Podcasts about Giver

Patrick Ropella is the Founder and Chairman of Ropella 360, a global executive search and advisory firm specializing in connecting transformational leaders with private equity and mid-market companies. With over 35 years of experience, he has contributed to the growth of major global corporations such as Dow, General Electric, BASF, Nike, and Johnson & Johnson. As the author of The Right Hire and Pathways to Private Equity Partnerships, Patrick's C-suite and investor insights are featured in hundreds of publications worldwide. His strategic vision and expertise have made him a trusted advisor to leaders across industries. In this episode… The path to extraordinary success often starts in unexpected places — from humble beginnings to high-stakes boardrooms. Some people manage to rise without the usual credentials, building influence, trust, and transformative relationships along the way. What enables someone to become a connector who impacts leaders, industries, and entire organizations? According to Patrick Ropella, a renowned leadership strategist, the real advantage comes from mastering human connection rather than relying on traditional qualifications. He highlights how deep listening, specialization, and long-term trust outperform transactional sales and recruiting. This approach creates lasting impact by aligning the right leaders with the right missions. Over decades, he developed a system for identifying A-players, ensuring cultural fit, and supporting leadership transformation across complex industries. His stories — from helping global brands innovate to supporting frontier-technology teams — show how clarity, accountability, and relationship-building shape high-performance outcomes. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Patrick Ropella, Founder and Chairman of Ropella 360, to discuss building elite teams through authentic leadership. They explore how to identify A-players, the principles behind his Smart Search System, and what drives lasting transformation in organizations. Patrick also shares insights on trust, communication, and scaling through strong relationships.

Today we interview Lois Lowry about her book, THE GIVER. Lois Lowry has written more than 20 books for young adults and is a two-time Newbery Medal winner. Lowry was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, elementary school in Carlisle, PA, and attended junior high school in Tokyo, Japan. Lowry attended Brown University and majored in writing. She left school at 19, got married, and had four children before her 25th birthday. After some time, she returned to college and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Maine. Lowry didn't start writing professionally until she was in her mid-30s. We enjoy a wide-ranging and funny conversation with this beloved author.

Todaywe are looking at Ephesians 4:17–19. Here, the Apostle Paul explains thatbecause we have now trusted Christ—because He has saved us, changed us,transformed us, and seated us in the heavenly places, and because we havereceived the Holy Spirit—we are called to live differently. Hebegins explaining this in verse 17, where he gives a strong warning. He tellsbelievers not to live the way the lost world lives—the unconverted, those whohave never been regenerated. Their lives are described as empty in theirthinking, darkened in understanding, separated from the life of God, and drivenby ignorance and spiritual blindness. This way of life ultimately leads tomoral insensitivity, impurity, and greed. Paulbegins with a negative instruction: do not walk in that direction. Do notfollow the pattern of the lost world. He speaks with authority, testifying inthe Lord, reminding us that Jesus Himself has taught us how to walk inrighteousness—pursuing what is good, holy, just, and pure. This is the kind oflife Jesus described in Matthew chapter 5 through the Beatitudes, which revealthe attitudes that should mark a believer's life. Oneof the first things we notice in this passage is that Christians are different.How are we different? We no longer think the way unsaved people think. There isa strong emphasis on the mind in verses 17 and 18—the futility of themind, darkened understanding, and spiritual ignorance. But asbelievers, “we have learned Christ” (v. 20). Remember Jesus invited usto “come and learn of me” in Matthew 11:29:  Learning Christ meanswalking with Him—following His Word, embracing His truth, and moving in thesame direction He walked. And that direction is one of continual obedience tothe will of God and sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Paulreminds us in Philippians 2:5-8, that we are to have the same mind that was inChrist Jesus. What kind of mind was that? A mind of obedience, sacrifice,humility, and devotion to the Father's will. Jesus lived for the glory andpleasure of the Father. He said that He must be about His Father's business.This kind of mindset changes everything. As a result, we no longer walk as theGentiles walk, in the futility of their minds. That word futility speaks ofemptiness—a life without purpose. When Christ comes into our lives, we live alife of repentance, which means a changed mind. We change our mind about God.We change our mind about sin. We no longer seek the pleasure of sin; instead,we desire the pleasure of God. Ourvalues change. Our goals change. Our entire view of life changes. When Christcomes in, everything becomes new, just as Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 5:17.“Old things pass away, and new life begins”. Pauldescribes the mindset of the unconverted person in Romans 1:21-23: “Because,although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, butbecame futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professingto be wise, they became fools, This is a life marked by empty thinking, darkened hearts,and self-deception. This is the futility of the mind. It is a life without truepurpose, without eternal focus. That is why we see so much violence, despair,and hopelessness in the world today. People fail to respect life because theydo not recognize God as the Creator and Giver of life. Butas believers, we are different. Our focus is no longer on temporary things orpersonal feelings alone, but on eternal realities and the life that only Godcan give through Jesus Christ. We think differently because; “… we do notlook at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. Forthe things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen areeternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18). ThankGod for that difference. May the Lord bless you today as you think on thesethings (Philippians 4:8).

Today’s Bible Verse: “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord has said to her would be acomplished! - Luke 1:45 Luke 1:45 captures the quiet power of faith that trusts God’s promises before they are fulfilled. Spoken over Mary during the Christmas story, this verse reminds us that belief isn’t passive optimism—it’s active trust in a faithful God whose word never fails. Advent invites us into the same posture Mary embraced: surrendering our expectations and choosing faith, even when the outcome is still unseen. MEET YOUR HOST: Dr. Kyle Norman at https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ The Reverend Dr. Kyle Norman is the Rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada. He holds a doctorate in Spiritual formation and is a sought-after writer, speaker, and retreat leader. His writing can be found at Christianity.com, crosswalk.com, ibelieve.com, Renovare Canada, and many others. Rev. Norman has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement.Find more from Rev. Norman at revkylenorman.ca Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16–17 NLT) When people give Christmas gifts to each other, they usually put a lot of thought into their selections before buying them. For better or worse, a gift tells us quite a bit about the giver. You can estimate, fairly accurately, what people think of you by the gifts they give you. On the other hand, we all can probably remember Christmases from childhood when we failed to fully appreciate what we had been given. It seems to me that presenting gifts to one another on Christmas is a very right and very good thing for us to do. I believe that in doing so, humanity is subconsciously helping to underscore the greatest and most important thing for us to realize about this day. At Christmas, we must never forget that God the Father is the Giver. Of course, it is natural and right that we should think about the child in Bethlehem, our blessed Lord, lying as a helpless baby in a manger. We should always be thankful for His sacrifice. But let’s never forget this: God is the Giver. It was the Father who sent His Son into the world. The Son accomplished the Father’s purpose. And we can get a pretty accurate sense of what God thinks of us based on the gift He gave. Jesus said, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16–17 NLT). The apostle Paul wrote, “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children” (Galatians 4:4–5 NLT). He also wrote, “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8 NLT). That brings up an essential point about God’s gift: We did nothing to deserve it. “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it” (Ephesians 2:8–9 NLT). In this season of giving, as we celebrate the greatest gift ever given, let’s not lose sight of the One whose generosity makes the celebration possible. Let’s bring praise and worship to the Father, the great and eternal Giver. Reflection question: What does God’s gift of His Son reveal about God the giver? 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.

