Podcasts about Horeb

And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them. The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. The Lord made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day. The Lord talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire, (I stood between the Lord and you at that time, to shew you the word of the Lord.)Deuteronomy 5:1-5Hello everyone and welcome to the Christian Educational Ministries Weekend Bible Study. It is good to be with you and we thank you for being there and allowing us to make this weekly service possible.Tonight we are pleased to bring you the teachings of Ronald L. Dart and part three of his thoughtfully detailed study on the book of Deuteronomy—which teaches us to know God, love God, and obey God.

Horeb – Mitzvah #77 - Intermarriage -  Why Judaism Isn't Racist, and What Makes a Marriage Sacred In this episode, we tackle a common misconception: that Judaism's opposition to intermarriage is rooted in ethnic exclusivity. Drawing from the insights of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch's Horeb, we explore how Judaism views identity through ethical and moral responsibility. We contrast the universalism of the Church with salvation through the institution, with Judaism's ethical universalism, which upholds that anyone can find favor through just and moral living. We also examine how love in Judaism is not an end in itself, but a foundation that matures into shared mission, where man and woman unite not just emotionally, but toward a higher purpose.

Ref.: Pfr. Richard Schitterer, Hausgeistlicher im Kloster Heiligenbronn, Schramberg

Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.”—Exodus 3: 1-3

Mit Pfr. José Filiberto Velázquez Florencio, Leiter eines Zentrums für Betroffene von Bandengewalt im Süden Mexikos In Mexiko ist die katholische Kirche immer noch eine Institution, der die Menschen viel Vertrauen entgegenbringen. Das wird für viele immer wichtiger, da die Korruption und die Gewalt durch Drogenkartelle immer mehr zunimmt. Wie hier die katholische Kirche für die Menschen da ist und wie sie sich der Macht der Drogenkartelle und der Korruption entgegenstellt, berichtet uns Pfr. José Filiberto Velázquez Florencio in dieser Sendung. Er leitet im Süden von Mexiko ein Zentrum für Betroffene von Bandengewalt.

Ref.: Prof. Dr. Reimer Gronemeyer, Theologe, Soziologe und Autor, Giessen Noch nie war eine Gesellschaft so alt wie heute - und zugleich so versessen auf Jugendlichkeit. Alte Menschen fühlen sich zunehmend abgehängt, von Digitalisierung, rasenden Entwicklungen und einer jungen Generation, die wenig Interesse an Lebenserfahrung zeigt. Schließlich haben Senioren in ihrer schnelllebigen Welt keine besonderen Kompetenzen vorzuweisen. Wo finden wir in Zeiten sich auflösender Familienstrukturen noch echte Berührungspunkte zwischen alt und jung, jenseits der Diskussion um Renten und Pflegenotstand? Der Theologe und Soziologe Prof. Reimer Gronemeyer beschäftigt sich ein Berufsleben lang als Wissenschaftler mit dem Thema Alter und Gesellschaft. Mit seinen 85 Jahren ist er an der Universität Gießen nach wie vor in ständigem Kontakt mit der Jugend, die heute "ganz anders" ist als zu seinen frühen Dozentenzeiten in den 70gern. Im Standpunkt blicken wir mit ihm dem Generationenkonflikt tapfer in die Augen und fragen nach Lösungsansätzen. Buch: Die Abgelehnten. Warum Altersdiskriminierung unserer Gesellschaft schadet Reimer Gronemeyer Droemer Verlag; ISBN: 978-3-426-65988-5; Preis: 22

Ref.: Pfr. Ebbo Ebbing, Rheine (Münsterland)

Ref.: Joseph Carl Schneider, Heilpraktiker, Germering "Das liegt mir auf dem Magen", sagt man nicht umsonst. Psyche und Verdauung hängen eng miteinander zusammen, ebenso der Verdauungstrakt und das Immunsystem. In der Lebenshilfe betrachten wir Magen und Darm gemeinsam mit dem Münchner Heilpraktiker Joseph Carl Schneider aus ganzheitlicher Sicht.

