Podcasts about Father

Father shows us many day-to-day ways that we reject Jesus.

Karen Mulvaney writes about her father—a man who did cartwheels in a cornfield when her mother said "Yes!", who woke his kids with pots and pans at dawn so they could be first on the ski mountain, and who stood by his family through everything that came their way. She reflects on what defined his life: steadfastness, a welcoming heart, and the belief that showing up for others—family, friends, or strangers—is the key to everything. Even when grief and illness reduced him to a wisp of himself, he still showed up. It's about the kind of love that doesn't waver, the kind that makes everyone feel like they matter, and the way a big, wide-open heart lives on in the people left behind. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before the New Year even begins, we might find ourselves with the same list of resolutions. What if, next year, instead of merely surviving the year in pursuit of self-fulfillment, we start 2026 by living differently for God's glory?Speaker: Ptr. JP MasakayanSeries: A Different Way To LiveScripture Reading: 1 Peter 4:1-11Watch the full message here: https://go.ccf.org.ph/12282025Eng

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by Chloë Elmore, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Where do your good gifts come from? Meditate on James 1:17. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family, a day where the Church invites us to reflect on the beauty of family life made holy because Jesus himself was born into a family. Today more than ever we need the example of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph to show us the meaning of the family. Entrust your families to the Holy Family with Fr. Kubicki on today's reflection.

LESSON 362This Holy Instant Would I Give To You.Be You In Charge. For I Would Follow You,Certain That Your Direction Gives Me Peace.And if I need a word to help me, He will give it to me. If I need a thought, that will He also give. And if I need but stillness and a tranquil, open mind, these are the gifts I will receive of Him. He is in charge by my request. And He will hear and answer me, because He speaks for God my Father and His holy Son.- Jesus Christ in ACIM

You will never earn, merit, or be good enough to enter heaven. Your salvation is totally dependent upon receiving God's grace, a free gift, that you access only through putting your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

SHOW NOTES   In Podcast Episode 355, “We're Not Graded on a Curve,” Kim discusses the dangers of Christ-followers comparing their walk to others. In today's text, we see the story of someone who did evil, but his evil was not as bad as others. May we get our eyes on Christ, the only example we should be chasing, and get off the comparison wheel.   Our focal passage for this episode is 2 Kings 17:1-4, with 2 as the focal verse:   2 He did what was evil in the Lord's sight, but not to the same extent as the kings of Israel who ruled before him.     WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE:   Spend a few prayerful minutes reading Matthew 5-7.   Additional Resources and Scriptures:   48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48) 1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1) 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-8) 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:8-10) EMAIL — encouragingothersinlovingjesus@gmail.com Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM -  https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus   I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST.   RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III. xAI. (2025). Grok [Large language model]. https://x.ai/grok/chat      "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group:   Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus.   This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus.   In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives.   If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week.   Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!”   If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com.     National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline   988   https://988lifeline.org/   Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004.   Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay.     The HIDDEN Episodes:  If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/  

God's Word, Matthew Henry, studying the Bible, understanding the Bible, God, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Spiritual, Hope, Jesus Answers Prayer, Answers to Prayer, Prayer, Pray, God Answers Prayer,Old Fashioned Bible Preachers, Pastor Jack Hyles, Controversy⚠️ Support our ministry: https://ko-fi.com/jesusanswersprayers❓️ How did this message speak to you?

Every year, Jesus' family went to Jerusalem for Passover. Every year. That repeated phrase in Luke 2:41–52 sets the tone for this story—not one of crisis, but of rhythm and trust. But amid that faithful rhythm, something unexpected happens: Jesus stays behind in the temple. Mary and Joseph, believing him to be safe among the caravan, realize he is missing. After three days of searching, they find him—not afraid, not lost, but sitting among the teachers, fully at home in his Father's house. Through a poignant personal story of being accidentally left on a Manhattan-bound train as a child, Kelly Antonson reflects on how faith is formed not only in moments of clarity, but in confusion, return, and trust. Just as Jesus' first words reveal his rootedness in the rhythms of faith, our lives are shaped not only by spiritual highs but by steady habits and community care. This episode invites listeners to consider: What if what feels lost is actually being held? What if what seems absent is quietly growing?

There is a three-letter word in the English language that holds more meanings than any other word. You've probably said it several times today without realizing how complex it really is. This episode begins with the surprising story behind that word. https://www.rd.com/article/most-complicated-word-in-english/ How much of who you are comes from your genes — and how much comes from the home you grew up in? Heredity is powerful, but also widely misunderstood. Some traits truly are inherited, while others only seem hereditary because families share environments, habits, and experiences. Carl Zimmer joins me to untangle the science. He writes for The New York Times and is author of She Has Her Mother's Laugh: The Powers, Perversions and Potential of Heredity (https://amzn.to/2IG8KKR) Do you know who made the very first cellphone call? You're about to hear directly from him. Martin Cooper — often called the father of the cellphone — helped pioneer the entire foundation of cellular technology during his time at Motorola. He shares the story behind that historic first call and offers insight into how mobile technology will continue to transform our lives. Martin is author of Cutting the Cord: The Cell Phone Has Transformed Humanity (https://amzn.to/38aXwIV). Sneakers are now everyday footwear, but they weren't always. They began as specialized athletic shoes and took decades to become the cultural staple we know today. This episode wraps up with a look at the surprising history of sneakers and how they finally crossed over into mainstream life. https://www.factmonster.com/culture-entertainment/fashion/history-sneakers PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ right now! QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince.  Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Quince.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! AG1: Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe!  NOTION: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://notion.com/something⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. SHOPIFY:  Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at⁠⁠ https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the archive: This episode was originally recorded and published in 2022. Our interviews on Entrepreneurs On Fire are meant to be evergreen, and we do our best to confirm that all offers and URL's in these archive episodes are still relevant. Noah St. John is known worldwide as "The Father of AFFORMATIONS" and "The Mental Health Coach to The Stars." Working with Hollywood celebrities, 8-figure company CEOs, professional athletes, top executives and elite entrepreneurs, he is famous for helping his coaching clients make more in 12 weeks than they did in the past 12 months, while gaining 1-3 hours per day and 4-8 weeks per year. Top 3 Value Bombs 1. By virtue of the embedded presupposition factor, which is already there in the brain, you ask better questions, get better answers, and get better results. That's how you change your habits, your results, and your life. 2. There are 2 reasons why most people do not use the Afformations Method. They are not aware; and most people are asking really lousy or disempowering questions. 3. Highly successful people are asking really empowering questions. Check out Noah's book and get over 500 dollars in FREE bonus gifts - Millionaire Afformations Sponsors HighLevel - The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies. Learn more at HighLevelFire.com. Freedom Circle - A powerful community of entrepreneurs led by JLD. Are you ready to go from idea to income in 90-days? Visit Freedom-Circle.com to learn more.

