Podcasts about Father

Father explains what Jesus meant when He said, 'Call no man Father'.

Father speaks of God's faithfulness and tells us that, with His help, we, too, can persevere in faithfulness.

Father finishes his Lenten Audio Retreat with Jesus and Mary Magdalene!Thank you to Hallow for partnering with us. It's not too late- head to Hallow.com/exfiles and start praying!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 288 - The Father's Embrace What do you expect to find when you finally turn back toward God? Continuing their Lenten journey through the Prodigal Son, the friars arrive at the turning point of the story, the moment the son returns home. Expecting rejection, punishment, or distance, he instead finds something completely unexpected: the Father running toward him with compassion. In this episode, the friars reflect on the heart of the Gospel. The Father doesn't wait for perfection, explanations, or repayment. He runs, he embraces, and he restores dignity before a single word of apology is finished. Join us as we rediscover the mercy of a Father who never stops watching the road and who runs to meet us the moment we begin to come home. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! Get your own copy of the Prodigal Son prints https://spiritjuice.shop/collections/poco-a-poco/products/print-coming-home

Often times the Father is doing exactly what it is we've asked Him to do. However, not at all in the way we expected Him to do it and certainly not within the time frame we expected Him to do it. But faith does not require things to happen at a certain time nor does it require things to happen in a certain way - faith believes He's watching over His word to perform it.   The Homestead Mobile - March 6th, 2026

The Wild One is a 1953 movie starring Marlon Brando as Johnny Strabler, a troubled, brooding leader of a motorcycle gang. In one scene, a young woman notices a gang member’s jacket with the initials, B.R.M.C. When she learns that the “R” stands for rebels, she laughs and touches the arm of Brando as he idly pats a drum. “Hey, Johnny. What are you rebelling against?” He replies, “What do you got?” What an apt description of our problem! We’re born with a drive to assert ourselves. We want to be in charge, preferably by getting our way. If that doesn’t work, we’ll assert ourselves by dragging our feet. The rebellion is the point. Why did Israel foolishly worship idols of “stone and wood” (Jeremiah 3:9)? And why did Israel’s “unfaithful sister Judah” only pretend to return to God (v. 10)? Because that’s how they expressed their independence—“the stubbornness of their evil hearts” (v. 17). The rebellion was the point. But God’s love is stronger. Jesus died for rebels and leaves the door open for their return. “‘Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the Lord, ‘I will frown on you no longer, for I am faithful . . . . Only acknowledge your guilt—you have rebelled against the Lord your God’” (vv. 12-13). We may be born rebels, but we can return. Let’s run home to our Father, where we find His forgiveness, love, and help.

Father explains the importance of learning and teaching our faith.

https://takingthelandpodcast.comIn this powerful sermon from the Perth Bible Conference, Pastor Greg Mitchell explores the story of Joseph and the coat of many colors in Genesis 37.That coat was more than clothing. It revealed hearts.PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION for WORLD EVANGELISM:• NO ADS, Early releases, Full-Length Testimony Tuesdays⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Subscribe for only $3/month on Supercast⁠: https://taking-the-land.supercast.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Subscribe for only $3.99/month on Spotify⁠: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/taking-the-land/subscribe• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for only $4.99/month on Apple Podcasts⁠: https://apple.co/4owjo5ZSome responded with faith.Others responded with envy.And Joseph had to learn how to survive the blessing of God.In this message you will learn:• Why personal preferences can blind us to God's will• How envy quietly destroys relationships and ministries• Why the blessing of God often makes you a target• How to walk in grace even when people work against youThe truth is simple but searching: God will sometimes bless someone else first just to reveal what's inside our hearts.If you are pursuing God's calling, this message will challenge you to accept the coat, survive the opposition, and walk in grace.Chapters0:00 The Road Crew and the Reflective Jacket1:07 Joseph and the Coat of Many Colors2:05 The Father's Response3:55 How Preferences Distort Decisions6:25 Missing Powerful Converts9:05 Recognizing God's Favor on People11:55 Choosing People by Preference vs Anointing14:05 The Brother's Response: Envy16:05 “Envy Is Pain at Another's Blessing”18:35 Conflict and Division from Envy21:05 When Blessing Feels Unfair25:40 Envy Assumes Blessing Is Man-Made28:15 Promotion Comes from God30:35 The Danger of Envy in Ministry32:25 Joseph's Response to the Coat34:05 The Coat Makes You a Target36:00 Accept the Coat of God's Calling38:10 Survive the Coat40:10 Learning Grace with Blessing42:05 Altar Call and Prayer43:20 Prayer for Healing and TestimoniesShow NotesALL PROCEEDS GO TO WORLD EVANGELISMLocate a CFM Church near you: https://cfmmap.orgWe need five-star reviews! Tell the world what you think about this podcast at:• Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/3vy1s5b• Podchaser: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/taking-the-land-cfm-sermon-pod-43369v

When we face tough times, when we don't know what to do as a parent, when disappointment and heartache comes, we have to remember Jesus came and experienced all these same hurts and emotions and so He understands how we feel. Listen to Hebrews 4:14-16 … So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (NLT) How often have you been in a dark moment and thought, “I just wish someone could understand what I'm going through right now. How I feel.”? How amazing is it that God tells us when we are weak and failing the test, that actually is the best time to come boldly before Him … to receive mercy and find grace. … Help when we need it most.Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible … Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.What part of this passage stood out to you? Spoke to you?How great is it that we are told to … walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help?Knowing that God has experienced what you are feeling and is ready, waiting to give you the mercy and strength you need. Can I do that now? Imagine in your mind your Father is with you now, He knows the struggle already, can you boldly walk to him and ask for what He promises He is ready to give? Ask for mercy and then ask for help.What if you wrote that message across your bathroom mirror? To see it first thing every morning and the last thing at night? Take the mercy, accept the help. … amen.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, when I'm weak, when I'm being tested by my kids, when I have no idea what to do, remind me to “take the mercy and accept the help.” As above, so below.”

Water From the Rock #RTTBROS #Nightlight"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." — Proverbs 3:5-6I want to tell you about a man who dug a well on a tropical island while his neighbors thought he had lost his mind. And when the water came up, they concluded he must be a god.His name was John G. Paton, and when he arrived on the island of Aniwa in the South Pacific in the 1860s, the people there were cannibals. Literally. And everybody back home in Scotland knew it. When Paton announced he was going as a missionary to the New Hebrides islands, a well-meaning church elder grabbed him by the arm and said, "The cannibals! You will be eaten by cannibals!" Paton looked at the man calmly and replied that his body would be eaten by worms in the grave soon enough anyway, and it made little difference whether it was worms or cannibals, as long as he was found faithful to Christ.That is a man who had settled something on the inside.Now, Aniwa had no fresh water. The islanders depended entirely on rain, and they were skeptical that anything useful could possibly come from the ground beneath their feet. Paton told them he was going to dig a well and find fresh water. They thought he was either deluded or dangerous. He dug down, and down, and down in the tropical heat, day after day. And then one morning, fresh water bubbled up from the coral ground of that island, something that had never happened in living memory.The people of Aniwa stood there with their mouths open. They called it a miracle. And through that well, a door swung open for the gospel that changed the entire island. Within fifteen years, the whole of Aniwa had come to faith in Jesus Christ. Paton later wrote, with tears, that he had claimed Aniwa for Jesus, and that Aniwa now worshipped at the Savior's feet.History is just HIS story.Here is what I have had to learn over these many years. God will sometimes ask you to dig where nobody thinks there is any water. To trust Him in a direction that looks foolish to everyone watching. That is not the absence of wisdom. That is Proverbs 3:5 with a shovel in its hands, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."What is God asking you to dig into today, that looks impossible to everyone around you? Maybe it is time to pick up your shovel.Let's pray: Father, give us the courage of men and women like John Paton, who trusted You past the point where their own understanding ran out. When You call us to dig, help us dig. In Jesus' name, Amen.#Faith #Missions #TrustGod #ChristianLiving #DailyDevotion #Perseverance #BiblicalWisdom #RTTBROS #NightlightBe sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe, it helps get the word out.https://linktr.ee/rttbros

Jesse Kelly joins the show and they talk about how his stern father prepared him well for his military training. They break down Obama's hatred for America and the hypocrisy of people who claim to love this country while raging against its foundational principles. Jesse then talks about how communist takeovers always involve ridding a country of its most prevalent religion and they wrap up by breaking down Charlize Theron's insane quotes about her gay and black children. This was a fun episode…GET IT ON! News Stories Covered: Bill Maher Tricks Adam Schiff, Who Thought He Was Criticizing Donald Trump, Jesse Jackson Jr. Slams Obama, Biden for Trump Remarks at Father's Funeral, NYC Mayor Mamdani's wife liked social media post calling Oct 7 sexual violence investigation a ‘hoax': report, Chilling details emerge as woman with AR-15-style rifle shoots up Rihanna's Beverly Hills mansionFOR MORE WITH JESSE KELLY:FREE BOOK: Jesse Kelly's Little Red BookWEBSITE: JesseKelly.comINSTAGRAM & X: @jessekellydcPODCAST: I'm Right with Jesse KellyFOR MORE WITH ELISHA KRAUSS: INSTAGRAM: @elishakraussWEBSITE: elishakrauss.com JOURNAL: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/author/elisha-krauss/LIVE SHOWS: March 22 - Santa Ana, CA (Live Podcast)March 27 - Norfolk, NE (2 shows)March 28 - Norfork, NE (2 shows)Thank you for supporting our sponsors:BetOnlineForThePeople.Com/ADAMoreillyauto.com/adamPluto.tvSimpliSafe.com/ADAMSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

My good friend Kipp Sorensen interviews me. I'm on the hot seat today and very excited to be talking with you about all things Order of Man, including the origin story of Order of Man, why we need to be careful of falling into the comparison trap, but how it can actually help you by comparing yourself in healthy ways to others. We talk about having healthy relationships with delayed gratification. Any misconceptions about what order of man does what we're doing now and into the future, how we've grown the movement, and how we continue to innovate and come up with new ideas. We talk about some of the tactics and strategies. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Cold Open & Fight Talk 03:12 Reversing the Roles — Ryan on the Hot Seat 05:30 The Origin of Order of Man 11:20 Launching the Iron Council 13:50 Commitment and Delayed Gratification 19:28 Why Ryan Never Quit the Mission 22:00 Lessons From Personal Struggles and Divorce 28:00 Commitment to the Mission vs Results 30:20 The Trap of Always Chasing "What's Next" 34:28 Dealing With Pressure and Escapism 40:32 Handling Leadership Pressure 43:07 The Danger of the Red Pill Movement 48:00 The Problem With Modern Masculinity Influencers 50:53 The Real Men We Should Look Up To 53:25 What Men Often Get Wrong About Masculinity 54:47 The Intangible Side of Protect, Provide, Preside 01:00:37 Tactical vs Strategic Leadership as a Father 01:14:17 Being an Introvert With a Massive Audience 01:15:41 The Impact of Listener Stories 01:22:26 Call to Action for Men Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood. Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