Ref.: Dr. Veronika Ruf, Augsburg Die Psalmen sind Lieder und Gebete aus dem Alten Testament, die voll sind von Emotionen und menschlichen Erfahrungen. Und nicht nur dieser Reichtum ist es, der die Psalmen so spannend macht. Jesus selbst hat als Jude diese Texte gebetet! Wie könnten wir also besser beten als wenn wir uns Jesus zum Vorbild nehmen? Die Psalmen und die daraus entstandene Tradition des katholischen Stundengebets, darum geht es heute im Kurs 0.

Ref.: Josef Müller, Bestsellerautor und Redner, Fürstenfeldbruck bei München

Ref.: Pfr. Martin Finkel, Bad Hindelang

Ref.: Pfr. Christoph Heinzen, Ruppichteroth

Ref.: Pfr. Richard Kocher, Programmdirektor von radio horeb

Evening lessons: Psalms 106:19-46; Ezekiel 18; Acts 14:8-28.  They made a calf in Horeb and worshipped a molten image.

Ref.: Pfr. Peter van Briel, Sprecher der Karl-Leisner-Jugend, Hopsten-Halverde

Ref.: Dr. Markus Hoffmann, Entwicklungspsychologe Mit pubertierenden Kindern ins Gespräch zu kommen ist nicht einfach. Gerade Jungs, die ohnehin weniger über ihre Gefühle sprechen, ziehen sich oft zurück oder sind ständig mit Freunden unterwegs. Umso mehr ist es in dieser Zeit wichtig, dass die Eltern sich aktiv darum bemühen, mit ihren Söhnen im Gespräch und in Beziehung zu bleiben. Vor allem die Väter. In der Lebenshilfe beschreibt der Entwicklungspsychologe Dr. Markus Hoffmann, welche Anknüpfungspunkte sich im Familienleben für einen Austausch "von Mann zu Mann" ergeben - und wie ein konstruktives Vater-Sohn Gespräch aussehen kann. Denn auch wenn die jungen Kerle gerne selbstbewusst oder sogar abweisend auftreten - in der Regel schlummern in ihnen viele bedrängende und ungelöste Fragen, auf die ein Vater allemal bessere Antworten haben sollte als die Jugendkultur, in die sie sonst abtauchen.

Ref.: Pfr. Ewald Billharz, Emmingen-Liptingen

Ref.: Josef Müller, Bestsellerautor und Redner, Fürstenfeldbruck bei München

Frater Gregor Baumhof OSB, Haus für Gregorianik in München https://www.gregorianik.org/index.htm https://www.freunde-abrahams.de/blaetter-abrahams-intention/blaetter-abrahams-heft-22-2022/