TULLIA AND THE BIRTH OF THE REPUBLIC Colleague Emma Southon. Contrasting Lucretia is Tullia, a figure of female ambition and wickedness. Tullia conspires with her brother-in-law to murder their spouses and her own father, the king, even driving over his body. Her crimes and the subsequent assault on Lucretia by her son, Sextus, justify the overthrow of the monarchy. Brutus uses Lucretia's body to incite the revolution that establishes the Roman Republic. NUMBER 11

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Revelation 1-4 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the December 27th, 2025 episode of the Daily Radio Bible! In today's journey through the Scriptures, Hunter guides us into the Book of Revelation, exploring chapters 1 through 4. Together, we'll encounter powerful images of Christ at the center of all creation—the One who holds the universe and our lives in His hands. Hunter reflects on the messages given to the seven churches, offering encouragement, correction, and hope, while reminding us that Christ's love extends to everyone, everywhere. This episode isn't just a reading, but a heartfelt invitation to see the world—and ourselves—through the lens of God's love as revealed in Jesus. You'll find moments of prayer for personal renewal, comfort, and peace, and meaningful reminders that our story, the story of the world, finds its meaning when Christ is at the center. Whether you are seeking encouragement for your journey, wisdom for your walk, or simply a quiet moment of prayer, this episode is for you. So grab your Bible, settle in, and join Hunter for a time of scripture, reflection, and prayer—rooted in the amazing truth that you are deeply loved by God. TODAY'S DEVOTION: There's someone sitting on the throne. The one on the throne is described as brilliant. The description is far more elaborate than that. But it's clear that it's not me and it's not you sitting there. Here in this last book of the Bible, John pulls back the curtain for us so that we can see the One who has been at work since the very beginning. All the plot lines are converging on him. John wants us to see that the plot and the point of the whole thing is this one who is sitting on the throne. The world is seen in its proper alignment when Christ is at the center and on his throne. This is how the whole story and universe was always intended to be. Romans 11:36 says, Everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever and ever. And in Acts 17:28, it says, for in him we live and move and have our very being. It all makes sense when the curtain is pulled back and we realize that he is the center of it all. With him at the center, things are in their proper alignment. Today, we're called to surrender our usurped place at the center of our life and to see him for who he is and to worship Him. He is the one who's made a way for all of us to find a way to life. And he came into this world to offer himself as a sacrifice for us. He came for all of us, whether we recognize it or not. He has come at his Father's bidding in the anointing of the Spirit to gather us into the embrace of love that is shared between the Father and the Son and the Spirit. So today let us see him, the one whose eyes are like flames of fire, whose hair is white like wool, with the gold sash across his chest, his feet like burnished bronze, and whose voice thunders like mighty ocean waves. Let's see him. The one who humbled himself with such contrition that he came to us as a little baby, that we might know him, walk with him, love him, worship him, and know his joy. That's the prayer that I have for my own soul today. That's the prayer that I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that's the prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. . . . If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43–48 NLT) Who was on your Christmas gift list this year? Usually, we give gifts to family and friends. We want to buy gifts for people we love and people we care about. We tend to give gifts to those who treat us well, people who are kind and considerate to us. And often we will give gifts in return for gifts that we have received. Some of us will even buy gifts for our pets. However, we generally don’t buy gifts for our enemies, do we? We don’t give a gift to the person who has slandered us in the past year. We don’t give a gift to the irate neighbor who never has a kind word to say. We don’t give a gift to someone who has tried to run us out of business. Nor do we send a gift to the thief who broke into our car last month. Yet that’s the standard to which the Lord calls us. In Matthew 5:43–48, Jesus said, “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. . . . If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect” (NLT). How can the Lord hold us to such high expectations? “We love each other because he loved us first” (1 John 4:19 NLT). When God sent Jesus Christ, His Son, and gave us the ultimate gift, He gave it to us while we were still His enemies. The Bible tells us, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 NKJV). We did nothing whatsoever to merit or deserve this gift. In fact, what we really deserve is judgment, because we all have sinned against God. We all have deliberately crossed that line. The amazing truth of Christmas is that, despite our sins, God sent His Son to save us. In that tiny manger in Bethlehem, He gave us a gift that we don’t deserve—but that we can be thankful for every day of our lives. Reflection question: This Christmas season, how can you show love to someone you don’t get along with? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A kinsman of the Apostle Paul, the Holy Stephen was one of the seven deacons (with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas) first appointed by the Church to minister to the people; and it pleased God to receive him as the Church's first Martyr for Christ. Read the long, beautiful and edifying account of his witness in the Acts of the Apostles, chapters 6-8. When Stephen, "full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people," (Acts 6:8), some members of a synagogue in Jerusalem came to dispute with him and, enraged by his proclamation of Christ, stoned him to death. In his death St Stephen revealed Christ's erasure of the boundary between heaven and earth, and the new communion between man and God: his face shone with the light of the Transfiguration, and he was granted a vision of Christ enthroned at the Father's right hand. His dying words were "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge" (Acts 7:60).   According to holy tradition, the martyrdom of St Stephen occurred exactly a year after the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. His body was taken and secretly buried by Gamaliel, a member of the Sanhendrin and secretly a Christian.   Saint Stephen's relics were discovered by the priest Lucian in 415 following a vision. They were translated to the church built for them in Jerusalem by the Empress Eudocia, and later taken to Constantinople.   The Saint's missionary speech before his death (like that of the deacon St Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch) reminds us that those appointed to serve the Church materially are not barred, or even excused, from proclaiming the glorious Gospel of Christ.

Gratitude can quietly slip into entitlement when expectations replace thankfulness. This devotional invites us to examine our hearts, reminding us that God doesn’t owe us anything—and yet, in His grace, He gives us far more than we deserve. Choosing gratitude realigns our focus on what truly matters and restores humility in everyday moments. Highlights Entitlement often shows up subtly, even in everyday disappointments. Gratitude is not based on circumstances, but on recognizing God’s grace. God’s will calls us to thankfulness in all seasons, not just the easy ones. A heart focused on what it “deserves” easily loses sight of what it has been given. Jesus modeled humility and service, never demanding what was owed to Him. Reflecting on God’s blessings helps shift our mindset from complaint to praise. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Gratefulness or Entitlement?By: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading:“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 This year, because we were blessed with some money in October, my husband and I decided to treat ourselves to a new coffee maker. As we pulled out this fancy machine with all the bells and whistles you could imagine, we were excited to try it out. We quickly realized, however, that it would be more difficult to use than we thought. We followed the instructions carefully, yet it wasn't making the drinks we desired. After several unsuccessful attempts (and a half a bag of wasted coffee), we decided to return the machine. After all, we weren't going to spend a lot of money on a machine that didn't meet our needs. As we packed up the machine, we grumbled. Didn't we deserve a coffee maker that gave us what we wanted? We wanted to treat ourselves to something special, wouldn't God give us the treat that we deserved? Even though it was after Thanksgiving, our hearts were far from thankful. After we reflected on our attitudes, we asked the Lord for forgiveness. We realized we were struggling with the spirit of entitlement. We plunked down our hard-earned money and expected to get a reward in return. But as we all know, that's not how God works. God doesn't owe us anything. In fact, we owe him everything. The above verse reminds us that we are commanded to be thankful, but it is God's will that we be grateful in everything. Yet we can easily get consumed by our own challenging circumstances, wallow in self-pity, and lose sight of what's really important in life. We weren't just upset that a machine didn't give us what we wanted. Deep down, both my husband and I believed we deserved a high-end, fancy machine that gave us what we wanted on demand. Jesus’ life was the opposite of that. He didn't demand anything from anyone. He received hospitality when it was offered, and He spent His life serving others. God's will is that, because of God's great mercy and grace, we choose to be grateful and focus on the truly important things. What is important in your life? Do you find yourself losing focus on what's truly important? Do you, like us, struggle with the spirit of entitlement? Deep down, do you believe you deserve something more than what you have, or that life owes you something? Regardless of where you are in your life, God's will is for us to be thankful. Although that's easier said than done, there is nothing more important in life than our salvation. We must always keep the right attitude. Instead of grousing or complaining because we believe life owes us something more, we can instead be grateful for where we are in life. There's always something to be grateful for. Take a moment to pray and thank God for all the things He has given you in this life. If you are in a difficult circumstance and you are having difficulty recalling those blessings, ask the Lord to reveal them to you. Ask Him to remind you of all the things He has done in your life. Your mind will become so flooded with His blessings that you may have difficulty focusing on anything else. Silently thank God that He is present in your life and that He has given you many good things. It is easy to get off track and to focus on the unimportant things in life. But as we meditate on God's word, He reminds us it is His will that we be thankful in everything, through good times and bad. Father, let us be thankful in all circumstances. Let us not believe the lie that we are owed something in life simply because we exist. Instead, let us be grateful for all the blessings you have chosen to bestow on us throughout our lives. Let us take time each day to reflect on all the blessings you have given us, and let us adopt a thankful, grateful attitude every day, no matter what comes our way. Amen. Intersecting Faith & Life: Analyze your heart. Do you struggle with a spirit of entitlement? What can you do right now to determine if you are struggling with this false spirit? Further Reading:Psalm 100:4 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

