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235 - Forgiveness Is Freedom In this episode, the focus is on the profound and often misunderstood act of forgiveness. Exploring the concept through personal stories and insights from the book Total Forgiveness by R.T. Kendall, the discussion centers on why forgiveness is not about excusing harmful behavior or forgetting the pain, but about releasing ourselves from the grip of bitterness and resentment. This episode offers a heartfelt, honest reflection on what it really means to forgive—and how doing so can bring true freedom and healing. Top Topics: What Forgiveness Really MeansForgiveness is not about saying “it's okay” or brushing past serious hurt. It's about choosing to stop desiring revenge and instead letting go of the emotional control the past has over us. The episode defines forgiveness as no longer wanting punishment for the offender, but rather handing over justice to a higher power or moral compass. The Pain Behind the Need to ForgiveA personal backdrop of childhood neglect and family addiction reveals how deep-seated pain can evolve into lasting resentment. Understanding the origins of this pain, including the generational patterns and addictive behaviors involved, provides important context for why forgiveness is essential—not for the offender, but for personal healing. Steps Toward True ForgivenessListeners are guided through practical steps to begin forgiving: acknowledging the pain, making a conscious decision to forgive, refraining from rehearsing the hurt, and even praying or wishing good for the person who caused harm. These steps are presented not as quick fixes, but as meaningful choices that open the door to lasting emotional freedom. Forgiving Without ReconciliationAn important clarification is made: forgiveness does not always mean reconciliation. Sometimes, it's healthier and safer not to reestablish a relationship. Forgiveness is about finding peace within oneself, regardless of the other person's actions or attitude. Dealing with Disappointment in GodThe episode also touches on the spiritual challenge of feeling let down by God in times of suffering. By choosing to forgive even this divine disappointment, deeper trust and healing are possible. Takeaways: Forgiveness is ultimately a gift to oneself. Holding onto resentment is like drinking poison meant for someone else. It harms the one who carries it more than anyone else. Letting go is not easy, and it may feel unnatural at first—but it leads to emotional clarity, freedom, and peace. Forgiveness is not weakness; it's one of the bravest things a person can do. Whether the offender ever apologizes or changes, the choice to forgive allows the heart to move forward and begin to heal. Jill's Links https://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJillday https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI https://www.youtube.com/@startwithsmallsteps https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com
In this deeply honest episode of Legacy of Love, Melissa opens up about the controversial Aubrey Marcus podcast episode—and what it reveals about spiritual bypassing, marriage, and the distortion of devotion in modern relationships.She speaks from love, not judgment, as a devoted wife and relationship coach who believes in the sacred covenant of marriage. Melissa shares her perspective on why claiming to be “spirit led” doesn't always align with God's truth… and how to discern whether your desires are coming from ego, lust, emotion, or divine guidance.You'll walk away with clarity, grounded conviction, and renewed hope that sacred love is still alive and real. Whether you're single, dating, or already married—this episode will remind you to trust your intuition, hold your standards, and stay anchored in the truth of what love was designed to be.✨ Topics inside:The spiritual danger of bypassing intuition in the name of “truth”Why not all spirit messages are from GodThe covenant of marriage and what it really meansWhy polyamory isn't the same as sacred partnershipHow to stay rooted in your values in a world that normalizes lust
Have you ever tried to sit down with your Bible or spend a quiet moment with God—only to feel the chaos of your cluttered home crowd out the peace you long for?In today's episode, I'm sharing a small but powerful story from our home that reminded me how physical clutter can block spiritual clarity. We'll look at the research, the scriptures, and the gentle truth that letting go of excess makes space for Jesus, peace, and even physical healing.If you've felt overwhelmed by stuff, distracted in your devotions, or weighed down by your home instead of uplifted by it—this one's for you.Let's explore:How clutter triggers stress in your body and nervous systemWhy a clearer space can help you hear from GodThe biblical mindset shift that helps you release what's no longer neededYou don't need to overhaul your whole house—just start with one space. And as you do, I'll walk right alongside you. ❤️With love and grace,Katie
Have you ever felt like you were close to God… but not with Him? Like you're standing on the edge of something sacred, but unsure how to step in?In this deeply personal and powerful episode, host Jan Touchberry unpacks the story of the Tent of Meeting from Exodus 33—and why so many of us choose to watch God move from a distance rather than meeting with Him face-to-face. Through storytelling, Scripture, and vulnerability, she invites you into a space of soul rest, deeper presence, and divine friendship.Whether you've been in a dry spiritual season or you're craving more of God, this episode will stir your heart and give you practical ways to reconnect.KEY POINTS:What the Tent of Meeting reveals about God's desire for intimacyWhy we often settle for secondhand experiences with GodThe power of lingering in God's presence like Joshua didReal talk on fear, shame, and the lies that keep us outside the tentFive simple but powerful ways to step into deeper connection with GodThe vision behind the upcoming Soul Rest Retreat and how to know if it's for youTIMESTAMPS:00:00 — Feeling disconnected from God lately? You're not alone02:00 — “On the outside looking in”: Jan's personal story of worship and longing05:45 — A supernatural encounter that changed everything07:49 — Introducing Exodus 33 and the story of the Tent of Meeting10:00 — The people had access to God… but most watched from afar13:11 — God still speaks as a friend today—will you draw near?14:57 — Joshua lingered: the legacy of those who stay17:12 — How to meet with God today (5 practical steps)22:55 — The vision for the Soul Rest Retreat is born24:44 — If this episode spoke to you, share it and step into what God's inviting you to25:59 — A prayer for the woman ready to stop watching and start meeting with GodQUOTABLES:“God is not interested in being admired from afar. He wants to meet with you—like a friend.”“The ones who linger in God's presence are the ones He raises up for legacy.”“You don't need a tabernacle. You just need space, honesty, and a willingness to stay.”LINKS & RESOURCES:Learn more about the Soul Rest Retreat: https://jantouchberry.com/retreatFollow Jan on Instagram: @JanTouchberryJoin the email list for upcoming episodes + more: https://jantouchberry.myflodesk.com/thecollabIf this episode stirred something in you, don't keep it to yourself.➡️ Share it with a friend who needs to hear it.
When Pastor Al “XtianNinja” Descheneau stepped away from traditional ministry, he didn't expect God to lead him to Twitch. In this virtual Q&A hosted by Rev. Nathan Kwan and Markham Chinese Alliance Church, he shares how gaming, livestreaming, and online community became the unexpected mission field he was made for.
Send us a textHave you ever felt a burden so deep it felt like a soul notification you couldn't silence?This week's episode dives into holy discontent—the stirring in your spirit when your heartbreak aligns with God's. Jess walks through how this divine discomfort can either derail you or become a driving force for change—depending on how you process it.Discover:What holy discontent really means—and how to tell if it's from GodThe difference between passion and purposeWhy Moses' reaction cost him 40 years—and how David's waiting built strengthA step-by-step process for responding to your holy discontentReal questions to ask and journal through so you can turn emotion into impactThis conversation will stir something in you—and maybe help you name that “thing” you've been feeling lately.
In this episode of Collecting Issues, we dive headfirst into Thor: Prey, collecting issues #7–14 of Donny Cates' 2020 run with art by Nic Klein, colours by Matthew Wilson, and covers by Olivier Coipel. This mythic, messy, and often horrifying arc explores what happens when the forgotten alter ego, Donald Blake, returns—with a scalpel and a grudge.We break down:How Thor: Prey explores the consequences of playing GodThe madness of Donald Blake and his eerie transformationThe best-ever comic book appearance of Throg, Frog of ThunderMythology, body horror, and the absurd brilliance of modern Thor comicsNic Klein's stunning panel work and Matthew Wilson's dimensional colour artistryPlus, we unpack why Thor might be the most unfixably broken character in comics—and why that makes him so damn fun.Whether you're here for frogs with hammers, cosmic serial killers, or simply to ask “Where the hell is Donald Blake?”, you're in the right place.00:00 Introduction to Thor Prey02:13 Creative Team and Art Style04:29 Publication Context and Thor's Journey07:10 Thor's Identity and Worthiness08:26 Donald Blake's Return10:01 Thor's Legacy and Influence26:02 Monthly Comics and Storytelling33:31 The Power of Throg34:06 Throg's Epic Battle37:24 Donald Blake's Transformation40:32 Norse Mythology in Comics45:56 The Madness of Donald Blake53:35 Art and Color in Comics58:27 Final Thoughts and Wrap-UpFollow the Podcast:Join the Discord and read alongRead our essay on the Perfect Panel in Thor Prey on SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TiktokWatch us on Youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Send us a textWelcome & Final ReflectionsWelcome to the final episode in our series through the book of Romans.Today's message, titled “Should We Praise the Lord?”, is both a concluding meditation and a doxological exclamation point to one of the greatest theological works in the Bible.As we wrap up this journey together, we pause not to summarize or analyze one more time—but simply to worship.This episode is not primarily about personal application or practical instruction—it is about offering something back to God. After all we've received through this study of Romans—truth, grace, conviction, encouragement—it is only fitting that we end with praise.Paul closes his letter with greetings, grace, and glory. So today, we do the same.From the depths of doctrine to the heights of doxology, this final message invites us to lift our eyes and our hearts and praise the only wise God—through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen.Thank you for walking through Romans with me. I hope this series has blessed you, challenged you, and rooted you deeper in the truth of the gospel.May grace always be with you. And may glory always go to Him.
What if the thing you fear most isn't disobeying God—but losing your current relationship with Him?In this raw and reflective conversation, Ernie and Robby dive deep into the paradox of obedience that disrupts rather than reinforces our spiritual comfort zones. From marriage tension to spiritual calling, they wrestle with what it means to follow God into places that don't feel safe—but may lead to deeper union.Key themes:Obedience as an act of intimacy, not performanceWhy we fear letting go of even good experiences of GodThe cross as a portal to unexpected communionHow marriage and calling often surface our hidden attachmentsChoice Quotes:“The goal of obedience isn't compliance—it's communion.”“I realized I wasn't afraid of disobeying God. I was afraid of losing the relationship I already had with Him.”“Disruptive grace shows up when God asks you to risk your comfort with Him… in order to know Him more.”Listen if:You're navigating a season of spiritual tension, relational challenge, or disruptive invitation—and want to press in without falling apart.
What if God never meant for you to live in fear, shame, or self-hatred?In this powerful conversation, I'm joined by Rev. Lizzie McManus-Dail — Episcopal priest, creator, and author ofGod Didn't Make Us to Hate Us: 40 Devotions to Liberate Your Faith from Fear and Reconnect with Joy. We dive deep into unlearning fear-based faith, healing from toxic theology, and reclaiming the radical joy of being fully loved by God. Whether you're deep in deconstruction or just beginning to ask hard questions, this episode offers hope, healing, and a reminder that curiosity, nuance, and belonging were always part of the story.We explore:The deep roots of fear-based faith — and how it shapes our sense of selfWhy reclaiming joy is a radical act of spiritual liberationHealing from church hurt without losing your connection to GodThe intersections of faith, feminism, queerness, and justiceNavigating deconstruction with gentleness, curiosity, and hopeEmbracing the truth that you were created from love, for love — not fearBuilding a spirituality rooted in joy, abundance, and radical belongingIf this conversation stirred something in your heart, I'd be honored if you'd subscribe, leave a review, or share it with a friend who might need to hear it. Your support helps us spread messages of hope, healing, and spiritual liberation to more souls who are ready to reclaim the joy they were made for.Meet Rev. Lizzie McManus-Dail:Rev. Lizzie is an Episcopal priest, author, and joyful disruptor of toxic theology. She's the founding pastor of Jubilee Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas—a vibrant community rooted in ancient worship and radical hospitality. With degrees from Mount Holyoke College, Duke Divinity School, and Seminary of the Southwest, Lizzie weaves together faith, feminism, and queer theology. Her debut book is a love letter to the disillusioned, deconstructing, and deeply hopeful.Connect with Lizzie:Follow Rev. Lizzie on InstagramVisit her websiteListen to the And Also With You PodcastLearn more about Jubilee Episcopal ChurchOrder God Didn't Make Us to Hate UsConnect with Emily:Website: www.EmilyReuschel.comInstagram: @emilyreuschelFacebook: Emily ReuschelLinkedIn: Emily ReuschelJoin my Book Insiders List: Sign up here!Resources & Links:Sign up here to get the inside scoop on my book writing journeyInterested in sponsoring Gather in Growth? Apply...
