage you to yield to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

Rachel Lohman // June 7, 2026

Are your hormones changing—or are you simply being told that feeling exhausted, anxious, gaining weight, losing sleep, and struggling with brain fog is just a normal part of aging?In this eye-opening episode of the V.I.B.E. Living Podcast, we sit down with women's health expert and nurse practitioner Carolyn Zaumeyer to uncover the truth about menopause, hormone health, and why so many women are suffering unnecessarily.Carolyn breaks down the critical roles of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone and explains how declining hormone levels can impact nearly every system in the body. From hot flashes and night sweats to anxiety, mood changes, low libido, joint pain, vaginal dryness, skin changes, fatigue, and disrupted sleep, we explore the symptoms many women experience but rarely connect to hormones.You'll also learn:• The most common signs of hormone imbalance during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause• How bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) works• The differences between estrogen patches, vaginal estrogen, progesterone, testosterone therapy, and hormone pellets• Why outdated hormone research created decades of confusion and fear around HRT• How proper hormone dosing and individualized treatment plans can improve quality of life• The important lab tests women should consider, including estradiol, testosterone, FSH, thyroid markers, vitamin D, and B12• How to advocate for yourself during medical appointments and get your concerns taken seriously• Why treating root causes is often more effective than adding medication after medicationWe also discuss men's hormone health and how optimizing testosterone can impact energy, mood, vitality, confidence, intimacy, and overall well-being.Whether you're navigating perimenopause, menopause, postmenopause, or simply want to better understand your body's changing needs, this conversation provides practical guidance, expert insights, and hope for the years ahead.If you're ready to feel vibrant, energized, and empowered in midlife and beyond, this episode is for you.

June 7th, 2026 | Derek Jones

Russ Masterson teaches from 2 Samuel 13 - 18.

Connecting people to a life-changing relationship with Jesus.

This powerful exploration of Romans 15 challenges us to consider our role in God's grand mission. We discover Paul commending the Roman church for three remarkable qualities: they were full of goodness toward one another, filled with knowledge of God's truth, and able to instruct each other in wisdom. This presents a beautiful picture of what mature Christian community looks like - not dependent on leaders for every spiritual question, but equipped to counsel and encourage one another through life's challenges. The message reveals Paul's unique calling as a pioneer apostle, someone hardwired by God to lay foundations where Christ had never been named. What's striking is Paul's humility - he boasts only in what Christ accomplished through him, not in his own abilities. This leads us to a profound truth: God set Paul apart before he was born, transforming the chief persecutor of Christians into the greatest missionary the church has known. If God can radically redirect someone like Saul of Tarsus, He can work in any of our lives. The practical application becomes clear when we see Hope Church's mission efforts - nearly a million dollars given to local, national, and global ministries in just over four years. We're reminded that some are called to go as pioneers into new territory, while the rest of us are called to support, encourage, and send them with more than just thoughts and prayers. The harvest is ripe, and whether we're called to plant churches in unreached areas or to faithfully support those who do, we all have a part in God's mission to reach the world.**Detailed Notes**• **Context – Romans 15:14–21, 22–33**   – Paul is closing the letter, affirming the maturity of the Roman church and explaining his ministry calling and travel plans.   – The sermon framed two big sections: (1) Practical church life, (2) Partnership in mission.---### I. A Mature Church (v.14)1. **Full of goodness**    – Uprightness of heart and life; gracious toward one another.  2. **Filled with knowledge**    – Deep, growing understanding of the faith (grace + truth).  3. **Able to instruct one another**    – Mutual counsel, not clergy‑only; Col 3:12–17 – teaching, admonishing, worshiping together.    – Sunday gatherings align us for mission; the church body does the “work of ministry” all week.---### II. Paul the Priest (v.15–16)• “Priestly service of the gospel” – not Old Testament sacrifice, but **offering Gentile converts to God**.  • Every believer is part of a **“royal priesthood”** (1 Pet 2:9): servants of the King who bring people to Him.---### III. Paul the Preacher (v.17–19)• Paul “proud” only in what **Christ accomplished through him**.  • Ministry must be:   – Empowered by the **Spirit**, not human skill alone.   – Dependent: “In him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).  • Hudson Taylor: “God's will done God's way brings God's provision.”   – Faith often feels impossible → difficult → done.---### IV. Paul the Pioneer (v.20–21)• Ambition: preach **where Christ is not named**, lay new foundations, then move on.  • God had **set Paul apart before he was born** (Gal 1:15–16), transforming a persecutor into an apostle.  • Some believers are similarly marked for pioneering ministry; they are miserable doing anything else.---### V. Partnership in Mission (v.22–33)• Paul longs to see Rome, then go to Spain, expecting their **help on his journey** (support).  • Model of **local → national → global** mission:   – Local ministries (kids, recovery, crisis pregnancy, etc.).   – National church planting.   – Global works (schools, long‑term missionaries).  • The “5%” go; the “95%” **strive with them** in prayer, practical care, and financial support.---## Practical Applications1. **Grow into maturity**    – Pursue goodness, biblical knowledge, and the ability to counsel others. Join and contribute to a group.  2. **Own your priesthood**    – See people you share Christ with as your “offering” to God. Pray for one person to pursue this week.  3. **Rely on the Spirit**    – Before serving, consciously ask the Spirit to lead; reject self‑reliance.  4. **Discern your calling**    – If you feel “marked” for ministry or missions, don't ignore the burn; seek wise counsel and take next steps.  5. **Support those who go**    – Pray by name for missionaries; give sacrificially; look for “root beer”–type ways to encourage them.---## Discussion Questions1. Which of Paul's three commendations (goodness, knowledge, ability to instruct) do you see most and least in your own life?  2. How does viewing yourself as part of a “royal priesthood” change your view of everyday life and work?  3. Where have you been tempted to rely on your own ability instead of the Holy Spirit? What might dependence look like this week?  4. Do you sense any specific calling from God (vocational ministry, missions, church planting, or something else)? How are you responding?  5. As a group, what concrete step can you take to better partner with those “on the field” locally, nationally, or globally?

My name is Rev. Alvin Lewis of Power To Change Ministry. Thank you for sharing your day with us, we would love to hear from you, your feedback is very important.2 Timothy 1:7 (CWSB)7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.Power To Change Ministry           Rev. Alvin LewisPowertochangeministry@gmail.ComPowertochangeministry.org973-583-7482