What truly motivates a life of worship, obedience, and hope? In this message, we step into Luke 1:46–55 and listen closely to Mary's song—the Magnificat—often called the first Christmas carol. More than a song, it is a window into a heart that understands how deeply and faithfully God is at work. Mary reminds us of a powerful truth: God's love is always in operation—personally in our lives and globally in His world. Whether you're feeling overlooked, weary, or searching for renewed purpose this Christmas season, Mary's song invites you to trust the Giver—even before the gift arrives. If this message encouraged you, please like, share, and subscribe for more biblical teaching and encouragement. Let the song continue.

Lance HurleyWe are glad you are here. To better serve you, offer prayer, or answer any questions visit https://westridgechurch.com/links.Give online at https://westridgechurch.com/give/ or text "GIVE" to 847-488-1761.West Ridge Community Church | Helping people encounter, embrace and embody the radical love of God.Sunday Services at 9:00 am or 10:30 am in person or onlineLocated at 3300 Encounter Lane, Elgin, IL 60142https://westridgechurch.com/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/westridgeccelgin/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/WestRidgeCommunityChurch/YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMhORy8CFfsyBB3vM5ezFmQVimeo | https://vimeo.com/westridgecc

As 2025 comes to an end, The Sunday Special is looking back on the year in culture.This week, we're listening to the songs and albums that defined the year, for better or worse. Gilbert Cruz is joined by Caryn Ganz and Lindsay Zoladz from The Times's pop music desk to discuss some of the biggest and best releases of 2025.Albums and songs mentioned in this episode:Bad Bunny, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos”Lady Gaga, “Mayhem”Justin Bieber, “Daisies”Chappell Roan, “The Giver” and “The Subway”Sabrina Carpenter, “Manchild”Doechii, “Alligator Bites Never Heal”Taylor Swift, “The Life of a Showgirl”Morgan Wallen, “I'm the Problem”Ghost, “Skeletá”Dijon, “Baby”Geese, “Getting Killed”Water From Your Eyes, “It's a Beautiful Place”PinkPantheress, “Fancy That”Lily Allen, “Tennis”Ella Langley, “Choosin' Texas”Sleigh Bells, “Bunky Becky Birthday Boy”Hayley Williams, “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party”Turnstile, “Never Enough”On Today's EpisodeCaryn Ganz is the pop music editor at The Times.Lindsay Zoladz is a pop music critic at The Times and the writer of The Amplifier newsletter.Additional ReadingBest Albums of 2025Best Songs of 2025 Photo Illustration by The New York Times; From left, Angela Weiss/AFP — Getty Images (Lady Gaga); OK McCausland for The New York Times (Geese); Erika Santelices/Reuters (Bad Bunny); Helle Arensbak/AFP -- Getty Images, via Ritzau Scanpix (PinkPantheress) Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

Why does A Christmas Story still hit after all these years?  In Part 3 of Christmas at the Movies, we uncover why this classic connects so deeply and how it points to the heart of Christmas itself. Beneath the nostalgia is a powerful truth: God isn't a taskmaster, He's a giver. From childhood longing to the Christmas story in Scripture, this message explores what it means to trust a generous Father. What would you ask God for this Christmas if you really believed He was good?  Recorded live at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Juletid er gavetid, men for en kvindelig lytter er det efterhånden blevet noget belastende at skulle modtage sin søsters meget fornemme og dyre gaver. "Det sætter mig og min familie i forlegenhed og er meget akavet", har hun skrevet til præstepanelet. En anden lytter er i udlandet stødt på meget fordømmende holdninger fra kristne mod homoseksuelle og spørger nu Jesus: "Ryger man direkte i helvede som homoseksuel?" En tredje vil gerne havde Jesus mening om julehjælp til muslimer. Ville han virkelig støtte, at de kan få det, spørger han. Sognepræsterne Louise Britze fra Simeons Kirke på Nørrebro i København, Adam Garff fra Gentofte Kirke og Torben Jensen fra Marie Magdalene, Pindstrup og Koed kirker er gæster hos vært Anne-Grethe Bjarup Riis. Du kan altid skrive dine spørgsmål til Jesus@dr.dk.

Saturday is review day on The Daily Promise. Every Saturday, we review the promises of the week so we can allow them to go deep into our hearts and lives. Here are the promises we covered this week. Matthew 10:42 – God's Promise to the Giver. Psalm 31:19 – God Stores Up His Goodness for me. Isaiah 9:6 – God's Christmas Plan. John 1:14 – God Among Us. Luke 1:38 – Let Your Word be Fulfilled in Me.

“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher. All is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1:2 As a philosopher I have loved the great tradition of human wisdom. For many years I drank from the tributaries. Aristotle taught that the good life is something one lives, not something one acquires. Socrates taught that wisdom begins in humility. These insights nourished me long before I realized they were preparing me to recognize the far greater wisdom God has given in Scripture. The Greek thinkers stood downstream from a fountain they dimly sensed but could not reach. The book of Ecclesiastes speaks from that very source. Qoheleth, קהלת, the Assembler, often called the Preacher, gathers what God has revealed about life in this world. He describes the human condition with a single Hebrew word: hevel, breath, vapor. Not meaninglessness, but ungraspability - and paradox. Life slips through the fingers of those who try to seize it, and understanding reaches its limit in paradox. What cannot be possessed must be received. What we cannot control must become ours by gift. And this is why Ecclesiastes so often speaks the language of generosity. Work is a gift. Food and drink are gifts. Joy is gift. Companionship is gift. Time itself is gift. The Preacher calls us to leave behind the restless striving that characterizes life in the tributaries, and to return instead to the fountain where every good and perfect gift flows from the hand of the Giver. He also tells us something our age urgently needs to hear. There is nothing new under the sun. Our modern confidence in our own progress (central to the evolutionary mythos) is little more than hubris. We imagine ourselves advanced beyond our “primitive” forebears, yet our world repeats the same patterns of confusion and pride. Postmodern deconstruction, gender confusion, DEI initiatives, and cultural relativism are not new. They are ancient errors retold in new vocabulary. Ecclesiastes understood the human heart long before our age attempted to deconstruct it. Near the end of the book the imagery sharpens. “The words of the wise are like goads,” given by one Shepherd to guide us back toward the fountain of wisdom. When the risen Jesus confronted Saul and said, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads,” Paul, deeply trained in Greek language and philosophy, recognized the proverb immediately. The Shepherd's mercy often comes to us as a sharp turn, redirecting us from the dry channels of self-reliance back to the living waters of God Himself. The book ends where all honest searching must end. Fear God. Keep His commandments. Receive His gifts with gratitude. This is the whole duty of man, the culmination not only of the Bible's wisdom literature, but of every sincere philosophical quest. I wandered long among the tributaries, but Scripture led me home to the Fount of every blessing and tuned my heart to sing His grace. Here is a helpful overview of Ecclesiastes. May your listening be as blessed as ours was in the reading. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrsQ1tc-2w