Joseph: In God's HandsBeholding the Perfect Sovereignty of GodThe life of Joseph illustrates what it looks like to be blindsided by life – to be hitting the curb as it were. Whether these collisions are a result of his own mistakes, the blunders or intentional harm of others, or simply life slamming into him, the pain and loss he suffered was staggering. Yet, Joseph's story also reveals to us all a most unexpected gift that can emerge. From a slave's cell to a minister's house, from prison to a throne, Joseph's journey ultimately reveals the wondrous presence and power of God. Indeed, Joseph's pain wonderfully reveals God's power, and his hurt exposes God's heart for him. In fact, by stepping into the difficulty, Joseph understands God more clearly than he could ever possibly understand him without the pain.Now enslaved in Egypt, Joseph thrives in his service to Potiphar, a leading official in Pharaoh's army. In the center of this powerful nation, the Lord brings him success as he manages Potiphar's household. At first, his prominent position might seem like a fortunate turn of events, but trouble arises when Potiphar's wife becomes infatuated with Joseph. So torn between loyalty to his master and temptation against God, Joseph faces a difficult moral dilemma. Yet even amidst these false accusations and unjust attacks, God's presence remains with him, shielding him, and while God's favor doesn't exempt Joseph from hardship, it does assure his incredible protection.WEEK 2 – GOD'S PRESENCE IN BETRAYAL“God's favor doesn't mean you won't suffer. It means you won't suffer alone.”Key Themes:God's presence in seasons of injusticeHow integrity honors God in private and publicFalse accusations and faithful obedienceTrusting God's protection even when wrongly treatedWhy favor from God does not equal escape from painThis message speaks to those navigating:Workplace betrayal or false accusationsThe pain of being misunderstoodSeasons where doing right leads to sufferingThe long wait for justiceThe challenge of staying faithful when wrongly treatedIn Genesis 39, Joseph rises to a position of influence in Potiphar's household, only to be falsely accused and thrown into prison. What we learn in this chapter is not just about character or integrity, but about the unwavering presence of God in betrayal and injustice.This sermon explores what it means to stay faithful when wrongly treated—and how God does some of His deepest work in us not by pulling us out of hardship, but by walking with us through it.Study Guide AvailableGet the full Genesis study guide with Life Group questions, weekly passages, and additional resources:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2ZYH815Joseph's life is a reminder that favor and hardship are not opposites—they often walk side by side. The same God who gives dreams is the God who walks with you through dungeons.God's plan for Joseph wasn't to rescue him from difficulty, but to transform him through it. And in that transformation, Joseph begins to reflect the very heart of God.If you've ever faced betrayal, rejection, or unjust treatment—this message is for you. God sees. God knows. And God is with you.You're not forgotten. You're not alone. You're in God's hands.
Want to submit an episode topic request? Text 'em here!Have you ever felt like you're chasing the calling God placed on your life more than you're chasing Him? Yeah, me too. In this episode of the God Empowered Entrepreneur Podcast, I'm getting real about a personal struggle that's been on my heart since the start of the year. As ambitious Christian entrepreneurs, we have big dreams...but if we're not careful, our drive can slowly shift our focus away from the One who called us in the first place.I'm breaking down what happens when our ambition starts taking center stage and sharing practical ways to recenter God in our daily lives WITHOUT guilt or overwhelm. Because the truth is...success means nothing if our relationship with God is suffering. Let's talk about how to keep Him first, even while building a thriving business. What you'll learn in this episode:The subtle ways we start prioritizing goals over GodThe consequences of letting ambition take the leadSimple, practical shifts to keep God first in life and businessWhy obedience will always outshine hustleIf this resonates with you, hit play and let's work through this together. You are not alone, ever!Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: When ambition overshadows obedience01:13 – How to recognize when God is no longer first06:36 – The spiritual and business consequences of misalignment11:29 – Practical ways to keep God at the center daily13:42 – Looking back: When you felt closest to God16:24 – Pursuing God without pressure or perfection19:23 – Final encouragement: Your success starts with surrender Listen now and get the motivation you need today, my friend. Liked the episode? We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a review on Apple or Spotify! Apple Review HereSpotify Review HereWant to tune into the video version? Get that here: https://youtu.be/TDwHgM-vYQA
» For the Neville Goddard listener: Get the 30-Day Unlock God Mode Program « Unlock God Mode is a 30-day program designed to elevate your manifestation skills and and align you with your deepest desires. Join this tranformative course designed to help you connect deeply with life and achieve your goals with clarity and purpose. Claim the early bird sale (limited-time) at unlockgodmode.org ----------------------In this lecture, Neville Goddard redefines original sin, explaining that it has nothing to do with sex but rather with missing the mark—failing to recognize or act upon God's eternal truth. The Bible, he asserts, is not a historical book but a divine mystery, where all characters personify eternal states of consciousness. The first state of divine creation is the way of salvation, personified as a child—a symbol of spiritual rebirth. To hear the truth of this way and reject it is the true original sin.Goddard describes Jesus Christ not as a person but as a series of mystical experiences leading man to union with God. Those who hear the truth but deny it are severely beaten by life, while those who act in ignorance receive mercy. The lecture emphasizes that spiritual awakening comes through belief and personal experience, not religious dogma. Neville urges his audience to practice mercy and transformation by imagining the good for others without their knowledge. The journey to God, he concludes, is not about morality but about awakening through divine realization.Key Takeaways:Original Sin Is Not About Morality, But AwarenessSin means missing the mark—failing to recognize or accept divine truth.The greatest sin is to hear the truth and reject it.Jesus Christ Is Not a Person, But the Path to GodThe way to the Father is through a series of mystical experiences, not a historical figure.Every person must experience the truth to awaken.The First Act of Creation Was the Way of SalvationBefore the world was made, God created the way back.This way is personified as a child, the first and purest state of divine delight.Belief vs. Ignorance: The Degrees of ResponsibilityThose who hear the truth but do not act on it suffer more than those who never knew it.Knowing the truth carries a responsibility to live by it.Mercy and Forgiveness Lead to LiberationThose who act in ignorance receive mercy, as Paul confessed.Practicing forgiveness frees both the giver and the receiver.Imagination Is the Creative Power of GodTo change one's world, one must first imagine a new state and persist in it.The world is a mirror reflecting inner consciousness.Judging States, Not IndividualsPeople are not evil, they are simply occupying different states of being.The key to transformation is to see beyond the state and call forth the divine in others.Spiritual Awakening Is an Individual JourneyNo collective group, religion, or philosophy can bring a person to God-consciousness.Awakening unfolds through a preordained series of mystical events.The Importance of Persistent FaithFaith in imagination must be unwavering."70 times 7" signifies the need for repeated forgiveness and belief in transformation.Salvation is the Return to Divine UnityIn the end, there is only God, and the awakened man realizes he is God.This realization comes through personal experience, not intellectual understanding. ***Download the free Neville Goddard PDF Guide at manifestwithneville.com - Discover the transformative power of Neville Goddard's wisdom with this FREE 60-page guide on his 12 timeless principles of manifestation and reality creation.★ Follow the podcast for daily lectures from the mystic Neville Goddard ★FREE RESOURCES:• Join the FREE Neville Goddard newsletter• Join the FREE Telegram Channel• Feeling is the Secret • Full Audiobook* * *The James Xander Trip Podcast:• Listen on Spotify• Listen on Apple Podcasts• Listen on YouTubeDIVE DEEPER:• The Unlock God Mode Course• The Infinite Wealth Guided Meditation* * *ABOUT NEVILLE GODDARD:Neville Goddard (1905-1972), was an English writer, speaker and mystic. He grew up in Barbados and moved to the United States of America as a young adult. Neville Goddard was perhaps the last century's most intellectually substantive and charismatic purveyor of the philosophy generally called New Thought. He wrote more than ten books under the solitary pen name Neville, and was a popular speaker on metaphysical themes from the late 1930s until his death in 1972.Possessed of a self-educated and uncommonly sharp intellect, Neville espoused a spiritual vision that was bold and total: Everything you see and experience, including other people, is the result of your own thoughts and emotional states. Each of us dreams into existence an infinitude of realities and outcomes. When you realize this, Neville taught, you will discover yourself to be a slumbering branch of the Creator clothed in human form, and at the helm of limitless possibilities.Neville's thought system influenced a wide range of spiritual thinkers and writers, from bestselling author Dr. Joseph Murphy to Rhonda Byrne and Wayne Dyer.He has inspired and continues to inspire millions of readers around the world.* * *SOCIALS:• Neville Goddard Newsletter• Neville Goddard Telegram• Neville Goddard Instagram• Neville Goddard Threads• Neville Goddard Twitter• Neville Goddard YouTube* * *ABOUT THE COURSEUnlock God Mode is a transformative 30-da...
