Podcasts about Maturity

2 Peter 1:2-11 (NKJV)Andrew, Isack, and Edwin discuss the path of spiritual maturity for Christians.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=24314The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

What if the point of pain wasn't punishment but participation? We open Colossians 1:21–23 and hold the phrase “for your sake” up to the light, letting communion re-teach us who we were, who we are, and what we're becoming. Christ didn't hand us a map; he stepped into our alienation and reconciled us by his own body and blood so we could be presented holy, blameless, and above reproach. That purpose pulls us beyond a “get out of trouble” faith and into a life that matures, serves, and sacrifices with joy.We talk candidly about continuing in the faith—stable, steadfast, and not shifting—and how the real anchor isn't our perfect track record but our stubborn grip on the hope of the gospel. Expect spills. The bike isn't the problem; the rider is learning balance. From confession without hiding to correction without shame, we explore a rhythm of growth that trades coasting for courage. Suffering becomes a classroom where God builds breadth in our love and depth in our character.Along the way, we widen the lens: Paul rejoices in his sufferings “for your sake” and for the sake of the church he may never meet. That's our call too. We reveal the riches of Jesus to neighbors and nations not with spectacle but with steady, sacrificial presence. We also share how we're approaching a capital campaign through prayer, not pressure—inviting everyone to move from convenience to discipline to delight in generosity so we can pay down debt, make room to grow, and serve the community with open hands. The window for sacrifice is brief; glory closes it forever. So let's redeem the moment, hold fast to the gospel, and ride together. If you want to learn more about the MidTree story or connect with us, go to our website HERE or text us at 812-MID-TREE.

Hour 2 for 1/30/26 Drew and Brooke pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy (1:00). Then, Dr. Anne Hendershott covers Labubus and delayed maturity (28:26). Topic: Pet stores in Italy (41:25), and idol worship (49:08). Link: https://franciscan.edu/the-veritas-center-for-ethics-in-public-life/

In this powerful message, Dr. Edith Davis discusses the upcoming return of Jesus and the necessary "beautification" of the Church. She explains that God is preparing a bride without spot or wrinkle, which requires a radical shift in how we handle our minds and our enemies. Dr. Davis dives deep into the difference between condemnation and conviction, the power of suggestion, and why the "horizontal" relationships in our lives often hinder our spiritual authority. -- God has delegated His authority to the Body of Christ, meaning we are the ones held accountable for the state of the planet, not the unsaved. -- A sound mind is defined as being cool, calm, collected, disciplined, and self-controlled—even when the world around us is in chaos. -- The enemy's primary weapons are deception and suggestion; he uses these to attack our faith and drive us toward self-destruction. -- Condemnation is a derivative of fear and guilt that prevents God from using us, whereas conviction is a tool for repentance and restoration. -- The "vertical" aspect of the cross ensures our salvation, but the "horizontal" aspect requires us to renew our minds to experience "heaven on earth." -- Maturity in the church means being a spiritual parent who can handle "sheep bites" without taking offense or slandering others. -- The story of Moses and the serpent illustrates that we must recognize our authority over the enemy before we can deliver others from the "Babylon" system. Scriptures for Further Study -- 2 Timothy 1:7 -- Matthew 6:33 -- John 10:10 -- Amos 3:3 -- James 4:7-8 This is episode 391. +++++++ Check out my new website: https://www.enterthegloryzone.org/ MY AUDIO BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE You can Divorce Proof Your Marriage by understanding the Secret Keys of Love. You will come to understand that your Marriage has an enemy. You will come to understand that you are dating your future spouse representative. You will come to understand that your Marriage has the gift of Supernatural Sex. For more information about purchasing this audio book, click here: https://personalbuy.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/product8702.html

Pastor Aslinn Bouton www.NorthwestOrlando.com

Executive coach Tracy Meyer joins me for a conversation most leadership shows avoid: what happens when life doesn't politely wait for your business calendar.After losing her father shortly before our originally scheduled recording, Tracy and I talk openly about grief, disruption, and how leaders navigate loss without retreating into performance, denial, or toxic professionalism. This episode isn't about Instagram resilience or “powering through.” It's about what loss actually does to people—and how it reshapes priorities, identity, presence, and leadership capacity.We explore why disruption often exposes the false stability we cling to, how entrepreneurs confuse emotional suppression with maturity, and why being “authentic” doesn't mean being unfiltered—or dishonest. From end-of-life care to creative practice, from business pressure to personal presence, this is a raw conversation about perspective, responsibility, and what matters when the noise drops away.The takeaway isn't grief as productivity fuel.It's learning how to hold responsibility without abandoning humanity.TL;DR* Loss dismantles false stability—and reveals what was imaginary all along* Grief and leadership aren't opposites; avoidance is the real risk* Authenticity means integration, not emotional dumping or repression* Business can pause without collapsing—identity doesn't have to* Presence during transitions creates meaning that outlasts outcomes* Maturity lives between brutal honesty and emotional containment* Perspective, not optimization, is the real leadership upgradeMemorable Lines* “A lot of the stability we cling to was never real—it just lived in our heads.”* “There doesn't have to be an objective ROI for something to matter.”* “Being authentic doesn't mean being unregulated.”* “Loss doesn't end leadership—it clarifies it.”* “Perspective isn't found in performance; it's found in presence.”GuestTracy Meyer — Executive coach, keynote speaker, authorCredentialed through UC Berkeley and ICF, Tracy brings over 40 years of leadership experience across coaching, speaking, and organizational development. Her work focuses on authenticity, perspective, and navigating leadership through life transitions.