In Dark Sayings, I explain how Emperor Justinian stands as a striking example of imperial harlotry. Like all rulers, he filtered Scripture through his own agenda—much like what we see in 2025, with elites twisting the biblical text to justify the very actions it condemns. Today's world leaders are effectively reenacting the sins of the Bible's villains.If it weren't a tragedy, it would be a comedy. I'd sit with Jonah beneath the vine—bag of popcorn in hand.What came of Justinian copying the sins condemned in Scripture?A massive stone temple—still longed for today. This longing betrays a rejection of the preaching of the story of the Gerasene demoniac, where God himself, through his anointed Slave, rejects Roman law and silences the Greek intellectual tradition.In defiance of this witness, Justinian—praised even now—translated Roman law into Greek, a move that flatly contradicts the biblical text.O foolish Galatians. You asked for a king, and you got one.Justinian's reign was marked by a bloody attempt to resurrect Rome's former glory: the North African campaign against the Vandals, the prolonged and ruinous Gothic Wars in Italy, and a brief incursion into southern Spain. These campaigns were catastrophically expensive, devastating to local populations, and—like all imperial games—ended in failure. Far worse was the Justinianic Plague, a lethal epidemic that ravaged both the population and the economy.Together, these calamities fractured the region's future. Though the Western Roman Empire had already collapsed in the 5th century, Justinian's ambitions destabilized its successors and hindered the organic development of local societies.Things might have turned out differently. We might have avoided the first Dark Age—or at least the first one we know of—had Justinian not tried to impose a new civilization atop the ruins of the old.Dear friends:There is no God but One.He is the Heavenly Shepherd.He claims no embassy, joins no assembly, and takes no seat at your councils.He casts no vote, answers to no electorate, and has no constituents.He occupies no office, nor does he dwell in any capital.He is beholden to nothing and answers to no one.His throne is in the heavens, far beyond your reach, where maps are not drawn.Be afraid oh nations.Tremble with fear, oh bordermongers, for he is not mocked—Not by you, nor your puny gods, nor your counterfeit leaders.I place all my hope in his Slave who trusted in his command to subdue the Latin-lex and silence the Greco-lego at the Decapolis in Luke.Everything I do, I do for this Slave's Rebellion.This week, I discuss Luke 8:30.Show Notesἐρημόω (erēmoō) / ח־ר־ב (ḥet–resh–bet) / خ–ر–ب (khāʾ–rāʾ–bāʾ)To dry up, to be desolate, or to be destroyed. To be devastated, often referring to lands, cities, or nations. Greek examples in the LXX include: ξηραίνω (xērainō - to dry up), ἐρημόω (erēmoō - to make desolate), ἀφανίζω (aphanizō - to destroy).In Hebrew חָרַב and Arabic خَرِبَ both describe the undoing of cities, structures, or human systems—especially in the wake of divine judgment.In both the Bible and the Qur'an, ruin is not random—it is the consequence of injustice, arrogance, or rejection of divine instruction.Isaiah 51:10 – “Was it not you who dried up (הַמַּחֲרֶבֶת [ha-maḥărébet]) the sea…”Surah Al-Hashr 59:2 - “They destroy (يُخْرِبُونَ [yukh'ribūna]) their houses with their own hands…” يُخْرِبُونَ (yukh'ribūna) comes from خَرَّبَ (khar·ra·ba) — they lay waste / destroy, describing the self-inflicted ruin of the Banu Nadir tribe, continuing on the itinerary of civilizational ruin brought on by pride and resistance to God's covenant.The function ח-ר-ב (ḥ-r-b) appears in Scripture to prescribe the destruction of cities and the downfall of kings—figures aligned with human systems of law and control. This same root functions in the name Mount Horeb, the site where divine law is given. It also functions as “sword,” an agent of God's judgment. In Exodus 32:27, Moses commands the Levites at Horeb to take up their swords ח-ר-ב (ḥ-r-b) and execute judgment within the camp after the sin of the golden calf, connecting the themes of lawgiving and purifying violence. ח-ר-ב (ḥ-r-b) highlights the biblical tension between the collapse of human law and the assertion of divine will through biblical instruction and judgment.In the Septuagint, ἐρημόω (erēmoō) corresponds lexically to ח-ר-ב (ḥ-r-b) in the following passages: Judges 16:24; 2 Kings 19:17; Job 14:11; Isaiah 34:10; Isaiah 37:18, 25; Isaiah 44:27; Isaiah 49:17; Isaiah 51:10; Isaiah 60:12; Jeremiah 28:36; Jeremiah 33:9; Ezekiel 26:2, 19; Ezekiel 29:12; Ezekiel 30:7; Amos 7:9.Λεγιών (legiṓn)(For a detailed discussion, please see Blaise Webster's article, The Crux of Paul and John's Gospel.)From the Latin legio, meaning legion, a Roman military unit (~6,000 soldiers), itself from the Indo-European root legō.From Latin legō, we also get Lex—law (that which is gathered or set in order)Lex, derived from legō, becomes a symbol of civilizational control—a codified system that enforces order, often violently.Roman Legions (from the same root) are the custodians of lex, instruments of imperial coercion and domination.Lex and legion are bound together both linguistically and ideologically—law enforced by gathered violence.In Greek, λόγος (logos) stems from λέγω and is associated in Hellenistic philosophy with reason, logic, and natural law. The Pauline School's co-opting of this term is an attack on Hellenism.For Paul, λόγος is not Greek reason, but shorthand for “the word of the cross” (ὁ λόγος τοῦ σταυροῦ)—foolishness to the world and power to those being saved, who trust in God's victory (1 Corinthians 1:18); Knowing that his work will find its own completion in the Day of the Lord. (Philippians 1:6)Unlike the constructive Greek logos, which seeks order and coherence, the Pauline logos is destructive—an insurgent word embedded within Greco-Roman structures, intended to bring about their co-termination in the execution of Jesus, thereby dismantling the entire system.Lex (law) and lego (rhetoric/philosophy) represent false structures of control and meaning, in opposition to the Pauline gospel.T...