12/25/25 Fr Augustine Joseph - Christmas 2025 (English) by St. Peter's Chaldean Catholic Diocese

Jesus birth was only the beginning of an amazing redemption story. His coming brought the joy of reconnecting with God through Salvation. He also modeled a life of intimacy with the Father and showed a people living as orphans what the Father heart for them really was.

Two of the Apostles are named James but one of the other Apostles is my favorite. Who is this and why do I like him best? I will give you a hint: he drew near to Jesus during the Last Supper. Listen to the answer on today's reflection.

When Anxiety Feels Louder Than God   There are times in the Christian life when anxiety seems to shout louder than the voice of God. The pressures of daily living—the demands of school or work, the pull of peers in the wrong direction, the subtle temptations of the enemy to sin, and the uncertainty of what tomorrow may bring—can create a clamor in the soul that drowns out the quiet assurance of God's presence. Yet the Scriptures speak directly to these very struggles, offering not mere human advice, but divine remedies that bring peace and victory. We will focus our attention on three key passages that address the heart of this matter: Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7, and Psalm 34:4. These verses, taken from the Authorized King James Version, provide a clear pathway from anxiety to the peace that only God can give. First, let us read Philippians 4:6-7 in full: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. The apostle Paul wrote these words from a Roman prison, where anxiety could easily have overwhelmed him. Chains clanked around his wrists, the future was uncertain, and yet he penned one of the most triumphant letters in the New Testament. His secret? He refused to be "careful"—that is, anxious—about anything. Instead, he turned every concern into a conversation with God. Notice the comprehensive nature of Paul's instruction: "in every thing." No worry is too small or too large to bring before the throne of grace. Whether it is the stress of examinations and deadlines in school, the pressure from classmates to conform to worldly standards, the temptation whispered by Satan to compromise holiness, or the fear of what lies ahead in an unpredictable world—every thing qualifies for prayer. Paul specifies three elements in this prayer: prayer itself (general communion with God), supplication (specific requests), and thanksgiving (gratitude even in the midst of trial). Thanksgiving is the key that keeps prayer from becoming mere complaining. When we thank God for His past faithfulness, we remind ourselves that He is still in control. The result is breathtaking: "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding." This is not the absence of problems, but the presence of God in the midst of them. It is a peace that defies human explanation—a garrison, as the word "keep" suggests, stationed around the heart and mind like a Roman guard around a priceless treasure. Through Christ Jesus, this peace stands sentinel, preventing anxiety from storming the citadel of the soul. Consider the young student facing overwhelming school pressures—exams that seem insurmountable, projects that pile up, grades that determine future opportunities. The enemy whispers, "You can't handle this; you'll fail." Peers add their voices: "Everyone else is cheating—just this once." The future looms dark: "What if you don't get into the right college? What if your plans fall apart?" In such moments, anxiety roars. But when that student obeys Philippians 4:6-7, turning those burdens into thankful prayer, the peace of God descends like a quiet shield. The problems may remain, but they no longer dominate the heart. Now turn with me to 1 Peter 5:7: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Peter, who once sank in the waves because he focused on the storm rather than on Christ, now writes with pastoral tenderness to suffering believers. The word "casting" pictures a deliberate act—throwing the entire weight of our cares onto the Lord, as one might hurl a heavy burden onto a strong beast of burden. "All your care"—not some, not the large ones only, but all. The everyday stresses, the relational tensions from peer pressure, the spiritual battles against Satan's temptations to sin, the nagging fears about tomorrow—all are to be cast upon Him. Why can we do this? Because "he careth for you." This is not indifferent deity, but personal, tender concern. The same God who numbers the hairs of our heads and feeds the sparrows knows every detail of our anxieties. He cares more deeply than the most loving parent. Think of the believer facing peer pressure—the subtle (or not so subtle) invitations to join in activities that dishonor God, the ridicule for standing firm, the loneliness of being different. Satan uses these moments to create anxiety: "If you don't go along, you'll lose your friends; you'll be isolated." But when we cast that care upon the Lord, remembering His personal love, the pressure loses its grip. We realize that pleasing Him is worth far more than temporary acceptance. Or consider the fear of the future—job uncertainty, health concerns, world events that unsettle the heart. The enemy loves to paint bleak pictures: "What if the worst happens? God has forgotten you." Yet Peter's simple command cuts through the noise: Cast it on Him. He cares. The One who guided Peter through denial, restoration, and martyrdom cares for us in our smaller storms. Finally, let us examine Psalm 34:4: I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. This psalm comes from David's experience when he fled from Saul and feigned madness before Abimelech (1 Samuel 21). Surrounded by danger, David turned to the Lord in desperate seeking. The result? God heard and delivered him from all his fears. Not some fears, but all. The fear of death at Saul's hand, the fear of humiliation, the fear of failure—all were removed. How? By seeking the Lord—turning the eyes of faith upward instead of inward or outward. In our context, this verse speaks powerfully to every form of anxiety. The student overwhelmed by academic stress seeks the Lord in prayer and Scripture, and fears of failure diminish. The young person battling peer pressure seeks the Lord for strength to stand alone if necessary, and the fear of rejection fades. The believer tempted by Satan seeks the Lord's deliverance, and the fear of falling into sin is replaced by confidence in God's keeping power. The one anxious about the future seeks the Lord who holds tomorrow, and fear gives way to trust. David's testimony is personal: "I sought...he heard me...delivered me." This is not theory but experience. Thousands of believers through the centuries have echoed these words. When anxiety threatens to overwhelm, seeking the Lord brings deliverance. These three passages form a beautiful harmony. Philippians teaches us how to pray about our anxieties; 1 Peter encourages us to cast them upon a caring God; Psalm 34 assures us that seeking Him brings deliverance from fear itself. But Scripture does not leave us with these three verses alone. The Bible is rich with encouragement for the anxious heart. Consider Matthew 6:25-34, where our Lord Jesus repeatedly commands, "Take no thought" for life's necessities. The birds of the air and lilies of the field are cared for—how much more His children? Worry about tomorrow accomplishes nothing but robs today of its strength. Or Psalm 55:22: "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Parallel to Peter's words, this promise assures sustaining grace. Isaiah 41:10 offers strength: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Joshua 1:9 reminds us: "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." And in the storms of spiritual pressure, remember 1 Corinthians 10:13: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." Satan's temptations to sin often come wrapped in anxiety: "If you don't yield, something terrible will happen." But God always provides a way of escape. When peer pressure intensifies, recall Proverbs 1:10-15—wisdom's warning against enticement by sinners. Standing firm may cost friends, but it gains the smile of God. For school and life stresses, Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs: "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." The fear of the future finds its antidote in Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." And when anxiety peaks, Psalm 46:1 declares: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." These truths are not distant doctrines but practical helps for daily living. The young person facing exams can pray specifically, cast the burden, and seek the Lord—experiencing peace that guards the mind during study and testing. The one pressured by peers can cast the fear of rejection upon God, remembering He cares, and find deliverance from the fear that drives compromise. In spiritual warfare against temptation, seeking the Lord brings deliverance from the fear of falling. And for future uncertainties—graduation, career, marriage, family—casting cares upon Him who holds the future brings sustaining peace. Anxiety feels loud because it speaks in the voice of circumstances, peers, and the enemy. But God's voice, though often quiet, is infinitely more powerful. When we obey these Scriptures—praying with thanksgiving, casting every care, seeking Him earnestly—anxiety's volume decreases, and God's peace becomes the dominant sound in the soul. The world offers temporary fixes: distraction, medication, denial. But only Christ offers permanent peace—the peace that passes understanding, the care of a loving Father, deliverance from all fears. May we, like Paul in prison, like Peter in persecution, like David in flight, turn anxiety into prayer, burdens into casting, fears into seeking. And may the God of peace Himself garrison our hearts and minds until that day when faith becomes sight, and anxiety is silenced forever in His presence.