Our Election in Christ (4) (audio) David Eells, 1/28/26 We've covered our election in Christ previously pretty well. Today, I'm going to cover more about being predestined in Christ and its connection to Election. (Eph.1:4) Even as he chose (The Greek word here again is eklectos, “elect.”) us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: (5) having foreordained (or “predestined”) us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. Those who are elect are predestined to come into the adoption of sons, which is the same thing we just read. (Rom.8:16) The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God: (17) and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified with [him]. Notice that those who suffer the death of their self-life, will manifest their election. What does Paul mean when he says, “Having foreordained us unto adoption as sons”? The answer is found a few verses further down. (Rom.8:23) And not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for [our] adoption, [to wit,] the redemption of our body. Those who receive the first-fruits of the Spirit are on their way to the adoption of sons, which is when you receive your redeemed body. Notice that a child must receive the Holy Spirit to manifest sonship.  (25) But if we hope for that which we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for it. The manifestation of our sonship begins when we receive our born-again spirit and then are obedient to receive the Holy Spirit, which enables us to “walk as He walked”. Peter said that your soul is born again through your obedience to the truth. (1Pe.1:22) Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently: (23) having been begotten again (or “born again”), not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth. The soul is where we manifest the fruit of Christ 30-, 60- and 100-fold. Those who have a born-again soul will be given a redeemed body. A born-again soul is the “fruit” that the Bible talks about. It's the fruit of Christ in you. It's the nature of Christ. Your soul is your mind, will and emotions; in other words, it is your nature and your character. While we are still in this body, we can manifest our sonship in spirit and in soul. Full adoption comes when we receive our redeemed body. The elect were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4; Revelation 13:8; 17:8) and they will manifest Christ 30-, 60- and 100-fold, according to what Jesus said (Matthew 13:23; Mark 4:20). They will manifest Christ-likeness. I want to talk about what it is to be “foreknown” and who it is whom Christ knows, because there are Christians, using the term loosely, whom Christ doesn't know, and there are Christians whom He does know. You say, “David, that sounds crazy!” No, from out of all the called among the Christians, there are those whom Christ knows and those whom He doesn't know. I'm going to prove this to you. (2Ti.2:19) Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his (From the foundation of the world, they've been His because from the foundation of the world He has foreknown them.): and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness. This is what proves who are God's people. The people who depart from willful sin are the ones who are His. If you depart from unrighteousness, you will be manifestly His. (20) Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some unto honor, and some unto dishonor. (21) If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified.... Who is sanctified? The elect, who are the ones whom God foreknew, will be sanctified. We read this earlier in Peter. (1Pe.1:1) Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the elect who are sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, (2) according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. The Lord knows right now those who are His. (2Ti.2:21) If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, meet for the master's use, prepared unto every good work. (22) But flee youthful lusts and follow after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. The Lord knows right now those who are sanctified. Is every Christian His? Well, does God know every Christian? We've seen that those whom He foreknew, He's going to know at the end, but does He know every Christian among the called now? What is it that makes God know you? (1Co.8:3) But if any man loveth God, the same is known by him. God knows those who love Him. Notice, (Rom.8:28) And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, [even] to them that are called according to [his] purpose. That's not everybody. (29) For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. The ones whom God foreknew are the ones who love Him. What distinguishes between the Christian who loves God and the Christian who doesn't love God? Jesus said, (Joh.14:21) He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him. These people are Christians because they have a born-again spirit. All of the called have a born-again spirit, but not all of the called will bear fruit. The called who will bear fruit and be manifested as the elect are the ones who love God. They are going to obey God. They are going to give up their life to have His. They are going to pay the price and the Lord says He knows them. (Jer.1:5) Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee; I have appointed thee a prophet unto the nations. God knew us by faith before He even formed us in the womb. Amen! Another example, which is one that's constantly misused by the “once saved, always saved” crowd, is this verse: (Joh.10:27) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me (That's not everybody out there who ever professed the name of Christ. It's only those who professed the name of Christ and departed from unrighteousness.): (28) and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. That's true; they will never perish. They will receive eternal life. Nobody will ever pluck them out of the Father's hand because they love God and so they will obey God. I didn't say they all overcome immediately, but they do obey God and they overcome. Notice, Jesus says, “I know them.” Doesn't He know everybody? Of course, God knows everybody in this world. God knows their names, and He knows everything about them, but that's not the kind of “know” He's talking about here. This word “know” is the Greek ginosko and it means the kind of personal relationship Adam had with Eve, in that Adam sowed his seed in her and she brought forth fruit. That's the kind of “know” that the Scriptures are talking about. Let me further prove to you that not every Christian, as we use the term loosely, is known by God or has ever been known by God. Jesus said, (Joh.15:2) Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away (This is speaking of the Father taking it away.): and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit. And now look at this verse: (Mat.7:19) Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Jesus said, “Every branch in me,” so He's talking about people who are Christians, although we use the term “Christian” very loosely nowadays. (20) Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven (These people are calling Him “Lord.” Who else but Christians would have the nerve to do that?); but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. (22) Many will say (What “many” is this? This is the “many” who are calling Him “Lord, Lord.”) to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? These are Christians who are doing the “many mighty works,” unless you believe that today Satan casts out Satan, but Jesus tells us Satan doesn't cast out Satan: (Mat.12:25) And knowing their thoughts he said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: (26) and if Satan casteth out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand? So these people were casting out Satan and they were doing mighty works by the power of the Holy Spirit, yet in their own lives, they were not being obedient to the will of the Father. (Mat.7:23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. What does He mean by “I never knew you”? He means, “I didn't know you from the beginning. I never knew you from before the foundation of the world and you were not written in the Book.” Yes, they were Christians, but they were not found written in the Book at the end because they were not foreknown. They were physically written in the Book when they were born again, but they were erased out of the Book before the end. In the beginning, the ones whom God foreknew were written in the Book by His faith. They are going to overcome. They are going to bear fruit, and they are still going to be there at the end. Others are going to be written in who will not overcome. They will not bear fruit and they will be erased, so even though they were called, they will not be chosen. (Rev 3:5) He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (Mat.7:24) Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock: (25) and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon the rock. (26) And every one that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand: (27) and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and smote upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall thereof. Notice, Jesus is only talking about two groups of Christians here. He's talking about those who “heareth these words of mine, and doeth them,” and He's talking about those who “heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not.” These can only loosely be Christians. He's not talking about the lost world. Jesus is talking about Christians who, in their own life, are not being obedient to God. They are