Podcasts about lent february

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Send us a Text Message and let us know how you like this podcast.Thank you for listening to this worship service from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Dublin, Ohio! For more information about Prince of Peace, please visit our website at princeofpeacedublin.org.Connect with us on facebook and instagram.Email us at office@princeofpeacedublin.org.

Homily for the 1st Sunday of Lent (February 22, 2026) Total Time: 15m39s

James Van Der Beek, fulfillment, and identity. 

An Evensong meditation by the Rev. Canon David Boyd on the First Sunday in Lent (February 22, 2026) at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta

A sermon by the Very Rev. Sam Candler on the First Sunday in Lent (February 22, 2026) at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta

Homily for the First Sunday of Lent - February 22, 2026

Delivered by Ria from the Parish of Good Shepherd in the Diocese of Surabaya, Indonesia. Isaiah 55: 10-11; Rs psalm 34: 4-5.6-7.16-17.18-19; Matthew 6: 7-15.ABUNDANT FRUITS FROMTHE WORD OF GOD  The title for ourmeditation today is: Abundant Fruits from the Word of God. God's work to savemankind from sins culminates in the presence of the Son of God becoming man in Jesus Christ. This divine work is a majortheme to be pondered in the heart of every believer, and especially to be moreeffective during Lent. This is to strengthenour faith in the events of Jesus Christ that we celebrate during the Holy Week.We who celebrate Easter, preparing ourselves during Lent, experience aprivilege closeness with the Lord by participating in the events of Christ.Jesus always emphasizes the principle of self-sacrifice that is to do the willof the Father to be realized in this world. That sacrifice signifies how eachof us is not just His people or His followers, but also His own brothers andsisters. He himself says that the greatest love is menifested in the sacrificeof oneself for the goodness and salvation of his or her brothers and sisters. We as children of Godthrough the sacrament of baptism that raises us to become His beloved sons anddaughters, have a special dignity of one brotherhood with Jesus Christ. Withhim, we call God in heaven as our common and beloved Father. All followers ofChrist affirm and embrace their brotherhood with Jesus, their dignity as sonsand daughters of God, and their personal and filial relationship with God asthe Father. The expression of this intimate relationship is manifested in theprayer of "Our Father". In Lent, of course wepray "Our Father" with the best quality of faith, as one form ofdiscipline in our Christian piety. This prayer confirms our brotherhood withChrist, and together with Him we greet God as "our Father". We saythis prayer many times every day because we want to strengthen our fidelity tothe One Father in heaven, who endows His gifts upon each one of us that make usremain close to Him. This happens in this way because of our communion withJesus Christ. The abundance offruits in us remain certain through the gift of God's word which is present toenlighten, strengthen, and renew the life of every believer. Jesus is no longerpresent in His body, but in His word. Through that word, each of us grows and bearsfruit, especially in the form of prayers that unite us with our Father inheaven. Prayer reveals what we do in fasting, such as forgiving and refrainingfrom falling into temptation. Through prayer we also express the intention todo good for our neighbors.Let's pray. In the name of the Father... O Father of mercy, send your Spirit to help us and to accompany us to praylike Jesus Christ. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit... In the name of the Father ...

Word & Sermon Weekly – First Sunday in Lent – February 22, 2026 Genesis 3:1–21 Romans 5:12–19 Matthew 4:1–11 Learn more about Zion Lutheran Church and the Christian faith, by subscribing to this podcast, and joining us next Sunday by visiting www.zionhiawatha.org

Mass Readings for First Sunday of Lent - February 22, 2026 Reading 1, Genesis 2:7-9,3:1-7 Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17 Reading 2, Romans 5:12-19 Gospel, Matthew 4:1-11

First Sunday in Lent February 22, 2026 Exactly What I Need - A Champion Sermon based on Matthew 4:1-11 https://stpeterchurchmodesto.org/

