Podcasts about Initiator

What keeps a body of knowledge alive across thousands of years without losing its purity? In this first part of a two-part series, Thom traces the Guru Parampara, the lineage of the Shankaracharya tradition, from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and Guru Deva back through Vyasa, Shankara, and the ancient masters who carried Vedic knowledge forward. Along the way, he explores why preserving the purity of the teaching matters just as much as sharing it. This series also serves as a fitting prelude to upcoming Guru Purnima celebrations for 2026. You can find out more about Guru Purnima events near you by following this link: https://thomknoles.com/guru-purnima-2026/ Listen to or watch this episode to explore the tradition, the terminology, and the living provenance behind Vedic Meditation. Episode Highlights[00:45] How This Knowledge Arrived Here[04:02] Reading the Lineage in Stone[05:56] Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and Guru Deva[08:39] From Gaudapadacharya to Vyasa[10:57] The Meaning of 1008[13:00] The Lineage Before Vyasa[16:08] What Guru Parampara Means[18:47] Becoming an Initiator[20:51] Why Thom Wears a Silk Dhoti[23:55] The Meaning of Jai Guru Deva[27:36] Why Guru Purnima Matters[29:46] The Ceremony of GratitudeUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com  https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoleshttps://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/

*Das Gespräch wurde am 6.4.2026 aufgenommen Wie radikalisiert Social Media junge Menschen – insbesondere Männer? Wieso gewinnen maskulinistische Influencer und rechte Netzwerke immer mehr an Einfluss? Und was kann empathiebasierte Gegenrede tatsächlich bewirken? In dieser Folge Scheitern für Anfänger spreche ich mit Caspar Weimann, Schauspielprofessor, Theatermacher und Initiator des Projekts „Hacking the Manosphere“. Gemeinsam tauchen sie in die Dynamiken von TikTok, algorithmischen Filterblasen und radikaler Männlichkeitskultur ein. Caspar Weimann gibt spannende Einblicke in seine künstlerische Arbeit gegen Online-Hass und erklärt, warum Empathie als Antwort auf Hasskommentare überraschend effektiv sein kann. Außerdem geht es um Alternativen zur Aufmerksamkeitsökonomie, familiäre Erfahrungen und die Bedeutung von Hoffnung im Kampf gegen digitale Radikalisierung.

Zwischen Chefetage, Morbus Crohn & verbotener Wut – Zu Gast: MIMI (Miriam Stehling) Was passiert, wenn die Perfektion der Business-Welt auf die ungeschönte Realität chronischer und psychischer Erkrankungen trifft? In meiner 177. Episode des SemiCoolon Podcasts habe ich eine Frau zu Gast, die radikal mit dem Tabu bricht, dass man als Führungskraft keine Schwächen zeigen darf: Miriam Stehling, in den sozialen Medien bekannt als MIxMI. Mimi leitet gemeinsam mit ihrem Bruder ein Familienunternehmen in der dritten Generation. Als Geschäftsführerin trägt sie enorme Verantwortung – und geht gleichzeitig vollkommen offen mit ihren psychischen Erkrankungen und ihrer Morbus-Crohn-Diagnose um. Sie zeigt, dass Erfolg und verdammt harte Phasen koexistieren können. In dieser Folge tauchen wir tief in Themen ein, die viele lieber totschweigen: Die verbotenen Gefühle: Warum durften wir als Kinder oft keine Freude oder Wut leben? Und wie holen uns diese unterdrückten Emotionen im Erwachsenenalter wieder ein? Die Maske der Normalität: Was gilt in unserer Gesellschaft heute eigentlich noch als „gesellschaftsfähig“ und wer bestimmt das? Die Kraft auf vier Pfoten: Warum Mimis Hund ihr so viel Energie zurückgegeben hat, dass sie daraus eine Ausbildung zur Hundetrainerin gemacht hat. Mimi will unter ihrem Spitznamen richtig viel bewegen. Und nach diesem Gespräch ist klar: Sie tut es bereits. Eine Folge voller ehrlicher Wut, echter Freude und dem Mut, sich nicht mehr für das eigene Sein zu entschuldigen. Hör rein, lass dich aus der Komfortzone holen und hinterlass uns gerne deine Gedanken zur Folge! Mehr über Miriam (MIxMI) erfährst du hier: Instagram: @mixmi_mimi Musik/Spotify: MIxMI auf Spotify Buch: Mimis Buch auf Amazon (Titel: „Don't shrink to fit – Warum du gut genug bist, wie du bist“) Über das SemiCoolon Project: Ich bin Sven Krawitz – Betroffener, Mutmacher und Initiator des SemiCoolon Projects. Mit diesem Podcast möchte ich genau die Räume schaffen, vor denen andere zurückschrecken. Hier wird laut ausgesprochen, was wehtut, und gezeigt, dass niemand mit seinen Kämpfen alleine ist. Website & Support: https://www.semicoolonproject.de/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semicoolonproject/ Du leidest selbst unter einer Krise oder brauchst dringend Unterstützung? Bitte scheu dich nicht, dir Hilfe zu holen. Adressen und Notfallnummern findest du auf meiner Website.

Die kleinen DingeToni Zulauf, Initiator Wort zum Tag, RanflühWir warten oft auf das grosse Glück – und übersehen dabei die vielen kleinen Momente, die unser Leben reich machen.Ein freundlicher Gruss, ein Lächeln, ein gutes Gespräch oder ein Gedanke, der uns den ganzen Tag begleitet. Gerade diese unscheinbaren Augenblicke schenken Wärme, Hoffnung und Tiefe.Jesus hat das Reich Gottes nicht mit grossen Gesten beschrieben, sondern mit einem Senfkorn, einem verlorenen Schaf oder einer gefundenen Münze. Vielleicht beginnt das Wesentliche tatsächlich im Kleinen.Spendenaufruf:„Wort zum Tag“ lebt von Menschen, die zuhören und mittragen. Unterstützen Sie unsere Arbeit mit einer Spende:https://wortzumtag.ch/unterstuetzenAlltag, Dankbarkeit, Senfkorn, kleine Momente, Hoffnung, Achtsamkeit#wortzumtag #kleinemomente #achtsamkeit #hoffnung #dankbarkeit #glaubeimalltag #emmental

Zeit schenkenToni Zulauf, Initiator Wort zum Tag, Ranflüh BEHerzlichen Dank für die vielen Spenden und die grosse Unterstützung für das Wort zum Tag. Jede einzelne freut mich und zeigt: Diese täglichen Gedanken begleiten Menschen.Mit der Zeit ist mir etwas bewusst geworden: Das Wertvollste, was wir verschenken können, ist nicht Geld oder Besitz – sondern Zeit.Ein offenes Ohr. Ein Gespräch. Ein Besuch. Ein paar Minuten, die wir einem Menschen schenken.Vielleicht ist genau das heute das schönste Geschenk, das wir weitergeben können.Spendenaufruf:Das Wort zum Tag wird mit viel Herzblut täglich vorbereitet und lebt auch von Ihrer Unterstützung. Herzlichen Dank für jede Spende:https://wortzumtag.ch/unterstuetzenZeit, Dankbarkeit, Begegnung, Zuhören, Wort zum Tag, Gemeinschaft#wortzumtag #zeitschenken #dankbarkeit #begegnung #gemeinschaft #glaubeimalltag #emmental

Staatliche Geldflüsse an linke Strukturen vollständig öffentlich machen will jetzt das Projekt „NGO-Files“. Dieses ist kürzlich online gegangen. Exklusives Gespräch mit dem Initiator des Projekts, dem AfD-Bundestagsabgeordneten Sebastian Maack.

Friedrich Ohnewein -Der Architekt Friedrich Ohnewein ist Initiator der Austropop-Zeitreise in Fürstenfeld. Mit der multimedialen Ausstellung möchte er die Geschichte des Austropop bewahren. Er kredenzt „Ruikei“-Erdäpfelsalat.

Ein Musik-Podcast zum Jubiläum: In der 100. Episode spricht Jörg mit der Fotografin und Country-Musikerin Konstanze Wunderle, die auf der Vernisage der Landpartie mit ihrem Mann Joe Wunderle aus Nashville auftritt (11. Juli 2026, 14–23 Uhr). Vom 4. bis 18. Juli findet im malerischen Angeln zum zweiten Mal die LANDPARTIE-Ausstellung statt. Diesmal mit 6 Künstler*innen: Lolita Pelegrime, Stefanie Rausch, Peter Birk, Rasmus Rinhack, Mario Kleinschmidt und natürlich dem Kurator und Initiator der Landpartie, Alex Diamond. Präsentiert wird die Ausstellung von MEGA Contemporary. Wir freuen uns auf euer Feedback, eure Kritik, eure Wünsche, und natürlich: eure Fragen. Viel Spaß Melvin und Jörg

Als Peter Birk uns zwei Tage vor dem Soft-Opening mit einem großen Anhänger seine und Lolita Pelegrimes Kunstwerke vorbeibrachte, haben wir gleich die Gelegenheit ergriffen und ein Landpartie-Special mit ihm aufgenommen. Vom 4. bis 18. Juli findet im malerischen Angeln zum zweiten Mal die LANDPARTIE-Ausstellung statt. Diesmal mit 6 Künstler*innen: Lolita Pelegrime, Stefanie Rausch, Peter Birk, Rasmus Rinhack, Mario Kleinschmidt und natürlich dem Kurator und Initiator der Landpartie, Alex Diamond. Präsentiert wird die Ausstellung von MEGA Contemporary. Unsere Podcats nehmen wir weiterhin hauptsächlich auf deutsch auf, ausser mit internationalen Gesprächspartner*innen - wie zum Beispiel Peter. Wir freuen uns auf euer Feedback, eure Kritik, eure Wünsche, und natürlich: eure Fragen. Viel Spaß Melvin und Jörg

Ein fast vergessenes WortToni Zulauf, Initiator Wort zum Tag, RanflühBarmherzigkeit. Wann hast du dieses Wort zuletzt gehört?Vielleicht ist nicht nur das Wort seltener geworden, sondern auch das, wofür es steht.Barmherzigkeit ist mehr als Mitleid. Sie lässt sich berühren. Sie fragt: Was kann ich tun?Vielleicht beginnt sie heute ganz klein – mit einem offenen Ohr, einem freundlichen Wort oder einer zweiten Chance.Spendenaufruf:„Wort zum Tag“ lebt von Menschen, die zuhören und mittragen. Unterstützen Sie unsere Arbeit mit einer Spende:https://wortzumtag.ch/unterstuetzenBarmherzigkeit, Erbarmen, Mitgefühl, Hoffnung, Menschlichkeit#wortzumtag #barmherzigkeit #menschlichkeit #hoffnung #mitgefühl

Kurz vor der Eröffnung der Ausstellung traf sich Jörg in seinem Garten mit dem dänischen Maler Rasmus Rinhack. Vom 4. bis 18. Juli findet im malerischen Angeln zum zweiten Mal die LANDPARTIE-Ausstellung statt. Diesmal mit 6 Künstler*innen: Lolita Pelegrime, Stefanie Rausch, Peter Birk, Rasmus Rinhack, Mario Kleinschmidt und natürlich dem Kurator und Initiator der Landpartie, Alex Diamond. Präsentiert wird die Ausstellung von MEGA Contemporary. Unsere Podcats nehmen wir weiterhin hauptsächlich auf deutsch auf, ausser mit internationalen Gesprächspartner*innen - wie zum Beispiel Rasmus. Wir freuen uns auf euer Feedback, eure Kritik, eure Wünsche, und natürlich: eure Fragen. Viel Spaß Melvin und Jörg

Ich lebe einfach total gern.Toni Zulauf, Initiator Wort zum Tag, Ranflüh«Ich lebe einfach total gern.»Dieser einfache Satz hat mich in den letzten Tagen tief berührt. Gesagt hat ihn ein Mensch, der schwere Unfälle überlebt und dem Tod mehr als einmal nahe war.Wie oft beschäftigen wir uns damit, länger zu leben. Gesünder zu essen, mehr Sport zu treiben oder Krankheiten zu vermeiden. Alles wichtig.Aber vielleicht beginnt ein erfülltes Leben mit einer ganz anderen Frage:Lebe ich eigentlich gern?Nicht weil alles perfekt ist. Sondern weil jeder neue Tag ein Geschenk ist.Die Bibel sagt: «Dies ist der Tag, den der Herr gemacht hat; wir wollen uns freuen und fröhlich sein in ihm.»Ich glaube, genau darum geht es. Nicht auf den perfekten Moment zu warten, sondern heute zu entdecken, was das Leben schön macht: ein gutes Gespräch, ein Lachen, die Natur, die Menschen, die uns begleiten.Vielleicht fragen wir uns heute Abend nicht zuerst, was wir alles erledigt haben.Sondern:Was hat diesen Tag lebenswert gemacht?Spendenaufruf:„Wort zum Tag“ lebt von Menschen, die zuhören und mittragen. Unterstützen Sie unsere Arbeit mit einer Spende:https://wortzumtag.ch/unterstuetzenLeben, Dankbarkeit, Hoffnung, Freude, Achtsamkeit, Geschenk, Gegenwart#wortzumtag #leben #dankbarkeit #hoffnung #lebensfreude #achtsamkeit #glaubeimalltag #mut #zuversicht #jederTagZählt