not loving God, which is not being obedient, therefore He says, “I never knew you.” His seed was not in them. Let me show you more proof of this in the parable of the 10 virgins: (Mat.25:1) Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. (2) And five of them were foolish, and five were wise. Obviously, they had to be Christians or they would not have started out with the “oil” of the Holy Spirit in their lamps. (Pro.20:27) The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all his innermost parts. The oil the virgins had in their lamps symbolized the Holy Spirit, which gave them light. (Mat.25:3) For the foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them: (4) but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. (Obviously some are filled with the Spirit) (5) Now while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. (6) But at midnight there is a cry, Behold, the bridegroom! Come ye forth to meet him. (7) Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. (8) And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out. (9) But the wise answered, saying, Peradventure there will not be enough for us and you: go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. (10) And while they went away to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast: and the door was shut. The five foolish virgins should have been “buying” the oil of the Holy Spirit all along. How do you “buy” the oil of the Holy Spirit? You “buy” it when you give up your life to gain your higher life (Matthew 10:38-39; 16:25; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24; John 12:25). You do have to buy it. You can be filled with you or you can be filled with Him. We do have to give something for His life. Jesus said we have to give up our life, and they were not doing this. (Mat.25:11) Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. (12) But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. (13) Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour. The 10 virgins were all Christians, but the five foolish virgins were not filled with the Spirit of God and they were not being disciples of Christ in their own lives. Jesus said to them, “I know you not.” This is the second witness. Can you have been born again? Yes, you can be born again in spirit. Some people like to think that they are just a shoo-in for the Kingdom because they are born again in spirit and even have the Holy Spirit. However, remember what the Bible says about the children of God: (Rom.8:17) … If so be that we suffer with [him,] that we may be also glorified with [him]. Only the ones who suffer with Him will be the glorified sons of God. We have to suffer the crucifixion of the old life; that's why we were put here. These are the ones who are going to be glorified. (29) For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren: (30) and whom he foreordained, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. These are the ones who were foreknown to be conformed to the image of His Son and be glorified. Jesus said in (Luk.13:24) Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able. The five foolish virgins wanted to go through the door, too, but found that it was shut to them. (25) When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door (indicating we have a limited time to bear fruit), and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us; and he shall answer and say to you, I know you not whence ye are; (26) then shall ye begin to say, We did eat and drink in thy presence, and thou didst teach in our streets; (27) and he shall say, I tell you, I know not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. Again, He's talking to disobedient Christians here. The people in this verse are just like the foolish virgins who didn't bear any fruit to be able to enter through the door. Jesus will say of them, “I know you not whence ye are.” The Amplified Bible says, “I know not of what family, or of what parentage, you are from.” You see, it's only by bearing fruit that we can prove God is our Father. Maturity is coming to know God the way He knows us. (1Co.13:9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; (10) but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away. (11) When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things. Paul is talking about maturity, about growing up and bearing fruit in God, and he's using a little parable here to show us how to do that. (12) For now we see in a mirror, darkly (Some versions have “dimly,” or “indistinctly,” or “obscurely.”); but then face to face (The more you grow in God, the more you truly know Him clearly.): now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known. God fully knew the elect; He fully knew those who would come to maturity. God is speaking about one specific group of people here: He's speaking about those who come to see Him face-to-face. Paul says that these people will come to fully know God in the same way God knew them. (13) But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love. God knows those who love Him. We are coming to know Him because He first knew us. Those who love God will seek the truth; they will humble themselves to the truth, and they will be obedient by His grace through their faith. An example can be found in the life of Moses: (Exo.33:12) And Moses said unto the Lord, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name (What is this talking about? Of course, God knows everyone's name.), and thou hast also found favor (The Hebrew word there is chen and it means “grace.”) in my sight. (13) Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found favor in thy sight, show me now thy ways, that I may know thee, to the end that I may find favor in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. (14) And he said, My presence shall go [with thee], and I will give thee rest. Moses is saying, “You know me by name, and You say that I have Your grace, so now let me know You.” That's the same situation with God and His elect. He has always known them by name since the foundation of the world and they have His grace. Now they are coming to know the one who has always known them. They are coming to know Him fully, even as they also were fully known. (Exo.33:17) And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken; for thou hast found favor in my sight, and I know thee by name. There it is again. Knowing us by name means knowing us by His nature and character in us. (18) And he said, Show me, I pray thee, thy glory. We've seen that the ones who were foreknown before the foundation of the world are those who will be glorified (Romans 8:29,30). (19) And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee (God knew Moses by name and now Moses is going to know God by name. The Hebrew word for “name” is shem and it means “nature and character.”); and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. God is talking about predestination and election here and we recognize this from Romans, where God talks about Jacob and Esau: (Rom.9:10) And not only so; but Rebecca also having conceived by one, [even] by our father Isaac-- (11) for [the children] being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, (12) it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. (13) Even as it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. Before they had done anything, Jacob belonged to God; Jacob was God's before he was born. That makes it obvious that “God so loved the world” means He's only loving worldly Jacob, or Israel, because these are the people who have been given the gift of faith to come to Him and believe on Him. So God had mercy on Jacob, but He gave justice to Esau. (Psa.33:12) Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. (13) The Lord looketh from heaven; He beholdeth all the sons of men; (14) From the place of his habitation he looketh forth Upon all the inhabitants of the earth, (15) He that fashioneth the hearts of them all, That considereth all their works. It's God who fashions the hearts of all people. (Ecc.3:11) He hath made everything beautiful in its time: also he hath set eternity in their heart, yet so that man cannot find out the work that God hath done from the beginning even to the end. Man cannot find the way of God unless He draws them. Yes, everything is beautiful in its time. Everything that God has made has a good purpose and that includes the evil. Isa 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness; I make peace, and create evil. I am Jehovah, that doeth all these things. The evil gives man a choice and also a crucifier of his flesh. Now, let me ask you a question here. If God predestined some to life from the beginning of creation, what is He doing with everybody else? Remember we read, (Rom.9:21) Or hath not the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? Of course, God does this, but why? (22) What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering (God has done this. In order to show His power, He has endured suffering from.) vessels of wrath fitted unto destruction (Or, in other words, “made to be destroyed,” and here's the reason.): (23) that he might make known the riches of his glory upon vessels of mercy, which he afore prepared unto glory. I don't know about you, but when I look out at the lost multitudes in the world, it makes me appreciate grace and mercy given to the few. How can you know grace and mercy, except you look out over the world and see all of the people who don't have grace and mercy? That should make you feel blessed: “There but for the grace of God, go I.” The multitudes, the masses who are going down the broad road (Matthew 7:13), should