Final LessonsIntroductionOur final lessons will be left as free of words as possible. We use them but at the beginning of our practicing, and only to remind us that we seek to go beyond them. Let us turn to Him Who leads the way and makes our footsteps sure. To Him we leave these lessons, as to Him we give our lives henceforth. For we would not return again to the belief in sin that made the world seem ugly and unsafe, attacking and destroying, dangerous in all its ways, and treacherous beyond the hope of trust and the escape from pain.His is the only way to find the peace that God has given us. It is His way that everyone must travel in the end, because it is this ending God Himself appointed. In the dream of time it seems to be far off. And yet, in truth, it is already here; already serving us as gracious guidance in the way to go. Let us together follow in the way that truth points out to us. And let us be the leaders of our many brothers who are seeking for the way, but find it not.And to this purpose let us dedicate our minds, directing all our thoughts to serve the function of salvation. Unto us the aim is given to forgive the world. It is the goal that God has given us. It is His ending to the dream we seek, and not our own. For all that we forgive we will not fail to recognize as part of God Himself. And thus His memory is given back, completely and complete.It is our function to remember Him on earth, as it is given us to be His Own completion in reality. So let us not forget our goal is shared, for it is that remembrance which contains the memory of God, and points the way to Him and to the Heaven of His peace. And shall we not forgive our brother, who can offer this to us? He is the way, the truth and life that shows the way to us. In him resides salvation, offered us through our forgiveness, given unto him.We will not end this year without the gift our Father promised to His holy Son. We are forgiven now. And we are saved from all the wrath we thought belonged to God, and found it was a dream. We are restored to sanity, in which we understand that anger is insane, attack is mad, and vengeance merely foolish fantasy. We have been saved from wrath because we learned we were mistaken. Nothing more than that. And is a father angry at his son because he failed to understand the truth?We come in honesty to God and say we did not understand, and ask Him to help us to learn His lessons, through the Voice of His Own Teacher. Would He hurt His Son? Or would He rush to answer him, and say, “This is My Son, and all I have is his”? Be certain He will answer thus, for these are His Own Words to you. And more than that can no one ever have, for in these Words is all there is, and all that there will be throughout all time and in eternity.LESSON 361This Holy Instant Would I Give To You.Be You In Charge. For I Would Follow You,Certain That Your Direction Gives Me Peace.And if I need a word to help me, He will give it to me. If I need a thought, that will He also give. And if I need but stillness and a tranquil, open mind, these are the gifts I will receive of Him. He is in charge by my request. And He will hear and answer me, because He speaks for God my Father and His holy Son.- Jesus Christ in ACIM

Final LessonsIntroductionOur final lessons will be left as free of words as possible. We use them but at the beginning of our practicing, and only to remind us that we seek to go beyond them. Let us turn to Him Who leads the way and makes our footsteps sure. To Him we leave these lessons, as to Him we give our lives henceforth. For we would not return again to the belief in sin that made the world seem ugly and unsafe, attacking and destroying, dangerous in all its ways, and treacherous beyond the hope of trust and the escape from pain.His is the only way to find the peace that God has given us. It is His way that everyone must travel in the end, because it is this ending God Himself appointed. In the dream of time it seems to be far off. And yet, in truth, it is already here; already serving us as gracious guidance in the way to go. Let us together follow in the way that truth points out to us. And let us be the leaders of our many brothers who are seeking for the way, but find it not.And to this purpose let us dedicate our minds, directing all our thoughts to serve the function of salvation. Unto us the aim is given to forgive the world. It is the goal that God has given us. It is His ending to the dream we seek, and not our own. For all that we forgive we will not fail to recognize as part of God Himself. And thus His memory is given back, completely and complete.It is our function to remember Him on earth, as it is given us to be His Own completion in reality. So let us not forget our goal is shared, for it is that remembrance which contains the memory of God, and points the way to Him and to the Heaven of His peace. And shall we not forgive our brother, who can offer this to us? He is the way, the truth and life that shows the way to us. In him resides salvation, offered us through our forgiveness, given unto him.We will not end this year without the gift our Father promised to His holy Son. We are forgiven now. And we are saved from all the wrath we thought belonged to God, and found it was a dream. We are restored to sanity, in which we understand that anger is insane, attack is mad, and vengeance merely foolish fantasy. We have been saved from wrath because we learned we were mistaken. Nothing more than that. And is a father angry at his son because he failed to understand the truth?We come in honesty to God and say we did not understand, and ask Him to help us to learn His lessons, through the Voice of His Own Teacher. Would He hurt His Son? Or would He rush to answer him, and say, “This is My Son, and all I have is his”? Be certain He will answer thus, for these are His Own Words to you. And more than that can no one ever have, for in these Words is all there is, and all that there will be throughout all time and in eternity.LESSON 361This Holy Instant Would I Give To You.Be You In Charge. For I Would Follow You,Certain That Your Direction Gives Me Peace.And if I need a word to help me, He will give it to me. If I need a thought, that will He also give. And if I need but stillness and a tranquil, open mind, these are the gifts I will receive of Him. He is in charge by my request. And He will hear and answer me, because He speaks for God my Father and His holy Son.- Jesus Christ in ACIM

