Podcasts about encountering

People are more important than things. And yet our lives are full of interactions with invisible strangers who make our things. Who are they? And how do we treat them? This lecture will focus on how we can dignify these strangers in the face of consumer culture, new technologies, fear, greed and the lure of convenience.Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L'Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over two thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions about the reality and relevance of Christianity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit englishlabri.substack.com

From ultra-light hotel bikepacking on a road bike to six-month expeditions in remote regions on a heavily laden hybrid, Emma has experienced nearly every form of bike travel, including ultra-endurance racing. She is a passionate advocate for slow travel as a means to reconnect with nature, embrace minimalism, and discover alternative ways of living. Her travels have shaped a deep commitment to sustainability, wild camping with minimal impact, and challenging the idea of nature as a park or playground, separate from our everyday lives. You can sign up to her newsletter for monthly updates and tips. She is particularly keen to empower others, especially women, to embrace solo adventures, and she shares both practical guidance and philosophical reflections through her writing and events.  ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Emma Working as a cycling journalist and tour guide Moving around a lot and not really having a home base Currently writing a guidebook on French Guiana  Having a normal childhood and not being particularly sporty  Growing up in France and starting running at 16  Running and rowing throughout university  Taking a gap year after university and heading to South America in 2016/2017 Fundraising for 6 months before starting from Ushuaia and heading to Lima in Peru. Having a very small/tight budget  Wild camping as much as possible  What it was like on the trip - starting in January and dealing with prevailing winds all the way Travelling in a group of 3 and what it was like Being totally tolerant for a month Doing a few more little trips, before heading with her partner on a European cycle trip Journaling on the trip and writing a little bit each evening  Her bike set up and how it's changed over the years Getting a vintage road bike, a carbon road bike, a gravel bike…. Dealing with saddle sores Brooks Leather Saddle Planning and logistics  Spreadsheets…. Route planning and starting with google, to find official routes, or to see if other people have created a route bikepacking.com komoot.com Thoughts on being brave Managing personal fears Encountering risk in everyday life Following gut instinct  Moving away from being a nice girl Travelling on your own Being allowed to change your mind Deciding to do more cycling competitions  Ultra races and why the winners are the ones who sleep the least Trying out new challenges How expensive ultra endurance races can be The joy of long trips and how it can change your perspective of time  The dream 6 month to a year trip Wanting to go back to South America or cycling from Europe to Asia Being content with taking her time on trips The cycling guidebook about French Guiana. How to connect with Emma online Final words of advice for other women who want to go on adventures and discover more of the world Do it in a simple and gradual way. The power of keeping it simple    Social Media Website: www.emmakarslake.com Newsletter: www.emmakarslake.com/newsletter Insta: @emma_up_cycles Linkedin: Emma Karslake

Arabic Introduction to the English Sermon English Sermon - 2nd Sunday Meshir @ St George Coptic Orthodox Church - Daytona Beach, FL ~ February 15, 2026 | Meshir 8, 1742

English Sunday Sermon - 2nd Sunday Meshir @ St George Coptic Orthodox Church - Daytona Beach, FL ~ February 15, 2026 | Meshir 8, 1742

Round Table presents the first of six stories from the new podcast, Sage and Youth: Debating Zhuangzi's Tao. Two thousand years ago, Zhuangzi questioned reality itself. Who was he? A mystic. A rebel. A quiet comedian of philosophy. In this opening episode, Niu Honglin sits down with Professor Hong Li to explore freedom, uncertainty, and the playful wisdom of the ancient sage.

Join Rabbi Joey Rosenfeld as he guides us through the world and major works of Kabbalah, Hasidic masters, and Jewish philosophy, shedding light on the inner life of the soul. To learn more, visit InwardTorah.org

