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Zzz . . . Conk out to this lovely short story "The Martyr" by Katherine Anne Porter zzz For an ad-free version of Sleepy, go to patreon.com/sleepyradio and donate $2! Or click the blue Sleepy logo on the banner of this Spotify page. Awesome Sleepy sponsor deals: Avocado: AvacadoGreenMattress.com/SLEEPY for 15% off. Quince: Go to Quince.com/sleepy for free shipping and 365-day returns BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/SLEEPY today to get 10% off your first month. GreenChef: GreenChef.com/50SLEEPYGRAZA and use code "SLEEPYGRAZA" to get started with 50% off Green Chef + FREE Graza Olive Oil Set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes. ButcherBox: Sign up at butcherbox.com/sleepy and use code "sleepy" OneSkin: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code SLEEPY at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod GhostBed: Go to GhostBed.com/sleepy and use promo code “SLEEPY” at checkout for 50% off! Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/otis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Renue Healthcare https://Renue.Healthcare/ToddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit https://Renue.Healthcare/Todd Bulwark Capital https://KnowYourRiskPodcast.comBe confident in your portfolio with Bulwark! Schedule your free Know Your Risk Portfolio review. Go to KnowYourRiskPodcast.com today. 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 - YouTubeThere's a commonality between the woman killed in Minnesota and George Floyd. There will be a large debate about use of force, law, and precedents. The Left doesn't want that to be the case. Here's why…Episode Links:Minneapolis (Jan. 7) — I have identified the leftist radical instructing her comrades to physically obstruct a federal courthouse. She is a lawyer (ID 0397165) named Brenna O'Connor (née Rahmlow) who works in the Hennepin County Public Defender's office
They finally got what they wanted. After months of escalating rhetoric, demonizing ICE, and repeating dangerous lies, Minneapolis became the breaking point. ⚠️ In this episode, we expose how nonstop “Gestapo” narratives, selective video clips, and political pressure from the top down created the conditions for bloodshed. From CNN talking points to local Democrat leadership encouraging interference with law enforcement, this tragedy was not spontaneous — it was engineered.
The Democrats finally got what they've been pushing toward for months — bloodshed.
Theopemptus was a bishop (some say in Nicomedia) who contested for Christ during the fierce persecutions of the Emperor Diocletian. For openly confessing the Faith, he was arrested and brought before the Emperor himself, whom he fearlessly convicted for his cruelty and ungodliness. The saint was then subjected to several cruel tortures, from which he miraculously emerged unhurt. He was given a deadly poison to drink, prepared by a sorcerer named Theonas. When Theonas saw that the holy bishop was unharmed by his potion, he was led to confess Christ. Finally, St Theopemptus was beheaded, and Theonas thrown in a pit and buried alive.
Part One | Part Two January 6th was terrifying for many Americans. After all, they saw it on television. But what did they really see? Did they know what actually unfolded that day? Did they even ask? Trump is the Jan. 6 President, proclaims the New York Times' Editorial Board.And the text:What I learned, living through these events as a former Democrat, is that the New York Times Editorial Board is lying through its teeth. Or maybe they aren't lying. Maybe they really do believe it. They exist inside the Doomsday Cult of the Left, after all, along with all of those high-minded “journalists” at the New Yorker and the Atlantic.But to make the bold proclamation that any protest, or even riot, against oppressive forces, whether you believe them to be oppressive or not, is un-American proves they don't know this country or its history very well.There were two sides to this story. If I'd never left the Left, I would have believed their version of the event. I would have been just as horrified. I would have thought it was an attack on democracy. But protests are the voices of the unheard and a healthy sign of any democracy, and for a grassroots movement, and millions of Americans who had been disenfranchised by the four years Trump was in power? This was the best way for them to be heard. The only way for them to be heard.They just didn't know they were walking into an ambush by forces far greater than them, and more powerful than any political party in American history and what they wanted to do was use that protest - a moment of desperation for desperate Americans abandoned by the government, the culture and most institutions - and demonize them further by calling them extremists, terrorists, Nazis, insurrectionists. January 6th was played on a loop by the Democrats and their propaganda machine, once known as the legacy media. And why wouldn't it be? It was everything they needed at just the right time. See, there's a Confederate flag. See, there's a hangman's rope. See, there's some guy in horns howling inside the Capitol. Zip ties, hanging Mike Pence, Trump watching the mob, and hoping they wouldn't stop. It all painted a picture in our minds of an angry president amidst a violent coup. In our age of algorithm-driven mass hysteria, we're no different from the Puritans in Salem who believed in “spectral evidence,” what you can't see but can only imagine. January 6th finally provided them with the proof they needed of their campaign against MAGA.It's just that none of it was true. Why would Trump have wanted a riot? He'd gone to great effort to convince Senators Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz to debate the election in the Senate. All the riot did was hand absolute power to the Democrats, Reichstag Fire style. Not only did the media sell that lie, but you'd be severely punished if you asked any questions, especially about the 2020 election. Yes, we lived through that and more. Just because the Democrats have memory-holed everything they've done in the last ten years to cling to power doesn't mean it didn't happen or that we shouldn't talk about it. There was nothing wrong with talking about an election that was anything but free and fair. I naively went into it as a major Biden advocate, believing he could win the old-fashioned way. I didn't know they'd hide him and Kamala Harris in the basement and let the legacy media do all of the heavy lifting. I didn't know they'd planned it—everything that happened throughout 2020 to ensure Trump was taken out of power, like they were meddling in some third-world country's elections. It's all written down in TIME Magazine. They planned on saving an election that was not theirs to save. Who gave them that right? The American people decide, and if one political party believes itself to be above the people, then that is an insurrection, not against the government but against all of us and a fair process we depend on. They justified everything they did by the lies they told themselves about who Trump really was and how dangerous he was supposed to be. They rigged the election by manipulating the media, changing any law that got in their way, using COVID as an excuse to push ballot harvesting, funded by a $400 million cash infusion, and all the while pretending they were “saving democracy.”By all accounts, I should have been cheering them on. Yes, get Trump! Anything and everything should be allowed as long as we were saving the country from Hitler! I believed that at first. Why wouldn't I? I was straight out of Central Casting as a Resistance Lib. This was the back of my car in 2012.This is who I was.Before that, I was just a lowly Oscar blogger spending my time writing about superficial things, but suddenly, in 2015, everything changed. I was in a panic about the Greenhouse Effect and the sea level rise. I threw myself into politics to help the Democrats win. Overnight, I became someone who mattered online, with a growing following, adoration, and kindness from strangers. The warm embrace of the elite Left felt intoxicating: invitations to exclusive parties, friendships with high-status blue-checks on Twitter like Steve Schmidt, Rick Wilson, and Oprah, so much love and support online - after all, I was helping to save democracy and the planet! I was even invited to an early fundraiser for Joe Biden in May of 2019. It was necessary. I was important. I mattered.You can imagine, then, how surreal it would have been for anyone who knew me that way to see me starting to question the official narratives. For me, it began with what I believed was mass hysteria that had overtaken my side. Just as the Southerners had whipped themselves up into a frenzy, believing that if the slaves were freed, there would be chaos and violence, so too did we believe that if Trump won, that was the end of everything. But, looking back, all it really was was a populist revolt against a ruling class that just decided what America would be now. Class no longer mattered, only skin color and gender identity did.Little by little, I began to pull away as things got weird. The more I tried to speak out, the worse it got for me. They went after me hard on social media for years. But none of that would have driven me away from the Democrats. As with so many others, 2020 was the turning point for me. I suddenly could see the strings, and I wondered who was pulling them. Trotting out experts to say “systemic racism” was more important than a global pandemic, and trotting them out again to discourage Trump from sending in the National Guard. And again, to say the Hunter Biden laptop was Russian disinformation. How stupid did they think we were?We lurched from COVID to racism back to COVID to