Praise and honour to the Father, Praise and honour to the Son, Praise and honour to the Spirit, forver three , forever one, co-eternal through ages run. Bible In A Year: Zechariah 1- Malachi 4 & Revelation 18-22

Beloved, As Christmas comes and goes, the world softens for a moment. The pace eases, the noise quietens, and something deeper becomes easier to hear.This season carries a powerful essential nature quality: returning to the foundation.Before goals. Before vision boards. Before the next becoming.Remember that at your core, there is an original design, steady, wise, and intact. Christmas offers a natural pause to reconnect with that inner architecture. The part of you that already knows who you are, how you function best, and what truly matters.So rather than pushing forward, this years' season is an invitation to come home. Home to your body. Home to your heart. Home to the intelligence that lives beneath effort and striving.From a divine nature and divine feminine perspective, alignment always begins here, in rest, resonance, and remembrance.As this year completes its cycle, my suggestion to you is to allow yourself to receive:• integration instead of urgency• clarity instead of pressure• nourishment instead of effortWhatever unfolded this year has shaped your field, refined your awareness, and strengthened your inner structure. Nothing has been wasted. Everything has informed your true essence.The Great Mother and Father that birthed your existence into form.As we know it takes two to make a baby, without that balance the offspring might be imbalanced. My wish for you is simple. May your foundation feel steady. May your hearts feel held and may your inner compass feel clear.RETURNING TO MOTHER | COMFORT & PEACE | FOR ALLI leave you with a remembrance of what was removed a long time ago in the name of power and control. The Holy Spirit is proven to be “female.” Make Gods in OUR image - was the foundation of the trinity of Elohim, Eshera and Yeshua. Mother, Father and Son/Daughter.The divine feminine - which is rising and bringing care, love and healing into our consciousness.The connection between Sophia theology and women's teaching authority is inseparable.Karen King, a professor of church history at Harvard Divinity School, suggests that the Nag Hammadi texts are not an aberration, but a window into a Christianity that flourished for the first two centuries.In this world, Sophia was a central theological concept, and women held significant positions of teaching authority.This was not a marginal movement; it thrived in major centers of thought like Alexandria, Rome, and Gaul.The texts preserve fierce debates, such as the Second Treatise of the Great Seth, which records a Christ figure ridiculing bishops who claim authority without knowing the truth.The Testimony of Truth directly attacks the institutional church, claiming its leaders possess the name of a dead man but lack the actual spirit of truth.These were not the writings of defeated heretics hiding in caves, but the arguments of sophisticated theologians claiming the institutional church had abandoned Christ in favor of political power.The historical pattern is clear: Sophia theology flourished wherever Christians had intellectual freedom and collapsed wherever bishops allied with imperial power.By the late 4th century, major centers of this tradition had been suppressed, and the texts survived only because monks buried them before the purges arrived.The Nag Hammadi discovery proved that an entire branch of Christianity was erased, not because it lost the theological argument, but because it lost a political war.The removal of Sophia was a metaphysical amputation that severed humanity from half of the divine image.For the first two centuries, women could look toward the heavens and see themselves reflected in Sophia, who was wisdom incarnate, present at creation, and a teacher of humanity.Her existence meant that femininity was ontologically divine, allowing women in these communities to teach, prophesy, and perform sacraments with divine authority.After the Council of Nicaea and the destruction of these texts, the reflection of the feminine divine disappeared.The Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—became conceptually MASCULINE, and the only remaining feminine figure was Mary, defined by her obedience and receptivity.If the divine image is exclusively masculine, then maleness is seen as godly, while women become derivative reflections or corrupted vessels.In the late 4th century, Augustine of Hippo codified this into doctrine, arguing that a woman is not the image of God by herself, but only when joined to a man.This theology shaped law, culture, and family structure, suggesting that female subordination was not social convention but a cosmic order.The slide toward devaluation reached a point where the Council of Macon in 585 CE debated whether women even possessed souls.Medieval theology continued this descent, with Thomas Aquinas characterizing women as “misbegotten males” and defective versions of the masculine ideal.These were not fringe ideas; they were the foundational doctrines of the intellectual authorities defining the Western Church for centuries.The practical consequences were catastrophic, as women were excluded from universities and prohibited from reading scripture in the vernacular.The witch trials of the early modern period eventually criminalized women's traditional knowledge of healing and midwifery, labeling it as a demonic theft of male authority.Beyond gender, the erasure of Sophia reshaped the human relationship with curiosity and wisdom.In the Sophia narratives, her defining characteristic is a desire to know and understand the depths of divine mystery.Though her desire led to error, that error was seen as correctable through knowledge, suggesting that seeking wisdom is better than blind obedience.In the post-Nicene narrative, however, Sophia's desire became the template for forbidden knowledge, and curiosity was reframed as the sin of pride.Independent thought became a rebellion, and education was placed under strict ecclesiastical control.The medieval church's multiple bans on the works of Aristotle and the trials of figures like Galileo were symptoms of this theological monopoly on truth.Even the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment, which emerged as rebellions against this monopoly, largely excluded women from the new universities.The intellectual flowering of Europe happened in a world where half of humanity was still theologically barred from the pursuit of wisdom.Ultimately, Sophia represented a conviction that Western Spirituality desperately lacked: the belief that the pursuit of truth is a holy act of desire, not a sinful act of rebellion.IN CLOSING Thank you for walking this conscious path with me, for your trust, your openness, and your willingness to live in alignment with who you truly are.I look forward to guiding you into the next chapter, rooted, resourced, and ready.Love, KassandraThe Light Between is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thelightbetween.substack.com/subscribe

Jesus shows that true authority flows not from position or control, but from surrender to the Father. Life in the Spirit is not found by negotiating obedience or fearing people, but by living fully under God's authority. When we surrender, the Spirit brings freedom, peace, and clarity.