What do we see when we encounter suffering, brokenness, or Jesus himself? One of our beloved mission partners in Edinburgh, Scotland, Caleb Shocklie, takes us on an exploration of John 9 invites us into the transformative moment when Jesus heals a man born blind—but it's about so much more than physical sight. We're challenged to examine four distinct perspectives: the blind man who must choose faith over familiarity, the disciples who seek someone to blame, the Pharisees who miss God's work because it doesn't match their expectations, and Jesus who sees opportunities for restoration everywhere. The blind man's journey from darkness to light mirrors our own spiritual awakening—he had to trust Jesus' strange instructions, go to the pool of Siloam, and wash away more than just mud. When we encounter Christ, everything changes: our priorities shift, our worldview transforms, and suddenly the comfortable life we knew feels like blindness compared to the abundant life He offers. The man lost everything when religious leaders cast him out, yet he gained infinitely more in knowing Jesus. This passage confronts us with an uncomfortable truth: we often live spiritually blind, settling for temporary satisfaction from money, power, or relationships, failing to see that only Christ offers lasting hope. The question echoes through our lives today—will we wipe away the mud and stay in comfortable darkness, or will we trust Jesus enough to step into the light, even when it costs us everything we thought we needed?

This 7th week of our ENcountering Jesus series, we meditate on John 11, where we encounter one of the most powerful narratives in Scripture: the raising of Lazarus. But this isn't just a story about a miracle—it's an invitation to bring our honest grief directly to Jesus. Mary and Martha both cry out the same words: 'Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.' Their lament isn't doubt; it's the cry of faith wrestling with reality. We learn that our tears are actually the first signs that our faith has a pulse, that we still believe God is good enough to hear us and powerful enough to respond. The passage challenges our American tendency to spiritualize away pain with detached phrases like 'everything happens for a reason.' Instead, we're called to lament—to bring all our anguish before God. This is crucial because the only feelings that cannot be healed are the ones we hide. When we look at Jesus' response, we see something extraordinary: He meets Mary and Martha exactly where they need to be met. With Mary, He weeps. With Martha, He speaks truth about resurrection. Because Jesus is fully God and fully human, He is the perfect counselor who never wounds when we need healing and never withholds truth when we need to hear it. This divine-human nature makes Christianity utterly unique—no other religion offers a God who is both powerful enough to command death and tender enough to weep with us in our pain. The message calls us to channel our grief toward Jesus rather than away from Him, and to let our tears send us to weep with others who are suffering.

Text: Luke 7:18-35 Preacher: Derek Baker

Jesus challenges us to answer who He truly is—not merely a prophet or teacher, but the Messianic Son of God Who builds and sustains His Church and restores us to relationship with God. Matthew 16:13-20 For more resources on this teaching please visit https://brcc.church/teachings/encountering-jesus-the-messianic-son-of-god/

Send me a Text Message!In John 5, at the end of the chapter, there's a confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders of his day. These leaders were scripture experts. They knew it. They memorized it. They carried it with them everywhere they went. They prided themselves on being scripture experts. But they were missing the glorious goal of scripture. What is the glorious goal of scripture? That's what this episode is all about. But let me simply say this,  knowledge of God was not the same as knowing God; loving the scriptures is not the same as loving God; reading God's words is not the same as listening to God. What is the glorious goal of scripture? Encountering the WORD.

Encountering another of Jesus's masterful stories known as parables, we're faced with the seemingly ordinary activities of planting the tiniest of seeds and baking the simplest of bread yet, somehow, being witness to the extraordinary. Tune in and listen to how Jesus even turns our notions of church growth and kingdom work on their heads and delights again in surprising us all.

A tender, contemplative meditation adapted from Joan Halifax's work that gently guides you through the difficult terrain of loss and sorrow. This practice invites you to sit with your grief compassionately, using reflective phrases to open to pain, find inner resources, and practice self-forgiveness for things left undone or unmet needs. Rather than avoiding or rushing through grief, this meditation encourages you to be present with your sadness while remembering that you are not your sadness. The practice concludes with an invitation to be open with others, receive support, and recognize grief as a profoundly humanizing experience that can bring greater depth to our lives. Whether you're processing a recent loss, anticipating one, or simply want to develop a healthier relationship with grief, this meditation offers a safe space for self-compassion and healing.