Vom 4. bis 18. Juli findet im malerischen Angeln zum zweiten Mal die LANDPARTIE-Ausstellung statt. Diesmal mit 6 Künstler*innen: Lolita Pelegrime, Stefanie Rausch, Peter Birk, Rasmus Rinhack, Mario Kleinschmidt und natürlich dem Kurator und Initiator der Landpartie, Alex Diamond. Präsentiert wird die Ausstellung von MEGA Contemporary. Für dieses zweite Landpartie-Special haben Melvin und Jörg gemeinsam mit der Künstlerin Stafanie Rausch gesprochen. Wir freuen uns auf euer Feedback, eure Kritik, eure Wünsche, und natürlich: eure Fragen. Viel Spaß Melvin und Jörg

Erinnerst du dich an dein eigenes Schülerpraktikum? Kaffee kochen, kopieren, danebenstehen. Eine Woche lang zuschauen, wie andere arbeiten und am Ende kaum klüger als vorher. Genau hier setzen meine beiden Gäste an. Mustafa Yazgi, Initiator des KompetenzPraktikums, sagt es unmissverständlich: „Stoppt die Kompetenzkatastrophe." Prof. Dr. Werner Sauter, einer der prägenden Vordenker für Kompetenzentwicklung und Corporate Learning im deutschsprachigen Raum, bringt es auf den Kernsatz: „Selbstorganisiertes Handeln lässt sich nur handelnd erlernen."  Gemeinsam haben die beiden ein Modell entwickelt, das das klassische Praktikum vom Kopf auf die Füsse stellt. KI spielt darin eine Rolle. Aber nicht als Selbstzweck, sondern als das, was sie in guter Bildung sein sollte: ein didaktisches Werkzeug. Eine Diagnostik, die vorab Stärken sichtbar macht. Ein KI-Lernpartner, der die Jugendlichen täglich begleitet, ohne ihnen das Denken abzunehmen. Ein digitales Portfolio, das Komplexität reduziert, statt zu überfordern. In dieser Episode sprechen wir über das, was an Schülerpraktika seit zwanzig Jahren schiefläuft. Über „Bildungsgerechtigkeit" und die Frage, ob gute Berufsorientierung wirklich vom Netzwerk der Eltern abhängen muss. Über Ausbildungsabbrüche, die in Deutschland wie in der Schweiz rund ein Viertel der Jugendlichen betreffen. Und über etwas, das mich als Bildungsfachmann besonders umtreibt: den „Dreiklang des Lernens" aus Lernen alleine, mit anderen und mit KI. Könnte er die Blaupause sein für Workplace Learning in der Erwachsenenbildung? Ein Gespräch über Berufsorientierung, das weit über die Schule hinausreicht. Über KI, die der Didaktik dient … und nicht umgekehrt. 

Kann Beten eigentlich Sünde sein?Toni Zulauf, Initiator Wort zum Tag, RanflühDie Frage klingt seltsam. Beten gilt doch als etwas Gutes. Und tatsächlich: Wenn Menschen nach einem Fussballspiel gemeinsam beten, kann das ein schönes Zeichen sein. Ein Zeichen dafür, dass es im Leben um mehr geht als um Sieg und Niederlage.Und doch stellt sich eine andere Frage: Was passiert, wenn Menschen glauben, Gott ganz auf ihrer Seite zu haben?Jesus war erstaunlich kritisch gegenüber demonstrativer Frömmigkeit. Für ihn zählte nicht die Wirkung nach aussen, sondern das, was im Herzen geschieht.Beeindruckend sind für mich nicht Menschen, die behaupten, Gott genau zu kennen. Beeindruckend sind Menschen, die trotz ihres Glaubens demütig bleiben. Die wissen, dass Gott grösser ist als ihr eigenes Verstehen.Glaube bedeutet nicht, Gott zu besitzen. Glaube bedeutet, Gott zu suchen.Vielleicht liegt darin die eigentliche Kraft des Gebets: Nicht als Vorführung, sondern als stilles Eingeständnis, dass wir Suchende bleiben. Menschen, die hoffen, zweifeln, danken und vertrauen.Spendenaufruf:„Wort zum Tag“ lebt von Menschen, die zuhören und mittragen. Unterstützen Sie unsere Arbeit mit einer Spende:https://wortzumtag.ch/unterstuetzenGebet, Glaube, Demut, Vertrauen, Fussball, Spiritualität, Hoffnung#wortzumtag #gebet #glaube #demut #vertrauen #hoffnung #spiritualität #glaubeimalltag #nachdenken #lebensfragen

(english version below) Vom 4. bis 18. Juli findet im malerischen Angeln zum zweiten Mal die LANDPARTIE-Ausstellung statt. Diesmal mit 6 Künstler*innen: Lolita Pelegrime, Stefanie Rausch, Peter Birk, Rasmus Rinhack, Mario Kleinschmidt und natürlich dem Kurator und Initiator der Landpartie, Alex Diamond. Präsentiert wird die Ausstellung von MEGA Contemporary. Für dieses erste Landpartie-Special hat Jörg mit der litauischen Künstlerin Lolita Pelegrime in Kopenhagen gesprochen. Unsere Podcats nehmen wir weiterhin hauptsächlich auf deutsch auf, ausser mit internationalen Gesprächspartner*innen - wie zum Beispiel Lolita. Wir freuen uns auf euer Feedback, eure Kritik, eure Wünsche, und natürlich: eure Fragen. Viel Spaß Melvin und Jörg --- From 4 to 18 July, the LANDPARTIE exhibition will take place for the second time in picturesque Angeln. This time, it will feature six artists: Lolita Pelegrime, Stefanie Rausch, Peter Birk, Rasmus Rinhack, Mario Kleinschmidt and, of course, the curator and founder of Landpartie, Alex Diamond. The exhibition is presented by MEGA Contemporary. For this first Landpartie special, Jörg spoke to the Lithuanian artist Lolita Pelegrime in Copenhagen. We'll continue to record our podcasts mainly in German, except when we're talking to international guests – such as Lolita. We look forward to your feedback, your criticism, your requests and, of course, your questions. Enjoy! Melvin and Jörg

Guten Morgen, die USA und der Iran haben sich auf eine Absichtserklärung zur Beendigung ihres Krieges verständigt. Das teilt der Vermittlerstaat Pakistan mit. Noch gestern sagte Trump ein sich abzeichnendes Friedensabkommen zwischen Washington und Teheran dürfe nicht von gegenseitigen Angriffen im Nahen Osten gefährdet werden. Die israelischen Streitkräfte verteidigten den Angriff in der libanesischen Hauptstadt am gestrigen frühen Morgen und deuteten an, dass die Angriffe Vergeltungsmaßnahmen und auf ein Kommandozentrum der Hisbollah gerichtet gewesen seien. Mit rund 55 Prozent haben die Mehrheit der Kantone in der Schweiz bei einer Volksabstimmung Nein zur Forderung „Keine 10-Millionen-Schweiz“ gesagt. Während Wirtschaftsverbände und Sozialdemokraten sich erleichtert zeigten, war die Schweizerische Volkspartei SVP, Initiator der Abstimmung, enttäuscht.

Die Menschen bleibenToni Zulauf, Initiator Wort zum Tag, Ranflüh BEGestern feierte meine Frau Esther ihren 60. Geburtstag. Gemeinsam mit unseren Kindern, Freunden und Wegbegleitern verbrachten wir einen wunderschönen Abend voller Gespräche, Erinnerungen und herzhaftem Lachen.Heute wurde mir bewusst: Am Ende bleiben nicht die Dinge, die wir besitzen, und nicht die Erfolge, die wir erreicht haben. Es bleiben die Menschen.Menschen, die sich Zeit nehmen. Menschen, die zuhören. Menschen, die mitlachen und mittragen.Vielleicht ist heute ein guter Tag, sich wieder einmal bei jemandem zu melden und einfach zu sagen: Schön, dass es dich gibt.Spendenaufruf:„Wort zum Tag“ lebt von Menschen, die zuhören und mittragen. Unterstützen Sie unsere Arbeit: https://wortzumtag.ch/unterstuetzenFreundschaft, Familie, Dankbarkeit, Beziehungen, Gemeinschaft#wortzumtag #freundschaft #familie #dankbarkeit #gemeinschaft #lebensfreude #beziehungen #hoffnung #zusammenhalt #glaubeimalltag

Mut und ErmutigungToni Zulauf, Initiator Wort zum Tag, RanflühManchmal genügt ein kleiner Schritt, um wieder Hoffnung zu finden. Toni Zulauf bedankt sich zunächst herzlich für die vielen Spenden und die ermutigenden Rückmeldungen zum Wort zum Tag. Sie zeigen ihm, dass die täglichen Beiträge geschätzt werden und vielen Menschen etwas bedeuten. Anschliessend richtet er den Blick auf die Zuversicht. Gerade in einer Zeit voller Unsicherheiten, schlechter Nachrichten und persönlicher Herausforderungen begegnen uns immer wieder Menschen, die trotz allem Lebensfreude ausstrahlen. Nicht weil ihr Leben einfach wäre, sondern weil sie sich bewusst entscheiden, den Schwierigkeiten nicht das letzte Wort zu überlassen. Eine Begegnung auf einer Veloreise hat Toni besonders geprägt: Ein älterer Mann sagte ihm, er entscheide jeden Morgen neu, ob er den Tag als Geschenk oder als Belastung betrachten wolle. Die Umstände könne er oft nicht ändern – seine Haltung dazu aber schon. Vielleicht braucht es manchmal nicht mehr als etwas Mut für den nächsten Schritt. Und manchmal verändert genau dieser Schritt ein ganzes Leben.Spendenaufruf:Das Wort zum Tag erreicht täglich Menschen mit Gedanken, die Hoffnung schenken und Mut machen. Damit dieses Angebot weiterhin kostenlos bestehen kann, freuen wir uns über jede Unterstützung. Herzlichen Dank für Ihr Mittragen.???? https://wortzumtag.ch/unterstuetzenKeywords:Zuversicht, Hoffnung, Mut, Lebensfreude, Dankbarkeit, Veloreise, Vertrauen, Ermutigung, Glaube, AlltagHashtags:#wortzumtag #hoffnung #zuversicht #mut #lebensfreude #dankbarkeit #glaube #vertrauen #alltag #inspiration #ermutigung #leben #schweiz #wortdestages #hoffnunggeben

Wein aus Brandenburg und Mecklenburg-Vorpommern? "Aber ja!", sagt der Sommelier Matthias Dathan und hatte die Idee, Winzerinnen und Winzern aus den Regionen nordöstlich der etablierten Qualitäts-Weinbaugebiete Saale-Unstrut und Sachsen eine Plattform zu organisieren. Die junge Weinszene ist gerade in einer spannenden Phase: gegründet meistens vor 20 bis 30 Jahren von Enthusiasten, die eine auch hier vorhandene (und verschüttete) Tradition wiederbeleben wollten, kommt jetzt die zweite Generation – und das sind in der Regel die gut ausgebildeten Winzer, die auch andernorts schon guten Wein gemacht haben."Überraschende Perspektiven auf deutschen Weinbau jenseits der klassischen Regionen" hatte Matthias Dathan versprochen. Und es gab in der Tat spannende Landweine zu verkosten – zwei Inselbegabungen inklusive. In diesem Podcast habe ich mir den Initiator, zwei Winzerinnen und drei Winzer vors Mikrofon geholt, um mit ihnen die Weingüter und die Philosophie dahinter kurz vorzustellen.Mehr Infos auf den STIPvisiten 

In dieser Folge von Triathlon Querbeet begrüßen Michi & Henning den Initiator und Cheforganisator der MSR300, Detlef Köpke.Eigentlich war geplant, die MSR300 in diesem Jahr selbst zu fahren und anschließend aus Teilnehmerperspektive zu berichten. Doch wenige Tage vor dem Start kam alles anders. Warum Michi & Henning letztlich nicht in Neubrandenburg an der Startlinie standen, erfahrt ihr in dieser Episode.Im Mittelpunkt steht die Geschichte einer Veranstaltung, die weit mehr ist als ein Radmarathon über 300 Kilometer. Die MSR300 steht für Gemeinschaft, Leidenschaft, Abenteuer und die Freude am Ausdauersport. Jahr für Jahr bringt sie Menschen zusammen, die sich einer besonderen Herausforderung stellen und dabei die Schönheit Mecklenburg-Vorpommerns erleben.Was macht die besondere Atmosphäre der MSR300 aus? Warum kommen Jahr für Jahr Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmer aus ganz Deutschland nach Neubrandenburg? Und wie ist es gelungen, aus einer Idee ein ausverkauftes Herzensprojekt zu entwickeln?Gemeinsam mit Detlef sprechen Michi und Henning über die Entstehung der MSR300, ihre Entwicklung vom Herzensprojekt zur erstmals ausverkauften Veranstaltung und die Werte, die das Event bis heute prägen. Außerdem gewährt Detlef spannende Einblicke hinter die Kulissen und zeigt, wie viel Herzblut, ehrenamtliches Engagement und organisatorische Arbeit in der MSR300 stecken.Eine Folge über Ausdauersport, Zusammenhalt und die Überzeugung, dass die schönsten Erlebnisse oft dort entstehen, wo Menschen gemeinsam ihre Komfortzone verlassen.Viel Spaß beim Zuhören!