Are you living ready for eternity? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Patricia to discuss how breaking the orphan spirit, embracing true sonship, and learning to love are essential keys to preparing our hearts for heaven. We explore the prophetic connection between identity, love, and eternity, and why the one thing heaven will ask us is: "Did you learn to love?"In this episode, we discuss:How the orphan spirit holds people back from intimacy with GodThe transformation that comes from embracing true sonshipWhat near-death experiences reveal about eternity and loveHow unforgiveness keeps us stuck—and how to release itThis episode will challenge and inspire you to align your heart with God, break free from limitations, and step fully into your identity as a son or daughter of the King.➡️ Listen now and start living ready for eternity!➡️ Connect with Patricia here: https://patriciabootsma.com/---------------------------------------• Get Jen's "Hearing God's Voice for Everyday Life" 30-day Journal that was created for YOU on Amazon! : : https://a.co/d/6aea4Dg
I'm going on tour! Come see The School of Greatness LIVE in person!Get my new book Make Money Easy here!I was blown away by the raw vulnerability and transformative wisdom shared in this amazing episode. Mel Robbins revealed her groundbreaking "Let Them" theory, showing us how unconsciously giving away our power to others is the hidden obstacle blocking our happiness. Melissa Wood-Tepperberg bravely took us behind her picture-perfect exterior to the rock-bottom moments that birthed her wellness philosophy, demonstrating how daily meditation became her lifeline from self-destruction to self-love. Rachel Platten shattered the myth that motherhood diminishes creativity, sharing the spiritual awakening that happened when she surrendered on her knees at 2 AM, screaming "mercy" before receiving divine inspiration for her music. This powerful convergence of female wisdom offers a masterclass in reclaiming personal power, developing a relationship with your authentic self, and finding spiritual connection through life's most challenging moments.In this episode you will learn:How to identify the four specific ways you're unknowingly giving your power away to othersWhy trying to control what's uncontrollable is the root cause of your stress, frustration, and unhappinessThe transformative two-part framework: "Let Them" to accept reality and "Let Me" to take responsibility for your responseWhy adding small positive practices rather than just removing negative habits creates sustainable transformationHow consistent meditation can transform your relationship with yourself and become an anchor through life's stormsA practical exercise to release perfectionism by dividing responsibilities between yourself and GodThe surprising way motherhood can expand rather than limit your creative capacity and spiritual connectionFor more information go to https://www.lewishowes.com/1739For more Greatness text PODCAST to +1 (614) 350-3960More SOG episodes we think you'll love:Mel Robbins – greatness.lnk.to/1710SCMelissa Wood-Tepperberg – greatness.lnk.to/1690SCRachel Platten – greatness.lnk.to/1663SC Get more from Lewis! Pre-order my new book Make Money EasyGet The Greatness Mindset audiobook on SpotifyText Lewis AIYouTubeInstagramWebsiteTiktokFacebookX
In Matthew 6:21, Jesus says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” That teaching is true for everyone, and yet men and women have different perspectives on money. So how do wise women manage the resources God entrusts to them? Miriam Neff is here to talk about that today.Miriam Neff is the founder of Widow Connection, the author of 11 books, a counselor, a Bible teacher, and a speaker. She supports widows through sewing and bakery projects and is the co-author of Wise Women Managing Money: Expert Advice on Debt, Wealth, Budgeting, and More with her daughter. Her radio features New Beginnings and Starting Over Financially air nationwide.Managing money wisely is a critical skill, and for many women, the responsibility of financial stewardship comes unexpectedly. Whether due to widowhood, divorce, or simply taking on a more active role in household finances, women today oversee 51% of the wealth in the United States, a figure that continues to grow.However, with the right mindset and practical steps, women can confidently manage those resources. Here are eight key habits that wise women adopt to steward their finances well.1. Acknowledge That All We Have Belongs to GodThe foundation of wise money management begins with recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. Whether it's a paycheck, a home, or an investment portfolio, God has entrusted our financial resources to us for stewardship.Some may think of their 401(k) or IRA as ‘theirs,' but biblically speaking, all of our resources—income, spending habits, even our possessions—belong to God. This means we must steward everything wisely, from the big decisions to the small ones.2. Take Responsibility for Knowing Your FinancesMany women suddenly find themselves responsible for managing their finances after years of leaving it to a spouse or financial professional. Miriam emphasizes that understanding one's financial situation is crucial, whether through spreadsheets, budgeting apps, or simple pen and paper.We cannot make excuses, such as “My parents never taught me this” or “My teenagers demand too much.” We are accountable to God for how we manage our resources.Taking responsibility also means seeking help. Resources like Widow Connection, Faith & Finance, and local church financial ministries provide guidance and support.3. Create a Spending Plan Based on Income and ValuesThe world encourages spending beyond our means—bigger houses, new cars, and credit card debt. However, wise financial management requires a spending plan that aligns with both our income and values.Cultural messages tell us to spend first and hope our income will catch up. Biblically, we must prioritize contentment and stewardship. A budget is a tool to help us live within our means and honor God.A values-based spending plan includes giving to God first, meeting needs before wants, and saving wisely.4. Recognize That Every Spending Decision Is a Spiritual DecisionLarry Burkett famously said, “Every spending decision is a spiritual decision.” Where we allocate our money reflects our priorities and our hearts.What do you check first thing in the morning—your bank account or social media? If we want to understand our hearts, we should examine our calendars and bank statements. They reveal our true priorities.If our spending habits don't align with our faith, it's time to make changes, even if they start small.5. Eliminate Excuses and Avoid Emotional SpendingExcuses can be a major roadblock to financial wisdom. Many justify poor financial decisions with statements like:“My spouse is a big spender.”“My children need expensive gadgets to fit in.”“I was feeling down, so I indulged in some ‘retail therapy.'”Fear and emotions should not drive our financial decisions. The Bible warns about fear-based financial mistakes, as seen in the parable of the servant who buried his talent instead of investing it (Matthew 25).Owning our financial decisions, rather than blaming circumstances or emotions, is key to stewardship.6. Take Personal Responsibility for Financial ActionsFinancial wisdom requires discipline and self-control. Some common financial missteps include:Overindulging children to compensate for a difficult divorce or personal guilt.Hoarding money to fill an emotional void rather than stewarding it wisely.Making impulsive purchases out of fear rather than planning wisely.When we take a small step toward honoring God with our finances, He steps in and provides in ways we never expected.7. Regularly Review and Adjust Your Financial PlanFinancial plans aren't static—they must evolve with life's changes. With inflation, rising costs, and unexpected expenses, a budget from last year may no longer be effective.A core principle of financial wisdom is having three to six months of emergency savings. We can't predict when financial challenges will come, but we can prepare for them.Adjustments may involve cutting unnecessary expenses, increasing savings, or shifting spending priorities.8. Invest for Kingdom PurposesThe ultimate goal of financial wisdom isn't just security—it's Kingdom impact. Everyone's calling is different, but we should all invest in eternity. Whether it's giving to your church, supporting missionaries, or helping those in need, prioritizing God's Kingdom brings the greatest return on investment.Accountability partners, financial mentors, and small group discussions can also help reinforce wise financial habits.Take the Next Step in Your Financial JourneyThese eight habits provide a roadmap for women navigating financial responsibilities. Whether you're newly managing money or looking to refine your financial approach, the key is to start today.For more insights and practical steps, pick up a copy of Wise Women Managing Money: Expert Advice on Debt, Wealth, Budgeting, and More by Miriam Neff and Valerie Neff Hogan. And if you're a widow looking for financial support, check out Widow Connection for resources and encouragement.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:If I want to do a reverse mortgage, does that mean the house no longer belongs to me?I'm 36 years old and want to know whether I should keep $1,000 in my emergency fund or save 3 to 6 months' worth of my emergency fund income.Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly MagazineWise Women Managing Money: Expert Advice on Debt, Wealth, Budgeting, and More by Miriam Neff and Valerie Neff Hogan, J.D.Widow ConnectionYour Money Counts: The Biblical Guide to Earning, Spending, Saving, Investing, Giving, and Getting Out of Debt by Howard DaytonLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.
Join Dr. Klassen as he unpacks the timeless wisdom of Ecclesiastes and its profound relevance for modern life. Discover how Solomon, the wisest and wealthiest man in history, found that true fulfillment comes only through the fear of God.Key themes explored:The purpose of life "under the sun"How to find meaning in a fleeting existenceUnderstanding death's role in shaping a meaningful lifeBalancing enjoyment and reverence for GodThe relationship between wisdom and the fear of GodFinding joy while living in a fallen worldBiblical perspective on adversity and prosperityDrawing from Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, learn why "fear God and keep His commandments" is more than just a conclusion—it's the key to living life to the fullest. Perfect for anyone seeking deeper understanding of life's purpose and how to find genuine satisfaction in a world of temporary pleasures.
2 Corinthians 4:5-18Strong or weak? How does my idea of the a good Christian affect my view on:Salvation – My standing with GodThe mission – Sharing hope with others
Are you there God? It's me…Why is God hidden? Why is God silent? And why does that matter in light of faith, hope, and love?In this episode, philosopher Deborah Casewell joins Evan Rosa for a discussion of divine hiddenness. Together, they reflect on:Simone Weil's distinction between abdication and abandonmentMartin Luther's theology of the crossThe differences between the epistemic, moral, and existential problems with the hiddenness of GodThe terror, horror, and fear that emerges from the human experience of divine hiddennessThe realities of seeing through a glass darkly and pursuing faith, hope, and loveAnd finally, what it means to live bravely in the tension or contracdition between the hiddenness of God and the faith in God's presence.About Deborah CasewellDeborah Casewell is Associate Professor in Philosophy at the University of Chester. She works in the areas of philosophy and culture, philosophy of religion, and theology & religion, in particular on existentialism and religion, questions of ethics and self-formation in relation to asceticism and the German cultural ideal of Bildung. She has given a number of public talks and published on these topics in a range of settings.Her first book. Eberhard Jüngel and Existence, Being Before the Cross, was published in 2021: it explores the theologian Eberhard Jüngel's philosophical inheritance and how his thought provides a useful paradigm for the relation between philosophy and theology. Her second book, Monotheism and Existentialism, was published in 2022 by Cambridge University Press as a Cambridge Element.She is Co-Director of the AHRC-funded Simone Weil Research Network UK, and previously held a Humboldt Research Fellowship at the University of Bonn. Prior to her appointment in Bonn, she was Lecturer in Philosophy at Liverpool Hope University and a Teaching Fellow at King's College, London. She received her PhD from the University of Edinburgh, my MSt from the University of Oxford, and spent time researching and studying at the University of Tübingen and the Institut Catholique de Paris.Show NotesMother Teresa on God's hiddennessMother Teresa: Come Be My Light, edited by the Rev. Brian KolodiejchukWhat does it mean for God to be hidden?Perceived absenceSimone Weil on God's abdication of the world for the sake of the worldThe presence of God. This should be understood in two ways. As Creator, God is present in everything which exists as soon as it exists. The presence for which God needs the co-operation of the creature is the presence of God, not as Creator but as Spirit. The first presence is the presence of creation. The second is the presence of decreation. (He who created us without our help will not save us without our consent. Saint Augustine.) God could create only by hiding himself. Otherwise there would be nothing but himself. — Simone Weil, in Gravity and Grace, “Decreation”Abdication vs. AbandonmentA longing for God, who is hidden, unknown, unperceived, and mysteriousMartin Luther's theology of the cross“Hidden in the suffering and ignominy of the cross.”“God is powerful but chooses not to be in relation to us.”Human experiences of divine hiddennessThree ways to talk about hiddenness of God epistemic hiddenness: ”if we were to grasp God with our minds, then we'd be denying the power of God.”Making ourselves an idolThe Cloud of Unknowing and “apophatic” or “negative” theology (only saying what God is not) Moral hiddenness of God: “this is what people find very troubling. … a moral terror to it.” Existential hiddenness of God: “where the hiddenness of God makes you feel terrified”Revelation and the story of human encounter or engagement with God“Luther is the authority on the hiddenness of God in the existential and moral sense.”The power of God revealed in terror.“God never becomes comfortable or accommodated into our measure.””We never make God into an object of our reason and comfort.”Terror, horror, and fear: reverence of GodMarilyn McCord Adams, *Christ & Horrors—*meaning-destroying events“That which is hidden terrifies us.”Martin Luther: “God is terrifying, because God does save some of us, and God does damn some of us.”The “alien work of God”“Is Luther right in saying that God has to remain hidden, and the way in which God has to remain hidden has to be terrifying? So there has to be this kind of background of the terrifying God in all of our relations with the God of love that is the God of grace that, that saves us.”Preserving the mystery of GodWe're unable to commodify or trivialize God.Francis Schaeffer's He Is There and He Is Not Silent“Luther construes it as a good thing.”Suffering, anxiety, despair, meaninglessnessHumanity's encounter with nothingness—the void“Interest in the demonic, or terror, as a preliminary step into a full religious or a proper religious experience of God.”Longing for God in the BibleNoah, Moses, David“The other side of divine hiddenness is human loneliness.”Loneliness and despair as “what your life is going to be like without God.” (Barton Newell)Tension in the experience of faith1 Corinthians 13:12: ”Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know even as I also am known.”Faith, hope, and love abides in the face of epistemic, moral, and existential hiddenness of God.The meaning of struggling with the hiddenness of God for the human pursuit of faith, hope, and love“Let tensions be.””But you've always got to keep the reality of faith, hope, and love, keep hold of the fact that that is a reality, and that can and will be a reality. It's, it's, not to try and justify it, not to try and harmonize it, but just to hold it, I suppose. And hold it even in its contradiction.”Production NotesThis podcast featured Deborah CasewellEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Emily Brookfield, Alexa Rollow, & Zoë HalabanA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give
In this episode, Stephen Cervantes and I dive into the ongoing struggles of emotional disconnection in marriage, sparked by one man's agonizing question: How does a man live a good life while feeling alone and disconnect in his marriage? We explore the pain of feeling isolated from a spouse and the importance of personal growth, faith, and community support. Stephen shares wisdom on enduring suffering, finding joy beyond one's spouse, and the necessity of a supportive network. We emphasize that personal transformation often happens through discomfort and that God's presence provides comfort and guidance. This episode is a hopeful reminder that growth and resilience can lead to deeper connections and fulfillment, even in challenging times.For daily insights from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage.org. Topics Covered in this Episode: Emotional disconnection in marriagePersonal growth through discomfort and sufferingThe role of faith in navigating relationship challengesImportance of community support and accountabilityStrategies for coping with loneliness and isolationTransforming perspectives on love and relationshipsFinding contentment and peace in solitudeEngaging in practices that foster connection with GodThe significance of ongoing dialogue with GodEncouragement to take actionable steps toward personal transformationMore Resources:God is Growing YouIs Grace Really Enough?Dealing with Conflict - Marriage Podcast BundleRelated Podcasts:What Can Stunt Your Emotional Growth Mission?Living More than a Love StoryGrieving to Grow a Great Marriage----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsSubscribe to our YouTube channel.