lockdowns, and all the while, as I would come to realize, the aim was only to GET TRUMP. Imagine completely taking over an election to take out a one-term president with a strong economy. Why?I asked the same question then as I wonder today. Why did it have to be an existential crisis? Why drive half the country to the brink of insanity? Why cosplay Trump as Hitler and pretend this was World War II? Couldn't they win the old-fashioned way with better candidates and better policies? Russiagate, spying on his campaign, two impeachments, four indictments, convicting him of a felony, taking his mug shot, two assassination attempts, trying to throw him off the ballots, and needing the Supreme Court to shut it down, and the American people still chose Trump. Shouldn't that have been the wakeup call? Shouldn't that have been the moment their stupid, futile, destructive war ended?No. It wasn't about politics for the Left. It was deeper than that. It was as deep as preserving the South before, during, and after the Civil War. January 6th allowed them a way out of what they'd become, not what MAGA had become. They were the violent ones and had been going all the way back to 2015, when a mob descended upon Trump supporters.They rioted at Trump's inaugural. They believed themselves justified in attacking Trump supporters because they were convinced they were “fascists.” But their words meant nothing because they distorted them beyond comprehension. What does it mean to call someone Hitler, a fascist, a dictator, a rapist, a pedophile, a racist, a white supremacist? These words mean nothing now. And then came 2020, the point of no return. For me, it was the recognition that my side didn't care about democracy or the truth. They only cared about defeating an imaginary enemy they invented but never existed. And were prepared to bring this country to its knees to achieve that goal.When I saw this video of Sue's 100-year-old mattress store, I posted it on social media, and the response was, “How can you care more about property than people”? By then, they had already called me a racist many times, and they were pushing me out of utopia and farther and farther away. Was I a racist because I cared about Sue and the older man who defended her with a fire extinguisher? Trump's speech at Mt. Rushmore was the first time I'd heard anyone in public life talk about what we could all see but almost no one would say out loud. The media called it dark and divisive because, of course, they did. Are you getting it yet? This only goes one way. That was for me yet another layer of the onion being pulled back to reveal what the legacy media had become. They were not reporting the news. They were telling us what to think, and they still are. After I started watching Trump's rallies for myself, I kept waiting for the version of Trump we were sold to emerge. He never did. Instead, a guy who would stand in the pouring rain to speak to his supporters showed me what MAGA was really about. It was a love story. Trump had their backs, and they had his.Just listen to them as he visits East Palestine, Ohio after the train derailed and spilled toxic waste in their tiny forgotten town.That's why they showed up in DC on January 6th. Not to storm the Capitol. Not to hang Mike Pence. Not to overthrow the United States government, as if. If you know them, you know there are no people in this country who love it more. You know they would never damage the Capitol. They are the side that prides itself on not being violent like the Left. The narrative after January 6th was and remains a lie.Why is it that the Left was given full and free rein to rampage anywhere they pleased all throughout that Summer, and the Trump supporters were treated like terrorists who flew planes into the World Trade Center, and the Japanese who bombed Pearl Harbor? Because the Left had, and still has, most of the power to shape the media narrative and thus, reality.I had to ask these questions of myself, someone who had gone along with so much of it, not because I was a conformist but because I genuinely believed it. The more questions I asked, the worse it got for me. That was when I knew there was no talking to them, no shaking them out of it, no hoping for sanity to return. And there was no saving the Left. They were no longer the party I once knew.What Democrats want is their utopia, or Woketopia, back. They have always believed Trump was an insect who needed to be crushed, and his place in American life was temporary, and once he's gone, “things will go back to normal.”To them, it's all Trump. One last cancel. He's the only person they couldn't destroy and the only thing standing in their way.Whatever he is for, they are against. They are even rooting against America, rooting for America to falter before the eyes of the world. Imagine being that petty. If we entered World War III, does anyone doubt they'd all be out there trying to ensure Trump fails? The irony of the Madouro capture is that it exposes the Left as liars yet again. Here is what it is like to be under the rule of a dictator. Everything the Left has been LARPing (Live Action RolePlay) for the last ten years is what Madouro actually was. The juxtaposition between the Venezuelans celebrating and the liberals complaining is illuminating.John Brown Two WaysJohn Brown was an abolitionist who was executed for treason by the federal government for a slave insurrection before the Civil War. He was hailed as a hero by the North and became an inspiration for those willing to fight and die for a cause.If the American Revolution was about liberating the colonies from the British and the Civil War was about liberating the slaves from bondage, what is our Virtual Civil War really about? Who is to be liberated at the end of it? More importantly, what are the causes worth fighting and dying for?In the film One Battle After Another, sure to win Best Picture this year at the Oscars, the film's ANTIFA-like revolutionary Perfidia Beverly Hills lays it out:Our Virtual Civil War already has a body count. Charlie Kirk's assassination by a transgender-supporting terrorist, Luigi Mangione's assassination of a healthcare CEO, the attempted assassinations of Trump, and the ongoing attacks on ICE agents seem to lock in what the Left is fighting for.Are they fighting for a border-free America because borders themselves are oppressive white supremacy? It sure looks that way. Are they prepared to fight and die to preserve Woketopia? Some of them are. Maybe more of them will be.Does our future look like 1984, where geography takes a backseat to ideology, and we'll be aligned with Germany, the UK, Canada, and France, with migrants flowing freely into our countries, and where you will be okay as long as you agree that 2+2=5 and you love Big Brother?Abraham Lincoln, like Winston Churchill, was what Neil Howe and William H. Strauss called a Gray Champion of the Fourth Turning. When I look at what Trump is doing now, the bold moves, the attacks he's survived, there is no doubt he is our Fourth Turning's Gray Champion. When I see videos like this, I am reminded of why. Who else but Trump would do this? He shows them every day that he is not afraid of them, not even a little bit, even after being shot in the head, impeached, and convicted.Will Tyler Robinson, Matthew David Crooks and whatever that surfer dude out in Florida's name was be seen by the Left as the John Browns of their time? Martyrs willing to fight and die to save “democracy,” or to avenge transgender people, or immigrants? Do those on the Right see the Jan 6ers as the John Browns of their fight, beating corruption and the deep state?Lincoln sought, above all, to preserve the Union and saw the war as a test of “whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure.” Once you fracture the Union, then there is no America at all, and it might as well be 1984.As for me, it's like Bob Dylan once said, How does it feel? To be on your own? With no direction home? Like a complete unknown? How does it feel? It feels like freedom. // This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sashastone.com/subscribe
Aaron Miller, Vice President of International Ministry at The Voice of the Martyrs, looks back to recount changes and transitions he saw during 2025 in places like Syria, Turkmenistan, Tanzania, and Saudi Arabia. He also shares stories of sitting down with fellow believers in hostile areas and restricted nations and how VOM's work expanded in countries such as Benin, Indonesia, Morocco, and western Nepal. "In times of transition," Aaron says, "our staff sees opportunities." VOM's field staff is excited by the chance to reach new places, which allows them to learn the needs of our persecuted brothers and sisters, pray for them specifically and find the best ways VOM can serve. You'll hear how VOM is facilitating gatherings where pastors and gospel workers meet brothers and sisters doing similar work in other closed countries. These gatherings are opportunities to hear testimonies, pray together and worship the Lord freely with other persecuted Christians. Listen as Aaron shares sacred sentences written in a letter from an imprisoned pastor thanking VOM for taking care of his wife and children. "I want to thank you for ministering to orphans of living fathers," the pastor wrote, "ministering to widows of living husbands." Hear how you can pray for the specific needs of persecuted Christians, and request your free copy of VOM's 2026 Global Prayer Guide to help you know how to pray throughout this year for Christians in India, Venezuela, and many more hostile areas and restricted nations. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily in 2026 for persecuted Christians in nations like North Korea, Nigeria and Bangladesh, as well as provide free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.