Year A – First Sunday in Lent– February 22, 2026 Pastor Megan Floyd Matthew 4:1-11 Grace and peace to you from God and the Holy Spirit, and from Jesus Christ, who loves us and claims us as his own. Amen. *** I grew up watching Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood… Looking back over my life, I'm pretty sure that's what radicalized me. In Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, you knew you belonged, and that who you were… was good… and that… the other people around you… well, they might be different from you… look different from you… but… they were good, too. In that neighborhood, there was an overwhelming sense that we belonged to each other… there was shared love and respect for other people, even when they made mistakes. In Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, each person… or character… was valued… seen… and supported. This is something that everyone of us needs, not just children… and we need this throughout our whole lives. Mr. Rogers was not just the face and creator of the children's show… he was also a Presbyterian pastor… so it's not surprising at all… that his neighborhood intentionally reflected… the beloved community that we, who are followers of Jesus, work to build. Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood was a little taste of what God's vision for us might look like when we take seriously the ways of living that Jesus called us to practice. It was a little sample of living in the promised kingdom of God… for 30 minutes at a time. Those of us who were raised in Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood know that a better, more beautiful, and beloved neighborhood is possible… if we choose to live that way. Growing up with a show like this… it's no wonder that I feel so strongly that compassion for others is healthy… that empathy can heal divides… and that love and support should not have conditions. It's no wonder… that I don't want to bend to the unjust power systems in this world… in this country… even though… I could work the system to bend in my favor. I could! …it is, after all, set up for me to do so… it's tempting to take advantage of that. Case in point… I am a white, cisgender, heterosexual woman, wife, and mother, from a middle-class family… and my husband does not suffer from the delusion that I am merely an accessory to his lifestyle. I have a world-class education that was mostly achieved without debt, I do not suffer from debilitating diseases like addiction or depression, and… at least at this moment, I am still able-bodied… most of the time. It is tempting… it's tempting… to sink into the power structures that privilege nearly all of my life's characteristics. But to do so… would mean to accept an unjust and unequal community… it would mean giving up on the better way that I know is possible… not just because Mr. Rogers showed me that way when I was a child… but because Jesus was super clear about it. Embracing a privilege that marginalizes others is not part of God's vision for us… for humanity… it does not ask us to become the best version of ourselves… or call us into a more beloved community. But… when power and privilege are laid out before you for the taking… it's tempting… to reach out and take it, no matter who it harms. This is, of course… what Jesus himself… faced in the wilderness immediately following his baptism… immediately after hearing the voice of God claiming him as God's beloved, in whom God was well pleased. The Spirit led him out there…  into the desert… where he fasted for 40 days… facing spiritual and physical challenges… he was famished, and weak… and at his most vulnerable moment, the devil stepped in… as the devil is wont to do. We all have experience with the devil… with the voice of the accuser… whether you believe the devil to be an actual being… or the shadow side of our own human self… it doesn't matter. In whatever shape it takes on… the accuser… the devil… is the one who whispers lies in our ear… lies about ourselves and others. It's the voice of shame… the voice that isolates and diminishes… That is the voice of the accuser. God's voice is the one who declares us worthy and loved… while the voice of the accuser, on the other hand… is the one who pulls us away from God's purpose… and from God's vision for us. The voice of the accuser is the one who would have us forget our identity as beloved… as children of God… and who offers only empty promises. It's what the devil tried to offer Jesus… he tried to entice him to reject his identity and grasp at empty promises… to wield power that would serve only himself… instead of those he came to serve. Because… Jesus does have the power to do what the devil suggests… but he chooses not to use it. He chooses not to become an agent for the accuser, because he knows that he is… an agent of God. And Jesus knows… that empires are not eternal… and nations are not sovereign over God… and earthly power is not permanent. What the devil offers are false promises and lies, and what is built on false promises will fall… but what is rooted in God's love and in God's vision… will grow. Jesus, in this most vulnerable moment, holds fast to his identity… and to his purpose… and calls us to do the same, even though it's tempting to follow the lies. Our God, who was made human in Jesus… knows this temptation we face. God's unconditional love for us is grounded in a personal experience of the temptations and suffering that we experience all the time. So when we cry out… in our moments of weakness… when we face temptation… whether we falter or hold fast… we remain beloved… we are still washed with grace, redeemed, and claimed as God's own… We are always being made new and always being called into a vision for a beloved community that is bigger than our own wants and needs… a vision that includes flourishing not only for ourselves but for all our neighbors. This time in the season of Lent offers us the opportunity for our own spiritual growth… a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal… a time to practice resilience in the face of temptation… a time to remember who we are as followers of our God in Christ Jesus. This is a time to reestablish our footing… to ground ourselves in God's love and grace and mercy… and in our place of belonging in God's community… God's kingdom… God's new creation that is arriving but not yet here. It is okay… to be tested… it is okay to face temptation… to face our devils… we all do. It is part of the human experience… there's no shame in it. The devil will tell you to isolate… to pull you away from others…because when you are alone, it's easier to forget who you are, and whose you are. But when we are grounded in God's neighborhood… God's loving community… that calls us each to be our best selves… rooted in the body of Christ and committed to living in ways that reflect that love… then we know we will not have to try and overcome those lies alone. The season of Lent calls us back into God's love… back to that which sustains and supports us on our spiritual journey. This vision of beloved community that Jesus invites us into… well, it may sound like the land of make-believe from Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, but truly… this beloved community… God's neighborhood… comes a little closer each time we live into God's vision for us… …each time we honor the inherent value and dignity of all our neighbors, as well as our own… and hold them, and ourselves, with the same love that God holds for us. It's not the land of make-believe… it is who we are created to be. Amen.