Ref.: Peggy Paquet, Therapeutin für Logotherapie und Liebevolle Zwiesprache, Germering Viele Menschen empfinden heute Angst vor der Zukunft: Die Welt verändert sich rasant, und diese Veränderungen bringen Unsicherheit mit sich. Gleichzeitig werden wir überflutet von Nachrichten, die ein Gefühl der Ohnmacht hinterlassen. In der Lebenshilfe stellen wir uns mit der Logotherapeutin Peggy Paquet diesen Zukunftsängsten - und suchen nach Antworten auf die Frage, was in solchen Zeiten der Krise trägt.

Ref.: Josef Müller, Bestsellerautor und Redner, Fürstenfeldbruck bei München

Ref.: Bischof Célestin Hakizimana, Gikongoro (Bistum Gikongoro), RUANDA

Dr. Ricardo Febres Landauro https://feuerstrom.com/jetzt-spenden/

Ref.: P. Prof. Dr. Michael Schneider SJ, Spiritual am Priesterseminar, emeritierter Prof. für Dogmatik, Liturgiewissenschaft und spirituelle Theologie, Eichstätt

Leo Tanner https://www.leotanner.ch/ https://www.weg-verlag.ch/

Ref.: Prof. Dr. Christoph Ohly, Köln (Bistum Köln)

Ref.: P. Elmar Busse ISch, Dernbach (Westerwald)

Ref.: Josef Müller, Bestsellerautor und Redner, Fürstenfeldbruck bei München

Ref.: Dr. Albert Wunsch, Erziehungswissenschaftler und Autor, Neuss

Ref.: Josef Müller, Bestsellerautor und Redner, Fürstenfeldbruck bei München

Horeb – Mitzvah #76: Your Moral Environment - Snared by Influence (and what is חֵרֶם)

Übertr: Radio Vatikan, Rom, Italien (im Rahmen der Hl. Messe zu Pfingsten)

The Lord our God spoke unto us in Horeb, saying, You have dwelt long enough in this mount:Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites, and unto all the places near there, in the plain, in the hills, and in the lowland, and in the south, and by the sea side, to the land of the Canaanites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river, the river Euphrates.Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the Lord swore unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their descendants after them.Deuteronomy 1:6–8 KJ2000

Ref.: Pfr. Dr. Josef Wieneke, Berlin-Schöneberg (Bistum Münster) Die Kirche in den Herausforderungen der Geschichte. Manchmal wie ein spannender Abenteuerroman, manchmal wie ein Krimi mit Intrigen und Machtspiel; aber immer - bei allen menschlichen Fehlern - ist es der liebende Weg, den Gott mit uns geht. Das wird kaum irgendwo deutlicher, als wenn wir einen Blick in die Kirchengeschichte werfen. Ein leicht zugängliches und spannendes Bild der Kirchengeschichte der letzten 200 Jahre zeichnet uns Pfr. Dr. Josef Wieneke im Grundkurs des Glaubens.