make you appreciate the grace and the mercy of God, who said, (Rom.9:15) … I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. Well, God had mercy upon us and we can appreciate His compassion when we look at the lost multitudes. God actually does do this. (1Pe.2:8) … A stone of stumbling (This is speaking of Christ.), and a rock of offence; for they stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. The Scripture says these people were “appointed,” or “designated,” or “preordained,” to stumble at the Word and be disobedient. (9) But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for [God's] own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. You were chosen to be obedient to the Word. You were chosen not to stumble at the Rock of Christ. (2Pe.2:12) But these, as creatures without reason, born mere animals to be taken and destroyed (They were born animals to be destroyed.), railing in matters whereof they are ignorant, shall in their destroying surely be destroyed. These are vessels who have been raised up to put us on our cross and also to show us God's mercy and grace. You ask, “How so, David?” When you go out there and tell them about Christ and they totally can't and wont understand, they show that what God has done for us is mercy and grace. God gave you a revelation and opened your understanding. Why would God do this for you and not for them? He did it for you only because of predestination and election. There are some objections to election and predestination even though it is clearly in the Word. The one I hear the most from people is that God loves the world but we see that it is a people in the world who believe. (Joh.3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. Of course, when people read this verse, they think it means that God loves the whole world. As we've seen from the Scriptures, the Bible doesn't teach that God loves the whole world and even in this verse it doesn't say that because there is a condition given for God's love. That is, “whosoever believeth on him” and that limits God's love to a very few. The majority are not going to believe on the Son, since the only way to have any hope of believing on the Son is to receive the gift of faith from God. (Eph.2:8) For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God; (9) not of works, that no man should glory. You see, faith is a gift from God; believing on the Son is a gift from God. The people in the world who do believe on the Son are the ones to whom God has given the gift to be drawn to the Son and have eternal life. (Joh.15:19) If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. God did not choose the world; He chose us out of the world. In effect, that means God chose not to choose the rest of the world. And so when we read verses like John 3:16, we have the level of revelation that God permits because of our lack of understanding. I feel as if the Lord showed me that when we are carnal, it's easier for us to understand this as if God does love the whole world, and therefore not attribute foolishness to God. But as we grow in knowledge, the more we see the plan and wisdom of God, and the more we fear God. Jesus didn't claim everybody in the world and here's another good example of that: (Joh.10:16) And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring (So they haven't come to Him yet.), and they shall hear (They haven't even heard of Him yet.) my voice: and they shall become one flock, one shepherd. He's talking about a multitude of people that includes us. We are included in this group. So at the time Jesus made this statement, some people didn't know Him, they hadn't heard of Him, and they hadn't even been born yet, but they have been His. God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world; therefore, our election has nothing to do with time. (Eph.1:4) even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: (5) having foreordained (or predestined) us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. We have belonged to Christ since the time God set His plan into action at the beginning. We were chosen in Him as our Savior at the very beginning. “Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold” and they are going to become one flock with one Shepherd. So when He says, “having loved his own,” He's only talking about those who come from God, those who belong to God. He's only talking about the wheat and the sheep. (Joh.15:19) If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. God did not choose the world; He chose us out of the world. In effect, that means God chose not to choose the rest of the world. The Bible says God hates all workers of iniquity: (Psa.5:5) The arrogant shall not stand in thy sight: Thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Jesus told us, (Joh.14:21) He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him. So, again, we see the love of the Father is shown only to those who love Jesus. Another verse, where the wisdom of God is speaking, says the same thing: (Pro.8:17) I love them that love me; And those that seek me diligently shall find me. The Bible says three times in the New Testament that Jesus is the wisdom of God (Luke 11:49; 1 Corinthians 1:24,30). There is a condition to the manifestation of God's love. I say “manifestation” because God loved us before we were. God loved Jacob before he was born. God loved him even before he had done anything because it's not by works, it's by election. (Rom.5:8) But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. God wanted to show us His love in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. God, who sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 41:4), loved us for what He knew He was going to create in us from before the foundation of the world (Romans 8:28-30). God loved the end creation that He saw by faith. His love is manifested for those who walk according to His commandments because they love Christ “God commended His own love toward us....” Who is He talking to here? (Rom.1:7) To all that are in Rome (You might think that he's addressing everybody in Rome, but he goes on to qualify this.), beloved of God, called [to be] saints.... That's very, very conditional. He's talking to those who are beloved of God and called “saints.” (Rom.1:7) To all that are in Rome, beloved of God, called [to be] saints: Grace to you (The only people who receive grace are the people who are beloved of God, called “saints.”) and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. God didn't give grace to anyone else. The Lord promised salvation to those who were in Christ from the foundation of the world because Christ died for us. People always say, “Well, Christ died for the world.” No, the Bible says that Christ died “for whosoever will” (Mark 8:34; Revelation 22:17). God is the one who works in us to will and to do of His good pleasure (Ephesians 1:5,11; Philippians 2:13), and “whosoever will” is only those who have the gift from Father of being drawn to Christ. (Joh.6:44) No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him: and I will raise him up in the last day. They're the ones who have the will. So, it is to “whosoever will” but, specifically, Christ died for us and for everyone in the world who is the called of God. They're the ones who are invited to partake of Christ. (Joh.14:22) Judas (not Iscariot) saith unto him, Lord, what is come to pass that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Why would He want to manifest Himself to these and not to the world? It's because He's very particular; He's revealing Himself only to God's chosen. (23) Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. And in the next chapter it says in (15:10) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. So the manifestation of God's love is for those who are obedient and who walk in Christ. And the manifestation of God's love by faith is for those who have not yet come to Christ, but will come to Him because Jesus said, (Joh.6:37) All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. God loves them, not for what they are now, but for what they will be when they do come to Christ and walk in obedience to Him. Now I want you to look at this next verse again because people like to claim it for just anybody who says they're a Christian. (Rom.8:28) And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, [even] to them that are called according to [his] purpose. But people don't go on to consider the next verse. (29) For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. The promise is to work “all things together for good,” and is made to those who love God and we know who loves God because Jesus told us those who keep His commandments are those who love Him. Those who walk by faith are empowered to obey. I'm not saying that they don't ever fail; I'm saying they are able to walk into obedience, getting closer and closer to God, because they walk by faith. We know that power comes from God because of faith (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Peter 1:5). So Romans 8:28 is talking about those “whom he foreknew.” They are the ones He predestined to come into the image of His Son, 30-, 60- and 100-fold. Everything is going to work together for their good; even chastening and the curse work together for the good of those who are called of God to come into the image of His Son. In the prophecy given to Joseph, the husband of Mary, it said, (Mat.1:21) And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins. The only ones who are saved from their sins are the ones who are already His people. Only sinners can be saved. They are His people by election, not by manifestation.