"Are You 'Only Human'?" Jesus shows us where to find our humanity :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Today's episode featured video from Adrian Hoparda (www.pexels.com/@adrian-hoparda-1684220) ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Maple Park Church Sermon - First Sunday in Lent - February 22nd, 2026 by Maple Park Church

Scriptures: Genesis 2:4–9, 15–17, 25—3:7 | Psalm 51:1–12 | Romans 5:12–21 | Matthew 4:1–11 | by Fabien Pering Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First Sunday in Lent: February 22nd, 2026. Mother Nancy preaches. The post First Sunday in Lent: February 22nd, 2026 appeared first on Christ Church of Austin.

The Rev. Terry McGugan

Delivered by Everine from the Parish of Saint Theresia in the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Indonesia. Leviticus 19: 1-2.11-18; Rs psalm 19: 8.9.10.15; Matthew 25: 31-46.LENTEN LAMBS AND GOATS Our meditation today isentitled: Lenten Lambs and Goats. There was one WhatsApp message shared throughdifferent groups and then forwarded by individuals, that  says: Every year we fast, pray fervently anddo charity during Lent, but the results have not  been good. One time we become good persons, atother times we become bad persons. Today we choose blessings, tomorrow we canturn to curses. Forgiveness and repentance occur at the time of confession, butafter that we return to sin. We seem to struggle with difficulty to becomeperfect people. We know andunderstand all the prohibitions established by God, and Moses delivered them toGod's people that they needed to heed the ten commandments of God, as stated inthe Book of Leviticus in the first reading. They must be as holy as God who isholy. They were prohibited to stealing, lie, perjury, take people's property, bejealous, hate, be angry and so on. All this is summed up to one main law whichis to love our neighbors as we for ourselves. So in this Lent, the followersof Christ are appropriately portrayed as individuals who do their best to loveothers, but are no exception being sinners for not loving others sincerely. Forexample someone does charity so diligently in collecting donations for thosewho really need helps of clothing, food, and shelter, but he is also mostlyknown as a backbiting and the one who likes to spread hoax. This is an example aboutus who do Lenten observances are not pure and holy persons. Some aspects of ourselvesare good and holy, but other aspects are not. Jesus Christ indeed comparesthose on the right side are sheeps with great charity, but if we want to behonest we have not reached yet perfection being that way. Those on the leftside are goats with a great negligence in charity, but they are also notcompletely evil in that way. It is possible thatalmost all of us in Lent are half sheeps and half goats. We are the"sheeps and goats" type in this Lent. If we are already pure and holypeople, obviously we don't need Lent. More precisely, we go directly tocelebrate the holy week in order to become one with the dead and risen Christ.But it is apparently not the case. Actually, not only Lent but also every timeon this earth, our lives are like "sheeps and goats" type, thereforewe must be faithful to God and obtain His mercy. Let's pray. In the name of the Father... O Jesus Christ, be our master and guide in our lives. May your love ruleover our hearts so that we can only serve you for the rest of our lives. HailMary, full of grace ... In the name of the Father ...