In Step 8: Messiah, we explore the long-awaited arrival of Jesus, born in humility and destined to bring salvation to humanity. We learn about his ministry, teachings, and miracles, before his eventual rejection by the religious leadership. We discuss the significance of Jesus' death on the cross as a substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of humanity, and how it opened the way for righteousness and eternal life.Suggested Readings:Matthew 4:18-24John 3:1-21Matthew 27:29-50Episode Highlights:The historical context of Jesus' arrival after 400 years of silenceJesus' humble beginnings and early signs of divine wisdomThe gathering of disciples and teachings about the Kingdom of GodThe famous conversation with Nicodemus about spiritual rebirthJesus' identity as both Messiah and Son of GodThe significance of the crucifixion as a substitutionary sacrificeSupport the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgOur sessions use various translations including the ESV, BSB, CSB, NASB,...
Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nate McWhorter as they dive deep into one of Supernatural's most emotional episodes – the Season 5 finale "Swan Song." Originally written as a potential series finale, this episode brings the apocalyptic showdown between Michael and Lucifer to its dramatic conclusion.The hosts break down how Chuck's narration frames the entire episode through nostalgic reflections about the Impala, setting up what was intended to be the show's final chapter. They discuss Sam's sacrificial plan to say "yes" to Lucifer and trap him in the cage, despite Dean's initial reluctance. The emotional weight of Dean finally accepting his brother's choice leads to some of the series' most powerful moments.The climactic scene in Stull Cemetery delivers on five seasons of buildup, with Jensen Ackles giving a devastating performance as Dean refuses to give up on reaching Sam, even as Lucifer (in Sam's body) beats him nearly to death. The hosts analyze how the sight of the toy soldier stuck in the Impala's ashtray becomes the key to Sam regaining control, proving the profound importance of the brothers' shared history.Key Topics Covered:Chuck's role as narrator and mounting evidence that he may be GodThe significance of Detroit as the prophesied location for Sam to say "yes"Castiel's memorable "Hey assbutt!" moment before Molotov-ing MichaelThe powerful montage of Sam's memories that allows him to overcome LuciferAnalysis of the bittersweet ending with Dean attempting a normal lifeDiscussion of how the episode works both as a series and season finaleThe drinking game rules and tallies for the episodeThe hosts close by reflecting on how "Swan Song" serves as a love letter to fans while leaving just enough of an opening for the story to continue—which it did for another 10 seasons. Whether viewed as a season or series finale, this episode stands as one of Supernatural's finest hours, perfectly balancing action, emotion, and the core theme of family that defined the series.Remember to catch Krissy and Nate performing live at the Neighborhood Comedy Theater in Mesa, Arizona, and don't miss their upcoming Savvy Fest Improv Festival this coming Valentine's Day weekend! ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.
In this lecture, Don Carson discusses God's sovereignty and covenant promises as he unpacks Abraham's story in Genesis 12. Carson critiques common misconceptions about God's relationship with humanity, demonstrating how God's covenant with Abraham points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. The lecture stresses the importance of understanding God's grace, as seen in Abraham's obedience and trust in God's promises. He teaches the following:The three common misconceptions of God's relationship with humanityWhy God does not need humanity's worship or obedienceWhy it's important to understand God's sovereignty and graceGod unconditionally fulfills his promises, even when humans failThe cultural significance of Abraham's obedience to GodThe story of Abraham and Isaac is a prefiguration of God's ultimate act of grace in sending his Son to die for humanity
Send us a textGROW. Greatness Reached over Oppression through Wisdom Old ways are passed wayI'm Thankful each and everyday! Glory✨
In his TGCW24 message, David Platt teaches Jesus's final “I am” statement from John 15:1–11, which Jesus spoke to his disciples on the night he was betrayed.Jesus calls all believers to abide in him like a branch remains in its vine, drawing everything we need from him. We don't rely on our obedience to save or sanctify us; we rely on the finished work of Jesus, depending fully on him. Because apart from him, we can do nothing. He is the true vine.Platt teaches the following:Childlike boldness and the will of GodThe metaphor of the vineJesus as the true vineExperiencing abundant life in JesusThe role of prayer and meditationThe battle for belief and trustBearing fruit for the worldHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together
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One of the most challenging part of manifesting your best life is when you aren't actually manifesting what it is that you want into your life. Personally, this is something that Kat knows all too well after a big fall out that she had with an important person in her life back in 2022. The past few years have been a bit of a doozy for Kat and on today's podcast episode she peels back the layers on the reality of not getting what she's wanted BUT only to be lead to something greater (even though it didn't feel like things were going to get better at the time). On today's episode of That's So Rich is all about the hardship that happens when you don't get what you want but instead something greater.As mentioned on today's episode, Kat would like to personally invite you to claim your 7-day free trial to Belief Society! Belief Society is a conscious community for the person who refuses to settle for less and knows that they are meant for a greater life than they have right now. Belief Society offers an all-in-one hub to not only manifest your best life, but to then also sustain it, grow it and have a community that has your back every single step of the way. CLICK HERE to start you 7-day free trial today!In this episode we'll dive into:recognizing when fear is holding you back from speaking your truthfocusing on the richness that comes through finding and creating community that gets youbuilding a relationship to Godthe shift from hustling to make things happen to softening into things happening naturallya deeper level of innerwork that happens when you're not getting what you wantco-creation through God VS doing it alonesurrendering control over to The Divine when there is confusion on how to move forwardGod plans > your plandeepening your capacity to receive something even greater than what you originally wantedtrusting that things can turn out even better on the other side of the trials and hardshipintroducing Belief Society!If you are ready to take control of your manifestation journey, check out the resources linked down below...Claim your 7-day FREE trial to Belief Society - Kat's membership community for the person who knows they were made for more and REFUSES to settle for less!Apply for The Abundant *AF* Babe AcademyFollow Kat on Instagram
2024 YEAR-END FINANCIAL NEED: $118,000This ministry continues to reach men and women worldwide through the generous and faithful partnerships of listeners like you. Would you prayerfully consider partnering with us to meet our year-end financial need? To make your year-end gift or become a monthly partner, visit Bebroken.org/donate. Thank you!----------In this episode, our guest is Ben Locke, author of "In Our Suffering Lord Be Near: Prayers of Hope for the Hurting." Ben shares his amazing journey from being a dedicated soccer player to facing severe injuries, abuse, and emotional trauma. These experiences led him to a deep exploration of suffering, mental health, and faith.We discuss the importance of processing emotions, the transformative power of prayer, and the role of therapy in healing. Ben's story is a testament to finding hope and connection through shared human experiences and Christian faith. Join us for an inspiring conversation on resilience and recovery.Ben's book can be found on Amazon or wherever books are sold. If you want to receive Ben's weekly prayer devotional, visit EvensongJournal.com.Topics Covered in this Episode: Personal journey through suffering, injury, and traumaExperiences as a soccer player and the impact of injuriesChallenges related to mental health and emotional strugglesThe role of prayer in coping with sufferingImportance of processing emotions and seeking therapyConnection between suffering and shared human experiencesRole of faith and relationship with God through strugglesThe transformative power of prayer and honest communication with GodThe significance of community and support in dealing with sufferingHope and healing as outcomes of confronting and sharing strugglesMore Resources:Gateway to Freedom 3-day intensive for menFind a GroupA Sacred Sorrow* by Michael CardRelated Podcasts:Let's PrayRecovery Discovery 019: PrayerThe Immanuel Approach in Recovery*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsSubscribe to our YouTube channel.
Discover how to create an intentional spiritual practice through establishing a "rule of life" - a transformative approach to deepening your relationship with God. In this powerful message about spiritual formation, learn why transformation is possible but not inevitable, and how spending intentional time in God's presence can reshape every area of your life.This sermon explores:The concept of a rule of life and why it mattersBreaking free from religious rituals to find true restPractical steps for managing time with GodThe difference between religious acts and authentic relationshipHow transformation happens through God's presenceStarting small with achievable spiritual practices#FollowandFormed #PracticingtheWay #ChristianLiving #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianSermon #SpiritualDisciplines #Prayer #Faith #ChristianLife #BibleTeaching #ChristianityBasics #SpiritualFormation
Offering listeners a map to the heart, Ramdev explores how loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity interconnect.Today's podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.This time on Healing at the Edge, RamDev holds a talk on: The four qualities that lead to the heart (loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity)Finding meaning through connection to self, others, and GodThe path of the heart versus the path of inquiryDying into the heart rather than attempting to find everything outHow on-going, unprocessed grief makes it difficult to open the heartTrusting both the light and the painEquanimity as the foundation of the heartHaving devotion to awareness and the sanghaThe many available paths to consciousnessInvoking that which we feel devotion to during our meditationsIntegrating practice into daily life“In the Bible, it talks about ‘pray without ceasing', and the only way you can do that is if your practice goes so deep into yourself that it's happening without you doing it because other times you're doing other things. The quality of the prayer saturates the cloth of your being, you're colored by the prayer.” – RamDevSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Life becomes difficult when our misaligned motivations lead to our inability to see God clearly and to hear his voice. In this episode, Tim and Josh discuss what happens when lies lead to our desire to run away from God; and what we can do to remain at home with God.Topics discussed in this episode:We look back over this season and share some of our favorite momentsGod's plan vs the enemy's planThe powerful reality of your storyWhat gets in the way of our ability to be live the life that Jesus offersBeing still and listeningHow we get off course in our life lived with GodThe meaning of the word “at home in and with God”The compounding effect of the enemy's liesThe aim of our life lived with GodLies and AgreementsResources mentioned in this episode:Our one-year journey for men and womenThis podcast is an offering of Seek Well. To find out more about us visit seekwell.orgWant to help? Please consider supporting this podcast with a tax deductible monthly donation. Your generosity will help us continue to invest in the lives of men and women who want to live the life that Jesus offers by learning to slow down, listen for his voice and Seek Well. To donate, visit seekwell.org/donate.