In this episode, we continue our book study of The Spirit-Filled Home with Chapter Three: Parenting Challenges. Whether you are reflecting on your childhood, working on your own personal maturity, or parenting your children, this episode is for you. This episode is all about the relationship between personal maturity and effective parenting. In it, we give a brief overview of the five stages of maturity development according to The Life Model and how God designed us to grow and relate to one another. Infants need smiles, security, and synchronization to develop emotional stability. Children need to cultivate discernment and discipline to carry into adulthood. With hope and grace for you, we're covering these thoughts and more. Thank you for joining us - father-daughter duo Marcus Warner and Stephanie Warner - on the trail to a deeper walk with God!  

Jesus wants us to come to our Heavenly Father like children. "Like a little child" means childlike, which is the exact opposite of being childish. We mature best by coming to God in prayer just like a child comes to his loving father. Watch the video version of this sermon.  Speaking of prayer, check out my book of prayer for pastors called Amen Indeed.  If you've missed any of the other messages in this series on how prayer changes us, you can find them all here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

This message challenged the myth that spiritual maturity is measured solely by knowledge. Drawing from Paul's letters to the Corinthians, we were reminded that love, not gifting, eloquence, or Bible literacy, is the true evidence of Christlikeness. Jesus didn't just know Scripture; He embodied it, proclaiming good news to the poor and freedom to the oppressed. That same Word must move beyond our eyes and into our hearts if we are to reflect Him. When the Word goes through us, not just around us, it reshapes our character and deepens our love. Maturity isn't information; it's transformation. So this week, we're invited to do more than read Scripture. We're invited to let Scripture read us.

https://www.madisonchristian.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Always-Only-Jesus.png Always, Only, Jesus: From Mystery to Maturity false no 00:43:12

Ephesians 4:1-16 Pastor Scott Skones

Out of love for Christ, the faithful church will be supremely focused on seeing its members come to maturity. Pastor Micah preaches at King's Cross Church.