Fünf Jahre Wort zum Tag – und eine BitteToni Zulauf, Initiator von Wort zum Tag, Ranflüh (Emmental)Vor fünf Jahren entstand das Wort zum Tag mitten in der Corona-Zeit. Kirchen waren nur eingeschränkt zugänglich, viele Menschen fühlten sich isoliert. Aus einer einfachen Idee wurde ein tägliches Angebot: kurze Gedanken, gesprochen von Pfarrerinnen und Pfarrern, die Menschen auf ihrem Weg durch den Tag begleiten. Was viele nicht sehen: Hinter jedem Beitrag steckt tägliche Arbeit – Beiträge bearbeiten, publizieren, neue Autorinnen und Autoren suchen, Kirchgemeinden betreuen und technische Fragen lösen. Heute hören täglich über 500 Menschen das Wort zum Tag, und mehr als 30 Kirchgemeinden verbreiten die Beiträge auf ihren Webseiten. Damit dieses kostenlose Angebot weiterbestehen kann, ist es auf Unterstützung angewiesen. Mein herzlicher Dank gilt allen Autorinnen und Autoren, Kirchgemeinden, Spenderinnen und Spendern sowie den treuen Hörerinnen und Hörern, die das Wort zum Tag bis heute mittragen.SpendenaufrufDas Wort zum Tag bleibt für alle kostenlos. Wenn Ihnen unsere täglichen Beiträge etwas bedeuten und Sie dazu beitragen möchten, dass dieses Angebot weiterbesteht, freuen wir uns über Ihre Unterstützung. Jeder Beitrag hilft mit, dass auch morgen wieder ein gutes Wort Menschen erreichen kann.https://wortzumtag.ch/unterstuetzenWort zum Tag, Spendenaufruf, Kirche, Hoffnung, Gemeinschaft, Glaube, Podcast, Besinnung, Dankbarkeit, Engagement#wortzumtag #glaube #hoffnung #kirche #podcast #spiritualität #besinnung #gemeinschaft #dankbarkeit #alltag #leben #inspiration #schweiz #christlich #zuhören

Mario Nowack gilt als einer der besten Robbie-Williams-Impersonators der Welt. Mit seiner Tribute-Band The Robbie Experience kommt er nun nach Nordfriesland: Am 04.07.2026 veranstaltet der TSV Hattstedt sein nächstes großes Event – THE ROBBIE EXPERIENCE, eine mitreißende Hommage an Robbie Williams vor 3000 Zuschauern! Noch gibt es Tickets: shz.ticketcenter.de/hattstedtgoesrobbie Im Vorwege durfte ich Mario Nowack persönlich kennenlernen. Gemeinsam mit Thorsten Schulze, dem Initiator des Events, trafen wir uns auf einer Raststätte zu einer schnellen Tea Time. Thorsten erzählt, welche Learnings er aus den vergangenen Veranstaltungen mitgenommen hat, worauf sich die Besucherinnen und Besucher diesmal freuen dürfen – und wir bekommen einen spannenden Einblick in das Leben eines Künstlers, der auf Knopfdruck zu Robbie Williams werden kann. Mario Nowack ist ein Ausnahmekünstler: Abseits der Bühne wirkt er – ähnlich wie sein großes Vorbild – eher ruhig, zurückhaltend und introvertiert. Doch sobald er die Bühne betritt, dreht er auf, füllt den Raum mit Energie und lässt die Sau raus. Freut Euch auf ein interessantes Gespräch und auf eine unvergessliche Show am 04.07. im Sportpark in Hattstedt! shz.ticketcenter.de/hattstedtgoesrobbie Mein Podcast-Sponsor: Osmers Rechtsanwälte aus Husum Die Osmers Rechtsanwälte stehen für lösungsorientierte Rechtsberatung mit klaren Zielen und echter Hands-on-Mentalität – an der Küste verwurzelt, in der Beratung bundesweit aktiv. Ob Unternehmen, Kommunen oder Privatpersonen: Das Team bringt dich rechtlich sicher durch stürmische Gewässer. Und wer Lust auf eine Karriere in der Praxis hat – Osmers sucht junge Rechtsanwälte und engagierte Rechtsanwaltsfachangestellte/-fachkräfte (ReNos), die mit anpacken und mitwachsen wollen. Danke an Osmers Rechtsanwälte – gemeinsam klären wir nicht nur Rechtsfragen, sondern gestalten Zukunft!

In seinem ersten Beruf musste er schnell und präzise jede Lage erkennen und richtige Entscheidungen treffen. Er war Pilot in einem Überschallkampfjet. Seit über 35 Jahren ist er nunmehr in der Finanzindustrie zuhause, hat 16 Jahre lang in den obersten Ebenen großer nationaler und internationaler Finanzkonzerne gearbeitet, kennt die Regeln und Prozesse hinter den Kulissen, die den meisten verborgen bleiben. In London hat dreieinhalb Jahre alle großen Finanz- und Wirtschaftskrisen studiert, durchleuchtet und analysiert. Seit 2013 zurück in Berlin und widmet sich seitdem ausschließlich dem Schutz von Vermögenswerten. Hier berät er die Menschen, die Vermögenswerte vor Zugriffen Dritter und wirtschaftlichen Eskalationen schützen wollen. Unter anderem ist er: - Mitgestalter der unabhängigen Finanzanalyse - Co-Architekt der Deutschen Finanznorm DeFiNo - Mitentwickler des RüVer®-Stresstests - Ideengeber und Mitglied des wissenschaftlichen Gremiums des RüVer-Instituts - Vorsitzender des Bundes deutschen Vermögensschutzes e. V. - Initiator der Initiative für nachhaltigen Rücklagen- und Vermögensschutz - Und er ist mit über 5.000 Beratungen, die er bereits durchgeführt hat, einer der erfahrensten Experten, die aktuell noch beratend tätig sind. Wir sprechen über die Gefahren, den Wandel und die Spannungen in der heutigen Finanzwelt und die möglichen Auswirkungen. Vermögensschutz kein Thema gar keins, welches nur Milliardäre oder Multimillionäre betrifft. Jens zeigt mögliche Fallen und Kardinalfehler auf und erläutert, was das Regenschirmprinzip bedeutet. Er gibt HInweise wie man sein Vermögen schützen bzw. in Sicherheit bringen kann. Wer sich intensiver darüber informieren möchte hier die Kontaktdaten http://steinhagenconsulting.com/ Jens Steinhagen ist ebenfalls Gast bei meinem Event VEHRliebt in Verkaufen https://event.veronikavehr.com/

Carmen is a 3/5 Initiator who manifested her way out of the world of corporate finance in 2012, and into the world of human design, gene keys, and unlocking her gifts with plant medicine. After leaving Peru to pursue her degree and career in finance, Carmen woke up and knew she was ready to move, first to Bali, and then home to Peru where she opened a Soul Healing Retreat Center to help humans explore their inner healing with gene keys and plant medicine.  Tune in to hear Carmen share her story of climbing the corporate ladder in finance and exiting out at the perfect time, letting the universe provide for her every step of the way.  Connect with Carmen and explore her retreats at soulguidingretreats.com 

What if the thing you spend the most time on at work won't matter at all when you're gone? It's a confronting question, but it's the kind Tom Rath lives with deliberately. He walks past a 10,000-headstone cemetery near his home in Washington DC and has never once seen a grave mention social media followers, email response times, or job titles. Yet these are the things most of us spend our days chasing. In this episode, I sit down with Tom Rath, one of the most widely read authors in the world of work and wellbeing and the man behind StrengthsFinder 2.0, How Full Is Your Bucket?, and his just-released book What's the Point? Tom challenges the "follow your passion" narrative head-on and makes the case that purpose isn't a grand discovery waiting for you someday. It's what you do for other people, hour by hour, throughout the day. We get into the single question Tom uses every morning to reprioritise his time, how to escape the comparison trap that platforms like LinkedIn are designed to pull you into, and why he believes the so-called initiators are the ones who will thrive in the age of AI. Tom and I discuss: Why "follow your passion" is misguided advice, and what Tom recommends doing instead when thinking about work and career The statistics on how much of our career path we unconsciously inherit from our parents, and what to do about it How strengths only really come to life when they're turned outward in service of another person Tom's "what's the point?" question and how to use it daily to reprioritise your time and cut through distraction Why resume virtues and eulogy virtues are so different, and how walking through cemeteries has sharpened Tom's thinking on what matters Social comparison as the single biggest tax on your sense of progress at work, and how to reduce its grip What a "shoulder hunter" is and how to find people whose thinking you can build on Why initiators will have a significant advantage over responders as AI continues to reshape the workforce Key quotes: "Passion is inherently more self-serving, where purpose is by definition anchored in what it does for other people." "Stop sleepwalking through your days and lives. The people who are continuing to do that day after day are in for a very rude awakening." Connect with Tom Rath on Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn, visit his website at https://tomrath.org/, and check out his latest book What's the Point?. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd recommend going back and listening to my chat with educator and parenting expert Lael Stone, who talks about the power of understanding our imprints — the stories we tell ourselves that we learned in childhood — and how they shape how we show up in the world, and importantly, what we can do to rewrite them. Check out part 1 and part 2. My latest book The Energy Game is out on July 7, 2026. You can order a copy here: https://amzn.to/48ID29M Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amanthai) If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at https://amantha.substack.com/ Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.au Credits: Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: The Podcast Butler See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ref.: Dr. Georg Bollig, Leitender Oberarzt für Palliativmedizin am Helios Klinikum Schleswig, Initiator der Letzte Hilfe-Kurse Der Tod ist für Normalsterbliche ein fremder Geselle geworden. Und je mehr er uns fremd wird, desto mehr macht er Angst. Dr. Georg Bollig hat deshalb als Palliativmediziner - analog zu den verbreiteten Erste-Hilfe-Kursen - einen Kurzkurs zur "Letzten Hilfe" entwickelt. Er sagt: "Der Abschied vom Leben ist der schwerste, den die Lebensreise für einen Menschen bereithält. Deshalb braucht es, wie auf allen schweren Wegen, jemanden, der dem Sterbenden die Hand reicht. Diese Hand zu reichen erfordert nur ein bisschen Mut und Wissen." In der Lebenshilfe vermittelt Dr. Bollig in drei Teilen die wichtigsten Grundzüge dieses Wissens für eine liebevolle Begleitung von Sterbenden. In der dritten und letzten Folge sprechen wir mit dem Arzt darüber, wie der Abschied von einem geliebten Menschen auf würdige und ganz persönliche Weise gestaltet werden kann.