In this follow-up to their discussion of the Parable of the Ten Virgins, Jesse and Tony make a critical discovery about Matthew 25:13 that fundamentally changes how we should read Christ's eschatological parables. The command to "watch therefore" isn't primarily about staying awake—it's about preparedness for Christ's return. This episode explores the grammatical and theological connections between the Parable of the Ten Virgins and the Parable of the Talents, revealing how Matthew 25:13 functions as a hinge verse that binds these parables into a unified teaching on eschatological readiness. The hosts demonstrate how modern chapter divisions and translation choices can sometimes obscure the organic flow of Christ's teaching, and why understanding these connections matters for Christian living today. Key Takeaways Matthew 25:13 is a hinge verse, not an endpoint. The Greek grammatical structure (using post-positive connectors "therefore" and "for") links verses 1-13 forward to the Parable of the Talents, not just backward to the Ten Virgins. Sleep wasn't the problem in the parable. Both the wise and foolish virgins fell asleep. The issue was preparedness—having oil ready before the bridegroom's arrival, not staying physically awake. "Watch" means preparedness, not wakefulness. The better translation of the Greek word emphasizes alert readiness and preparation rather than literal sleeplessness. The Parable of the Talents explains what preparedness looks like. Christ intentionally connected these parables to show that watchfulness manifests in faithful stewardship and fruitful living. Christ himself made these connections. This isn't just Matthew's editorial arrangement—Jesus deliberately taught these parables together as a unified discourse on eschatological readiness. Sanctifying grace is non-transferable. The wise virgins couldn't share their oil because saving grace and the Spirit's indwelling cannot be borrowed or transferred between people. Eschatological ignorance is divinely ordained. Not knowing the day or hour prevents us from delaying obedience until the last moment, which was precisely the foolish virgins' error. Key Concepts The Grammatical Evidence for Connection The discovery that transformed this discussion centers on how Greek post-positive particles function. Both "therefore" (οὖν) in verse 13 and "for" (γάρ) in verse 14 cannot grammatically stand as the first word in a Greek sentence—they must connect to what precedes them. This means verse 13 isn't simply concluding the parable of the virgins; it's simultaneously introducing the parable of the talents. English translations that insert paragraph breaks between these verses may inadvertently suggest a harder separation than exists in the original text. When Christ says "watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour, for it will be like a man going on a journey," He's creating a seamless logical progression: the reason for watchfulness is eschatological uncertainty, and the nature of that watchfulness is illustrated by what follows in the talents parable. Preparedness vs. Wakefulness in Translation Some English translations render Matthew 25:13 as "stay awake" or "keep alert," emphasizing the sleep imagery from the preceding parable. However, this creates a logical problem: if falling asleep was the sin, then both groups of virgins sinned, since the text explicitly states "they all became drowsy and slept" (v. 5). The better understanding recognizes that the Greek word (γρηγορέω) encompasses a broader semantic range including vigilance, preparedness, and readiness—not just physical wakefulness. The wise virgins weren't praised for staying awake; they were praised for having secured oil before the bridegroom's arrival. This preparedness enabled them to respond appropriately when the moment came, regardless of whether they had been sleeping. Translating with an emphasis on sleep therefore misses Christ's point and artificially seals verse 13 off from the explanation that follows. The Perseverance of the Saints in Action This parable sequence reveals an often-overlooked dimension of the doctrine of perseverance: believers must actually do the persevering. While the Holy Spirit enables, empowers, and ordains our perseverance, He doesn't persevere instead of us—He causes us to persevere. The wise virgins' preparedness wasn't passive; they actively obtained oil before it was needed. They prepared for both the bridegroom's arrival and the potential delay. This illustrates that Christian preparedness isn't anxious vigilance or frantic last-minute effort, but the steady, Spirit-enabled work of sanctification, growing in grace, abiding in Christ, and maintaining readiness over the long haul. The Parable of the Talents then unpacks what this looks like practically: faithful stewardship, productive kingdom work, and diligent use of what God has entrusted to us during the time of waiting. Memorable Quotes The difference between foolishness and wisdom in the first parable is not whether or not the virgins fell asleep. It's whether or not they were prepared for the eventual coming of the bridegroom. - Tony Arsenal When God's people take to see and request his eminent and transcendent power in the lives of somebody else through intercessory prayer, a special bond is created that is very real. - Jesse Schwamb Christ himself has strung these different parables together... Christ was the one who decided that the parable of the talents was a proper explainer for the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. - Tony Arsenal Full Transcript [00:00:08] Jesse Schwamb: Welcome to episode 495 of the Reformed to Brotherhood. I'm Jesse.  [00:00:14] Tony Arsenal: And I'm Tony. And this is the podcast with ears to hear. Hey brother.  [00:00:18] Jesse Schwamb: Hey brother. So sometimes the episodes just seem to write themselves, and I say that of course, tongue in cheek from my full providential register. But in the last episode, we went over with great detail, the parable of the 10 virgins, or the 10 bridesmaids found in Matthew 25. And I think we did all the things that we were supposed to do, like contractually. We made really good oil puns. We talked about Petras song, midnight Oil. We talked about 10 bridesmaids, five Ys, five foolish. They're all waiting for the bridegroom who is late because he operates on divine timing. The foolish five run out of oil and begged the five whys to share theirs. The five whys decline, because sanctifying grace is non-transferrable. This is not a potluck. We went through all of that stuff and then what happened is we turned off the microphones and somehow you and I started a, a new conversation about this thing still. And we thought there's more to say and we didn't even expect it. And incidentally, it all hinges on a single word. Yeah. So we're gonna come back to that on this episode because we couldn't help ourselves. And I say that because we couldn't help ourselves. We literally kept talking about this long after the episode had ended. So we wanted to bring it back and it's something new. I think that you and I were really pondering that's gonna be really, really, really good. Yeah. But the other thing that's really good is either affirming with something or denying against something that's the part of the conversation where we either affirm with something that we think is underrated, really exceptional, that we wanna recommend or we deny against something that's just not that great. So Tony, what have you got for us today?  [00:02:04] Tony Arsenal: I'm gonna phrase this in a very particular way, of course, and then I'll explain why I'm phrasing it that way. I'm starting. Great. Um, I am affirming adult baptism upon a profession of faith, and I say it in that particular way. Sure, of course. Um, because I often hear, and I've heard, I mean, I've heard Presbyterian pastors say this, um, I've heard, heard it said that Presbyterians do cradle baptism too. And, uh, and sort of like, sometimes it's kind of in like a, I'm trying to like build a bridge with a, a cradle Baptist. Sure. Um, I actually object to that because the, the basis on which an adult is baptized in a Westminster covenant theology framework is different than the basis, uh, on which a believer is baptized under a traditional Baptist credo, Baptist position. Right. So I'm affirming adult. Profession of faith, baptism or adult baptism upon a profession of faith. Um, and the reason I'm saying that is because my wife and I had this opportunity this morning to go to another church to visit, uh, a friend of ours. It's actually a friend of our son's, which is crazy to say. He's four years old. A friend of our son's from school, his mother, um, who is a Christian, um, but had never been baptized, was being baptized at her church today. And so we got an opportunity to go to their church. It's a church we've been to before. It was not like a brand new church or any, like, super far away. It's a church we've been to before. Um, so we got to go to church and then we went over to the local sort of like swimming hole. Uh, like there's this little, uh, like recreational area called stores pond, I'm sure. Just I know you're familiar with it. Oh,  [00:03:38] Jesse Schwamb: yeah.  [00:03:39] Tony Arsenal: Um, and they did sort of like a testimony ceremony and, uh, all of the baptizes, I don't know if that's the right word, but all of those being baptized. Uh, I would normally call them catechumens, but I don't think that actually that applies here. But all of those being baptized, uh, got up and gave their testimony. There was eight people being baptized, which was fun to see. Um, of course all adults. This is a Baptist, um, a Baptist church that we were visiting. And then we walked over to the, over to the lake and they dunked him in there. And, uh, it was really great to see. And the reason that I'm affirming adult baptism upon a profession of faith, um, uh, is because it's really quite beautiful, right? I think we've, we just recently talked about this, um, and I'm sure we'll talk about it again at some point in the future, but we just recently talked about a baby baptism at my church that, uh, is beautiful in its own right for its own reasons, and it's got its own theological, uh, underpinnings and theological elegance to it. But there's also something just very beautiful about an adult who either has come to faith, um, and I don't, I don't know, um, this woman very well, like I, she's another mom at, um, at Agie school. And so our kids go to school together and so we interact with her periodically at like drop off and other times and they've been over to the house. I don't know her, well, I heard enough of her testimony today to know that she was kind of a nominal Christian. Uh, and they actually started going to church because in order to bring their son to the school that, um, they wanted to go to, which is, uh, the school that my son goes to, the school that your father teaches at, um. You have to have at least one parent needs to be a Christian, needs to be a regular attender, a regular member of a church. And so they, they joined a church, um, to be able to fulfill that requirement. And either, and, and again, I wasn't, I was watching the kids, um, including her son while she was doing this. So I was only kind of hearing with one ear. So either she was a nominal Christian and was kind of like renewing her faith or she was coming to faith for the first time. I'm not sure. But in either case, she had not been baptized previously that I know of. I didn't, I mean, I guess maybe she was baptized as a baby or something, I don't know. But, um, she was being baptized today upon a sort of a new profession of faith or renewal of faith, and it's just very sweet to see. The emotional investment that occurs when someone is recognizing that God's promise is being sealed on them. Right. And I don't know that, I don't know that a lot of traditional Baptist, and this is a pretty like plain Jane Evangelical church. I'm not sure that a lot of evangelicals would really recognize or use that language. But I also think there's an intuitiveness to it that like this is a sign that God gives us. It's gotta be a sign of something. Right. Um, it's not, this was a church that brought sort of broadly Calvinistic part, the baptism of house was actually adopted or adapted from, uh, a modification of question, one of the Heidelberg catechism. So I warned my Presbyterian heart, um. So they're in a context where like covenantal language is not foreign to them, even if it's not the primary structure that they're using. But it was just very sweet and kind and a, a really encouraging, uh, opportunity for the body of Christ to gather. Uh, it was a little bit chilly. It was raining actually, and people, anybody, like everybody was out there and, and in the rain, most people didn't have umbrellas. And you know, people's hair is wet and their clothes are getting wet and nobody cares. Nobody is bothered by it because there is some baptism going on. There's some, uh, some new birth in a roundabout sense and some yes, uh, some, some signification of that new birth in a very direct sense. So that's what I'm affirming today. Adult baptism upon a profession of faith, uh, with an asterisk in a covenantal mode. That's, that's my very specific, very technical affirmation today.  [00:07:19] Jesse Schwamb: There's also something about that's just special. Again, it's not prescriptive, but there's something special about those open water baptisms too. Oh  [00:07:27] Tony Arsenal: yeah.  [00:07:28] Jesse Schwamb: I mean,  [00:07:29] Tony Arsenal: yeah, it was like super picturesque. It was like, I felt like I was on the Jordan with Town of Baptist, like the, like, it was like a, that classic like Baptist minister standing in the water, like it was very right. Very, uh, it looked staged, but I don't think it was, I think it just was actually this, that genuine scenario. [00:07:44] Jesse Schwamb: Right. So, yeah. Yeah. And that's like a beautiful thing. Like we're saying, oh, we're not trying to get into the particulars. It's just to appreciate, I think all of those details. I myself was baptized by my father in a pond and it was glorious. That was, that was special. And there was something about the occasion and the environment as well that was special to me in that. But you're right, like in that Baptist mode, I, I think when it's like properly administered, when it's really appreciated and the theology is rich and richly exemplified in what's happening there to, it's hard not to be moved, I think in the Christian heart, not to be warned by seeing somebody go down into the water to come up into this representation of new life in Christ. I think regardless of your convictions on this, it's hard not to be moved by the power of the spirits.  [00:08:25] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:08:26] Jesse Schwamb: And the sign and seal being delivered to God's people. In a profound way. So whether you're a Pado or Cradle Baptist, I think it really is difficult not to be moved. And especially in an environment like that, you love to see it, right? I mean, this idea of of, um, being able to come to the Lord because he's called you and whatever season of life that is, and then to follow an obedience into baptism is a glorious thing that we should all celebrate. So I love this idea of people on a chilly day in New Hampshire standing in the rain saying, give us the baptism. Like let, let us see the Holy Spirits working through the lives of the people in our midst. Let, we wanna be a part of that. We wanna celebrate that we're here for that.  [00:09:07] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. It was just a, it was just a very, very sweet, like, I, like I said with, when we were talking about the, the baby baptism at my church, it's, there's just a, there's a sweetness to it. It's, yes. It's almost like, um, I've never been present for the birth of someone's child other than my own. Um, I've been at the hospital, uh, so meeting the family and the, the baby like very shortly after birth, but I've never been actually there. But there's something reminiscent to that, whether it's a baby being baptized or an adult being baptized where it's, it's just this sort of sweet moment of introduction to yes, this person with, um. To varying degrees depending on the theology, underlying baptism. But this person with a very real new identity that they have been given, yes, it's, it's, the old has gone, the new has come new creation in Christ. Um, whether, you know, I, I don't affirm baptism or regeneration, right? That's not a reformed position. But whether you have a, a position of some form of baptismal regeneration or baptismal efficacy, which is where kind of the, the reform tradition tends to fall, or even just, uh, I say just, I don't mean just in a peor sense, but like, even if, if what's going on is, is entirely a symbol that you know, is being applied to a person, there is a new sense of identity. There's a, there's a, a mark, a, a physical mark that it isn't persistent like circumcision, but it's a physical mark being applied, a visible mark being applied to, to the person claiming them as God's child. Um, and, and there's something very sweet and genuine. And, and to see, like, just to see, like I said, the, just the emotionality. And not a crass like emotionalism, but a genuine, heartfelt, emotional moment that someone is going through like a real, genuine emotion, um, is also not something we actually see that much in the world anymore, which is, it was nice to see. Anyway, I could, I could blather on about baptism and, and adult baptism and baby baptism and how great it is. Uh, God knew what he was doing and he, he gave us this beautiful symbol. So next time you have an opportunity to experience a adult baptism upon a profession of faith in a covenantal mode, uh, than you make sure you take advantage of that.  [00:11:14] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. You know what it's like for me and certainly I, baptism is way more profound, uh, than this example I'm about to give. But there's something within me that feels similarly or appreciates in a similar way when you're participating or just viewing a wedding. Yeah. Isn't there? There's that new identity. There's the vows and the covenants being made and promises being given and that that's just like a really meaningful, profound thing. And then like, you know, a thousand times, a million times, that is to participate or to witness again, baptism. And in my own church, which is Cradle Baptist, the one I attend, baptism, I'll say it this way in like this most trite way again, is like a super big deal. And one of the things I really appreciate is when that person, after they've given their testimony and they've gone down into the water and they come back up, our congregation goes like wild. Like just wild in celebration. Yeah. And at first I was like, wow, this. This seems like too much. Guys, can we take, can we take it down now? Just the Lord's day after all. And then I was with you in the sense of like, really, it's like we, you and I have talked so much about like the, the way in which you're trying to sometimes manufacture or theologians try to bring in some sense of emotionalism to kind of convey some kind of like, really, so I can demonstrate that I have a heartfelt and genuine commitment and love for God and Christ and you know, we can leave that as it is right now. Here is a place where I think that celebration is like just wholly and totally appropriate.  [00:12:36] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:12:36] Jesse Schwamb: And so I love that there's genuine enthusiasm and excitement over those things. And you're genuinely gonna get that more in the kind of traditional Baptist mode of this thing. I'm just saying celebrate where you celebrate, you know, get in where you fit in. Yeah. And so I think that your admonishment to us and affirmation there is really good. Um, totally about that. And all the better if you can do it in a, on a rainy day in a pond in New Hampshire. That sounds like a glorious spot.  [00:13:02] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah, it's, it was interesting. It was good. It was a good time. Jesse, what do you got for us tonight? [00:13:07] Jesse Schwamb: I'm also gonna go affirmation, and I think we can file this one for me, under seeing the power of God in his, that power demonstrated in his transcendence and in his eminence. All our timing is gonna be off on this, but there's a certain compulsion I have to report back to everybody. And that reporting is really on my wife who did undergo some surgery this week. And I'm about to say a bunch of things medically so you can, I mean, there's nothing in here like grotesque, but I say that because somebody might be like, wow, you're seeing a lot of personal things. I have her permission to share all this. But of course some of you may remember, she spoke on the podcast, I dunno, like a half dozen episodes ago. Go back and listen to that. She talks about her medical journey, but she just had this big surgery. And here's the reason why I want to report back. I sense that when God's people take to see and request his eminent and transcendent power in the lives of somebody else through intercessory prayer, that like a special bond is created that is very real. So I think when somebody comes to their brothers and sisters and says. Would you pray for us? Would you pray for me? That's not just an act. I think of vulnerability. It's one of of truly seeking after what God desires for his people to help and to intercede for one another. And there's something special about that. And then equally special, and I think binding is when people say, yes, I will pray. And they make themselves committed to doing that. When that relationship is established, what I think is like mutual accountability, mutual yielding to one another, mutual submission. The lovely thing about that is I think there ought to be a reporting back. I really feel highly convicted about that because so many people, including those in the from Brotherhood hanging out in the Telegram, TT Me Reform Brotherhood, they have prayed for us. My church has prayed, my parents have prayed. You have prayed. So many people have prayed. And so my wife did go undergo an 11 hour surgery just two days ago. And uh, I can say that that surgery, the doctors, the three surgeons who are working as part of this interdisciplinary team, this multifactorial, multidisciplinary team, were able to accomplish everything that they wanted to do, which was a wild accomplishment. And it was more intense than they thought it was going to be. But I can say to you very, very clearly, very cogently that, uh, God was in the midst of all of these things in a mighty and powerful way. Now, I know people are prone to say that kind of thing. I'm saying it because it was all exceptionally real. Not only as I sat there waiting for the next updates in the waiting room, did I really sense a peace of God that I haven't felt before, even in all of my wife's previous surgeries, when this was the most uncertain, this was the biggest, the highest risk that was all real. But at the very end, and I'll, I'll spare a lot of the details, uh, but at the very, very end when the surgeon reported back to me all the things that they did, which included having to take out a portion of her bowel and stitch it back together again, because she had some endometriosis that had embedded itself in there and that was unknown to them. You can't see that stuff in an MRI and yet God ordained that the right surgeon, the right preparation would be in the room and ready to go if something like that occurred and it did. That she had a full hysterectomy, which we were praying that it would be lack laparoscopic because they were concerned they would not be able to do it that way. And God answered that prayer that she needed to have her ureter, the thing that connects your kidney to your bladder, that also was filled with endometriosis. It had to be resectioned and repaired. And it was that the end of all of this, what the main doctor kept saying to me was, we wanted to put your wife in a position where her anatomy would determine the outcome and that you would have all of the skilled persons in the room to provide the best care, the best expertise possible. And what he said to me at the end is, it's strange things just kept breaking her way. And I said, well, I can tell you why that is. That's because God was answering the prayers of so many people who are praying for her. And so I'm so thankful for everybody who's prayed. She's in a critical time of healing right now. Our prayers now are turning to just that God would solidify the work that he has already accomplished, that there'd be no complications, that all the things that they did, and they did a lot of things. The surgeon in fact said to me at the end, it's gonna feel like she got hit by a truck. And that's actually not a bad description of what we did to her. And so the next days are the ones where we're really pleading for God to do this kind of miraculous healing that he started by providing all the things that he's, he's already done. I, as a husband, cannot be more thankful, more grateful, without words for everybody who has prayed. Uh, for my parents, for you guys, Tony, for all of our friends who reached out for so many people, I've realized I have a part-time job now just answering text messages, uh, on behalf of my wife for those who desperately are loving her through prayer. And again, I think I'd affirmed before. I'll say this very quickly, about the elders praying over her. About what a sweet time that was. Not only did that happen, but uh, unbeknownst to me until a little bit later on in that day did I learn that a bunch of women in the church had taken it upon themselves to schedule an 11 hour block where there was gonna be somebody praying every hour for my wife. And, um. Man, if, if, if this is not what the family of God does for one another, I don't know what they do.  [00:18:35] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:18:35] Jesse Schwamb: So I'm so grateful. Thank you for everybody who has prayed. I also don't want to testify. That's the power of God and his eminence. And his transcendence is just unreal loved ones. It's unreal, it's otherworldly and he comes in power when his people pray. He does good work and it's very James one. There's a lot that even as I'm worried now about the outcome of this surgery and how it will play out, that I can still somehow truly count it all joy, because it is God who does these things in our lives to test and to prove out our faith and our love towards him, because he's in fact good. And I'm just testifying to that goodness in the midst of this difficulty. So wherever you are at. For whatever it's worth. And I think it's worth a lot. God is faithful. He will do the work that he began, and he will meet us when we need him, where we are at in his loving kindness because of his great mercy. So be encouraged by that. And again, my sincere gratitude.  [00:19:36] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. I don't, I don't have much that I can add to that. I mean, I, I, I think, um, prayer is an undervalued commodity in the church.  [00:19:48] Jesse Schwamb: Yes.  [00:19:49] Tony Arsenal: And. As good and right as it is for us, uh, to pray when there's some big, um, big need like this. Um, and, and there's no, there's no, uh, dishonor or shame in asking for prayer in the big situations. I think sometimes too, like we forget that prayer is just as vital and just as important and just as powerful and just as meaningful and just as everything in the small things. Amen. Um, and, and I also think, you know, sometimes we, maybe this is just me, but like sometimes we go into, we go into a, a scenario like what you and your wife are going in and we sort of like prepare ourselves for. The hard providence to come. Like, I don't know if, if that's where you've been at, but I know when I'm facing things like this, um, I'm, I'm kind of like asking people to pray, expecting God to bring the hard providence.  [00:20:43] Jesse Schwamb: Yes.  [00:20:44] Tony Arsenal: Um, and maybe that's just a coping mechanism to sort of like get out in front of it in case he does. Um, but like that God, God doesn't, uh, how do I wanna say this? I don't think that God takes any particular joy in bringing the par, the hard providences. Mm-hmm. And I actually think he does take a particular joy in answering the prayers of his people unto good effect. Um, I think there's a particular joy that God brings when he, God has in his own divine accommodated, anthropo, pathic way, um, when he can make sure that everything just breaks the right way for his children. Right. In a really difficult, complex, long surgery. Um, and all of the butterfly effect elements of, of how all of those different things are gonna, you know, spread out. Right. I don't know if this surgeon's gonna come to faith because you attributed his success in this surgery to, you know, to, to God. I don't know. Maybe, maybe not. Um, but, but either way, there are a thousand, a million imperceptible little ways that God's providence flows out of these kinds of situations that we will never know. Um, and he, he takes great joy in answering the prayers of his people and. Yes, it's true that when God, when we ask God for bread, he does not give us a stone even when he gives us the hard providences, right? The hard providences are not a stone, but he likes to give us really good bread.  [00:22:10] Jesse Schwamb: Amen.  [00:22:10] Tony Arsenal: And I think at times, um, we, we sort of almost doubt that he is able and willing and joyful to do so. So that's more, I think, more a reminder for me than it is for anyone else. 'cause I, I have a tendency to prep myself for the hard providences, um, before they come and, and pray to that effect that God would comfort me in the midst of whatever trials is coming. Um, maybe I need to show a little bit more faith in a good God who gives good gifts, um, to pray and thank him in advance for the good providence is the, the easier the soft providence is that he has in store for his people as well.  [00:22:46] Jesse Schwamb: Well, I think we all need that reminder from time to time and I, again, I like where you've taken that. It is a good reminder to pray for the people that you love around you all the time, or just ask. What's something that you would like some prayer for, especially maybe something that you can't pray for yourselves through this time? I can't tell you how many times somebody has asked to pray with me or for me, and they pray in ways that just astound me. I dunno if that makes sense. Yeah. Like just, I get off the phone and I think, well, that was spirit filled because I didn't know that I needed to hear those words. I didn't know exactly like what needed to be stitched together in terms of the requests that would really minister to my heart and provide me encouragement. But course the Lord knows, and even in prayer as you're saying, he's giving that good gift to each other.  [00:23:35] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:23:35] Jesse Schwamb: When we pray with one another, when we pray for one another, it's just a remarkable thing that I fail to understand and I definitely fail to appreciate. So in this season of being able to see it very clearly as if like the clouds. Parted and I could see some of this power of prayer and what God does in prayer, what God does to us in the prayer of others. I can't help but testify again. I feel it is my duty to do so, actually. So be encouraged, loved ones that this is a powerful weapon that God gives us. I think you and I have said before, Tony, maybe we can also partly this into like another reform. A brotherhood bumper sticker. I said another, like, we have bumper stickers. We don't, we definitely should. At some point  [00:24:17] Tony Arsenal: we do have at least one cross stitch pillow floating around out there  [00:24:20] Jesse Schwamb: somewhere. That's true. Yes. We need to get our hands on that. And maybe here's something else we could add to it, which is of course, when, when we work, we work, but when we pray, God works. And so I've just been reminded of that over and over and over again. The situation, like you said in the big times and the small times, what a blessing, what God is like this, who cares. Who again, is what I've been thinking about is how high and lifted and transcendent God is, so that like he's not moved in, uh, in a dis, like a passionate way by this nonsense of our world. He's steady and steadfast. You know, Isaiah 26, like our God is an everlasting rock, and yet he's eminent in sending his son to identify with the kind of pain even my wife is in right now. In her time of trial and struggle. He is there and yet separated and so powerful that he orchestrates all the details himself. I mean, what God is like this.  [00:25:11] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:25:11] Jesse Schwamb: So this is the one to whom we get to bend his ear, as it were, and we'll avail ourselves of that opportunity. Always. You're gonna have to stop it, Tony. Otherwise, I'm, this whole episode is just gonna be me talking about, which would not be bad, I suppose, but me talking about how good our God is, I suppose we can talk about that actually in the context of Matthew 25. [00:25:30] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. You better watch yourself before you wreck yourself. Is that how it goes? But I did that, that took a month off of podcasting. I forgot how to do transitions. Not that we were ever great at transitions. It's just slamming into gear  [00:25:43] Jesse Schwamb: now. That loved one's a segue that you, you don't even know about yet. You didn't even get it. So let me help you try to get it. 'cause I, I wanna do this quickly, but of course it's always the best part of our conversations where we can get to the scripture. Let me read just the first, uh, 13 verses Matthew 25, and I'm gonna read them from the version that I read on the last episode because part of the fun of this conversation that Tony I had had subsequently was, do you remember what you said to me, Tony, about, about the, this, I don't wanna say the word yet, but this word. [00:26:10] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. I, what I remember is, um, feeling confused because I, I said, I thought this was like a Mandela effect kind of thing. Yes. We might have to, I'll explain briefly what that is in that I could have swore this word was in the, in the Bible. Like I was, it was so ingrained in my head that this was there. And then I'm trying to find it in my, my version that I'm bringing in. It's not there. And the obvious answer is it actually was there in the version that Jesse was reading and is there in many translations. Um, so we'll, we'll read the translation, uh, Jesse read, and then we'll talk about why not only why this is, uh, important in the light of our last conversation, but actually how it's important in light of what will likely now be the beginning of our conversation on the next parable, and in the next week or maybe two of, of the discussion of the parable of the talents here, or one of the parable and talents. [00:26:57] Jesse Schwamb: So this is Matthew 25, beginning in verse one. Then the kingdom of heaven may be compared to 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the body groom. Now five of them were foolish and five are prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. Now, while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. But at midnight there was a shout. Behold the bridegroom come out to meet him. Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the prudent, give us some of your oil for our lamps are going out. But the prudent answered saying, no, there will not be enough for us. And you go to and instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves. And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast and the door was shut. And later the other virgins also came saying, Lord, Lord, open for us. But he answered and said, truly, I say to you, I do not know you. Therefore, stay awake for you. Do not know the day nor the hour.  [00:28:02] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. So the part of this, uh, passage that I was having, like a brain cramp on and couldn't figure out is actually verse 13 and, um. The reason this is important and ties in, and this is part of why Jesse and I after we sort of had like a second, the beginning of a second episode, following the last episode, um, wanted to come back, is that this, this verse in verse 13 actually makes, um, in effect it makes the second parable that we're gonna talk about the parable of the talent here. It actually makes that parable like an extension of the first one or maybe an explanation of the first one, or further clarification. I'm not sure. It, it links the two together in a way that's really significant. So we need to make sure we really understand. Verse 13, and I'm gonna read verse 13 in my translation to demonstrate kind of where I think the, the question starts and says, watch therefore for, you know, neither the day nor the hour. And what Jesse and I kind of like marveled at is, um, the word for watch, uh, it's actually the same word we get the name Gregory, for, uh, from, um, the, the idea of being wakeful or alert or not falling asleep. That's that's there in the word. Um, and, and I don't think it's a bad translation. I don't. I always, um, wanna be really hesitant to sort of like make an argument that you wanna like build an entire theological point on a translation or a mistranslation. I think those are really shaky arguments, and even more than that, I don't ever wanna make an argument that makes it so people feel like they can't trust their English bibles. So the, the difference between the version that Jesse read with, you know, statements of being awake or stay awake or be alert versus watch, or more generalized alertness language, which is I think probably a better, not, not that the other one's bad, but this is probably a better translation. And it's a translation decision that's trying to connect that verb back to something that was said about the virgins. Right, right. The, the virgins, um, and this is, this is where our conversation went, is actually the, the sort of like real time epiphany that Jesse and I had, maybe I just had Jesse new, the, the sort of like real time epiphany that both, both groups of virgins fell asleep. Right. And so being asleep is not the necessary, it's not the thing that makes the virgins foolish.  [00:30:35] Jesse Schwamb: Exactly.  [00:30:36] Tony Arsenal: The, the translation, I think, I mean, I'm not, I'm not, I'm not, not like a mind reader and I haven't read anything from the translation committees that explain that this is why they did it. But I'm, I'm, I think it's reasonable to think they translated in light of that wakefulness element of being alert because of the fact that the virgins fell asleep and they were sort of caught off guard when the bridegroom came. But the reason I think that's an over translation is exactly the dynamic we pointed out last week, falling asleep was not the problem,  [00:31:04] Jesse Schwamb: right?  [00:31:05] Tony Arsenal: What was, what was the problem was not being prepared. And so this concept of watch, therefore is more, I think is more about preparedness because of the fact that the parable is about preparedness, not about wakefulness. So when we wanna think about translations, yes, verse 13 comes after verses one through 12, but there's this little word therefore that connects this one with the next one, right? And so it's watch therefore for, you know, neither the day nor the hour. If that was the end of, end of the book of Matthew, right, right there, then that therefore would be like, because of what I just said, watch for, you neither know the day nor the hour, you know, neither the day nor the hour. But then in verse 14, it starts with four. It will be like a man going on a journey who called his servant and entrusted them through his property. That word for, that's another connecting logic word. So it's watch therefore, so like, because of what I just said, be alert, watch, be wakeful, be mindful, be prepared for, you know, neither the day or the hour. Four, because it will be like a man going on a journey, right? The reason you have to watch is partially, or the reason you have to watch is that you will neither know the day nor the hour. And the reason you will neither know the day nor the hour is because it will be like a man who's going on a journey called his servants and entrusted them to his property, right? So these two parables are connected and we have to sort of like understand what that watch word means and how it relates to the previous parable to understand now what it is that the next parable is trying to say and how the two relate to each other.  [00:32:45] Jesse Schwamb: I think that's right. It's like you said before, we talked about last time, it's not that sleep was the problem. That's not where the condemn nation comes in. It's merely that sleep revealed the lack of preparedness. Right. Like I suppose if you wanted to change it up, you could be like, and then they all played Uno for a while and the lambs were going strong and then suddenly the bride coon came out and it was like, okay, well it was the fact that all the lamps were still burning. Yeah. But as they were still burning and that time was passing and the bridegroom delayed, providentially, then it was only those imbued with that grace who already I prepared for that moment in time. Not that they were all playing Uno itself. So, which, which I know this is like my own translation, which is horrible, but. It is important if somebody thinks like we're overworking this.  [00:33:26] Tony Arsenal: Right?  [00:33:26] Jesse Schwamb: It's important, I think, because it, it's gonna set up the next stuff, which we're gonna get to, uh, I presume in the next episode. But this verse is, is like a, is like kind of like the keystone. It's, it constitutes like the entire moral conclusion of both this parable, but the other two that are just like it, that come before it in different ways. And of course it's like structurally parallel to a bunch of like mark and stuff that we may or may not get to. And then it echoes like the broader, all that discourse as well. So I was just looking up quickly, mark 13, in other words like where do we hear this same type of language? Where does it almost rhyme in our minds? And so if you go over just to mark 1333, and this is the parable of the fig tree. So we won't get into that there, but you'll see kind of like the same conclusion, the same, I kind of high and lifted point at the end. And this is where Jesus says, see to it, keep on the alert. For you do not know when the appointed time will come. So instead, really what we're getting at is there's all this language about watchfulness, like the, the present imperative in Greek. Keep on watching, be continuously a work, uh, alert, but it's not like watchfulness in this like anxious, vigilant, kind of nervous energy uncertainty, but it's the prepared readiness of one who has oil in the vessel and knows that the bridegroom is coming regardless of whether you fall asleep. [00:34:46] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And again, you know, the, the way that, um, the way that English translations are broken up into paragraphs and into, with headings and editorial content and chapter divisions and verse divisions, um, those things are all helpful and they're all really useful and I'm glad they're there. Uh, they're not inspired though, right? They're not the word of God. The, the, for the little, the little super script 14 before the word four and the little super script 13 before the word watch. Is not, it's not inspired and neither is the little, at least in the version I'm looking at on logs Bible start, neither is the little paragraph break that separates these two. So we, we can equally read and again, like I haven't done a full Greek exo treatment of this and maybe I should to, to know whether there is actually some real specific grammatical reasons why we would break these. There probably is, but we could equally read it saying, but he answered truly I say to you, I do not know you watch therefore for, you know, neither the hour or the day nor the hour. For it will be like a man going on a journey who called his sermon or we could read it, watch therefore for, you know, neither the day nor the hour for it will be like a man going on a journey. Right, right. We can, we can, the way that we read it, we can, we can clump verse 13 with what comes before it and sort of imply a full break or we can clump it with what comes after it and imply a full break before it. In reality, we shouldn't do either of those. Right. This is in, this is linked together in the, the Bible specifically to take these two parables. And pull them together. Right. Thematically, they're the same. They match, they, they have kind of this rhyming nature that like, there's, there's this theme of like, these people who have a specific task and they accomplish it to greater or lesser degree. And the ones who do it, right, the ones who do it well are rewarded in some sense because of their preparedness and their diligence. And again, I, I don't, um, I know that we can't overemphasize this because this is God's word, right? Right. The, the difference between foolishness and wisdom in the first parable is not whether or not the virgins fell asleep. It's, it's whether or not they were prepared for the eventual coming of the bridegroom, meaning that they had everything they need, not only to, um, and this is a, a real time realization I'm having here, not only to be ready when the bridegroom came, but to be prepared for the long haul until he came. Right. I think that's actually probably another big part of this pearl that we didn't even really talk about is that there's a, there's a, um. There's an implied statement here about the, the, um, perseverance of the saints in the fact that the saints have to persevere. Right? That's a corollary of the doctrine, of the perseverance of the saints, is that we actually have to do the persevering, right? Empowered by the spirit. Enabled by the spirit. Ordained by the spirit, of course, but that doesn't mean the spirit is the one who's persevering, right? Right. The spirit is not persevering for us. The spirit is causing us to persevere, but it's still us that he's causing to persevere. That's a major part of that. This next parable and, and we'll read, we'll read the parable here and then we'll get into some of the beginning part. I think this next parable here is really about like what does that perseverance look like? What does that diligence until the master comes, looks like. It's kind of like taking this, this period of time where the bride groom is delaying and the virgins all are becoming drowsy and sleeping. Well, what does that actually look like? What does it look like for the virgins who have gotten the oil ahead of time versus the virgins who waited and then had to go buy it? Well, the parable of the talents in this next passage shows us what it means to be prepared. And part of what it means to be prepared is to be diligently working to advance the kingdom of God diligently working to pursue and excel in righteousness, insofar as it depends on us, and insofar as we're empowered by the Holy Spirit. So these two, these two parables are linked together and um. Maybe we're falling into this trap a little bit, although I think because of the way we're kind of doing these, these passages in sort of organic fashion, rather than really insisting on sort of hermetically sealing off each parable, we have a tendency, I think to say like, this parable is this right? This parable is that. And we don't really ever talk about them unless you're in like a parables of Christ Seminary class or like you're reading a book on the parables of Christ. Um, if you're just sort of looking at popular teaching on parables or you're. Like a sermon series through the parables. I don't think you're gonna run into a lot that's gonna show these connections and relationships between the parables in the way that I think we're, I'm stumbling upon is maybe not right. But that's what it feels like. We're sort of like discovering in real time together that these parables are so organically linked to each other that we really can't seal them off from each other or we do some violence to the text.  [00:39:36] Jesse Schwamb: Right on. Yeah. And speaking of that whole life, whole preparedness, whole watchfulness, John Owen writes, in the mortification of sin, the whole of Christian living may be described as a preparation for eternity, mortifying sin, growing in grace, abiding in Christ, waiting for his appearing, which really strikes me as maybe a summary of like an umbrella of all of these parables of ones that we've just seen most recently and the ones that we're about to go into because. The ground for the watchfulness here is that like legitimate eschatological ignorance. This is like a deliberate, divinely ordained uncertainty. So of course, like knowing the precise moment would just tempt the flesh to delay until the last possible moment, which is precisely the error of the foolish virgins who assume that there was enough time to obtain the oil after that midnight cry. So all of this is happening right now. Like I, I do think this verse is just so critical now. It's like really a weird linchpin. It is like the capstone in a strange way of like the three parable sequence in the olive discourse, which we already talked about, the 10 virgins, the talents, and the sheep and the goats. Because it strikes me as you were speaking, Tony, what was coming to my mind is like each is almost escalating from, as it were, like a watchfulness to like a fruitfulness, to like a final judgment. And each of those are kind of building on each other. In other words, like there is a logical consistency and chronology to those things that Christ is leading us through. And the verse therefore doesn't stand alone. It's like this hinge between the eschatological warning of the virgin narrative and the productive stewardship demanded in the parable of the talents. And I think unless you see that here, it's like saying, listen, the watchful person does this. You know, why should you be watchful because of this example I've just given to you. So within that Oliver discourse, there's the exhortation to watchfulness, which occurs with that striking force. Stay awake, be ready, watch. And of course, I think we're just joining in all the reform exe and the pros who had this instinct of reading those with a unity. Yeah. The whole discourse is like the L, the Lord's own like pastoral Herman Hermeneutic, I guess on like Daniel nine or whatever. So like it is important, and I think it is maybe a bridge that, at least in my mind, I often didn't build or didn't seem necessarily because you're like, well this, this ends one. And the warning is to be watchful. And now here's something else. That's something interesting you should consider. Yeah. But really this is all one and the same, all, all. Maybe one like well like parable to rule all parables, like it's a single parable told in many sequential pieces.  [00:42:06] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Which is something we saw before, right? Yes. And maybe, maybe not to belabor the point and, and again taking, take this in the context of me saying I never want to try to make an argument that you must be able to read Greek in order to profit from the scriptures. [00:42:20] Jesse Schwamb: Sure.  [00:42:20] Tony Arsenal: All of that said, it's very helpful to understand a little bit about how Greek works, even if you don't actually learn Greek. So for example, and here's, I promise you that this is not just me being nerdy about Greek. I'm looking at the ESV and verse 13 says, watch therefore for, you know, neither the day nor the hour. Right? So the, the command comes, uh, before the logical connector that sort of like, is explaining why, right? Because of, because of something. Right? When it's the thing that comes before, maybe it's the thing that comes after, usually it's probably before, but because of this thing, watch therefore for, you know, neither they or the hour, right? And then in verse 14 it says four. It will be like a man going on a journey. This is where I think understanding how Greek works a little bit is important. Both the word therefore and the word for. In Greek, which it's, it's therefore it's un OUN or omega upsilon new un and gar for four. Both of those are what's called post positive, and what that means is that it cannot be the first word in a sentence. So, um, verse 13 is translated very word order, literal watch. Therefore that ma matches the Greek very closely. Verse 14 is not right, right. Verse 14, if you translated it very literally would be like, uh, let's see. Would be. Just as for a man, and I get like, you can hear there, right there, why we don't translate it that way is 'cause it's really awkward, but it's just as for a man, uh, a man went on a journey or a man, um, going on a journey who called his servants. Right. The, the point of what I'm trying to say here though is that that subtle variation in the verb, the command coming first versus this post positive, logical connector coming first, that that sort of like gears your brain towards a certain conclusion. Right? Right. Watch, therefore we, we have a tendency to think like watch connects to the previous one. Right? This verb must connect us to the previous one, where the next one we see four being the beginning of a word, beginning of a sentence. We feel like that's the beginning of a new thought, right? This logical connector at the be very beginning of a sentence is like starting a new thought. The problem with that is, one, it doesn't actually match the Greek word order in both cases. Neither of these is the first word of the sentence, but let's just think of it in as a post positive and say that it should have been the first word of the sentence, but the Greek grammar won't allow it to be.  [00:45:00] Jesse Schwamb: Right.  [00:45:01] Tony Arsenal: That connector in both cases is linking us to the previous sentence, and that means both of these sentences are linking us to the previous sentence, meaning both segments of thought are linked to other together. Verse 14 is linked to verse 13, and verse 13 is linked to verse 12. There's no good grammatical reason that I can see with the 30 seconds of looking at it and the five semesters of Greek, right? Keep that in mind. I'm not an expert, but there's no good reason I see immediately from the Greek text, right? There are certain phrases and indicators in Greek that tell you like, this is a new segment of thought. I don't see those here. What I see is a very strong, strong, logical sequence of connection between 13 and 14, right? Therefore, watch for, you know, neither the day nor the hour. Well. Going back to our discussion about translating that in terms of sort of general watchfulness or preparedness or translating it in light of sleep. These are the things that are important for us to think about when we're reading English translations. 'cause this keys us off to what the, what the translators thought in terms of what belongs with what translators. Even though there's a paragraph break here in the ESV, the translation that says be awake or be, you know, uh, do not sleep like this language that's specifically connected to this, like not falling asleep aspect of watchfulness, they're signaling to you that this sentence belongs with the parable above it. Right. Almost exclusively. Right. Because there's nothing in the next parable that has anything to do with being awake or sleeping.  [00:46:35] Jesse Schwamb: Right?  [00:46:36] Tony Arsenal: Right. So, so by translating it as sleep language or do not sleep language, they're sealing it off from the parable that follows and they're kind of like making it this firm break in the text. That's not there in the Greek. That language is not there in the Greek. And it's, um, again, I think the sleep language, that's certainly a part of this word and it's, it's fine for us to interpret this word in light of the parable that came before it, as long as we're not letting that interpretation of it in light of the word that came before it seal it off from the next parable. And I, I worry that if we, if we think about it in terms of the sleepiness aspect of it, which again, there's already some contextual reasons why that doesn't make a lot of sense. Why would, why would Christ command to the people that are listening to him be about not falling asleep when falling asleep was not the problem in the, in the bearable He's told. Right, right. But the problem was, was be prepared. And it actually may be, this is also maybe an overt translation. A better translation might be, be prepared, therefore, right. Be alert, be wakeful, be be mindful, be uh, be on top of things. Right. Be ready for anything. Might be a good way to look at this. Be ready for anything for you. Neither know the day nor the hour. Four. It will be like a man going on a journey and called his servants and entrusted them to his property. So he tells the parable of the virgins, which is, is all about being prepared for the sudden, unexpected coming of the Lord after a delay, after he tarries. And then he says, for it will be like a man going on a journey. Well, what will be like a man going on a journey? The coming of the Lord, the coming of the bridegroom, the coming of the one, the promised one from the previous parable, the bride groom. For that will be like a man going on a journey for the day on the hour, which you do not know. That will be like a man going on a journey, I think. Um, and this will be the last thing I say before I, I let you jump in and, and we're getting close to ending anyways here. I think that, um, these parables are so often, uh, this parable about the talents and the parallels. I mean, there's several different par uh, parables that have to do with this theory. This sort of like scenario of like a master is giving some, some funds to his servants, or a man going on a journey. He's giving some funds to his servants and he expects them to make a return. Right? That's a, there's multiple parables that tell that same basic principle. This one here. Is an eschatological one, but I think it gets clumped in with the others in sort of this idea. And it doesn't hurt that the word talents has a meaning in English, right? It gets clumped in with these sort of like way of teaching this that's like Christ has given you some special abilities and some gifts, you better use it for his glory. Or you're all done. That's not really at all what this is talking about, at least this version of it. You might be able to make an argument for some of the others that that is about kingdom fruitfulness and, and to much is given, much is expected, right? That's the output of those parables. This one is really, it's explicitly about being prepared for this sudden arrival of the bridegroom, uh, after he delays, after he tarries. So that's all I'll say for now on that. I just, this is. This is why we had to do another episode, right? Like, because we couldn't do all of this Last week we started and we were like, we gotta push pause, save something for next week. This is one of those like realtime discoveries, realtime uh, epiphanies that I'm just like, I cannot believe I didn't see this in the text before, but I'm so glad that we're doing this deep dive. This sort of like long running slow burns through these parables because these are the kinds of things we're able to see when we really slow down and take our time.  [00:50:17] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, it's that good old like crockpot theology. I'm with you. There is like in the next par we'll see a kind of manifest fruitfulness that comes from a preparedness and if, if we divorce that we're gonna get to the end of the next parable. And I think what we'd find is that, wow, the master seems super harsh here. Why is he so ticked off that the people with whom he entrusted all of these resources didn't do anything with them? It just seems like he's overzealous in saying, well, you just wasted a lot of things until you see like that full emphasis that comes all the way through these other parables in terms of the reason why. Then I think it starts to make more sense. So I did have to look it up like you're right, that the NIV has therefore keep watch. The King James version also is using watch, therefore. So if that's the emphasis, in other words, if the thrust is you ought to be watchful and prepared in all of your life for all the things preparing for Christ, doing the things in the work of Christ. Now it makes sense that to go away again and to have this time of not knowing when the perusia happens and being unprepared and unfruitful because you were not watchful, because you did not do the things you ought to have done and be making yourself again aware and vigilant in that awareness, then there's a problem. And that's like gonna be, I think, the full thrust of what's gonna happen that we're gonna see next when we look into this parable. I think it's important to remember that this parable is not as it sometimes is presented like an allegorize timeless moral maxim that's divorced from its eschatological referring. Yeah, the 10 virgins are figures of those awaiting Christ perusia. The oil is not some kind like vague symbol of like good works in a ian sense, but I think it's best understood as the reality of saving grace and the spirits in dwelling, which cannot be borrowed or transferred. If all of that is true. Then how does that manifest in daily living? What does that look like? And then what does that lead to on the day of judgment? All of that is to come for us, but it actually starts in this verse here in verse 13, just with the simple, very direct, but e expressly articulated phrase, be watchful or be prepared. Maybe like a better incidentally, like contemporary treatment would be like, don't sleep on this. Like, I like the word sleep in that context. Yeah. Which of course, when somebody says that to you, they're not actually meaning like, don't fall asleep now. But make sure that you're paying attention to this thing. Get after this thing, go and grab this thing, get a hold of this very thing. Make it your priority. And I think really that is what is Christ is after here as he moves us from one example into another. That's almost, again, to me like the manifestation or the outworking 'cause because one might ask, and maybe this is like a good question, he was anticipating, you hear that story and we're just used to like things moving, or like you said, like discreet chunks of text, which we appropriate for ourselves. We take out, it's almost as they have little boxes on the shelf and we remove that box. We look at it, we study it, we turn over, we put it back, and it's a little compartment place. And instead you can imagine, uh, as I could, I think if you were hearing this in the context of conversation, of teaching in this way, that you might say like, so what? Like be prepared for what, how do we get prepared? What does preparedness look like? And so that's what's coming for us next.  [00:53:34] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. And you know, the other thing I think that's, um, important for this parable, um, there are some places in the scripture in the, uh, in the gospels where Christ's teaching and nothing specific comes to mind. So this is. Hypothetical, but I know there are actual places. I just can't think of anything right off the top of my head. There are some places where sort of like discrete chunks of Christ's teaching are juxtaposed next to other discreet chunks. Sure. That's an editorial decision by the gospel author. Right. Matthew makes a decision to put this story next to this story, and we might see in Luke actually, it's slightly different. A good, a good example would be like in the temptation narratives, um, the order of the Temptations is different I think between Matthew and Luke. Right. And there's, there's an editorial decision that's made there and there's a theological reason. I don't know off the top of my head what it is. I'm sure I studied it in, you know, like gospels class in seminary. Um, that's not what's happening here, right? These are not two discreet chunks of text. That Matthew has decided to put together, right? Right. Christ is the one that says, watch therefore for you. Neither know the day nor the hour for it will be like a man going on a journey. Christ is the one who has decided, and this is one chunk of teaching. There's, um, like the Sermo