ADVENT WEEK 4 - CHRISTMAS Share real hope with your family, friends, and community! - Hope 103.2 (hope1032.com.au) So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child… LUKE 2:16–17 From the New International Version Send the Real Hope team a messageListen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this "How-To" episode, we will address the commands of God to ask, seek and knock from Matthew 7:7-8.  Why does God want this from us? What are the benefits when we obey them, and what is lost when we don't? Dr. Patty breaks down the biblical definitions of the key words in this verse to show the deeper meaning that the Lord has in them.  What kinds of things does God want us to ask for?  What does it mean to seek God with all your heart?  What does knocking mean from an action standpoint?  Jesus shares how these commands are a prayer formula for the lifestyle of abiding and how this verse leads to a life of constant signs, wonders, and miracles.  What would it look like if your life was a prayer to the Lord with continual asking, seeking, and Knocking?  Jesus shows you in your Experience Jesus encounter. Links referenced in this episode:   New to the Podcast?  Check out the Trailer Episode for the Biblical Foundation for Experiencing Jesus!  https://PattyEJ.Podbean.com/e/trailer-episode-experience-jesus-with-dr-patty-sadallah   The Special Place Encounter Exercise   https://tinyurl.com/j742vpz4   How to Become a High Fruit-Bearing Christian https://pattyej.podbean.com/e/how-to-become-a-high-fruit-bearing-christian/   Check out the NEW Spirit Life Journey App.  Click on the QR Code to play around with it.   Get Two Free Chapters of the Experience Jesus Book Series  https://pattysadallah.com/free-gift/   Check out all of Dr. Patty's books, journals, and downloadable resources at her bookstore, and don't forget to use the code EJPOD to receive 10% off everything, even the things on sale.  https://PattySadallah.com/shop/   Check out Dr. Patty's latest book- Encountering the POWER  of God: Experience Jesus Book 4 https://pattysadallah.com/product/encountering-the-power-of-god-experience-jesus-book-4/     And please make sure you share this podcast and share how you were blessed by this episode by commenting below!  THANKS!  

Today, Gary Smith looks at John 8:1-11 to explore the importance of us encountering Jesus.

Text: Luke 7:11-17 Preacher: Derek Baker

Encountering the Divine Deliverer Part 2 - Mark 5:14-20 - Ace Davis

Hope From the Margins was born from real encounters—encounters with people the world often overlooks, and with Jesus where He chooses to dwell.In this episode, I share the story behind the movement and the book Hope From the Margins, a journey that began on the fringes of society and continues this week as I travel with colleagues to Rome to present to Pope Leo and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.My life was forever changed the day I encountered Jesus in a dump in Mexico City. That moment ignited a mission that has taken me to the margins across the globe—Africa, India, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and throughout the United States—where I met Christ in the poor, the disenfranchised, the disabled, the sick, the mentally ill, the lonely, the elderly, and those forgotten by society.Along the way, this work has grown into a collaboration with doctors, bishops, social workers, missionaries, healthcare professionals, farmers, survivors of abuse, and pro-life advocates—united by one desire: to share the hope we ourselves have received with the world.This is not a story of us and them, as the world so often insists. As today's Gospel and the Scriptures remind us, we are called to be light—to shine so that love can be experienced. Showing up matters. Because when we do, an explosion of grace happens.Most powerfully, I've learned this truth: it is on the margins that we are evangelized. It is there that we receive hope from our brothers and sisters—and encounter the living Christ.This episode is an invitation to see differently, love boldly, and believe that hope is alive… especially on the marginsCheck out my books on Amazon as all book purchases help to further the global mission work and current book project HOPE from the MarginsBOOKS-The SAINT Next Door-FIRE Burning WithinSOCIAL MEDIA: @ef3lifeLearn more about Hope from the Margins:

In contrast to the pressures of life, false gods, destructive sins, and crushing legalism that create unrest, Jesus offers Himself as the true rest—calling us to learn from Him and experience the peace that comes from His presence. Matthew 11:28-30 For more resources on this teaching please visit https://brcc.church/teachings/encountering-jesus-the-true-rest/