Es gibt eine Neuigkeit im Hossaversum und die hat unmittelbar mit dem Gast der neuen Folge zu tun: Tobias Sauer ist katholischer Theologe, Berater für Glaubenskommunikation, Gründer der ruach.jetzt GmbH, zu der mittlerweile auch ein Buchverlag gehört, und Initiator des gleichnamigen, ökumenisch ausgerichteten Netzwerks. Zum Netzwerk gehören u.a. Podcaster*innen, Autor*innen, Künstler*innen und Theolog*innen aus ganz unterschiedlichen konfessionellen Hintergründen und Prägungen. Im Gespräch mit Jay, Marco und Gofi erzählt Tobias, wie er dazu kam, ein solches Netzwerk ins Leben zu rufen und eine Firma zu gründen, und was ein Songcontest für elektronische Musik mit all dem zu tun hat. Außerdem geht es natürlich um die Frage, warum Netzwerke immer wichtiger werden und wie gegenseitige Unterstützung und Gemeinschaft aussehen können. Und Tobias teilt mit den drei Hossa-Talkern seine Sicht auf Mission und Evangelisation – Themen und Begriffe, mit denen sich viele aus guten Gründen mittlerweile sehr schwer tun und die dennoch in diesem Gespräch aus einer überraschend anderen Perspektive betrachtet werden. Ein spannender Talk über Synergien, Netzwerke und die Frage, wie es gelingen kann, online und offline authentisch und ansprechend über Glaube und Zweifel zu reden. Noch ein Hinweis in eigener Sache: Natürlich wird HOSSA TALK immer kostenlos bleiben! Allerdings macht Deine Spende es uns leichter möglich, den Podcast zu produzieren und trotzdem unseren finanziellen Verpflichtungen nachzukommen. Das kann ein einmaliger Betrag sein, aber auch ein kleiner regelmäßiger Betrag. Egal wie Du Dich entscheidest: Wir sind für jede Hilfe sehr, sehr dankbar! Informationen dazu findest Du hier: https://hossa-talk.de/spenden/

It is not easy for young opera singers to find education and commitment in Australia. There just isn't that much opera here. However, there is an Australian Opera Grant that provides assistance. Hans Henkell from Melbourne is the initiator of this unique program. Now he is looking for new talent again - Junge Opernsänger und Sängerinnen haben es nicht leicht in Australien, eine Ausbildung und ein Engagement zu finden. Es gibt hier eben nicht so viel Oper. Es gibt aber einen Australian Opera Grant, der da Hilfestellung leistet. Initiator dieses einmaligen Programms ist Hans Henkell aus Melbourne. Jetzt ist er wieder auf der Suche nach neuen Talenten

The NASA Standard Initiator is an electrically activated, pyrotechnic device that played a critical role in the recent launch of the Artemis Two/Orion mission. On April 15th, after an eight-week competition the Initiator---made at Chemring Energetic Devices in Downers Grove won the 2026 “Makers Madness” contest, earning it the title of "The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois".

The NASA Standard Initiator is an electrically activated, pyrotechnic device that played a critical role in the recent launch of the Artemis Two/Orion mission. On April 15th, after an eight-week competition the Initiator---made at Chemring Energetic Devices in Downers Grove won the 2026 “Makers Madness” contest, earning it the title of "The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois".

The NASA Standard Initiator is an electrically activated, pyrotechnic device that played a critical role in the recent launch of the Artemis Two/Orion mission. On April 15th, after an eight-week competition the Initiator---made at Chemring Energetic Devices in Downers Grove won the 2026 “Makers Madness” contest, earning it the title of "The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois".

THE INITIATOR. THE CATALYST.

We celebrate this, the 100th episode of The Vedic Worldview, by covering one of Thom's favorite subjects, Vedic Meditation Initiator Training.Building on the last episode, Become a Teacher of Vedic Meditation, Thom explains why his training is the ultimate path for anyone considering becoming a Vedic Meditation Initiator.While there are many more trainings available than there were just a few short years ago, many of which offer a simpler or more convenient path of learning, Thom explains that it's their convenience that makes them unsuitable for anyone serious about becoming an Initiator. He describes the 10,000-year-old tradition that has given us access to the wisdom behind Vedic Meditation in its purest form, and his commitment to maintain that purity.  If you're serious about becoming a Vedic Meditation Initiator, you can find out more about Vedic Meditation Initiator Training with Thom Knoles.Episode Highlights00:45 - Creative Initiator Training03:34 - The Masterful Approach to Initiator Training04:42 - Shankaracharya - The Teaching Tradition06:33 - The Most Memorable Cameraderie07:41 - Bypassing Shoddy Guesswork09:14 - A Long Line of Wisdom10:38 - Does This Sound Like Something I Would Do?12:19 - The Opposite of Knowledge13:58 - The Balance Between Purity and Accessibility15:08 - The Danger of the Ever-Repeating Known17:36 - We Want to Be Change Designers20:01 - Initiator Training is Not for Everyone21:21 - The Most Precious Thing22:56 - You Deserve Plan A24:27 - This is How It's Done26:04 - Diligence About Integrity26:52 - I Learned His Thinking28:39 - Check Here. Don't Check30:51 - Align Your Thinking With the Enlightened Mind32:30 - Jump the Hurdles You Need to Jump34:13 - You Are a Bright Star

Nach vier Wochen Krieg hat der Iran eine 15-Punkte-Forderung Trumps abgelehnt. Der Nahostkorrespondent Pierre Heumann erörtert, wie wahrscheinlich jetzt noch ein Waffenstillstand ist. Während die USA im Nahen Osten gebunden sind und alle Welt in den Iran blickt, könnte Russland von dieser Situation profitieren. Welche Auswirkungen der Iran-Krieg auf den ukrainischen Kriegsschauplatz haben könnte, analysiert Russland-Kenner Alexander Rahr. Über den Vorschlag der Bundesbank, die 1- und 2-Cent-Münzen abzuschaffen und Beträge stattdessen aufzurunden, berichtet Hansjörg Stützle, Initiator einer Petition für den Erhalt des Bargelds. Und die neueste Bildgewalt, die in der großen Weltpolitik von KI-generierten Bildern ausgeht, kommentiert Markus Vahlefeld. 

What if the secret to feeling wealthy, magnetic, and alive wasn't another strategy but simply initiating the life you say you value? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on a powerful CEO mastermind download that completely shifted how I think about wealth, magnetism, and joy in business.Spoiler: it all starts with one question.Scaling to multiple 6-figures? Apply for the CEO Mastermind here.Stabilizing your revenue before your scale? Get inside The Inner Circle here.Wanting Instagra to feel easier & more profitable? Grab the Socially Sold IG Playbook here.

Unser heutiger Gast steht für einen Weg, den man nicht planen kann und gerade deshalb spannend findet. Er hat BWL studiert, im Masterstudium Applied Business Innovation begonnen und dann genau diesen Master abgebrochen, weil das echte Unternehmertum dazwischen kam. Gemeinsam mit seinem besten Freund gründete er die Fischerei Schliersee und baute aus einer zunächst kleinen Idee innerhalb kürzester Zeit ein Unternehmen auf, das bis in die Spitzengastronomie hinein wirkte. Vier Jahre lang war er dort Unternehmer mit Haut und Haaren und merkte zugleich: Erfolg allein reicht nicht, wenn das Umfeld und die Denkmuster nicht mehr zur eigenen Zukunft passen. Er wechselte zu Sym und dort arbeitet er heute daran, gemeinsam mit anderen Unternehmen neue Formen der Zusammenarbeit zu entwickeln und umzusetzen. Heute ist er dort Chief Growth Officer und außerdem Co-Initiator des ‘beyond economy Movements' sowie Festivals in München. Dort bringt er Start-ups, Mittelstand, Konzerne und Vordenker zusammen, um über nichts Geringeres zu sprechen als die Wirtschaft der Zukunft: jenseits von reinem Profitdenken, mit mehr Blick auf Menschen, Wirkung, Kooperation und neue Formen von Ownership, Finanzierung und Zusammenarbeit. Seit fast 9 Jahren beschäftigen wir uns in diesem Podcast mit der Frage, wie Arbeit den Menschen stärkt, statt ihn zu schwächen. Wir haben in mehr als 540 Episoden mit mehr als 700 Persönlichkeiten darüber gesprochen, was sich für sie verändert hat und was sich noch verändern muss. Warum lohnt es sich manchmal gerade dann, einen erfolgreichen Weg zu verlassen, wenn er von außen betrachtet eigentlich perfekt aussieht? Warum brauchen kleine und mittlere Unternehmen heute mehr denn je Netzwerke und Ökosysteme, statt weiter als Einzelkämpfer unterwegs zu sein? Und was können Formate wie beyond economy ganz konkret dazu beitragen, dass aus Zukunftsdebatten echte Praxis und neue Zusammenarbeit entsteht? Fest steht: Für die Lösung unserer aktuellen Herausforderungen brauchen wir neue Impulse. Wir suchen weiter nach Methoden, Vorbildern, Erfahrungen, Tools und Ideen, die uns dem Kern von New Work näher bringen. Darüber hinaus beschäftigt uns von Anfang an die Frage, ob wirklich alle Menschen das finden und leben können, was sie im Innersten wirklich wirklich wollen. Ihr seid bei On the Way to New Work, heute in einer Kollaborationsfolge mit Zoomer meets Boomer und meinem Co-Host Oskar Trautmann. Unser heutiger Gast ist Marc Fricke. [Hier](https://linktr.ee/onthewaytonewwork) findet ihr alle Links zum Podcast und unseren aktuellen Werbepartnern

Ref.: Dr. Georg Bollig, Leitender Oberarzt für Palliativmedizin am Helios Klinikum Schleswig, Initiator der "Letzte Hilfe-Kurse" Der Tod ist in unserer modernen Gesellschaft an den Rand gedrängt worden. Und je mehr er uns fremd wird, desto mehr macht er Angst. Dr. Georg Bollig hat deshalb als Palliativmediziner - analog zu den verbreiteten Erste-Hilfe-Kursen - einen Kurs zur "Letzten Hilfe" entwickelt. Er sagt: "Der Abschied vom Leben ist der schwerste, den die Lebensreise für einen Menschen bereithält. Deshalb braucht es, wie auf allen schweren Wegen, jemanden, der dem Sterbenden die Hand reicht. Diese Hand zu reichen erfordert nur ein bisschen Mut und Wissen." In der Lebenshilfe vermittelt Dr. Bollig in drei Teilen die wichtigsten Grundzüge dieses Wissens für eine liebevolle Begleitung von Sterbenden. Im zweiten Teil geht es darum, wie am Lebensende Schmerzen, Atemnot und weitere körperliche Leiden gelindert werden können.