This Sunday, September, we continue our sermon series through the book of Genesis, The World According to God. This week, we will be covering Genesis 1:1-31, God According to God. Who is God?How did He create the world?When did He create the world?And what can we learn about Him from His creation?Genesis 1 is one of the most debated chapters in the Bible. How you interpret it will have a major impact on how you interpret the rest of the Genesis account... as well as the rest of Scripture. It is important to understand the historical reality and literary beauty of the creation account. But beyond the particulars of Genesis 1, we have to be careful that we do not miss the focus of this passage. GODThe primary goal of Genesis 1 is to introduce us to God, Elohim, the All-Powerful One, the God of creation, the God of Israel. From Genesis 1, we learn about God's invisible attributes, His eternal power and His divine nature (Romans 1:20).God creates. God speaks. God sees. God separates. God names. God blesses. God gives. These actions of God reveal His essential nature. May God open our eyes to His glory as we study His creative power!
10 Things Scientists Can't Explain and Attribute to GodSavvy Dime, By James Dorman, on August 19, 2024https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/10-things-scientists-can-t-explain-and-attribute-to-godThe discussion dives into a critique of a misleading article that claims science cannot explain various mysteries, thus attributing them to divine intervention. The article, referred to as more of a "PowerPoint presentation" than an insightful piece, lists ten things the author believes scientists can't explain, but the hosts quickly dismantle these claims with both humor and scientific reasoning. One of the most striking examples is the claim that the origin of the universe cannot be explained by science, suggesting that this gap in understanding is proof of divine creation. The hosts point out that while science may not have all the answers yet, particularly regarding what happened before the Big Bang, it has made substantial progress in understanding the universe's evolution from the moment after the inflation started. They emphasize that the absence of an answer does not equate to proof of a supernatural cause, using historical examples like the invention of artificial light to illustrate that scientific progress often fills these gaps over time. The conversation also touches on the article's absurd claim that science cannot explain morality or human connection, which the hosts refute by citing examples of altruistic behavior in animals, including rats and even ants, suggesting that these behaviors are rooted in biological and evolutionary processes rather than divine influence. They argue that cooperation and empathy are social survival mechanisms, not divine mysteries. Another point of ridicule is the article's assertion that the world is perfectly designed, which the hosts mock by pointing out obvious flaws in nature, such as the oversized pit of an avocado. They also discuss the fallacy of the Goldilocks argument, explaining that just because the universe exists in a way that supports life does not mean it was designed for that purpose; rather, it is a reflection of the conditions that allow life to exist. Throughout the discussion, the hosts emphasize that the article fails to engage with actual scientific explanations and instead relies on philosophical or theological arguments that science cannot empirically test. They underscore that science is a pursuit of answers, and just because some mysteries remain unsolved does not mean they are beyond scientific understanding.The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.35.4 featuring Kelley, Infidel64 , Jonathan Roudabush and Eli SlackBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.
How do we pursue healing, restoration, and ultimately wholeness in Jesus in light of uncovering the lies that we have been told by the enemy? In this episode we talk about the reality that we have an active part to play in our healing and wholeness; and when we invite Jesus into the process He leads us through it.Topics discussed in this episode:Who did we want to be when we grew up?Lies are often presented to us when we are young and our perceived identities are being formedDoing what it takes to fit inThe power of asking God “what do you want me to know?”What's really going on beneath the surfaceWhat to do when we reencounter lies in our livesThe questions to ask GodThe reality that we all need help on our path towards wholeness in ChristBe still and listenResources mentioned in this episode:Our one-year journey for men and womenThis podcast is an offering of Seek Well. To find out more about us visit seekwell.orgWant to help? Please consider supporting this podcast with a tax deductible monthly donation. Your generosity will help us continue to invest in the lives of men and women who want to live the life that Jesus offers by learning to slow down, listen for his voice and Seek Well. To donate, visit seekwell.org/donate.
As a kid, my favorite part about school was recess. Don't get me wrong, I liked school. I liked learning. But I liked playing even more. Now, when it came to recess, my friends and I almost always ended up deciding between one of two games to play together — football or kill the carrier. These two games are very different from one another.In football, you have an even amount of people on both teams — half who are trying to tackle you, half who are trying to block for and defend you. Now, one team may end up with bigger kids than the other team, or faster kids than the other team, but the numbers themselves are always an even split: Six on six. Seven on seven. And so on.Kill the carrier is different, because in kill the carrier the moment you pick up the ball, everyone on the field is your enemy. The kids to your right, to your left, in front of you and behind you, each one of them has one object in mind the moment that ball touches your hands — kill the carrier, which is now you. And within a matter of seconds, that object is typically accomplished as you find yourself flatly pressed to the ground, face to the dirt, and anywhere from 10-15 of your closest friends smothered on top of you. My vote was always for football. Because being surrounded by enemies did not make me feel strong. Did not make me feel at peace. But made me feel vulnerable, and weak, and in need of much help. Psalm 83 is a Psalm about a people surrounded by enemies. A people in need of much help. A people whose enemies did not mean to merely smother them, but annihilate them and wipe them from the face of the earth. Which is why Psalm 83 begins as it does: “O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still, O God!” Following that initial cry for help, we're going to see the Psalmist do three things. First, he's going to provide the reason he's asking God for help. Then, he's going to make his request to God — “God, this is how I'm asking you to help us.” Lastly, he's going to explain his hoped-for result. “God, this is what I want to have happen as the result of you answering my prayer. Reason for God's help, request for God's help, result of receiving God's help. Let's pray and ask God to help us.Alright, so what is the reason for the Psalmist's cry for help? What's the reason he prays: “O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still, O God!”? We'll start with verse 2:Reason for Prayer“For behold, your enemies make an uproar; those who hate you have raised their heads.” Notice the vertical dimension of these words. The problem, first and foremost, is that these people are enemies of God. It's first a vertical problem. “Your enemies (O God) make an uproar; those who hate you (O God) have raised their heads.” And right off the bat, we might wonder, “What could possibly lead to such insanity?” For a people to “raise their heads” against God. We get that imagery, right? “Raise their heads.” Like a rebellious child to his parents, or a defiant soldier to his captain. It's a posture of opposition. Of insolence. And, in this case, insanity. Like a bunch of toy soldiers lining up against a sixty-ton tank. What could lead to such insanity? Hate. Hate could cause a people to do something like that. And I fear that we are going to miss the significance of that word here in verse 2. I fear that because of our immersion into a world that daily disregards and defies God, that we'll simply skip over that word “hate” without even batting an eye. Brothers and sisters, don't miss the outrage of what's being communicated here. This Psalmist is saying these people hate God. “Those who hate you have raised their heads.” There is no greater evil in all the world than the evil expressed in that short phrase — “hate God.” And if our jaw is not ready to drop upon seeing those words (hate God), then we need to recalibrate to reality. What this verse is saying when it comes to the God who made this world, and upholds this world, and loves this world, and gave up his only Son for this world, these people hate him. There is nothing more dark and evil than that in all the world. Nothing. I mean, you might be able to find someone who hates your habits, hates your stuff, hates your politics, hates your morals, maybe even hates you — and yet not one of those hates, not one of them, holds a candle to the human hatred of God himself. There is no worse condition in all the world than having a heart that hates its Maker.Hatred for God's PeopleNow, it follows, that if a certain people hates God, they're going to hate the people who worship God as well. So verses 3-8 should come as no surprise — flowing from the fount of hatred for God is a hatred for God's people. And, as we see, it is a united hatred.Look with me at verse 3,“They lay crafty plans against your people; they consult together against your treasured ones.”Again in verse 5,“For they conspire with one accord; against you they make a covenant.”Their shared hatred for God and his people leads, as it were, to a cooperative effort. One aimed at total annihilation. Verse 4, “They say, ‘Come, let us wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Israel be remembered no more!'”Total annihilation. Entire nations, linking arms, bound for the blood of God's treasured ones, and as much blood as possible. Now, to get a sense for the scale of this mounting opposition, the Psalmist lists the names of these enemy nations in verses 5-8 — Ten nations in total. And if we had more time together this morning, we could go through each one of these and note the backstory of the tension between these particular nations and God's people. As it is, we don't have time for that, and the backstory is not really the main point here anyway. The main point is this: Israel, God's people, are surrounded.See if you were to take a map of the world at this time, position Jerusalem (the Land of God's people) right in the center, you could plot out these other nations and come to find that they form a ring all round Jerusalem. Enemies on all sides — that's the point. God's people, in other words, have nowhere to run. Nowhere to turn. Nowhere to go, except to God who rules over all. So, that's what the Psalmist does. He goes to God. Lays out the reason for his alarm, and makes his request to God. RequestBeginning in verse 9, we can see that the Psalmist's request is founded upon the pages of history — all the times in which God's people were in need, and all the times God came to their rescue. Specifically, he cites two scenes from history — both from the book of Judges.The first one involves Midian. You see it there in verse 9? “Do to them as you did to Midian.” To which we might ask, “What did God do to Midian?” Well, he embarrassed them is what he did. He not only defeated them but humiliated, embarrassed them in the process. See God's people at that time had an army of 22,000 men. That's a good size army, don't you think? Well, God didn't. Instead, he whittled that army down to a tiny remnant of only 300 men. He then equipped that army for battle against mighty Midian with clay jars and trumpets. He directed them to then go and surround Midian in the middle of the night, smash a bunch of the jars, blow a bunch of trumpets, make a really loud noise and hold their torches up in the air. They did it. Guess what happened?Midian's mighty soldiers woke up in a panic, and assuming their fellow comrades all round them to be the enemy, grabbed their swords and starting killing each other. Midian was routed that day. Their four leaders — Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna (you can see their names listed in verse 11), were killed as well. Midian was not only destroyed that day, but humiliated in the process.The second story involving Canaan, and its king Jabin and his leading commander Sisera (you can see their names listed in verse 9), is very similar. Not only was their army routed in battle, but their commander Sisera, (valiant warrior as he was) turned tail and ran from the battle in fear. He sought shelter in the home of a woman named Jael. He asked her for water and protection, just as a child would ask his mother. She brought him in, gave him some milk, covered him with a blanket, and then sunk a tent peg into his skull. Canaan, Jabin, and Sisera was not only destroyed that day, but humiliated in the process.Now, the Psalmist, looking out at the enemy nations all round him, and recalling those two scenes from history, says, “God, do to these enemies what you did to Midian and Canaan and Sisera. Destroy them, and even humiliate them in the process.Request Rooted in NatureNow, the Psalmist's request continues for a few more verses, but the background on his request changes a bit. No longer flowing from the pages of history, but from what can be seen in the realm of nature. Verse 13,“O my God, make them like whirling dust, like chaff before the wind.”If you've ever seen an old western movie, you know the image he has in mind here, right? I used to joke with my brother and sister about this because we watched a lot of old westerns with my grandpa when we were growing up. And always, always, there was a scene, where one guy is staring down another guy, it's quiet, tension is peaking, and then this lone tumble weed drifts across the plain between them. That's the picture here, “turn these enemy nations into something akin to lone, worthless, bone-dry tumbleweed blowing aimlessly out of focus.”Chaff, similarly, as the unused part of a plant after harvest, dries out, breaks up, and is carried away in the wind. “God,” says the Psalmist, make them like that. Take, what feels to us, like an immovable and impenetrable enemy, and, “poof,” blow them away.Still in the realm of nature, verse 14 takes things up a notch.