You Can Swim Against The Tide | Malayalam Christian Messages | Morning Glory - 1800 | Br. Damien Antony

FOCOLARE WORD OF LIFE January 2026   “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.” (Eph 4:4)During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity,[1] we are invited to focus our attention on a particular theme found in Paul's letter to the Ephesians. In what is called to be his “prison letters,” he urges his readers to give credible witness to their faith by being united with one another. Their unity is based on having one faith, one spirit and one hope, and only with this unity can they bear witness to Christ as “a body.”   “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.”Paul calls us to hope. What is hope and why are we invited to live it? It is a seed, a gift, and a task that we have the duty to protect, cultivate, and bring to fruition for the good of all. “Christian hope assigns us to that very narrow ridge, that frontier where our vocation requires us to choose, every day and every hour, to be faithful to God's faithfulness to us.”[2] The Christian vocation is not only a relationship between the individual and God. A Christian is called to love everyone who is a neighbor in the present moment. Christ prayed in the garden just before he was crucified, “I pray for them…so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me…” (Jn 17:21)  In Chiara Lubich's talks and writings, we often find explicit references to unity, the primary aspect of her spirituality. Unity is the fruit of the presence of Jesus among us - and his presence is a source of profound happiness. “If unity is so important for Christians, then it follows that nothing is more opposed to our vocation than failing to live unity. We sin against unity every time we yield to the temptation, which continually resurfaces, to be individualistic, to do things on our own, or to be guided only by our own judgment, personal interests, or desire for esteem. We sin against unity when we ignore or even disregard others and their needs and rights.”[3]   “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.”   In Guatemala, there is a very active dialogue among members of different Christian Churches. Ramiro writes: “We prepared the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with a group of people from various Churches. The program included an arts festival organized together with the youth, as well as several celebrations held in different churches. The Catholic Bishops' Conference asked our group to continue working together to plan a moment of sharing during a meeting of Catholic bishops and leaders of different Churches, who were coming to Guatemala from many other countries to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. Through these activities, we experienced a very strong unity among all of us and the fruits that it brings: fraternity, joy and peace." The more united Christians become, the greater the possibility for all humanity to fulfill, in a more complete way, the prayer for unity that Christ prayed in the garden.     Prepared by Patrizia Mazzola and the Word of Life team[1] The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity takes place throughout the northern hemisphere from January 18 to 25 and in the southern hemisphere during the week after Pentecost. This year's prayer texts were prepared by an ecumenical group coordinated by the Armenian Apostolic Church.[2] Madeleine Delbrêl, French Catholic author, poet, and mystic, considered by many to be one of the most significant spiritual figures of the 20th century.[3] Chiara Lubich, Founder of the Focolare Movement, Commentary to the Word of Life of July 1985.

And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:13

Aaron Friar and his daughter, Ellie Friar, went missing one night. When a search found signs of a horrifying crime, and a likely suspect, it turned quickly from a potential kidnapping victim to the possible mastermind of the entire, disturbing plot. Send your scary stories to: ⁠mikeohhello@gmail.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thatchapterpodcast⁠ Business enquires : ⁠thatchapter@night.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're off for the holiday week, but we didn't want to leave you hanging—so enjoy this throwback episode of Ask, Tell, Confess. We'll be back next week with fresh episodes.This week on Ask, Tell, Confess, a listener drops a full-blown baby-daddy bombshell, someone admits to doing drugs in a crusty Taco Bell bathroom, and Bunnie gets brutally honest about BBLs and the risks no one wants to talk about. The Coven also dives into the beautiful, terrifying, and wildly rewarding chaos of parenting.Watch Full Episodes & More:YouTubeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Greg talks about fundamental differences between Latter-day Saint and Christian theology, explaining that we can't both be Christian, then he talks to callers about whether being a winsome ambassador is irrelevant if God draws people, and attending a megachurch.   Topics: Commentary: We can't both be Christian. (00:00) If the Father draws people, then is being a winsome ambassador irrelevant? (32:00) What are your thoughts on attending a megachurch? (49:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Donate to Stand to Reason Is Mormonism Just Another Christian Denomination? by Greg Koukl LDS Beliefs: A Doctrinal Reference by Robert Millet Jesus, the Only Way: 100 Verses Related Links: Verses for Your Conversations with Mormons by Amy Hall Who Is the God of Mormonism? by Amy Hall LDS View of Atonement Clarified by Amy Hall Is It Possible Some Mormons Are Saved? by Amy Hall “Mormons Aren't Christians” Is Not an Epithet by Amy Hall

Choosing to sin causes us to miss the good gifts our Father longs to give.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special edition of Let's Talk About This, Fr. McTeigue discusses the Christmas season and how we ought to live it uniquely as Catholics. Father finishes with Weekend Readiness. Show Notes The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola: Second... | Sacred Texts Archive A Woman Wrapped in Silence: John W. Lynch A REMAINING CHRISTMAS  1984 Sears Christmas Commercial Sears Christmas 1979 TV commercial 1970 Sears Christmas Wishbook Singing with Other People Improves Health More Than Singing Alone iCatholic Mobile The Station of the Cross Merchandise - Use Coupon Code 14STATIONS for 10% off | Catholic to the Max Read Fr. McTeigue's Written Works! "Let's Take A Closer Look" with Fr. Robert McTeigue, S.J. | Full Series Playlist Listen to Fr. McTeigue's Preaching! | Herald of the Gospel Sermons Podcast on Spotify Visit Fr. McTeigue's Website | Herald of the Gospel Questions? Comments? Feedback? Ask Father!

Stop letting confusion about God steal your peace. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit were never meant to feel distant, complicated, or abstract. In this episode, Gregory Dickow shows how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not distant ideas, but an active relationship designed to surround and strengthen your life. If you've ever felt unsure about how God relates to you or struggled to understand His closeness this message will bring clarity, confidence, and a deeper sense of connection with Him.SUPPORT:You can donate to help us reach more lives around the world here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lifechangerschurch.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WATCH ON YOUTUBE:Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Gregory Dickow YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠REQUEST PRAYER:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Submit a prayer request⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we will agree with you.CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠

Welcome to Day 2762 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2762 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 103:19-22 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2762 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2762 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The Titel for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Cosmic Choir – Joining the Angels in the Throne Room. Today, we reach the magnificent summit of our journey through Psalm One Hundred Three. We are standing on the highest peak, looking out over not just the earth, but the entire cosmos. We are covering the final stanza, verses nineteen through twenty-two, in the New Living Translation. In our previous treks through this masterpiece of King David, we started deep inside the human heart. In the first section, David commanded his own soul to "Bless the Lord" for His personal benefits—forgiveness, healing, and redemption from the Pit. Then, in the middle section, we looked at the character of God. We saw Him as a compassionate Father who remembers that we are dust. We measured His love and found it to be as high as the heavens, and we saw His mercy removing our sins as far as the east is from the west. We contrasted our fleeting, flower-like existence with His eternal, unchangeable Covenant Love. Now, in this concluding section, the camera pulls back. We zoom out from the individual soul, past the community of Israel, past the earth itself, and into the Heavenly Throne Room. David realizes that his little voice of praise is not singing a solo. He discovers that he is actually joining a massive, thunderous, cosmic symphony that has been playing since the dawn of time. He invites the heavyweights of the spiritual world—the Divine Council, the mighty angels, and the armies of heaven—to join him in blessing Yahweh. This is the ultimate perspective shift. We are not just dust worshiping in the desert; we are fellow choristers with the Archangels. So, let us tune our hearts to the frequency of heaven and finish this song with a shout that shakes the stars. The first segment is: The Fixed Point in a Spinning Universe. Psalm One Hundred Three: verse nineteen. The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. Before David issues his final call to worship, he establishes the location and the authority of the One being worshiped. "The Lord has made the heavens his throne..." In the previous section, we talked about how man is like grass—here today, blown away by the wind tomorrow. We talked about how the earth itself wears out like an old garment (Psalm One Hundred Two). In a universe defined by change, entropy, and decay, we desperately need a Fixed Point. David tells us: The Throne is established. The Hebrew word kun (established or made firm) implies that it is unshakeable. God hasn't just set up a folding chair in the clouds; He has established a permanent seat of governance. And where is this throne? In "the heavens." Now, we need to put on our Ancient Israelite worldview lenses here. When the Bible speaks of "the heavens" in this context, it isn't just...