Will Acuff is a pastor's kid, former rock and roll guitarist, co-founder of Nashville nonprofit Corner to Corner, and author of No Elevator to Everest. He sits down for a conversation about the blurriest member of the Trinity: the Holy Spirit. Will grew up in a theology where the Spirit was, as he puts it, a weird third cousin nobody knew how to engage with. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Bible. But a series of life-altering events cracked that framework wide open. He walks through what it practically looks like to develop a rhythm of listening to the Spirit, starting with ten minutes of stillness each morning, getting curious about what you're feeling and why, and learning to distinguish between the voice of the inner critic and the invitation of the Father running out to meet the prodigal son. Will makes the case that spirit-led self-awareness, not the Oprah version but the kind where you never go inward alone because the Holy Spirit is already there, is the missing piece for most Christians who've reduced the faith to knowledge of God without ever learning to walk with Him.But the episode takes a sharp turn when Will shares a story he's never told publicly. His honeymoon ended in a New Orleans psych ward after a perfect storm of sleeplessness, stress, and praying alone over spiritual forces he had no business engaging with at 24 years old. What started as insomnia spiraled into hallucinations, his wife watching his eyes roll back and his body rise off the bed, cops breaking down the hotel door, and a commitment to the psychiatric unit where he was misdiagnosed and put on antipsychotics for two years. Will is honest about the intersection of mental health and spiritual warfare, how being physically compromised makes you vulnerable, how he believes he knocked on a door he wasn't meant to knock on, and how he now never does anything in the spiritual realm alone. The conversation lands on joy, not the dopamine hit happiness of circumstance, but the deep, guitar perfectly in tune kind of joy that comes from living in union with the Spirit, even in the middle of more sorrow than you ever anticipated. Will's life carries more of both than most, and his practical framework for hearing from God is one of the most grounded and accessible we've had on the show. This Episode is Sponsored By: https://go.goodranchers.com/BLURRY — Get $40 off your first order, then $30 off your next two with code BLURRY at checkout! https://timtebow.com/tree-blurry/ — Get your copy of If the Tree Could Speak by Tim Tebow on Amazon today! https://go.goodranchers.com/BLURRY — Get $40 off your first order, then $30 off your next two with code BLURRY at checkout! - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seth takes a closer look at oil prices surging amid what experts are calling the worst energy crisis since the 1970s thanks to Donald Trump's reckless and illegal war in Iran.Then, Cillian Murphy talks about reprising his "Peaky Blinders" role and asking Barry Keoghan to play his son via a Father's Day text before discussing how he approaches his BBC radio show like making a mixtape. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Link Up w/The Morning Sickness Digitally All Over:Instagram: @hms_98_official, @bosskupd, @bretvesely, @dickToledoX/Twitter: @HMSon98, @DickToledo, @bretveselyFacebook: @HMSKUPDYouTube: @hmspodcast9320, @98kupdRequest/Call in/Wakeup Song line:(IN AZ) 585.9800More HMS: holmbergpodcast.com, 98kupd.comEmail: dtoledo@98kupd.com, bvesely@98kupd.com, bbogen@98kupd.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Suffering is unavoidable—but Scripture shows us it is never meaningless.In this episode, we look closely at the sufferings of Jesus: His rejection, betrayal, silence before His accusers, physical agony, and ultimate obedience to the Father. Rather than rushing past the cross, we slow down to ask what Christ's suffering reveals about God's character—and how it reshapes the way we endure our own.To suffer well is not to minimize pain or spiritualize injustice. It is to remain faithful, anchored, and surrendered when obedience is costly and understanding feels distant. Jesus shows us that suffering can be endured without bitterness, faced without despair, and offered back to God as worship.This conversation invites listeners to reframe hardship through the lens of the cross—learning how to suffer with trust, humility, endurance, and hope—knowing that resurrection always follows faithful obedience.Support the show

(John 20:31) John's gospel record was the last to be written and a commentary on the other gospel records. This book reveals Christ's relationship both to the Father and to those who put their faith in Him. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, promises to bring all who believe into the family of God.  (10059260310) Join our study through Scripture this year. Find resources for every book of the Bible at enjoyingthejourney.org/journey-through-scripture/ Whether you're a new believer or have walked with the Lord for years, you'll find thousands of free devotionals, Bible studies, audio series, and Scripture tools designed to strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding of the Bible, and help you stay rooted in the Word of God. Explore now at EnjoyingTheJourney.org. Extend the Work Enjoying the Journey provides every resource for free worldwide. If you would like to help extend this Bible teaching, you may give at enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

Welcome back to Father Knows Something! Dad advice with a dash of ADHD, and some millennials chiming in to add their takes. This week's episode has dad and son-in-law responding to stories where people are on different pages! And what do you do? Turn the page and start fresh or try to get everyone on the same page? From in-laws upset about a baby's name, to a couple who's disagreeing on having kids, to someone who's hiding their job from family to avoid drama, and more.. we have some stories that definitely need your help on them! Partners: Walmart: You can shop The Baby Event from February 16th to April 17th on the Walmart app, online and in store! Submit your write-in ! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/V6DarM6gJuBRa9uZA Bonus Stories on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/fatherknows⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ !! Our P.O. Box: Father Knows Something. 5042 Wilshire BLVD. #470. Los Angeles, CA. 90036 Follow up on Instagram @ Father Knows Something UPDATE US!! If your story has been read respond here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/6CP9KoWvJ4NMKewa7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Be sure to subscribe and tell us what you would give for advice! Full-length audio episodes are available on all podcast platforms! Index: 00:00 -- Start Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Question: How many persons are there in the Godhead? Answer: There are three persons in the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory. Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://gift.ligonier.org/1267/westminster If this podcast has been a blessing to you, try these other podcasts from Ligonier: Renewing Your Mind: https://renewingyourmind.org/ 5 Minutes in Church History: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/ Ask Ligonier: https://ask.ligonier.org/podcast Open Book: https://openbookpodcast.com/ Simply Put: https://simplyputpodcast.com/

Father describes how and why it is important to forgive others, no matter who.

Welcome back to another episode of No Murder March here at the GGtMC!!!This week we discuss There Was A Father (1942) directed by Yasujiro Ozu and Falcon Lake (2022) directed by Charlotte Le Bon!!!Emails to midnitecinema@gmail.comAdios!!!

Thank you for listening. 7 new countries added, new, thank you, returning, brave, and patient. I am humbled by that, too; I've got to figure out how to mention you without adding too much time to the podcast. We will, with God's help, figure it out. But for now:We begin each new season with brief reviews of our purpose. Today, we kick off our review with a modified quote, the quote that, it turns out, nobody said. “The price of knowledge is eternal review.” That is an accurate and helpful quote, I know, because I heard it! Our tagline. Growing, Biblical, Dynamic, Sincere, Soul-Satisfying, God-Glorifying Prayer Life.Growing, as in spiritual growth, all the writers of Scripture, John 15, Jesus calling the disciples His friends, is an example of their relationship growth, 1 Peter 2, he says grow, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 growth, is what the scriptures bring, the Hebrews talks of maturity, James 1, 1 John, children, young men, Fathers. We have grown in our conversation. Biblical, the family language, we'll talk about that soon. But we grow in vocabulary and content in our communication with God. Dynamic, real conversation is dynamic. The “Ultimate Lexicon” defines dynamic this way (anything that) “pertaining to processes, forces, or properties characterized by constant change, activity, or progress,” it added energetic.Jesus says, "Each day has enough trouble of its own; that alone will make our prayers dynamic."Sincere, God wants truth from us. Psalm 51:6 “Behold, Thou dost desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part Thou wilt make me know wisdom.” He wants us - not necessarily a script - unless it reveals our innermost being. Soul-satisfying, when I started the podcast, this was the one I spoke of least, thinking it too selfish or self-centered to be valid, but: Luther, Calvin, Knox, Perkins, a guy named Anthony Burgess, stuffy, exacting theologians one and all. Yet all raise the question of the validity of our affections or emotions fostered in prayer. How we are satisfied as we grow in intimacy with our God, through prayer, just remember, you, yes, you are called to pour out your heart to Him, and that is satisfying to our souls.Lastly, our communion: a growing, Biblical, dynamic, sincere, supernaturally soul-satisfying prayer life will be:God-glorifying, he is our adoptive dad who resides in heaven, the creation of which we are a part. We call out “abba Father,” He is the majestic I AM, the only one. He shares His glory with no one else. Our so What?And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. In Colossians 3:17, Paul adds, "Give glory to God” even as we eat or drink, in 1 Corinthians 10. How much more will our prayers result in, and give Him the glory due His name.“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen”1 Timothy 1:17Brethren, let's pray for one another."What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more." Robert Murray M'Cheynee Donation link:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab.Assistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossard.www.freerangepreacheronprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on InstagramSeason 008Episode 011