Ref.: Ehepaar Annette und Diakon Aleksander Pavkovic, München Blindheit muss nicht nur eine Behinderung sein - manchmal ist sie auch eine Stärke. Davon sind Diakon Aleksander Pavkovic und seine Frau Annette überzeugt. Beide sind von Geburt an blind und haben in ihrem Alltag mit Beruf und kirchlichem Dienst viele Hindernisse zu überwinden. Sie teilen eine Wahrnehmung der Welt, in der andere Dinge wichtiger sind als der äußere Schein. Sie teilen aber auch die Mühsal des Lebens in einer Welt, die für Sehende gemacht ist: von nachlässig geparkten E-Rollern über geräuschlose Autos bis zum Touchscreen bei der Bank. In der Lebenshilfe beschreibt das Ehepaar Pavkovic uns am Sehbehindertentag, wie sie beide solche Herausforderungen meistern - und wie ihr Glaube sie darin stärkt.

Ref.: Ute Horn, Seelsorgerin und Autorin, Krefeld Es kommt nicht aufs Geld an! Die Autorin Ute Horn plädiert dafür, die Freude am Schenken und Feiern nicht mit materiellen Dingen zu ersticken. Nicht heiraten, weil man sich die Hochzeitsfeier nicht leisten kann? Erstkommunionkinder, die unter einer Lawine an Geschenken begraben werden? Kindergeburtstage, die für viel Geld mit Kletterparks, Zooführungen und professionellen Zauberern um die coolste Feier wetteifern...? Die Seelsorgerin und Autorin Ute Horn beobachtet, dass das Ausrichten von Feiern und das Besorgen von Geschenken immer mehr Menschen vor echte Probleme stellt. In der Lebenshilfe plädiert sie für den Mut, sich dem gesellschaftlichen Druck zu entziehen und die Einfachheit beim Feiern wiederzuentdecken.

We explore Israel's journey through the wilderness, where their discontentment escalates, leading them to threaten Moses' life for the lack of water. Despite their unfaithfulness, God provides water from a rock at Horeb. Following this, the Israelites are attacked by the Amalekites. However, through God's intervention and Moses' prayer, they prevail in the battle. We also meet Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, a non-Israelite priest who praises God for his deliverance of the Israelites. Despite witnessing God's power and provision, the Israelites continue to grumble and test God, failing to honor him as Jethro does. Support 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.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out ou...

Ref.: Marie Benkner Die Jünger Jesu taten in der Kraft des Heiligen Geistes Zeichen und Wunde - die Bibel ist voll von diesen frühchristlichen Berichten. Doch auch heute wirkt der Heilige Geist, und zwar nicht weniger mächtig als damals. Nur - rechnen wir überhaupt noch mit IHM? In der Lebenshilfe sprechen wir mit Blick auf das anstehende Pfingstfest in der Lebenshilfe mit Maria Benkner von der in den USA gegründeten katholischen Initiative "Encounter School of Ministry", warum gerade der Reichtum der katholischen Lehre einen fruchtbaren Boden für die Kraft des Heiligen Geistes bildet - und wie Jüngerschaft auch heute aktiv im Alltag gelebt werden kann.

Übertr: Radio Vatikan, Rom, Italien (im Rahmen der Hl. Messe zum Jubiläum der Familien)

Ref.: Jerome Baldowski, Teamleiter der Öffentlichkeitsarbeit

Ref.: Eva-Maria Admiral, Schauspielerin und Autorin Die Macht der Kränkung. Die Schauspielerin Eva-Maria Admiral zeigt auf, wie verletzende Erfahrungen sich wie Giftfässer in der Seele festsetzen können. Eine Kränkung kann sich tief in die Seele einbrennen - vor allem, wenn man sie schon als Kind gehört hat oder ein wunder Punkt getroffen wird. Oft werden solche Erfahrungen aus Scham eingebunkert. Doch dann wirken sie umso mehr wie verborgene Giftfässer. Eva-Maria Admiral hat schon als Kind, und später als Schauspielerin, immer wieder Erniedrigung und Kränkung erlebt. In der Lebenshilfe erzählt sie, wie sie nach Jahren der Dunkelheit und der Selbstzweifel zu einer ganz neuen inneren Freiheit gefunden hat. Heute hält die Autorin viele Seminare, um anderen Menschen zu helfen, aus der Opferrolle herauszukommen, und sogar verletzende Erfahrungen als Chance zu begreifen.