“As fire consumes the forest, as the flame sets the mountains ablaze, so may you pursue them with your tempest and terrify them with your hurricane!”Notice: “May you pursue them with your tempest…” God, set your sights, lock in on our enemy, and set a fire blazing upon their heels.The Psalmist clearly wants God to go after this enemy. He wants him to be the one to take down this enemy, and, as we noted in the pages of history, to even do so with a sort of flair that humiliates them in the process. But the question we want to ask is, “to what end?” What does the Psalmist actually want as the result of God's intervention? At first, it appears he wants two very different, even contradictory, results. And we might wonder, “How is this going to work?” How does one possibly pray for both of these seemingly contradictory results, in the very same Psalm?Result of the Prayer Look with me first at verse 16. The Psalmist prays, “Fill their faces with shame,” (that's that bit about defeat leading to embarrassment that we've been talking about). “Fill their faces with shame,” like embarrassment, humiliation, dishonor. But observe the intended result,“Fill their faces with shame that they may seek your name, O Lord.”In other words, make them to see the foolishness and futility of their actions. Awaken them to their own darkness and depravity. Allow them to become so broken and burdened that it brings them to their knees, casts their eyes down to the ground, leads them to cover their faces with shame — “we're sinners.” But do so, O God, in such a way that there, on the ground, and in their shame, these wayward souls begin to feel a tug upon their hearts — one like they've never experienced before. A pull that cries, “Go to God, you rebel, bring your shame and sin to him.” Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek your name, O Lord.” Now what does it mean to seek God's name? Well it means to seek God's character. Seek God's nature. Seek God for who he is as, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty” (Ex. 34:5-7). To seek the Lord is to seek him for mercy, forgiveness, reconciliation, and joy. Just as the Psalms have been saying all along:Psalm 27:8, “You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.”Psalm 40:16, “May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!”Psalm 69:6, “Let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel.”Psalm 105:3-4, “Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”The Psalmist's prayer in verse 16 is rooted in the reality that, as we see in Paul's speech in Acts 17: God is the one who “Made the world and everything in it, (and who is the) Lord of heaven and earth… (and) who gives to all mankind life and breath… (and who) made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth…that they should seek (Him), and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him.”It is rooted in the reality that God the Son says to all mankind, Matthew 11,“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” It is rooted in the reality that even now, from heaven, God the Son calls,“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me” (Rev. 3:20).“Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek your name, O Lord.”It is a glorious prayer. A prayer with an intended result that befits the nature of God. And it is not the Psalmist's only hoped for result. The Psalmist, as we said, seems to pray here in not one but two very different directions toward two very different results. See how verse 17 reads a bit different: “Let them be put to shame and dismayed forever; let them perish in disgrace.”Condemnation before GodThe image here, in contrast to verse 16, is one in which the nations do not end up repenting. They do not end up seeking God, but die in their disgrace and sins. That's what it means to be “Put to shame and dismayed forever.” Forever offers no second chances. Forever offers no hope of a change in the future. “Put to shame and dismayed forever.”This is a prayer for condemnation. And, we might ask, what gives the Psalmist the right to pray this way?Well, to begin, the Psalmist knows that some people will in fact die shaking their fist at God. The Psalmist knows that. Some people will never repent, but will instead die shaking their fist at God. What he doesn't know is whether that'll be the case for these particular people from the enemy nations round him, or not. Will they end up seeking God or will they not? The Psalmist does not know.Yet, this is where we need to lean in. What the Psalmist does know is that if, if, these people for the enemy nations round him do, in fact, never end up repenting and instead die in their sins, die shaking their fist at God, then they must not be allowed to get away with it. In other words, the Psalmist does not pray, “God, cause these people to seek your name. But if they don't, would you just ignore that fact? Could you just turn a blind eye to their sin? Would you be willing to just overlook their rebellion against you?”The Psalmist does not pray that, and he does not want that, and the reason he doesn't is actually the key to unlocking this whole thing. See, because more than anything, highest in priority in terms of the Psalmist's request, is not ultimately that these enemies would be saved, nor ultimately that these enemies would be condemned, but ultimately that one way or another, they would know, they would know, verse 18: That God alone, whose name is the Lord, is the Most High over all the earth. Not them. Not some other god. But God alone, whose name is the Lord, is the Most High over all the earth.See, because here's the thing: When people live their whole lives hating God and hating his people, they live as walking, talking proclaimers of fake news: “God isn't all that great.” “God isn't worthy of our time.” “God is like chopped liver compared to the treasures this world has to offer.” And in doing so, they defy God's glory and drag it through the mud. And when they die that way, they appear, at least from the perspective of the world, to have gotten away with it. They, not God, appear, in the eyes of the world, to be the ones who are most high over all the earth — after all, they were even able to defy God and get away with it.Were the Psalmist to pray, “God, call these people to seek your name. If they don't, just let ‘em be” it would be akin to praying, “God, either get your glory through saving these people, or, simply allow them to go on trampling your glory throughout all eternity. Allow their apparent victory over you to suggest your glory and worth which they've defied isn't all that great after all.” As it is, the Psalmist does not pray that and does not want that, and neither should we. Now, should we “Desire all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4)? Our God does, so we should as well. Should we love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us? Of course. Jesus tells us to in Matthew 5:44.Should we also seek to share the good news with our enemies in hopes they'll turn from their sin and receive God's mercy and forgiveness? Of course — that is our commission from here till the day God takes us home. But should we ever desire that those who die hating God, get off the hook for their rebellion against him? No.See, the truth of the matter is that one day, when the lights go out and the curtain falls, Jesus is going to come again to judge the world, and when he does, every knee is coming down. “Every knee [will] bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue [will] confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:10-11).Every man and every woman will know, they'll see it for themselves, that God, not man, but God alone, whose name is the Lord, is the Most High over all the earth.And on that day, God will get the glory he deserves from every single soul.From those who in their life repented and turned and sought God — God will be glorified in the fulfillment of their salvation. From those who did not, in their life, end up repenting or turning or seeking God — God will be glorified in their just condemnation. Their reception of the only punishment terrible enough and long enough to prove the glory and worth of the one whom they have spurned — Hell for all eternity.Our ultimate prayer as Christians should always be, “God, no matter what, get your glory.”Our ultimate prayer should always be, as Christians, “God, hallowed be your name!”The deepest desire within all of our hearts should be that God's worth and God's glory and God's splendor would be held high in our world and throughout all eternity.We pray for our enemies. We pray, “God, save our enemies.” God humble them so that they seek you while you may still be found. And behind that prayer, undergirding that prayer, is “God, no matter what, get the glory you deserve in this world. Get your glory no matter what.”The TableNow, what brings us to the table this morning is the reminder that each and every one of us in this room this morning were born enemies of God. We were born, Romans 1:30, “haters of God.” And yet, as Romans 5:8 tells us, “God show[ed] his love for us in that while we were still sinners [still haters of God], Christ died for us.” Christ died for his enemies. You and me. This table represents his broken body and shed blood for the sake of his enemies. Because that's what this table represents, if you're here this morning and you've trusted in Jesus, we invite you to take and eat with us. If you've not put your trust in Jesus, we ask that you'd let the elements pass, but we pray you would, in this moment, receive Jesus, and his death for you.
Dallas Willard (1935-2013) was an influential philosopher and beloved author and speaker on Christian spiritual formation. He had the unique gift of being able to speak eloquently to academic and popular audiences, and it's fascinating to observe the ways his philosophical thought pervades and influences his spiritual writings—and vice versa.In this episode, Steve Porter (Senior Research Fellow and Executive Director of the Martin Institute, Westmont College / Affiliate Professor of Spiritual Formation at Biola University) joins Evan Rosa to explore the key concepts and ideas that appear throughout Dallas Willard's philosophical and spiritual writings, including: epistemological realism; a relational view of knowledge; how knowledge makes love possible; phenomenology and how the mind experiences, represents, and comes into contact with reality; how the human mind can approach the reality of God with a love for the truth; moral psychology; and Dallas's concerns about the recent resistance, loss, and disappearance of moral knowledge.About Dallas WillardDallas Willard (1935-2013) was a philosopher, minister and beloved author and speaker on Christian philosophy and spiritual formation. For a full biography, visit Dallas Willard Ministries online.About Steve PorterDr. Steve Porter is Senior Research Fellow and Executive Director of the Martin Institute for Christianity & Culture at Westmont College, and an affiliate Professor of Theology and Spiritual Formation at the Institute for Spiritual Formation and Rosemead School of Psychology (Biola University). Steve received his Ph.D. in philosophy at the University of Southern California and M.Phil. in philosophical theology at the University of Oxford.Steve teaches and writes in Christian spiritual formation, the doctrine of sanctification, the integration of psychology and theology, and philosophical theology. He co-edited Until Christ is Formed in You: Dallas Willard and Spiritual Formation, Psychology and Spiritual Formation in Dialogue, and Dallas's final academic book: The Disappearance of Moral Knowledge. He is the author of Restoring the Foundations of Epistemic Justification: A Direct Realist and Conceptualist Theory of Foundationalism, and co-editor of Christian Scholarship in the 21st Century: Prospects and Perils. In addition to various book chapters, he has contributed articles to the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, Philosophia Christi, Faith and Philosophy, Journal of Psychology and Theology, Themelios, Christian Scholar's Review, etc. Steve and his wife Alicia live with their son Luke and daughter Siena in Long Beach, CA.Show NotesThe Martin Institute for Christianity & Culture at Westmont CollegeDallas Willard Ministries (Free Online Resources)Dallas Willard, The Spirit of DisciplinesWillard as both spiritual formation teacher/pastor and intellectual/philosopherGary Moon, Becoming Dallas WillardDallas Willard MinistriesConversatio DivinaPhenomenology—“One of the principles of phenomenology is you want to kind of help others come to see what you've seen.”Willard “presenting himself to God” while teaching“The kingdom of God was in the room.”The importance of finding your own way into your spiritual practicesAn ontology of knowing and epistemological realism: “We can come to know things the way they are.”What does it mean to say that being precedes knowledge or that metaphysics precedes epistemology? What does that imply for spiritutal formation?What is real?Operating on accurate information about realityDallas Willard on Husserl: “What is most intriguing in Husserl's thought to me, the always hopeful realist, is the way he works out a theory of the substance and nature of consciousness and knowledge, which allows that knowledge to grasp a world that it does not make.”The Cambridge Companion to HusserlThe philosophical tradition of “saving the appearances”Mind-world relationshipThe affinity between concepts and their objectsDallas Willard on concepts and objects: “On my view, thoughts and their concepts do not modify the objects which make up reality. They merely match up or fail to match up with them in a certain way. Thus, there would be a way things are, and the realism there would be vindicated along with the possibility at least of a God's eye view.”Lying as a disconnection from the truth and therefore from the worldAgency in our choice to know God and pursue knowing GodThe role of sincerity and honesty in shared realityRichard Rorty, “Solidarity or Objectivity”: “breaking free of the shackles of objectivity”Dallas Willard in “Where Is Moral Knowledge?”: “One way of characterizing the condition of North American society at present is to say that moral knowledge, knowledge of good and evil, of what is morally admirable and despicable, right and wrong, is no longer available in our world to people generally. It has disappeared as a reliable resource for living.”Knowledge used to justify violence versus knowledge used to counter injusticeMoral relativism vs moral absolutism—which is the problem today?Moral absolutism is often not rooted in knowledge, but a feeling of certaintyDallas Willard, *The Disappearance of Moral Knowledge* (also available here)Social causes for moral knowledge having disappeared from public lifeMoral knowledge provides the place to stand for justiceWhat is it to be a good person?Emmanuel Levinas and the face of the otherDallas Willard in The Divine Conspiracy, “The life and words that Jesus brought into the world came in the form of information and reality.”Becoming a student of JesusWillard's four fundamental questions: What is real? What is the good life? Who is the good person? How does one become good?Dallas Willard on how to understand Jesus's words: “It is the failure to understand Jesus and his words as reality and vital information about life. That explains why today we do not routinely teach those who profess allegiance to him, how to do what he said was best. We lead them to profess allegiance to him, or we expect them to, and we leave them there devoting our remaining efforts to attracting them to this or that.”The contemporary issue of exchanging becoming more like Jesus for other ways of life.The real cost of changing one's lifeFrederica Matthewes Green: “Everyone wants transformation, but no one likes to change.”