0:00 Intro 0:08 Catfish 3:45 Soccer tickets 6:59 Inheritance 9:49 The will 12:32 Sikh family Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Phil speaks with Mariah Gardner, who claims on the evening of April 13th, 2023, her ex-husband entered her home, and carried out a deadly violent attack against her, and the 2 young daughters they shared together. Mariah claims her ex-husband, Stephen, not only shot her multiple times, including guns shot wounds to her face and neck, but also claims he stabbed their daughters (2 years old and 11 months old) during the alleged attack. Tragically, 11 month old, Willow Grace, would be pronounced dead from her injuries just 2 days shy of her 1st birthday. Now, nearly 3 years later, Stephen sits behind bars, facing the death penalty, as he awaits a trial scheduled to begin in April.Thank you to our sponsor: NMLS 182334, https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.196% for well qualified borrowers. Call 888-841-1319, for details about credit costs and terms. Or https://americanfinancing.net/PhilThank you to our sponsor: Don't wait! If you're on Medicare or will be soon, reach out to Chapter: Call: (352)-845-0659 or go to https://askchapter.org/ to learn about your Medicare options and get help finding ways to save money.Thank you to our sponsor: ArKay Zero Proof is made so you can celebrate fully, feel your best, and never compromise. Try the zero-proof revolution at https://arkaybeverages.com Use code PHIL for 15% off your first beverage. ArKay gives you great flavor without the alcohol.Thank you to our sponsor: Diabetes doesn't wait. And the cost of waiting can be devastating. But there is another option you need to know about. Learn more: https://drphildiabetes.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We learn more about Jesus Christ's nature as fully God and fully human. Because he was fully human, “like us in all things but sin,” Jesus had a human will that was perfectly aligned with the will of God the Father, a human body that can be seen and venerated, and a human heart with which he loves us. Fr. Mike sums up the teachings in recent readings by reviewing that the Incarnation is the mystery of the union of the divine and human natures in the one person of the Word. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 475-483. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 2: An Elevator for Small Children. We talk about the quiet places of discouragement, and self-reliance that keep us striving instead of surrendering. We also reflect about how radical dependence on God is not laziness, the subtle ways we resist being little before a loving Father, and how our poverty is a doorway into deeper trust. This week, we invite you to fall into the Father's arms, allow Him to pick you up, and rest in the One who delights in you.   Heather's One Thing - The Prince of Egypt Movie  Sister Miriam's One Thing - Bishop Erik Varden's Lenten Reflections to Pope Leo (I especially recommend the reflections entitled: Bernard the Idealist, God's Help, Becoming Free, and Splendour of Truth) Michelle's One Thing - Art Lectio Instagram Account   Journal Questions: Where are you feeling discouraged? Where do I experience self-reliance, codependency, or hypervigilance in my life? When in the past have I made agreements that I have to rely on myself and fix everything?  Where am I living out a pattern of childhood wounds and identities?   Discussion Questions: How have you experienced failure this Lent? When do I grasp, kick, and flail like a child in my spiritual life? When did God last remind you that you are not God? How did your heart respond to it? Where is God inviting you to embrace your littleness rather than run from it?   Quote to Ponder: "Being little means not attributing to ourselves the virtues we practice, or believing ourselves capable of anything, but recognizing that God places this treasure in the hands of His little child so that she can use it when she needs it; but the treasure is still God's." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux)    Scripture for Lectio: "All you who labor, who are bent under the weight of your burden, who find the demands of the Law too heavy, come to me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28)   Sponsor - The JPII Healing Center: Jesus longs to heal every hidden hurt in your heart—Do you want to be healed? For the past 20 years, the John Paul II Healing Center, founded by Dr. Bob Schuchts, has offered healing retreats, trainings, and workshops to help people experience deeper intimacy and communion with the Blessed Trinity. And now, you can experience our transformational teaching, Healing the Whole Person, right at home. This 8-part video series expands on the teaching offered by Dr. Bob Schuchts and Sr. Miriam James Heidland at our Healing the Whole Person weekend retreats. For the past two years, this series has blessed thousands of groups and individuals across the world by drawing the brokenhearted close to the abiding love of the Blessed Trinity. Through in-depth teachings, prayerful meditations, reflective journaling, and pre-recorded Q&A sessions, you are gently guided through your sorrowful mysteries into joyful restoration. The Abiding Together Community can use code Abiding25 to receive 25% off individual and group leader subscriptions. This offer ends April 13th. To learn more and begin your journey, visit www.jpiihealingcenter.org Healing The Whole Person Series Link: https://virtual.jpiihealingcenter.org/start   Timestamps: 00:00 The JPII Healing Center 01:31 Intro 02:18 Guiding Quote 04:39 Discouragement is the Downfall of Souls 08:27 Subtle Agreements We Make Throughout Our Days 10:50 Surrender is Not Laziness 13:26 Illumination is Spiritual Progress 15:55 Being Curious About Our Own Heart 18:34 Becoming Little is Maturation 20:47 Suffering in Communion with the Father 23:53 The Father Cannot Resist His Children's Trust 27:14 Am I Still Lovable if I am Little and have Needs? 29:44 One Things

Growing up in a house outside Chicago, strange things seemed to happen to nearly everyone in the family.His brother talked to people in his room that no one else could see. His mother claimed she once encountered an apparition in the hallway. Even séances were held in the house from time to time.But the most unsettling experience happened to the one person who refused to believe in any of it. One night, his father got up in the dark to walk down the hallway to the bathroom. Before he could turn on the light, he saw something waiting inside.Two red glowing eyes.And the presence behind them was something he would never forget—and rarely talks about to this day.#RealGhostStoriesOnline #GhostStories #ParanormalEncounter #RedEyes #HauntedHouse #ShadowFigure #TrueGhostStory #SupernaturalExperience #HauntedHome #RGSOLove real ghost stories? Want even more?Become a supporter and unlock exclusive extras, ad-free episodes, and advanced access:

What is the biblical relationship between the Father and the Son? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard explains how Oneness Pentecostals understand this vital question. Drawing from his book The Oneness of God, he unpacks the statement, “Although we do not believe that the Father is the Son, we do believe that the Father is in the Son.”Looking at key passages in the Gospels, Dr. Bernard shows how Scripture reveals the Father working in and through Christ, upholding both the full deity and genuine humanity of Jesus.Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

Read OnlinePeter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:21–22After replying to Peter, Jesus tells a parable about a servant who owed his master a “huge amount.” The literal translation from the Greek is “ten thousand talents.” One talent alone was a substantial sum, equivalent to about twenty years of wages for a day laborer. Therefore, ten thousand talents would represent an astonishing debt—roughly 200,000 years of wages, or about 24 billion U.S. dollars for a worker making $50 an hour.It's difficult to even fathom that much. Jesus uses this immense amount to emphasize His point. When the king in the parable decided to settle accounts with his servants and the one who owed him this enormous debt was brought before him, the king initially decided to have the man and his family sold into slavery. However, the servant pleaded with the king, asking for more time and promising to repay the debt in full. As a result, the king forgave the entire debt. This was undoubtedly a life-changing day for the servant.Things changed quickly, however. When that servant encountered one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount—100 denarii in Greek—he immediately demanded repayment. When his fellow servant pleaded for mercy, the man refused and had him thrown into prison. Using the same calculation, 100 denarii would be 100 days' wages or 40,000 U.S. dollars.The contrast is stark! The king represents God, and each of us represents the servant forgiven for the enormous debt. When we beg for mercy, God grants it in superabundance. He knows that we are unable to repay the debt of our sins, so He wipes it away with one condition: that we, in turn, forgive everyone who sins against us.Jesus tells this parable in response to Peter's question about how often he must forgive his brother who sins against him. Peter suggests, “Seven times?” but Jesus responds with the symbolic number, “Seventy-seven times,” meaning that our forgiveness should have no limits—an infinite number of times. How well do we live out this call?Overcoming anger is challenging, as we often feel that justice should be served when we are wronged. But perhaps if someone came to us, confessed his or her sin, and begged for mercy, we might offer it. But Jesus teaches that forgiveness must go beyond mere words—it must come from the heart. It must be sincere, complete, and without reservation. Every fiber of our being must forgive. And if someone sins against us and refuses to acknowledge any wrongdoing, the same applies: We must forgive even that unrepentant person from the heart. This is no easy task.If forgiveness is difficult for you, as it is for most people, consider the consequences of withholding forgiveness. When the king in this parable learned that his servant refused to forgive his fellow servant's small debt, he “handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt.” Jesus concludes the parable with a stark warning: “So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.” This should inspire a holy fear in us, often called servile fear—a fear of punishment that helps turn us away from sin. This is a good starting point, but the ideal is to cultivate filial fear, the fear of offending God that springs from love. When we truly love God and experience His infinite mercy, we strive to avoid sin not just out of fear of punishment but because we do not want to hurt or offend our loving Father.Reflect today on two key things. First, grasp the unfathomable mercy God has given you. Let it fill your heart with deep gratitude. Second, call to mind anyone against whom you harbor anger or resentment. Even the smallest trace of unforgiveness must be confronted. Make an act of your will to forgive, and continue doing so until that forgiveness flows sincerely from your heart.Most merciful God, Your mercy is unfathomable. I beg for Your forgiveness for my sins. There is no way I can ever repay You. I acknowledge that Your forgiveness is contingent upon me offering the same mercy to everyone who has sinned against me. Please soften my heart, Lord, so that I may offer others the same mercy You have granted me. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource: 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.

Daily Word God confronts His people for showing Him contempt by offering defiled sacrifices and giving Him their leftovers instead of their best, revealing a lack of honor and respect for Him even though He is their Father and Master. Their actions show they treat worldly authorities with more regard than they treat God, while still expecting His favor. True devotion, however, is not merely about offerings but about loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, which is demonstrated through obedience to His commands. When believers serve God halfheartedly or neglect the calling He has given them, they reflect the same contempt Israel showed, but honoring God means giving Him our wholehearted love, obedience, and our very best in every area of life. __________ Malachi 1:6–9 NLT, Matthew 22:36–37 NLT, John 14:15 ESV __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com Leave a Comment: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/comments __________    