"The Martyr Gordius, who was from Caesarea of Cappadocia, was a centurion by rank. Unable to bear the impiety of the heathen, he withdrew to the wilderness to purify himself through prayer and fasting. After he perceived that his ascetical training had prepared him sufficiently, he came down from the mountains when a certain pagan festival was held in Caesarea, attended by all, and presented himself to the multitude. Although the spectacles of the festival continued, no one paid them any heed, but all eyes were turned upon him. From his sojourn in the mountains, his look was wild, his beard was long, his raiment squalid, his body like a skeleton; yet a certain grace shone round about him. He was recognized, and a loud shout and tumult was made, as his fellow Christians rejoiced, and the enemies of the truth cried out for his death. He boldly professed his faith before the Governor, and after torments was beheaded, in the reign of Licinius in the year 314. Saint Basil the Great delivered a homily on Saint Gordius, mentioning that some of those in his audience had been present at the Saint's martyrdom." (Great Horologion)
We're back in the My Favorite Martyr series, where in each episode, Mitch and Caitlyn trade stories about saints in our Episcopal kalendar of feasts and fasts.In today's episode, Mitch and Caitlyn trade stories of Edith Stein and apostles Simon and Jude. Exploring the courage of Edith Stein's intellectual faith and the bold missionary witness of Saints Simon and Jude, this episode weaves together conscience, conviction, and the cost of following Christ. This episode is dedicated to both the nice guys and the firebrands.
The Sefarim tell us that the Asara Harugei Malchus were a punishment for the sale of Yosef. But Yosef's brothers asked him for forgiveness? Was he mochel them, and if not why not? And why were there ten martyrs if only nine of the brothers were involved in the sale?Have a good Shabbos.
Welcome to this final episode of the year of the Prison Pulpit on the China Compass podcast! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I present a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day. Please send any questions or comments to a new, secure email: chinacompass@privacyport.com. Everything else can be found at PrayGiveGo.us! For much of the past year we have been working through a book by Richard Wurmbrand, entitled “Sermons in Solitary Confinement”. His past writings speak to us on behalf of those of the persecuted church who are currently, actively, being imprisoned and tortured for Christ, reminding us to pray for them. We haven’t gone through every Prison Sermon from this book, but probably more than half. And today is the final one. Sermons in Solitary Confinement (Free PDF): https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.com/pdfs/ssc-english.pdf By the way, for those who don't know who Richard Wurmband is, here's a brief introduction: Lutheran minister in Romania. 14 years in prison, including 3 in solitary confinement. After “escaping” abroad in the 1960s, published ”Tortured for Christ" and testified to Congress. Helped start Voice of the Martyrs (but his son Michael doesn’t trust VOM). Michael Wurmbrand’s VOM letter: https://www.billionbibles.com/michael-wurmbrand-vom.html Michael Wurmbrand’s ministry (more free books!): https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.com/ Clean Every Whit (China Call Substack) https://chinacall.substack.com/p/clean-every-whit Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) or email chinacompass@privacyport.com with any relevant questions or comments. I’m now set up on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which now only allows for donations, but also lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections, making it easier to find all the episodes on a certain topic or person, like Tibet, Pastor Wang Yi, or Richard Wurmbrand. One last thing: There’s also a donation link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to support our China ministry. For everything else, visit PrayGiveGo.us. Hebrews 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!
Every year Joel, Troy, and Elise (From Martyrs and Missionaries) come together and give our top 5 episodes of the year. We also find out who is better at Church History Trivia: Elise or Troy? Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revived-thoughts6762/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
He was born in Rome, and as a young man was chosen by the Emperor Constantine to assist in the foundation of his new capital at Byzantium. An outbreak of leprosy in the new City became so severe that the Emperor ordered that all lepers, whatever their rank, be driven from the city or drowned in the sea. Zoticus, moved by compassion for these people, went to the Emperor and asked him for a large amount of gold to buy gems and pearls to enhance the glory of the city, 'For, as Your Majesty knows, I am well-qualified in this field.' The Saint then used the gold to ransom all those being led into exile or to drowning, and to establish for them a camp on the hill of Olivet on the opposite shore of the Bosphorus. There he brought the sick and provided for their care. In 337 Constantius, an Arian heretic, took the throne upon the death of his father. Some of Zoticus' enemies at court, seeing an opportunity, denounced Zoticus to the new Emperor, saying that he not only held subversive views, but had misappropriated public money. When he learned of these charges, Zoticus presented himself to the Emperor, finely dressed, and offered to take Constantius to see the gems and pearls that he had bought on his behalf. When they reached the hill of Olivet, Constantius was astonished to see a company of lepers coming to greet him with lighted candles, honoring and praising him and their patron Zoticus. Then the holy Zoticus said to the Emperor, 'These are the precious stones and brilliant pearls that give luster to the crown of the heavenly Kingdom that you will inherit by their prayers. I bought them for the salvation of your soul.' Instead of being grateful, the heartless Emperor ordered that Zoticus be tied behind wild mules and dragged until dead. The mules ran down the hill, breaking the Saint's body upon the rocks and brush. Then, of their own accord, they returned to the top of the hill, still dragging the body, and, like Balaam's ass (Numbers ch. 22), spoke and proclaimed that the Martyr must be buried on that hill. The astonished and repentant Emperor ordered the Martyr buried with honor, and commanded that a hospital for lepers be built there, staffed by the best physicians and caretakers. Saint Zoticus is also called Orphanotrophos, 'Cherisher of Orphans,' because in later years a large orphanage was added to the leprosarium. The orphanage included a general hospital and a home for the aged. The Saint was honored throughout Byzantine history as the patron of the orphanage.
In this episode we seek to give relatively short answers to some big questions we've received over the fall of 2025.ResourcesBooksChrist and Culture by H. Richard NiebuhrCenter Church by Timothy KellerPodcast Episodes142 - Should children sit through "big church"?292 - Why Parent Commissioning?164 - Creation (Genesis 1)304 - Baptism Q&APolitics250 - Our Public Posture251 - Life and Sexuality252 - Generosity and Hospitality253 - Unified in Christ072 - Our Hearts After the Election110 - What the Church Needs Today088 - Cultural ChristianityConnect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org
In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend J.C. Hall, a PhD student in moral theology/ethics at Catholic University of America with a specialization in bioethics. During their conversation, they discuss his biochemical engineering degree at University of California at Davis, some background of UC Davis and agriculture, their Eucharistic Congress experience and liturgical diversity, his master's in healthcare bioethics art University of Mary, pilgrimages, some of the bioethics issues he's interested in and approaching them with care, and so much more.During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include Santaurio de Chimayo, St. Bartolo Longo, St. Peter To Rot, the Martyr of Maui, Philip Gordon (see here and here), Venerable Emil Kapaun, Servant of God Vincent McCauley, Servant of God Thea Bowman, Servant of God Eusiebio Kino, Venerable Alphonse Gallegos, The Pillar podcast, and episodes 7, 29, and 85 of this podcast.Feel free to like, subscribe, and share the episode! Follow us on Instagram! @sbltfpodcastDon't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world!