Series: God's Promises, Our JourneyTitle: “How Does God's Promise Shape Our Faith Journey?”Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6 NIV Habakkuk 2:4 Luke 2-3Ephesians 2:8-10Romans 4:3-5; 20-22Galatians 3:6-9, 14James 2:21-23Bottom Line: When we trust God's promise, our journey is secure—He makes us right with Him and leads us step by step.INTRODUCTIONCONTEXTSERMON OUTLINECONCLUSIONNOTESOUTLINESQUESTIONS TO CONSIDER DISCUSSION QUESTIONSMAIN REFERENCES USEDMy opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. INTRODUCTION“The Signed Contract Before the House Exists”In 2006, we started looking for a house to buy in Summerville. We'd just accepted the position to come to Grace and were excited about what we might move into. But our excitement faded as we saw what we'd care for the money we were bringing from our last house sale. So, in the end, it made more sense for us to build a new house over buying an existing one. Imagine a young couple buying a home that hasn't been built yet.There is:• No framing• No roof• No walls• Just dirt and a blueprint or renderingBut they sign a contract.They put down earnest money.They commit financially.Why would they do that?Because they trust:• The builder's reputation• The written promise• The legal agreementThey are acting today on something they cannot yet see.That's Genesis 15.Abram:• Has no son• Has no visible nation• Has no fulfillment• Only a word from GodAnd verse 6 says he signed the contract in his heart.“Abram believed the LORD…”Faith is not pretending the house is already standing.Faith is signing your life to the One who promised to build it.That sets up:• Romans 4 — persuaded God will do what He promised• Galatians 3 — we inherit the same contract by faith• James 2 — if you signed it, you start living like itCONTEXTGenesis 15 comes at a pivotal moment in Abram's journey. In Genesis 12, God called Abram out of Ur with sweeping promises of land, offspring, and blessing — but Abram still has no child. In Genesis 13, he lets Lot choose the better land and must trust God again for the promise. In Genesis 14, Abram rescues Lot, defeats powerful kings, refuses the riches of Sodom, and is blessed by Melchizedek — demonstrating growing faith and allegiance to God alone. Yet despite spiritual victory, the central promise remains unfulfilled: Abram is aging, Sarai is barren, and the land is still occupied by other nations. Genesis 15 opens in that tension — between promise and fulfillment, between faith and visible reality — and God responds not with rebuke, but with covenant.OUTLINE (with references):1. Fear Meets God's Promise (Genesis 15:1-2): Abraham's fears—reprisal and no heir—are met by God's protection and provision.2. Who God Is in the Journey (Genesis 15:1, 5): Present, protector, provider, sovereign, life-giver—all shaping trust.3. Faith Receives God's Promise (Genesis 15:6): Abraham believed, and it was credited as righteousness.SERMONReview from Genesis 12:1-3:God Is the Initiator of RedemptionGod Calls His People to Trust Him Before They Understand HimGod's Blessing Is Never Merely Personal—It Is MissionalGod Promises to Anchor His People in Uncertain Times & PlacesGod's People Respond with Obedience, Worship, and Witness1. Fear Meets God's Promise (Genesis 15:1-2): Abraham's fears—reprisal and no heir—are met by God's protection and provision.2. Who God Is in the Journey (Genesis 15:1, 5): Present, protector, provider, sovereign, life-giver—all shaping trust.The stars in the sky in Uganda. (Show Chris' pic)"On a clear night, at most 5,000 individual stars can be seen with the naked eye, as well as objects like the fuzzy outline of the Andromeda Galaxy, with its estimated 100 billion stars, 2.5 million light years away!" -Lennox, p. 113"ACCORDING TO THE WRITERS of Hebrews and the Genesis record, the link between faith and righteousness was not a New Testament invention, nor was it even a patriarchal innovation. Instead, the dynamic connection between faith and righteousness is rooted in primeval history well before the flood. The lives of three famous pre-diluvians-Abel, Enoch, and Noah— make this very clear.Of Abel we read, "By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks" (Hebrews 11:4). Faith-righteousness was exemplified in earth's first family by the second son of Adam and Eve.Of Enoch Genesis says, "Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him" (5:24). The metaphor "walked" indicates closest communion and intimacy—a righteous life. Enoch's godly walk grew out of his faith, as Hebrews makes so clear: "By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God" (11:5). According to verse 6, his God-pleasing faith believed that "God is" (literal translation of the Greek)-that the sovereign God of creation is God. He also believed that God "rewards those who seek him"-that God is positively equitable.As a result, Jude 14, 15 records that he became a preacher of righteousness, apparently for his entire life, for some three centuries! Enoch's life demonstrated a righteousness based on faith.Of Noah Genesis says, "Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God" (6:9). That Noah "walked with God" identifies him with the godly character of Enoch. But even more significant, the statement that "Noah was a righteous man" is the first occurrence of the word righteous tsadiq) in the Bible. Noah's righteousness was not derived from his being perfect or any antecedent righteousness, but because he believed God, as the writer of Hebrews explains: "By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household" (11:7). The biblical doctrine of imputed righteousness (a righteousness from God) began here in primeval history before the flood!" -Hughes, pp. 221-2223. Faith Receives God's Promise (Genesis 15:6): Abraham believed, and it was credited as righteousness.Cross-References for Genesis 15:6 - Faith credited as righteousness. #core• Romans 4:3-5, 20-22 - Faith credited as righteousness. #standing #position• Galatians 3:6-9, 14 - Faith connects us to the promise. #family #mission #nations• James 2:21-23 - Faith is active, not passive. #living #practical #behaviorsBottom Line: When we trust God's promise, our journey is secure—He makes us right with Him and leads us step by step.So How Does God's Promise Shape Our Faith Journey?He brings security, confidence and peace because of who he is and what he does as our personally present provider and protector.More application:First, when you face fear—whether fear of the future or uncertainty—remind yourself that God is both your protector and provider. Concretely, when you face a major decision, begin by praying for His presence in it.Second, trust in God's promise of righteousness—when you feel inadequate or guilty, recall that your standing is secure by faith. For example, when you fail, don't retreat—confess and continue walking with Him.Third, active faith leads to action—like Abraham, step forward in obedience. If God's promise is sure, what step of obedience is He calling you to right now?Fourth, when considering your connection to God's larger promise (like in Galatians 3), remember that your faith ties you to a bigger family of faith. Practically, live out that community—extend grace and include others in your faith journey.Finally, as James 2 emphasizes, ask yourself: How is my faith visible in action this week? Identify one tangible act of service or obedience you'll do in response to trusting Him.CONCLUSIONBottom Line: When we trust God's promise, our journey is secure—He makes us right with Him and leads us step by step.“The Shield You Carry vs. The Shield You Trust”You could return to Genesis 15:1:“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield…”In ancient warfare, a shield only works if you trust it enough to stand behind it.If a soldier:• Keeps peeking out• Keeps lowering the shield• Keeps running forward in panicThe shield cannot protect him.The issue is not whether the shield works.The issue is whether he will stand behind it.Abram's fear was real:• Eastern kings• No heir• An aging bodyGod doesn't say:“Be brave.”He says:“I am your shield.”And Abram stands behind that promise.Romans 4 says he was fully persuaded.Galatians 3 says we now stand in that same promise.James 2 says if you really trust the shield, you'll fight differently.So the question becomes:Are you standing behind the Shield?Or are you trying to carry your own?That lands the plane cleanly on:• God as protector• God as provider• Faith that rests• Faith that actsINVITATIONPeter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions: What is God saying to me right now?What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper. What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don't have to get too specific to give him praise.Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)PrayNOTES"As Von Rad has said, "But above all, his righteousness is not the result of any accomplishments, whether of sacrifice or acts of obedience.Rather, it is stated programmatically that belief alone has brought Abraham into a proper relationship to God."This understanding is revolutionary! Circa 2000 B.C., Abram was declared righteous because of his belief. This declaration was in profound accord with the primeval fathers Abel, Enoch, and Noah. Furthermore, the principle has remained operative through both primeval and patriarchal history and the entire old-covenant era and is the foundation of the new covenant." -Hughes, p. 225"It has always been the same-in primeval times and patriarchal times. under the old covenant and the new covenant: Faith brings righteousnessand salvation.So it was for Abel: "By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain" (Hebrews 11:4). Abel was saved by faith, a faith that was not alone because it produced better works than Cain.So it was for Enoch: "By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death" (Hebrews 11:5). But Enoch's faith was such that he "walked with God" (Genesis 5:22) before he was no more. His faith was a real faith a faith that worked.So it was for Noah: "By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith" (Hebrews 11:7). Noah's profound faith produced a profound obedience. And his works were monumental: "He did all that God commanded him" (Genesis 6:22; cf. 7:5, 9, 16). His was a faith that worked.So it was with Abram: "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going" (Hebrews 11:8). "By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac" (v. 17a.). Abraham was saved by faith alone-a faith that was not alone faith that works!We conclude this study with two penetrating questions. Have you rested your faith on God the Son, Jesus Christ, alone for your salvation? That is the first question. Are you trusting your works or Christ? Now if you answer, I am trusting Christ alone," then the second question is, has your faith produced works? Is your faith real enough that it has changed your life? These are salutary questions because you are saved by faith alone. But if it is true faith, it is faith that is not alone but a faith that works." -Hughes, p. 218"When someone is called 'a person of faith' it usually means that they are adherents of a particular religious tradition. It does not normally refer to the obvious yet frequently overlooked fact that everyone exercises faith every day in a myriad different ways - just think what would happen if people did not place their faith/trust in maps, traffic lights, electric appliances, or doctors, surgeons, pilots, lawyers and so on. In that important sense, everyone is a person of faith. Faith, as such, is not a religious concept." -Lennox, p. 117Below is:1. A refined opening (pastoral tone)2. A clean covenant pivot3. A governing Big Idea4. A simple sermon skeleton that keeps the focus where it belongs

Ref.: Dr. Georg Bollig, Leitender Oberarzt für Palliativmedizin am Helios Klinikum Schleswig, Initiator der "Letzte Hilfe-Kurse" Der Tod ist für uns Normalsterbliche ein fremder Geselle geworden. Und je mehr er uns fremd wird, desto mehr macht er Angst. Dr. Georg Bollig hat deshalb als Palliativmediziner - analog zu den verbreiteten Erste-Hilfe-Kursen - einen Kurzkurs zur "Letzten Hilfe" entwickelt. Er sagt: "Der Abschied vom Leben ist der schwerste, den die Lebensreise für einen Menschen bereithält. Deshalb braucht es, wie auf allen schweren Wegen, jemanden, der dem Sterbenden die Hand reicht. Diese Hand zu reichen erfordert nur ein bisschen Mut und Wissen." In der Lebenshilfe vermittelt Dr. Bollig in drei Teilen die wichtigsten Grundzüge dieses Wissens für eine liebevolle Begleitung von Sterbenden. Im ersten Teil erfahren wir erst einmal, was beim Sterben genau im Körper passiert.