Parenting 0-18 With an Eternal Perspective: An Interview with Jessica Smartt (Episode 286)   Hebrews 12:11 NIV “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it"   *Transcription Below*   Jessica Smartt is the author of Come On Home, Memory-Making Mom and Let Them Be Kids. She graduated college with an English degree, a religion minor and a hankering to pour into kids. After teaching middle school literature for five years, she was promoted to her current position and dream job: wife, homeschooling mom, author, and Professional Encourager of Intentional Moms. She lives in sunny North Carolina on a family farm with horses, chickens, and an ever-increasing number of beloved cats. She and her husband, Todd, have three beautiful children. She loves to energize everyday moms to save childhood and build close-knit families. Jessica's favorites include: bike rides, spinach quiche, a clean kitchen, being warm, national parks, and food that anyone else made. Connect with Jessica through Instagram or her website.   Thank you to Our Sponsor: WinShape Marriage   Questions and Topics We Cover: What questions can we ask ourselves as mothers to take inventory and get real about our capacity, health, and gifts? How can we purposefully make our home a place our family loves to be and we do too? Will you share a handful of your other favorite practical tips for building a strong family that we haven't covered yet?   Other Episode Mentioned from The Savvy Sauce: Making Family Memories with Jessica Smartt   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:14)   Laura Dugger: (0:15 - 1:23) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   I'm thrilled to introduce you to our sponsor, WinShape Marriage. Their weekend marriage retreats will strengthen your marriage while you enjoy the gorgeous setting, delicious food, and quality time with your spouse. To find out more, visit them online at winshapemarriage.org.   My returning guest for today is Jessica Smartt. She has authored another brilliant book entitled, Come On Home: A Grace-Filled Guide to Raising a Family Who Loves (and Likes) Each Othe. You're not going to want to miss a minute of this episode because she answers every question with kindness and eternal wisdom, yet she still manages to share plenty of fun ideas and applicable tips.   Here's our chat. Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Jessica.   Jessica Smartt: (1:25 - 1:28)  Thanks so, much for having me. I'm excited about our conversation.   Laura Dugger: (1:29 - 1:44) Well, I've been looking so, forward to this, and it's been a few years since you were a guest on The Savvy Sauce, so, as you're looking back, can you just walk us through how your motherhood experience has changed from the early days to now currently?   Jessica Smartt: (1:46 - 3:36) Yeah, it has changed so, much, and I actually was thinking about this just on my own. God is so, good, and I don't know if everyone's experience is kind of like this. I look around and see very high-functioning young mothers, so, I'm thinking maybe not, but I just feel like those first couple years were such a struggle with a lot of mental illness and just anxiety, and probably that led into depression, too, and just feeling really overwhelmed. I do feel like a lot of it was sleep deprivation, which is a literal torture technique that armies use, so, I think just caring for my body better has actually been a huge thing, but also just God is just so, kind, and I think I mentioned in the book of just really early on having this moment where I thought I'm not any good to anybody, and I didn't fast-forward to see any of this, right?  I didn't know how it was going to end. I just knew I felt terrible, and I couldn't function and overcome with anxiety, and everything was blurry and overwhelming, and so, to then fast-forward and see personally in my own life the rewards of my kids are doing well, and I like being a mom a lot, and professionally that I'm even writing about it is stunning, so, it's a real redemption story to me, and just proof that also God uses those pits because it was out of that that I was able to actually gain traction even on my blog sharing about my personal experience and loss and weakness. God used that, so, I'm really grateful.   Laura Dugger: (3:36 - 3:45) That's incredible to get just a little picture of that journey, and can you update us with your kids' ages now as of today?   Jessica Smartt: (3:45 - 3:59) Yes, so, I have a 16-year-old boy. Last week we were visiting college, and that is very weird, and then a 14-year-old boy and an 11-year-old daughter.   Laura Dugger: (4:00 - 4:19) Okay, wonderful. So, regardless of what phase we're in as parents, do you have any recommendations for questions that we can begin to ask ourselves so that we can take inventory and get real about our capacity and our health and our gifts?   Jessica Smartt: (4:20 - 7:00) Right, yes, so, in Come on Home, that's kind of how I kick it off because I say, you know, you can't have the family that if in order to have the family you want or the home you want, you have to be honest about what you actually have and what you're starting with, and so, part of that is taking inventory of yourself and your life, and that's not something we often stop to do in the chaos and busyness, so, I asked what your capacity is and really just trying to help mom just think through preaching to myself here, like all the things that are on our plate, and is there something on our plate that the Lord maybe is not calling us to or that doesn't correlate and match to what our really core values are in life, and those are hard questions to ask, but they actually bring a lot of relief to just be honest with yourself about what's happening in your life and coming before the Lord and saying, you know, I'd literally say, like, make a list of all the things that you're doing and look at it and see if you should take any off, and the list is, you know, stunningly long for a lot of us, but yeah, so, that's just capacity, just kind of thinking through where we are and what we actually have the bandwidth to do, and then I talk about health and actually asking, like, your husband, if you're married, you know, how would you like me to care for myself better? What's one thing that you like when I do? And a lot of times I think we're really surprised when we hear the things they appreciate or what they'd like us to do, and they might just be giving us a really wonderful gift to go invest in an area in our life that we've been overlooking. So, and then gifts, that's a really fun one, too, because I'm not you and you're not me, and we're not the listeners, but God has uniquely equipped all of us to be the mom and the homemaker, you know, in our particular callings.   So, saying, like, are you a good organizer? Are you, you know, the fun mom, right, that I wish I was and I'm not? Are you, you know, the adventurer mom? Are you the crafty mom? You know, God has given, do you cook well and, you know, enjoy that? And everybody has a gift, that you're, whether you're, you know, a soft place to land for your kids and a good listener, or you're, you know, more drill sergeant-y, like those firstborns tend to be, and that is me, so, that's why I can say that. But just thinking about, like, what skills and gifts did God give me to lead my family well? And so, that was just kind of the ground-tilling up work before you think through, like, how can we build the family that we really want with the life that we actually have and the person we really are?   Laura Dugger: (7:01 - 8:14) And I love, that was one of the aspects of the book that I just appreciated. You sprinkle all these insightful questions throughout, and it is really great to reflect on those with the Lord or with the journal or in conversation, but you're encouraging us repeatedly to get a long-term vision of this parenting journey. And so, it makes me think, my husband works with Chick-fil-A, and oftentimes he's encouraged to be careful not to just get caught up working in the business, but to pull back and work on the business, and it's actually better for everybody. And I just think as parents, we need that same reminder to kind of lift up our eyes, get a different view, and get above these urgent, incessant needs of today and look at where we're going. And I think the Bible speaks a lot to that with being prudent. And you challenge us with that long-term view to actually take an eternal view in parenting, which is inevitably going to impact how we steward our time and our decision making. So, can you speak to both of those?   Jessica Smartt: (8:16 - 10:23) Yeah, I mean, the eternal, the perspective, I think I said, you know, there's the Bible verse about you reap what you sow, and we think of it as like a cautionary warning. And it is, but it's also just a true statement of how life works, meaning what you invest in, and what you spend your time in, what you care about, what the things you're actually doing is where you're going to see growth. And so, if I am investing in my home, I'm going to see fruit in there. Now, of course, it's not a one-to-one, it's not a slot machine. So, you know, we don't know exactly what it's going to look like. And God is so, good to cover up even over the areas that we've done a bad job in. But in general, you can't expect to grow cucumbers if you've been planting tomatoes. Like what you've been planting in the ground is what's going to grow up. And so, that's just like, even though it's kind of like fancy wordy language, it's always just a good reminder to me to think like, what am I actually spending my time doing?   I want a family that, like I was a recipient of, that's warm and inviting and you want to be around. And in order to get that, like you have to plant it. And so, that's a lot of being present as a mom and which is so, hard, very hard. But I just wanted to not lay a burden on moms, but really just encourage them like, do those things that are going to reap the life you actually want in the long term.  And of course, you mentioned the word eternity, that's planning, building disciples. And so, that is a very long road. You know, you're not going to always see the fruit of that, you know, immediately. But keeping our eye on, you know, I want to raise kids that are living out the calling that God has placed on their lives and are going out into this world to be truth and light. Like, oh my goodness, so, many hard, boring conversations that you have to have, but you have to, like that's, that's part of the equation.   Laura Dugger: (10:26 - 11:35) I think that even that piece is with discipline too, which is one of my least favorite parts of parenting. I don't know if others relate to that, but a verse that I find so, encouraging is Hebrews 12:11, that "no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful later on. However, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." And so, I love that encouragement you're giving to a parent for the long view, and you bring up your family of origin. You write so much about this gratitude you have for your parents and something you wrote really stuck with me where you say someone was always home, both physically and metaphorically, someone was paying attention. So, Jessica, what caution do you want to share with any parents today who may be tempted to let go a little too early, a little too soon and too young, whether that's with technology or even just being physically present?   Jessica Smartt: (11:36 - 14:25) I think it's just so, important for moms and dads to receive their instructions, not from the world, but from the Lord, because the culture right now is okaying and even encouraging parenting that is not godly parenting. We have so many distractions and we are pulled towards our phones, towards our own personal growth and flourishing, which is okay. You know, of course we want us to be healthy as we just mentioned, but at the expense of the kids that God has put in our lives, that is what, that is the messaging you're going to receive from the world. If you're hanging out with people who do not have a biblical worldview, that is going to be how they're spending their time.  And it's not a judgment statement. It's just, it is an observation that they, that is not, the focus is not, I'm going to sit and, you know, maybe at one point culturally years and years ago, it really was more family oriented, but it is not anymore.  It just simply is not. And, you know, it masquerades under that as, you know, oh, we're all going to the soccer game together and we're going to go watch the gymnastics performance or whatever it is. But that, that is not always true discipling of your children.   That's kind of being present in a cursory way and not truly and really, to really pay attention and really be present with your kids is going to look vastly different than what the rest of the world is doing.  And if it doesn't, you got to check. And I, I'm saying this as absolutely of myself, you know, there are moms that are just on their phone, and I can do that as well. I've had to put in, we can talk about specifics, but I've had to put in like specific things in my, in my actual phone, you know, and in my life parameters and guidelines so that I'm not doing that. But no one in the world is going to tell you not to, that's normal to just be stuck on your phone as a mom, as a kid, whatever. And so, a like, where are you getting your voice? That's saying how to parent, who are the voices that are speaking into your life?  Are you listening to older and wiser mentors? Are you reading really good books? Are you putting yourself in the word first thing in the morning or are you just floating around with whatever culture says to do? And I don't mean to sound judgy here because I am deeply convicted even as I'm speaking this of like, am I living this? I'm not always, it's very, very hard. But I just think we first, first step is, you know, to orient yourself to the Lord and how would he have you parent?  Not what is everyone else okay with doing? Cause it's going to look very different.   Laura Dugger: (14:26 - 16:54)  Okay. I love that with kind of the emphasis on; it does require a sacrifice from us with that quality and quantity time. And it makes me think on page 38 of your book, you encourage us to take the time to know each child, helping them find their passion, abilities, gifts, and interests.  And that really does bless both the child and the parent. And now a brief message from our sponsor.   Friends, I'm excited to share with you today's sponsor, WinShape Marriage. Do you feel like you need a weekend away with your spouse and a chance to grow in your relationship together at the same time? WinShape Marriage is a fantastic ministry that provides weekend marriage retreats to help couples grow closer together in every season and stage of life. From premarital to parenting to the emptiness phase, there is an opportunity for you. 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S-A-V-V-Y.  Thanks for your sponsorship.   So, Jessica, what has this looked like in your home? And can you give us some ideas?   Jessica Smartt: (16:56 - 19:19) Yeah, I just think it is so, easy for us to have our own expectations of what our kids are, and even to speak that over them from the minute they come out of the womb, whether it's, oh, we've just pinned them as to be this, or it's something that we are, or something that we want them to be. But instead to look and see like, who is this actual child that's been created? And I thought of, you know, years and years ago, my son was like, itching to do something, you know, they get to be like nine, 10. And they start feeling like, you know, they need something other than mom in the house. And we were kind of praying about it and thinking it through. And he said, “I think I really would like to play soccer.”   And at the time, we were pretty, pretty committed into the baseball world. And I was like, no, you know, I had friendships with the parents, and we liked the coach, and we were already there. And soccer was this whole thing I didn't even know, you know, I was like, no.  And honestly, I waited for a year or two. But now my both my boys are in a semi travel league. It's not like all out driving all across the country, but they've been able to play at a higher level.  And they're doing amazing. It's clearly what they were meant to do. And I couldn't miss out on that just by being like, no, you know, that's not what you do.   Like, you know, so, just being open as a parent to really like, what are they good at? And it may not be what you thought it may not be what you are good at. My daughter loves to make a giant mess in the kitchen, giant and cook. And oh, my goodness, it is very hard for me because I'm like a keep it clean.  Don't use all the ingredients. But I've been convicted to really, you know, let her explore these gifts. I have a friend whose daughter is making these elaborate birthday cakes. I mean, like the most crazy food network kind of thing. And I saw it and thought, I know what that kitchen must have looked like when you let her do that. That was a lot of days and afternoons of you letting her waste the flour and make a big mess.  But the fruit is, it's incredible. And, so, yeah, sacrificing what we want to let them grow into, you know, and God is so, good.   Like if we don't know what it is, pray with your kid, like you, what did you, what is your thing?  What do you think God's made you to do? We, you know, need an activity. What, what, let's ask God, like what he wants you to do. I've never prayed a prayer like that that hasn't been answered and never.   Laura Dugger: (19:20 - 19:47)  Oh, that's so, good. I mean, we think of for friendship for ourselves or with our children or activities that they want to do, just hopefully that's what we keep being reminded of is bring it to the Lord rather than seeking out those voices and culture and see what his perfect plan is. But you also write an entire chapter on the power of time. So, will you share some of your applicable wisdom here?   Jessica Smartt: (19:49 - 22:15)  Yes. And you know, don't mind me while I actually get out the book, because even though you wrote it, sometimes you're like, what exactly did I say? Um, but thinking through like activities that our family has signed up for, as I mentioned, you know, I was kind of like connected in that baseball mindset.  And so, was it actually the right thing for my kids? Maybe or maybe not. And so, I talked through like at questions to ask, you know, as a husband and wife about where our family's going and what activities our kids are doing, which is a giant question today.   I don't think parents are thoughtful enough about what they're signing up for and what they're doing. And you get, you know, mid-November and your schedule is completely packed and your kids having meltdowns and you're never eating dinner together. And you're like, how did we get to this life? But it was a little bit of like, not quite following the path ahead mentally to see what it would look like. And I would just encourage anybody right now that it's not too late to rearrange, even if you have to quit something, even if it costs a deposit, even if you have to back out, like we are not as trapped as we think we are. And if you're doing something in your family that's not healthy, or, you know, it's not benefiting you stop, like no one's gonna, you know, anyway.   So, as you're thinking through activities, I talked about the interest question, which means like, is your kid actually there? Or is it like you that's kind of getting more out of this? And then I talked about the mealtime question.  And maybe we'll get to this, but family meals are so important. They really are. Even if it is, you know, not hours of sitting there with candlelight, whatever, just to have that checkpoint together. So, is your activity schedule, allowing you to uphold whatever your values are with meals? I'm not gonna tell you what they are, but is that what you want, really? And then the whole family question.   You know, I've seen a lot, and we've lived it too, of like the younger kid being getting drug around to the older talented kid's activities.  That's really a hard one, right? And so, I'm not saying don't do that. Sometimes families are gonna just look like that for seasons. But I do think it's worth stopping to say, what is it like right now to be that youngest child? What are they going through?  And am I being kind to them? You know, are there switches we can kind of make in the family? Because it's, you know, the family is not about one person and their talents. It's a holistic, healthy, functioning unit.   Laura Dugger: (22:18 - 23:21)  Absolutely. So, even, I hear you saying, evaluating, again, kind of taking inventory. What is on the family plate? How is that affecting every human in the unit of the family?  Is that taking us where we want to go? Just being, I love how you use the word thoughtful. Just being full of thoughts of this and taking it to the Lord of what's the wise thing to do. And for all of us, I think with that time question, it does lead us to the question of, who are we spending the most time with? Because that will significantly impact our lives.  It'll impact our children as well. So, do you have any other, I love those questions. Any other lessons that you've learned? I'm thinking especially related to activities and youth sports come to mind because our culture really has gone to the side of idolizing it and catering everything else around that. So, do you have any other wisdom to share on that topic?   Jessica Smartt: (23:23 - 25:48)  Yeah, I mean, I'll just share. Personally, we have decided to have our kids play at a level that is probably sub what their talent could be. And I don't know.  I guess time will tell. If they look back and they were like, mom, I really, you know, could have, but I have a hunch that they won't. I more often am seeing in my friends and stuff that it's like, they get into high school, and the kids are kind of starting to feel burnt out. Or they're like, you know, it's so, hard right now to be, I mean, not even a professional, let's say soccer player, but at college, it's like unheard of.  It's the elite, elite. And so, it's like, why are you doing this anyway?   And we've had several opportunities to compete at higher levels and try out for things that we have said no to, you know, because it would require being gone more nights, it would require tons of time in the car, it would be families away on the weekends.  So, we have some of that. I think it's important when you have boys, especially to let them have an outlet to compete as we, if you know, I homeschool as you do. And so, if you have a homeschooled teenage boy, they should probably be doing something right. So, I am not saying sit at home and, you know, play Monopoly every night as a family. But, we have chosen to prioritize other things.   