First Sunday in Lent - February 22nd, 2026 (10:30AM) Sermon - Pastor Packer "If You Are a Son…" Scripture: Genesis 3:1-21; Hebrews 4:14-16; Matthew 4:1-11

Grace Greater Than the Fall is a Christ-centered Lutheran sermon on Genesis 3:1–21 for the First Sunday in Lent (February 22, 2026). This expository Bible sermon explores the Fall of Adam and Eve, original sin, temptation, and the triumph of Jesus Christ as the Second Adam. In this Lenten message, Pastor Balla proclaims Law and Gospel clearly: the devastating consequences of sin, the curse of death, and the overwhelming grace of God revealed in Christ's obedience, wilderness temptation (Matthew 4), and atoning sacrifice on the cross.This sermon speaks directly to spiritual warfare, doubt, “Did God actually say?”, and the daily struggle Christians face with temptation. It powerfully connects Genesis 3, Romans 5, and Galatians 3 to show that where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. Perfect for those seeking biblical preaching, Reformation theology, Lutheran doctrine, and faithful exposition of Scripture.Support the preaching of Law and Gospel here:https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalphBuy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalphHashtags:#LentSermon#Genesis3#LawAndGospel#OriginalSin#JesusChrist

Delivered by Yurike Gunawan from the Parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indonesia. Genesis 2: 7-9; 3: 1-7; Rs psalm 51: 3-4.5-6a.12-13.14.17; Romans 5: 12-19; Matthew 4: 1-11.GOD SEES ANDALLOWS MAN TO BE TEMPTED BY SATAN The tittle for our meditation on the First Sunday ofLent is: God Sees and Allows Man to be Tempted by Satan. We often askourselves: if God is good, why does He allow people to be tempted? Why didn'the stop the devil right away? In the Garden of Eden, God saw when the first humanbeing was tempted. In the wilderness, God also saw when His own Son, JesusChrist, was tempted repeatedly. God is not blind, God is not negligent. Hesees. He knows. And He allows. But God's permission is not a sign that Heapproves evil. God's permission is always in the plan of love and salvation. God allows temptation because He created man withfreedom. Love without freedom is not true love. Loyalty without choice is notloyalty. If humans can never choose the wrong one, then choosing the right oneis no longer meaningful. So in the face of temptation, man is actually standingbefore an opportunity: whether he will believe in God, or believe in anothervoice. That's where faith becomes real, not just words. The story in Eden shows how human can fall. Whenlistening to the voice of the devil, human chooses a path away from God. Buteven in that moment of fall, God does not leave. He seeks out people, callsthem, and opens the way of salvation. So God never allows temptation to destroyman, but rather to lead man to see how much he needs God. Sin hurts, but theconsciousness of sin opens the door to repentance. Then we see Jesus in the wilderness. He was temptednot once, but many times. Satan tried to shake Him through the hunger, power,and glory of the world. But Jesus did not fall. He answered with the Word ofGod, with full trust in the Father. This is where the light of hope lies:temptation does not have to end in sin. In Jesus, we learn that humans canstand firm. He showed that faithfulness is possible, that God's grace is strongenough to help us. Perhaps in our lives today there is also a"wilderness": the temptation to despair, the temptation to be angry,the temptation to look for shortcuts, the temptation to live away from God.Don't immediately think God is leaving us. Quite the opposite. God sees. God iswith us. And He allows that struggle to be purified in our faith, in order forour hearts to learn to rely on Him again. So don't be afraid of temptation. Be afraid when westop returning to God. When you fall, rise through repentance. When you arestrong, be grateful for His grace. Because in every struggle, God is working toshape our hearts. He never leaves man in temptation. Instead, he opens the wayhome. And on that way home, we find that God's love is always greater than anytemptation in this world.Let us pray. In the name of the Father ... O Father inheaven, fill us with Your power so that we may overcome the temptations in ourlives and choose the way back to You. Our Father who art in heaven... In thename of the Father ...