TEXT US A COMMENT!In this episode, we expose certainty as a drug that sedates responsibility and delays obedience. We break down the “loophole language” men use to stall their calling, why our culture is addicted to guarantees, and what uncertainty actually does to forge courage, leadership, and faith.You'll walk away with a tactical certainty detox: a loophole audit, a 24-hour decision rule, and a simple next-step execution plan to stop negotiating with your future and start moving like a man.WHY CERTAINTY IS DANGEROUS (What it costs you)Certainty doesn't just delay decisions. It delays destiny.It delays obedience. It kills momentum. It rots leadership. It trains cowardice. It steals years. 7 Loophole Phrases (and what they really mean)“I'm praying about it.”Translation: “I'm stalling and calling it spiritual.”“I'm waiting for the right timing.”Translation: “I want conditions to remove the cost.”“I need to think about it more.”Translation: “I'm hoping the pressure goes away.”“I just need more information.”Translation: “I don't want to be responsible if it fails.”“I don't know what to do.”Translation: “I do know. I just don't want to do it.”“I'm not ready.”Translation: “I'm afraid of exposure and discomfort.”“What if it doesn't work?”Translation: “I'd rather stay stuck than risk loss.”WHY WE NEED UNCERTAINTY (Uncertainty is not the enemy)Faith. You learn trust without controlling the outcome.Courage. You move with fear present, not fear absent.Ownership. You stop blaming “lack of clarity” and start taking responsibility.Adaptation. You learn to correct mid-stride instead of freezing.Maturity. You stop needing guarantees and start needing conviction.You don't get a future without uncertainty. You get a future by moving through it.SOTD: Ecclesiastes 11:4 (ESV)“He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.”MARCHING ORDERS: This week, kill one loophole sentence.Pick the area you've been “waiting to be sure,” and take the next step within 24 hours.Support the show TDMP SITE: https://dangerousmanpodcast.com/ Grab some DANGEROUS GEAR in our shop https://dangerousmanpodcast.com/shop/ Support the show for as little as $3 a month https://www.buzzsprout.com/2080275/supporters/new Follow us on X for more shenanigans https://twitter.com/TDMPodcast603 Follow us on Instagram for extra shenanigans https://www.instagram.com/thedangerousmanpodcast/ Connect with Matt Fortin & Rory Lawrence Email us at: thedangerousmanpodcast@gmail.com Remember men... Stop trying & start training! Top Men's Podcast for 2024... https://podcasts.feedspot.com/mens_podcasts/

As part of the Harsh Realities of UX Maturity series, Darren explains the various layers and angles that are associated with and affected by different UX maturity levels among team members and clients through the story of a project. He also provides strategic insights on how to succeed when stakeholders and clients lack UX maturity.REMINDER: Video is available for this episode via select resources. #ux#podcasts#cxofmradio#cxofm#realuxtalk#worldofux#worldouxBookmark the new World of UX website at https://www.worldoux.com. Visit the UX Uncensored blog at https://uxuncensored.medium.com. Get your specialized UX merchandise at https://www.kaizentees.com.

On today's episode, Andy and DJ are joined by entrepreneur and author Pejman Ghadimi. They answer your questions on how to calculate what risks are worth taking in life, how to decide between investing in new equipment or new employees when growing your business, and how to pick between choosing your own path to success vs. following someone else's blueprint.

In this conversation, Creighton Bertrand shares his journey into manhood — navigating confusion, responsibility, faith, and identity in a culture that often leaves men without clear direction. We talk about why so many men feel stuck or lost, the cost of avoiding responsibility, and how true masculinity is formed through commitment, discipline, and purpose. This episode is a call for men to grow up, take ownership of their lives, and step fully into the kind of man they were created to be.   Know more about Sathiya's work: Join DEEP CLEAN SIGNATURE PROGRAM Join Deep Clean Inner Circle - The Brotherhood You Neeed (+ get coached by Sathiya) For Less Than $2/day Submit Your Questions (Anonymously) To Be Answered On The Podcast Get A Free Copy of The Last Relapse, Your Blueprint For Recovery Watch Sathiya on Youtube For More Content Like This   Want to know more about Creighton? Follow Creighton On Instagram   Chapters: (00:00) Introduction & Creighton's Story (02:14) Why So Many Men Feel Lost Today (05:01) The Absence of Clear Masculine Direction (07:32) Comfort, Avoidance, and Delayed Manhood (10:18) The Role of Responsibility in Maturity (13:06) Faith, Conviction, and Identity Formation (16:02) What Culture Gets Wrong About Masculinity (18:49) The Crossroad Every Man Eventually Faces (21:35) Choosing Growth Over Ease (24:10) What Stepping Up Actually Looks Like

In this episode, Ricardo warns against a common mistake in organizations: believing that more tools and software mean more maturity. Many companies invest in expensive platforms, dashboards, and impeccable reports, but continue to make poor decisions. Tools don't create maturity; they only highlight what already exists. If there is no prioritization, clear criteria, and decisions, technology only organizes the confusion. Teams end up spending more time feeding systems than thinking about projects. Abundant indicators do not compensate for the absence of priorities. Maturity is not about having the best software, but about knowing who decides, based on what criteria, and what changes when something deviates from the plan. Without this, any tool becomes just a digital ornament. Listen to the podcast to learn more!

In Christ. In Community. In Lebanon.https://www.cornerstonelebanon.com/Youtube LivestreamThe Scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments (66 books) are the unique, divinely inspired, authoritative word of God that came through human agents under God's providence. Its primary purpose is to make us wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:15), who is the ultimate revelation of Eternal Life that the Scriptures testify about (John 5:39; Luke 24:25-27).

Composure + Maturity = Liberty Flames weathering Jax St physicality by Ed Lane

Every new year brings fresh energy, bold affirmations, and big promises to ourselves. Gyms fill up, goals get written down, and motivation runs high. But weeks later, many of those intentions fade. In this episode of Personal Mastery Training, Alvin and Raymond unpack a powerful truth: affirmations alone don't create change—discipline does. Without aligned action, positive self-talk can quietly turn into self-deception. Key Highlights Affirmations shape identity, but discipline proves it Saying "this is who I am" only works when daily actions align with that identity. Without discipline, affirmations lead to internal conflict When actions don't match words, confidence erodes and self-trust breaks down. Discipline is a muscle, not a personality trait It's built through repetition, fundamentals, and small daily commitments—not willpower bursts. Focus on process, not outcome Mastery comes from consistently executing simple actions, regardless of short-term results. You are already consistent—just maybe in the wrong areas The same consistency that reinforces bad habits can be redirected toward growth. Shame kills progress; proof builds confidence Beating yourself up reinforces failure. Tracking what you do right creates momentum. Put the odds in your favor Schedule important habits in non-competing times of day and simplify the steps to start. Maturity is discipline over time True growth happens when goals are allowed to mature through patience, fundamentals, and lived experience. Personal mastery isn't about dramatic resolutions or perfect streaks—it's about falling in love with the process. Affirmations matter, but only when they're grounded in disciplined action, integrity, and fundamentals. Start small. Build proof. Stay in the process. Because mastery isn't a destination—it's a way of living.