And so, so far, I am super grateful for that. We had a season where we were way too busy with baseball. And it was the boys were like 10 and 12. And Monday through Thursday, one of them had a different we were never eating together Monday through Thursday, Saturdays, we were taking off different directions. I could never understand why we had to drive two hours to play a team. I'm like, there's so, many baseball players right in this neighborhood.  Can we not find a team? And God use that it's fine. But, but I don't I don't envy that season.   And I'm really grateful for some of the breathing room that we've had. And also, I would say my son, my oldest son is a gifted guitar player and singer. And he would not be able to do that. If we were 110% in one of those other sports, he would not have any time to even pursue those other interests.  You just never know. You know, I think white space and mental white space and time, I talk about this and let them be kids is so important for just developing as a person. No one flourishes well with a completely jam-packed schedule. And so, how would we expect our children to, you know, that is good.   Laura Dugger: (25:48 - 26:02)  That is so, wise. And how can we strategically connect with our kids so that they do feel seen, and known and loved and liked?   Jessica Smartt: (26:03 - 27:54)  Yes. I mean, that feels overwhelming, doesn't it? But and I talked through in the book kind of each one of those categories. But I know this is going to sound cliche, but I would just say a like recognizing that if a kid doesn't feel like you like them, they're going to notice that. And so, it doesn't matter all the extra things what you're getting them for Christmas, and where you're they're taking them if they really genuinely feel like you're kind of annoyed with them. They know that.   And that's, that's not great. So, I would say first step before you get into any practicals and pancake breakfast and all that is just like, if you are feeling that way to your kid, a don't feel guilty. It's natural.  We all have that at times. And be come before God and just say, these are the feelings I'm dealing with. Can you please help me here? And again, to quote myself, I've never prayed that prayer and it not been answered.  God has always shown up in some way. And so, often what it looks like I talk about in being liked is just like genuinely working on something that you have in common.   I think my parents did that so, well with us. And it wasn't the same thing because my siblings and I are all different. But they really worked to always find common ground and always have that relationship bucket full, right? My mom is like big on, you know, don't make too many withdrawals unless you have made a lot of deposits. And they lived that for years and years and years of pouring into us and genuinely connecting with us. So, way harder to do than to say, but that's our goal. And I do actually have a lot of specific ideas in the book of random ways you can love your kids, love languages and all of that. But yeah, asking God for help.   Laura Dugger: (27:55 - 28:09) And sometimes it's just helpful to hear what somebody else does, even if that's not exactly how it'll apply to our situation. But can you just give one example of a way that you use your child's love language, maybe both for one of your sons and your daughter?   Jessica Smartt: (28:11 - 29:33) Well, I've learned a lot about my middle child, and he loves the comfort things in life. So, if I see him struggling with school or something, I can bring him, you know, yogurt parfait or he likes coffee. So, we give our kids coffee.  Don't sue us anyway. But if I make him a cup of coffee, oh, you can just see it in his face. It's like, oh, mom loves me, you know?  He's one that even like if I go make his bed, he'll appreciate that. Not every kid is like that. But just kind of seeing and noticing the things that he likes.   That's been kind of something that we do. And then my daughter loves to tell stories, long, long stories. And I'm working so hard to not only like, I want to listen, but also, you know, teach her how to condense. Because Jordan Peterson says, don't let your kid become someone that is, you know, not pleasant to be around.  If you're struggling with something, someone else will, too. And she's an absolute delight.  I mean, truly. But so, just listening to her stories and kind of working on the art of conversation. My mom always said, play tennis, conversation tennis. So, you hit the ball, and then I hit the ball back to you. So, we're working on that, you know?   Laura Dugger: (29:35 - 30:05)  Absolutely. That reciprocity is huge. If you take turns asking questions, it reminds me, a previous guest, Jodi Berndt, had also said, in addition to that, let's also teach our children how to serve the ball. So, to initiate that, I just thought that that's so good. I'll work that in. Jessica, how can we purposefully make our home a place our family loves to be? And we do, too.   Jessica Smartt: (30:07 - 31:52) I have been learning so, much about this in this stage of life, you know, in my 40s.  And again, it's hard when you have little kids. So, I think you can probably say across the board, it's going to look different when you're raising little kids to have a warm and wonderful inviting home than it is in your later years when your kids are older, and you have more time.  But I would just challenge moms. Well, I look back and I think, if I hadn't been so, stretched thin and put unrealistic expectations on myself in other areas of life, I maybe could have invested in my home a little bit more. And the thing I have learned is that having a home that's peacefully run just reaps so, many benefits for a woman and her family.   And I am behind the curve, I feel like, on this. But as I have learned to organize my space and really pour myself into my home, not feeling like it's a waste of time to organize a pantry. It is amazing how it blesses my family.  People notice it. And it's hard to even articulate it because you wouldn't even think that if you clean out a closet, it's going to bless your family. But it really actually does.  And my husband benefits from it. He's not even like a strict, everything has to be clean. But when I've worked on something in the home, he sees it and notices it and appreciates it. So, God has just been teaching me so, much about what it looks like to really be like a homemaker, a godly homemaker and pour myself into my home. And I have reaped so much joy and peace from living out that role and calling in my life.   Laura Dugger: (31:53 - 32:23) That was one of the quotes I wrote down that observation that you made on page 142. And I'll just quote you, "when I do something to invest in our home, every single member of our family brightens." And I exactly great and you gave practical ways of how we can do that. And I also like it because it gives a little freedom because we're one of the family members too. And I think we brighten when we get that space in order.   Jessica Smartt: (32:24 - 33:06)  Absolutely. Yes, absolutely. Again, back to our earlier like cultural, cultural narrative versus biblical. There's like a, there's a lot of messaging about that it doesn't matter to really invest in your home and your family. And that's just not how God made the world to operate. So, I would challenge moms that even if they are doing what the rest of everyone is doing, and it's like, ah, it looks like a bomb went off in here. Like, um, you know, that may not be how God is calling us to live with a giant disclaimer that there are seasons of life that it truly does look like a bomb went off.  And that is okay. We are doing good gospel work, raising children.   Laura Dugger: (33:07 - 33:46)  Absolutely. But then also I think Proverbs 31 sometimes gets a bad rap, but really there's a lot of freedom in it for women because it is how the Lord created us, but she does look well to the ways of her household. And I think that just summed up, she's one of the members of the household, but so is everybody else. And that's one thing that can bless everyone, but you are just full and abundant with ideas, and you have an appendix in the book full of resources to help us maintain and take care of all our responsibilities. So, will you share a few of those ideas with us?   Jessica Smartt: (33:47 - 34:46) Um, yes, I, and maybe this is my homeschool mom speaking, but I have just learned so, much from other good books. I have, it's truly changed my life just in whether it's talking about personal health or discipline or marriage or prayer or my home. So, the thing I'm really actually most proud about in the appendix is my list of recommended resources. And it's just all the books that have impacted me as a mom and also impacted my writing too.  Um, I'll, I'll mention one. I think, uh, I don't know if everyone has read A Praying Life, but that has completely transformed not only my walk with the Lord, but my prayer life.  And I've implemented, um, it's Paul Miller, I believe his idea for prayer cards. And I do that every morning. Um, it has been the sweetest thing, and I've really reaped a lot of blessing out of kind of modeling what he sets up in that book.  So, that's just one example. If you haven't read A Praying Life, you should definitely go read it.   Laura Dugger: (34:47 - 35:20)  That's awesome. And I don't know if this ties in, but I'm just remembering back one of the podcasts that I heard you speak on. You share your definition of godly self-care, and you say that it's whatever helps you do your job well and not at the sacrifice of others. So, can you elaborate with some encouragement for how we can make sure that we don't go to either side, that we don't neglect ourselves, but we also continue with this merrymaking for our family.   Jessica Smartt: (35:21 - 38:22)  Right. Yes. And, um, that definition, I always want to be like, you know, the end part about not to the sacrifice of someone else. When I had a young, I think I had two kids and my baby was six weeks old.  I had a very qualified, loving teenage girl. Watch my two kids while my husband and I left for literally an hour to go to five guys and get burgers.  And my youngest was not thrilled. He did not prefer the bottle. So, in some ways his life was unsettled for a brief moment, but that was okay. So, I think everyone knows when I say, um, you know, not to the sacrifice of everyone else.   What I'm saying is like looking at the family and certainly we shouldn't be like living this plush and well-watered life and someone else's withering away. So, it's a general statement of, you know, that it would be too far, as you said, on the extreme of, and I do think that happens honestly, because we're all self-centered.  It's not that we don't love our kids. We're just trained to care about ourselves. But many women struggle on the other side of, um, maybe neglecting some areas in their life that could truly help them to be better wives and better moms. And, um, it's a really fun activity to think like, what, how could I change my life a little bit in a way that I would be a better wife and mom.   And I'm not meaning that to justify any sort of behavior that, you know, you want to do, because you certainly could use that for almost anything. Um, but really to think like, how can I be the best mom and wife that I could possibly be? And it might mean making some, giving yourself some breathing room. And I would also encourage women to, um, one of the best uses for that time is to work on your marriage because there's direct overflow into the family. And so, best case, I gave some ideas of like family adventures that can kind of fill your cup along with everyone else. And I would say maybe next best or equal would-be husband, wife stuff where you can check out, connect, and you're overflowing and ready to enter back into family life.   And then finally things that it's certainly fine to just step out and find those things that are life giving to you, but just trying to keep an eye on, you know, how is everyone in the family doing? And there might be seasons.  I think of my mom caring for her mom who had dementia. She wasn't really well watered in that season. She was, she was quite depleted, but that's what the Lord had been calling her to do at that period of time. Um, and we often were like, mom, you've got to like, we thought she did too much, you know?  Um, but looking back, I think she really is so grateful that she laid down her life. There's not regret.  And so, I'm like, well, maybe she was right all along. I don't know.   Laura Dugger: (38:23 - 38:58)  Good though. The both and to have seasons of that, where we can refresh so, that when we go into a season where it's a little bit prior, we can be serving hopefully still from the overflow. But you also just blew me away in the book with your knowledge on roots. And the subtitle of that chapter is "recipes, relics, relatives, and other things that keep kids grounded." So, will you just teach us a little bit more about roots and share how it applies to building a strong family?   Jessica Smartt: (39:00 - 40:51)  Yes, I would like to shout out to my husband who is in the landscaping business. So, he helped me. I was like, hey, can you please give me some fun facts about roots?  And he was thrilled. But um, one thing I mentioned is that most plant problems are caused by root issues. And gosh, have I seen that in real life, like even as an adult, you notice somebody that is carrying still issues that they're working through from their childhood. And so, what a gift we're giving our kids by giving them those strong, good roots and a healthy, you know, childhood to enter into adulthood, not crippled by things, but that they can give out of strength.   And my husband and I feel like, you know, although our families of origin were not perfect, we lived that story, we were able to go out in strength, and not, you know, carrying all this emotional baggage. That's what I would like to give my kids. So, um, but then yeah, at the end, I share that the most integral roots to the plant's wellbeing are the ones right near the surface. And I thought, what a kind of cool parallel that even if we, you know, I've shared about my experience, but someone listening may not have good roots, and they really might struggle with having support and partnership. But they can give a new story to their kids. They can give them the roots that they did not have through the Lord's strength.  And I have found friends that I'm literally seeing them do it. But they are they are crippled. And you know, in therapy and dealing with all this trauma, but they're passing a different story on to their kids.  And how cool is that? I have so much admiration for that. It seems like it's something that really only can be done through the Lord's strength, but he does it. He writes those stories.   Laura Dugger: (40:51 - 41:11)  And he seems to delight in redemption stories. So, I appreciate you sharing that. And I'd love to continue kind of this idea time. Will you just share another handful of your favorite practical tips for building a strong family that are topics we haven't covered yet?   Jessica Smartt: (41:13 - 43:16) Well, I would start with one thing I have seen huge rewards is if we do sort of like a secret Santa idea, and we actually do it also before Valentine's Day and do you know, your cupids arrow, whatever, because it just changes your whole mindset when you're suddenly thinking, how can I, you know, love this person in my family, you're in a better mood.  And so, we divide up names. And then we also do like acts of service. And that is just such a fun, like low keyway to kind of get your kids to think about loving their siblings instead of being annoyed by them. We have loved doing game nights, and we're not like big game people. But finding ones that I think my encouragement would be that it doesn't have to be like this long three-hour thing.   If your family's not into that, we've done like minute to win at games that I just pulled up online.  We have a lot of games that are like, no mental stress. They're very easy, like Slopsy. If anybody has not played Slopsy, they need to pick it up. It's you could play it if you were extremely tired, which I often am at the end of the day. So, to find some like quip, there's also what do you mean family edition.  And that is a fun one. And I have some other games listed in the book too, for readers who are interested. So, those would be two. We also do like one-on-one activities with the kids. And I always thought you had to do it like really, really regularly. But I would just give the encouragement that some is better than none. And so, even if it's only a couple times a year, kids just soak that up. And it doesn't need to be, you know, this whole long thing, it could be like, hey, you need some new winter pants. Let's get a Chick-fil-A milkshake beforehand. You know, just to kind of keep your eyes open for those activities and opportunities.   Laura Dugger: (43:17 - 43:47)  Guess what? We are no longer an audio only podcast. We now have video included as well. If you want to view the conversation each week, make sure you watch our videos. We're on YouTube and you can access videos or find answers to any of your other questions about the podcast when you visit thesavvysauce.com. Can you also share this genius idea about something that you put on the notes app of your phone?   Jessica Smartt: (43:48 - 44:50)  Yeah, so, I talked about the power of stories. Kids love hearing stories from our, you know, youth or young adulthood or even, you know, married years, whatever. So, I got in the habit of sharing a story with my daughter before bed. And of course, at night, you aren't always on your A game. So, I just have a note app on my phone to track different things that I might want to tell her. And my encouragement was that it doesn't need to be, we think it needs to be like this long, significant story, but even just little tidbits of things she has been delighted to hear over and over. You know, just like a passing, you know, anecdote that didn't seem to me to be too pregnant with meaning, but she just ate it up and loved hearing about all of the different things. So, yeah, that was just again, it didn't cost a lot. It's not hard, but just a little thing that kind of connected us and also connected her to a deeper sense of like, here's your roots of the people that raised you.   Laura Dugger: (44:53 - 45:36) I loved that idea because my daughters or our daughters will just catch us off guard and say, hey, share a story about us share a story about when you were little or when I was little. And so, I love your system that you have in place that when that idea comes to me, I can jot it down. And then when they ask unexpectedly, I'm prepared.  So, thought that was wonderful. And you've written an entire book on memories. So, I'll link to our previous episode where we talk about that.  And we dove into that topic. But you've updated your ideas in this book and come up with the most epic list of memory making ideas ever. So, could you just share a couple of those to give us a taste of what you include?   Jessica Smartt: (45:37 - 46:43) Yes, so, I think my favorite was at the end the chapter talking about surprises because I love the idea of surprising your kid. And when I talked about when I was little, my grandparents showed up at our school in their RV to take us camping. So, just thinking through like just different, a lot of those are like the big, you know, birthday or vacation or Christmas gifts. But even if you did it just one time, that's like a that can be like a core memory in you know, your kid's life.   When I was researching this, for the appendix, I reached out to a lot of my readers, and they had the most fun ideas of just creative family memory making things. And one that I remembered that I thought, I don't know if I have the guts to do this, but I think that this family came up with it during COVID. So, they were a little bit bored, and they packed a picnic and went to a stop sign. And when they got to one, they would roll a dice to see which direction they would turn until they ended up at a good picnic spot. She said it was harder than you would think.   Laura Dugger: (46:45 - 47:02)  That's hilarious. I love the creativity and that element of surprise. That is so, good. Well, I hope that everybody goes out to get a copy of your amazing book. But where else would you want to direct us to connect online after this chat?   Jessica Smartt: (47:03 - 47:15)  Yeah, definitely come say hi on Instagram. I'm Jessica Smartt with two Ts. And you can tell me what you enjoyed about our conversation. And I'm usually every so, often we'll check the messages, but I do get back to you.   Laura Dugger: (47:16 - 47:34)  Love it. We'll add links to that in the show notes for today's episode. And Jessica, you're already familiar that we're called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical. And so, my final question for you today, what is your savvy sauce?   Jessica Smartt: (47:36 - 48:09)So, what has changed my life, I really think is, and this isn't like the most exciting thing, but walking every single day, and I walk with my weighted vest. So, I look like every other 40-year-old woman that is out there. We have a little trail around our farm. So, I, it's, I honestly have like seen so, much change in my mental health and physical health. And I know they say that on all of these, you know, resources and stuff. And I never thought it was true. But it really has changed my life just to walk every day.   Laura Dugger: (48:11 - 52:21)  Amen, sister, I totally agree with that. That is so, well said. You are just a brilliant and faithful and godly and humble woman. You're gifted with your communication with your words in this conversation and in the books that you've shared with the world.  And I am just so grateful for you, Jessica. Thank you so much for being my guest today.  Well, thank you for those kind words.   One more thing before you go, have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you, but it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a savior, but God loved us so much. He made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.   That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life. We could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you.   Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray.   Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started.   First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it.   You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process.   And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “in the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