“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher. All is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1:2 As a philosopher I have loved the great tradition of human wisdom. For many years I drank from the tributaries. Aristotle taught that the good life is something one lives, not something one acquires. Socrates taught that wisdom begins in humility. These insights nourished me long before I realized they were preparing me to recognize the far greater wisdom God has given in Scripture. The Greek thinkers stood downstream from a fountain they dimly sensed but could not reach. The book of Ecclesiastes speaks from that very source. Qoheleth, קהלת, the Assembler, often called the Preacher, gathers what God has revealed about life in this world. He describes the human condition with a single Hebrew word: hevel, breath, vapor. Not meaninglessness, but ungraspability - and paradox. Life slips through the fingers of those who try to seize it, and understanding reaches its limit in paradox. What cannot be possessed must be received. What we cannot control must become ours by gift. And this is why Ecclesiastes so often speaks the language of generosity. Work is a gift. Food and drink are gifts. Joy is gift. Companionship is gift. Time itself is gift. The Preacher calls us to leave behind the restless striving that characterizes life in the tributaries, and to return instead to the fountain where every good and perfect gift flows from the hand of the Giver. He also tells us something our age urgently needs to hear. There is nothing new under the sun. Our modern confidence in our own progress (central to the evolutionary mythos) is little more than hubris. We imagine ourselves advanced beyond our “primitive” forebears, yet our world repeats the same patterns of confusion and pride. Postmodern deconstruction, gender confusion, DEI initiatives, and cultural relativism are not new. They are ancient errors retold in new vocabulary. Ecclesiastes understood the human heart long before our age attempted to deconstruct it. Near the end of the book the imagery sharpens. “The words of the wise are like goads,” given by one Shepherd to guide us back toward the fountain of wisdom. When the risen Jesus confronted Saul and said, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads,” Paul, deeply trained in Greek language and philosophy, recognized the proverb immediately. The Shepherd's mercy often comes to us as a sharp turn, redirecting us from the dry channels of self-reliance back to the living waters of God Himself. The book ends where all honest searching must end. Fear God. Keep His commandments. Receive His gifts with gratitude. This is the whole duty of man, the culmination not only of the Bible's wisdom literature, but of every sincere philosophical quest. I wandered long among the tributaries, but Scripture led me home to the Fount of every blessing and tuned my heart to sing His grace. Here is a helpful overview of Ecclesiastes. May your listening be as blessed as ours was in the reading. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrsQ1tc-2w

Det er nu officiel amerikansk politik at forsøge at fremme højrefløjen i Europa. Det fremgår af USA's nye nationale sikkerhedsstrategi, der er udkommet samtidig med kåringen af Årets Europæer, som er... en amerikaner! Vi fortæller, hvorfor Europa står i noget, der ligner den dårligste stemning siden Anden Verdenskrig. Men vi bringer også GODE nyheder: USA's præsident endelig modtaget en (fodbold)fredspris. Og så tager vi en tur til Nuuk, hvor USA stadig klør på for at fremme sine interesser i Grønland. Deltagere: Udlandskorrespondent Stéphanie Surrugue, USA-korrespondent Jakob Krogh, kulturkorrespondent Sandra Brovall og EU-korrespondent Ole Ryborg. Tilrettelæggelse: Lasse Berg Sørensen.

Det er nu officiel amerikansk politik at forsøge at fremme højrefløjen i Europa. Det fremgår af USA's nye nationale sikkerhedsstrategi, der er udkommet samtidig med kåringen af Årets Europæer, som er... en amerikaner! Vi fortæller, hvorfor Europa står i noget, der ligner den dårligste stemning siden Anden Verdenskrig. Men vi bringer også GODE nyheder: USA's præsident endelig modtaget en (fodbold)fredspris. Og så tager vi en tur til Nuuk, hvor USA stadig klør på for at fremme sine interesser i Grønland. Deltagere: Udlandskorrespondent Stéphanie Surrugue, USA-korrespondent Jakob Krogh, kulturkorrespondent Sandra Brovall og EU-korrespondent Ole Ryborg. Tilrettelæggelse: Lasse Berg Sørensen.

“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher. All is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1:2 As a philosopher I have loved the great tradition of human wisdom. For many years I drank from the tributaries. Aristotle taught that the good life is something one lives, not something one acquires. Socrates taught that wisdom begins in humility. These insights nourished me long before I realized they were preparing me to recognize the far greater wisdom God has given in Scripture. The Greek thinkers stood downstream from a fountain they dimly sensed but could not reach. The book of Ecclesiastes speaks from that very source. Qoheleth, קהלת, the Assembler, often called the Preacher, gathers what God has revealed about life in this world. He describes the human condition with a single Hebrew word: hevel, breath, vapor. Not meaninglessness, but ungraspability - and paradox. Life slips through the fingers of those who try to seize it, and understanding reaches its limit in paradox. What cannot be possessed must be received. What we cannot control must become ours by gift. And this is why Ecclesiastes so often speaks the language of generosity. Work is a gift. Food and drink are gifts. Joy is gift. Companionship is gift. Time itself is gift. The Preacher calls us to leave behind the restless striving that characterizes life in the tributaries, and to return instead to the fountain where every good and perfect gift flows from the hand of the Giver. He also tells us something our age urgently needs to hear. There is nothing new under the sun. Our modern confidence in our own progress (central to the evolutionary mythos) is little more than hubris. We imagine ourselves advanced beyond our “primitive” forebears, yet our world repeats the same patterns of confusion and pride. Postmodern deconstruction, gender confusion, DEI initiatives, and cultural relativism are not new. They are ancient errors retold in new vocabulary. Ecclesiastes understood the human heart long before our age attempted to deconstruct it. Near the end of the book the imagery sharpens. “The words of the wise are like goads,” given by one Shepherd to guide us back toward the fountain of wisdom. When the risen Jesus confronted Saul and said, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads,” Paul, deeply trained in Greek language and philosophy, recognized the proverb immediately. The Shepherd's mercy often comes to us as a sharp turn, redirecting us from the dry channels of self-reliance back to the living waters of God Himself. The book ends where all honest searching must end. Fear God. Keep His commandments. Receive His gifts with gratitude. This is the whole duty of man, the culmination not only of the Bible's wisdom literature, but of every sincere philosophical quest. I wandered long among the tributaries, but Scripture led me home to the Fount of every blessing and tuned my heart to sing His grace. Here is a helpful overview of Ecclesiastes. May your listening be as blessed as ours was in the reading. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrsQ1tc-2w

Christian Groes har brugt meget at sit liv på at ligne en normal. Da hans søn får diagnoserne ADHD og autisme, begynder Christian at bekymre sig om, hvordan sønnen skal få et godt liv, når han ikke er normal. Det blev til bogen Vi er alle anderledes, som er et opgør med, hvorfor så mange mennesker, skal bruge ekstremt meget energi på at passe ind. Måske kan kassen for normalitet udvides, for de flestes skyld. Ugens citat: Et normalt menneske er et menneske, du ikke har mødt endnu. Anbefalinger: Sally Rooney, Intermezzo, en roman, der handler om, at man ikke er sin diagnose. Jonathan Safran Foer, Ekstremt højt og utrolig tæt på, hvis du vil forstå, hvordan særlige børn sanser verden på en anden måde. Christian Groes mormors livsråd - Du skal ikke være noget, du skal være dig Lyt til tidligere Brikser om samme emne: Hvornår forstå vi, at mennesker ikke kan reduceres til en diagnose? Er vi alle sammen lidt autistiske? Vært: Svend Brinkmann Gæst: Christian Groes, antropolog og forfatter til Vi er alle anderledes Tilrettelægger: Christoffer Heide Høyer