“The good news of Jesus is the availability of the Kingdom of God.”Sociologist Max Picard, *The Flight From God* and philosopher Charles Taylor on “the buffered self.”Dallas Willard on taking Jesus seriously as a reliable path to growth“In many ways, I believe that we are at a turning point among the people of Christ today, one way of describing that turning point is that people are increasingly serious about living the life that Jesus gives to us. And not just having services, words, and rituals. But a life that is full of the goodness and power of Christ. There is a way of doing that. There is knowledge of spiritual growth and of spiritual life that can be taught and practiced. Spiritual growth is not like lightning that hits for no reason you can think of. Many of us come out of a tradition of religion that is revivalistic and experiential. But often the mixture of theological understanding and history that has come down to us has presented spiritual growth as if somehow it were not a thing that you could have understanding of. That you could know, that you could teach, that made sense. And so, we have often slipped into a kind of practical mysticism. The idea that if we just keep doing certain things, then maybe something will happen. We have not had an understanding of a reliable process of growth.”Jesus on “The Cure for Anxiety”Production NotesThis podcast featured Steve PorterEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Alexa Rollow & Kacie BarrettA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give
Rabbi Sacks' Favourite Song and EpitaphMany many times has the 929 corresponded eerily with other events happening. But I have not had one like this before.In 1991, Dr Jonathan Sacks, then chief rabbi elect of the United Kingdom was the guest on a deeply beloved British radio show, Desert Island Disks, in which guests are asked to select the songs they would take with them to a desert island. One of Rabbi Sacks' choices was the famous niggun צמאה נפשי לאלהים my soul years for you, the living God which is taken from today's 929. These words come from Tehillim 63 but are pre-empted in today's chapterWhen at the end of the interview, he was asked which one would he pick if he had to choose just one, he said, it would be צמאה נפשי - for he hopes that one day such a line would be his epitaph - that it could be said of him when he died that his soul yearned for God.צָמְאָ֬ה נַפְשִׁ֨י ׀ לֵאלֹהִים֮ לְאֵ֪ל חָ֥י מָתַ֥י אָב֑וֹא וְ֝אֵרָאֶ֗ה פְּנֵ֣י אֱלֹהִֽים׃my soul thirsts for God, the living God; O when will I come to appear before GodThe whole interview of R Sacks' favourite songs can be listened to at https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0093z8bThis is Berry Sacharov and Yonatan Razal's rendering of the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgxGVmYJ5pw Ilana Stein shares her wisdom on both ch.42 and 43 which are considered by many to be a single unit. Text here: www.sefaria.org/Psalms.42, www.sefaria.org/Psalms.43
Sharing insights from the path of love, Omid Safi discusses the teachings of Sufi philosopher, Hazrat Inayat Khan.Today's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.In this episode of Sufi Heart, Omid Safi explores:The universality of loveComing back to the centerExperiencing God directlySigns of God in scripture, nature, and our own soulsHaving an open heart for all of humanityPracticing love as a religionGoing into our breath for full presence and communion with GodHow vast God is, yet how close we are to GodThe singular focus of God as the belovedThe necessity of our ancestors' wisdomThe path of the mystic vs. ordinary religion“The center is where we come to have that direct, immediate, unmediated experience of God, which is to say, the heart.” – Omid SafiSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
From KEPHA 2024, Michael Gormley discusses the importance of living a life of purpose and devotion to God. He emphasizes the need for men to provide, protect, and be devoted to the law of the Lord. He also highlights the significance of fatherhood and the example of Jesus as the ultimate model of sacrifice and love. The conversation explores the meaning of fatherhood and the role of men in society. It emphasizes the importance of being a good father and the need for men to be strong and virtuous. He then discusses the distortions of masculinity in society and the need for men to subordinate their strength for the sake of others. The conversation also touches on the biblical concept of husband and wife roles and the importance of men taking the lead in their families. The speaker encourages men to be active and not passive in their roles as fathers and to prioritize the well-being of their families.TakeawaysThe need for men to live a life of purpose and devotion to GodThe role of men in providing, protecting, and being devoted to the law of the LordFatherhood is a sacred responsibility that requires strength, virtue, and sacrifice.Masculinity should not be defined by societal distortions, but by the willingness to lay down one's life for others.Men should take the lead in their families and be active rather than passive.Thoughts to Chew On"I don't think any man in this room, especially those of you who got here at 430 to set up, I don't think any of us ever woke up in the morning thinking, I want to live a life of profound mediocrity.""The perfection of boyhood is manhood. And the perfection of manhood is fatherhood.""What does it mean to be a father?""A man is someone who becomes strong so that he can subordinate his strength for others.""Men need to be good men, not just good at being men."Please prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Patreon page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. As always, please pray for us! We are men who are striving every day to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy facesResources:Check out KEPHA and build your own legacyFind out more about Gomer Mystic Monk CoffeeFor the best cup of coffee for a great cause, Mystic Monk Coffee is the choice for you! Support the Show.Mystic Monk Coffee → For the best coffee for a great cause, we recommend Mystic Monk Coffee. Roasted with prayer by the Carmelite Monks in Wyoming, Mystic Monk Coffee has the ultimate cup waiting for you. See more at mysticmonkcoffee.comTAN Books → TAN has been one of the most well-known and respected Catholic publishers for a long time. Their objective? To make men and women saints. Take 15% off your order and help support the podcast by using the code “manlycatholic” at checkout. Visit TAN Books for more! Contact us directly at themanlycatholic@gmail.com. Support the show on Patreon
We often take on more than we are capable of in life; and we often attempt to lead our lives under our own power, even when we have heard time and time again that apart from Jesus we can do nothing. This episode explores what Jesus means when he speaks about the abiding life and what it means to remain in Him.Topics Discussed in this Episode:The best piece of leadership advice we've ever received The Abiding Life, life to the fullWhat it means to remain at home with GodThe “old” you and the “new” you in ChristAbility to be fully presentThe illusion of false fruit in our livesJohn 15 and the parable of the vine and the branchesThe reality of false fruitAbide, stay, remainThis podcast is an offering of Seek Well. To find out more about us visit seekwell.orgWant to help? Please consider supporting this podcast with a tax deductible monthly donation. Your generosity will help us continue to invest in the lives of men and women who want to live the life that Jesus offers by learning to slow down, listen for his voice and Seek Well. To donate, visit seekwell.org/donate.
Flannery O'Connor is known for her short stories in which “A Good Man Is Hard to Find.” But it's often those ugly, mean, disgusting, scandalizing, violent, weird, or downright hateful characters in Flannery O'Connor stories that become the vessels of grace delivered.So, how should we read Flannery O'Connor?Jessica Hooten Wilson (Pepperdine University) joins Evan Rosa to open up about Flannery O'Connor's life, her unique perspective as a writer, the theological and moral principles operative in her work, all as an immense invitation to read O'Connor and find the beauty of God's grace that emerges amidst the most horrendous evils. Includes a discussion of Flannery O'Connor's short story, “Greenleaf.”Show NotesCheck out Jessica Hooten Wilson's presentation of Flannery O'Connor's final, unfinished novel: Flannery O'Connor's Why Do the Heathen Rage?Click here for an online copy of “Greenleaf” to follow along with our analysisSpiritual formation through the works of Flannery O'ConnorHow to read for a flourishing life“Greenleaf” by Flannery O'ConnorFlannery O'Connor's reading grounded in tradition of early church mothers and fathers.Paying attention to every individual word.First word: Mrs. Mays looses her agency.Europa & the Bull, Ovid's MetamorphosisMrs. May's blinds as hiding pieces of reality, shutting out GodThe spiritual truth of the story is concealed when not read attentively and intentionallyFlannery's writings defying instant gratification“The wrong kind of horror”The development of American consumerismShowing versus enjoying violenceSacramental readingThe Holy FoolThe Violent Bear It Away as a hymn to the eucharistO'Connor requires spiritual reading.A summary of “Greenleaf”Pierced by the bull, a violent union of Savior and sinnerO'Connor's Christian characters; “A Good Man is Hard to Find”Characters changing and choosing faith before death.The final paragraph of “Greenleaf”Mrs. Greenleaf as the opposite of Ivan Karamazov, in The Brothers KaramazovOpening to the world with the knowledge of GodPentecostalism and zeal in “Greenleaf”Stabbed in the heart, medieval mysticism“Lord, help us dig down under things and find where you are”About Jessica Hooten WilsonJessica Hooten Wilson is the Fletcher Jones Endowed Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University ('23) and previously served as the Seaver College Scholar of Liberal Arts at Pepperdine University ('22-'23). She co-hosts a podcast called The Scandal of Reading: Pursuing Holy Wisdom with Christ & Pop Culture, where she discusses with fellow authors, professors, and theologians with Claude Atcho and Austin Carty. She is the author of Flannery O'Connor's Why Do the Heathen Rage?: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a Work in Progres*s (Brazos Press, January 23, 2024); Reading for the Love of God: How to Read as a Spiritual Practice (Brazos Press, 2023);* Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints (Brazos Press, 2022) which received a Christianity Today 2023 Award of Merit (Culture & the Arts) and a Midwest Book Review* 2023 Silver Book Award (Nonfiction – Religion/Philosophy); co-author with Dr. Jacob Stratman of Learning the Good Life: Wisdom from the Great Hearts and Minds that Came Before (Zondervan Academic, 2022); Giving the Devil his Due: Demonic Authority in the Fiction of Flannery O'Connor and Fyodor Dostoevsky* (February 28, 2017), which received a 2018 Christianity Today Book of the Year Award in the Culture & the Arts; as well as two books on Walker Percy: *The Search for Influence: Walker Percy and Fyodor Dostoevsky* (Ohio State University Press, 2017) and Reading Walker Percy's Novels (Louisiana State University Press, 2018); most recently she co-edited Solzhenitsyn and American Culture: *The Russian Soul in the West* (University of Notre Dame Press, 2020).She has received numerous fellowships, grants, and awards, including a Fulbright Fellowship to the Czech Republic, an NEH grant to study Dante in Florence in 2014, and the Biola Center for Christian Thought sabbatical fellowship. In 2018 she received the Emerging Public Intellectual Award given by a coalition of North American think tanks in collaboration with the Centre for Christian Scholarship at Redeemer University College, and in 2019 she received the Hiett Prize in Humanities from The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture.Production NotesThis podcast featured Jessica Hooten WilsonEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Macie Bridge, Alexa Rollow, and Tim BergelandA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give
Oftentimes we think that God's love for us is dependent on what we do for Him; but the reality is that there is nothing that we could do to change His love for us. If we learn how to slow down and listen, God is repeatedly saying to us “you are enough, I love you.” And sometimes, God's message of his love for us comes from unexpected places; like our children. Topics discussed in this episode:What each of us are “tinkering” withBeing fully present to God and othersWhen is the last time that you heard God tell you that he loves you?Ephesians 6 and the “fiery darts of the enemy”Replacing lies from the enemy with truth from GodThe phrase that God is saying to you over and overWhat God wants of usThis podcast is an offering of Seek Well. To find out more about us visit seekwell.orgWant to help? Please consider supporting this podcast with a tax deductible monthly donation. Your generosity will help us continue to invest in the lives of men and women who want to live the life that Jesus offers by learning to slow down, listen for his voice and Seek Well. To donate, visit seekwell.org/donate.