Welcome to this final episode of the year of the Prison Pulpit on the China Compass podcast! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I present a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day. Please send any questions or comments to a new, secure email: chinacompass@privacyport.com. Everything else can be found at PrayGiveGo.us! For much of the past year we have been working through a book by Richard Wurmbrand, entitled “Sermons in Solitary Confinement”. His past writings speak to us on behalf of those of the persecuted church who are currently, actively, being imprisoned and tortured for Christ, reminding us to pray for them. We haven’t gone through every Prison Sermon from this book, but probably more than half. And today is the final one. Sermons in Solitary Confinement (Free PDF): https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.com/pdfs/ssc-english.pdf By the way, for those who don't know who Richard Wurmband is, here's a brief introduction: Lutheran minister in Romania. 14 years in prison, including 3 in solitary confinement. After “escaping” abroad in the 1960s, published ”Tortured for Christ" and testified to Congress. Helped start Voice of the Martyrs (but his son Michael doesn’t trust VOM). Michael Wurmbrand’s VOM letter: https://www.billionbibles.com/michael-wurmbrand-vom.html Michael Wurmbrand’s ministry (more free books!): https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.com/ Clean Every Whit (China Call Substack) https://chinacall.substack.com/p/clean-every-whit Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) or email chinacompass@privacyport.com with any relevant questions or comments. I’m now set up on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which now only allows for donations, but also lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections, making it easier to find all the episodes on a certain topic or person, like Tibet, Pastor Wang Yi, or Richard Wurmbrand. One last thing: There’s also a donation link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to support our China ministry. For everything else, visit PrayGiveGo.us. Hebrews 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!
Erika looks back on everything she read in 2025 – American history, satire, murder mysteries, and children's classics—while juggling motherhood, work, and ten-minute reading windows. This year-end book roundup considers what our reading habits reveal about attention, endurance, and staying human in a distracted age.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro1:33 - The Civil War: A Narrative — Shelby Foote2:57 - Jayber Crowe — Wendell Berry4:28 - Martyrs of the 20th Century — Robert Royal4:59 - Blood and Thunder: An Epic of the American West — Hampton Sides5:55 - Death Comes for the Archbishop — Willa Cather6:32 - Dominion — Tom Holland7:37 - Scoop — Evelyn Waugh8:42 - Tiger in the Smoke — Margery Allingham9:14 - Against the Machine — Paul Kingsnorth11:07 - Advent Homilies — John Henry Newman11:40 - Children's Books (Rapid-Fire)12:59 - ConclusionSubscribe to the LOOPcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theLOOPcast
She was born to a pious, noble and very wealthy family in Thessalonica. When both her parents died while she was an adolescent, Anysia consecrated herself to Christ, the heavenly Bridegroom. She cast off all her jewels and fine clothing, dressing herself as a commoner. She freed all her many slaves, giving each of them a generous sum of money to establish themselves. She gave away all of her inheritance, which included large estates. Thenceforth she spent her days visiting the sick, helping widows and orphans, and, especially, aiding Christians suffering under persecution. She would visit those in prison, bringing them food and water and tending their wounds. All the time not devoted to aiding the poor or oppressed she spent in prayer in a small cell. One of her prayers was that she, like those that she helped, would be granted the crown of martyrdom. One day, while she was walking to church, an imperial soldier accosted her and roughly questioned her. When she plainly declared herself a Christian, the soldier seized her and dragged her to a temple of the idols, where he commanded her to make sacrifice. In response, she only spat in his face. The enraged soldier drew his sword and thrust it into her side, slaying her. Some pious Christians took her body and buried it outside the city. When the persecutions had ended, a church was built in her honor at the place of her burial.
Morning Prayer for Monday, December 29, 2025 (The Holy Innocents; The First Sunday of Christmas; Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr, 1170).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 144Wisdom 9Revelation 21:1-14Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.
Evening Prayer for Monday, December 29, 2025 (The Holy Innocents; The First Sunday of Christmas; Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr, 1170).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 145Song of Songs 6Luke 23:26-49Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.
Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas and Memorial of Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr. Today's readings First Reading: 1 John 2:3-11 Psalm: Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6 Gospel: Luke 2:22-35 Catholic Radio Network
“Grow up…grow up…” ”No!” On this episode, your hosts Martyr (@dragthemartyr) and Cate (@ctepper) do their annual end-of-year recap! They discuss “The Traitors,” “Dragula,” and “RuPaul's Drag Race.” Later, Martyr and Cate list their personal Best To Worst Movies from the bonus series “Wigging Watchery,” getting their new Watchery co-host, Nostalgia, and discuss the end-of-the-year SoundCloud and Spotify podcast statistic wrap-ups. ~ Follow the pod on Instagram and Facebook @wiggingoutpodcast and on Twitter @wiggingoutpod Thots, comments, and dick pics? Please send to dragthemartyr@gmail.com Cover art: Madeline De Michele - www.madelinedemichele.com Music: “Club” by Andrew Huang (www.youtube.com/channel/UCdcemy56JtVTrsFIOoqvV8g) under Creative Commons. Edits by C.Tepper
Send us a textWe trace Thomas Becket's path from gifted London youth to powerful Chancellor, radical Archbishop, and martyr whose blood reshaped the balance between crown and Church. Along the way we reflect on conscience, Eucharistic devotion, exile, and the cost of fidelity.• early life shaped by prayer and study• rise as Chancellor under Henry II• consecration as Archbishop and interior conversion• clash over Church freedom and Clarendon• exile in France deepening prayer and resolve• return to England and decisive actions• martyrdom at Canterbury Cathedral• canonization, miracles, and enduring pilgrimage• lessons for religious liberty and conscience todayBe sure to click the link in the description for special news item, and since there is more to this article, finish reading and check out the special offerVisit Journeysoffaith.com website todaySaint Thomas Becket CollectionOpen by Steve Bailey Support the showJourneys of Faith brings your Super Saints Podcasts ***Our Core Beliefs*** The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Faith." Catechism 132 Click Here “This is the will of God, your sanctification.” 1Thessalonians 4“ Click Here ... lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...” Matthew 6:19-2 Click Here The Goal is Heaven Click Here Why you should shop here at Journeys of Faith official site! Lowest Prices and Higher discounts up to 50% Free Shipping starts at $18 - Express Safe Checkout Click Here Cannot find it let us find or create it - - Click Here Rewards Program is active - ...