“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher. All is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1:2 As a philosopher I have loved the great tradition of human wisdom. For many years I drank from the tributaries. Aristotle taught that the good life is something one lives, not something one acquires. Socrates taught that wisdom begins in humility. These insights nourished me long before I realized they were preparing me to recognize the far greater wisdom God has given in Scripture. The Greek thinkers stood downstream from a fountain they dimly sensed but could not reach. The book of Ecclesiastes speaks from that very source. Qoheleth, קהלת, the Assembler, often called the Preacher, gathers what God has revealed about life in this world. He describes the human condition with a single Hebrew word: hevel, breath, vapor. Not meaninglessness, but ungraspability - and paradox. Life slips through the fingers of those who try to seize it, and understanding reaches its limit in paradox. What cannot be possessed must be received. What we cannot control must become ours by gift. And this is why Ecclesiastes so often speaks the language of generosity. Work is a gift. Food and drink are gifts. Joy is gift. Companionship is gift. Time itself is gift. The Preacher calls us to leave behind the restless striving that characterizes life in the tributaries, and to return instead to the fountain where every good and perfect gift flows from the hand of the Giver. He also tells us something our age urgently needs to hear. There is nothing new under the sun. Our modern confidence in our own progress (central to the evolutionary mythos) is little more than hubris. We imagine ourselves advanced beyond our “primitive” forebears, yet our world repeats the same patterns of confusion and pride. Postmodern deconstruction, gender confusion, DEI initiatives, and cultural relativism are not new. They are ancient errors retold in new vocabulary. Ecclesiastes understood the human heart long before our age attempted to deconstruct it. Near the end of the book the imagery sharpens. “The words of the wise are like goads,” given by one Shepherd to guide us back toward the fountain of wisdom. When the risen Jesus confronted Saul and said, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads,” Paul, deeply trained in Greek language and philosophy, recognized the proverb immediately. The Shepherd's mercy often comes to us as a sharp turn, redirecting us from the dry channels of self-reliance back to the living waters of God Himself. The book ends where all honest searching must end. Fear God. Keep His commandments. Receive His gifts with gratitude. This is the whole duty of man, the culmination not only of the Bible's wisdom literature, but of every sincere philosophical quest. I wandered long among the tributaries, but Scripture led me home to the Fount of every blessing and tuned my heart to sing His grace. Here is a helpful overview of Ecclesiastes. May your listening be as blessed as ours was in the reading. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrsQ1tc-2w

Today's Promise: Matthew 10:42 In God's kingdom, everything turns upside down, in the best possible way. While the world tells us to look out for ourselves, Jesus calls His followers to live with open hands and generous hearts. In this episode, we explore one of His most challenging teachings: the call to give freely, boldly, and joyfully. Jesus lays out a radical list of actions that run contrary to our natural instincts, yet they reveal the heart of a true disciple. God never blesses us just to hold on tightly; He blesses us so we can become channels of His goodness to others. And every act of generosity matters. Whether it's helping a friend in need or offering something as simple as a cup of water in Jesus' name, He promises it will never go unnoticed. Join us as we discover why giving is one of the most powerful ways to live out the gospel.

“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher. All is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1:2 As a philosopher I have loved the great tradition of human wisdom. For many years I drank from the tributaries. Aristotle taught that the good life is something one lives, not something one acquires. Socrates taught that wisdom begins in humility. These insights nourished me long before I realized they were preparing me to recognize the far greater wisdom God has given in Scripture. The Greek thinkers stood downstream from a fountain they dimly sensed but could not reach. The book of Ecclesiastes speaks from that very source. Qoheleth, קהלת, the Assembler, often called the Preacher, gathers what God has revealed about life in this world. He describes the human condition with a single Hebrew word: hevel, breath, vapor. Not meaninglessness, but ungraspability - and paradox. Life slips through the fingers of those who try to seize it, and understanding reaches its limit in paradox. What cannot be possessed must be received. What we cannot control must become ours by gift. And this is why Ecclesiastes so often speaks the language of generosity. Work is a gift. Food and drink are gifts. Joy is gift. Companionship is gift. Time itself is gift. The Preacher calls us to leave behind the restless striving that characterizes life in the tributaries, and to return instead to the fountain where every good and perfect gift flows from the hand of the Giver. He also tells us something our age urgently needs to hear. There is nothing new under the sun. Our modern confidence in our own progress (central to the evolutionary mythos) is little more than hubris. We imagine ourselves advanced beyond our “primitive” forebears, yet our world repeats the same patterns of confusion and pride. Postmodern deconstruction, gender confusion, DEI initiatives, and cultural relativism are not new. They are ancient errors retold in new vocabulary. Ecclesiastes understood the human heart long before our age attempted to deconstruct it. Near the end of the book the imagery sharpens. “The words of the wise are like goads,” given by one Shepherd to guide us back toward the fountain of wisdom. When the risen Jesus confronted Saul and said, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads,” Paul, deeply trained in Greek language and philosophy, recognized the proverb immediately. The Shepherd's mercy often comes to us as a sharp turn, redirecting us from the dry channels of self-reliance back to the living waters of God Himself. The book ends where all honest searching must end. Fear God. Keep His commandments. Receive His gifts with gratitude. This is the whole duty of man, the culmination not only of the Bible's wisdom literature, but of every sincere philosophical quest. I wandered long among the tributaries, but Scripture led me home to the Fount of every blessing and tuned my heart to sing His grace. Here is a helpful overview of Ecclesiastes. May your listening be as blessed as ours was in the reading. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrsQ1tc-2w

Clint Hufft and Wendy Dahl discuss the spiritual and emotional aspects of giving during the holiday season. They explore the biochemical benefits of giving, including dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, endorphins, and cortisol, which promote happiness, bonding, and stress reduction. They delve into how different religions, like Christianity and Mormonism, view giving through charity, tithing, and service. Wendy shares examples of community service programs like the Relief Society and the Bishop's Storehouse. They also discuss the Giving Machine, a vending machine for donations, and its impact on the community.

12/5/25. Five Minutes in the Word scriptures for today: 2 Corinthians 9:9. Giving that Outlives the Giver. Resources: biblehub.com; logos.com; ChatGPT; and Life Application Study Bible. Listen daily at 10:00 am CST on https://kingdompraiseradio.com. November 2021 Podchaser list of "60 Best Podcasts to Discover!" LISTEN, LIKE, FOLLOW, SHARE! #MinutesWord; @MinutesWord; #dailybiblestudy #dailydevotional #Christian_podcaster https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9zaXqv64YaCjh88XIJckA/videos https://m.youtube.com/@hhwscott

Matthew 23:8-10 KJVBut be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. [9] And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. [10] Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

Hello to you listening in Den Hague, the Netherlands!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Who is Saint Nicholas? Little is known about the historical Saint Nicholas who was born during the third century in the village of Patara in Asia Minor on what is now the southern coast of Turkey.  The earliest accounts of his life were written centuries after his death. Click HERE to learn more. But it is believed the life and deeds of St. Nicholas gave rise to the Christmas character we know as Santa Claus.From a very early age I remember how my family celebrated December 6th as the Feast of Saint Nicholas; a reminder that Christmas is on its way and someone is watching us - from a distance - to be sure we stay on the nice side of naughty. On the night of December 5th each child put a pair of shoes outside their bedroom door. On the morning of the 6th there was a small gift in the shoes left by Saint Nicholas himself, reminding us to be of love a little more careful than anything else this season.Story Prompt: What one tradition or ritual do you continue at this time of year?  Who might it remind you of? What special meaning does it hold for you? Write that story and tell it out loud!You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher. All is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1:2 As a philosopher I have loved the great tradition of human wisdom. For many years I drank from the tributaries. Aristotle taught that the good life is something one lives, not something one acquires. Socrates taught that wisdom begins in humility. These insights nourished me long before I realized they were preparing me to recognize the far greater wisdom God has given in Scripture. The Greek thinkers stood downstream from a fountain they dimly sensed but could not reach. The book of Ecclesiastes speaks from that very source. Qoheleth, קהלת, the Assembler, often called the Preacher, gathers what God has revealed about life in this world. He describes the human condition with a single Hebrew word: hevel, breath, vapor. Not meaninglessness, but ungraspability - and paradox. Life slips through the fingers of those who try to seize it, and understanding reaches its limit in paradox. What cannot be possessed must be received. What we cannot control must become ours by gift. And this is why Ecclesiastes so often speaks the language of generosity. Work is a gift. Food and drink are gifts. Joy is gift. Companionship is gift. Time itself is gift. The Preacher calls us to leave behind the restless striving that characterizes life in the tributaries, and to return instead to the fountain where every good and perfect gift flows from the hand of the Giver. He also tells us something our age urgently needs to hear. There is nothing new under the sun. Our modern confidence in our own progress (central to the evolutionary mythos) is little more than hubris. We imagine ourselves advanced beyond our “primitive” forebears, yet our world repeats the same patterns of confusion and pride. Postmodern deconstruction, gender confusion, DEI initiatives, and cultural relativism are not new. They are ancient errors retold in new vocabulary. Ecclesiastes understood the human heart long before our age attempted to deconstruct it. Near the end of the book the imagery sharpens. “The words of the wise are like goads,” given by one Shepherd to guide us back toward the fountain of wisdom. When the risen Jesus confronted Saul and said, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads,” Paul, deeply trained in Greek language and philosophy, recognized the proverb immediately. The Shepherd's mercy often comes to us as a sharp turn, redirecting us from the dry channels of self-reliance back to the living waters of God Himself. The book ends where all honest searching must end. Fear God. Keep His commandments. Receive His gifts with gratitude. This is the whole duty of man, the culmination not only of the Bible's wisdom literature, but of every sincere philosophical quest. I wandered long among the tributaries, but Scripture led me home to the Fount of every blessing and tuned my heart to sing His grace. Here is a helpful overview of Ecclesiastes. May your listening be as blessed as ours was in the reading. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrsQ1tc-2w