In this episode, Joshua Molden and I give an introduction to the Doctrine of the Trinity. After establishing our need of the Scriptures for a sufficient knowledge of God (previous episode), we now begin to examine what the Scriptures reveal to us about God, and we begin with this glorious doctrine of the Trinity. Our goal in the episode is to lay out and defend three statements that the Bible teaches about God, and endeavor to show how they fit together. Our goal is not to remove all the mystery of the Doctrine of the Trinity, but only to bring some helpful clarity.There is only one true and living GodThe one God exists eternally as a Trinity of Persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)Each person is fully GodIf you'd like to study this issue more, a great resource to look at is the Athanasian Creed
Why is life so hard? Why do we suffer? Job 7:1 (CEV). Job asked some of the most fundamental questions of life when he experienced deep suffering. In these messages, Pastor Rick walks through a biblical response to these tough questions and why it feels like you're in a battle. When you get closer to God, his light reveals your sin and how it causes emotional distress and disappointment, relational distance and discord, and a disconnect with Godthe worst result of all. But Jesus overcame the world and defeated the power of sin! Learn from Pastor Rick in this message what that means and how it will change your life. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29
Bishop Konderla and Derek review the uses of digital evangelization and chat about the importance of daily prayer and the reading of scripture while looking at the post-Roe age and the March for Life in Washington D.C. In this Podcast:FOCUS and the mission within the diocese Digital Evangelization and Rumenating on the Word of GodThe 51st annual National March for LifeWatch Tulsa Time on YouTubeStream, Download, and Listen on Your Favorite PlatformFollow @dioceseoftulsa Here on the "Eastern Oklahoma Catholic" Podcast, you can find all things Catholic in the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma.Stream, listen, and subscribe on your favorite platform now!Sign up for the diocesan email or follow social media at:Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
On this episode of In The Circle, I join Anand Mehrotra from the Sattva Yoga Academy in Rishikesh, India, to discuss a topic I strongly believe in—addiction and recovery through the Yoga-Vedantic approach. Anand Mehrotra is a world-renowned visionary master, evolutionary thought leader, and entrepreneurial and social change trailblazer. He is the founder and master teacher of Sattva Yoga and Sattva Yoga Academy. Amazing things take place whenever we get a chance to look at addiction through the lens of yoga.I have found it profoundly necessary in our modern approach to addiction to start to bring in some of these new perspectives. We allow ourselves to gain further knowledge by working to expand our understanding of addiction and bring to light the innate quest for bliss and connection that is the drive of the human experience. Tommy discussesThe integration of Yoga and RecoveryHuman nature and its role in addictionThe power of sharing personal experiences and transformationThe need for humans to give a form to GodThe need for continual adaptation and innovation in recovery practicesSPECIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER: Join Tommy Rosen for The 8-hour Awakening, a live, online, transformational journey beginning December 9, 2023. Only $108 (Regular price $347). Find out more and grab your spot here: R20.com/8hourawakening Further Links & ResourcesCatch a Meeting. We offer 30+ Universal Recovery meetings every week. Meetings are always free.Want ongoing recovery insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the UpliftJoin our Recovery 2.0 Community: access your authentic power, connect with others on a similar path, and thrive in a life beyond addictionSubscribe to The Recovery Channel on YoutubeVisit our websiteCome and experience an in-person event or retreat: r20.com/eventsAddiction is part of everyone's journey, but recovery is not. The Recovery 2.0 Membership is a place where you can explore the topics that interest you, find community, and connect with Tommy Rosen on a personal level. It's here that we'll dig into spirituality and union of the mind, body, and spirit, and transform from the inside out. You will learn and grow alongside a community of supportive, conscious, compassionate, and vibrant individuals, like you!Join us at r20.com/welcome to explore how to move beyond addiction and thrive in your life.Connect with TommyInstagramFacebookTikTokRecovery 2.0@Recovery2Point0 on Instagram
Using wisdom from Eastern philosophies, Alan Watts explains why Westerners should let go of any preconceived notions of God.This series is brought to you by the Alan Watts Organization and Ram Dass' Love Serve Remember Foundation. Visit Alanwatts.org for full talks from Alan Watts.This Alan Watts lecture features a discussion on:Comparative studies on religionThe absurdity of Christian imperialismSuperiority and lack of faithThe difference between faith and beliefBlasphemy and those who claim to be GodThe political image of God in the westThe ceramic model of the universe (material and form)Hindu mythology and dramaSelf-discovery of supreme realityThe meaning of MayaPunitive reasons why people say that God is deadFixed notions of God as idolatryContemplative prayer and letting go of our ideas of GodExistence as relationshipBuddhist vows versus western obedienceLooking beyond the skin-encapsulated ego“It must be understood that the crux of the Hindu and Buddhist disciplines is an experience, not a theory, not a belief.” – Alan WattsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Pushing beyond the bare minimum of religiosity, Omid Safi inspires listeners to deepen their faith into an ecstatic adoration of God.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenowIn this episode of Sufi Heart, Omid Safi elucidates :Islam and the unity of AllahIman as faith and Ihsan as virtueSpirituality and AestheticsDoing what is required of us through religionHow Habib (the chosen one) inspired a deeper level of faithHow we can aspire to be in a state of love and adorationThe eyes of the heart versus the eyes of the headWorshiping God for more than just salvationIslamic Saints and their stories of experiencing Allah through beautyRecognizing the unwavering divine presence of GodThe eternal now and present moment awarenessUndivided attention as an act of loveCourtesy and recognizing our individual journeysBeing a beautiful witness“God is to be found here and now…the divine simply is not to be experienced in the afterlife, in the heavenly realms, in the celestial realm. Here and now where you are, where we are, we can come to experience Allah.” - Omid SafiYou can join Omid on one of his heart-centered and spiritually-focused educational tours of:Mecca and Medina Umrah program: December 14-21st, 2023. [For Muslim participants]Morocco: April 13-22nd, 2024.Turkey: somewhere in late May to early June, 2024.Further information is available at Illuminated Courses & Tours where you can also find information on virtual courses, spiritual talks, and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
OUTLINE of today's show with TIMECODESWhat "Glitch" McConnell's episode tells you about the attitudes of those in power in DC (2:07)Joe Biggs sentenced today. What about Paul Whelan, held by Russians since Trump was President in 2018. Neither Trump nor Biden have done anything to negotiate a release so RT does a video showing him in prison (WATCH) (4:42)Italian Prime Minister Georgia Maloni completely reverses herself on border and the key issues she ran on. Sound familiar? (16:26)Church of England divorces GodThe pagan licentious "church" where "priests" decide what they will and will not follow. This is why western civilization is in free-fall. The Kingdom of God is NOT a democracy (22:41)DoJ gets conviction against abortion protestors who exposed possible murder. They face up to 11 years and $350,000 fine (31:45)Cops steal money from orphans (41:44)Tucker & Orban say Trump is the only way to avoid World War 3. Let's look at this absurd lie (47:49)A look at Heritage Foundation's Trump plan for taking out the Deep State. Did you really think conservatives there care about the Constitution and limited government? (59:52) "Do Not Comply" — Trump Pretends He Didn't Comply with Fauci in 2020No Democrat could've gotten away with what Trump did to the country in 2020. Now he reinvents himself and conservative media tries to flush what he did down the memory hole. So, let's look at how he did EVERYTHING he now pretends to oppose and even ran on it in 2020. His 2020 campaign ran a commercial with Fauci bragging about how COMPLIANT Trump had been to Fauci's orders. (1:15:42)China's Commercial Real Estate bubble is bursting BIG TIME. Will it cause a global recession or war? (1:25:35)The "Don't Tread on Me" Gadsen Flag kid is back in class as the school gives up. But one of the most fascinating things about this episode is the school itself and the curriculum. What does it tell us about education today? (1:40:13)INTERVIEW - Dangerous Precedents of RICO Indictment Davis Younts, YountsLaw.com, joins to talk aboutRICO and other perversions of the rule of lawvital importance of reclaiming trial by jury and jury nullificationhow to best protect your family from escalating attacks on parental rights(2:00:00)WATCH: commercial I did from 15 years ago about Parental Rights - "Self-Evident" (2:54:11) Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Money is only what YOU hold: Go to DavidKnight.gold for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to TrendsJournal.com and enter the code KNIGHT
OUTLINE of today's show with TIMECODESWhat "Glitch" McConnell's episode tells you about the attitudes of those in power in DC (2:07)Joe Biggs sentenced today. What about Paul Whelan, held by Russians since Trump was President in 2018. Neither Trump nor Biden have done anything to negotiate a release so RT does a video showing him in prison (WATCH) (4:42)Italian Prime Minister Georgia Maloni completely reverses herself on border and the key issues she ran on. Sound familiar? (16:26)Church of England divorces GodThe pagan licentious "church" where "priests" decide what they will and will not follow. This is why western civilization is in free-fall. The Kingdom of God is NOT a democracy (22:41)DoJ gets conviction against abortion protestors who exposed possible murder. They face up to 11 years and $350,000 fine (31:45)Cops steal money from orphans (41:44)Tucker & Orban say Trump is the only way to avoid World War 3. Let's look at this absurd lie (47:49)A look at Heritage Foundation's Trump plan for taking out the Deep State. Did you really think conservatives there care about the Constitution and limited government? (59:52) "Do Not Comply" — Trump Pretends He Didn't Comply with Fauci in 2020No Democrat could've gotten away with what Trump did to the country in 2020. Now he reinvents himself and conservative media tries to flush what he did down the memory hole. So, let's look at how he did EVERYTHING he now pretends to oppose and even ran on it in 2020. His 2020 campaign ran a commercial with Fauci bragging about how COMPLIANT Trump had been to Fauci's orders. (1:15:42)China's Commercial Real Estate bubble is bursting BIG TIME. Will it cause a global recession or war? (1:25:35)The "Don't Tread on Me" Gadsen Flag kid is back in class as the school gives up. But one of the most fascinating things about this episode is the school itself and the curriculum. What does it tell us about education today? (1:40:13)INTERVIEW - Dangerous Precedents of RICO Indictment Davis Younts, YountsLaw.com, joins to talk aboutRICO and other perversions of the rule of lawvital importance of reclaiming trial by jury and jury nullificationhow to best protect your family from escalating attacks on parental rights(2:00:00)WATCH: commercial I did from 15 years ago about Parental Rights - "Self-Evident" (2:54:11) Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Money is only what YOU hold: Go to DavidKnight.gold for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to TrendsJournal.com and enter the code KNIGHT