In this episode of Unblocked, I sit down with Jena Lorén, also known as The Consciousness Architect, for a powerful conversation about ego, alignment, and identity shifts.Jena shares her personal journey through trauma, survival patterns, and major life transitions, and how those experiences shaped the work she does today. We talk about how ego forms as a protective mechanism, how it quietly runs our decisions, and why so many ambitious women feel successful on the outside but misaligned on the inside.We explore the four Egoic Archetypes, the Realist, Rebel, Martyr, and Illusionist, and how learning to pause, reflect, and respond instead of react can create real freedom. This episode is a reminder that living an unblocked life is not about adding more tools or fixing yourself. It is about removing the blocks to the awareness of who you already are.Click HERE to watch this episode on YouTube.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or tag me on IG with your biggest takeaway. Your support helps these conversations reach more people who need them.Links and Resources:Order my #1 New Release book In PursuitIf you love what you're hearing on the podcast, you've gotta check out my private coaching offers. Click HERE to learn more about one-on-one coaching with me!Get your complimentary copy of The Unblocked Journal to help bring awareness to perfectionist thinking and what it's creating in your life.Join My Do The Thing Community Let's Connect:Follow me on Facebook & Instagram: @JessicaSmarroShare your thoughts and experiences with the hashtag #UnblockedPodcast and tag @jessicasmarro!Connect with Jena:Instagram: @iamjenalorenWebsite: www.jenaloren.comFree Egoic Archetype Quiz: http://quiz.bravemasters.comLet's Get Unblocked!
For 29 December 2025, Commemoration of Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop, Martyr, based on Luke 2:22-35
Sermon preached by Pastor Bob over Acts 7:54 - 8:3 on 12/28/25
Last week, we began a look back on some of the most moving moments on The Voice of the Martyrs Radio in 2025. This week, we continue to remember: Nathan and his friends were arrested doing street evangelism in the Middle East. He'll share his experience in prison, the power of faithful friends, and how the Lord revealed the day of their release. Brother Miguel from Peru will share where his passion for serving persecuted Christians began and how God gave him a hunger to know more, pray, and share their powerful stories with more people through radio and TV. Michael & Mona share what it looks like to be a Christian in North Africa, where they are often treated as second-class citizens. Yet Mona says she loves the Muslim people who are victims of a false religion. Kevin works among people trapped in fear-based animistic practices in Southeast Asia. He'll share how gospel workers combat that fear with the love of Christ. Hana Menghisteab returned to tell how sharing her story for the first time on VOM Radio in 2024 was a breakthrough, helping her acknowledge deep wounds and opening her heart to God's healing touch. Dr. Yousaf Sadiq told us about growing up in a Christian family in Pakistan and how God ministered to him through Psalms sung in the Punjabi language. Brother Samuel grew up in a Muslim family in Malaysia. He first heard the gospel helping translate the JESUS film. Today, he faces persecution as he tries to change his government-issued ID card to reflect his faith in Christ. Susanna Koh, wife of abducted Pastor Raymond Koh, shares how she trusts the Lord despite the unknown, and how God asked her to put feet to her forgiveness. Sister Neda grew up as a Muslim in Iran. On the outside she appeared to have it all, yet inside she was broken. Listen to hear how she called out to God and He answered. After hearing these brief excerpts, you'll want to listen to the entire conversations with each of these guests. Click the links below or listen in the VOM APP. Brother Nathan, gospel worker with YWAM in the Middle East Miguel Angel Angeles, Executive Director of Bethel Radio & TV in Peru Michael & Mona, Christian leaders from Egypt working across North Africa Brother Kevin serves as a gospel worker and church planter in Asia Hana Menghisteab, the daughter of imprisoned Eritrean pastor, Dr. Tecleab Menghisteab, who has been in prison for over twenty years. Dr. Yousaf Sadiq grew up in Pakistan and is now a professor at Wheaton College and co-leader of the Lausanne Persecuted Church Initiative. Brother Samuel grew up Muslim and now faces persecution in Malaysia for his faith in Christ. Susanna Koh, Pastor Raymond Koh's wife, continues to go to court for his release Sister Neda, serves persecuted Christians in Iran through Iran Alive Ministries We thank the Lord for allowing VOM Radio to encourage and challenge listeners all over the world this year. Thank you for listening and praying for our persecuted family in restricted nations and hostile areas around the world during 2025! We'd love to hear from you! Let us know what conversation in 2025 most inspired your faith or equipped you to pray. You can also give online to support persecuted Christians through the work of The Voice of the Martyrs. Join us in 2026 for another year of testimonies about what God is doing in and through our persecuted brothers and sisters and hear how you can pray specifically for them throughout the year!
After looking back at the most (and least) popular episodes from the past year or so, I share the story of almost dying when I lost my brakes (with five South African friends in tow) going down a 14,700 ft. mountain pass in Tibet. Then, we run through a few China stories that have been sitting on the backburner for awhile, followed by the final Pray for China of the year (Dec 29-Jan 4). Check out all the links/details below! Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network (Christian Podcast Community)! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every day. Send any questions or comments to chinacompass@privacyport.com. Everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us! Also, I’m now on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which not only allows for donations, but also lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections, making it easier to find all the episodes on a certain topic or region, like Tibet, North Korea, or Hong Kong. Check out this past week’s bonus Christmas episode with my wife and daughter… Speaking of old episodes, I want to do a sort of Year-End Round Up of the episodes which received the most downloads (and which ones were listened to the least). And since I didn’t do this at the end of last year, I’ll also give the top and bottom three from 2024 (my first year): Top 3 Episodes from 2025: Dec 5: Doug Wilson Joins China Compass (2286) Sept 13: Charlie Kirk: “America Must Shape Up, or China Wins” (1745) Virtual Tie- Apr 20: Easter in a Chinese Church │"Ignorant Hillbilly" Vance Insults China's Peasants (1551) Virtual Tie- Aug 30: Are All Chinese Students Commies and Spies? (Deace Says Yea, I Say Nay) (1548) Bottom 3 Episodes from 2025: Jan 1: More Prostitutes or Pastors in China? / Near Death on New Year's (Prison Pulpit)(967) Feb 7: In the Face of a Secret Trial, What Will I Do? (Prison Pulpit)(952) July 24: Syrian Pastor/Family Massacred (They Shot Patients In Bed) (Prison Pulpit) (903) Top 3 Episodes from 2024: Aug 24: Tim Walz: China Asset? + Black Dragon River & Double Duck Mountain (1864) Aug 17: From Chinese Reality TV to NSA, Chatting with Brent in Moscow (ID) (1743) Sep 14: Millions of Unadoptable Babies + China's 3 Forbidden "Ts" (& Martyrs of Tianjin) (1680) Bottom 3 Episodes from 2024: 11-21: Wang Yi on God's Use of China's "Unrighteous Politics" (Prison Pulpit #5) (1077) 11-15: Wang Yi on God Raising Up and Deposing Dictators (Prison Pulpit #4) (1006) 12-5: Wang Yi's Pre-Arrest Family Newsletter (Prison Pulpit #7) (1005) Bonus: Top 3 States (TX, CA, VA + WA) & Nations (CA, UK, AU) (+ Bottom States (WY, RI, DE) (Obscure stats: Fiji, Vanuatu, Georgia, 100+ total, 16 in Africa, China=WY, Romania vs Bulgaria) 15 Years Ago This Week (Dec 29): Runaway Van in Tibet @ 14,000 Feet https://chinacall.substack.com/p/runaway-van-14700-feet Now Available on Amazon (+ free PDF): The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Borden’s Missed Opportunity? Borden had a very fruitful ministry both at Yale and Princeton during his tenure as a student, and it strikes me that student ministry in China may have been a better use of his talents than what had been planned for him among the unreached Muslims of NW China. But hindsight is 20/20, and Borden never made it back to China at all (besides his first tour as a teenager). Campus ministry in China has been very fruitful for the past 40+ years, but has become much more difficult recently. Here’s a new article from within China that explains the current situation: Chinese Campus Ministry Troubles https://chinapartnership.org/blog/2025/12/changchun-reaching-campus/ No Tibetan in Chinese Schools https://www.rfa.org/english/tibet/2025/01/02/tibet-china-enforces-restrictions-students/ Chinese Refugee Church Planters? https://chinapartnership.org/blog/2024/12/immigrant-church-in-southeast-asia/ Is China Still a Developing Country? https://www.voanews.com/a/is-china-still-a-developing-country/7244652.html Taiwan Survives Another New Year Celebration https://asiatimes.com/2025/01/note-from-taiwan-the-players-on-the-eve-of-destruction/ Finally, let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… Dec 29-Jan 4: https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-dec-29-jan-4-2025 Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Don’t forget to follow me on X (@chinaadventures) and email chinacompass@privacyport.com with any questions or comments. Also, I've finally set up Patreon, but my favorite thing isn't the (potential) support, but the ability to create Collections of podcasts by topic, location, etc… There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to our China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!