Series: God's Promises, Our JourneyTitle: "What are the key ingredients to the life God calls us to live?"Scripture: Genesis 14:1-24 NIVHebrews 7Bottom line: When we rest in what God said, we walk in his key ingredients of righteousness, peace & blessing that we might be a blessing to the nations as he created us to be.God reveals himself as our rescuing King and eternal Priest and calls us to wholehearted allegiance.INTRODUCTIONCONTEXTSERMON OUTLINECONCLUSIONNOTESOUTLINESQUESTIONS TO CONSIDER DISCUSSION QUESTIONSMAIN REFERENCES USEDMy opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. INTRODUCTIONFree the Hostages"ON JUNE 27, 1976, armed operatives for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) surprised the twelve crew members of an Air France jetliner and its ninety-one passengers, hijacking it to a destination unknown.The plane was tracked heading for Central Africa, where indeed it did land under the congenial auspices of then Ugandan President Idi Amin. And there it remained apparently secure at Entebbe Airport, where the hijackers spent the next seven days preparing for their next move. The hijackers were by all estimations in the driver's seat.However, 2,500 miles away in Tel Aviv three Israeli C-130 Hercules transports were secretly boarded by a deadly force of Israeli commandos who within hours attacked Entebbe under cover of darkness. In less than sixty minutes the commandos rushed the old terminal, gunned down the hijackers, and rescued 110 of the 113 hostages. A few days later, July 4, Israel's Premier Yitzhak Rabin triumphantly declared the mission "will become a legend"—which it surely has.' Israel's resolve and stealth in liberating her people is admired by her friends and begrudged by her enemies.Actually, Israel's resolve is nothing new because the same quality can be traced all the way back to the very beginning of the Hebrew nation in the prowess of their father Abraham. The kidnappers in his day (the Middle Bronze Age) were an international coalition of four eastern kings headed by King Chedorlaomer who attacked the Transjordan, defeating the city states of Sodom and her neighbors, carrying off a large number of hostages That included Abram's nephew Lot." -Hughes, p. 213CONTEXTWe've gone from Promises of blessings to failure to rest in those promises to returning to the original promise keeper through repentance and faith.Abram went down to Egypt but returned to between "House of Bread" and "Ruin". It is here he and Lot part ways. He watches Lot choose what he thinks is best for him and yet outside of God's promised land. No doubt he knows this. He just doesn't believe it or realize it.Genesis 13 contrasts Abram's faith-shaped restraint with Lot's sight-driven ambition—and places both under the canopy of God's covenant faithfulness.In Genesis 14 we see the first recorded battle in scripture. We meet Melchizedek, and we see Abram draw encouragement from Melchizedek and rest in what God has said.There's a powerful lesson for us here.SERMONReview from Genesis 12:1-3:God Is the Initiator of RedemptionGod Calls His People to Trust Him Before They Understand HimGod's Blessing Is Never Merely Personal—It Is MissionalGod Promises to Anchor His People in Uncertain Times & PlacesGod's People Respond with Obedience, Worship, and WitnessBottom line: When we rest in what God said, we walk in his key ingredients of righteousness, peace & blessing that we might be a blessing to the nations as he created us to be.Outline (help from Outline Bible):I. THE COURAGE OF ABRAM (14:1-16)A. The villains (14:1-11)The rebellion (14:1-4): Five Canaanite city-states rebel against Kedorlaomer of Elam.The retaliation (14:5-11): Kedorlaomer and his allies defeat the armies of the five city-states, plunder their cities, and carry many people away as slaves. B. The victim (14:12): Lot, now living in Sodom, is taken away as a slave.C. The victory (14:13-16)Abram's army (14:13-14): Upon learning of Lot's capture, Abram and his 318 trained servants ride out to rescue Lot.Abram's attack (14:15): Abram divides his men and initiates a surprise attack at night.Abram's achievements (14:16): Kedorlaomer is defeated, and Lot is rescued. II. THE COMMUNION OF ABRAM (14:17-24)A. The godly and priestly king of Salem (14:17-20): As he is returning from battle to his home in Hebron, Abram meets Melchize-dek, who blesses him. Abram offers him a tenth of all the goods he has recovered from Kedorlaomer.B. The godless and perverted king of Sodom (14:21-24): In stark contrast, Abram refuses to have any fellowship with Bera, king of wicked Sodom.My notes on Gen 14:This sermon is sort of a part 2 to last week. Abram rescues Lot and co.--people, possessions and all. And he's met by two kings upon his return: Melchizedek and the King of Sodom. (Name?) Sodom's king can only see that his losses are back and he can get back at least some of them, thanks to Abram, who rightly deserves the spoils of war. He is consumed by what he can see. So he asks for some of it back, though he deserves none of it. Melchizedek, however, is a mystery. He is there for Abram at a moment when he's tempted to also get seduced by what he can see. But he finds in Mel a kindred spirit of sorts. Actually, he finds a type of Christ. This type of Christ behaves very much like Christ. He blesses Abram in the name of El Elyon and praises El Elyon for what he did. He honors the greater even as he blesses the lessor. He also blesses Abram and his men with bread and wine. Could this be a whisper to a future Last Supper?Lot, fresh off his rescue, could easily be taking all of this in. He's no doubt glad to be alive. He is thinking of all his losses. He believes that Abram will restore his fortunes. He's focused on what he lost...what he could see and some of it he can still see. We know this because he follows the king of Sodom back to the city. He doesn't rest in what God has said. He's now further from that than he's ever been. Abram, inspired by another person who knows El Elyon, rests in the promises of God and eludes the temptation to dwell on what he can see. He tithes 10% of it to Mel, tells Sodom to give his allies their portion for helping, and surrenders the rest back to Sodom, with the possible invitation for any of the rescued people to join him in his growing clan. It appears none take him up on it.We're back to the contrast between Abram and Lot; a promise of God and a pile of possessions. Abram chooses well, helped by a mysterious king of righteousness, king of peace and priest of a different priesthood. This mysterious priest shows up right when Abram needs him. He leads with generous gifts followed by blessings to Abram and adoration to El Elyon. This is where we are as well. But we don't have a type of Christ showing up to help us right when we need him. We have Christ himself. And he showed up on a Roman cross and shows up for us every day at the right hand of the Father interceding for us in our need. So the next time you're tempted, like I have been for over a week, to feel sorry for yourself, remember that it only would have been worse if he'd not been praying for you.Chat GPT notes:Abram rescues Lot. (Temp salvation)Abram meets a Priest-King. (Melchizedek appears)Abram worships through giving. (Recognizes divine favor and responds)Abram refuses King of Sodom. (Allegiance clarified)Jesus is the better Melchizedek:Ultimate rescueEternal priesthoodCalls for total allegianceClosing illustrationHow many of you heard/saw last week's message? I've never gotten so much positive feedback on a message in my life. It's just like God to take someone battling the temptation to have his own pity party to do something like that. God is faithful.What's sad is that there were people online and on-site who heard the message last week and yet didn't get a thing out of it. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. How can that be? Life-changine for one--Apathetic sigh for the other. Who's that on?Abram and Lot were a part of the same war and rescue. But one of them turned away from what God said and went back to the wicked city that was defeated just days before. Like a dog returning to his vomit.The other turned towards the God of promise: El Elyon. The God Most High. No, not high on a joint--high on his holy hill; holy throne; in his holy temple.What about you?CONCLUSIONBottom line: When we rest in what God said, we walk in his key ingredients of righteousness, peace & blessing that we might be a blessing to the nations as he created us to be."Abram rescued Lot from four kings.Jesus rescues us from sin and death.Abram met a priest who blessed him.We have a Priest who intercedes forever.Abram gave a tenth.We give our whole lives.Abram refused Sodom's reward.We refuse a kingdom that is passing away.Because our King is also our Priest." -ChatGPTINVITATIONPeter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions: What is God saying to me right now?What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper. What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don't have to get too specific to give him praise.Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)PrayNOTESThis is an important theological distinction—especially as you preach through Genesis and encounter figures like Melchizedek in Genesis 14.Let me define the categories carefully and then contrast them.1️⃣ What Is aType of Christ?A type (Greek: typos) is a historical person, event, or institution intentionally designed by God to foreshadow Christ.It is:Real historySymbolically patternedForward-pointingIncomplete without ChristThe type is not Jesus Himself.It is a divinely embedded preview.Key Characteristics of a TypeHistorical realityEscalation or fulfillment in ChristOften clarified by later ScriptureAnalogical, not identicalBiblical ExamplesAdamPaul explicitly calls Adam a “type” of Christ (Romans 5:14).Adam = representative head → Christ = greater representative head.MelchizedekHebrews 7 presents Melchizedek as a type:King of righteousnessKing of peacePriest of God Most HighWithout recorded genealogyBut Hebrews never says Melchizedek was Christ — he was “made like” the Son of God (Heb 7:3).JosephRejected brother → exalted savior → forgives those who wronged him.A clear Christ-pattern.Definition:A type of Christ is a God-ordained historical shadow that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.2️⃣ What Is aPre-Incarnate Christ (Christophany)?A Christophany is an actual appearance of the Son of God before the incarnation.It is:A real manifestationPersonal and divineNot symbolicThe second Person of the Trinity appearing visiblyThis is not foreshadowing — this is presence.Classic Christophany TextsAngel of the LORDIn several passages:Speaks as GodReceives worshipForgives sinIdentifies Himself as YahwehExamples:Genesis 16 (Hagar)Genesis 22 (Abraham and Isaac)Exodus 3 (burning bush)Judges 13 (Manoah)Many evangelical theologians conclude this is the pre-incarnate Son.The “Commander of the Lord's Army” (Joshua 5)Accepts worship. Identifies ground as holy.Definition:A Christophany is a real, pre-incarnate appearance of the eternal Son of God.3️⃣ The Core DifferencesType of ChristChristophanySymbolic foreshadowingActual divine appearanceHuman or eventDivine manifestationPoints forward to ChristIs ChristIncompleteFully divine presenceAnalogical resemblanceOntological identity4️⃣ The Melchizedek Question (Critical for Your Genesis 14 Preaching)Some argue Melchizedek was a Christophany.But Hebrews 7 does not say he was the Son of God — it says:“He is made like the Son of God.”That language supports typology, not incarnation.Hebrews is arguing:Jesus is not in the order of Aaron.He is in the order of Melchizedek.Melchizedek prefigures Christ's eternal priesthood.If Melchizedek were literally Christ, the argument collapses.You can't be “in the order of” yourself.So for Genesis 14:Melchizedek is best understood as a type.The Angel of the LORD passages are stronger candidates for Christophany.OUTLINESSECTION OUTLINE SEVEN (HEBREWS 7) The author identifies and equates the priesthood of Jesus with that of Melchizedek. I. A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE (7:1-3) A. The person of Melchizedek (7:1 a, 2b-3)Who he was (7:2b): His name means "king of justice," and he was also the "king of peace."What he did (7:1a): He was both priest and king over the city of Salem.Where he came from (7:3): There is no record of either his birth or his death. B. The preeminence of Melchizedek (7:1b-2a)B. The preeminence of Melchizedek (7:1 b-2a)The battle (7:2a): Following the defeat of his enemies, Abraham met Melchizedek and paid tithes to him.The blessing (7:1 b): Melchizedek blessed Abraham.II. A THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE (7:4-28): The author lists the various characteristics of Jesus, who, according to the Father's decree, is to be a priest after the order of Melchizedek (see Ps. 110:4). Thus, his priesthood would be: A. Royal (as was that of Melchizedek) (see 7:1) B. Superior (7:4-10)To whom? (7:5-7): To Levi, founder of the levitical priesthood.Why? (7:4, 8-10)a. Abraham was the ancestor of Levi (7:9). b. The yet unborn Levi thus tithed to Melchizedek while still in the loins of Abraham (7:4, 8, 10). C. Independent (7:11-15)Independent of the law (7:11-12).Independent of the tribe of Levi (7: 13-15): Christ came from the tribe of Judah. D. Everlasting (7:16-17) E. Guaranteed (7:20-22): The Father himself took an oath concerning this. F. Continuous (7:23) G. Permanent (7:24) H. Holy (7:26) I. All-sufficient (7:18-19, 25, 27) J. Flawless (7:28)QUESTIONS TO CONSIDERWhat do I want them to know? Why do I want them to know it?What do I want them to do?Why do I want them to do it?How do they do this?DISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/Read the passage together.Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really true, what should I do?What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)Who am I going to tell about this?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastAlternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:Who is God?What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)What do I do? (In light of who I am)How do I do it?Final Questions (Write this down)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION Here's the revised YouTube description, with the preacher and links cleanly integrated and placed where viewers expect them:Series: God's Promises, Our JourneyMessage Title: What Are the Key Ingredients to the Life God Calls Us to Live?Scripture: Genesis 14:1–24 (NIV); Hebrews 7Preacher: Darien GabrielWhat does it look like to live the life God calls us to live—especially when we're surrounded by temptation, fear, and competing allegiances?In Genesis 14, Abram steps into the first recorded battle in Scripture to rescue his nephew Lot. But the real battle isn't fought with swords—it's fought in the heart. Upon returning victorious, Abram is met by two kings and faced with two radically different offers. One tempts him with visible reward and fleeting gain. The other blesses him in the name of El Elyon—God Most High.This mysterious priest-king, Melchizedek, brings bread and wine, speaks blessing, and points Abram back to the promises of God. Hebrews 7 later reveals that Melchizedek is not just a historical figure—but a powerful signpost pointing forward to Jesus Christ, our eternal King and Priest.In this message, we explore:Why resting in what God has said is essential to faithful livingHow righteousness, peace, and blessing flow from wholehearted allegiance to GodThe contrast between living by sight (Lot) and living by faith (Abram)Why Jesus is the better Melchizedek—our ultimate rescuer and eternal intercessorBottom Line:When we rest in what God has said, we walk in His key ingredients—righteousness, peace, and blessing—so that we might be a blessing to the nations, just as He created us to be.If you're feeling torn between what you can see and what God has promised, this message invites you to lift your eyes—and your allegiance—to the King who is also our Priest.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/your-daily-portion-with-l-david-harris--2912188/support.About Your Daily PortionYour Daily Portion with L. David Harris is a Bible-centered teaching ministry committed to helping people engage Scripture daily with clarity and purpose. This program is a service of Your Daily Portion Ministries, Inc., and is made possible through the faithful support of listeners and viewers.If this teaching blesses you, consider supporting the work so it can continue reaching others around the world through radio, podcasts, and digital platforms.Support the ministry:

Unser heutiger Gast ist Kommunikationsexperte, Gründer, Hochschuldozent, Familienmensch und eine der lautesten Stimmen für eine neue Wirtschaft. Er hat an der Universität Hamburg Kommunikationswissenschaft, er war Journalist bei der BILD, und war später verantwortlich für PR und Kommunikation bei der Founders Foundation und der Tech-Konferenz Hinterland of Things. Heute führt er mit „The Trailblazers“ eine der meistdiskutierten Kommunikationsagenturen Deutschlands – gegründet in Bielefeld, unterwegs in ganz Europa. Er sieht sich selbst nicht als CEO, sondern als Initiator. Als jemand, der Räume öffnet, Geschichten freilegt, Wirkung möglich macht. Mit „Open Champion“ baut er gerade ein radikal kooperatives Company-Building-Modell auf, das sich der Zukunft von Energie, Kreislaufwirtschaft und Digitalisierung widmet. Parallel unterrichtet er an mehreren Hochschulen, wurde vom Business Punk auf die Top-Watchlist gesetzt und jetzt erscheint sein erstes Buch: „Propaganda for the good“, eine Analyse unserer Kommunikationsgesellschaft und ein Weckruf, die Macht der Narrative zurückzuerobern. Seit mehr als acht Jahren beschäftigen wir uns in diesem Podcast mit der Frage, wie Arbeit den Menschen stärkt, statt ihn zu schwächen. Wir haben in über 500 Episoden mit fast 700 Persönlichkeiten darüber gesprochen, was sich bereits verändert hat und was sich weiter ändern muss. Warum ist Kommunikation heute das eigentliche Betriebssystem für Wandel – und warum reicht es nicht mehr, einfach nur „ehrlich“ zu sein? Wie bringt man Wirkung, Haltung und wirtschaftlichen Erfolg unter ein Dach – ohne sich in PR-Floskeln zu verlieren? Und was hat es mit der These auf sich, dass Demokratie Propaganda braucht – so wie er sie in seinem Buch formuliert? Fest steht: Für die Lösung unserer aktuellen Herausforderungen brauchen wir neue Impulse. Wir suchen weiter nach Methoden, Vorbildern, Erfahrungen, Tools und Ideen, die uns dem Kern von New Work näher bringen. Darüber hinaus beschäftigt uns von Anfang an die Frage, ob wirklich alle Menschen das finden und leben können, was sie im Innersten wirklich wirklich wollen. Ihr seid bei On the Way to New Work – heute mit Jannis Johannmeier. [Hier](https://linktr.ee/onthewaytonewwork) findet ihr alle Links zum Podcast und unseren aktuellen Werbepartnern