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We live in a culture obsessed with condemnation, where one mistake can become a permanent identity and where social media turns us all into stone-throwers. Yet the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8 reveals something revolutionary about the character of Jesus: he is both perfectly just and perfectly merciful. When religious leaders drag a woman before Jesus, hoping to trap him with an impossible choice between mercy and the law, Jesus does something unexpected. He bends down and writes in the dust, then speaks words that expose everyone's hypocrisy: 'Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.' One by one, the accusers drop their stones and walk away. What follows is even more stunning—Jesus tells the woman, 'Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.' This isn't cheap grace that excuses sin, nor is it harsh judgment that destroys the sinner. It's transformative grace that both acknowledges the reality of our brokenness and offers us a completely new future. The passage challenges us to ask: Where are we ready to condemn others while overlooking our own failures? And can we truly receive the mercy Jesus offers—not as something we earn by cleaning up our lives first, but as the very power that enables us to change? Grace doesn't say 'be perfect, then I'll love you.' Grace says 'you are loved, now you can become whole.'

In this "How To" episode, we will learn all about angels.  We will look at the various types of angels and their purposes.  We will learn about their leader, the Lord of Heaven's Armies.   Jesus explains how fallen angels became demons.  You will learn the eighteen things that angels do for you and how you can ask for their assistance in all of these ways.  Dr. Patty shares her own angel story.  Jesus explains the authority we have to cooperate with the ministry of angels and then He will show you a time in your life when angels helped you that you were unaware and will introduce you to your guardian angel in your Experience Jesus  encounter with Him. Links Referenced in this Episode: New to the Podcast?  Check out the Trailer Episode for the Biblical Foundation for Experiencing Jesus!  https://PattyEJ.Podbean.com/e/trailer-episode-experience-jesus-with-dr-patty-sadallah   The Special Place Encounter Exercise   https://bit.ly/3cEkYBC   Artistic rendition of a Seraphim by Angelologist, Tim Gagnon Artistic Rendition of Cherubim By Angelogist, Tim Gagnon with video https://youtu.be/MvU3_GZOyLM Charity Virkler Kayembe website and Everyday Angels  https://glorywaves.org/angels/   https://pattyej.podbean.com/e/experience-the-night-of-jesus-birth-1701883257/     Get Two Free Chapters of the Experience Jesus Book Series  https://pattysadallah.com/free-gift/     Connect with Dr. Patty regarding the Spirit Life Circles Mentored Coaching service.  She can let you know if we have any open spots!  Or ask me about becoming a Mentor!   Email her at psadallah@aol.com   Check out the NEW Spirit Life Journey App.  Click on the QR Code to play around with it.   Check out Dr. Patty's latest book- Encountering the POWER  of God: Experience Jesus Book 4 https://pattysadallah.com/product/encountering-the-power-of-god-experience-jesus-book-4/     For all of Dr. Patty's books and resources, check out her website at https://PattySadallah.com/shop Take 10% off everything in the store with the code EJPOD! And please make sure you share this podcast and share how you were blessed by this episode by commenting below!  THANKS!

As we continue in our series, “Mark: God on the Move," Jeremy Drake, Head of Schools at Christian School of York, explores how God invites us to rest, shows us compassion, teaches us, and provides for us, as illustrated in Mark 6:30-44, highlighting the importance of being alone with Christ to truly understand His provisions and love.

Text: Luke 5:12-26 Preacher: Derek Baker

Pastor Rob Byker joins us with a message from John 6:52–71, titled “Peter Encounters the Offensive Blood.” Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Encountering the Divine Deliverer - Mark 5:1-20 - Ace Davis

Jesus is the True Son of God who withstood Satan's temptations and obeyed God to save us and help us to resist Satan. Matthew 3:16-4:11 For more resources on this teaching please visit https://brcc.church/teachings/encountering-jesus-the-true-son-of-god/