Persecution in the Middle East. The trends are disturbing. And few people have a better grip on what’s happening there than Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs. This week on The Land and the Book, he shares firsthand accounts from his recent trips to the Middle East. Some of these stories offer amazing hope. And you’ll be sharing them over the dinner table, we promise. So don’t miss The Land and the Book, from Moody Radio.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/landandthebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A kinsman of the Apostle Paul, the Holy Stephen was one of the seven deacons (with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas) first appointed by the Church to minister to the people; and it pleased God to receive him as the Church's first Martyr for Christ. Read the long, beautiful and edifying account of his witness in the Acts of the Apostles, chapters 6-8. When Stephen, "full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people," (Acts 6:8), some members of a synagogue in Jerusalem came to dispute with him and, enraged by his proclamation of Christ, stoned him to death. In his death St Stephen revealed Christ's erasure of the boundary between heaven and earth, and the new communion between man and God: his face shone with the light of the Transfiguration, and he was granted a vision of Christ enthroned at the Father's right hand. His dying words were "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge" (Acts 7:60). According to holy tradition, the martyrdom of St Stephen occurred exactly a year after the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. His body was taken and secretly buried by Gamaliel, a member of the Sanhendrin and secretly a Christian. Saint Stephen's relics were discovered by the priest Lucian in 415 following a vision. They were translated to the church built for them in Jerusalem by the Empress Eudocia, and later taken to Constantinople. The Saint's missionary speech before his death (like that of the deacon St Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch) reminds us that those appointed to serve the Church materially are not barred, or even excused, from proclaiming the glorious Gospel of Christ.
After looking back at the most (and least) popular episodes from the past year or so, I share the story of almost dying when I lost my brakes (with five South African friends in tow) going down a 14,700 ft. mountain pass in Tibet. Then, we run through a few China stories that have been sitting on the backburner for awhile, followed by the final Pray for China of the year (Dec 29-Jan 4). Check out all the links/details below! Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network (Christian Podcast Community)! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every day. Send any questions or comments to chinacompass@privacyport.com. Everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us! Also, I’m now on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which not only allows for donations, but also lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections, making it easier to find all the episodes on a certain topic or region, like Tibet, North Korea, or Hong Kong. Check out this past week’s bonus Christmas episode with my wife and daughter… Speaking of old episodes, I want to do a sort of Year-End Round Up of the episodes which received the most downloads (and which ones were listened to the least). And since I didn’t do this at the end of last year, I’ll also give the top and bottom three from 2024 (my first year): Top 3 Episodes from 2025: Dec 5: Doug Wilson Joins China Compass (2286) Sept 13: Charlie Kirk: “America Must Shape Up, or China Wins” (1745) Virtual Tie- Apr 20: Easter in a Chinese Church │"Ignorant Hillbilly" Vance Insults China's Peasants (1551) Virtual Tie- Aug 30: Are All Chinese Students Commies and Spies? (Deace Says Yea, I Say Nay) (1548) Bottom 3 Episodes from 2025: Jan 1: More Prostitutes or Pastors in China? / Near Death on New Year's (Prison Pulpit)(967) Feb 7: In the Face of a Secret Trial, What Will I Do? (Prison Pulpit)(952) July 24: Syrian Pastor/Family Massacred (They Shot Patients In Bed) (Prison Pulpit) (903) Top 3 Episodes from 2024: Aug 24: Tim Walz: China Asset? + Black Dragon River & Double Duck Mountain (1864) Aug 17: From Chinese Reality TV to NSA, Chatting with Brent in Moscow (ID) (1743) Sep 14: Millions of Unadoptable Babies + China's 3 Forbidden "Ts" (& Martyrs of Tianjin) (1680) Bottom 3 Episodes from 2024: 11-21: Wang Yi on God's Use of China's "Unrighteous Politics" (Prison Pulpit #5) (1077) 11-15: Wang Yi on God Raising Up and Deposing Dictators (Prison Pulpit #4) (1006) 12-5: Wang Yi's Pre-Arrest Family Newsletter (Prison Pulpit #7) (1005) Bonus: Top 3 States (TX, CA, VA + WA) & Nations (CA, UK, AU) (+ Bottom States (WY, RI, DE) (Obscure stats: Fiji, Vanuatu, Georgia, 100+ total, 16 in Africa, China=WY, Romania vs Bulgaria) 15 Years Ago This Week (Dec 29): Runaway Van in Tibet @ 14,000 Feet https://chinacall.substack.com/p/runaway-van-14700-feet Now Available on Amazon (+ free PDF): The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Borden’s Missed Opportunity? Borden had a very fruitful ministry both at Yale and Princeton during his tenure as a student, and it strikes me that student ministry in China may have been a better use of his talents than what had been planned for him among the unreached Muslims of NW China. But hindsight is 20/20, and Borden never made it back to China at all (besides his first tour as a teenager). Campus ministry in China has been very fruitful for the past 40+ years, but has become much more difficult recently. Here’s a new article from within China that explains the current situation: Chinese Campus Ministry Troubles https://chinapartnership.org/blog/2025/12/changchun-reaching-campus/ No Tibetan in Chinese Schools https://www.rfa.org/english/tibet/2025/01/02/tibet-china-enforces-restrictions-students/ Chinese Refugee Church Planters? https://chinapartnership.org/blog/2024/12/immigrant-church-in-southeast-asia/ Is China Still a Developing Country? https://www.voanews.com/a/is-china-still-a-developing-country/7244652.html Taiwan Survives Another New Year Celebration https://asiatimes.com/2025/01/note-from-taiwan-the-players-on-the-eve-of-destruction/ Finally, let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… Dec 29-Jan 4: https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-dec-29-jan-4-2025 Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Don’t forget to follow me on X (@chinaadventures) and email chinacompass@privacyport.com with any questions or comments. Also, I've finally set up Patreon, but my favorite thing isn't the (potential) support, but the ability to create Collections of podcasts by topic, location, etc… There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to our China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!
Fr. Larry Richards of The Reason For Our Hope Foundation Podcast
Evening Prayer for Friday, December 26, 2025 (Stephen, Deacon and Martyr; The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Day; Eve of John, Apostle and Evangelist).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalms 137-138Song of Songs 3Luke 22:39-53Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.