Today, I am joined by Kerry Brown from Strong Roots Resources to talk through the new approach we are taking with the LFTN food forest and how he is using mother nature to progress the system through to maturity one season at a time. Tapping into what we know about the soil and conditions here, native plants, what the people in our community want to eat, and working toward a system that does not require many hours to maintain. When you work with nature, you develop systems that you can help along rather than battle with constantly. Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com Sponsor 2: StrongRootsResources.com Featured Event: March 7 Combat Midwife Training

In the second segment of Harsh Realities of UX Maturity, Darren presents a series of questions referred to as "The UX Maturity Challenge." These questions offer opportunities for introspection, allowing listeners to reflect on their perceptions of the discipline and how they inform its well-being. Are you up for the challenge? Check it out!REMINDER: Video is available for this episode via select resources. #ux#podcasts#cxofmradio#cxofm#realuxtalk#worldofux#worldouxBookmark the new World of UX website at https://www.worldoux.com. Visit the UX Uncensored blog at https://uxuncensored.medium.com. Get your specialized UX merchandise at https://www.kaizentees.com.

What does unwavering faith actually look like when life gets painful, confusing, and far harder than you expected? In this episode of The Impossible Life Podcast, Garrett and Nick break down why faith isn't tested in comfort—it's revealed in adversity.Using stories from Navy SEAL training, endurance sports, Scripture, and real-life leadership, the guys unpack three critical keys to sustaining faith through difficulty. First, they explain why mature men must learn to internalize and process hardship, instead of venting, avoiding, or outsourcing every challenge. Difficulty isn't meant to destroy you. It's raw material meant to be refined. Next, they reveal how timeframe orientation determines whether you quit in the valley or endure to the mountaintop. When men lose faith, it's often because they're operating on the wrong timeline and expecting eternal outcomes on short-term clocks. Finally, the conversation lands on the most decisive factor of all: authority. What you give ultimate authority to—what you trust more than circumstances—will determine whether your faith collapses or becomes unshakable. This episode is a blueprint for men who want to grow stronger, not bitter… resilient, not reactive… and faithful no matter how long the fight lasts.Apply for the Mindset Mastery Scholarship by January 14thJoin a group of likeminded Impossible Life listeners in our FREE Skool community by clicking here.Get the Purpose Playbook by clicking hereGet the FREE Basic Discipline Training 30 Day Program by clicking hereJoin us in Mindset Mastery by clicking hereIf you're a man that wants real accountability and training to be a leader, click here.Level up your nutrition with IDLife by clicking hereGET IN TOUCHSocial Media - @theimpossiblelifeEmail - info@theimpossible.life

There are more than 200 references to diet found in the Scriptures, shining light on how our spiritual nourishment impacts every aspect of life: from our maturity, personal health, and church involvement to our values and future decisions. In this installment of the series "Diet," Dr. Gabriel Allen Powell challenges us to examine not just what we eat, but what we feed our souls. Are we truly immersing ourselves in God's Word, or have we settled for a distracted spiritual life?Support the showText encounteratl to 94000 to stay up-to-date on all things Encounter.Worship with EncounterSundays at 11 AM ET | Wednesdays at 7:30 PM ETSupport EncounterText egive to 77977 Connect with EncounterFacebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | WebsiteConnect with Dr. GabeInstagram | YouTube | Website

Did you have response ability?  Dr. Rick Explains

1.11.2026 - The Dream Disciples - Love In Practice (Maturity) - Luke 10:30-35, 1 John 3:11-18 by Anacostia River Church

How did the Holy Spirit guide the Apostle Paul to Macedonia where people were waiting to hear the gospel? Listen to this message continuing the background of the Epistle to the Thessalonian believers. Follow Paul's travels to Thessalonica where Paul taught from the Word of God about the Messiah for several weeks. Hear how the unbelieving Jews roughed up Jason where Paul and Silas were staying.

The second part of our 2026 theme.

Champions of Faith: Models of Maturity with Pastor Jason Eddy

Thurl Bailey, Utah Jazz TV Broadcast Analyst, joins the program to talk youth development for the Utah Jazz following the latest win against Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks.

Hour 2 of JJ & Alex with Jeremiah Jensen and Alex Kirry. Thurl Bailey, Utah Jazz TV Broadcast Analyst NFL Blitz: NFL Wild Card weekend is upon us! The Top 10

JJ & Alex with Jeremiah Jensen and Alex Kirry on January 9, 2025. Fiesta Bowl delivers with great football Demond Williams Transfer Saga is over Would You Rather? Thurl Bailey, Utah Jazz TV Broadcast Analyst NFL Blitz: NFL Wild Card weekend is upon us! The Top 10 Cole Bagley, Utah Mammoth insider for KSL Sports NCAA denies Ole Miss QB Chambliss' waiver for 6th year Best and Worst of the Day