Long before Christmas lists, shopping carts, and wrapping paper, there were gifts given for one reason alone: worship. Sophia Bricker opens this devotional with the story of Saint Nicholas—a man whose quiet, selfless generosity became the seed of a much later legend. His life reflects the heart of someone whose giving flowed out of devotion to Christ, not cultural expectation. But even before Nicholas, Scripture gives us another unforgettable picture of joyful generosity: the wise men. The Magi traveled far, guided by a star and propelled by hope. When they finally reached the child Jesus, they didn’t debate whether the gifts were too costly or wonder if He “needed” them. They simply bowed in awe and opened their treasures. Their gifts were symbolic—and sincere: Gold for His kingship. Frankincense for His priesthood. Myrrh for His sacrificial death. But more than symbolism, their offering revealed their hearts. They gave because they loved. They gave because they believed. They gave because worship compelled them. Jesus later taught, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).Our spending, our giving, our serving—they all reveal what we value most. For the follower of Christ, generosity is not an obligation. It is an overflow. Like Saint Nicholas, we feel convicted when our resources center on ourselves. Like the wise men, we long to lay what we have at Jesus’ feet. Like those early givers, our generosity flows from beholding the Savior for who He truly is. And the way generosity looks will be unique for each of us. Not everyone gives gold or frankincense. Not everyone tosses gifts through windows. But every believer has something to offer—time, talent, resources, compassion, presence, or encouragement. Generosity begins with worship.Worship leads to open hands.Open hands lead to lives that honor Christ. Bible Reading:“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:10–11 (NIV) Takeaway Truths The wise men’s gifts were rooted in joyful worship, not duty. Generosity reveals what we treasure most. Followers of Christ give from abundance, not scarcity. True generosity begins with beholding Jesus. Let’s Pray Great Savior, I stand in awe of Your majesty and grace. How incredible it is that You, the King of all creation, entered this world as a humble child and chose to identify Yourself with us. The wise men saw what so many missed—Your worth, Your glory, and Your identity as the promised Messiah. They bowed in worship and gave freely, not from pressure, but from overflowing joy. Lord, develop in me this same heart of generosity. Help me to use my time, my resources, and my gifts to honor You. Guide my giving so that it reflects trust, gratitude, and devotion. Everything I have is from You. Make me courageous and joyful in sharing my life with others, so that my generosity points back to You, the Giver of salvation and life. Amen. Scriptures for Further Reflection Matthew 6:21 2 Corinthians 9:7 Proverbs 11:25 John 10:10 Additional Encouragement How to cultivate a generous heart – Crosswalk.com Devotionals for Christmas worship – Christianity.com Listen to more daily audio prayers at LifeAudio.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher. All is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1:2 As a philosopher I have loved the great tradition of human wisdom. For many years I drank from the tributaries. Aristotle taught that the good life is something one lives, not something one acquires. Socrates taught that wisdom begins in humility. These insights nourished me long before I realized they were preparing me to recognize the far greater wisdom God has given in Scripture. The Greek thinkers stood downstream from a fountain they dimly sensed but could not reach. The book of Ecclesiastes speaks from that very source. Qoheleth, קהלת, the Assembler, often called the Preacher, gathers what God has revealed about life in this world. He describes the human condition with a single Hebrew word: hevel, breath, vapor. Not meaninglessness, but ungraspability - and paradox. Life slips through the fingers of those who try to seize it, and understanding reaches its limit in paradox. What cannot be possessed must be received. What we cannot control must become ours by gift. And this is why Ecclesiastes so often speaks the language of generosity. Work is a gift. Food and drink are gifts. Joy is gift. Companionship is gift. Time itself is gift. The Preacher calls us to leave behind the restless striving that characterizes life in the tributaries, and to return instead to the fountain where every good and perfect gift flows from the hand of the Giver. He also tells us something our age urgently needs to hear. There is nothing new under the sun. Our modern confidence in our own progress (central to the evolutionary mythos) is little more than hubris. We imagine ourselves advanced beyond our “primitive” forebears, yet our world repeats the same patterns of confusion and pride. Postmodern deconstruction, gender confusion, DEI initiatives, and cultural relativism are not new. They are ancient errors retold in new vocabulary. Ecclesiastes understood the human heart long before our age attempted to deconstruct it. Near the end of the book the imagery sharpens. “The words of the wise are like goads,” given by one Shepherd to guide us back toward the fountain of wisdom. When the risen Jesus confronted Saul and said, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads,” Paul, deeply trained in Greek language and philosophy, recognized the proverb immediately. The Shepherd's mercy often comes to us as a sharp turn, redirecting us from the dry channels of self-reliance back to the living waters of God Himself. The book ends where all honest searching must end. Fear God. Keep His commandments. Receive His gifts with gratitude. This is the whole duty of man, the culmination not only of the Bible's wisdom literature, but of every sincere philosophical quest. I wandered long among the tributaries, but Scripture led me home to the Fount of every blessing and tuned my heart to sing His grace. Here is a helpful overview of Ecclesiastes. May your listening be as blessed as ours was in the reading. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrsQ1tc-2w

It's December, so we are continuing on with our tradition of doing a kid's book, but this year, the kids are a little older. This is more like a young adult novel. Our book is THE GIVER written by Lois Lowry. It became an instant classic when it was published in 1993. That year, Lowry won the Newbery Award which is given by the American Library Association to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. She also had previously won a Newberry Award in 1990 for her book NUMBER THE STARS.In THE GIVER is set in a dystopian future. It is a sort of speculative work of fiction in which 12-year-old Jonas is selected to become the apprentice of the Giver. The Giver is the protector of memories that have been suppressed in this tightly-controlled community where there are no wrong choices and no competition or conflict and even no war, no music, few feelings, no color. It doesn't sound like much of a life but this is what they know. Linny says she thinks a message in this book is that knowledge is power that brings us choices and also consequences. When we take away knowledge, such as is found in books, society is weakened. Linny makes an impassioned case for no book banning. Nancy remarks that THE GIVER is a book that has been banned in US libraries. Ironic, right?Nancy said one of the really wrenching part of the books for her was when Jonas asks his mother and father if they love him, they ask him to be more specific, that the word “love” is meaningless. Linny says this is a coming-of-age book that tracks the developmental changes that children/teens face.Linny and Nancy had different ideas of what happens in THE GIVER's ambiguous ending. Then Nancy shares Lois Lowry's examples of how some of her readers have interpreted the ending over the years. Finally, Nancy provides a thumbnail sketch of the remaining three books in the series and this gives Linny and Nancy an idea of what happens with Jonas and Gabe.Linny said she enjoyed THE GIVER and liked that it was an easy read. She feels it is relevant today. Nancy thinks most teenagers would relate to this book and encourages everyone who has a teenager in their life to purchase this book for them.