Greetings to you on this first Sunday of the Lenten Season.I will pray that this year's Lenten Journey will be a blessing to you.Fr. Kennedy

Grace seems to fail a million times an hour. In every place where mercy isn't honored and accepted, grace appears an unwise use of heaven's kindness and forgiveness.  Hard hearts chill with chosen hate. Clenched hands will not open to the gift. Death and dryness multiply.  But grace is never limited by how it is received. Like some deep-hidden spring whose source cannot be found, grace flows to sinners and to saints, without regard to worthiness. Some are only temporarily dampened by the flow, but remain defiantly unchanged. Others are made soft and pliable by the same unending grace—new clay from which the Lord will fashion recreated men and women.  So grace is neither a reward for good behavior nor a prompt to honor good intentions. Grace is the decision of our God—who cannot fail—to offer all of us what we have not deserved, have often not desired, and certainly could never earn. It flows from God's unending heart of love.  “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.' And let everyone who hears say, ‘Come.' And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift” (Rev 22:17). Now stay in it. -Bill Knott

Grace seems to fail a million times an hour. In every place where mercy isn't honored and accepted, grace appears an unwise use of heaven's kindness and forgiveness.  Hard hearts chill with chosen hate. Clenched hands will not open to the gift. Death and dryness multiply.  But grace is never limited by how it is received. Like some deep-hidden spring whose source cannot be found, grace flows to sinners and to saints, without regard to worthiness. Some are only temporarily dampened by the flow, but remain defiantly unchanged. Others are made soft and pliable by the same unending grace—new clay from which the Lord will fashion recreated men and women.  So grace is neither a reward for good behavior nor a prompt to honor good intentions. Grace is the decision of our God—who cannot fail—to offer all of us what we have not deserved, have often not desired, and certainly could never earn. It flows from God's unending heart of love.  “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.' And let everyone who hears say, ‘Come.' And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift” (Rev 22:17). Now stay in it. -Bill Knott

Fr Joe continues the Lenten season of homilizing on the phrases Jesus said on the cross with, "Today you will be with me in paradise."Please use the following link if you would like to financially support Church of the Holy Family:https://pushpay.com/g/hfgrandblanc?sr...

Mass Readings for Second Sunday of Lent - February 25, 2024 Reading 1, Genesis 22:1-2, 9, 10-13, 15-18 Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19 Reading 2, Romans 8:31-34 Gospel, Mark 9:2-10

Homily given at St. Thomas à Becket on the 2nd Sunday of Lent (February 25, 2024). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fr-rich-dyer/message

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Please forgive me.Please use the following link if you would like to financially support Church of the Holy Family:https://pushpay.com/g/hfgrandblanc?sr...

This week on Unpacking the Mass, we look at the readings for the 2nd Sunday in Lent In this episode, we will explore ideas such as: When God asks the Impossible Why You Can Trust God Taking Jesus for Granted.  The readings can be found here:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022524.cfm Join Keith's Locals community to interact and get exclusive content.  https://keithnester.locals.com For more info about Keith, visit:  https://down2earthministry.org/

Mass Readings for First Sunday of Lent February 18, 2024 Reading 1, Genesis 9:8-15 Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 Reading 2, First Peter 3:18-22 Gospel, Mark 1:12-15

Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Second Sunday in Lent on February 25, 2024. If you'd like to read the commentaries for the Second Sunday in Lent, go to https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/second-sunday-in-lent-2/commentary-on-mark-831-38-6 Watch the video version on YouTube at https://youtu.be/VTw7L-ajHCo

    Today host Heather Creekmore is joined by author Ed Welch for a thought-provoking conversation about biblical counseling, body image issues, and the challenges of Christian teachings in the face of human emotions. The discussion touches on the impact of Welch's book "When People Are Big and God Is Small" on Creekmore's own work in biblical counseling, the importance of finding words to express struggles in biblical counseling and the tension between seeking God's comfort in anxiety and the reality of human emotions. They explore the significance of supportive friendships, prayer, and seeking help from trusted individuals amidst personal struggles. Welch also introduces a new counseling Bible and discusses the diverse applications of scripture in addressing modern struggles.  Here are some key quote takeaways from today's show: "Sometimes we don't speak about the difficult things we experience because we don't think we should have those. Christian the Christian emotional life should be just a little bit better than the majority of people because we have Jesus, So we should be a little bit happier than everybody else, and that'd be anything less than that is to somehow dishonor god and say he's less Powerful." - Ed Welch  How the Psalms can teach us about our emotions: Ed says they teach us to ask, "What is important on your soul right now? How you feel is the same thing. What is especially important to you right now? What are your joys? What are your delights? What are your hopes? What are your ambitions? What are your fears?" Learn more about Ed Welch and the Biblical Counseling Bible here: https://www.ccef.org/people/ed-welch Check out the CSB Life Counsel Bible: https://amzn.to/3SIEi56 (Amazon affiliate link)  