Übertr: Radio Vatikan, Rom, Italien

Ref.: Prof. Dr. Marius Reiser, Theologe mit Schwerpunkt neutestamentliche Exegese, Heidesheim am Rhein

Ref.: Andreas Braun, Logotherapeut, Buchholz in der Nordheide Vollkommene Hingabe - das ist das christliche Ideal, vorgelebt von Jesus selbst: "Wenn dich einer auf die rechte Wange schlägt, dann halt ihm auch die andere hin." (Mt 5,39) Aber kann damit sein, dass Christen sich im Zweifel auch ausnutzen und missbrauchen lassen sollen, ohne auf sich selbst zu achten...? Mit dem Logotherapeuten Andreas Braun aus dem deutschen Norden denken wir in der Lebenshilfe darüber nach, wie das christliche Gebot der Nächstenliebe in einer menschlich reifen Weise gelebt werden kann - ohne in die Falle von Kompromissen zu tappen, die dem Gebot Jesu seine Klarheit und Kraft nehmen würden.

Ref.: Sonja Theresia Hoffmann OFS, Logo- und Traumatherapeutin Manchmal überrollt uns das Leben. Schicksalsschläge wie Trennung, Krankheit oder finanzieller Ruin sind enorm herausfordernd und geben das Gefühl, keine Kontrolle mehr über das eigene Leben zu haben. Was gibt dann noch Hoffnung und Zuversicht? Einst hat Jesus in das Grab des Lazarus gerufen: "Komm heraus! Und genauso ruft er auch heute in unsere Zusammenbrüche und unser Scheitern hinein: „Steh auf! Geh weiter! Das Leben wartet auf Dich! Die Logo- und Traumatherapeutin Sonja Theresia Hoffmann erfährt immer wieder, wie die Kraft der Auferstehung auch in unserem Leben wirken und Neues zum Vorschein bringen kann. In der Lebenshilfe beschreibt sie uns, wie Gott Wege bahnt - gerade dann, wenn es scheinbar nicht mehr weitergeht.

Today in History: The day Moses struck the rock at Horeb and water for the people came from it (according to tradition, see Exodus 17:1–7). The memorial of Count Von Zinzendorf (of blessed memory), a Christian Zionist and Messianic pioneer who died in 1760 CE (5520). Zinzendorf was a famous Christian leader who had a vision for the national and spiritual restoration of Israel to her Land. With that goal, he encouraged the start of communities of Torah-faithful, Jewish disciples in several countries.Day 38 of the omerThis week's portion is called Behar - Bechukotai (On the mountain - In my statutes)TORAH PORTION: Leviticus 25:39–26:9GOSPEL PORTION: Luke 24:1-12Think about: What Scripture spoke to you most today and why? Did you learn something about God, or something you need to do in your life?Daily Bread for Kids is a daily Bible reading podcast where we read through the Torah and the Gospels in one year! Helping young Bible-readers to study God's Word, while also discovering its Jewish context!THE KIDS' JOURNAL is available from ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://arielmedia.shop⁠⁠⁠⁠BUSY MOMS who want to follow the Daily Bread readings on podcast for adults, can go to ⁠⁠https://dailybreadmoms.com⁠⁠The Bible translation we are reading from is the Tree of Life Version (TLV) available from the Tree of Life Bible Society.INSTAGRAM: @dailybreadkids @arielmediabooks @dailybreadmomsTags: #DailyBreadMoms #DailyBreadJournal #BibleJournaling #Messianic #BiblePodcast #BiblicalFeasts #Journal #biblereadingplan #Messiah #JewishRoots #Yeshua #GodIsInControl #OneYearBible #MomLife #MotherCulture #FaithFilledMama #BiblicalWomanhood #Proverbs31woman