In this episode Dr. Megan C. Roberts walks me through the entire book of Isaiah at a macro level to see how this magisterial (and daunting!) Prophetic work comes together and what it has to say to us all these millennia later! Megan's dissertation "Memory Formation in Isaiah 40-55: Poetic Reimagination that Accomplishes Comfort" is available from Brill Academic: https://brill.com/display/title/70949 Here are Megan's other recommended resources on Isaiah: Beginner level: Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey - https://www.amazon.com/Encountering-Book-Isaiah-Historical-Theological/dp/0801026458/ Discovering Isaiah: Content, Interpretation, Reception - https://www.amazon.com/Discovering-Isaiah-Interpretation-Reception-Biblical/dp/0802878059/ Intermediate level: The Theology of the Book of Isaiah - https://www.amazon.com/Theology-Book-Isaiah-John-Goldingay/dp/0830840397/ The Book of Isaiah and God's Kingdom: A Thematic-Theological Approach (NSBT) - https://www.amazon.com/Book-Isaiah-Gods-Kingdom-Thematic-Theological/dp/0830826416/ Scholar level: “Lengthen Your Tent Cords”: The Metaphorical World of Israel's Household in the Book of Isaiah (Siphrut) - https://www.amazon.com/Lengthen-Your-Tent-Cords-Metaphorical-Household/dp/1575067781/ The Book of Isaiah, 1-39 (NICOT) - https://www.amazon.com/Isaiah-Chapters-International-Commentary-Testament/dp/080282529X/ The Book of Isaiah, 40-66 (NICOT) - https://www.amazon.com/Isaiah-Chapters-International-Commentary-Testament/dp/0802825346/ ***Disciple Dojo shirts and other gifts are available over in our online store! - https://www.zazzle.com/DiscipleDojo ***Become a monthly Dojo Donor and help keep us going! - https://www.discipledojo.org/donate ***Dojo Donor Patches: If you are a monthly donor and would like an iron-on DiscipleDojo patch, supplies are limited so message JM directly via the contact page at https://www.discipledojo.org/contact ***If you are an unmarried Christian looking for community, check out our Facebook group “The Grownup's Table” over at www.facebook.com/groups/grownupstable ------ Go deeper at www.discipledojo.org

Eric and Erika Andersson lead Ark church in Copenhagen. The last few years have rocked their world both negatively and positively with her cancer diagnosis, dramatic healing, and an encounter with Jesus that has completely redefined their philosophy and practice as they seek to follow, model and live for Jesus. Their voice is a profound challenge to how we do church, and what is most important. ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EeMZ5kquoVUCheck out arkcph.dk/en to contact Eric and/or Erika.---

In this special "how-to" episode and with his permission, we will peek in on a conversation that George Strawbridge had with Jesus.   This detailed conversation will show you how Jesus wants each of us to encounter Him.  Dr. Patty adds some commentary along the way. I think you will appreciate the questions George is asking here as they may be questions that you wonder about too, but never thought you could ask Jesus about them.  Jesus answered some practical questions like: How can I experience you? and  How did you live a sinless life?  What curiosities do you have about God?  Jesus will answer your specific questions in your Experience Jesus encounter time.   George Strawbridge is a member of our Online Spirit Life Workshops and learned how to have these conversations the same way that I did through the work of Dr. Mark Virkler at Communion with God Ministries using the dialogue journaling tool that we use on this podcast to connect with Jesus.  Links references in this episode: New to the Podcast?  Check out the Trailer Episode for the Biblical Foundation for Experiencing Jesus!  https://PattyEJ.Podbean.com/e/trailer-episode-experience-jesus-with-dr-patty-sadallah   The Special Place Encounter Exercise   https://tinyurl.com/j742vpz4   Dialogue Journaling and Scripture Tips to Pray God's Will Into Your Life https://pattyej.podbean.com/e/dialogue-journaling-and-scripture-tips-to-pray-god-s-will-in-your-life/   How to Teach People How to Experience Jesus https://pattyej.podbean.com/e/how-to-teach-people-how-to-experience-jesus/   How to Become a Fruit-Bearing Christian  https://pattyej.podbean.com/e/how-to-become-a-high-fruit-bearing-christian-flashback/   Connect with Dr. Patty regarding the Spirit Life Circles Mentored Coaching service.  She can let you know if we have any open spots!  Or ask me about becoming a Mentor!   Email her at psadallah@aol.com   Check out the NEW Spirit Life Journey App.  Click on the QR Code to play around with it.   Get Two Free Chapters of the Experience Jesus Book Series  https://pattysadallah.com/free-gift/   Check out all of Dr. Patty's books, journals, and downloadable resources at her bookstore, and don't forget to use the code EJPOD to receive 10% off everything, even the things on sale.  https://PattySadallah.com/shop/    Encountering the DIRECTION  of God: Experience Jesus Book 3 https://pattysadallah.com/product/encountering-the-DIRECTION-of-god-experience-jesus-book-3/   And please make sure you share this podcast and share how you were blessed by this episode by commenting below!  THANKS!  