Today Heather engages in a captivating conversation with author, speaker, and podcaster, Kelly Needham. Together, they delve into Kelly's thought-provoking book, "Purposefooled: Why Chasing Your Dreams, Finding Your Calling, and Reaching for Greatness Will Never Be Enough."  Kelly shares her insights on redefining purpose and the misconceptions surrounding chasing one's dreams and finding a distinct calling. Emphasizing the importance of focusing on Jesus rather than a specific purpose, Kelly challenges what we've heard and said about our purpose and invites listeners to a simpler, more biblical way to approach the topic.  Discover Kelly's shift in perspective as she shares her experiences and biblical wisdom. Kelly reminds us that we can't do great things for God without spending time with Him and that true health and vitality comes from intimacy with God. The pair also talks about over-achievement, working to hard for our own glory, and how this connects to body image issues. Learn more about Kelly Needham here: https://kellyneedham.com/ Grab a copy of her new book, "Purposefooled" here (Amazon affiliate link.)

This week on Unpacking the Mass, we look at the readings for the 1st Sunday in Lent In this episode, we will explore ideas such as: Starting Lent Right The Purpose of Lent The Three Pillars of Lent  The readings can be found here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021824.cfm Join Keith's locals community to interact and get exclusive content. https://keithnester.locals.com For more info about Keith, visit: https://down2earthministry.org/

Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the First Sunday in Lent on February 18, 2024. If you'd like to read the commentaries for the Transfiguration of Our Lord, go to https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/first-sunday-in-lent-2/commentary-on-mark-19-15-6 #workingpreacher #lutherseminary #revisedcommonlectionary #joyjmoore #matthewskinner #karolinelewis #sermonbrainwave #podcast #lent #yearb  Watch the video version on YouTube at https://youtu.be/ffITCBp_EZY  

"I want to be thinner." Have you said it? Have you thought it? It's a reality that many of us face because culture tells us that thinness is what we should desire and our culture values the way we look only if we are thin. Today, Heather unpacks what we can do, biblically, to explore that desire we have to be thinner or a longing we have for any sort of body change. Heather has three main points for today: It's Okay to Feel This way, Exploring What You Really Long For, and Aligning Our Desires with God's Desires. Here are some of the questions Heather poses in today's episode for you to reflect on: Do I really want a thin body – or is it that I want more control in a life that feels uncontrollable? Do I want some sort of insurance policy that I'll never have to face a sickness that makes me uncomfortable or dehabilitates me? Do I want acceptance and trust and admiration from people? (Am I struggling with people pleasing?) What is it I desire the most? If it's not more of God, more of his kingdom, to be more like Jesus – then I have to step back and ask myself what I'm believing: Am I believing that this life is the end game -that this is the Parade and not the warm up? Am I believing that these things I'm focused on here are ultimate things -things that will last until heaven or things that give me crowns in heaven? Am I believing that I will be more righteous or loved by God if I change the way my body looks? Here are some other things mentioned in today's show: Podcast episode on body grief and grieving ideal body size: https://www.comparedtowho.me/what-to-do-when-youre-depressed-about-body-size-grieving-your-ideal-body/ Podcast episode on "I Just Want to Feel Better About My Body": https://www.comparedtowho.me/i-just-want-to-feel-okay-about-my-body/