Morning Prayer for Friday, December 26, 2025 (Stephen, Deacon and Martyr; The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Day).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 136Acts 6:8-7:6Revelation 18Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.
Chapters six and seven in the Acts of the Apostles focus largely on Stephen, the first martyr whose witness reminds us of the true cost of discipleship...demanding even our lives out of love for Jesus Christ. (Lectionary #696) December 26, 2025 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Pastoral Reflections Finding God In Ourselves by Msgr. Don Fischer
Gospel Matthew 10:17-22 Jesus said to his disciples: "Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.” Reflection I believe the church celebrates this feast of Saint Stephen immediately after we receive the good news of God's presence in the world, we listen to the very real image of evil. There is a power in the world that is whole opposed to who God is and who Jesus wants us to become. And yet we know that there is a way in which that work is essential. To not be afraid. To hold on to what you believe, even if it means the loss of your life. These are signs and wonders of the faith that God has given us to do the work of the Son of God, to bring his message of life and goodness to the world, despite whatever dangers there may be. Closing Prayer Father, we need to be realistic. We need to understand there is a spirit that is so opposed to who we become. When God enters into us and we resonate and share his wisdom, his power, his healing, his love. Keep us strong, keep us dedicated to this work no matter what the cost. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to Fr. Steve's homily from 12/26/25.Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating and/or review, and share on social media or with a friend! You can email ashley@rootedinthereallyreal.com with any questions or suggestions. God bless.
We're back! New series, new stories, but your same ol' two favorite priests. In each episode, Mitch and Caitlyn trade stories about saints in our Episcopal kalendar of feasts and fasts. For this first episode we cover Saint Catherine of Alexandria and Saint Thecla of Iconium: two early Christian women whose lives and legends shaped how the Church remembers female witness and courage. Come for Jimmy Buffet, stay for an excellent left-hook.
You redeemed us by your blood.
Evening Prayer for Thursday, December 25, 2025 (The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Day; Eve of Stephen, Deacon and Martyr).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalms 85, 110Song of Songs 2Luke 2:1-14Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.
Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans.” Matthew 10:17–18These words capture the essence of the martyrdom of Saint Stephen, the Church's first martyr, whom we honor today. The day after celebrating the birth of Christ, the Church, in her wisdom, reflects on the reality of persecution as a consequence of worshiping the newborn King.The Jewish community in Jerusalem was diverse, with traditional Hebraic Jews and Hellenistic Jews who were influenced by the Greco-Roman culture. As Jews began to convert to Christianity, a new unified community of believers emerged. Despite this unity, tensions arose, particularly when Hellenistic widows were neglected in the daily distribution of bread. To address this, the Apostles appointed seven deacons, with Stephen being the first, likely a Hellenist himself.Stephen, described as “a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit,” performed great wonders among the people. When confronted by Hellenistic Jews, he defended the faith with wisdom and courage, leading to his being dragged before the Sanhedrin. His eloquent defense angered his opponents, resulting in his stoning. In his final moments, Stephen commended his spirit to Jesus and prayed for his persecutors.At first, his martyrdom seemed a tragic loss that sparked a wave of persecution and scattered the Christian community throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. This dispersion, however, spread the Gospel beyond Jerusalem, leading to many new converts. What appeared to be a tragedy became a catalyst for the growth of the early Church.As we honor Saint Stephen, reflect on the truth that God permits evil only to draw greater good from it. If you face suffering or persecution, let today's feast inspire hope. Trust in God's plan, reject fear, and embrace His will, knowing that He can use every cross for His glory. Saint Stephen, you were a man filled with grace and power, deeply committed to Jesus and the proclamation of the Gospel. Please pray for me, that I will have your courage and faith so that God can use me to further His Kingdom by drawing many souls to Him. Saint Stephen, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Giovanni Andrea de Ferrari, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
Dr. Cristian Istrate is a Pastor from Transylvania, Romania, who has been a missionary in 47 countries. He shares his incredible journey of faith, from growing up in Communist Romania to experiencing supernatural encounters with Jesus Christ. Hear about his family's struggles during the oppressive regime, miraculous moments like gasoline laden Bibles that wouldn't burn, and personal encounters with spiritual warfare. Be inspired by Dr. Cristian's testimony of redemption, healing, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Don't miss this moving episode filled with hope and miracles! 00:00 The Miraculous Survival of Bibles 00:38 Introduction to Cristian's Testimony 01:41 Growing Up in Communist Romania 03:23 The Persecution of Christians 15:29 The Fall of Communism 19:21 A Family's Struggle with Faith and Tragedy 28:07 A Vision of Jesus 28:44 Discovering a Personal Relationship with Jesus 29:35 Teenage Rebellion and Conflict 30:52 Running Away from Home 32:23 A Spiritual Awakening 37:40 Returning Home and Reconciliation 41:04 Missionary Work and Miracles 43:20 A Supernatural Healing Encounter in Egypt 48:39 The Greatest Miracle of All 53:30 A Prayer for Those in Darkness 55:59 Closing Remarks and Contact Information Links referenced in this episode: Tortured for Christ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXxMTf8iBj4 Sabina: https://www.sabinamovie.com/ Voice of the Martyrs: https://www.persecution.com/ To follow Dr Cristian Istrate: Wesleyan Voices Online: https://www.facebook.com/wesleyanvoices.online NEW Everyday Miracle compilation book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/45cgbP8 Everyday Miracle compilation book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/everyday-miracles-julie-hedenborg/1146173449?ean=9798881501808 Subscribe to Julie's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@everydaymiraclespodcast1395 Website for Everyday Miracles (APPLY!): http://everydaymiraclespodcast.com/ To follow Everyday Miracles Podcast on itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-miracles-podcast/id1447430033 On Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everydaymiraclespodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydaymiraclespodcast/ tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@everydaymiraclespodcast X: https://x.com/miracles9598 linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hedenborg-452028a7/ To email Julie directly: everydaymiraclespodcast@gmail.com
Christmas in Room Number Four: https://chinacall.substack.com/p/christmas-in-room-number-four-the Just as we did on Thanksgiving a few weeks ago, today I want to read a special story from Richard Wurmband’s book In God's Underground (https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.com/pdfs/IGU-english.pdf). Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network (and the Christian Podcast Community)! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I present a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day. Please send any questions or comments to a new, secure email: chinacompass@privacyport.com. Everything else can be found at PrayGiveGo.us! One last thing: I’m now set up on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which now only allows for donations, but also lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections, making it easier to go back and find all the episodes on a certain topic or region, like Tibet, North Korea, or Hong Kong. Now Available: The Millionaire Missionary (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G94FKJJW/) For those who aren’t familiar with Richard Wurmband, here's a brief intro: Lutheran minister in Romania. 14 years in prison, including 3 in solitary confinement. After “escaping” abroad, published ”Tortured for Christ" in the 60s and testified to Congress. Founded Voice of the Martyrs with his son, but Michael Wurmbrand doesn’t trust VOM today. Michael Wurmbrand’s VOM letter: https://www.billionbibles.com/michael-wurmbrand-vom.html Free books (PDF) by Richard Wurmbrand: https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.com/ Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) or email chinacompass@privacyport.com with any questions or comments. There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to support our China ministry. For everything else, visit PrayGiveGo.us. Hebrews 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”! Feliz Navidad