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"When you put the time and effort into your sleep, it really does pay a massive ROI in your life." In this episode, Heather and Ciara Foy unpack the physical, hormonal, and emotional shifts that leave so many middle-aged women anxious, burned out, unable to sleep, and disconnected from themselves and their lives. This conversation goes far beyond sleep hygiene and hormones, exploring the deeper patterns of self-sacrifice, stress, over-functioning, and depletion that determine women's health. We talk about why sleep becomes more difficult during this stage of life, how cortisol, insulin resistance, and nervous system dysregulation work together, and the small but powerful changes that can radically improve your energy and mood. Most importantly, this episode is an invitation to stop abandoning yourself in the process of caring for everyone else and start recognizing that feeling good, rested, and supported is essential. What to listen for: ☑️ Why middle-aged women become insulin resistant, and how that affects sleep ☑️ The many changes in hormones that lead to higher anxiety and difficulty sleeping ☑️ How do you contribute to your stress by self-sacrificing and not letting things go? "If you don't get radically honest with yourself, I don't know if your body will stick around. You have to fight to feel worthy of feeling good right now." ☑️ The way you treat yourself and your health is what you model to your children ☑️ Focusing on sleep during highly stressful times will help you avoid burnout ☑️ Sleep hygiene tips that most women don't know how to implement "Good sleep starts in the morning. If you get up and immediately pick up your phone, you're disrupting your sleep. You need to make a commitment, even if it's 20 minutes, that you don't immediately get on your phone." ☑️ Why morning sunlight is crucial to your hormones and circadian rhythm ☑️ Managing your insulin and hormones by not intermittent fasting or eating after 7 pm ☑️ If you get your second wind at night, you're going to have higher cortisol levels "The most important thing is just to start doing something. Pick something that you can focus on and execute from and make sure that you're just following through with that one promise that you're keeping for yourself." ☑️ What needs to happen to motivate yourself to implement these changes ☑️ The invisible value of hiring someone to help you mentally carry the load ☑️ Slight pivots add up and start moving you in a completely different direction **** About Ciara Foy: Ciara Foy is a hormone and metabolic health expert with 20 years of clinical experience helping women over 40 resolve the root causes of stubborn weight, fatigue, brain fog, and burnout. Through functional testing, DUTCH hormone panels, bloodwork, and gut assessment, she builds personalized protocols that restore energy, rebuild body composition, and bring women back to feeling sharp, strong, and like themselves again. Bestselling author of Empowered by Food, host of The Empowered Feminine podcast, and featured in ELLE and FLARE. Connect with Ciara: Website: www.ciarafoy.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/ciarafoyinc ** For those of you who are ready to stop feeling drained, overextended, and out of alignment… join me inside the Energetic Time Management Accelerator, a focused experience designed to help high-achieving women uncover what's draining them, clarify what truly matters, and create a simple plan that fits their life. We'll pinpoint your biggest time + energy leaks, identify the top areas to focus on for quick momentum, and map out exactly what to let go of so you can reclaim your energy, your time, and your joy. Ready to make your time work for you without adding more to your plate? Join the Energetic Time Management Accelerator: www.heatherchauvin.com/time Explore the top episodes listeners come back to when they're stuck, burned out, or standing at the edge of a big shift: www.heatherchauvin.com/10 Follow Heather on Instagram: www.instagram.com/heatherchauvin_