What if you could speak to your deceased loved ones one more time? What if grief didn't have to mean letting go?What if you could speak to your deceased loved ones one more time? What if grief didn't have to mean letting go?For over twenty years, Dr. Irene Blinston has guided grieving individuals through a remarkable healing process using an ancient Greek ritual adapted for modern use. In this groundbreaking book, she reveals the power of the psychomanteum, a darkened chamber designed to facilitate contact with the deceased-and its profound ability to reduce the symptoms of grief.Drawing from landmark research at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Dr. Blinston shares compelling case studies of participants who experienced dramatic reductions in grief symptoms after just three hours using the psychomanteum process. Whether or not they made "contact" with their loved ones, 92 out of 100 participants reported lasting healing.Gazing into the Afterlife explores:• The history and science behind mirror-gazing and limited sensory stimuli for grief healing• Detailed protocols for the psychomanteum process, from preparation through integration• Moving accounts of transformative encounters including visual, auditory, and deeply emotional• Applications beyond grief due to death, including trauma, loss of identity, and life transitions• The crucial role of trained facilitators in creating safe, sacred healing spacesThis isn't about proving life after death. It's about discovering a pathway to peace and healing. The research shows that the psychomanteum helps the bereaved maintain healthy continuing bonds with the deceased while moving forward with their lives. From sudden deaths and complicated grief to ambiguous loss and disenfranchised grief, this innovative approach offers hope where traditional methods fall short.Whether you're a mental health professional interested in new tools for grief work, a bereaved individual looking for healing, or simply curious about consciousness and human potential, this book provides both scientific rigor and compassionate guidance. Dr. Blinston's unique combination of research expertise, facilitator experience, and personal transformation makes this an essential resource for understanding grief in the 21st century.The psychomanteum isn't magic-it's a carefully structured process that creates space for what the grieving heart most needs: connection, expression, and peace.Discover how this ancient practice, backed by modern research, is transforming grief work and offering relief to those who carry the weight of loss.BioIrene Blinston is an independent researcher who studies the impact and aftereffects of supernatural and paranormal experiences, with special interest in encounter experiences. She earned her PhD in transpersonal psychology with specializations in spiritual guidance, creative expression, and transpersonal education and research. While still a student, Dr. Blinston was recognized as a rising figure in the field of transpersonal psychology. She conducted her doctoral dissertation research studying the impact and life-long aftereffects of religious apparitions experienced in childhood.She was also part of the psychomanteum bereavement project, in which participants were facilitated to make contact with their deceased loved ones in order to reduce grief symptoms. She is also a professional astrologer, Human Design for Business and Profit Potential Analyst, and is certified in a variety of money and business coaching models. Her other areas of interest include miracles, mysticism, religions, altered states of consciousness, consciousness studies, the power of the mind, and all areas that encompass the vast human potential.Free chapter link https://chapter.portaltohealinggrief.com/chapterhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX1JJPLM https://www.pastliveshypnosis.co.uk/https://www.patreon.com/ourparanormalafterlifeMy book 'Verified Near Death Experiences' https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXKRGDFP Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Peace Walk Monks, Encountering the 4th Sign by North Carolina Zen Center