Host Heather Creekmore continues her conversation with Jonna, a biblical counselor, women's ministry leader, and pastor's wife who struggled with body image issues. Jonna shares the specific insights and breakthroughs she experienced in her journey of overcoming body image struggles through coaching with Heather. This is part two of the conversation. Today's conversation delves into how Jonna learned to shift her perspective about beauty and the true source of beauty according to scripture. She reflects on the realization that her blessings in life are not related to her physical appearance, but rather her relationships and the joy of being with her family. Jonna shares her emotional journey of learning to see herself and others through a different lens, focusing on joy and the character of the Lord rather than physical appearance. Jonna also discusses various exercises and reflections she underwent during the coaching program, such as acknowledging her struggle with Body Dysmorphic Disorder and the impact of her childhood experiences. She emphasizes the significance of adopting a new perspective on her identity and righteousness in Christ, realizing that her worth does not come from striving for physical betterment or perfection. The episode concludes with Jonna expressing her appreciation for Heather's coaching and the positive impact it has had on her life. Heather encourages listeners to consider participating in the coaching program or the 40-day Body Image Workbook Lent Reading Challenge to embark on their own journey toward freedom from body image struggles. This episode provides a candid and transformative dialogue about embracing one's true identity and finding freedom from the pressures of physical appearance through a faith-based, biblical approach to body image issues.

Today Heather Creekmore interviews her coaching client, pastor's wife, biblical counselor and women's ministry leader, Jonna, to share her story of body image struggles and what she experienced as she went through Heather's group coaching program: the Body Image Freedom Framework. Jonna vulnerably recounts the impact of hurtful comments on her body image and identity (including a drive-by "lose weight" comment). She talks about her internal battles as a Christian and biblical counselor facing body image struggles and how she believed she should already know or have all the answers to be free. Jonna helps listeners gain insight into the misconceptions surrounding seeking help for body image issues. She also unpacks her own journey and the temptation we all have to focus on physical appearance as a distraction from addressing deeper emotional wounds. Jonna's story highlights the importance of reorienting our focus towards pursuing the imperishable beauty of the heart and a quiet spirit and finding real beauty in fearing the Lord. Jonna's story will encourage and inspire you. There is hope if you have body image struggles. And, there's no one too "informed" or "mature" to be beyond getting the help they need from a trusted advisor to identify the places you are stuck so that you can find true freedom in Christ.  Next week we'll hear the rest of Jonna's story and she'll share how God worked in specific parts of her life through coaching!

Are you a black-and-white, all-or-nothing type of person who has a difficult time living in the gray (or grace) when it comes to your body, your food, or your health? If so, then today's episode is for you! Heather interviews podcast host, RN, and Intuitive Eating and body image coach, Victoria Yates about how we can learn to live in the "messy middle." Heather and Victoria talk about what it looks like to have health goals yet to not obsess over them, idolize them, or turn them into a shaming force that is anything but healthy.  Heather and Victoria dive into an empowering conversation about pursuing health goals without succumbing to the pressures of diet culture, delving into the importance of a calm and respectful relationship with food, the damaging effects of perfectionism and dieting, and the journey towards intuitive eating. With personal experiences and practical insights, they guide Christian women on a path of grace, self-compassion, and healthy living.  Learn more about Victoria, learn how to work with her, or listen to her podcast here: https://www.victoria-yates.com/

Today is part two of the LIVE podcast featuring a 25-year eating disorder specialist, dietitian, and lover of Jesus, Amy Carlson M.S., L.D., R.D. Amy begins the episode by explaining something she said at the end of the last episode about taking the Lord's name in vain when we use God's name to rubber-stamp or sell our diet or fitness program. In addition to this truth bomb, Amy tackles questions from our live audience about participating in church-wide fasts, digestive issues that result from disordered eating or eating disorders, and what to do if you can't seem to stop binge eating. Amy shares so much wisdom in a God-honoring and gentle way. You can't help but get something out of today's great episode. Interested in being a part of the next LIVE podcast? Make sure you're on the Compared to Who? email list at: www.improvebodyimage.com Are you READY to take the 40-Day Body Image Reading Challenge? This year for Lent (February 14-March 30) Heather invites you to read her brand new, 40-Day Body Image Workbook along with her. Weekly Zoom meeting check-ins will help keep us all reading and accountable. Plus, find community with other women who are also working to improve their body image in a God-honoring way. Find out more about this new challenge here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Looking for more one-on-one support? Learn more about coaching and the Body Image Freedom Framework here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.