"This Martyr was the daughter of most distinguished and noble parents named Philip and Claudia. Philip, a Prefect of Rome, moved to Alexandria with his family. In Alexandria, Eugenia had the occasion to learn the Christian Faith, in particular when she encountered the Epistles of Saint Paul, the reading of which filled her with compunction and showed her clearly the vanity of the world. Secretly taking two of her servants, Protas and Hyacinth, she departed from Alexandria by night. Disguised as a man, she called herself Eugene [Eugenios -ed.] while pretending to be a eunuch, and departed with her servants and took up the monastic life in a monastery of men. Her parents mourned for her, but could not find her. After Saint Eugenia had laboured for some time in the monastic life, a certain woman named Melanthia, thinking Eugene to be a monk, conceived lust and constrained Eugenia to comply with her desire; when Eugenia refused, Melanthia slandered Eugenia to the Prefect as having done insult to her honour. Eugenia was brought before the Prefect, her own father Philip, and revealed to him both that she was innocent of the accusations, and that she was his own daughter. Through this, Philip became a Christian; he was afterwards beheaded at Alexandria. Eugenia was taken back to Rome with Protas and Hyacinth. All three of them ended their life in martyrdom in the years of Commodus, who reigned from 180 to 192." (Great Horologion)
Mea Culpa takes an inside look at alleged violent insurrectionist Ryan Nichols who has been detained for over a year pending trial. It's a chilling portrait of a man prepared to kill for Donald Trump's lies. Later, Michael welcomes back Frank Figliuzzi to discuss the larger threat assessment from right wing extremists and who's likely to talk amongst Trump's inner circle. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It's that time of year when Leah, Melissa, and Kate put on their influencer hats and recommend the things that made their days a little brighter in 2025. This year, they're joined by two special guests: rockstar Strict Scrutiny intern Jordan Thomas to share some of his picks, and former Chair of the Federal Election Commission Ellen Weintraub to discuss two of democracy's favorite things—independent agencies and the regulation of money in politics. Favorite things: WANTLeah: Cozy Earth Bubble Cuddle Blanket, Jones Road Just Enough Tinted MoisturizerKate: Aventura electric scooter, Grüns Superfood Greens GummiesMelissa: True Botanicals, e.l.f. Camo Liquid BlushJordan: Tea Tree Leave-In Conditioner, Pink Oil Moisturizer, NEEDLeah: Peloton stretching classes, Farmhounds dog treats; Badlands Ranch dog foodKate: custom bobbleheads & action figures, Lilly Allen's tour, Strict Scrutiny's upcoming West Coast tourMelissa: Caddis readers, Blackwing Matte pencils, As Ever RoséJordan: 2026 Evanescence and Korn tours, these headphones WEARLeah: Forme Power Bra, Argent, TheRealRealKate: Strict Scrutiny onesies, Cozy Earth Studio Wide Leg PantMelissa: Quince yak wool sweaters, Uniqlo White T-Shirt, Clearly Collective Collegiate Scarves, WaySoft Cashmere BeanieJordan: Crooked Con Merch, Mavi jeans READLeah: The Wedding People, Alison Espach; Julie Anne Long's Pennyroyal Green series; Lisa Kleypas' Wallflowers series; These Summer Storms, Sarah MacLean; Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil, V. E. Schwab; The God of the Woods, Liz Moore; Book of the MonthKate: The Power Broker, Robert Caro; Who Is Government? Michael Lewis; Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter, Kate Conger & Ryan Mac; The Radical Fund, John Fabian Witt; Isola, Allegra Goodman; Heart the Lover, Lily King; Martyr! Kaveh Akbar; The History of Sound, Ben ShattuckMelissa: Matriarch, Tina Knowles; Black in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My People, Imani Perry; Jane Austen's Bookshelf, Rebecca Romney; Atmosphere, Taylor Jenkins Reid; The Book Club for Troublesome Women, Marie Bostwick; The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, Kiran DesaiJordan: Lawless, Leah Litman; The Sirens' Call, Chris Hayes; Bad Law, Elie Mystal; Charles Sumner: Conscience of a Nation, Zaakir Tameez; Just Shine! How to Be a Better You, Sonia SotomayorEllen: Deanna Raybourn's Veronica Speedwell Mysteries; Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, Benjamin Stevenson; The Black Wolf, Louise Penny; Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent, Judi Dench; This Is Happiness, Niall Williams; Elizabeth Strout; Amor Towles Get tickets for STRICT SCRUTINY LIVE – The Bad Decisions Tour 2025! 3/6/26 – San Francisco3/7/26 – Los AngelesLearn more: http://crooked.com/eventsOrder your copy of Leah's book, Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad VibesFollow us on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This week, we begin looking back on some of the most moving moments shared on The Voice of the Martyrs Radio in 2025: Hope & Nagy have been called by God to live in some very difficult places. They were serving Him in Libya when civil war broke out; they stayed and thrived under the Lord's protection. Then they heard the Lord call them to a new and equally-challenging land. Jerry Mattix has been banned twice from entering Türkiye, once in 2013 and again earlier this year. Jerry knows God is able to do His work among Turkish people without him in the country. Nathan and Kari were raised differently, yet the Lord called them to Himself, and to missions, together. In South Asia, they are seeing the gospel on fire, not waiting for foreign missionaries but moving forward through the gospel fervor of national Christians. John Samara knows the high cost of serving Christ in a place like Syria. He grew up there and continues to serve persecuted Christians in the Middle East and North Africa through Ananias House. Eric Mock, from Slavic Gospel Association, shares how war between Russia and Ukraine has actually accelerated SGA's ministry as they provide aid and share the gospel with hundreds of thousands of people. Teaching students in the UK and around the world, Dr. Michael Reeves has a passion for strengthening the faith of persecuted Christians in hostile and restricted nations. He served as a missionary on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Ty Scott, leader of VOM's work in east and southern Africa, shares about Christians living in a country that has never been discussed on VOM Radio until this year — Comoros. He also shared how VOM handles Bible distribution in Africa. Author of the book, Inside Afghanistan, John Weaver, shares what it looks like to be a Christian in Afghanistan today. Believers must carefully plant gospel seeds and seek out people of peace. Abraham & Sara minister to Muslim refugees in the Middle East who are open to the gospel. They see the hunger to know Jesus, and the Lord is revealing Himself to these refugees through dreams, visions, and the love of Christ, as seen in the example of Abraham, Sara, and their team. After hearing these brief excerpts, you'll want to listen to the entire conversations with these guests from 2025. Click on the links below to listen at VOMRADIO.net or listen in the VOM APP. Hope & Nagy, gospel workers to Libya and the Middle East Jerry Mattix, long-time aid ministry worker and pastor in Türkiye Nathan & Kari, gospel workers in South Asia with the International Mission Board (IMB) John Samara, Founder and Executive Director of Ananias House Eric Mock, the Senior Vice President of the Slavic Gospel Association Dr. Michael Reeves, President of Union School of Theology in the United Kingdom Ty Scott, VOM's Regional Leader for East and Southern Africa John Weaver, long-time gospel worker in Afghanistan Abraham & Sara serve refugees at a church in a Middle Eastern country We thank the Lord for allowing VOM Radio to encourage and challenge listeners all over the world this year. Thank you for faithfully listening and praying for our persecuted family in restricted nations and hostile areas around the world! We'd love to hear from you! Let us know what conversation in 2025 most inspired your faith or equipped you to pray. You can also give online to support persecuted Christians through the work of The Voice of the Martyrs. Next week, we'll have Part II of our look back to the most moving moments of 2025 on VOM Radio.
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