There Is Still Good Ahead1 Kings 19:3-9 ““Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it, and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once, an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”  He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. There he went into a cave and spent the night.”I heard an episode of the Big Life Podcast last week, and it reminded me of the story about the prophet Elijah that I just read to you. As soon as I heard it, I felt the Holy Spirit wanted me to share it with all of you this week.What came to mind when I heard this verse is that it might be helpful to know that Elijah wanted to give up. In case you don't know who Elijah is, let me summarize who he was. Elijah was a prophet of God in the Old Testament, known for his bold faith, miraculous acts, and deep emotional struggles. He lived during the reign of King Ahab in 9th century B.C. Israel, a time when the nation had turned away from God to worship false gods like Baal. Here are some Key Highlights of Elijah's Life:Confronted King Ahab and JezebelElijah boldly declared a drought as God's judgment (1 Kings 17:1) and later challenged the corrupt leadership promoting idolatry.Miracles by God's PowerMultiplied flour and oil for a widow (1 Kings 17:14–16)Raised her son from the dead (1 Kings 17:22)Called down fire from heaven to prove God's power on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:36–38)Ran for His Life and Struggled with DespairAfter his great victory, Queen Jezebel threatened his life. Elijah fled, became discouraged, and asked God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4).God met him in a gentle whisper, showing that God's presence isn't always dramatic—it's personal and close (1 Kings 19:11–13).Taken to HeavenElijah never died—God took him to heaven in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11), making him one of only two people in the Bible (with Enoch) who didn't experience death.Symbol of the ProphetsElijah later appears with Moses during Jesus' Transfiguration (Matthew 17:3), representing the prophets alongside the law (Moses).Elijah did a lot for the Lord. He was close to the Lord, and the Lord used him to do amazing things! He knew how mighty the Lord was, yet he felt he wanted to die. He felt like what the Lord asked him to do was too great. Sometimes, when we feel like giving up, we feel weak. We feel like we have failed or let the Lord down because He trusted us, yet we feel we can't go on anymore. If you feel this, I want you to know that you are not alone. There are several people in the Bible—deeply faithful, even heroic people—who reached a breaking point and felt like they couldn't go on. Some even asked God to take their lives. These moments show that God isn't afraid of our despair—He meets us in it, and He restores. Here are some of those people and where you can find their stories in the Bible in case you want to look them up and read more about them.Throughout Scripture, we see that even God's most faithful servants reached moments where they felt like they couldn't go on. Elijah,1 Kings 19:4 “He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord,' he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.'” Elijah, after boldly confronting false prophets, fled in fear and isolation, collapsing under a tree and begging God to take his life. He felt completely alone—yet God met him not with punishment, but with rest, nourishment, and a quiet whisper of presence. Like Elijah, when we are drained and overwhelmed, God offers compassion, not condemnation.Moses, Numbers 11:14–15 “I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me…” Moses, exhausted by the emotional and logistical burden of leading a complaining people through the wilderness, cried out to God, saying he'd rather die than continue carrying the weight alone. God didn't take his life—He sent help. For us, this reminds us that we don't have to carry everything ourselves; God provides support in community.Job, Job 3:11 “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?”Job, who lost everything—his children, health, and livelihood—wished he'd never been born. He poured out bitter questions and deep grief. And yet, God patiently listened, answered with presence and power, and ultimately restored him. Like Job, our suffering doesn't disqualify us from God's love.Jeremiah 20:14, 18 “Cursed be the day I was born! … Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame?”Jeremiah, known as the weeping prophet, was mocked, beaten, and ignored. He cursed the day of his birth, feeling like his life was wasted. But God never revoked his calling—He reassured Jeremiah that his voice still mattered. When we feel like our lives have no impact, God sees eternal value in our faithfulness.Jonah, Jonah 4:3 “Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” Jonah, bitter that God showed mercy to his enemies, sulked under a plant and asked to die. God responded not with wrath, but with a question, inviting Jonah to see the world through a lens of compassion. This shows us that God works with us even when our attitudes fall