Series: God's Promises, Our JourneyTitle: "What happens when we rest in God's unshakable promises?"Scripture: Genesis 13:1-18 NIV Matthew 6:331 Corinthians 2:14-3:32 Corinthians 4:16-18James 3:13-4:102 Peter 2:7-8Bottom line: When God's people trust His promises, they can release what they see and rest in what He has said. OrFaith chooses promise over possession.INTRODUCTIONCONTEXTSERMON OUTLINECONCLUSIONNOTESOUTLINESQUESTIONS TO CONSIDER DISCUSSION QUESTIONSMAIN REFERENCES USEDMy opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. INTRODUCTIONWhen I was in high school, I was encouraged by my dad to go to a good college to get a good job. A noble endeavor, as I saw it.In college I chose an engineering degree that would provide for that vision.I was focusing on what I could see. I wasn't focused on what I could not see.When God called me into the ministry, he called me out of a career of engineering. I'd been practicing civil engineering as a consultant for five years, and had finally found my footing and was beginning to be productive in the eyes of the company. I finally felt like I belonged. God called me out of that into full-time ministry and I never really questioned the money piece. In other words by God's grace, I was able to look past the money to the Ministry that God was calling me too. I was able to walk by Faith instead of my sight.In this passage today, Genesis 13 we'll see a contrast between Abram and Lot. Lot will choose based on what he sees. Abram chooses based on the promises of God.When we trust in God's unshakable promises, we will release what we see, and rest in what he has said instead.What are some of those promises?God is ableGod hearsGod seesGod is with usGod caresGod satisfiesGod approvesThese are just some of the many promises throughout scripture that you and I have to bank on when we rest in him. Let's look at the life and the contrast of Abram and Lot and see how it plays out in chapter 13.CONTEXTWe've gone from Promises of blessings to failure to rest in those promises to returning to the original promise keeper through repentance and faith.Abram went down to Egypt but returned to between "House of Bread" and "Ruin". It is here he and Lot part ways. He watches Lot choose what he thinks is best for him and yet outside of God's promised land. No doubt he knows this. He just doesn't believe it or realize it.Genesis 13 contrasts Abram's faith-shaped restraint with Lot's sight-driven ambition—and places both under the canopy of God's covenant faithfulness.SERMONReview from Genesis 12:1-3:God Is the Initiator of RedemptionGod Calls His People to Trust Him Before They Understand HimGod's Blessing Is Never Merely Personal—It Is MissionalGod Promises to Anchor His People in Uncertain Times & PlacesGod's People Respond with Obedience, Worship, and WitnessMy notes on Gen 13:God is.../God does...Merciful / forgives, restoresWest, spiritually (10) / Draws his people west, spiritually (10)Holy, just judge (10) / judges righteously (10)Permissive / allowed us to make mistakes and even sinFaithful (14-17) / kept his promise (14-17)Omnipotent (14-17) / able to deliver on his promise (14-17)Worthy of our worship (18) / Receives our worship w/ pleasure when by grace through faith (18)People are.../People do...Can be faithful, humble (3-4) / repent, return to the Lord (3-4); call on the name of the Lord (4)Tempted by riches (5, 10-11) / Pursue riches over God and end up in dark places (5, 10-11)Divided, greedy (6-7) / Quarrelsom (6-7)A witness to the world (7b) / A good or poor witness (7b)Gracious; magnanimous (8-9) / yield to the underserving (8-9)Brothers & sisters of humanity & sometimes in Christ (8) / Care about each other (8) or notLost; citizens of this world; born sinners (10-13) / Pursue the things of this world (10-13)Faithful (at times), blessed (14-17) / Obedient, humble, grateful, faithful, believing (14-17)Content for, yearn for God's presence (18) / Seek, pursue, rest in the Lord (18)CONCLUSIONBottom line: When God's people trust His promises, they can release what they see and rest in what He has said."Fellow believers (Abram's spiritual seed), when we truly believe the promises that are ours in Christ, when we truly understand and believe that we are seated right now in him in the heavenly places, when we understand that all things are ours in Christ, we will cease our grasping. As Alexander Maclaren put it:The less of our energies are consumed in asserting ourselves, and scrambling for our rights, and cutting in before other people, so as to get the best places for ourselves, the more we shall have to spare for better things; and the more we live in the future, and leave God to order our ways, the more shall our souls be wrapped in perfect peace.'" -Hughes, pp. 200-201INVITATIONPeter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions: What is God saying to me right now?What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper. What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don't have to get too specific to give him praise.Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)PrayNOTESThe Apostle Paul talks about 3 kinds of people in the world somewhere in 1 Corinthians I think. Lost people, carnal Christians, and spiritual Christians. I think I read this in a Warren Wiersbe commentary pointing to Lot as a carnal Christian when considering 2 Peter 2:7-8. Does Paul say this?Short answer by ChatGPT:Yes, Paul does describe three kinds of people in 1 Corinthians 2–3 — but he does not present them as three permanent classes of Christians.He contrasts unbelievers with two conditions of believers.That distinction matters.Where Paul says this1 Corinthians 2:14–3:3 (flow of thought)Paul uses three Greek adjectives:ψυχικός (psychikos) — natural / unspiritualπνευματικός (pneumatikos) — spiritualσάρκινος / σαρκικός (sarkinos / sarkikos) — fleshly / carnalThese form the three categories you're remembering.The Three Types Explained1. Natural person — unbeliever (2:14)This person:does not receive the things of the Spiritconsiders them foolishlacks spiritual discernmentThis is clearly outside Christ.Paul is describing someone without the Spirit.So this one is not debated.2. Spiritual person — mature believer (2:15–16)This person:discerns spiritual realitieshas “the mind of Christ”is walking under the Spirit's influenceThis is what we might call:matureSpirit-ledgrowingresponsive to GodThis is Paul's goal for every believer.3. Fleshly / carnal believer — immature believer (3:1–3)This is the key text:Paul says to the Corinthians (paraphrasing):I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but as fleshly people, as infants in Christ… you are still fleshly… there is jealousy and strife among you.Notice carefully:He still calls them “in Christ.”So they are:savedbut immaturebehaving like unbelieversdominated by worldly patternsThis is not a third ontological class — it's stunted growth.So what is Paul actually teaching?Here's the most accurate way to state it:Not:❌ Three fixed types of peopleBut:✅ Two groups (unbelievers vs believers), with believers living in two possible conditions (spiritual or fleshly)In other words:CategorySpiritual StatusConditionNaturalUnregenerateCannot understandCarnalRegenerateImmature / worldlySpiritualRegenerateMature / Spirit-ledWhere Wiersbe and others get “three kinds of people”Teachers like Warren W. Wiersbe simplify Paul's language pedagogically.It's a teaching framework, not Paul's formal taxonomy.Helpful for preaching.But not meant as rigid categories.Your Lot connection (2 Peter 2:7–8)This is actually a good biblical illustration.Peter calls Lot:“righteous”yet compromiseddistressedliving foolishly in SodomSo:justified positionallybut practically worldlyThat fits the carnal/immature believer concept very well.So Wiersbe's use of Lot is pastorally reasonable.Theologically important clarificationSome traditions mistakenly build a doctrine like:“There are three kinds of Christians: saved, carnal, and spiritual.”Paul does not teach that.His point is corrective:“You should be spiritual by now — but you're acting fleshly.”It's rebuke, not classification.He expects growth.Bottom lineYes — Paul does describe:natural peoplefleshly believersspiritual believersBut he is describing spiritual maturity levels, not permanent types.The “carnal Christian” is:not a category to settle intobut a condition to repent from.If you want, we can next:look at the Greek terms more closelycompare with Romans 8 (flesh vs Spirit)or explore whether “carnal Christian” is the best phrase theologically (some scholars push back on that wording)or build a teaching/diagram you could use in a sermon or classWhere would you like to go deeper?OUTLINESQUESTIONS TO CONSIDERWhat do I want them to know? Why do I want them to know it?What do I want them to do?Why do I want them to do it?How do they do this?DISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/Read the passage together.Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really true, what should I do?What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)Who am I going to tell about this?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastAlternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:Who is God?What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)What do I do? (In light of who I am)How do I do it?Final Questions (Write this down)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?MAIN REFERENCES USED“Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent HughesExalting Jesus in Genesis, by BethancourtThe Genesis Record, by Henry MorrisThe Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)"Genesis" by Briscoe (TCC)Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)Willmington's Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.orgThe Bible Project https://bibleproject.com“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)Claude.ai