Pregnancy and childbirth have somehow become competitive sports — complete with judgment, unsolicited opinions, internet “experts,” and enough mom guilt to last a lifetime before the baby even arrives. In this episode, Nicole sits down with labor and delivery nurse, viral creator, and bestselling author Jen Hamilton to unpack the unrealistic expectations women face around birth, pain management, advocacy, and motherhood itself. Jen shares why rigid birth plans often set women up for disappointment, how “birth vibes” create space for empowerment and adaptability, and what every woman deserves to feel during labor: heard, respected, informed, and safe. From epidurals and medical interventions to maternal mortality and grief after birth trauma, this conversation is equal parts practical, emotional, hilarious, and deeply validating. In This Episode, We Explore: The difference between “birth plans” and “birth vibes” How flexibility and adaptability change the birth experience Why the “perfect birth story” is mostly a myth The truth about epidurals, pain medication, and mom guilt How to advocate for yourself when you feel unheard or dismissed Why women of color face higher risks in maternal healthcare How support people can actually be supportive during labor The importance of feeling respected and emotionally safe during birth What closure and healing can look like after a traumatic birth experience Why giving yourself grace matters more than getting everything “right” A reminder that birth, motherhood, and life rarely go according to plan. Empowerment isn't about perfection or control — it's about trusting yourself, adapting when things change, and giving yourself grace when things get messy.  Thank you to our sponsors! Become a Fora Advisor today at Foratravel.com/WOMAN - and make sure to tell them we sent you! Elevate your summer wardrobe: Go to Quince.com/tiww for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns! Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free! Families are better when they're working together… go to myskylight.com/WOMANSWORK for $30 off your Skylight Calendar. Start your risk-free Greenlight trial today at Greenlight.com/TIWW. Don't wait to teach your kids real-world money skills! Connect with Jen: Book: https://www.jenhamilton.co/birthvibes  Website: www.jenhamilton.co  IG: https://www.instagram.com/_jen_hamilton_/?hl=en  FB: https://www.facebook.com/jenhamiltonfacebook/  Substack: https://jenhamiltonsub.substack.com/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/jenhamilton  Related Podcast Episodes: Fertility Myths, IVF & the Pressure Women Carry with Dr. Lucky Sekhon  | 415 A Terrible Strength: How Medical Bias Is Costing Women Their Lives with Dr. Kemi Doll | 408 Endometriosis & Women's Health with Somer Baburek | 238 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