Most of us think of sleep as a nightly event. Michael Breus thinks of it as a lifelong pattern—a shifting, evolving chronotype that changes as we age. Every time he joins me, we end up deep in the details of how rest, alertness, and biology shape our days. This conversation was no different.In this episode, Michael and I dig into the core ideas behind his book Sleep, Drink, Breathe, why wellness keeps getting more complicated, and how simple habits—done with intention—can create real momentum. We also get into mouth taping, CPAP myths, the rise of at-home sleep tests, and why hydration and breathwork may be more important than most people realize.Six Discussion PointsHow chronotypes shift as we age—and why both of us are noticing that shift right now.The three “dominoes” of wellness and why breathing and hydration often need fixing before sleep.Why wellness feels overwhelming today, and the simple starting points Michael recommends.The real science behind mouth taping and why it can be risky without proper screening.How home sleep testing has changed—and why diagnosing sleep apnea is easier than ever.The Sleep, Drink, Breathe plan and how small, steady habits build lifelong change.Three Connection PointsRead Sleep Drink Breathe: Simple Daily Habits for Profound Long-Term HealthGet Life Gives to the Giver by Joe PolishTake The Sleep QuizConversations with Michael always leave me thinking differently about how deeply biology shapes behaviour. His work reminds me that productivity isn't a matter of pushing harder—it's a matter of aligning with the rhythms that already exist. If you're looking to simplify wellness, understand your changing chronotype, or build habits that actually last, this episode is a worthwhile listen.

Christians believe that Jesus is worth more than every good thing in their lives combined. He is the source of every good thing! So what do we are found guilty of leaving Jesus in the attic during our Christmas celebrations? Of course, Jesus should be front and center, but sometimes our attempts to rectify this problem reveal a serious lack of faith. Let's consider how to enjoy both the Giver and His gifts.

Pastor Levi and Lisa talk about the healing of 10 lepers from Luke 17:11-19 and how only 1 of them returned to thank Jesus, including: 10 Healed but only 1 Made Well, Recognizing God as the Giver of Blessings, and Gratitude thru Humility that Leads Us to Christ. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, December 3, 2025.

We've reached the final week of our "Grateful Anyway" series, and Lead Pastor Clay Monkus brings us to the foundation that makes lasting gratitude possible. In Psalm 100:4–5, we encounter a worship song sung by God's people as they entered the temple courts. This wasn't just a feel-good moment—it was a declaration rooted in deep theology. The psalmist calls us to give thanks and praise, but notice where the focus lands: on God's goodness, His enduring love, and His faithfulness that spans every generation. Here's the truth: gratitude anchored in circumstances will always be fragile. When life is good, we're thankful. When life gets hard, our gratitude wavers. But when we transfer our gratitude from the gifts to the Giver—from what God does to who God is—everything changes. That kind of gratitude grows deep roots that can withstand any storm. This message will challenge you to build your thankfulness on the only foundation that never shifts: the unchanging character of God. His love doesn't fluctuate with your circumstances. His faithfulness doesn't depend on your performance. And His goodness endures forever. Series Theme: This series explores how to find and express thankfulness even when circumstances are far from perfect. True gratitude isn't based on circumstances—it's rooted in the character of God, which never changes. Scripture: Psalm 100:4–5 As we close this series, our prayer is that you'll discover a gratitude that goes deeper than your circumstances—a gratitude anchored in the God who never changes.

“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher. All is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1:2 As a philosopher I have loved the great tradition of human wisdom. For many years I drank from the tributaries. Aristotle taught that the good life is something one lives, not something one acquires. Socrates taught that wisdom begins in humility. These insights nourished me long before I realized they were preparing me to recognize the far greater wisdom God has given in Scripture. The Greek thinkers stood downstream from a fountain they dimly sensed but could not reach. The book of Ecclesiastes speaks from that very source. Qoheleth, קהלת, the Assembler, often called the Preacher, gathers what God has revealed about life in this world. He describes the human condition with a single Hebrew word: hevel, breath, vapor. Not meaninglessness, but ungraspability - and paradox. Life slips through the fingers of those who try to seize it, and understanding reaches its limit in paradox. What cannot be possessed must be received. What we cannot control must become ours by gift. And this is why Ecclesiastes so often speaks the language of generosity. Work is a gift. Food and drink are gifts. Joy is gift. Companionship is gift. Time itself is gift. The Preacher calls us to leave behind the restless striving that characterizes life in the tributaries, and to return instead to the fountain where every good and perfect gift flows from the hand of the Giver. He also tells us something our age urgently needs to hear. There is nothing new under the sun. Our modern confidence in our own progress (central to the evolutionary mythos) is little more than hubris. We imagine ourselves advanced beyond our “primitive” forebears, yet our world repeats the same patterns of confusion and pride. Postmodern deconstruction, gender confusion, DEI initiatives, and cultural relativism are not new. They are ancient errors retold in new vocabulary. Ecclesiastes understood the human heart long before our age attempted to deconstruct it. Near the end of the book the imagery sharpens. “The words of the wise are like goads,” given by one Shepherd to guide us back toward the fountain of wisdom. When the risen Jesus confronted Saul and said, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads,” Paul, deeply trained in Greek language and philosophy, recognized the proverb immediately. The Shepherd's mercy often comes to us as a sharp turn, redirecting us from the dry channels of self-reliance back to the living waters of God Himself. The book ends where all honest searching must end. Fear God. Keep His commandments. Receive His gifts with gratitude. This is the whole duty of man, the culmination not only of the Bible's wisdom literature, but of every sincere philosophical quest. I wandered long among the tributaries, but Scripture led me home to the Fount of every blessing and tuned my heart to sing His grace. Here is a helpful overview of Ecclesiastes. May your listening be as blessed as ours was in the reading. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrsQ1tc-2w