Series: God's Promises, Our JourneyTitle: "Where do you go when you fail God?"Scripture: Genesis 12:10-13:04 NIV James 1:2-6Bottom line: When we fail God, we return to the place where we left his presence and start again.INTRODUCTIONCONTEXTSERMON OUTLINECONCLUSIONNOTESOUTLINESQUESTIONS TO CONSIDER DISCUSSION QUESTIONSMAIN REFERENCES USEDMy opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. INTRODUCTIONMany of you know that last week we were online only due to the snow and hazardous roads. I was super encouraged by the number of people who tuned in as well. However, the most common feedback I got was interesting. Apparently, it looked like I was reading from the back of my Bible. But I was reading Genesis which is in the front of our Bibles. So, just to set the record straight, I was reading from the front of my Bible while my iPhone live-streamed the mirror-version of me reading. Some of you figured that out by looking at my rings or some other thing. I thought that was funny:-).So "Hero to zero" is a term that athletes sometimes use to describe when a player follows an amazing play with a boneheaded play. I see this in Ultimate Frisbee a lot. (And have done it too)You make an amazing, diving catch. The sidelines erupt with sounds of awe and groans of opposition. Then the player jumps up and instead of dropping it to the open handler poised to throw a scoring strike, they act on their inflated confidence and make a poor throw that ends up in the other teams hands. Hero to zero. The psychological term is overconfidence effect. I don't know if Abram is dealing with that but he definitely goes from a very high confidence in God to a very high confidence in himself.Let's read this together now.Shorter-God initiates redemption, calls us to trust Him without all the details, blesses us for the sake of the world, anchors us with His promises, and forms a people who respond with obedience, worship, and witness.Longer-God is the One who initiates redemption. He calls people before they understand all the details, inviting them to trust His voice and follow His lead. God's blessing is never merely personal—it is always meant to flow outward for the sake of others and ultimately for the nations. Along the way, God anchors His people in uncertain places with unshakable promises. And when God calls, His people respond—not perfectly, but faithfully—through obedience, worship, and public witness as they walk with Him step by step.CONTEXT**Genesis 12 marks a decisive turning point in the biblical story, as God initiates His redemptive plan through one man and one family, promising land, descendants, and blessing that will ultimately extend to all nations. God's promises are spoken clearly and graciously at the outset, calling Abram to leave what is familiar and trust God with an unknown future. Abram responds in faith, worship, and obedience, yet the chapter quickly reveals that walking in God's promises does not mean a flawless journey. Famine, fear, and failure follow obedience, exposing Abram's weakness and need for grace. Throughout the chapter, God remains faithful to protect His promise, preserve Sarai, and continue His purposes despite Abram's missteps. Genesis 12 therefore holds together both realities of our series, God's Promises, Our Journey: God's promises are unshakable, while the journey of faith is marked by growth, testing, and restoration rather than perfection.SERMON (influenced by W Wiersbe, Kent Hughes, and Bethancourt)Review last week:God Is the Initiator of RedemptionGod Calls His People to Trust Him Before They Understand HimGod's Blessing Is Never Merely Personal—It Is MissionalGod Promises to Anchor His People in Uncertain Times & PlacesGod's People Respond with Obedience, Worship, and WitnessTruth 1: Tests often follow triumphs. Moses gets Israel delivered from Pharaoh after the 10th plague followed by Pharaoh abusing the entire arm after them and trapping them against the Red Sea. God brought them through the Red Sea only to test them with no water in the desert. Then no bread. Then no meat.God's tests often come after triumph when we're tempted to think the victory was because of us--not God. We quickly forget God.Of course, God doesn't have us face the tests alone. He allows them for our good* and for his glory. God is with us so we don't have to be afraid.*James 1:1-12Application: So after a faith victory, expect a trial or test. Humble yourself instead of swelling with pride by thanking God and asking him to not let you forget who made that happen or who the source of that grace and provision is.Truth 2: Tests tempt us to run.Ex. People travel up and down I-95 from NY to FL asking for $$$ from people and churches because they're running from crisis only to travel back a year later.Ex. People move from one town to another trying to start over as if all their problems will stay behind. 12:10 Instead of staying (or even just asking God), Abram schemes his own plan. A plan with dangers and risks.We go "down" to Egypt not just topographically (elevation is lower in Egypt) but spiritually, in the Bible. (Abe, Mo, Joe)We go "up" to Jerusalem (where God lives) not just topographicaly (elevation is high) but spiritually, in the Bible. Application: When testing occurs, stay put until God tells you to go. Now, I've met with a lot of people who say God told them to go, even though their sitting in front of me in crisis. So this requires great discernment and prayer.Faith moves towards peace and hope.Unbelief moves towards restlessness and fear.Truth 3: God is great! Therefore, he's in control so I don't have to be; he is able.I am safer in a famine IN HIS WILL that in a palace OUT OF HIS WILL."The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you." (A saying)Abe failed his test with God. This lead to more problems! "When you enroll into the 'school of faith' you can't just drop out because of failure." -WWIt was the first nine weeks of my freshman year in high school. I'd just moved to Summerville 3 months before. And I just failed the first nine weeks of Alebra 1. I'd never failed any class or nine weeks before. I was scared to go home that day. My parents were concerned by supportive. We worked harder and I finished the year with a C average. I might have felt it was a little unfair since my teachers name was Mr. Phailer. But I digress...Abram went down to Egypt moving from trust to scheming/grasping.No altars built in Egypt.No calling on the name of the Lord in Egypt.No worship of God in Egypt.When we stop trusting God's word, we start leaning on man's wisdom. -WWHalf-truths are used to deceive. In the 10 commandments, it says do not commit false witness. Do not deceive others. Abram did that.Abram...Moves from trust to scheming or graspingMoves from confidence to fear ("I will" to "they will")Moves from "others" to selfMoves from bringing blessings to bringing judgmentTruth 4: God keeps his promises. God graciously brought him (them) through it all. Mainly because it would have ruined his promise. God rescued them from Pharaoh and sent them home well-provisioned. This foreshadowed the fleecing that would occur when Moses led Israel out of Egypt and through the Red Sea.Truth 5: Repentance leads to New Beginnings. When you stop trusting God's word and disobey, the only right thing to do is to go back to where you left him and make a new beginning. (1 John 1:9)Abram went back to his tent and altar in the Promised Land; to his life as a sojourner and stranger in this world.What was the big deal?! He came out well-provisioned and safe. It led to other problems with Lot Sarai paid a priceApplication: Never abandon your altar. Stay in fellowship with the Lord and his people no matter the crisis. Resist the temptation to run or isolate. Rest in his provision and protection found in his community. This is part of his covenant relationship we made with us. And he is faithful!CONCLUSIONBottom line: When we fail God, we return to the place where we left his presence and start again. A new beginning.God's promises are unshakable. They are for Abraham and they are for us through Jesus Christ. Will we have times of fear and doubt? Yes. Will God be there for us no matter what? Yes!How do we minimize the times of fear and doubt?We humble ourselves and review God's promises thanking God for them and resting in them. We continue our journey by grace through faith. When we get off track, we return to where we got off track and make another new beginning. We remember these truths and receive his blessings by obeying God's word, worship God himself, and being a blessing in word and deed daily. INVITATIONPeter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions: What is God saying to me right now?What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper. What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don't have to get too specific to give him praise.Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)PrayNOTES"Fellow believers (Abram's spiritual seed), when we truly believe the promises that are ours in Christ, when we truly understand and believe that we are seated right now in him in the heavenly places, when we understand that all things are ours in Christ, we will cease our grasping. As Alexander Maclaren put it:The less of our energies are consumed in asserting ourselves, and scrambling for our rights, and cutting in before other people, so as to get the best places for ourselves, the more we shall have to spare for better things; and Whereas Abram was living by taith, Lot was living by sight, much as Proram had lived in Egypt."-Alexander MacLaren, Hughes, pp. 200-201Illustration from last week:"I only have eyes for..."AN EXTRAORDINARY ANECDOTE comes to us from the annals of ancient Mideastern history. As the story goes, Cyrus, the great conqueror of the then known world including Babylon, had a general under his authority whose wife was suspected of treason. She was tried before a great and austere tribunal, found guilty, and sentenced to death. After the sentence was pronounced, the woman's husband (a general) made his way to Cyrus's throne and requested, “King Cyrus, please let me take her place.” Cyrus, in awe at what was transpiring before him, said to his court, “Can we terminate a love as great as this?” He then paroled the woman to her husband. As the couple left the court, the general said to his wife, “Did you see the benevolent look in Cyrus's eyes as he pardoned you?” The wife responded, “I only had eyes for the one who loved me enough that he was willing to die for me.”OUTLINESQUESTIONS TO CONSIDERWhat do I want them to know? Why do I want them to know it?What do I want them to do?Why do I want them to do it?How do they do this?DISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/Read the passage together.Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really true, what should I do?What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)Who am I going to tell about this?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastAlternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:Who is God?What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)What do I do? (In light of who I am)How do I do it?Final Questions (Write this down)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?MAIN REFERENCES USED“Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent HughesExalting Jesus in Genesis, by BethancourtThe Genesis Record, by Henry MorrisThe Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)"Genesis" by Briscoe (TCC)Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)Willmington's Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.orgThe Bible Project https://bibleproject.com“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)Claude.ai

This month marks four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine—a conflict that has reshaped global politics, security, and the international order. To reflect on this grim anniversary, Global in the Granite State welcomes a powerful and deeply personal conversation with Sviatoslav Yuras, Ukraine's youngest member of parliament and a recent participant in the Open World Leadership Program hosted in New Hampshire.Drawing on his experiences as both a lawmaker and a frontline soldier, Yuras offers rare insight into how Ukrainians view the war, the prospects for peace, and the hard lessons learned from broken agreements with Russia. He speaks candidly about why Ukrainians remain deeply skeptical of ceasefires without real security guarantees, how morale endures amid staggering personal sacrifice, and what “Live Free or Die” truly means when national survival is at stake.The conversation also explores the broader global implications of the war—from the authoritarian coalition backing Russia to the role of democratic accountability inside Ukraine itself, including how the country confronts corruption even in wartime. Above all, this episode asks a critical question for Americans and Granite Staters alike: why does Ukraine matter to us—and what role can citizens play in shaping what comes next?This is a sobering, hopeful, and ultimately urgent discussion about sovereignty, democracy, and the cost of indifference in a world where might is once again testing right.Sviatoslav Andriyovych Yurash is the youngest ever Ukrainian MP and a public figure. An active participant in the Revolution of Dignity. MP of Ukraine of the IX convocation from the "Servant of the People" party. Initiator and Chairman of the largest caucus in the history of the Parliament "Values. Dignity. Family", Initiator and Secretary of the second largest Parliamentary Caucus "Intermarium". Member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy and Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Relations and Protection of the Rights and Interests of the Ukrainians Abroad.

In this message, Wesley Fagan unpacks a transformative truth: it is GOD who is the great initiator of salvation, righteousness, and every part of our life with Him. Using Colossians 1, Romans 5, and Psalm 100, he challenges the common mindset that faith depends on our effort, performance, or ability to “hold it all together.” Instead, he reframes everything through God's perspective: We were created for Him, sustained by Him, reconciled by Him, and empowered by His Spirit. Join us for our Gospel Night in San Diego, California on January 16th or in Austin, Texas on January 25th! More details on our website: braveheart.runSend us a textSupport the show

Purushottam Yadav is a Nepali Gen Z activist from Siraha, who rose to prominence during the September Gen-Z Protest as a key organiser, digital mobiliser. Initiator of the viral “Wake Up Nepal” campaign. He recently entered mainstream politics by joining the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in December 2025.

What is the true vow of your life, the one it would kill you to break?  This phrase comes from the poem 'All The True Vows' by David Whyte, but there can be no better introduction to this week's guest, who knows how to help people - ordinary, every-day people from our culture -  build true, heart-felt connections with the web of life such that we come to know what we are here for, our unique gift to the world, the promise is would kill us to break, what it feels like to be so heart-explodingly in love with the sheer wonder of being alive that we can step out of the world we thought we knew, into the world as it really is, alive with connection to all parts of ourselves, each other and the whole of the more than human world. Bill Plotkin is one of those who has found what he's here for. He's been a Thrutopian activist and cultural catalyst since long before those were buzzwords in our firmament.  Over the years, he has been a research psychologist, professor of psychology, psychotherapist, rock musician, and whitewater river guide. Now, I would say he is a visionary, a mystic and an elder. More importantly, he's a map-maker, a way-breaker, a trail-leader of the routes we will have to take to walk out of this moment of dissolution, into a world of remembering and creating anew. Back in the early 80s, Bill founded the Animas Valley Institute, whose central purpose is to assist people through the initiatory process that leads to visionary leadership and cultural artistry. Its primary work is with those ready to undergo the joys and challenges of the underworld descent to soul, which flowers into a life of meaningful service and abundant fulfilment — or a deepening for those already on the journey.In other words, Animas Valley Institute supports people in our culture to find what they're here for, to undergo, in his words, the journey of soul initiation. To embark on this journey requires that people break out of the perpetual early adolescence of modernity and endure the ecstatic initiations of late adolescence and that eventually result in true adulthood and perhaps, for a few, genuine elderhood. Bill offers maps and models for his work in depth and detail. He has four books to date and I encourage you to read them all in order from Soulcraft: Crossing into the Mysteries of Nature and Psyche, through Nature and the Human Soul, to Wild Mind and finally, The Journey of Soul Initiation.  He writes a blog, Soulcraft Musings, which I also recommend, because we could have explored the basics of Bill's models of human evolution and what it means for people of our culture, who have been subject to what he calls 'systemic human developmental oppression' for many hundreds of generations… and in the long conversation that follows, we did explore the basics of this, but in the days before recording, Bill shared the early draft of a paper called 'A Map to the Next World' and this lit all kinds of fires in my heart and mind and soul—because Bill's capacity to write lucidly the things this podcast is all about  is beautiful and sharp and perfect.  He writes: 'We need a map to the next world because our current world is clearly in its death throes…We need a map to the next world, a way to navigate the long trail from here to cultures that we will be proud to leave for the future ones — of all species. And nature, as always, including human nature, provides this map, or at least templates for creating one. And we need to translate the map into a contemporary language that we can understand — and act on — even though the journey is necessarily through realms of great mystery. We won't find our way using the maps of other peoples or of other times. We must make our own map.'As and when his paper on the Map becomes available, I'll put it in the show notes.  In the meantime, I have included the poem by David Whyte, because truly, it is one of the guiding lights of our movement, and I've included Joy Harjo's poem, also called 'A Map to the Next World' both as a YouTube recording of her speaking it, and the poem, and the book of the same name from which it came. Please do explore these. And now, let's head into the ways we can change our world, with Bill Plotkin. LinksAnimas Valley Institute https://www.animas.org/Soulcraft Musings (https://www.animas.org/books/bill-plotkins-soulcraft-musings/Bills Books Soulcraft: Crossing into the Mysteries of Nature and Psyche (an experiential guidebook), Nature and the Human Soul: Cultivating Wholeness and Community in a Fragmented World (a nature-based stage model of human development through the entire lifespan), Wild Mind: A Field Guide to the Human Psyche (an ecocentric map of the psyche — for healing, growing whole, and cultural transformation)The Journey of Soul Initiation: A Field Guide for Visionaries, Evolutionaries, and Revolutionaries (an experiential guidebook for the descent to soul). AG #302 The Crisis and the Call with Sara McFarland https://accidentalgods.life/the-crisis-and-the-call-journeys-through-species-wide-soul-initiation-with-sara-mcfarland/David Whyte  'All The True Vows' https://www.poetry-chaikhana.com/Poets/W/WhyteDavid/AllTrueVows/index.htmlDavid Whyte website https://davidwhyte.com/Joy Harjo 'A Map to the Next World' on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4ab9vOC4PoJoy Harjo 'A Map to the Next World' text https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/49621/a-map-to-the-next-worldJoy Harjo 'A Map to the Next World' book https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/a-map-to-the-next-world-poems-and-tales-joy-harjo/b45e39c2525e82e5Joy Harjo website: https://www.joyharjo.com/The Parable of the Tribes by Andrew Bard Schmookler  https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-parable-of-the-tribes-the-problem-of-power-in-social-evolution-second-edition-andrew-bard-schmookler/7823092What we offer: Accidental Gods, Dreaming Awake and the Thrutopia Wr...

In today's episode we are discussing receptivity and initiation. Receptivity is about receiving and responding to cues from your partner. Some partners may be sexually receptive or emotionally receptive meaning they need their partner to initiate the cues first and then they can respond. Join our hosts, George and Laurie as they breakdown what this looks like in relationships and the negative trap that it can sometimes create. If you often find that your partner doesn't initiate emotional conversations or sex negative meaning is often created, as "they don't care." Our hosts, warn that this pathway is a block to connection and it's more relational to remember that having to cue your partner is not always a bad thing. This conversation is sure to get you think about how you show up in your relationship and what you may need to do differently. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices