Podcasts about kingdom of god

Read Online“And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.” And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables. Mark 4:8–10The Parable of the Sower is one of Jesus' foundational teachings. When preaching from a boat to a large crowd, Jesus used parables to reveal the mystery of the Kingdom of God. Afterward, His disciples questioned why He spoke in veiled language rather than directly. Jesus responded, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that ‘they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven'” (Mark 4:11–12).At first, this response might seem perplexing. Why would Jesus teach in a way that some would not understand, potentially hardening their hearts further? To understand this, we turn to the Prophet Isaiah, whom Jesus quoted (cf. Isaiah 6:8–13). God commissioned Isaiah to preach to a people who were stubborn and unrepentant, saying they would “look and see but not perceive” and “hear and listen but not understand.” Despite Isaiah's zeal, God permitted their hardness of heart so they could face the consequences of their refusal to repent. This prophetic action sheds light on Jesus' use of parables.God “wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). However, for those who refuse His Word, God sometimes permits their obstinacy as an act of mercy. Parables serve a dual purpose. For those open, they invite reflection and reveal deeper truths that lead to greater faith. For those closed, parables expose their resistance, deepening their awareness of spiritual emptiness. This process, though painful, is a merciful act, meant to confront individuals with the consequences of their sin and lead them to repentance.The Parable of the Sower, in particular, invites us to examine the “soil” of our own hearts. God, in His generosity, spreads the seed of His Word widely, offering grace and Truth to everyone. What kind of soil are you? Are you like the path, where the Word is quickly devoured by distractions, pride, or indifference, leaving no room for growth? Are you like the rocky ground, receiving the Word with enthusiasm but lacking the roots to endure trials and tribulations? Or are you like the thorny ground, where worldly anxieties, the lure of riches, and divided priorities choke the Word before it can bear fruit?Ideally, we are none of the above. Jesus calls us to cultivate rich soil—a heart receptive to His Word, where His grace takes root and bears abundant fruit. Only when we are receptive to grace and nurture the truths we have received through fidelity can we see God's Word flourish in our lives.This parable also teaches us how to respond to those who appear closed and obstinate. It is tempting to grow discouraged or angry and give up. But that is not what Jesus did, nor is it what Isaiah did. Isaiah fulfilled his mission to preach, even to those who rejected him. Similarly, Jesus continued to preach, using parables to reach all people, knowing that rejection would come. Reflect today on the soil of your heart and the hearts of those whom you are called to evangelize. Through prayer, nourish the Word of God within you so it can bear fruit. Persevere in sharing God's Word with others. When Isaiah asked how long he should continue preaching, God responded, “Until the cities are desolate, without inhabitants, Houses, without people, and the land is a desolate waste.” In other words, do not stop, even in the face of rejection. Even when all hope seems gone. Sow the seed of God's Word faithfully, trusting that even the hardened soil of obstinate hearts can one day bear good fruit. My relentless Lord, You sow Your Word with superabundant generosity, showering Your Truth upon all in the hope of their repentance. Grant that I may be among those who listen attentively, cherish Your Word, and nourish it within my heart. As my faith takes root and grows, use me as an instrument of Your grace to reach out to others, tirelessly sowing Your Truth in those You have entrusted to me. Strengthen me to persevere in this mission until the end of my days on earth. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Parable of the Sower by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

How Mystery Babylon Infiltrates and Influences the Church | KIB 515 Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Description Subtitle: Mystery Babylon in the Church: How a Seductive System Keeps Believers Trapped This Kingdom Intelligence Briefing (episode #515) digs into a hard but crucial question: How has Mystery Babylon infiltrated and influenced the Church? Dr. Michael and Mary Lou Lake unpack how a global Babylonian system has been built around us—politically, economically, spiritually—and how it keeps people "comfortable," passive, and afraid to confront evil. Mary shares a sobering picture the Lord showed her of a Babylonian "cloud system" that pulls people back in whenever they try to step out, and a deeply personal testimony of confronting hidden darkness, trauma, and occult networks. From there, Dr. Lake lays out a powerful biblical teaching on Mystery Babylon's strategy to infiltrate and then influence the Church: Seduction instead of open confrontation Syncretism (mixing paganism with Christianity) Entertainment-based "worship" replacing reverence Prophetic performance instead of true prophetic voices Debt, media, and politics used to pressure pastors The push to blur holiness, law, and biblical authority You'll also hear about current examples, including the Sean Bolz / Bethel prophetic scandal, how fear of confrontation keeps leaders trapped, and why so many ministries will not face what's really going on. Most importantly, this episode is a call to the remnant: To face the truth about Babylon's influence To come out of religious harlotry and man-made empire To return to holiness, the fear of the Lord, biblical depth, and true spiritual warfare To embrace kingdom identity over cultural identity To be willing to suffer well, stand apart, and be "the absolute other" in a collapsing system Dr. Lake closes with a prophetic look at what's ahead in 2026–2027, the coming shaking of Babylon, and a charge to stand firm so you can hear, "Well done, My good and faithful servant." Timeline of Topics Discussed (for Chapters) (Adjust timestamps to match your final edit.) 00:00 – Biblical Life intro & opening montage Program intro: Biblical Life TV mission to empower the remnant for the last days. 02:00 – Welcome to KIB 515 & severe winter weather Dr. Michael and Mary Lou share about the heavy snow, partner prayers, and God's faithfulness. 05:00 – Mary's vision of the Babylonian "cloud system" Mary explains the picture God showed her: a spiritual Babylonian system like a cloud/vacuum that pulls people back whenever they try to move out. 10:00 – How Babylon keeps people "comfortable" and quiet A seductive spirit whispers, "Don't confront this… you can't change anything… just go along," creating apathy and passivity. 14:00 – Matthew 24, end-time deception, and false prophets Reading from Matthew 24; discussion of deception, lawlessness, and the clear signs we are in the last days. 18:00 – The Sean Bolz / Bethel prophetic scandal Mary reviews the public information: mining social media and conference registrations to fake "prophecy," Bill Johnson's apology, and the refusal to confront earlier. 23:00 – The danger of needing "a word" instead of hearing God for yourself Why the obsession with personal prophecies is dangerous, and encouragement to seek God directly. 27:00 – True prophets vs false prophetic performance Dr. Lake shares earlier experiences with real prophets, how they confront sin, and the fear of the Lord that surrounds true prophetic ministry. 32:00 – Mary's personal testimony: coming out of Babylon and trauma Mary recounts her own journey: Deep depression and blocked memories A whistleblower woman who exposed local occult and corruption Fort Leonard Wood hospital stories, missing babies, and a man who claimed to be her son The cost of facing painful truth and choosing to confront instead of deny 42:00 – The necessity of spiritual warfare and praying your own way out Mary exhorts listeners: no one can do all your praying for you; you must engage spiritual warfare and choose not to participate in Babylon. 47:00 – Dr. Lake's thesis: How Mystery Babylon infiltrates and influences the Church Mystery Babylon as a counterfeit religious, political, and economic system that works by infiltration → influence → substitution. 52:00 – Adaptability of Babylon vs. slowness of the Church Babylon's guerrilla tactics and tentacles versus a tradition-bound Church that defends man-made customs over the Word of God. 56:00 – Syncretism: blending the Bible with pagan and occult ideas How pagan practices, New Age methods, and even Masonic material have been baptized into "Christian" ministries and prophetic schools. 1:02:00 – Counterfeit revelation & prophetic manipulation Dreams, visions, and "secret knowledge" used to undermine Scripture and create dependence on personalities instead of the written Word. 1:07:00 – Entertainment-driven church vs biblical worship From temple worship to Vegas-style services; why emotional spectacle has replaced reverence, holiness, and the fear of the Lord. 1:12:00 – Doctrines Babylon wants silenced Holiness, repentance, judgment, spiritual warfare (rightly understood), the sovereignty of Christ, and separation from the world. 1:16:00 – Co-opting clergy: prestige, platforms, money & media How Babylon uses publishing, media, influence, and economics to pressure pastors to avoid controversial truth and protect "the machine." 1:21:00 – Debt structures and analytics-driven sermons Stories of massive church overhead, the temptation to preach what keeps offerings high, and the danger of corporate thinking in ministry. 1:26:00 – Political courtship and religious compromise The trap of trying to gain legitimacy through political power instead of maintaining a prophetic witness that confronts kings and systems. 1:30:00 – Higher criticism, liberal theology, and demythologizing Scripture How treating the Bible like mere literature drains the supernatural and opens the door to Babylonian thinking. 1:34:00 – Marks of Babylonian theology in the Church Universalism, lawlessness (antinomianism), Gnosticism, man-centered religion, hybrid mysticism, and moral relativism. 1:39:00 – Babylon's endgame: replacing the bride with the harlot Proverbs and Revelation's two women: the pure bride and the whore of Babylon; Babylon's goal to transform the visible church into a one-world religious system. 1:44:00 – How the remnant resists Babylon Biblical literacy and theological depth Holiness and separation Discerning of spirits rooted in the fear of the Lord Seeing the Bible as a war book from Genesis 1 Kingdom identity over cultural identity Prophetic voice over prophetic performance 1:51:00 – Suffering well, covenant faithfulness, and coming judgment Why suffering for truth is part of our calling and how God will reward faithful servants as Babylon is judged. 1:56:00 – 2026–2027: days ahead and God's remnant Dr. Lake's view that things will get "interesting" in 2026–2027 and his prayer that listeners stand firmly in the Kingdom when the dust settles. 2:00:00 – Final exhortation: "Come out of her, My people" Revelation 18:4, a call to separate from Babylon so we do not share in her plagues, and a closing prayer for the remnant to be established in the Kingdom. Hashtags #MysteryBabylon, #ComeOutOfBabylon, #KingdomIntelligenceBriefing, #KIB515, #BiblicalLifeTV, #DrMichaelLake, #MaryLouLake, #EndTimesRemnant, #PropheticWarning, #FalseProphets, #BethelChurch, #SeanBolz, #SpiritualWarfare, #HebraicHeritage, #Holiness, #FearOfTheLord, #EndTimesDeception, #LastDaysChurch, #RemnantBelievers, #KingdomOfGod

What if marriage was never meant to just be about your happiness? In Part 1 of this candid and challenging teaching, Francis and Lisa Chan invite listeners to rethink marriage, family, and discipleship through the lens of eternity. Drawing from decades of shared ministry, they show that unity, joy, and intimacy in marriage are often the byproducts of pursuing God's mission together... not the primary goal. Francis and Lisa share vulnerable stories from their own lives: downsizing their home, giving sacrificially, moving in faith, fostering teens, raising children with an eternal perspective, and learning to say “yes” to God even when it was costly. They confront the cultural obsession with comfort and ask whether the Church has replaced God's Kingdom with the pursuit of a “happy Christian family.” This episode is a hope-filled call to seek first the Kingdom of God and trust Him with everything else. If today's conversation challenges you and you want to go deeper, visit youandmeforever.org. There you can order the book “You and Me Forever,” watch chapter videos, explore bonus content, and learn more about the mission behind it all.

In this episode, Krista Bontrager interviews three ordinary moms who stepped up with basic apologetics training to equip families and defend the faith: Jen Beitel started a local family ministry (U.N.I.T.E.D.), Alicia Moss teaches women in her church on cultural issues, and Michelle Lazor curates wholesome, worldview-aligned books through her online book club, Mud Hen Mama. This is an inspiring look at how everyday believers—no PhDs required—are making a real difference for the Kingdom of God.

How does physical fitness support sexual and spiritual health? In this episode, Alex VanHouten describes what it looks like to faithfully care for your body. You'll learn about the twin pitfalls of pride/envy and gluttony/sloth, how working out can help you process emotions and sexual urges, and what fitness is ultimately about: reclaiming the territory of your body for the kingdom of God.Alex VanHouten is an exercise scientist, health coach, and the founder of Faithful Fitness. With over 20 years of experience in fitness coaching, he has empowered individuals to transform their health through intelligent, science-based training, all while grounding his approach in the hope of the gospel. As the host of the Faithful Fitness Podcast and leader of the Faithful Fitness community, Coach Alex provides valuable tools to help people steward their bodies well for God's glory. Learn more at faithfulfitness.coBuy Alex's new book:Faithful Fitness: A 40-Day Devotional for Christian Health and StewardshipSupport the showTake the Husband Material Journey... Step 1: Listen to this podcast or watch on YouTube Step 2: Join the private Husband Material Community Step 3: Take the free mini-course: How To Outgrow Porn Step 4: Try the all-in-one program: Husband Material Academy Thanks for listening!

The Door of Faith Ministries Podcast is based on the teachings of the Gospel of Grace for Salvation. We teach Christ's death, burial and resurrection! • Podcasts are added weekly from our Sunday services.For a breakdown of our services, visit:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Reflections Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Living Waters Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thursday Bible Study⁠

Notes Matthew 5:1-12 Micah 6:1-8 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Robb McCoy explore the Beatitudes from the Gospel of Matthew, Micah 6's call for justice and humility, and the message of the cross in 1 Corinthians. They discuss the importance of community relationships in ministry, the depth of the Beatitudes, and the implications of Micah's message for contemporary faith practice. The conversation emphasizes the need for justice, mercy, and humility in the Christian life, while also addressing the foolishness of worldly wisdom in light of God's truth. Takeaways The Beatitudes highlight the values of the Kingdom of God. Building relationships with other Christian communities is essential for support during crises. Micah 6 emphasizes justice, mercy, and humility as core requirements from God. The message of the cross challenges worldly wisdom and power structures. Preachers should focus on the heart of the Beatitudes rather than just the text. Community support is vital for those mourning or in need. The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom. God chooses the lowly and foolish to confound the wise. The Beatitudes can be explored in depth, offering rich material for sermons. Understanding the context of scripture enhances its application in today's world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Beatitudes and Context 08:36 Exploring the Beatitudes: A Deeper Look 19:01 The Nature of Happiness and Blessings 25:22 Mourning and Community Support 29:56 The Meek and Their Inheritance 30:25 Understanding Meekness and Its Misinterpretations 32:43 Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness 34:34 The Beatitudes: Persecution and Righteousness 36:29 Micah 6: A Call to Justice and Humility 49:47 The Foolishness of the Cross 52:05 Reversals of Wisdom in the Kingdom of God 59:53 Outro-.mp4

In this third episode, Kimberly walks us through the third mystery—the Proclamation of the Kingdom of God—helping us understand Jesus's mission, His role as preacher and Lord, and His divine power and authority. Furthermore, Kimberly guides us in Christ's teaching on pleasing God through faith and obedience. Whether you're watching on your own, with daughters and friends, or leading a parish study, this series is an invitation to grow as a woman of faith and grace, reflecting on the Luminous Mysteries of Jesus.

Read OnlineJesus came with his disciples into the house. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” Mark 3:20–21Today's Gospel is among the shortest passages read at Mass throughout the Liturgical Year, yet it conveys a profound message.The scene opens with Jesus and His disciples—likely the newly appointed Twelve Apostles—taking a moment of rest in a house to eat. Jesus had been tirelessly traveling from village to village, preaching the Kingdom of God and healing many. His reputation had spread far and wide, and people were seeking Him with urgency. As the crowd discovered where He was, they surrounded the house so closely that even basic necessities like eating became impossible. This detail highlights not a lament over the demands on Jesus' time but the fervent excitement and longing that drew so many to Him. Jesus welcomed this with open arms, as He always does, moved by the profound needs of the human heart.Though the disciples might have felt overwhelmed, Jesus' heart, as Matthew's Gospel later records, was “moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). His compassion for the crowd reveals the depth of God's love and His readiness to meet every human longing.The reaction of Jesus' relatives offers another important lesson for reflection. Some of His extended family—cousins, aunts, uncles, or others—were alarmed at the crowds He was attracting. They might have been troubled by the growing tension between Jesus and the Pharisees and Herodians, fearing for His safety. Perhaps they struggled to reconcile the stories of miracles and teachings with the humble, quiet Jesus they had known for decades. Since Jesus had not revealed His divine mission during His early life, His sudden manifestation of power likely left them confused and seeking to intervene.This familial tension reveals an important truth: when God acts powerfully in our lives, we too will change, and those close to us may struggle to understand. Though Jesus did not experience conversion as we do, His family witnessed a profound “change” in that He began to publicly manifest His divinity in a way that they had not seen before.As we seek to follow Christ more radically, we might encounter doubt or even resistance from family or friends. Jesus' example teaches us to face these tensions with courage and love, trusting that fidelity to God's will is always the highest priority. Like Jesus, we must persevere, offering a gentle but firm witness to the transformative power of God in our lives.As you ponder this Gospel, consider the following: Do you, like the crowd, need to pursue our Lord more fervently, seeking Him with urgency and persistence in prayer? Are you, like the disciples, sometimes overwhelmed by the demands of Christian discipleship? Do you see yourself in Jesus' extended family, questioning or struggling to understand the radical conversion of someone close to you? Or are you more like our Lord, experiencing the tension of family misunderstanding as you strive to live more fully in conformity with God's will? Reflect today on this emotional and multifaceted scene. As you identify with the lessons of this short Gospel, renew your resolve to seek Jesus with all your heart, embrace the conversion to which He calls you, and allow His transformative power to shine through your life. Finally, strive to help others understand and support the new life you have chosen, offering a gentle and loving witness to the joy and peace found in Christ. My tireless Lord, the demands placed on You during Your public ministry were great, yet You ministered to all with unfailing compassion. Please grant me the zeal I need to always seek You in my life. As I encounter You and am transformed by Your grace, give me the wisdom and patience to be a faithful witness to others, especially my family. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: See page for author, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

The Sermon on the Mount is at the heart of Jesus's preaching the Kingdom of God.  Jesus presents us with a demanding challenge to live a truly holy life.  At the same time, however, he assures us of God the Father's love and constant care.  

Your thoughts are not random; they are trainable. In this powerful episode, Kathy DeGraw teaches how faith, declarations, and consistency rewire the brain and break cycles of fear and negativity. Mind Battles - Root Out Mental Triggers and Release Peace available at https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/product/mind-battles-pre-order-available-january-2023/ or Amazon https://a.co/d/18blHkV Purchase Anointing Oil with a prayer cloth that Kathy has personally mixed and prayed over on Kathy's Website or Amazon. Order anointing oil by Kathy on Amazon look for her brand here https://amzn.to/3PC6l3R or Kathy DeGraw Ministries https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/product-category/oils/ Training, Mentorship and Deliverance! Personal coaching, deliverance, e-courses, training for ministry, and mentorships! https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/training/# What if your healing begins with what you repeatedly think, speak, and believe? In this episode, Kathy DeGraw reveals the powerful connection between faith, neuroscience, and biblical meditation. Every thought you entertain strengthens a neural pathway, either reinforcing fear or establishing peace. When you intentionally capture negative thoughts and replace them with God's truth, you are not only obeying Scripture, you are physically rewiring your brain. This teaching equips you with practical, daily strategies to build strong faith pathways through declarations, meditation on God's Word, and heart alignment. Kathy explains how repetitive positive confession, consistency, and intentional speech retrain the mind and dismantle mental strongholds tied to fear, anxiety, trauma, worry, and emotional pain. You will learn how to interrupt toxic thought cycles, replace lies with truth, and cultivate a mindset rooted in identity, purpose, and peace. If you've struggled with negative thinking, emotional triggers, or mental fatigue, this episode will empower you to take authority over your thought life and partner with the Holy Spirit for lasting transformation. Discover how renewing your mind is not just spiritual discipline, but a key to healing, freedom, and advancing the Kingdom of God. #RenewYourMind #ChristianMindset #MindBattles #FaithAndHealing #BiblicalMeditation **Connect with Us** - Website: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathydegraw/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathydegraw/ Podcast - Subscribe to our YouTube channel and listen to Kathy's Podcast called Prophetic Spiritual Warfare, or on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/3mYPPkP28xqcTzdeoucJZu or Apple podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prophetic-spiritual-warfare/id1474710499 **Recommended Resources:** - Receive a free prayer pdf on Warfare Prayer Declarations at https://kathydegrawministries.org/declarations-download - Kathy's training, mentoring and e-courses on Spiritual Warfare, Deliverance and the Prophetic: https://training.kathydegrawministries.org/ - Healed At Last ~ Overcome Sickness and Receive your Physical Healing: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/healed-at-last/ - Mind Battles – Root Out Mental Triggers to Release Peace!: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/product/mind-battles-pre-order-available-january-2023/ -Kathy has several books available on Amazon or kathydegrawministries.org **Support Kathy DeGraw Ministries:** - Give a one-time love offering or consider partnering with us for $15, $35, $75 or any amount! Every dollar helps us help others! - Website: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/donate/  - CashApp $KDMGLORY- Venmo @KD-Ministries - Paypal.me/KDeGrawMinistries or donate to email admin@degrawministries.org - Mail a check to: Kathy DeGraw Ministries ~ PO Box 65 ~ Grandville MI 49468

Dave Myers discusses Mark 4:11—“And He said to them, ‘To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables.'”

Today we continue our Set Apart to Serve series, now hearing from the layperson's perspective! Tom Jennings and Blake Pieper join Andy and Sarah to talk about where they live and how they serve in their congregations, their experiences in the SAS Pilot Program and what they learned about church worker formation, how engaging youth in district or synod events and service trips has borne fruit for formation, how they see the Church supporting and mentoring youth to consider church work, and conversations they've had with youth and adults who might be considering church work. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Send us a textIn this deeply important episode, we are enhancing the voice of a survivor.Our special guest Jasmine shares her personal journey of being groomed and sexually assaulted by her former pastor, revealing how abuse can hide behind spiritual language, authority, and trust. Interviewed with great care by my wife, this conversation is not about outrage—it's about understanding, healing, and hope.She opens up about how she escaped that environment, how her faith was tested, and how God ultimately led her out and began restoring what was broken. Now, she's using her platform to help other women identify red flags, leave abusive situations, and reclaim their voices.This episode exists to remind listeners that abuse in the church is real, that silence protects predators—not survivors—and that God is not found in manipulation or control, but in truth, freedom, and healing.Listener discretion is advised due to the sensitive nature of this conversation.If you have experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence, please know this:What happened to you was not your fault.God is near to the brokenhearted, and He sees what others tried to hide.You do not have to walk through healing alone. God often brings restoration through safe people, wise counsel, and support.Confidential help is available 24/7:

Missionaries in the late 19th Century often prayed a very simple prayer, "Lord, may I be useful to the Kingdom of God." But how do we determine what usefulness looks like and how to best serve others and the Lord?

This week on Brian's Thursday Thoughts, Brian takes a look at a parable Jesus told in Mark 4:26-29 about the kingdom of God being like a man that scatters seed. 

Shelly has served the body of Christ as a Pastor for over 35 years. He is a bible teacher and conference speaker on the subjects of The Kingdom of God, The Mystery of Israel & The Church and for God’s people to be prepared in their hearts for the end of this age. https://shellyandjunevolk.com/Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the language you're learning to speak has nothing to do with your circumstances and everything to do with your identity? In this episode, we explore waking up to who we are in Christ and how God's vision of us is rigid, inflexible, and unchanging—in the best possible way. Graham invites us to discover how we're known in heaven, long before we even knew ourselves.Key Scriptures:+ 2 Corinthians 5:17. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.+ Colossians 3:2. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.+ Hebrews 13:8. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.+ Malachi 3:6. For I am the Lord, I do not change.+ Luke 1:13-17. The angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John..."+ Matthew 5:17-48. The Sermon on the Mount - "You have heard it said, but I say to you..."+ Matthew 17:1-8. The Mount of Transfiguration - Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, with Moses and Elijah appearing.+ Luke 16:16. The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached.Want to explore more?

To get a copy of our new book "Embracing the Truth" or to have TS Wright speak at your event or conference or if you simply want spiritual or life coaching or just a consultation visit:www.tswrightspeaks.comVisit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation.www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.Love God, A Journey Through the Greatest CommandmentIntroduction:In today's fast-paced world, understanding the depth of God's love is essential for spiritual growth. Join us as we explore the profound teachings found in Matthew 22:35-38 and Deuteronomy 6:4-5, shedding light on what it truly means to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.Main Content:Section 1: The Greatest CommandmentIn Matthew 22:35-38, an expert in the law tests Jesus by asking which commandment is the greatest. Jesus responds emphatically, stating that we should love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind. This powerful commandment sets the foundation for our relationship with God. It emphasizes that our primary duty is to love God in every aspect of our lives.Section 2: The Call to LoveThis call to love is echoed in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, where it states, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." Here, we learn that loving God is not just a suggestion but a command that requires our utmost devotion and strength.Section 3: Seeking God FirstMatthew 6:33 further emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." By seeking God first, we align our lives with His purpose, allowing everything else to fall into place. This pursuit of God should be our highest priority.Section 4: Obedience and DesireIn 1 John 5:1-3, we understand that love for God is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments. True love for God is not just about following rules but having a genuine desire to obey Him. The struggle of "white knuckling" through obedience highlights that without a heartfelt desire, our actions may become mere obligations.Section 5: The Role of the Holy SpiritThe transformation that occurs when we genuinely seek to love and obey God is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Revelation 3:18-21 reminds us that when we are corrected and rebuked by God, it is out of love. This leads to repentance and a renewed zeal to do His will. When we feel that desire to follow God earnestly, we can be assured that the Holy Spirit is guiding us.Key TakeawaysIn our journey to understand God's love, we find that loving Him wholeheartedly is our greatest commandment. This love compels us to seek Him first, obey His commandments, and be open to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we not only experience His love but also become instruments of His will in the world. Let us surrender to God, allowing Him to reign over our hearts and lead us in His love.Tags: God's Love, Greatest Commandment, Spiritual Growth, Matthew 22, Deuteronomy 6, Holy Spirit, Obedience to God, Faith, Christian Living, Seeking God First

“Have mercy on us, Son of David!” With this bold statement, two blind men confess what the religious leaders refused to see: that Jesus is the promised Messiah. In this episode of The Magnificent 37, we encounter a rapid succession of miracles in Matthew's Gospel, including the healing of the blind and the casting out of a mute demon. These acts fulfill the prophecies of Isaiah that the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the tongue of the mute shall sing. Jesus once again through signs and wonders reveals that the Kingdom of God has indeed broken into our midst.   The Rev. Joseph Cox, Director of Curriculum and Education at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 9:27–33 and Matthew 12:22–23.   To learn more about Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, visit lslancers.org. Thy Strong Word kicks off the new year by dedicating our time to study "The Magnificent 37: The Miracles of Jesus." Christ didn't just speak the Word; He demonstrated it with power. From the quiet intimacy of water turning to wine at Cana to the earth-shaking reality of the empty tomb, the Gospels record thirty-seven distinct moments where Jesus suspended the laws of nature to reveal the power of his grace. This isn't just a list of "neat tricks" from history. It is a systematic walkthrough of how God breaks into our broken world to fix it. Why did Jesus curse a fig tree? Why did He need mud to heal a blind man? What does the coin in the fish's mouth teach us about being citizens of heaven and earth?  Host, Pastor Phil Booe and a lineup of guest pastors will take you through each event, verse by verse. We'll move past the Sunday School summary and get into the meat of the text, including the Old Testament connections, the cultural context, and the immediate comfort these signs bring to your life today.   Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Welcome to Grace Community Church on demand, the weekly podcast from the Sunday services at Grace Community Church in Rupert, Idaho. At Grace we believe in building the Kingdom of God one person at a time. We are passionate about loving God, loving people, and following Jesus. Visit www.graceid.org to get involved. Join us on Facebook live Sundays @ 845am MST and 1045am MST and Wednesdays @ 630pm MST at www.facebook.com/gracechurchidaho

Week 16 | The Will to Fidelity (1995)This week, we're in Week 16 of a series Darrell taught on the Sermon on the Mount in 1995 at Glendale Presbyterian Church in California.  In this message, Darrell courageously engages Jesus' hard words on divorce, holding together truth and grace in the midst of deep relational pain. He shows how Jesus' teaching defends the dignity of women, calls us back to God's original “one flesh” vision for marriage, and honestly acknowledges the devastating reality of sin. By placing divorce within the wider context of Jesus' teaching on anger, lust, integrity, retaliation, and love of enemies, Darrell invites us toward relational wholeness made possible by the transforming power of the kingdom of God.__⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Regent College⁠⁠The Vine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—⁠Give to the Ministry of Darrell Johnson⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Darrell's Books⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Darrell's Mailing List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠darrelljohnson.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/darrelljohnson⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We're back, after a hiatus created by sickness, and travel, and the surprises of life. And today we are walking with Jesus beside the Sea of Galilee as he calls his first disciples. It's a familiar story, a Sunday School classic...but what is at the heart of it? Community, partnership, adventure, the call of the Kingdom of God? All of these things and more. It's a great story, a great adventure, a great call.

This Thursday episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast dives into the often misunderstood world of gender roles and seeks to offer Biblical freedom and joy in places that have previously been understood as stifling and rigid. Throughout the conversation, hosts Natalie Ambrose and Melissa Bearden maintain anchors in a Biblical Worldview regarding gender and the various roles that girls and women play within the Kingdom of God.    After a fun discussion of 'girls' chores' versus 'boys chores', Melissa and Natalie settle into the contentment and joy God has for girls of all personalities, strengths, and preferences—all aiming to edify and refine God's people and to embrace the world around us for the sake of the pure Gospel message.    The Raising Godly Girls Minute in the middle of this episode opens the door to some great discussion on the color pink and how that can morph and fade for some girls. Melissa shares her mothering journey of teaching her girl to embrace who God made her to be and now relishing in the fruit of that ongoing conversation now that her daughter is in college.    Using Scripture as a guide, Natalie offers three key anchors to guide families' understanding of Biblical femininity and gender roles—especially as girls grow into the next generation of Christian leaders.      Three Things to Consider:    Scriptures to Guide a Christian Girl's View of Gender Roles:    Proverbs 31:30—no matter a girl's place on the spectrum of 'girly' to 'tom boy', she can reflect her Lord through a heart that wants to walk with Him.   Luke 1:46-48—Known as 'The Magnificat' this passage of Scripture showcases Mary's open heart to follow the Lord's command for her life. Your girl can have the same heart to follow God as Mary!   Galatians 5:22-23—The Fruit of the Spirit passage of Scripture is a great reminder that no matter the strengths, every girl can grow in areas that reflect Christ.    Scriptures Shared in this Episode:    Proverbs 31:30   Luke 1:46-48   Galatians 5:22-23     Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.      To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.     

Today's Fear-Laden Events and “Noise” Will Not Matter If You Practice the Presence of God as You Live Your Life MESSAGE SUMMARY: You cannot practice the presence of God when you practice the presence of fear. You may be inclined to fear for the future of our country or fear about your personal finances or family or health issues. If you practice the presence of God, you will have peace in amidst your life-storm and trauma. The “Presence of Jesus” in your life begins with persistent prayer to the end that you constantly and consistently seek to include Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, in all aspects of your life. “Practicing the Presence of Jesus” in your life will prove to be life changing a rewarding. Jesus provides comfort for your anxieties in Mathew 6:33-34: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.". Also, in Mathew 11:28-30, Jesus makes it clear to you that He wants to walk with you in your times of trouble and fear so that you can offload to Him, the Creator of the Universe, some of those issues that drive your fears: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.". If you practice the presence of God, it will not matter what this world or the devil throws your way.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.        Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Inadequacy. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Abundance. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 3:16-17; 1 John 5:1-5; Psalms 37:41-50. WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “It's About Time: Part 2 – Overstressed, Overloaded, and Maxed Out Lives” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

In our last episode, Jesus sent 72 disciples ahead of him to the neighboring towns so that they might heal the sick and declare the coming kingdom of God, and today they return. He urges them to be encouraged, not in their power over the spirits, but that their names are written in heaven. On the road to Jerusalem, when asked to define what it means to love your neighbor, Jesus tells a parable that would have shocked his audience, as he makes a Samaritan, whom the Jews despised, the champion of his story. If that weren't enough, he portrays upright, religious Jews in the story as loving their neighbors inadequately. Finally, a busy and distracted Martha wants help from her sister, but receives a soft rebuke instead. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Send us a textThere's a tension many believers feel but few are willing to say out loud:Can we tell church leaders when they're wrong—and still honor God?In this episode, we unpack the difference between biblical accountability and rebellious criticism. We talk honestly about moments when leadership crosses a line, how silence can enable harm, and why discernment is not disrespect.We dive into uncomfortable but necessary conversations around tithing, spiritual manipulation, and predatory tactics sometimes used from the pulpit—especially when fear, guilt, or “God said” language replaces truth and transparency.This isn't about tearing down the Church.It's about protecting the Body.If you've ever questioned leadership, felt pressured to give out of fear, or wondered whether speaking up was sinful or necessary...This conversation is for you.Truth doesn't fear accountability. And real leadership welcomes it.Watch this and more of our content on our YouTube Page: Youtube.com/weareonefaithFollow us @weareonefaith on ALL social media platforms to stay connected.Listen to One Faith on the Radio & ALL Podcast streaming platforms: https://linktr.ee/onefaith"One Lord One Faith One Baptism" - Ephesians 4:5Support the showThank You for Listening! When you like, share, subscribe & follow us on social media, you help advance the gospel to people we are targeting! You play a HUGE part in helping us build the Kingdom of God through the message he has given us! Help us build up God's Kingdom by following us @weareonefaith as we follow Christ! "One Lord One Faith One Baptism" - Ephesians 4:5

Overcomer Covenant Church exists to advance the Kingdom of God, locally and globally, by preaching the Gospel, partnering with other ministries, and planting churches. To support Overcomer and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://overcomercc.org/give If you've just made a decision for Christ, click the link today - https://overcomercc.org/saved If this is your first time joining us, click the link today - https://overcomercc.org/newhere —— Stay Connected! Website: https://overcomercc.org YouTube: https://youtube.com/@overcomercc Instagram: https://instagram.com/overcomercc Facebook: https://facebook.com/overcomercc

In this episode David, Mike and Jeff talk about the Kingdom of God. The discussion centers on sovereignty and warnings about earthly Kings.

Shelly has served the body of Christ as a Pastor for over 35 years. He is a bible teacher and conference speaker on the subjects of The Kingdom of God, The Mystery of Israel & The Church and for God’s people to be prepared in their hearts for the end of this age. https://shellyandjunevolk.com/Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions? Comments? Text Us!In this episode of God: An Autobiography, The Podcast, Jerry L. Martin and Scott Langdon reflect on what it means to live in partnership with God in a world where evil persists and meaning is still unfolding.Drawing on biblical scholar John D. Levinson, they explore order and chaos, the idea of a developing God, and how discernment shows up in lived experience.Referencing William James, the conversation turns to faith as embodied wisdom rather than rule-following, and to Jesus as an unfiltered expression of divine presence.Through reflections on ego, power, tough love, and the teaching “knock and you will find,” the episode contrasts horizontal and vertical ways of seeing reality, suggesting that seeking itself may already place us within the Kingdom of God.Related Episodes:263. From God to Jerry to You- The Problem of Evil and the Kingdom of God264. Jerry & Abigail: An Intimate Dialogue- Evil, Love, and God265. Radically Personal – William James on Religious ExperienceOther Series:The podcast began with the Dramatic Adaptation of the book and now has several series:The Life Wisdom Project – Spiritual insights on living a wiser, more meaningful life.From God to Jerry to You – Divine messages and breakthroughs for seekers.Two Philosophers Wrestle With God – A dialogue on God, truth, and reason.Jerry & Abigail: An Intimate Dialogue – Love, faith, and divine presence in partnership.What's Your Spiritual Story – Real stories of people changed by encounters with God.What's On Our Mind – Reflections from Jerry and Scott on recent episodes.What's On Your Mind – Listener questions, divine answers, and open dialogue. Stay ConnectedShare: questions@godandautobiography.comGet the books: God: An Autobiography, Radically PersonalShare Your Story | Site | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

“Foryou were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children oflight” (v.7). Thatstatement is very important. Paul does not say we were merely in darkness—hesays “we were darkness” (v. 8). Before salvation, darkness defined us.It shaped our thinking, our desires, and our behavior. But when we trustedChrist, everything changed. We didn't just step into the light—we became lightin the Lord. Because of that, Paul asks a searching question, echoed elsewherein Scripture: “What communion has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians6:14) Light and darkness are opposites. They do not blend. They do notcooperate. And it is impossible to live in both at the same time. Paulthen describes what the light produces. In verse 9 he writes, “For the fruitof the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.” Darknessproduces unfruitful works, but light always bears fruit. Goodness is love inaction—it is a heart that reflects the kindness and compassion of Christ. Righteousnessspeaks of right character before God and right conduct before others. Truthmeans our lives are shaped and governed by God's Word and God's will.When we walk in the light, we livehonestly, transparently, and humbly before God, with nothing we are unwillingto bring into His presence. But walking in the light is not only about personalholiness—it is also about public testimony. Jesus said, “You are the lightof the world.” And He added, “Let your light so shine before men, thatthey may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew5:16). Asbelievers, we carry God's light into a dark world by the way we live, speak,and love. The unsaved person is blinded by sin and by Satan, as Scripture tellsus. Only as we share Christ and live out the gospel can the light of God breakthrough that darkness. Just as a healthy person can help the sick, a child ofGod can help lead the lost out of darkness into God's marvelous light. Paulalso reminds us that light exposes what is wrong. Light reveals reality. Nosurgeon would operate in the dark, and no artist could paint truthfully withoutlight. In the same way, God's light reveals the true character of sin. That'sone reason people often avoid the Bible or the church—light exposes whatdarkness would rather keep hidden. AsChristians, Paul tells us not to fellowship with the unfruitful works ofdarkness, but instead to expose them. Sometimes that exposure happens simply byliving godly lives. When Christ walked on this earth, His perfect life exposedthe sin around Him, and that is one reason He was rejected. A believer livingfaithfully for Christ will often do the same, not intentionally, but naturally.However, Paul gives us an important caution in verse 12. He says it is shamefuleven to speak of certain things done in secret. There is a danger in exposingsin in the wrong way—by sensationalizing it or advertising it. We are notcalled to dwell on evil, but to shine the light. As Scripture reminds us, “Iwould have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil” (Romans16:19). We do not need to study darkness in detail to expose it. All we need todo is turn on the light. Paulthen closes this section with a beautiful image in verse 14: “Awake, you whosleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” Salvation ispictured as waking up to a brand-new day. When Christ rose from the dead, thedawn of a new day broke for the world. And when we trusted Him, we were raisedfrom spiritual death into the light of life. We are no longer sleeping indarkness—we are alive in Christ. That means the believer has no business livingin the shadows. We are saints, partakers of the inheritance of the saints inlight. We have been delivered from the power of darkness and transferred intothe kingdom of God's dear Son. As Paul reminds us again, we are “light inthe Lord.”

How should Christians reckon with death? If death is inevitable, what hope do we have? In today's episode, Jensen shares how Mark 5:35–43 points us to the hope of resurrection, reminding us that the kingdom of God is real and that death is not the end. Read the Bible with us in 2026! This year, we're exploring the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Download your reading plan now. Your support makes TMBT possible. Ten Minute Bible Talks is a crowd-funded project. Join the TMBTeam to reach more people with the Bible. Give now. Like this content? Make sure to leave us a rating and share it so that others can find it, too. Use #asktmbt to connect with us, ask questions, and suggest topics. We'd love to hear from you! To learn more, visit our website and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @TenMinuteBibleTalks. Don't forget to subscribe to the TMBT Newsletter here. Passages: Mark 5:35-43

Read OnlineJesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. Mark 3:7–8Jesus was amassing quite a following, with people flocking to Him from territories that include modern-day Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. Among them were traditional Hebraic Jews, Greek-speaking Jews, Syro-Phoenician Gentiles, and Edomites. This diverse crowd reveals how Jesus' ministry transcended cultural, religious, and national boundaries, foreshadowing the universal call of the Gospel. While some were drawn to Him through authentic faith, others came out of curiosity, eager to witness His miracles.Just prior to today's Gospel, the Pharisees and Herodians began to plot Jesus' death because they saw Him as a threat. In response, Jesus “withdrew toward the sea with his disciples.” His timing was perfect; the hour of His Passion had not yet come. This withdrawal was not an act of fear but a deliberate step forward in preparing for the next phase of His mission. There was still much to accomplish—gathering followers, performing works of mercy, and preparing the Twelve for their mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God.While Jesus acted in accordance with divine wisdom, those who flocked to Him could only see the immediate. They were captivated by His teachings and miraculous works but often misunderstood the full scope of His mission. As Ecclesiastes reminds us, “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to give birth, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1–3). For Jesus, this “time” in His public ministry was a time to build up His earthly flock, teaching them, inspiring faith, and forming them for their mission.As we consider the many and diverse people who flocked to Jesus at this time in His ministry, it's important to see ourselves in them. Those who came to Him could have never imagined all that would follow. While some might have foreseen the possibility of His death due to the hostility of religious and political leaders, few, if any, could have predicted that Jesus' Passion and Death were something He would freely welcome and embrace. At that time, they could never have understood that Jesus had to suffer and die for the salvation of souls. Moreover, everything that followed His death would have been foreign to them: His Resurrection, establishment of the Church, Ascension, bestowal of the Holy Spirit, and future coming as the Universal King.We all go through countless experiences, some good, some bad. When we encounter something good, we often want to hold onto it, yet those experiences often fade with time. When we encounter something bad, we long for that situation to be removed or resolved, yet it sometimes stays longer than we hoped. Jesus' life clearly teaches us that “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.” As we journey through life, we ought not dismiss the difficult times and try to cling to the good ones. We must enter and live each moment as it comes and goes, seeking to use everything as God intends it, preparing us for the glory that awaits us if we remain faithful until the end.Reflect today on the seasons of your life, both the joys and the trials. How is God calling you to trust in His timing and use each moment to grow in faith and love? Consider whether you view your challenges as obstacles or as opportunities to deepen your trust in God's perfect plan. Embrace the good and the difficult, growing in grace and virtue as you do, and your life will unfold in beautiful ways, giving glory to God. In doing so, you will reflect the trust and fidelity of Jesus Himself, whose perfect obedience to the Father brought about the salvation of the world.Lord of perfect timing and wisdom, Your divine plan unfolded flawlessly throughout Your earthly life. At every moment, You lived in perfect accord with the Father's will, embracing both joy and sorrow for the sake of salvation. Help me to trust in Your providence during every season of my life, the good and the difficult, confident that You bring forth an abundance of good fruit in all things. Strengthen my faith, and teach me to surrender fully to Your will. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via picrylSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (01/21/26), Hank answers the following questions:If Ezekiel's temple will be built in the millennium, why will there be animal sacrifices? Robert - FL (0:45)I am having trouble with the Local Church's distinction between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven. Can you help me? Eric - Moore, OK (7:09)Since the Bible is infallible, who decided to put all the individual writings together? Randy - St. Louis, MO (15:14)Is the messiah of Islam the Antichrist of Christianity? Gabe - Olive Branch, MS (20:58)

10:1 After these things the LORD appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. 10:3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. 10:4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. 10:5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. 10:6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. 10:7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. 10:8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: 10:9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. 10:10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, 10:11 Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. 10:12 But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. 10:13 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 10:14 But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. 10:15 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. 10:16 He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

Our passage begins with Christ's second prediction of his death as he tells his disciples that he will be killed by the religious authorities but will be raised from the dead on the third day. After the disciples argue about who is the greatest and complain about someone driving out demons in the name of Jesus, the Messiah's journey turns toward Jerusalem where He will face the agony of the cross, but he has much to say and to teach before that hour arrives. Later, Jesus sends 72 disciples ahead of him to the neighboring towns so that they might heal the sick and declare the coming kingdom of God. If you're reading along, don't forget that we're beginning in the second half of verse 43. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Wednesday morning, the 21st of January, 2026, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We start in Leviticus 25:23:”The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine, you are strangers and sojourners with Me…” Wow, there's a statement! You say, ”But I've got the title deeds.” Well, let's wait and see what Jesus says. If we look at Mark 8:36, the Lord says very clearly:”For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? “Now, I have been a landowner. The first farm I owned was in Zambia. I sold it for a mere pittance, packed up everything I had, came down to South Africa with a truck and trailer. I then started from square one. The only thing I wanted was to own my own piece of land. Well, in the process it nearly killed me, but I got it, and I got the title deeds, and then I bought the farm across the road, the same thing again, then the farm on the other side of the road, but I want to tell you, it didn't bring me any peace, any joy. Yes, I had the title deeds, but oh, my dear friend, the land does not belong to us. The land belongs to God! He has given you and I the privilege to enjoy it, the privilege of working it, developing it, making a place for others to live as well, but the land does not belong to us.You see when we die, this land will remain right here. The land was here before we were born, the land will be here after we die. The land belongs to the Lord and the Lord reminded us today that we are sojourners passing by. We are travellers, our home is in heaven. That is our permanent abode. That's why the Lord says, ”What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?”Let us put our priorities in order. Let us seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these things shall be added to us. When you are stressing about that piece of land and the piece of paper you've got to prove that it's yours, in the process, you can end up with stomach ulcers, nervous breakdowns, divorce in your family because you are busy working yourself to death. For what? At the end of the day, it's His anyway. Let's enjoy it, and let us focus on heavenly things. Let us focus on spending time with our loved ones, telling others about Jesus Christ, and enjoying the privilege He has given us. God bless you and have a wonderful day.Goodbye.

Shelly has served the body of Christ as a Pastor for over 35 years. He is a bible teacher and conference speaker on the subjects of The Kingdom of God, The Mystery of Israel & The Church and for God’s people to be prepared in their hearts for the end of this age. https://shellyandjunevolk.com/Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*Listen to the Show notes and podcast transcript with this multi-language player. SUMMARY “Aggressive Submission: The Path to Kingdom Authority” explores the foundational truth that spiritual authority flows directly from submission—first to God, and then to Christ expressed within His body. Authority is not something we seize, claim, or declare independently; it is released through a mature, intentional, and ongoing surrender of our will to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The discussion emphasizes that true submission is not passive or coerced but aggressive—a deliberate choosing of obedience, accountability, and alignment with God's order. As believers mature, they become personally responsible for maintaining submission in spirit, resisting individualism, and remaining connected to the body of Christ. This shared submission creates a pure spiritual atmosphere where Christ's authority moves through His people as one, establishing His kingdom on the earth. SHOW NOTES • Authority is given by God and expressed through obedience to what He speaks to our hearts • Submission is progressive; deeper submission brings greater authority • Christ Himself modeled aggressive submission to the Father • Submission is relational and lived out within the body of Christ • Spiritual maturity requires personal responsibility for one's spirit • Authority in the Kingdom is ordered, not equal • Revelation must be confirmed within the body • Apostolic and fivefold ministries equip the saints • A pure spiritual atmosphere is formed through shared submission • God is bringing His people into chosen maturity KEY QUOTES “We move in the degree of authority that we've submitted to.”“Christ was aggressively submitted to the Father.”“Submission is not passive—it's a demand you place on your own spirit.”“If we are truly submissive like Christ was, there's no limit to the authority that can move through us.”“Revelation without confirmation takes you out of the body.”“The kingdom of God is not in the sky—it's here, and it's real.”“A pure atmosphere is created when we submit our hearts to the Lord and walk as one.” SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES Luke 22-42  “Not My will, but Yours be done” Ephesians 4-11to13  Fivefold ministry equipping the saints toward maturity Matthew 16-16 to19  Revelation as the foundation of the Ecclesia Judges 21-25 – Every man doing what is right in his own eyes 1 Corinthians 14-29 – Confirmation through two or three witnesses 1 Corinthians 15-24 to 28 – Christ submitting all things to the Father TAKEAWAY...

We're going to do it again. We'll walk slowly through the story and see what happens. Jesus leaves Nazareth. He leaves home. Why would he leave his home and his family? Well, Matthew tells us at the beginning. He heard that John was in prison. John was a peaceful protestor out in the wilderness calling people to repent, to rethink their allegiance to the authoritarian powers of the state and of religion. And now he's in prison. Golly Gee, I don't know how these ancient stories could possibly be relevant to today. So Jesus leaves home and starts preaching about the kingdom of God being near. But he doesn't stop there, he then calls some people to "Come, follow me." So who are we following? We all follow someone or something or some ideology. Our world tells us to follow ourselves - "Live your own truth - speak your own truth - you be you, man." But none of us really does that. We're all following. We got our beliefs, our values, the ways in which we live our everyday lives from someone. It was handed down to us. There's nothing new under the sun. Who are we following? It's an important question for self-reflection. There are characteristics and actions that DON'T look like Jesus, but we see them everywhere. And if it doesn't look like Jesus, we should stop following. So it's not too late. We can still repent and receive forgiveness, because that's what God does (this is John's message, who then points to Jesus). Then we can repent - rethink - change our thinking about some things - and then follow Jesus who shows us how to live in the kingdom. And what does Jesus immediately start doing with his new followers? Oh, he goes around Galilee and heals people of all their diseases. That's our work: bring healing into the lives of others wherever we are whenever we are there. Speaker: Aaron Vis Scripture: Matthew 4:12-23 http://bible.com/events/49552986

A @Christadelphians Video: Inspiring, thought-provoking, and deeply revealing, join us for this wonderful expositional preview of the Rugby Prophecy Day 2026. We explore the outstanding prophetic themes centred on the restoration of Israel and the glorious hope of the coming kingdom of God. This insightful discussion with the event's speakers provides a powerful look at the vital scriptures shaping our understanding of the latter days.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: The Prophetic Legacy of King David01:22 - Brother John Owen: Elijah's Work in Regathering Scattered Israel04:48 - Class 3 Synopsis: Prophecy and the Gaza Strip06:37 - Conclusion and Call to Share**Bible Verse Category:**

Renue Healthcare https://Renue.Healthcare/ToddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit https://Renue.Healthcare/Todd Bulwark Capital https://KnowYourRiskPodcast.comFind out how the future of AI could impact your retirement during Zach Abraham's free “New Year Reset” live webinar January 29th 3:30pm Pacific. Register at KnowYourRiskPodcast.com.Alan's Soaps https://www.AlansArtisanSoaps.comUse coupon code TODD to save an additional 10% off the bundle price.Bonefrog https://BonefrogCoffee.com/ToddThe new GOLDEN AGE is here!  Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE at:The Todd Herman Show - Podcast - Apple PodcastsThe Todd Herman Show | Podcast on SpotifyWATCH and SUBSCRIBE at: Todd Herman - The Todd Herman Show - YouTubeBREAKING - A leftist jury in Seattle has acquitted an illegal who rammed his vehicle into ICE agents last June, hospitalizing two agents, with leftists now emboldened by the ruling and calling for more attacks while promising jury nullification for their “comrades.”Keith Swank, Sheriff of Pierce County, Washington just made one of the greatest statements during congressoinal testimony that anyone has ever made. "Disrupt. Make them uncomfortable" - Don Lemon in MN after he stormed a church to "protest ICE"I have good news and bad news.1. Good news for folks in Southeast Asia who will start making big bucks online. 2. Bad news for Western Instagram influencers and OnlyFans girls: you'll need a real job soon. Are you entertained?Another guy doing it with the “Stranger Things” Cast of characters#1 - Everyone Is a Child of God John 1:12: "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God".Galatians 3:26:"So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith,”Romans 8:16:"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God".1 John 3:1:"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him".Romans 9:8: "Those who are children of the flesh are not the children of God, but children of the promise are counted as offspring".#2 - Jesus Had No Opinion on Same Sex Activity Leviticus 18:22 22 “‘Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.Matthew 5:17-20 The Fulfillment of the Law17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.Matthew 19:5 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'1 Corinthians 6:9-109 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Genesis chapters 49 and 50, Psalm 8, and Luke 20 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! In today's episode, Hunter welcomes listeners on January 20th and invites us to continue our journey through the Bible. Whether it's your first day tuning in or you've been part of this community for years, you're in the right place to read through the Scriptures and experience their transformative power. This episode takes us through Genesis chapters 49 and 50, Psalm 8, and Luke 20—unpacking the blessings of Jacob over his sons, Joseph's faithful leadership and legacy in Egypt, the majesty of God in creation, and powerful teachings and parables from Jesus about authority, faith, and the kingdom of God. Not only will you hear the Word read and reflected on, but Hunter also leads a sincere time of prayer and speaks about the importance of receiving God's blessing in your life. You'll be reminded that you are uniquely made, loved, and created for a purpose, as you continue opening your heart to God each day. Join us today as we reflect, pray, and walk together on this journey—knowing that, above all, you are loved. TODAY'S DEVOTION: You were made for blessing. Have you ever been blessed? Has anyone ever spoken words of blessing and life on behalf of God over your life? Has anyone ever spoken over you about God's design for you, his purposes yet to be fulfilled by him in you? Has anyone ever blessed you? You, me—we are made for that kind of blessing. You were created to be blessed. Our destiny is somehow wrapped up in this thing called blessing. When words of blessing fail to reach our ears or our life, there are hard consequences. We are restless until we find that blessing from God, that blessing that you were made for. Many of you may be able to say that you have received those kinds of words. You have been blessed in this way. People have spoken words on behalf of God over you. They have recognized what God is doing in your life, how he has made you so uniquely, what he has called and created you for. And those words have made all the difference. But I'd guess that many, if not most of you, have not heard or received those words of blessing. You need to know that you were made for it, that God wants you to hear those words of life spoken over you by him. He wants you to know how uniquely you have been made, how important you are, that you matter, that you have a purpose. That he loves you and desires to bless you. He wants you to know it. My prayer is that as you meet him, as we come to him each day through the Word, as you invite him to open your heart and mind and eyes in your everyday life, you will hear him speak. You will hear his words of blessing over you, hear him speak deeply into your life and know that you are loved. That's the prayer that I have for my own soul. That's the prayer that I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that's the prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

In this episode of the Voxology Podcast, hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the current state of society, the role of the church, and the concept of the Kingdom of God. They reflect on the challenges faced in today's world, including political turmoil and social injustice, while emphasizing the importance of mental health and community support. The conversation transitions into a deeper exploration of the Lord's Prayer, particularly the phrase 'may your kingdom come,' and how it relates to the historical and theological understanding of God's reign. The hosts argue that the Kingdom of God is not merely a spiritual concept but a tangible reality that encompasses justice, community, and the restoration of Israel's promises. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Weather Banter 01:27 Reflections on Current Events 02:31 The Insanity of Government Actions 10:34 Transition to the Lord's Prayer 11:02 Exploring the Kingdom of God 26:56 The Core Message of Jesus 39:42 The Rejection of God as King 40:10 The Transition to Monarchy 42:15 The Role of Prophets and Leadership 46:34 The Promise of Restoration 49:45 The Kingdom of God Explained 01:01:43 Jesus and the Kingdom of God As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

What if the most transformative thing you can do for your writing craft and author business is to face what you fear? How can you can find gold in your Shadow in the year ahead? In this episode, I share chapters from Writing the Shadow: Turn Your Inner Darkness Into Words. In the intro, curated book boxes from Bridgerton's Julia Quinn; Google's agentic shopping, and powering Apple's Siri; ChatGPT Ads; and Claude CoWork. Balancing Certainty and Uncertainty [MoonShots with Tony Robbins]; and three trends for authors with me and Orna Ross [Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast]; plus, Bones of the Deep, Business for Authors, and Indie Author Lab. This show is supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn  Joanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers, dark fantasy, and memoir as J.F. Penn. She's also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker. What is the Shadow? The ‘creative wound' and the Shadow in writing The Shadow in traditional publishing The Shadow in self-publishing or being an indie author The Shadow in work The Shadow in money You can find Writing the Shadow in all formats on all stores, as well as special edition, workbook and bundles at www.TheCreativePenn.com/shadowbook Writing the Shadow: Turn Your Inner Darkness Into Words The following chapters are excerpted from Writing the Shadow: Turn Your Inner Darkness Into Words by Joanna Penn. Introduction. What is the Shadow? “How can I be substantial if I do not cast a shadow? I must have a dark side also if I am to be whole.” —C.G. Jung, Modern Man in Search of a Soul We all have a Shadow side and it is the work of a lifetime to recognise what lies within and spin that base material into gold. Think of it as a seedling in a little pot that you're given when you're young. It's a bit misshapen and weird, not something you would display in your living room, so you place it in a dark corner of the basement. You don't look at it for years. You almost forget about it. Then one day you notice tendrils of something wild poking up through the floorboards. They're ugly and don't fit with your Scandi-minimalist interior design. You chop the tendrils away and pour weedkiller on what's left, trying to hide the fact that they were ever there. But the creeping stems keep coming. At some point, you know you have to go down there and face the wild thing your seedling has become. When you eventually pluck up enough courage to go down into the basement, you discover that the plant has wound its roots deep into the foundations of your home. Its vines weave in and out of the cracks in the walls, and it has beautiful flowers and strange fruit. It holds your world together. Perhaps you don't need to destroy the wild tendrils. Perhaps you can let them wind up into the light and allow their rich beauty to weave through your home. It will change the look you have so carefully cultivated, but maybe that's just what the place needs. The Shadow in psychology Carl Gustav Jung was a Swiss psychologist and the founder of analytical psychology. He described the Shadow as an unconscious aspect of the human personality, those parts of us that don't match up to what is expected of us by family and society, or to our own ideals. The Shadow is not necessarily evil or illegal or immoral, although of course it can be. It's also not necessarily caused by trauma, abuse, or any other severely damaging event, although again, it can be. It depends on the individual. What is in your Shadow is based on your life and your experiences, as well as your culture and society, so it will be different for everyone. Psychologist Connie Zweig, in The Inner Work of Age, explains, “The Shadow is that part of us that lies beneath or behind the light of awareness. It contains our rejected, unacceptable traits and feelings. It contains our hidden gifts and talents that have remained unexpressed or unlived. As Jung put it, the essence of the Shadow is pure gold.” To further illustrate the concept, Robert Bly, in A Little Book on the Human Shadow,uses the following metaphor: “When we are young, we carry behind us an invisible bag, into which we stuff any feelings, thoughts, or behaviours that bring disapproval or loss of love—anger, tears, neediness, laziness. By the time we go to school, our bags are already a mile long. In high school, our peer groups pressure us to stuff the bags with even more—individuality, sexuality, spontaneity, different opinions. We spend our life until we're twenty deciding which parts of ourselves to put into the bag and we spend the rest of our lives trying to get them out again.” As authors, we can use what's in the ‘bag' to enrich our writing — but only if we can access it. My intention with this book is to help you venture into your Shadow and bring some of what's hidden into the light and into your words. I'll reveal aspects of my Shadow in these pages but ultimately, this book is about you. Your Shadow is unique. There may be elements we share, but much will be different. Each chapter has questions for you to consider that may help you explore at least the edges of your Shadow, but it's not easy. As Jung said, “One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious. The latter procedure, however, is disagreeable and therefore not popular.” But take heart, Creative. You don't need courage when things are easy. You need it when you know what you face will be difficult, but you do it anyway. We are authors. We know how to do hard things. We turn ideas into books. We manifest thoughts into ink on paper. We change lives with our writing. First, our own, then other people's. It's worth the effort to delve into Shadow, so I hope you will join me on the journey. The creative wound and the Shadow in writing “Whatever pain you can't get rid of, make it your creative offering.” —Susan Cain, Bittersweet  The more we long for something, the more extreme our desire, the more likely it is to have a Shadow side. For those of us who love books, the author life may well be a long-held dream and thus, it is filled with Shadow. Books have long been objects of desire, power, and authority. They hold a mythic status in our lives. We escaped into stories as children; we studied books at school and college; we read them now for escape and entertainment, education and inspiration. We collect beautiful books to put on our shelves. We go to them for solace and answers to the deepest questions of life. Writers are similarly held in high esteem. They shape culture, win literary prizes, give important speeches, and are quoted in the mainstream media. Their books are on the shelves in libraries and bookstores. Writers are revered, held up as rare, talented creatures made separate from us by their brilliance and insight. For bibliophile children, books were everything and to write one was a cherished dream. To become an author? Well, that would mean we might be someone special, someone worthy. Perhaps when you were young, you thought the dream of being a writer was possible — then you told someone about it. That's probably when you heard the first criticism of such a ridiculous idea, the first laughter, the first dismissal. So you abandoned the dream, pushed the idea of being a writer into the Shadow, and got on with your life. Or if it wasn't then, it came later, when you actually put pen to paper and someone — a parent, teacher, partner, or friend, perhaps even a literary agent or publisher, someone whose opinion you valued — told you it was worthless. Here are some things you might have heard: Writing is a hobby. Get a real job. You're not good enough. You don't have any writing talent. You don't have enough education. You don't know what you're doing. Your writing is derivative / unoriginal / boring / useless / doesn't make sense. The genre you write in is dead / worthless / unacceptable / morally wrong / frivolous / useless.  Who do you think you are? No one would want to read what you write. You can't even use proper grammar, so how could you write a whole book? You're wasting your time. You'll never make it as a writer. You shouldn't write those things (or even think about those things). Why don't you write something nice? Insert other derogatory comment here! Mark Pierce describes the effect of this experience in his book The Creative Wound, which “occurs when an event, or someone's actions or words, pierce you, causing a kind of rift in your soul. A comment—even offhand and unintentional—is enough to cause one.” He goes on to say that such words can inflict “damage to the core of who we are as creators. It is an attack on our artistic identity, resulting in us believing that whatever we make is somehow tainted or invalid, because shame has convinced us there is something intrinsically tainted or invalid about ourselves.” As adults, we might brush off such wounds, belittling them as unimportant in the grand scheme of things. We might even find ourselves saying the same words to other people. After all, it's easier to criticise than to create. But if you picture your younger self, bright eyed as you lose yourself in your favourite book, perhaps you might catch a glimpse of what you longed for before your dreams were dashed on the rocks of other people's reality. As Mark Pierce goes on to say, “A Creative Wound has the power to delay our pursuits—sometimes for years—and it can even derail our lives completely… Anything that makes us feel ashamed of ourselves or our work can render us incapable of the self-expression we yearn for.” This is certainly what happened to me, and it took decades to unwind. Your creative wounds will differ to mine but perhaps my experience will help you explore your own. To be clear, your Shadow may not reside in elements of horror as mine do, but hopefully you can use my example to consider where your creative wounds might lie. “You shouldn't write things like that.” It happened at secondary school around 1986 or 1987, so I would have been around eleven or twelve years old. English was one of my favourite subjects and the room we had our lessons in looked out onto a vibrant garden. I loved going to that class because it was all about books, and they were always my favourite things. One day, we were asked to write a story. I can't remember the specifics of what the teacher asked us to write, but I fictionalised a recurring nightmare. I stood in a dark room. On one side, my mum and my brother, Rod, were tied up next to a cauldron of boiling oil, ready to be thrown in. On the other side, my dad and my little sister, Lucy, were threatened with decapitation by men with machetes. I had to choose who would die. I always woke up, my heart pounding, before I had to choose. Looking back now, it clearly represented an internal conflict about having to pick sides between the two halves of my family. Not an unexpected issue from a child of divorce. Perhaps these days, I might have been sent to the school counsellor, but it was the eighties and I don't think we even had such a thing. Even so, the meaning of the story isn't the point. It was the reaction to it that left scars. “You shouldn't write things like that,” my teacher said, and I still remember her look of disappointment, even disgust. Certainly judgment. She said my writing was too dark. It wasn't a proper story. It wasn't appropriate for the class. As if horrible things never happened in stories — or in life. As if literature could not include dark tales. As if the only acceptable writing was the kind she approved of. We were taught The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie that year, which says a lot about the type of writing considered appropriate. Or perhaps the issue stemmed from the school motto, “So hateth she derknesse,” from Chaucer's The Legend of Good Women: “For fear of night, so she hates the darkness.” I had won a scholarship to a private girls' school, and their mission was to turn us all into proper young ladies. Horror was never on the curriculum. Perhaps if my teacher had encouraged me to write my darkness back then, my nightmares would have dissolved on the page. Perhaps if we had studied Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, or H.P. Lovecraft stories, or Bram Stoker's Dracula, I could have embraced the darker side of literature earlier in my life. My need to push darker thoughts into my Shadow was compounded by my (wonderful) mum's best intentions. We were brought up on the principles of The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale and she tried to shield me and my brother from anything harmful or horrible. We weren't allowed to watch TV much, and even the British school drama Grange Hill was deemed inappropriate. So much of what I've achieved is because my mum instilled in me a “can do” attitude that anything is possible. I'm so grateful to her for that. (I love you, Mum!) But all that happy positivity, my desire to please her, to be a good girl, to make my teachers proud, and to be acceptable to society, meant that I pushed my darker thoughts into Shadow. They were inappropriate. They were taboo. They must be repressed, kept secret, and I must be outwardly happy and positive at all times. You cannot hold back the darkness “The night is dark and full of terrors.” —George R.R. Martin, A Storm of Swords It turned out that horror was on the curriculum, much of it in the form of educational films we watched during lessons. In English Literature, we watched Romeo drink poison and Juliet stab herself in Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet. In Religious Studies, we watched Jesus beaten, tortured, and crucified in The Greatest Story Ever Told, and learned of the variety of gruesome ways that Christian saints were martyred. In Classical Civilisation, we watched gladiators slaughter each other in Spartacus. In Sex Education at the peak of the AIDS crisis in the mid-'80s, we were told of the many ways we could get infected and die. In History, we studied the Holocaust with images of skeletal bodies thrown into mass graves, medical experiments on humans, and grainy videos of marching soldiers giving the Nazi salute. One of my first overseas school field trips was to the World War I battlegrounds of Flanders Fields in Belgium, where we studied the inhuman conditions of the trenches, walked through mass graves, and read war poetry by candlelight. As John McCrae wrote: We are the Dead. Short days agoWe lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Did the teachers not realise how deeply a sensitive teenager might feel the darkness of that place? Or have I always been unusual in that places of blood echo deep inside me? And the horrors kept coming. We lived in Bristol, England back then and I learned at school how the city had been part of the slave trade, its wealth built on the backs of people stolen from their homes, sold, and worked to death in the colonies. I had been at school for a year in Malawi, Africa and imagined the Black people I knew drowning, being beaten, and dying on those ships. In my teenage years, the news was filled with ethnic cleansing, mass rape, and massacres during the Balkan wars, and images of bodies hacked apart during the Rwandan genocide. Evil committed by humans against other humans was not a historical aberration. I'm lucky and I certainly acknowledge my privilege. Nothing terrible or horrifying has happened to me — but bad things certainly happen to others. I wasn't bullied or abused. I wasn't raped or beaten or tortured. But you don't have to go through things to be afraid of them, and for your imagination to conjure the possibility of them. My mum doesn't read my fiction now as it gives her nightmares (Sorry, Mum!). I know she worries that somehow she's responsible for my darkness, but I've had a safe and (mostly) happy life, for which I'm truly grateful. But the world is not an entirely safe and happy place, and for a sensitive child with a vivid imagination, the world is dark and scary. It can be brutal and violent, and bad things happen, even to good people. No parent can shield their child from the reality of the world. They can only help them do their best to live in it, develop resilience, and find ways to deal with whatever comes. Story has always been a way that humans have used to learn how to live and deal with difficult times. The best authors, the ones that readers adore and can't get enough of, write their darkness into story to channel their experience, and help others who fear the same. In an interview on writing the Shadow on The Creative Penn Podcast, Michaelbrent Collings shared how he incorporated a personally devastating experience into his writing:  “My wife and I lost a child years back, and that became the root of one of my most terrifying books, Apparition. It's not terrifying because it's the greatest book of all time, but just the concept that there's this thing out there… like a demon, and it consumes the blood and fear of the children, and then it withdraws and consumes the madness of the parents… I wrote that in large measure as a way of working through what I was experiencing.” I've learned much from Michaelbrent. I've read many of his (excellent) books and he's been on my podcast multiple times talking about his depression and mental health issues, as well as difficulties in his author career. Writing darkness is not in Michaelbrent's Shadow and only he can say what lies there for him. But from his example, and from that of other authors, I too learned how to write my Shadow into my books. Twenty-three years after that English lesson, in November 2009, I did NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month, and wrote five thousand words of what eventually became Stone of Fire, my first novel. In the initial chapter, I burned a nun alive on the ghats of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges River. I had watched the bodies burn by night on pyres from a boat bobbing in the current a few years before, and the image was still crystal clear in my mind. The only way to deal with how it made me feel about death was to write about it — and since then, I've never stopped writing. Returning to the nightmare from my school days, I've never had to choose between the two halves of my family, but the threat of losing them remains a theme in my fiction. In my ARKANE thriller series, Morgan Sierra will do anything to save her sister and her niece. Their safety drives her to continue to fight against evil. Our deepest fears emerge in our writing, and that's the safest place for them. I wish I'd been taught how to turn my nightmares into words back at school, but at least now I've learned to write my Shadow onto the page. I wish the same for you. The Shadow in traditional publishing If becoming an author is your dream, then publishing a book is deeply entwined with that. But as Mark Pierce says in The Creative Wound, “We feel pain the most where it matters the most… Desire highlights whatever we consider to be truly significant.” There is a lot of desire around publishing for those of us who love books! It can give you: Validation that your writing is good enough Status and credibility Acceptance by an industry held in esteem  The potential of financial reward and critical acclaim Support from a team of professionals who know how to make fantastic books A sense of belonging to an elite community Pride in achieving a long-held goal, resulting in a confidence boost and self-esteem Although not guaranteed, traditional publishing can give you all these things and more, but as with everything, there is a potential Shadow side. Denying it risks the potential of being disillusioned, disappointed, and even damaged. But remember, forewarned is forearmed, as the saying goes. Preparation can help you avoid potential issues and help you feel less alone if you encounter them. The myth of success… and the reality of experience There is a pervasive myth of success in the traditional publishing industry, perpetuated by media reporting on brand name and breakout authors, those few outliers whose experience is almost impossible to replicate. Because of such examples, many new traditionally published authors think that their first book will hit the top of the bestseller charts or win an award, as well as make them a million dollars — or at least a big chunk of cash. They will be able to leave their job, write in a beautiful house overlooking the ocean, and swan around the world attending conferences, while writing more bestselling books. It will be a charmed life. But that is not the reality. Perhaps it never was. Even so, the life of a traditionally published author represents a mythic career with the truth hidden behind a veil of obscurity. In April 2023, The Bookseller in the UK reported that “more than half of authors (54%) responding to a survey on their experiences of publishing their debut book have said the process negatively affected their mental health. Though views were mixed, just 22%… described a positive experience overall… Among the majority who said they had a negative experience of debut publication, anxiety, stress, depression and ‘lowered' self-esteem were cited, with lack of support, guidance or clear and professional communication from their publisher among the factors that contributed.” Many authors who have negative experiences around publishing will push them into the Shadow with denial or self-blame, preferring to keep the dream alive. They won't talk about things in public as this may negatively affect their careers, but private discussions are often held in the corners of writing conferences or social media groups online. Some of the issues are as follows: Repeated rejection by agents and publishers may lead to the author thinking they are not good enough as a writer, which can lead to feeling unworthy as a person. If an author gets a deal, the amount of advance and the name and status of the publisher compared to others create a hierarchy that impacts self-esteem. A deal for a book may be much lower than an author might have been expecting, with low or no advance, and the resulting experience with the publisher beneath expectations. The launch process may be disappointing, and the book may appear without fanfare, with few sales and no bestseller chart position. In The Bookseller report, one author described her launch day as “a total wasteland… You have expectations about what publication day will be like, but in reality, nothing really happens.” The book may receive negative reviews by critics or readers or more publicly on social media, which can make an author feel attacked. The book might not sell as well as expected, and the author may feel like it's their fault. Commercial success can sometimes feel tied to self-worth and an author can't help but compare their sales to others, with resulting embarrassment or shame. The communication from the publisher may be less than expected. One author in The Bookseller report said, “I was shocked by the lack of clarity and shared information and the cynicism that underlies the superficial charm of this industry.” There is often more of a focus on debut authors in publishing houses, so those who have been writing and publishing in the midlist for years can feel ignored and undervalued. In The Bookseller report, 48 percent of authors reported “their publisher supported them for less than a year,” with one saying, “I got no support and felt like a commodity, like the team had moved on completely to the next book.” If an author is not successful enough, the next deal may be lower than the last, less effort is made with marketing, and they may be let go. In The Bookseller report, “six authors—debut and otherwise—cited being dropped by their publisher, some with no explanation.” Even if everything goes well and an author is considered successful by others, they may experience imposter syndrome, feeling like a fraud when speaking at conferences or doing book signings. And the list goes on … All these things can lead to feelings of shame, inadequacy, and embarrassment; loss of status in the eyes of peers; and a sense of failure if a publishing career is not successful enough. The author feels like it's their fault, like they weren't good enough — although, of course, the reality is that the conditions were not right at the time. A failure of a book is not a failure of the person, but it can certainly feel like it! When you acknowledge the Shadow, it loses its power Despite all the potential negatives of traditional publishing, if you know what could happen, you can mitigate them. You can prepare yourself for various scenarios and protect yourself from potential fall-out. It's clear from The Bookseller report that too many authors have unrealistic expectations of the industry. But publishers are businesses, not charities. It's not their job to make you feel good as an author. It's their job to sell books and pay you. The best thing they can do is to continue to be a viable business so they can keep putting books on the shelves and keep paying authors, staff, and company shareholders. When you license your creative work to a publisher, you're giving up control of your intellectual property in exchange for money and status. Bring your fears and issues out of the Shadow, acknowledge them, and deal with them early, so they do not get pushed down and re-emerge later in blame and bitterness. Educate yourself on the business of publishing. Be clear on what you want to achieve with any deal. Empower yourself as an author, take responsibility for your career, and you will have a much better experience. The Shadow in self-publishing or being an indie author Self-publishing, or being an independent (indie) author, can be a fantastic, pro-active choice for getting your book into the world. Holding your first book in your hand and saying “I made this” is pretty exciting, and even after more than forty books, I still get excited about seeing ideas in my head turn into a physical product in the world. Self-publishing can give an author: Creative control over what to write, editorial and cover design choices, when and how often to publish, and how to market Empowerment over your author career and the ability to make choices that impact success without asking for permission Ownership and control of intellectual property assets, resulting in increased opportunity around licensing and new markets Independence and the potential for recurring income for the long term Autonomy and flexibility around timelines, publishing options, and the ability to easily pivot into new genres and business models Validation based on positive reader reviews and money earned Personal growth and learning through the acquisition of new skills, resulting in a boost in confidence and self-esteem A sense of belonging to an active and vibrant community of indie authors around the world Being an indie author can give you all this and more, but once again, there is a Shadow side and preparation can help you navigate potential issues. The myth of success… and the reality of experience As with traditional publishing, the indie author world has perpetuated a myth of success in the example of the breakout indie author like E.L. James with Fifty Shades of Grey, Hugh Howey with Wool, or Andy Weir with The Martian. The emphasis on financial success is also fuelled online by authors who share screenshots showing six-figure months or seven-figure years, without sharing marketing costs and other outgoings, or the amount of time spent on the business. Yes, these can inspire some, but it can also make others feel inadequate and potentially lead to bad choices about how to publish and market based on comparison. The indie author world is full of just as much ego and a desire for status and money as traditional publishing. This is not a surprise! Most authors, regardless of publishing choices, are a mix of massive ego and chronic self-doubt. We are human, so the same issues will re-occur. A different publishing method doesn't cure all ills. Some of the issues are as follows: You learn everything you need to know about writing and editing, only to find that you need to learn a whole new set of skills in order to self-publish and market your book. This can take a lot of time and effort you did not expect, and things change all the time so you have to keep learning. Being in control of every aspect of the publishing process, from writing to cover design to marketing, can be overwhelming, leading to indecision, perfectionism, stress, and even burnout as you try to do all the things. You try to find people to help, but building your team is a challenge, and working with others has its own difficulties. People say negative things about self-publishing that may arouse feelings of embarrassment or shame. These might be little niggles, but they needle you, nonetheless. You wonder whether you made the right choice. You struggle with self-doubt and if you go to an event with traditional published authors, you compare yourself to them and feel like an imposter. Are you good enough to be an author if a traditional publisher hasn't chosen you? Is it just vanity to self-publish? Are your books unworthy? Even though you worked with a professional editor, you still get one-star reviews and you hate criticism from readers. You wonder whether you're wasting your time. You might be ripped off by an author services company who promise the world, only to leave you with a pile of printed books in your garage and no way to sell them. When you finally publish your book, it languishes at the bottom of the charts while other authors hit the top of the list over and over, raking in the cash while you are left out of pocket. You don't admit to over-spending on marketing as it makes you ashamed. You resist book marketing and make critical comments about writers who embrace it. You believe that quality rises to the top and if a book is good enough, people will buy it anyway. This can lead to disappointment and disillusionment when you launch your book and it doesn't sell many copies because nobody knows about it. You try to do what everyone advises, but you still can't make decent money as an author. You're jealous of other authors' success and put it down to them ‘selling out' or writing things you can't or ‘using AI' or ‘using a ghostwriter' or having a specific business model you consider impossible to replicate. And the list goes on… When you acknowledge the Shadow, it loses its power Being in control of your books and your author career is a double-edged sword. Traditionally published authors can criticise their publishers or agents or the marketing team or the bookstores or the media, but indie authors have to take responsibility for it all. Sure, we can blame ‘the algorithms' or social media platforms, or criticise other authors for having more experience or more money to invest in marketing, or attribute their success to writing in a more popular genre — but we also know there are always people who do well regardless of the challenges. Once more, we're back to acknowledging and integrating the Shadow side of our choices. We are flawed humans. There will always be good times and bad, and difficulties to offset the high points. This too shall pass, as the old saying goes. I know that being an indie author has plenty of Shadow. I've been doing this since 2008 and despite the hard times, I'm still here. I'm still writing. I'm still publishing. This life is not for everyone, but it's my choice. You must make yours. The Shadow in work You work hard. You make a living. Nothing wrong with that attitude, right? It's what we're taught from an early age and, like so much of life, it's not a problem until it goes to extremes. Not achieving what you want to? Work harder. Can't get ahead? Work harder. Not making a good enough living? Work harder. People who don't work hard are lazy. They don't deserve handouts or benefits. People who don't work hard aren't useful, so they are not valued members of our culture and community. But what about the old or the sick, the mentally ill, or those with disabilities? What about children? What about the unemployed? The under-employed? What about those who are — or will be — displaced by technology, those called “the useless class” by historian Yuval Noah Harari in his book Homo Deus? What if we become one of these in the future? Who am I if I cannot work? The Shadow side of my attitude to work became clear when I caught COVID in the summer of 2021. I was the sickest I'd ever been. I spent two weeks in bed unable to even think properly, and six weeks after that, I was barely able to work more than an hour a day before lying in the dark and waiting for my energy to return. I was limited in what I could do for another six months after that. At times, I wondered if I would ever get better. Jonathan kept urging me to be patient and rest. But I don't know how to rest. I know how to work and how to sleep. I can do ‘active rest,' which usually involves walking a long way or traveling somewhere interesting, but those require a stronger mind and body than I had during those months. It struck me that even if I recovered from the virus, I had glimpsed my future self. One day, I will be weak in body and mind. If I'm lucky, that will be many years away and hopefully for a short time before I die — but it will happen. I am an animal. I will die. My body and mind will pass on and I will be no more. Before then I will be weak. Before then, I will be useless. Before then, I will be a burden. I will not be able to work… But who am I if I cannot work? What is the point of me? I can't answer these questions right now, because although I recognise them as part of my Shadow, I've not progressed far enough to have dealt with them entirely. My months of COVID gave me some much-needed empathy for those who cannot work, even if they want to. We need to reframe what work is as a society, and value humans for different things, especially as technology changes what work even means. That starts with each of us. “Illness, affliction of body and soul, can be life-altering. It has the potential to reveal the most fundamental conflict of the human condition: the tension between our infinite, glorious dreams and desires and our limited, vulnerable, decaying physicality.” —Connie Zweig, The Inner Work of Age: Shifting from Role to Soul The Shadow in money In the Greek myth, King Midas was a wealthy ruler who loved gold above all else. His palace was adorned with golden sculptures and furniture, and he took immense pleasure in his riches. Yet, despite his vast wealth, he yearned for more. After doing a favour for Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry, Midas was granted a single wish. Intoxicated by greed, he wished that everything he touched would turn to gold — and it was so. At first, it was a lot of fun. Midas turned everything else in his palace to gold, even the trees and stones of his estate. After a morning of turning things to gold, he fancied a spot of lunch. But when he tried to eat, the food and drink turned to gold in his mouth. He became thirsty and hungry — and increasingly desperate. As he sat in despair on his golden throne, his beloved young daughter ran to comfort him. For a moment, he forgot his wish — and as she wrapped her arms around him and kissed his cheek, she turned into a golden statue, frozen in precious metal. King Midas cried out to the gods to forgive him, to reverse the wish. He renounced his greed and gave away all his wealth, and his daughter was returned to life. The moral of the story: Wealth and greed are bad. In Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge is described as a “squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner.” He's wealthy but does not share, considering Christmas spending to be frivolous and giving to charity to be worthless. He's saved by a confrontation with his lonely future and becomes a generous man and benefactor of the poor. Wealth is good if you share it with others. The gospel of Matthew, chapter 25: 14-30, tells the parable of the bags of gold, in which a rich man goes on a journey and entrusts his servants with varying amounts of gold. On his return, the servants who multiplied the gold through their efforts and investments are rewarded, while the one who merely returned the gold with no interest is punished: “For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” Making money is good, making more money is even better. If you can't make any money, you don't deserve to have any. Within the same gospel, in Matthew 19:24, Jesus encounters a wealthy man and tells him to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor, which the man is unable to do. Jesus says, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Wealth is bad. Give it all away and you'll go to heaven. With all these contradictory messages, no wonder we're so conflicted about money! How do you think and feel about money? While money is mostly tied to our work, it's far more than just a transactional object for most people. It's loaded with complex symbolism and judgment handed down by family, religion, and culture. You are likely to find elements of Shadow by examining your attitudes around money. Consider which of the following statements resonate with you or write your own. Money stresses me out. I don't want to talk about it or think about it. Some people hoard money, so there is inequality. Rich people are bad and we should take away their wealth and give it to the poor.  I can never make enough money to pay the bills, or to give my family what I want to provide. Money doesn't grow on trees.  It's wasteful to spend money as you might need it later, so I'm frugal and don't spend money unless absolutely necessary. It is better and more ethical to be poor than to be rich. I want more money. I read books and watch TV shows about rich people because I want to live like that. Sometimes I spend too much on things for a glimpse of what that might be like.  I buy lottery tickets and dream of winning all that money.  I'm jealous of people who have money. I want more of it and I resent those who have it. I'm no good with money. I don't like to look at my bank statement or credit card statement. I live off my overdraft and I'm in debt. I will never earn enough to get out of debt and start saving, so I don't think too much about it. I don't know enough about money. Talking about it makes me feel stupid, so I just ignore it. People like me aren't educated about money.  I need to make more money. If I can make lots of money, then people will look up to me. If I make lots of money, I will be secure, nothing can touch me, I will be safe.  I never want to be poor. I would be ashamed to be poor. I will never go on benefits. My net worth is my self worth. Money is good. We have the best standard of living in history because of the increase in wealth over time. Even the richest kings of the past didn't have what many middle-class people have today in terms of access to food, water, technology, healthcare, education, and more. The richest people give the most money to the poor through taxation and charity, as well as through building companies that employ people and invent new things. The very richest give away much of their fortunes. They provide far more benefit to the world than the poor.  I love money. Money loves me. Money comes easily and quickly to me. I attract money in multiple streams of income. It flows to me in so many ways. I spend money. I invest money. I give money. I'm happy and grateful for all that I receive. The Shadow around money for authors in particular Many writers and other creatives have issues around money and wealth. How often have you heard the following, and which do you agree with? You can't make money with your writing. You'll be a poor author in a garret, a starving artist.  You can't write ‘good quality' books and make money. If you make money writing, you're a hack, you're selling out. You are less worthy than someone who writes only for the Muse. Your books are commercial, not artistic. If you spend money on marketing, then your books are clearly not good enough to sell on their own. My agent / publisher / accountant / partner deals with the money side. I like to focus on the creative side of things. My money story Note: This is not financial or investment advice. Please talk to a professional about your situation. I've had money issues over the years — haven't we all! But I have been through a (long) process to bring money out of my Shadow and into the light. There will always be more to discover, but hopefully my money story will help you, or at least give you an opportunity to reflect. Like most people, I didn't grow up with a lot of money. My parents started out as teachers, but later my mum — who I lived with, along with my brother — became a change management consultant, moving to the USA and earning a lot more. I'm grateful that she moved into business because her example changed the way I saw money and provided some valuable lessons. (1) You can change your circumstances by learning more and then applying that to leverage opportunity into a new job or career Mum taught English at a school in Bristol when we moved back from Malawi, Africa, in the mid '80s but I remember how stressful it was for her, and how little money she made. She wanted a better future for us all, so she took a year out to do a master's degree in management. In the same way, when I wanted to change careers and leave consulting to become an author, I spent time and money learning about the writing craft and the business of publishing. I still invest a considerable chunk on continuous learning, as this industry changes all the time. (2) You might have to downsize in order to leap forward The year my mum did her degree, we lived in the attic of another family's house; we ate a lot of one-pot casserole and our treat was having a Yorkie bar on the walk back from the museum. We wore hand-me-down clothes, and I remember one day at school when another girl said I was wearing her dress. I denied it, of course, but there in back of the dress was her name tag. I still remember her name and I can still feel that flush of shame and embarrassment. I was determined to never feel like that again. But what I didn't realize at the time was that I was also learning the power of downsizing. Mum got her degree and then a new job in management in Bristol. She bought a house, and we settled for a few years. I had lots of different jobs as a teenager. My favourite was working in the delicatessen because we got a free lunch made from delicious produce. After I finished A-levels, I went to the University of Oxford, and my mum and brother moved to the USA for further opportunities. I've downsized multiple times over the years, taking a step back in order to take a step forward. The biggest was in 2010 when I decided to leave consulting. Jonathan and I sold our three-bedroom house and investments in Brisbane, Australia, and rented a one-bedroom flat in London, so we could be debt-free and live on less while I built up a new career. It was a decade before we bought another house. (3) Comparison can be deadly: there will always be people with more money than you Oxford was an education in many ways and relevant to this chapter is how much I didn't know about things people with money took for granted. I learned about formal hall and wine pairings, and how to make a perfect gin and tonic. I ate smoked salmon for the first time. I learned how to fit in with people who had a lot more money than I did, and I definitely wanted to have money of my own to play with. (4) Income is not wealth You can earn lots but have nothing to show for it after years of working. I learned this in my first few years of IT consulting after university. I earned a great salary and then went contracting, earning even more money at a daily rate. I had a wonderful time. I traveled, ate and drank and generally made merry, but I always had to go back to the day job when the money ran out. I couldn't work out how I could ever stop this cycle. Then I read Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, a book I still recommend, especially if you're from a family that values academic over financial education. I learned how to escape the rat race by building and/or accumulating assets that pay even when you're not working. It was a revelation! The ‘poor dad' in the book is a university professor. He knows so much about so many things, but he ends up poor as he did not educate himself about money. The ‘rich dad' has little formal education, but he knows about money and wealth because he learned about it, as we can do at any stage in our lives. (5) Not all investments suit every person, so find the right one for you Once I discovered the world of investing, I read all the books and did courses and in-person events. I joined communities and I up-skilled big time. Of course, I made mistakes and learned lots along the way. I tried property investing and renovated a couple of houses for rental (with more practical partners and skilled contractors). But while I could see that property investing might work for some people, I did not care enough about the details to make it work for me, and it was certainly not passive income. I tried other things. My first husband was a boat skipper and scuba diving instructor, so we started a charter. With the variable costs of fuel, the vagaries of New Zealand weather — and our divorce — it didn't last long! From all these experiments, I learned I wanted to run a business, but it needed to be online and not based on a physical location, physical premises, or other people. That was 2006, around the time that blogging started taking off and it became possible to make a living online. I could see the potential and a year later, the iPhone and the Amazon Kindle launched, which became the basis of my business as an author. (6) Boring, automatic saving and investing works best Between 2007 and 2011, I contracted in Australia, where they have compulsory superannuation contributions, meaning you have to save and invest a percentage of your salary or self-employed income. I'd never done that before, because I didn't understand it. I'd ploughed all my excess income into property or the business instead. But in Australia I didn't notice the money going out because it was automatic. I chose a particular fund and it auto-invested every month. The pot grew pretty fast since I didn't touch it, and years later, it's still growing. I discovered the power of compound interest and time in the market, both of which are super boring. This type of investing is not a get rich quick scheme. It's a slow process of automatically putting money into boring investments and doing that month in, month out, year in, year out, automatically for decades while you get on with your life. I still do this. I earn money as an author entrepreneur and I put a percentage of that into boring investments automatically every month. I also have a small amount which is for fun and higher risk investments, but mostly I'm a conservative, risk-averse investor planning ahead for the future. This is not financial advice, so I'm not giving any specifics. I have a list of recommended money books at www.TheCreativePenn.com/moneybooks if you want to learn more. Learning from the Shadow When I look back, my Shadow side around money eventually drove me to learn more and resulted in a better outcome (so far!). I was ashamed of being poor when I had to wear hand-me-down clothes at school. That drove a fear of not having any money, which partially explains my workaholism. I was embarrassed at Oxford because I didn't know how to behave in certain settings, and I wanted to be like the rich people I saw there. I spent too much money in my early years as a consultant because I wanted to experience a “rich” life and didn't understand saving and investing would lead to better things in the future. I invested too much in the wrong things because I didn't know myself well enough and I was trying to get rich quick so I could leave my job and ‘be happy.' But eventually, I discovered that I could grow my net worth with boring, long-term investments while doing a job I loved as an author entrepreneur. My only regret is that I didn't discover this earlier and put a percentage of my income into investments as soon as I started work. It took several decades to get started, but at least I did (eventually) start. My money story isn't over yet, and I keep learning new things, but hopefully my experience will help you reflect on your own and avoid the issue if it's still in Shadow. These chapters are excerpted from Writing the Shadow: Turn Your Inner Darkness Into Words by Joanna Penn  The post Writing The Shadow: The Creative Wound, Publishing, And Money, With Joanna Penn first appeared on The Creative Penn.

Even the wisest man who ever lived didn't fall overnight.In this message, we walk through the life of King Solomon and uncover how small compromises, unguarded emotions, bitterness, and misplaced priorities can slowly pull a heart away from God. You can know what's right, love God deeply, and still drift—if your heart isn't guarded.This sermon challenges us to examine what we're allowing into our hearts, what we're holding onto, and what we may be slowly worshiping without realizing it. Authentic Church 2416 N Center St Hickory, NC 28601 (Beside Planet Fitness) GIVING To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://authenticchurch.com/give GET CONNECTED Ready to check out Authentic Church in person? We can't wait to meet you in person. Simply fill out the form below and we'll make sure to give you the VIP treatment upon your first visit. https://authenticchurch.com/plan-a-visit ABOUT AUTHENTIC CHURCH Authentic Church exists so that people will have an authentic encounter with God, be set free, and grow in Christ. Our mission is to help each person at Authentic believe in Jesus, belong to family, inspire true worship, walk in God's Spirit, and build the kingdom of God.

Throughout Scripture, we see the power of words spoken in faith. Decrees are not wishful thinking or positive vibes; they are alignment. When we decree, we are coming into agreement with what God has already said and positioning ourselves to receive what Jesus already paid for.Listen to today's episode, save it, download and even use the following to revise as you see fit and record it for yourself. YOUR WORDS HAVE POWER!And if you're ready to get your financial house in order--aligned with God's Kingdom, join the K⁠ingdom Finance Masterclass: KINGDOM FINANCE MASTERCLASSmailchi.mp⁠⁠This is a 2-part masterclass--the first session is 1/25. Learn more and register here: KINGDOM FINANCE MASTERCLASSmailchi.mp⁠⁠Decree for 2026 .I decree that 2026 is a year of divine alignment, acceleration, and visible victory in Jesus' name.I decree health in my body, clarity in my mind, peace in my soul, and strength in my spirit. Every system in my body comes into order with the Word of God. I walk in divine health, supernatural energy, and sustained vitality.I decree breakthrough over every area that was delayed, resisted, or blocked in previous seasons. What was stuck is now moving. What was restrained is now released. What was hidden is now revealed.I decree prosperity with purpose. Increase flows to me, through me, and for me so the Kingdom of God is advanced, families are blessed, and needs are met without strain or fear. I will not chase provision. Provision will pursue me.I decree fresh revelation, spiritual clarity, and prophetic insight. My ears are open. My heart is sensitive. My spirit is tuned to the voice of the Lord. I will not be confused, distracted, or deceived. I walk in truth, wisdom, and discernment.I decree fresh oil and renewed anointing. I am not running on yesterday's grace. I receive new strength, new fire, new hunger, and new authority for this new season.I decree restoration of what was lost, stolen, delayed, or damaged. Time is redeemed. Joy is restored. Peace is returned. Relationships are healed. Hope is revived.I decree open doors no man can shut, divine connections, divine timing, and divine favor. I walk into rooms God prepared before I arrived. I stand in opportunities that only Heaven could arrange.I decree that I am fruitful, effective, and unstoppable in Christ. I do not merely survive 2026. I thrive. I do not shrink back. I advance. I do not settle. I build.I decree that the goodness of the Lord overtakes me, the blessing of the Lord surrounds me, and the purposes of God are fulfilled through me.This is my year of breakthrough, blessing, revelation, restoration, and harvest.I receive it.I walk in it.I build with it.I testify of it.In Jesus' mighty name, amen.

Scripture reveals we were not only created on purpose, but for a purpose. And while that purpose may bring opposition, it also brings authority and sends us forward. Notes: Luke 4 Why do you exist?Why were you created? The Bible says we were not only created on purpose,but that we were created for a purpose. Luke 1:3 (NLT) Luke 1:4 (NLT) What is God’s purpose? Luke 4:14–30 #1 Purpose Brings Opposition Before you accomplish the purpose of God, you need to have the Spirit of God. Hebrews 4:15 (NKJV) Luke 4:18–19 (NKJV)"The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,Because He has anointed MeTo preach the gospel to the poor;He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,To proclaim liberty to the captivesAnd recovery of sight to the blind,To set at liberty those who are oppressed;To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." Jesus doesn’t just bring comfort.He claims authority.He is the Messiah. Luke 4:30 (NKJV)Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way. Luke 4:30 (MSG)But He gave them the slip and was on His way. Living for God’s purpose brings opposition. Live for God’s purposes rather than your own. Luke 4:31–37 #2 Purpose Carries Authority Opposition is confirmation that we are on the right track. Sometimes opposition is correction.Sometimes opposition is immaturity.Sometimes opposition has consequences. "The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to Him."—D.L. Moody But Jesus isn’t just authoritative, He’s compassionate.He’s not just powerful, He’s loving and merciful. Luke 4:38–44 #3 Purpose Sends You Forward Jesus had authority in the synagogue,compassion in the home, andmercy in the streets. Luke 4:43 (NKJV)but He said to them, "I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent." What is your purpose? — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.