Our words have the power to build up and the power to tear down. You and I have likely been on the receiving and giving end of both. You can remember words spoken years ago that encouraged and inspired you. You can probably also remember words that brought deep pain and suffering.Main Points:1. Throughout the day, I'll have the opportunity to speak to a lot of people. I'll speak with my family, church members and staff, people in the marketplace, and even complete strangers. I'll also have the opportunity to use my words in emails, text messages, and on social media. I want to remember that my words have power. I want to use the voice God has given me to bless, encourage, and uplift others. 2. If our vocabulary, our conversations, and our reactions to others are unwholesome, our hearts are not right with God. Our words can definitely reveal our spiritual condition.3. We are to ask the question: “Will what I am about to say benefit those who listen?” In other words, is it necessary? Do they need to hear it? Does it concern them? Will they benefit from hearing these words? If not, I should keep silent.Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 19:14 - “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”Ephesians 4:29 - “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”Luke 6:45 - “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”James 3:9-10 - “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:4

Hey Friend Today I want to talk about a kind of wealth most of us never grew up hearing about. Not financial wealth… Not the kind you measure with a bank account… But the kind you feel in your soul. The kind of wealth that shows up as peace, space, rest, and the ability to breathe. What if true wealth isn't about money at all… but about margin? Margin in your schedule, your mind, your home, and your spirit. And what if the life you're longing for isn't waiting on a raise, or a better job, or a perfect season… but simply on creating room for joy again? Let's talk about that today. Most moms today aren't struggling with financial poverty, though some absolutely are. But almost every mom I talk to is struggling with overwhelm poverty.  Everyone is stressed out. No time. No energy. No quiet. No space to think. No space to breathe. And when there's no margin, even the simple parts of life feel heavy. Dinner feels like a mountain. Laundry feels impossible. Relationships feel squeezed. God feels distant, not because He moved, but because the noise drowned Him out. This is the poverty the world doesn't talk about. And this is the poverty Jesus came to lift us out of. When you look at Jesus' life, He never rushed & He didn't keep a tight schedule. He walked everywhere. He paused for people. He rested. He withdrew to quiet places. He said no to crowds so He could say yes to the Father. He lived with margin. If the Savior of the world wasn't in a hurry, maybe the pressure we feel to fill every minute isn't coming from God. Maybe it's coming from expectations we were never meant to carry. Margin is something you create, not something you find. And the beautiful thing?  You can build it right where you are, starting small. Margin looks like: • one simple system that gives you your evenings back • meals prepped in two hours once a week so dinner is never an emergency • choosing fewer commitments so you can be fully present • building rhythms instead of living in reaction mode Every bit of margin you create is like depositing peace into a bank account. Bit by bit, your life starts feeling lighter, calmer, more intentional. That's wealth. When your home gets simpler, your heart gets quieter. And in the quiet, you can hear God again. When dinner is already made, you're not cooking in survival mode, you have space for conversation, connection, prayer, laughter. This is where the real riches start showing up: peace in your home, joy in your relationships, clarity in your calling, and a deeper awareness of God's presence in the middle of everyday life. That is abundance. And no paycheck can buy it. I want to give you one small, doable step to start practicing margin: Pick one area of your week where you're always stressed… and create a simple system for it. Just one. If meals are the stress?  Try cooking once and eating all week. If mornings are chaotic?  Create a 10-minute evening reset to prepare for tomorrow. If your calendar feels loud?  Choose one thing to say no to this month. Small changes multiply and every bit of margin you create shifts your life toward peace. Friend, you deserve to live a life you actually enjoy. A Jesus-centered, peaceful, simple life isn't a luxury, it's part of the abundant life He promised. And it starts with margin. Not perfection. Not performance. Just space. Space to breathe. Space to hear God. Space to live.   Here is the link to the FREE NO spend challenge!  See you inside! https://stan.store/ClaimingSimplicity   ~Monica  

Check out this Encore from December 19, 2024! (3:26) Bible Study: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a Father talks about the epic story of Samson in this reading relating his origin story. Lk 1:5-25 Father explains the origin story of John the Baptist. (17:33) Break 1 (19:19) Letters: Can you be forgiven if you are not repentant for your sin? How does God look from different perspectives? Father answers these and many other questions. Send Father a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (32:08) Break 2 (33:33) Word of the Day: X (34:52) Phones: Vince - When I was an altar boy, our church at noon had a high mass; And the rest was regular mass. Am I remembering this correctly Mary - My daughter was in confession and she noticed the priest was on an iPad and she said to the priest, 'you were on the iPad' the whole time, he denied it and she could hear him shut the iPad. Did she do the right thing by calling him out. Jeff - What Emmanuel and Jesus, why two different instructions for the naming? Lisa - I have a son who is non-practicing Catholic and daughter in law whose non-practicing Jew; they’re hosting Christmas Day at their house. And their children not raised. What is my role as a grandma and what if grandson asks me questions about Christmas and Easter?

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2846: Karl Staib shares how the grief of losing his father became more bearable through two powerful tools: the support of loved ones and the daily habit of gratitude journaling. By focusing on the lasting gifts his father left behind, memories, wisdom, and belief. Staib shows how reflection and storytelling can transform sorrow into appreciation and healing. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://digtofly.com/how-to-cope-with-the-loss-of-your-father/ Quotes to ponder: "My journal helped me process my grief. It helped me focus on all the good things I had instead of what I was inevitably losing." "I focused on what my father gave me, not that I was losing him." "He was far from perfect, but he was mine and my gratitude journal helped me see that."

Father tells us that Christmas is fighting the pagan world.

Gospel Matthew 10:17-22 Jesus said to his disciples: "Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.” Reflection I believe the church celebrates this feast of Saint Stephen immediately after we receive the good news of God's presence in the world, we listen to the very real image of evil. There is a power in the world that is whole opposed to who God is and who Jesus wants us to become. And yet we know that there is a way in which that work is essential. To not be afraid. To hold on to what you believe, even if it means the loss of your life. These are signs and wonders of the faith that God has given us to do the work of the Son of God, to bring his message of life and goodness to the world, despite whatever dangers there may be. Closing Prayer Father, we need to be realistic. We need to understand there is a spirit that is so opposed to who we become. When God enters into us and we resonate and share his wisdom, his power, his healing, his love. Keep us strong, keep us dedicated to this work no matter what the cost. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cale looks at the failed prophecies of the Watch Tower Society. Is Jehovah a proper name for God? How can Jesus be God if there are verses in the Bible that say that the Father is greater than Jesus? What is an effective way to evangelize Jehovah’s Witnesses?

Learn the art of harvesting sweet vintage wine from the bitter grapes of isolation. Jesus' solitude was never escape. It was communion. In his humanity, he recieved the replenishing touch of the Father's love and the anointing of the Spirit. He returned to the fellowship he had known from eternity, now lived out in human flesh. And because we are now in Him, adopted into His Sonship, baptized into His life, His solitude becomes the pattern for ours. In this podcast you will learn how our alone times can become doorways into the same embrace.

https://TakingTheLandPodcast.comSUBSCRIBE TO PREMIUM FOR MORE:• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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/3vy1s5b⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠In this powerful and timely message, Pastor Torey preaches from Luke 15 to expose a dangerous attitude infecting the modern church: entitlement. Whether you're the younger brother demanding your inheritance or the elder brother bitter over feeling overlooked, this sermon calls both to repentance—and back to gratitude. With humor, insight, and conviction, Pastor Tori delivers a clear warning: entitlement will leave you empty, but gratitude will position you for the Father's blessing. Don't miss this!0:00 – Introduction: Costco, Christmas Trees, and Entitlement2:00 – Luke 15: The Prodigal Son Revisited4:10 – Why Do People Leave Church?6:15 – Defining Entitlement: “I Deserve…”8:35 – What We Actually Deserve (Romans 6:23)10:45 – The Younger Brother: “Give Me…”13:15 – Wastefulness and Inherited Blessing15:30 – Pioneering vs. Inheriting: Guard What Was Passed Down17:30 – Ministry Before Maturity = Disaster19:50 – Hitting Rock Bottom: The Power of “No One Gave Him Anything”21:50 – The Hidden Wisdom of Making People Earn It23:20 – The Elder Brother: “You Never Gave Me…”25:40 – Bitterness, Jealousy, and Self-Righteousness28:55 – Righteous or Self-Righteous?31:00 – Why Jesus Told the Parable: A Message to the Pharisees34:45 – The Cure for Entitlement: Gratitude36:15 – Pastor Payne's Text: “We're All in Over Our Heads”38:15 – First-World Abundance and Thanklessness40:07 – Entitlement Always Leaves You Empty42:00 – Closing Challenge: Don't Miss What the Father Has for YouShow 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-43369

I hope your celebration of Christmas yesterday was full of joy with friends and family. This week I've been focusing on all the blessings we have because of that first Christmas. I want to quote today from the Advent book, Joy to the World, by John Piper. He writes: My favorite Christmas text centers on humility. . . Though he was in the form of God, [Jesus] did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:6-8). Jesus' humility was a conscious act of putting himself in a lowly, servant role for the good of others. His humility did not arise from being finite or fallible or sinful…Jesus' humility did not arise from any sense of defect in himself, but from a sense of fullness in himself put at the disposal of others for their good. It was a voluntary lowering of himself to make the height of his glory available for sinners to enjoy.[1] Did you ever think about the fact that Jesus humbled himself? But he wasn't humble for the same reasons we are—or should be. He was willing to take on human flesh, leave his glory in Heaven with the Father, and endure the humiliation of death on a cross. “The way that Jesus accomplished our gracious salvation was through voluntary, conscious self-lowering in servant-like obedience to the point of death (Piper, 2018).” All for you and me! I close this Christmas week with a verse from the carol “Once in David's Royal City:” And our eyes at last shall see him, through his own redeeming love; For that child so dear and gentle, is our Lord in heaven above, And he leads his children on, to the place where he is gone. — [1] Piper, J. (2018). Joy to the World.

We’re diving deep into the First VIsion accounts with Historian Dan Vogel. He offers a deep dive into the historical developments of early Mormonism, challenging both critics and believers to look closer at the documents. What if Joseph Smith was neither a simple con man nor a traditional prophet, but something more complex? https://youtu.be/uVVJcgmyUKA Don't miss our other conversations on the First Vision: https://gospeltangents.com/mormon_history/first-vision/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved “Pious Fraud” Theory Vogel describes himself as a “moderate” critic who seeks the most charitable view of Joseph Smith that a non-believer can hold. He proposes the theory of “pious fraud,” viewing Smith as an “inspired pseudepigraphist”. In this framework, Smith believed he was genuinely called by God to teach true doctrine but used intentional deception—such as the physical gold plates—to provide “evidence” that would make it harder for others to reject his message. Vogel compares this to a faith healer who uses suggestion or minor “tricks” to raise an audience’s faith level so that they are prepared to receive what they believe are real miracles. For Smith, the “greater good” was the salvation of his followers and the conversion of his own family. Evolution of the First Vision One of the most significant points of Vogel's research is the evolution of the First Vision narrative. He highlights that the earliest recorded account from 1832 is markedly different from the canonized 1838 version. The 1832 Account: This version mentions only one personage (Jesus) and focuses on Smith's personal remission of sins. There is no mention of a revival or a command to stay away from all churches; rather, Smith had already concluded the churches were wrong by the age of 12. The 1838 Account: This version, written during a time of intense persecution in Missouri, includes the 1820 revival and a mandate that all other creeds were an “abomination”. Vogel argues that the 1820 date for the revival is anachronistic, noting that historical records place the great Palmyra revival in 1824–25. He suggests Smith moved the event back in his history to transform a personal “born-again” experience into a foundational event for the entire Church. Priesthood and the “Chain of Ordinations” Angelic ordinations were likely a later development. Vogel asserts that early on, authority was understood as a direct command from God through a seer stone or revelation, rather than the laying on of hands by angels. It wasn’t until around 1834–35 that detailed stories of John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John appeared in the records. Vogel posits these stories were introduced to solidify Joseph Smith's authority against internal challengers and to create a formal “chain of ordinations” that was harder to break. Theological Shifts: From One God to Three Vogel tracks a clear evolution in Smith’s theology regarding the nature of God: Modalism: The Book of Mormon reflects a view where Jesus is both the Father and the Son. Bi-theism/Trinitarianism: The Lectures on Faith (1835) describe God as a personage of spirit and the Son as a personage of tabernacle. Physical Personages: Only later, in the Nauvoo period, did Smith teach that both the Father and the Son have physical bodies of flesh and bone. We'll dive deeper into all 4 First Vision narratives. Check it out!

@ His Table - NMM Year End Giving Initiative : https://nancymccready.com/giving/ As the calendar turns from Christmas toward a new year, Nancy invites us to step into the Father's timing—not man's momentum. In this powerful continuation of the Forged in the Fire series, she explores the lesser-known side of spiritual formation: the cold work. While we often expect fire and dramatic moments of pressure, it is the slow, quiet, unimpressive process of stretching and remaining aligned under tension that forms enduring, trustworthy sons. Whether you're walking through glory or monotony, Nancy calls us to remain—both in the heat and in the cold—as Christ is being fully formed in us. This is the way of maturity. This is the path of true sonship. 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/2025/12/EPISODE-1011-Sons-Slow-Fire-Formation-5.0.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/

In the Lord's Prayer, we make seven different petitions to our Father in heaven. Together, we examine what makes each set of these seven petitions different. Fr. Mike unpacks how the first three petitions emphasize love of the Father, the next two concern us in the present world, and the final two concern the battle of prayer. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 2803-2806. 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.