In this fourth meditation of our Lenten series, I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus, we slow down with Jesus’s words in John 10:11–15:“I am the good shepherd.” These words come right after last week’s meditation. Jesus is still addressing people who were confused about who they could trust—people who had felt overlooked, misled, or poorly cared for by spiritual leaders. Into that confusion, Jesus deepens the image He has already given. Jesus contrasts Himself with the “hired hand,” someone who may appear present but runs when danger comes. A hired hand does not stay when things become costly. But Jesus makes clear that He is different. He does not abandon the sheep. He knows them by name. And He willingly gives His life for their good. This guided Scripture meditation invites you to reflect on where you may be placing your trust—whether in people, systems, or structures that cannot ultimately hold you. Through several slow readings of John 10:11–15, you will be guided to listen, reflect, respond, and rest—allowing the truth of Jesus’s steady, sacrificial care to settle into your heart. Lent reminds us that we are not left to protect ourselves. We are known, loved, and cared for by the Good Shepherd who never runs away. Download your FREE Lent Companion Journal Here I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus This journal includes:• Each week’s Scripture passage• Reflection prompts from the meditations• Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing Here are some additional helpful links: Learn more about Jodie:http://www.jodieniznik.com Follow on Instagram:@jodieniznik Follow on Facebook:@JodieGNiznik Join the Monday email newsletter for new meditations, HERE Explore other faith-centered podcasts from LifeAudio:https://www.lifeaudio.com Today’s Scripture John 10:11–15 (NIV) 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away.13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” If you are helped by these meditations, consider sharing them with a friend or leaving a review. Simple acts like these go a long way in supporting this ministry. Thank you for joining me on So Much More.We really do believe Jesus has so much more to say to us—and this is one way we are creating space to listen. Learn more about Every Woman’s Bible today by visiting: https://hubs.la/Q041HkRL0 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Check out this show from March 21, 2022 2 Kgs 5:1-15ab Were the ancients woke? Father explains. Lk 4:24-30 Father explains the importance of unity Letters Question about the way my priest says the Collect Father talks about Revelation and Mary's role in salvation Word of the Day: Agape Callers Question about authority and the different books of the Bible, accepted in the Canon My sister is getting married outside the Church. I'm her Maid of Honor; is it okay to continue being the Maid of Honor? Could we change the words to the Nicene Creed to make it more personal?

Check out this show from March 18, 2022 Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a Father gives the history of Joseph and his brothers Mt 21:33-43, 45-46 Father explains precisely where Jesus was crucified and how it explains today’s Gospel Father explains the Church's teaching on evolution Letters I’m going to be a mid-wife, but the organization I’m going to work with supports contraception, is that OK? Father gets a letter about German greetings What is the purpose of life? Word of the day: Fruit

Father uses today's gospel to show how the sin of anger robs us.

Reading the Bible can feel intimidating, especially when we try to understand it on our own. Emily Rose Massey reflects on her own journey of faith, realizing that the Holy Spirit—our Helper and Teacher—guides believers into understanding God’s Word. With the Spirit’s illumination, scripture becomes more than words on a page; it becomes life-giving truth that shapes our hearts, transforms our minds, and draws us closer to God. Highlights The Bible is a gift from God, meant to guide us in knowing Him and living faithfully. Spiritual understanding comes through the Holy Spirit, not human effort alone. The Holy Spirit brings scripture to remembrance and illuminates its meaning over time. Consistent Bible reading allows God’s truth to take root in our hearts. Even with distractions and intimidation, the Holy Spirit helps us comprehend God’s Word for deeper worship and life transformation. This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: The Holy Spirit Is the Best Teacher By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26, ESV). In high school, I was gifted a Bible when I became a member of my new church. I was so excited to start reading it and learn more about God, but as time went on, I became more and more intimidated by its pages. Where do I begin? Do I start in Genesis and just read through it beginning to end? Do I need to spend time memorizing what I’m reading? What does this word mean? These thoughts circled my teenage mind, and I was so hesitant to even dive in for fear that I wouldn’t understand what I was reading. It didn’t take long for schoolwork and all of the extracurricular activities I was involved in to crowd out any downtime to make space to read my Bible. Soon enough, that Bible would find a permanent home on my bookshelf, left untouched. I hate to admit it, but the intimidation and distractions would follow me all through college as well. When I was stressed out, I would glance at my neglected Bible and randomly open it and try to soak up some hope for my weary soul. Although I heard the gospel as a teen and was a professing Christian for six years, it wasn’t until after I graduated from college that God granted me genuine repentance from my sin and rebellion and gave me the faith to fully surrender my life to Christ and trust Him completely. One Sunday, I stepped foot in a church service for the first time in a few years, and I believe I was born again that day, as the reality of offending a Holy God and my desperate need to turn to Jesus, take up my cross, and follow Him overwhelmed me for the first time in my life. After that moment, my whole world changed, and I suddenly had a deep desire to read my Bible and obey God. I look back and see the difference between my high school and college days was that I was trying to understand what I was reading without the help of the Holy Spirit. Once I became born again at the age of twenty-two, I was given the gift of the Holy Spirit- Jesus describes Him as a Comforter as well as a Helper and Teacher in John 14: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26, ESV). Intersecting Faith & Life: As born-again believers, when we open the pages of scripture, we are not left on our own to understand what we are reading. We have a Helper and a great Teacher, the Holy Spirit, to guide us in our pursuit of growing in the knowledge of the Lord. He illuminates the truth to us over time and will bring what we have read to our remembrance. This is why it is so important to consistently be reading our Bibles, so that we can store what we are studying in our hearts. The Bible is a gift from God to help us in our daily lives- to be able to learn of God’s ways and learn who God truly is so that we can grow closer to Him and worship Him rightly. I have to admit that I sometimes still struggle with intimidation and distraction when it comes to reading my Bible, but after walking with the Lord for over fifteen years now, I know that I am not left alone on this journey. I have a Helper who guides me into all truth and supernaturally helps me understand the words I am reading- words that are spirit and life (John 6:63). He is always with me, and I can always ask Him for help. Dear Christian, let us thank the Father for the gift of the Holy Spirit. The One who convicts us of sin when we daily fall short. The One who is our ever-present help in times of need and who guides us into all truth. If you are struggling to study the Bible or are intimidated by it, He will supernaturally illuminate what you are reading and give you the ability to comprehend, not just for head knowledge, but ultimately, to help you know God more deeply so that you can worship Him more fully. Oh, what a wonderful gift from above! Further Reading: Romans 8:26John 16:12-15 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of the Church Planter Podcast, Peyton Jones sits down with pastor, author, and leadership coach Joey Cook to explore a creative and rapidly growing approach to disciple making—right on the golf course.Joey shares his journey of faith, from growing up in a small Ozark Mountains church to discovering the deeper relational love of God that now fuels his ministry and leadership. That personal transformation has shaped his passion to help people experience the love of the Father and extend it to others. The conversation centers around a unique disciple-making movement happening inside golf communities around the world. Through a partnership with PGA professionals and the Bible Caddy podcast, Joey and others are helping launch “feature groups” at country clubs—spaces where golfers gather, build friendships, study Scripture, and talk honestly about life and faith.What began as a simple idea has quickly multiplied to more than 160 groups globally, connecting believers and non-believers alike through shared passions and authentic conversations about the gospel.Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:Connect with Bible Caddie by emailing groups@biblecaddie.comDiscipologyBook.comReliant Mission: reliant.org/cppNewBreed TrainingThanks for listening to the church planter podcast. We're here to help you go where no one else is going and do what no one else is doing to reach people, no one else is reaching.Make sure to review and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast service to help us connect with more church planters.

There was a time when single parenting was kind of an exception in America. Not any more - millions of families where it's just a mom or a dad now. There's been a lot of conversation and a lot of articles written...a lot of commentary about the impact of not having a dad who's really being a father to you. A little while back, one of the leading health officers in the United States said, "The greatest issue facing us is fatherlessness." Then Time Magazine commented on women who actually choose to have a fatherless family. Here's what they said: "They are bringing a child into the world with a hole at the center of his life where a father should be." I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I'd like to have A Word With You today about "The Father Hole In Our Heart." However you feel about those comments and those quotes, we all know that life's a little tougher if you don't have a dad or somebody who isn't acting like a real dad. Our word for today from the Word of God comes from Luke 15. This is the familiar story of the prodigal son, who got his inheritance early from his father, went to a far country, spent it all, ended up feeding the pigs and having to eat with them. Verse 17 says, "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father, and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father." This is the story of a searching man whose real problem was that he was away from his father. Maybe that's a picture of you right now. In the story, God is the father, and God has told us He wants us to know Him as our Heavenly Father. You say, "Well, if he's like the father I had, I'm not interested." Well, remember this. God is not like the father you had on earth. He's like the father we all wish we had, and what you're feeling down deep in your soul, that's father lonely. We have a hole - a daddy deficit - that we're waiting for a father to occupy. How do we lose Him? How do we find Him? Look at the verbs in Luke 15. It says that the young man "set off for a distant country." The Bible says actually we've all done that. It says, "We have all sinned and fallen short of God's glorious ideal," we've wandered away like sheep. (the Bible says) We are away from God by our own choosing. The next verb says, "He squandered his wealth." See, all our years away from God are squandered years. They're wasted years until you know the relationship with a father that you were made for. Then the next verb says, "He spent everything." You can do that so easily. We spend, in search of the missing part of us. We can't find ourselves in achievements. We can't find ourselves in relationships, or pleasure. We spend everything, and then it says, "He longed to fill his stomach." Maybe you feel an emptiness inside of you like a hunger that never goes away, a hole that's never been filled. Then we read, "He came to his senses." Maybe that's where God is bringing you right now. It's hard to live without God. It's hell to die without Him. It says that the son went to his father. And see, there's only way you can get to the father you were made by and made for. In John 14:6, Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me." What would happen if you came to Him today? It says, "While the boy was a long way off, his father saw him, ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." That's the welcome you would get from God today. He runs to you with His arms wide open no matter what you've done. Why don't you run to Him and be born into His family today? Don't you want to begin this relationship? Tell Jesus, "I'm yours." Our website is ANewStory.com. Would you check it out? That's where you can find the information that will show you how you can finally belong to Him. See, no longer would you then have the hole in the center of your life where a father should be. No father on earth could ever fill that hole anyway. It was made for your Heavenly Father. Come to Him and you'll never be father lonely again.