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In this heartfelt conversation on I Am Refocused Radio, we sit down with Samantha Taylor, Speech Language Pathologist, owner of Olive Speech Therapy, PLLC, and founder of the Empowered Parent Network. What started as every parent's worst fear — her son's diagnosis of bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss — became the catalyst that completely redirected Samantha's life. A former journalism student with dreams of becoming a reporter, Samantha made the courageous leap into speech-language pathology after realizing she wanted to walk alongside families facing the same challenges she once did. Samantha opens up about:- The emotional and spiritual journey of becoming a mother of a Deaf child and how it reshaped her identity and purpose- Why she left school-based therapy to build a private practice rooted in connection, advocacy, and safe spaces- The power of meeting families as a human being first — not just a clinician- How she created the Empowered Parent Network to give parents the support, coaching, and advocacy tools they desperately need- Balancing motherhood, business ownership, and self-care without burning out- What it really looks like to turn personal pain into lasting impact for other families If you're a parent navigating speech delays, hearing loss, autism, or special needs — or if you're a therapist or leader looking to build something meaningful from your own story — this episode will encourage you to see your challenges as the very thing that can qualify you to help others. Connect with Samantha:

In this episode of Behind Beautiful Things, Kevin sits down with Deena Kamm, author of Lessons From the Future: STORM the Empowered Empath, for a powerful conversation about empathy, emotional burnout, healing, and personal transformation.Deena shares her childhood experiences and explains how becoming the person everyone depended on eventually led to emotional exhaustion and a personal breakdown. She opens up about the challenges faced by highly empathetic people, the importance of emotional boundaries, and how her journey inspired her mission to help others avoid burnout and reclaim their emotional well-being.The conversation also explores Deena's work with the Department of Education, where she helps children better understand empathy, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. If you're interested in empowered empathy, mental health, emotional healing, personal growth, or helping sensitive children thrive, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.Tune in for an honest and uplifting discussion about empathy, resilience, emotional health, and turning life's hardest moments into purpose.Check Out Deena's Work:Deena's Website: https://lessonsfromthefuture.org Buy Deena's Book: https://amzn.to/4beOg84Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram: @behindbeautifulthingspodcastLearn more about Kevin's Professional Speaking and Acting at www.kevincrispin.comCheck out Kevin's substack: https://allconviction.substack.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022Editorial note: Behind Beautiful Things is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests' stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Behind Beautiful Things in any way. Please note that Behind Beautiful Things is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Maya Holmes is a returning guest.Maya (she/her) is a same race domestic adoptee from St. Louis, MO. She has been active in the adoptee community since 2020/21 after finding her first family. Maya has been featured on several adoption focused podcasts and has begun writing her memoir. Outside of the adoption space, Maya recently completed her MSW/MBA and plans to continue working as a therapist. She loves pottery, hiking, and traveling in her free time. Music by Corey Quinn