short.Finally, Paul, 2 Corinthians 1:8 “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.” Paul confessed that he and his companions were burdened beyond their ability to endure—so much so that they "despaired of life itself." And yet, this deep despair drove Paul to deeper reliance on God. His story reminds us that feeling overwhelmed is not the end—it can be the beginning of a deeper trust. In every story, God meets brokenness not with rejection, but with grace, purpose, and presence, offering the same to us today.The point of the Big Life podcast that I listened to is that there is life after this hard season that you are going through. None of the people listed above stayed in the difficult season forever, even thought it might have felt like they were going to. They had moments when they called out to the Lord saying they couldn't make it any longer, and yet they all made it through the hard time. God showed up for each one of them and showed them how loved they are. He will do the same for you.After their breaking points, each of these men went on to live with renewed purpose, proving that God can bring beauty out of despair. Elijah, after begging God to take his life, was gently restored by God's presence and went on to train Elisha, his prophetic successor, leaving a lasting legacy. He even became one of only two people in Scripture who never died—he was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire.Moses, after pleading for death under the burden of leadership, received help through 70 elders and continued to lead Israel toward the Promised Land. He experienced God's presence in deeper ways, even speaking to Him “face to face,” and was honored at the end of his life for his faithfulness.Job, after cursing his birth, encountered God in a deeply personal way. God didn't just restore what Job had lost—He blessed him with double what he had before and gave him a new chapter of joy, family, and peace.Jeremiah, though weary and rejected, faithfully kept speaking God's truth. His words endured, and we still read his laments and prophecies today—proof that even painful obedience has eternal value.Jonah, despite his anger and desire to give up, still completed his mission. The entire city of Nineveh repented and turned to God, one of the greatest mass revivals in Scripture, even if Jonah struggled to celebrate it. God still used him, flaws and all.Paul, after saying he “despaired of life itself,” continued his missionary journeys, wrote most of the New Testament, and encouraged countless believers, many while in chains. His despair didn't disqualify him—it became the soil on which deeper trust and greater impact grew.These stories remind us that our lowest moments are not the end of the story. God doesn't discard us when we're weak. Instead, He draws near, strengthens us, and leads us into a future still full of purpose, impact, and hope. There is life after the breaking point—and with God, it can be more meaningful than before.Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless everyone listening. Lord, I ask you to come in a special way to all those who feel like they can't go on. To all those who feel like life is too hard, or what you are calling them to do is too hard. We ask you to send the Holy Spirit to strengthen them and renew their hope. Show them that there is life after this challenging season. Please show them you are there with them and that they can do everything through you. Lift them, Lord, and help them persevere through whatever they are going through until they get to the other side. Help them climb this mountain they are facing. We love you and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name, Amen!!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. It is that time of year again when I start to mention the retreat I will be holding in October. It is not open for registration yet, but I would like to mention it early so people can start thinking about it. It is always the second weekend in October. This year's theme will be Identity: Who does God say you are? It will be great, and I hope you can join me! More details to follow. I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are and so do I! Have a blessed day!Today's Word from the Lord was received in October 2024 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “Give yourself to me always. I will renew you each day. You are mine and I love you.”  www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Ref.: P. Elmar Busse ISch, Ehe- und Familienseelsorger, Dernbach (Westerwald) (Bistum Limburg) Freude ist ansteckend - schlechte Laune aber auch. Darum hängt die Stimmung in einer Familie davon ab, wie die einzelnen Familienmitglieder miteinander umgehen. Eltern wie Kinder können die Atmosphäre positiv oder auch negativ beeinflussen. Wie in einer Familie die Fröhlichkeit als Grundstimmung neu entdeckt werden kann, darum geht es in der Lebenshilfe mit dem Ehe- und Familienseelsorger P. Elmar Busse von der Schönstattbewegung.

Mitzvah #75 – תלמוד תורה Learning as Calling in Rav Hirsch's Horeb Exploring Rav Hirsch's vision of study as transformation and mission.