In Pastor Maiola's sermon from Matthew 3:13–4:11, we walk with Jesus from the waters of baptism into the wilderness of temptation. Although He had no sin, we see the beauty of Christ identifying with us in our weaknesses. Jesus stepped into baptism to fulfill all righteousness and to begin His public ministry in obedience to the Father. The Holy Spirit descends like a dove and the Father declares, "This is my beloved Son." Maiola reminds us of our identity in who God says we are and encourages us to dismiss the accusations of the enemy.   From there, we follow Jesus into the wilderness where He faces real temptation. The enemy attacks Jesus' identity, His physical needs, and tempts Jesus to worship him. Yet where Israel failed in the wilderness and where we often fail, Jesus succeeds perfectly by standing firm on the truth of God's Word. Through His humble obedience and submission to the Father, we see how trusting God's Word gives us strength in moments of testing and uncertainty.   We are reminded that we are not alone in our struggles. Jesus understands temptation and shows us His very own example of how to resist the schemes of the enemy. Because Christ has overcome, we can walk in confidence knowing our hope and victory are found in Him.

In Pastor Maiola's sermon from Matthew 3:13–4:11, we walk with Jesus from the waters of baptism into the wilderness of temptation. Although He had no sin, we see the beauty of Christ identifying with us in our weaknesses. Jesus stepped into baptism to fulfill all righteousness and to begin His public ministry in obedience to the Father. The Holy Spirit descends like a dove and the Father declares, "This is my beloved Son." Maiola reminds us of our identity in who God says we are and encourages us to dismiss the accusations of the enemy.   From there, we follow Jesus into the wilderness where He faces real temptation. The enemy attacks Jesus' identity, His physical needs, and tempts Jesus to worship him. Yet where Israel failed in the wilderness and where we often fail, Jesus succeeds perfectly by standing firm on the truth of God's Word. Through His humble obedience and submission to the Father, we see how trusting God's Word gives us strength in moments of testing and uncertainty.   We are reminded that we are not alone in our struggles. Jesus understands temptation and shows us His very own example of how to resist the schemes of the enemy. Because Christ has overcome, we can walk in confidence knowing our hope and victory are found in Him.

Fr. John Brancich, FSSP, is the pastor of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Nashua, New Hampshire. He was ordained into the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter in 2004. In Today's Show: Is it immodest for a pregnant woman to show her stomach in public? Can someone seeking a declaration of nullity serve as a witness to a baptism? When does anger turn into the sin of hatred? Father Brancich's thoughts on inculturation. Father's advice for discerning a third order. What should someone do if they are leaning towards Orthodoxy? Why does it feel like we're just reciting words during the Nicene Creed? How does one align themselves to the movements of grace? What should be done if a husband doesn't lead their household in Catholic matters? What if someone is not strong enough to stand up to their wife? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Sunday Service (3/1/26) // Revelation 14:1-5 (ESV) // The Lamb and the 144,000 // 14 Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, 3 and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. 4 It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb, 5 and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless.#Revelation #BookofRevelation #BibleStudy #BibleExplained #BiblicalStudies #BibleTeacher #WordOfGod #BiblicalLessons #BibleJournal #BibleReading #BibleStudyCommunity #BibleVerse #prophecy #prophetic #jerusalemWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW US Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others TO SUPPORT USZelle to: info@mbchicago.orgWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Venmo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://venmo.com/mbchurch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ DAF Donations: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://every.org/mbc.chicago⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PayPal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

His father, mother, and wife were among those killed in the opening moments of the Iran War. Now he's the new Supreme Leader - will his term be all about revenge? That's how we start this week's commentary from Dr. Janice Stein of the Munk School at the University of Toronto. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kerusso exists to tell people about the Good News of Jesus Christ, but somehow in our information-jacked world, culture has moved further away from understanding who the most famous person in history really is. Millions of books and articles have been written about a carpenter who lived in the Middle East 2000 years ago, and Jesus has been identified as anything from a desert mystic to God Himself. Historically, He was born into a Jewish family in Judea at the time the Roman Empire controlled the area. Born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth, Jesus was 30 before He gained a reputation as a great teacher, but He was much more than that. The Bible tells us that He was sent into the world by God the Father, to stand in our place and take the penalty for our sin. According to Genesis, man defied God's template for living and because He is holy, God requires that someone is accountable for sin. Had Jesus not entered the world, we'd be left without a way to reconcile with God. Long story short, Jesus Christ is much more than just a wise teacher. He's also the Son of God. The Bible also tells us Jesus is one with the Father. Remember, when Moses encountered God in the burning bush, he asked God how to identify Him to the people, and God replied, “I am who I am.” And that was in the Old Testament.In John 8:58 in the New Testament, Jesus tells the people, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” Jesus Christ is a divine being. And John 1:29 says, “The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.'” This description of Him is not embraced by most people around the world. The Bible tells us that man's heart is wicked. It isn't like billions are rushing to churches so that they can have their sins forgiven. The human mind and heart don't want to focus on the messier side of the Gospel. We're imperfect. We sin. And our sin is an offense to God. Who wants to hear that? We don't want to be told that we're not good. We want to be told we're good, and worthy of God's love. And the Good News, the Gospel in the person of Jesus Christ, is that we have the pathway to be like Him. Romans 8 tells us that it is God's desire that we become like Jesus. And that's a goal worth reaching for. Let's pray.  Father, thank you for providing us with your Word that tells us exactly who Jesus is, and what His life means to us. You could have abandoned us to sin, but you didn't. The praise and the glory belong to you alone. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15. 

Jonathan Kerhoulas. Matthew 26:36-46.

In this reflective episode of Tent Talk, Nancy invites listeners to slow down and refocus on the most essential priority of the believer's life—beholding the Lord. As seasons shift and life moves quickly from one demand to the next, it becomes increasingly important to guard our time with the Father and remain responsive to His leading. Nancy shares about the tension between busyness and true fellowship with God, reminding us that even good works can quietly replace walking with Him if we are not careful. True discipleship flows from abiding in Christ and cultivating deep fellowship with the Father through the leading of the Holy Spirit. Whether life feels routine or intense, the call remains the same: lean into Him, allow Him to set the rhythm of your life, and let your fellowship with Him become the source from which everything else flows. Thanks for Listening! I hope that after listening to The Tent Talk Podcast, you'll want to start discussions with your team or small group. These resources can help guide your discipleship journey to maturity and destiny with the Father: Episode Notes & Conversation Guide DOWNLOAD HERE https://nancymccready.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/EPISODE-1043-Behold-Him.pdf LINKS The Devotional Podcast with Nancy McCready https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2hHjwQ_3Qrp1rhbR9nu68wnBtQY0IHzc The Producer's Way School theproducersway.com Nancy's book, From Trauma to Trust www.amazon.com/dp/B096ZML6R3/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries SUBSCRIBE Like what you hear? Subscribe to Tent Talk with Nancy McCready so you don't miss an episode! nancymccready.com/podcast/ ABOUT NANCY MCCREADY Nancy McCready is redefining discipleship across nations, cultures, and denominations. Through Nancy McCready Ministries, she partners with leaders to build deep, transformative discipleship cultures that provoke people to walk in freedom and live as mature sons of the Father. Her powerful message comes from her journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, and self-destruction to walk in true freedom. She now dedicates her life to helping others grow in intimacy with the Father and live unto Him. ABOUT TENT TALK PODCAST Tent Talk with Nancy McCready is a listener-funded podcast dedicated to helping Christians along their journey of a deeper walk with Christ. With the support of donors like you, we are able to help our listeners gain a deeper spiritual understanding and connection with the Father. Thank you for your support of the Tent Talk Podcast! nancymccready.com/giving/ Brought to you by Nancy McCready Ministries nancymccready.com/

Today's Promise: Galatians 3:26 In this episode, we explore a powerful question that can transform your entire walk with God. Do you see God as your Father… or as your boss? Many believers live as though Christianity comes with a long job description. The try to earn God's approval through effort, rules, and religious performance. But the message of the gospel tells a different story.   Drawing from Galatians 3:26, this episode reminds us that salvation is not about what we do for God, but about what Jesus has already done for us. Through faith in Christ, you are not merely an employee in God's service—you are His child. His righteousness covers you, His standing becomes your standing, and you are welcomed into God's presence as a beloved son or daughter.   Discover what it truly means to be "in Christ," why the "Jesus plus" mentality steals joy, and how embracing your identity as God's child can bring new intimacy in prayer and new confidence in your faith.

Dr. Ivan Misner's BIO:  Dr. Ivan Misner is the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of BNI (Business Network International), the world's largest business networking organization, with more than 11,000 chapters in 76 countries worldwide. Widely recognized as the "Father of Modern Networking," he has dedicated his life to helping business professionals build meaningful, relationship-driven networks that create both profit and impact. He holds a PhD from the University of Southern California and is a New York Times bestselling author who has written numerous books on networking, business growth, referrals, and leadership. His work has influenced millions of entrepreneurs and professionals around the world, and his teachings continue to shape how people think about relationship marketing, collaboration, and legacy. In addition to founding BNI, Dr. Misner co-founded the BNI Charitable Foundation and has been honored internationally for his humanitarian efforts, leadership, and lifelong commitment to service. His message centers on the power of long-term relationships, contribution, and living a life of intentional legacy. In this episode, Virginia and Dr. Ivan talked about Why networking is a marathon, not a sprint The value of following a proven system Legacy and living intentionally Scaling a business through delegation Relational vs. transactional networking Takeaways: Success comes from repeating what works Deep relationships generate bigger results than shallow networks Giving and receiving must work together You cannot scale if you refuse to let go Your legacy is how you show up in people's lives   Connect with Dr. Ivan Misner on his LinkedIn account to learn more about his work and insights into networking effectively: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanmisner/    Connect with Virginia: https://www.bbrpodcast.com/