Deacon Steve Greco is a permanent deacon of the Diocese of Orange. He is founder of Spirit Filled Hearts Ministry, director of evangelization and formation for the Diocese of Orange and host of Empowered by the Spirit.  This 2016 encore episode features Armando Cervantes talking about ministry to young people.Empowered by the Spirit airs live weekdays at 10:00am and Fridays at 5pm Pacific Time go to https://www.spiritfilledevents.com/empowered-by-the-spirit website or download our Spirit Filled Radio App for Android or Apple Devices.APPLE LINK FOR APPGOOGLE PLAY LINK FOR APPArchives of shows from Spirit Filled Radio are available on podcast at https://www.spiritfilledevents.com/empowered-by-the-spiritSupport the show Support the show

Discover how Tiffany Rampey transformed her grief into a movement that empowers widows to travel the world responsibly and joyfully. In this episode, she shares her inspiring story of resilience, the innovative Travel More Method, and practical tips for leveraging points and miles to unlock global adventures.   Main Topics: Tiffany's personal journey from widowhood to reinventing her life through travel The development and principles of the Travel More Method How widows can use points and miles to travel affordably Overcoming mindset blocks like guilt and fear after loss The importance of travel for healing, education, and creating lasting memories Practical steps for responsible credit card use for travel rewards The role of flexibility and adaptability in family travel   Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Tiffany Rampey and her journey from widowhood 00:29 - Tiffany's early life, career, and the impact of her husband's sudden passing 02:20 - The emotional and practical reasons behind embracing travel after loss 03:34 - How travel helped Tiffany escape grief and community judgment 04:32 - Meeting her current husband and discovering travel's potential for financial reset 05:34 - The credit card strategy that made international travel accessible 06:55 - The core of the Travel More Method: using points and miles to unlock affordable travel 07:34 - Simplifying the system: one card, minimum spend, full repayment 09:02 - How points can fund trips to Europe, luxury hotels, and more 10:02 - Overcoming mindset blocks: guilt, judgment, and permission to travel 11:45 - The empowering importance of creating joyful, experiential memories for kids 12:27 - Real-life travel lessons from international adventures and challenging situations 14:11 - The value of flexibility, resilience, and living fully through travel 15:28 - Balancing structure and spontaneity in life post-widowhood 16:09 - Tiffany's mission statement: empowering widows to find relief and build joyful lives

Strength training in pregnancy can feel confusing with so much mixed advice online. In this Follow-Up episode, I revisit my conversation with Amy Kiefer and Krystle Holland of Expecting and Empowered to talk about how movement can support your body during pregnancy, prepare you for postpartum recovery, and help with the real physical demands of motherhood. We also cover warning signs to watch for after birth, why returning to exercise too quickly can backfire, and how to think about strength in a way that supports healing, not pressure. This episode is a helpful listen for anyone who wants a more practical, realistic approach to movement during and after pregnancy. In this episode, we cover: Why strength training can support the body during pregnancy How movement may help reduce common pregnancy aches and pains The connection between prenatal fitness and postpartum recovery Why mobility and pelvic floor function both matter before labor What to know about exercise clearance during pregnancy and postpartum Warning signs like leaking, pelvic pressure, or increased bleeding Why a slow return to activity matters after birth How pelvic floor therapy can support recovery The physical demands of motherhood and functional strength Letting go of bounce-back pressure and focusing on long-term health Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back, Empowered Fam! In this episode of The Empowered w/ Deanna Merlino Podcast, I pull back the curtain on the less glamorous side of healing and spiritual awakening. Today we're talking about navigating energetic upgrades, physical discomforts, and emotional purges, and I share a raw, honest account of what it truly means to embark on a deep healing journey. I'm sharing personal experiences of energetic sensitivity, vivid nightmares, and facing dark energies, emphasizing the importance of discernment, energetic hygiene, and having the right mentors. This episode is a candid look at the uncomfortable, sometimes messy, but ultimately empowering process of personal and spiritual transformation. If you're ready for the real talk on healing - not just the highlight reel - tune in for a conversation that will inspire, ground, and prepare you for all aspects of your own journey.--Let's connect! To see what else I'm up to, get more info on my latest offerings, and updates on my life and the podcast, follow me on Instagram: @thedeannamerlinoClick here to receive my FREE & potent Manifestation Vault with 15 tools!Sign up for my hybrid group mentorship - The Expansion Room *waitlist* here before doors reopen!Info and enrollment for WildFire, Quantum recalibration & Alchemical Immersion Retreat. All other programs/offerings: www.deannamerlino.com

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In this message, Pastor Jay Tyler explores the significance of Pentecost and the purpose behind the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. This message examines the continuing availability of the promise today, and why believers need the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit more than ever. If you've ever wondered why the Baptism in the Holy Spirit matters, what Pentecost means, or how the Holy Spirit empowers believers for daily Christian living, this message will encourage you to seek all that God has promised.

Read Online“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death, but after three days he will rise.” Mark 10:33–34How often do we fail to grasp the suffering of others, consumed instead by our own concerns? This was the struggle of the Twelve as Jesus prepared to endure His Passion. Today's Gospel presents the third time Jesus clearly told them about His Passion and Death, yet they still didn't get it.After Jesus revealed His Passion for the first time, “Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.” In the presence of the other disciples, Jesus responded, “Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do” (cf. Mark 8:31–33). The second time Jesus revealed His Passion they “did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him.” Instead, they engaged in a childish conversation, “discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest” (cf. Mark 9:30–37).Today's Gospel, presenting the third time Jesus revealed His Passion, depicts a similar scenario. Jesus is very explicit: In Jerusalem, He “will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death, but after three days he will rise.” Once again, despite the seriousness of Jesus' revelation, James and John immediately ask Jesus, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left” (Mark 10:37). The Apostles were so consumed with their own ambitions that they failed to grasp the gravity of Jesus' words and were unable to offer Him the charity of empathy.Fortunately for them—and for us—Jesus had perfect patience. He understood their weaknesses and showed mercy. Humanly speaking, the disciples could have offered Him the charity of human empathy and compassion, walking more firmly with Jesus toward His agony and death, but they were unprepared and unable to do so.While the Apostles failed to console Jesus, His mother consoled His Sacred Heart. With her Immaculate Heart in perfect union with His, the Blessed Mother modeled perfect empathy as she pondered her Son's life in her heart and stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross. She walked with Jesus every step of the way. Her love consoled Him even as the Twelve failed to do so. The Blessed Mother teaches us how to accompany, with love and presence, those who suffer.We must see ourselves in the Apostles, listening to Jesus share news of His Passion. As we consider their apathy and lack of understanding, we should seek the grace of a loving and empathetic heart by seeing our Lord present in those around us, especially family, who carry heavy burdens. This grace will enable us to be attentive to those burdens and better imitate our Blessed Mother who consoled the heart of her Son. Though the Apostles initially failed in this mission, they were learning and growing. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, they would later console others by sharing Christ's love and proclaiming His Passion with courage, especially as they lived it. Reflect today on Jesus' interaction with His Apostles. Learn from their shortcomings and be grateful for Jesus' patience. Pray for the grace of an empathetic heart, for this virtue enables us to console the Heart of Christ by sharing in His Passion with attentiveness and compassion. In doing so, we imitate the perfect love of the Blessed Mother, who teaches us how to truly love. My patient Lord, though You desire to fully share Your life and Passion with me, I often fail to be attentive and to see You in those around me. Grant me the grace to meet You in Your sufferings, and fill my heart with the charity of human empathy, especially for those I am called to love. May I learn from the weakness of the Apostles and the perfect love of Your Blessed Mother, imitating her unwavering love for You and for all. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Jesus and his Disciples on the Sea of Galilee By Carl Oesterley Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.