This week, our dear friend Bob Simmons takes us into one of the most beloved miracles in Scripture—the feeding of the 5,000—but reveals a profound truth we often miss: Jesus wasn't just addressing physical hunger that day. The context matters deeply here. The disciples had just returned from an exhausting ministry tour, depleted and in need of rest. Jesus himself was grieving the brutal murder of John the Baptist. They sought solitude, but instead found themselves facing a massive crowd of perhaps 15,000 people. While the disciples saw an inconvenience and wanted to send everyone away, Jesus saw something entirely different: sheep without a shepherd. His compassion moved him to meet their immediate need, multiplying five small barley loaves and two tiny fish into a feast that left everyone satisfied with twelve baskets of leftovers. But the real miracle wasn't just the multiplication of food—it was the revelation that followed. When the crowd pursued Jesus the next day, wanting more free meals, he confronted them with a deeper truth: they were seeking a sugar daddy when what they really needed was a Savior. We all have a God-shaped vacuum in our hearts, a hunger for meaning, purpose, significance, love, and relationship that nothing on earth can satisfy. Jesus declares himself the Bread of Life, the only one who can fill that eternal longing God has placed within us. The question for us today is simple yet profound: are we seeking Jesus for what he can give us, or for who he is? Are we trying to fill our deepest hungers with temporary things, or have we discovered that only he can truly satisfy?

Pastor Rob Byker joins us with a message from Matthew 14, titled “Peter Encounters Christ the Water Walker.” Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Text: Luke 5:1-11 Preacher: Derek Baker

Exploring Vedanta and Vipassana practices, Ram Appalaraju discusses interfaith spirituality and his work as an eco-chaplain, honoring the dignity of all beings.Today's podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.This time on the BHNN Guest Podcast, Ram and Vincent discuss:Encountering dukkha (suffering) on a day-to-day basisResourcing ourselves so that we can be a resource for othersSelf-discovery and learning how to process our sufferingThe yoga of meditation and cultivating the core aspect of inner growthThe sense of ease that comes from deepening our practiceWeaving together Vedanta and Vipassana practices Fostering trust in our own experiences Transitioning from a high-stress work environment to living a more spiritual lifeOffering dignity to ourselves and others, no matter their circumstanceRam's work in prisons and offering compassionate, attentive care to othersHow preconceived notions hinder us from truly connecting with and caring for people“There's a human sense of dignity that we can offer to another person and that can only happen when we have dignity within ourselves when we have a sense of acceptance of who we are.” –Ram AppalarajuThis conversation was originally recorded on the Paths of Practice Podcast. Listen to more episodes HERE.About Ram Appalaraju:Ram Appalaraju has served on the boards of nonprofit organizations for over eight years after retiring from the high-tech industry where he worked for 35 years. Ram has been studying Buddhism under Gil Fronsdal and is currently in the Insight Meditation Center's Dharma Leaders Training. He also graduated as a chaplain and an eco-chaplain from the Sati Center for Buddhist Studies. He now teaches as a faculty member at Sati Center's Eco-Chaplaincy program and is one of the organizing team members at IMC's Earth Care community group. He also serves as a Buddhist chaplain and Mindfulness Meditation teacher at Santa Clara County Jails and is currently pursuing Clinical Pastoral Education.Ram has been practicing Buddhism for over 14 years and has engaged with several underprivileged and marginalized communities, teaching meditation and offering support. He is deeply committed to social and ecological causes and serves various groups in nature-based education through science and spirituality. He currently serves on the board of Insight Meditation Center at Redwood City and teaches at the San Jose Insight Meditation Sangha. Ram has also studied Vedanta at Sri Ramakrishna Mission and Chinmaya Mission for over 20 years.Ram serves as president of Insight World Aid. For more information about Insight World Aid, please see HERE.“My own capacity to care started to unfold. It is not just an external activity of me learning how to care for someone, that's a byproduct. The intent is self-discovery: how did I process my own suffering and how and when it's relevant to engage with others who may be suffering for their own reasons.” –Ram AppalarajuAbout Vincent Moore:Vincent Moore is a creative and creative consultant living in San Francisco, California, with over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry and holds a graduate degree in Buddhist Studies. For years, he performed regularly at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, an improv and sketch comedy theatre based in New York and Los Angeles. As an actor, Vincent performed on Comedy Central, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Seth Meyers, Above Average, and The UCB Show on Seeso. As a writer, he developed for television as well as stage, including work with the Blue Man Group, and his own written projects have been featured on websites such as Funny or Die. Additionally, he received a Masters of Buddhist Studies from the Institute of Buddhist Studies with a Certificate in Soto Zen Studies and engages in a personal Buddhist practice within the Soto Zen tradition. Vincent is also the creator and host of the podcast, Paths of Practice, which features interviews with Buddhists from all over the world. Learn more on Vincent's website HERE.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's message takes us into one of the most profound conversations in Scripture: Jesus meeting with Nicodemus under the cover of night. Here was a man who thought he knew everything about God—a religious leader, a Pharisee, someone steeped in moral living and theological knowledge. Yet Jesus tells him something startling: none of it is enough. We must be born again. This isn't about adding a little spiritual polish to our existing lives or filling in some gaps with religious activity. It's about a complete transformation, a radical internal renewal by the Holy Spirit that changes everything—our identity, our loves, our values, our very being. The sermon draws on the prophet Ezekiel's vision of dry bones coming to life, reminding us that what God offers isn't improvement but resurrection. We're challenged to examine what truly defines us: Is it our career, our relationships, our status? Or have we allowed God's love in Christ to reorder our affections so that our primary identity is as beloved children of God? The beautiful truth is that God didn't come to condemn us but to save us—not just from the penalty of sin, but to transform us daily into the image of Jesus. This is both terrifying and liberating: we must die to ourselves to truly live.