“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher. All is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1:2 As a philosopher I have loved the great tradition of human wisdom. For many years I drank from the tributaries. Aristotle taught that the good life is something one lives, not something one acquires. Socrates taught that wisdom begins in humility. These insights nourished me long before I realized they were preparing me to recognize the far greater wisdom God has given in Scripture. The Greek thinkers stood downstream from a fountain they dimly sensed but could not reach. The book of Ecclesiastes speaks from that very source. Qoheleth, קהלת, the Assembler, often called the Preacher, gathers what God has revealed about life in this world. He describes the human condition with a single Hebrew word: hevel, breath, vapor. Not meaninglessness, but ungraspability - and paradox. Life slips through the fingers of those who try to seize it, and understanding reaches its limit in paradox. What cannot be possessed must be received. What we cannot control must become ours by gift. And this is why Ecclesiastes so often speaks the language of generosity. Work is a gift. Food and drink are gifts. Joy is gift. Companionship is gift. Time itself is gift. The Preacher calls us to leave behind the restless striving that characterizes life in the tributaries, and to return instead to the fountain where every good and perfect gift flows from the hand of the Giver. He also tells us something our age urgently needs to hear. There is nothing new under the sun. Our modern confidence in our own progress (central to the evolutionary mythos) is little more than hubris. We imagine ourselves advanced beyond our “primitive” forebears, yet our world repeats the same patterns of confusion and pride. Postmodern deconstruction, gender confusion, DEI initiatives, and cultural relativism are not new. They are ancient errors retold in new vocabulary. Ecclesiastes understood the human heart long before our age attempted to deconstruct it. Near the end of the book the imagery sharpens. “The words of the wise are like goads,” given by one Shepherd to guide us back toward the fountain of wisdom. When the risen Jesus confronted Saul and said, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads,” Paul, deeply trained in Greek language and philosophy, recognized the proverb immediately. The Shepherd's mercy often comes to us as a sharp turn, redirecting us from the dry channels of self-reliance back to the living waters of God Himself. The book ends where all honest searching must end. Fear God. Keep His commandments. Receive His gifts with gratitude. This is the whole duty of man, the culmination not only of the Bible's wisdom literature, but of every sincere philosophical quest. I wandered long among the tributaries, but Scripture led me home to the Fount of every blessing and tuned my heart to sing His grace. Here is a helpful overview of Ecclesiastes. May your listening be as blessed as ours was in the reading. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrsQ1tc-2w

Scripture: John 1:1–3; John 1:14, 18 "Without exaggeration it can be said that every church and every Christian ought to know the Nicene Creed." – Kevin DeYoung, The Nicene Creed.   + Nicene Creed We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.   And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made.   Who, for us and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried; and the third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.   And we believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.   And we believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. + Jude 3 + John 1:1-3 + John 1:14 + John 1:18 + Hebrews 1:1-3 "Though it is normal for humans to beget in time, due to the imperfection of their nature, God's offspring is eternal, because His nature is perfect." – Athanasius + Homoousia vs Homoiousia   "Jesus Christ is the Creator of the universe. Jesus Christ is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last. Jesus Christ, the Person, never had a beginning. He is absolute Reality. He has the unparalleled honor and unique glory of being there first and always. He never came into being." – John Piper, Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ. + It is necessary to believe to be saved. + 1 Corinthians 12:3 + John 17:5 + John 17:24–26 + It is how we grow to love Jesus + It is how we overcome temptation "On Christ's glory I would fix all my thoughts and desires, and the more I see of the glory of Christ, the more the painted beauties of this world will wither in my eyes, and I will be more and more crucified to this world. It will become to me like something dead and putrid, impossible for me to enjoy." – John Owen, The Glory of Christ 

My next guest is a TRUE BOSS BABE in the Skincare Space. She has done so many things in the spa world and now being one of the TOP Babez for PDO Max. Whether you're an esthetician, medical spa tech or a hairstylist--YOU NEED to listen, watch and learn from the fabulous, Jaclyn Luongo! WANT MORE JACLYN?GET THE SKIN CARE:https://www.lumenvyskincare.comhttps://www.pdomax.comWANT MORE KRYSTINE?For 1:1 Coaching, Freebies & More, TAP HERE: ⁠bit.ly/3S5R2lo⁠LOVE THIS EPISODE?Leave Your Ratings, Reviews & Comments on the Podcast! Your feedback allows for more nourishing content and for more on-point education for beauty & barber pros.

Series: Matthew for TodayPastor Mark SmithNovember 30, 2025

“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher. All is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1:2 As a philosopher I have loved the great tradition of human wisdom. For many years I drank from the tributaries. Aristotle taught that the good life is something one lives, not something one acquires. Socrates taught that wisdom begins in humility. These insights nourished me long before I realized they were preparing me to recognize the far greater wisdom God has given in Scripture. The Greek thinkers stood downstream from a fountain they dimly sensed but could not reach. The book of Ecclesiastes speaks from that very source. Qoheleth, קהלת, the Assembler, often called the Preacher, gathers what God has revealed about life in this world. He describes the human condition with a single Hebrew word: hevel, breath, vapor. Not meaninglessness, but ungraspability - and paradox. Life slips through the fingers of those who try to seize it, and understanding reaches its limit in paradox. What cannot be possessed must be received. What we cannot control must become ours by gift. And this is why Ecclesiastes so often speaks the language of generosity. Work is a gift. Food and drink are gifts. Joy is gift. Companionship is gift. Time itself is gift. The Preacher calls us to leave behind the restless striving that characterizes life in the tributaries, and to return instead to the fountain where every good and perfect gift flows from the hand of the Giver. He also tells us something our age urgently needs to hear. There is nothing new under the sun. Our modern confidence in our own progress (central to the evolutionary mythos) is little more than hubris. We imagine ourselves advanced beyond our “primitive” forebears, yet our world repeats the same patterns of confusion and pride. Postmodern deconstruction, gender confusion, DEI initiatives, and cultural relativism are not new. They are ancient errors retold in new vocabulary. Ecclesiastes understood the human heart long before our age attempted to deconstruct it. Near the end of the book the imagery sharpens. “The words of the wise are like goads,” given by one Shepherd to guide us back toward the fountain of wisdom. When the risen Jesus confronted Saul and said, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads,” Paul, deeply trained in Greek language and philosophy, recognized the proverb immediately. The Shepherd's mercy often comes to us as a sharp turn, redirecting us from the dry channels of self-reliance back to the living waters of God Himself. The book ends where all honest searching must end. Fear God. Keep His commandments. Receive His gifts with gratitude. This is the whole duty of man, the culmination not only of the Bible's wisdom literature, but of every sincere philosophical quest. I wandered long among the tributaries, but Scripture led me home to the Fount of every blessing and tuned my heart to sing His grace. Here is a helpful overview of Ecclesiastes. May your listening be as blessed as ours was in the reading. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrsQ1tc-2w

Share a commentGrace doesn't discount the price—it pays the whole bill. We explore why the law was never meant to save you, how it functions like a mirror that reveals but can't repair, and what it means to receive an inheritance you could never earn. Using Abraham as our guide and Romans 4 as our map, we unpack the difference between righteous deeds, religious rituals, and rule‑keeping on one side, and faith, grace, and promise on the other. The contrast is not subtle: try to pay for the gift and you void it; trust the Giver and you receive a guaranteed promise rooted in God's character.We share vivid stories that bring theology down to street level—from a bank reversing the rules of lending to everyday analogies like bathroom scales and X‑rays—each one pressing the same point: exposure isn't cure. The law brings knowledge of sin and, with it, wrath; only Christ brings righteousness by faith. We also address the quiet ways many of us mix grace with works, turning good practices into bargaining chips and trading assurance for anxiety. Abraham's example speaks across time: the inheritance of the world came not through the law but through the righteousness of faith.If you've wrestled with being “good enough,” or wondered whether your standing with God rises and falls with your performance, this conversation is for you. You'll walk away with a clearer grasp of why God's promise is unconditional, why assurance rests on His character, and how faith receives what works can never secure. Listen now, share it with a friend who needs hope, and if it helps you, subscribe and leave a review so others can find it too.Support the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback

Share a commentGrace doesn't discount the price—it pays the whole bill. We explore why the law was never meant to save you, how it functions like a mirror that reveals but can't repair, and what it means to receive an inheritance you could never earn. Using Abraham as our guide and Romans 4 as our map, we unpack the difference between righteous deeds, religious rituals, and rule‑keeping on one side, and faith, grace, and promise on the other. The contrast is not subtle: try to pay for the gift and you void it; trust the Giver and you receive a guaranteed promise rooted in God's character.We share vivid stories that bring theology down to street level—from a bank reversing the rules of lending to everyday analogies like bathroom scales and X‑rays—each one pressing the same point: exposure isn't cure. The law brings knowledge of sin and, with it, wrath; only Christ brings righteousness by faith. We also address the quiet ways many of us mix grace with works, turning good practices into bargaining chips and trading assurance for anxiety. Abraham's example speaks across time: the inheritance of the world came not through the law but through the righteousness of faith.If you've wrestled with being “good enough,” or wondered whether your standing with God rises and falls with your performance, this conversation is for you. You'll walk away with a clearer grasp of why God's promise is unconditional, why assurance rests on His character, and how faith receives what works can never secure. Listen now, share it with a friend who needs hope, and if it helps you, subscribe and leave a review so others can find it too.Support the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback

Send us a textIn this special Thanksgiving episode, Coach Chris Wilson dives into the timeless ideas from Adam Grant's bestselling book Give and Take — exploring how gratitude, generosity, and giving back can transform not just your relationships, but your success and happiness as well.As the world slows down for the holiday, this is the perfect time to reflect on who's helped you get where you are, and how you can pour back into others. Chris breaks down the three types of people — Givers, Takers, and Matchers — and shares how adopting a giver's mindset can multiply your impact without burning out.You'll hear insights on:How gratitude fuels generosity — and how giving deepens gratitude.The difference between selfless and “otherish” giving (and why one sustains you while the other drains you).Why leading with generosity creates stronger relationships, richer opportunities, and lasting fulfillment.How to make Thanksgiving more than a holiday — but a habit of the heart.Chris also shares practical ways to live these ideas daily — from small acts of kindness to building a gratitude and giving practice that rewires how you lead, live, and love.This is a heartfelt reminder that success isn't just about what you get — it's about what you give. Because when you give first, everyone wins.Share it with a friend, family member, or teammate who's made a difference in your life. Let them know how much they matter — that's the real spirit of Thanksgiving.Time Stamps00:55 – Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' podcast01:19 – Join Chris Wilson for a special solo episode04:00 – What this episode is all about07:14 – A book that changed Chris's perspective09:28 – Discover the three types of people in life13:45 – Unlocking the concept of 'Otherish Giving'18:31 – How generosity drives long-term impact21:35 – Connecting it all to Thanksgiving24:29 – The power of being in a state of gratitude28:00 – Simple ways to show thankfulness every day31:09 – The ripple effect: small actions, big impact33:35 – A powerful, heartfelt reflection from Chris1:09:42 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!Resources:Give and Take – The BookConnect with Chris:InstagramSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

In today's NEW PODCAST, Bible teacher Dave Wager walks through what it really means to give thanks “with all our heart” to the God who provides everything we enjoy. Starting from Psalm 9:1, he explains that true thankfulness needs a Person as its object, not just things. Hope, love, and gratitude all have to be directed somewhere, and for the Christian that “somewhere” is ultimately God. Dave contrasts our American abundance with the deep joy and generosity he witnessed in a poor African village, where believers gladly shared their only meal with him and pointed every ounce of gratitude back to the Lord's daily provision. Their example forced him to confess how casual and shallow his own thanksgiving had often been, even while living with full cupboards and constant comfort. From there, Dave draws a line from Scripture to our own Thanksgiving tables, reminding us that it is God who gives life, safety, health, work, family, and even the heritage of our national Thanksgiving celebration. He unpacks passages like 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 and Philippians 4:6, showing that God's will for His people is to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in everything, including hardship. Using Job, Habakkuk, and the history of the pilgrims, he shows how trials expose our dependence and highlight God's faithfulness. Above all, Dave centers the conversation on the gospel, calling listeners to thank God for His “indescribable gift” in Jesus Christ, who died so we could be adopted into God's family. This Thanksgiving, he urges us to remember that God does not need us, but He wants us, and to respond with lives that gratefully point every good gift back to the Giver.

Robot Fails: In one of the latest robot fails, Russia unveils their AIDOL robot that immediately falls over and is embarrassing. Which of course brings us to talking about the suicide suck pod. Theme Park Guys: We check in on Nick's final episode of the Theme Park Guys and bid farewell to the end of an era. We also learn about the enneagram test. Also having a close relationship with your grandparents is SUS. Andy Booted From DWTS: Andy Richter dances his last dance as he finally gets bounced from the show. Also Kevin James poses as a teacher for viral marketing. THE BEAR!, FUCK YOU, WATCH THIS!, WORD UP!, KORN!, CAMEO!, GETTING FAT!, GUT BIOME!, BUSSY!, FELDDOG SUMMER!, JED FOUNDATION!, ZEN FELDMAN!, HONOR!, DONATION!, ANTI-COREY POD?, TOTS TURNT!, ROBOTS!, MAKE IT!, FORCE IT!, NOT THERE YET!, BOSTON DYNAMICS!, WALK!, RUSSIAN!, ROCKY THEME!, AIDOL!, AI!, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE!, KARAOKE!, DANCING!, ROBOT UPRISING!, FUNCTIONAL!, SCIFI ROBOTS!, SUCK POD!, AI!, SUICIDAL SUCK POD!, WALTER BISHOP!, VAMPIRES BALLAD!, AI MUSIC!, SPOTIFY!, AI DJ!, TOO MUCH PLEASURE!, ENNEAGRAM TEST!, LEVEL!, ENNEAGRAM 6!, 2!, REDDIT!, HOROSCOPE!, GIVER!, WANNABE LIKED!, CRINGE!, GRANDPA!, CRYING!, DIED!, FIRST EPISODE!, LOVING YOUR GRANDPARENTS!, NEW ICK!, LOVES HIS GRANDMA!, DANCING WITH THE STARS!, ANDY RICHTER!, SEXY!, PROGRESS!, WEEKND!, DEATH MONTAGE!, EMMA!, NEXT CHECK!, MASTURBATING BEAR!, BRIAN AUSTEN GREEN!, DWTS LORE!, RELATIONSHIPS!, INCESTUOUS!, TEACHER!, KEVIN JAMES!, LOOKALIKE!, VIRAL!, MARKETING!, MATT TAYLOR!, ARTIST!, ANGEL STUDIOS!, ROMP COMP!, LORE!  You can find the videos from this episode at our Discord RIGHT HERE!

Did you know there's MAGIC in your Meditation Practice? Say Goodbye to Anxiety and Hello to More Peace & More Prosperity! Here Are the 5 Secrets on How to Unleash Your Meditation Magic https://womensmeditationnetwork.com/5secrets Join Premium! Ready for an ad-free meditation experience? Join Premium now and get every episode from ALL of our podcasts completely ad-free now! Just a few clicks makes it easy for you to listen on your favorite podcast player. Become a PREMIUM member today by going to --> https://WomensMeditationNetwork.com/premium Close your eyes, and let yourself deeply, deeply relax. LONG PAUSE Focus only on relaxing. Let everything else go. Let tension go. Let stress go. Let distracting thoughts go. Watch as they lift away from you like a balloon in the sky. LONG PAUSE Breathe in more relaxation, feeling it spread serenity through all of you. Join our Premium Sleep for Women Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Sleep podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here --> https://bit.ly/sleepforwomen Join our Premium Meditation for Kids Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Kids podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here → https://bit.ly/meditationforkidsapple Hey, I'm so glad you're taking the time to be with us today. My team and I are dedicated to making sure you have all the meditations you need throughout all the seasons of your life. If there's a meditation you desire, but can't find, email us at Katie Krimitsos to make a request. We'd love to create what you want! Namaste, Beautiful,