In this episode of The Impossible Life Podcast, Garrett and Nick lay out three non-negotiable beliefs that godly men must have if they want to endure adversity, carry responsibility, and fulfill God's purpose for their lives. These aren't motivational ideas — they're foundational truths rooted in Scripture and revealed through how men actually live, work, and lead.The conversation walks through why beliefs reveal themselves through actions, not words, and how default, emotion-driven beliefs quietly sabotage men under pressure. Garrett and Nick unpack what happens when men don't believe they were made to be strong, made to work, and made to lead — and how that lack of belief shows up as complaining, quitting, avoidance, and identity confusion.This episode challenges men to stop letting culture define masculinity and instead anchor their identity in biblical truth. If you want to build endurance, carry weight without resentment, work with purpose, and lead with responsibility, these three beliefs aren't optional — they're essential.Apply for the Mindset Mastery Scholarship by January 14thJoin a group of likeminded Impossible Life listeners in our FREE Skool community by clicking here.Get the Purpose Playbook by clicking hereGet the FREE Basic Discipline Training 30 Day Program by clicking hereJoin us in Mindset Mastery by clicking hereIf you're a man that wants real accountability and training to be a leader, click here.Level up your nutrition with IDLife by clicking hereGET IN TOUCHSocial Media - @theimpossiblelifeEmail - info@theimpossible.life

A multi-generational farm survival story isn't just about hard work—it's about market evolution. On the Hay Kings podcast, Mike Stefan of Stefan Hay Company joins Jon Paul Driver to explain how he transitioned from a school teacher to a premier forage producer by treating the "East Coast/West Coast" divide as an opportunity. From leveraging his "OCD" to dominate the high-stakes show-cow market to building a retail "Walmart of Hay," Mike breaks down the necessity of being a "competent neighbor" in an era of massive dairy consolidation. This episode is required listening for growers looking to diversify their operations, producers managing multi-generational transitions, and anyone navigating the complex logistics of the modern hay trade. Hosted by Jon Paul Driver Sponsored by Krone - Dedicated to Hay and Forage Growers Learn more at Hay-Kings.com

1 Peter 2:9-12 (ESV)Andrew, Isack, and Edwin discuss the war being waged against our souls from the enemy, the world, and our flesh.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=24006The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Let's talk about something uncomfortable.Not dramatic. Not viral.But real.Women don't usually lose attraction overnight.It doesn't disappear after one fight, one mistake, or one bad day.Attraction fades quietly.Slowly.Through patterns.The first crack usually comes from emotional safety.When a woman feels unheard… dismissed… or emotionally alone—even while in a relationship—something inside her starts to shut down.She may still care.She may still stay.But desire begins to leave.Then there's inconsistency.Strong words, weak actions.Present one day, distant the next.Attraction doesn't grow from intensity—it grows from reliability.Another major shift happens when self-respect erodes.When someone tolerates disrespect, over-pleases, or abandons their boundaries, it quietly changes how they're perceived.Confidence isn't loud.It's stable.Emotional immaturity also plays a role.Avoiding hard conversations.Deflecting accountability.Shutting down instead of showing up.Maturity feels safe.Avoidance feels exhausting.Then comes stagnation.No growth.No ambition.No forward movement.Attraction struggles when one person feels like they're evolving and the other is standing still.Sometimes love turns into neediness disguised as care.Constant reassurance.Fear of being left.Making one person your entire identity.Love should feel like choice—not pressure.Conflict reveals a lot.Anyone can be calm when life is easy.But attraction is tested in stress, disagreement, and uncertainty.How you communicate then matters more than any romantic moment.Another quiet killer is being taken for granted.Effort fades.Curiosity disappears.Appreciation becomes rare.Familiarity without care feels invisible.There's also misalignment.You can have chemistry and still grow apart when values, priorities, or future visions don't match.Love needs direction—not just emotion.And finally, there's the loss of polarity.When individuality disappears and the connection becomes emotional dependence, desire often flattens.Attraction thrives on grounded confidence—not emotional merging.Here's the truth most people don't want to hear:Women don't usually leave because they stopped loving.They leave because they felt unseen, unsafe, or emotionally alone for too long.Attraction doesn't ask for perfection.It asks for presence.Consistency.Growth.And responsibility.That's the real conversation no one likes to have.

What does it really mean to lead with integrity when institutions fail and people disappoint? In this Ask Me Anything episode of Order of Man, Ryan Michler answers real questions from the community on leadership, anger and forgiveness, building passive income, physical fitness, accountability, and personal standards. Ryan shares hard-earned insights on responsibility, discipline, and how to operate with clarity in uncertain times. This candid AMA delivers practical guidance and mindset shifts for men committed to growth, strength, and personal ownership. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Ask Me Anything Kickoff 02:42 Asking Better Questions as a Leader 13:36 The Quality Ryan Is Most Proud Of 19:27 Passive Income and Multiple Streams 28:21 Faith, Truth, and Broken Institutions 33:50 Society, Maturity, and Self-Control 41:32 Baseline Physical Aptitude Test Explained 44:16 Letting Go of Anger and Forgiveness 54:52 Dealing With People Who Drop the Ball Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood. Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

1 Peter 2:1-3 (ESV)Andrew, Isack, and Edwin discuss Peter's metaphor of pure spiritual milk related to the Word and how it is different from the Hebrew author's similar metaphor.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=23976The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

You may not be ready for what you are asking God for. In this message, Dr. Gabriel Allen Powell dives into how God's perspective on time differs from our own desires and expectations. He challenges listeners to embrace growth, responsibility, and patience as they wait for God's perfect timing in their lives.Dr. Gabe confronts feelings of offense at God, cultural misconceptions around success, and the myth that every new year is guaranteed to bring instant breakthroughs.Support the showText encounteratl to 94000 to stay up-to-date on all things Encounter.Worship with EncounterSundays at 11 AM ET | Wednesdays at 7:30 PM ETSupport EncounterText egive to 77977 Connect with EncounterFacebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | WebsiteConnect with Dr. GabeInstagram | YouTube | Website

Sermon by Jake Blair on January 4, 2026. Key scripture: Ephesians 4:11-14 What if the deep transformation you long for isn't found in another resolution, but in a slow, steady life of following Jesus together?