Nothing Like It! Series

Sermon Text: Luke 4: 14-30 Preacher: Derek Baker

In this episode, filmed on location in Kathmandu, Nepal, I am joined by Buddhist nun Guruma Dhamma Vijaya. Guruma recalls her childhood in Kathmandu Valley, the religious life of her Newar Vajrayāna family, and why she turned to Theravāda Buddhism and took ordination as a nun. Guruma recounts her extensive training in Mahasi and Goenka meditation styles, compares tantric techniques to ānāpānassati, and offers her understanding of the essence of Buddhist teaching. Guruma details her educational journey, describes her life-changing encounter with feminism while studying in the USA, and tells the story of obtaining a PhD on the subject of Buddhist Feminism. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep344-nepali-buddhist-nun-guruma-dhamma-vijaya Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast'.
 … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - Homage to Buddha, Dhamma, Saṅgha 01:54 - Blessing and welcome 02:33 - Question etiquette in different cultures 03:17 - Guruma's Newar childhood in Kathmandu Valley 06:11 - Guruma's education pathway to PhD 06:36 - Family dynamics 07:30 - First meeting with Buddhist nuns 09:46 - From Vajrayāna to Theravāda 11:12 - Desire to be a nun 12:48 - Attending a teaching by the Dalai Lama in Bodhgaya 13:54 - The loss of the bhikkhunī ordination lineage 14:28 - Becoming a nun 17:54 - 4 years of study in Taiwan 19:20 - Meditation and further studies in Burma and India 20:02 - Studying meditation under Mahasi Sayadaw and S.N. Goenka 26:37 - Mahasi vs Goenka 27:37 - 4 points of Goenka meditation 29:10 - Ānāpānassati meditation is the Buddha's teaching 29:55 - Guruma's practie 30:51 - Vajrayāna vs Theravāda 36:27 - Body mantras and Vajrayāna threats 39:15 - Choosing Ānāpānassati over Vajrayāna 43:23 - Freedom from suffering 45:38 - The essence of Buddhist teaching 47:25 - Encountering feminism 54:58 - Messy status of nuns in Nepal 01:03:02 - Theravāda revival 01:05:39 - Tragic reason why Guruma's teacher became a nun 01:08:14 - Buddhist pilgrimage sites 01:08:54 - Life is precious and exhortation to practice 01:1341 - Dedication prayer and blessing … Kathmandu Interviews playlist: - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlkzlKFgdknwvU82dU487LhF_mF4AkGek&si=4U8rRVEHKA4Z28oF Find out more about Guruma here: - http://tartaruspress.com/russell-rampa.html - https://www.arthurmachen.org.uk/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi' by Steve James

We may be in a new building, but our vision hasn't changed…to see Northern Colorado look more like heaven. Join us as […]

Pastor Rob Byker joins us with a message from Luke 5:1–11, titled “Peter Encounters Christ the Fish Master.” Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Tonight we will be chatting with Max. I was streaming a live show during Thanksgiving and Max joined my live stream and gave a brief summary of what happened to his family. I reached out to him and asked him to share this period of his life and what his family went through. You have to hear this full account.