Podcasts about Mordecai

My favorite parenting advice that I received was inspired by this powerful advice Mordecai gave to Esther. Let's dive into Esther 4:14. And grab study guides for the whole family here: - To get Cali's scripture study guide for adults click here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSSOr purchase on Amazon: https://a.co/d/07HMYuKo-Grab Kristen's copies of helpful PDFs and study guides here: https://shop.kristenwalkersmith.com/products/ Check out her YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@startherestudy/shortsGet our NEW 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0p3Ds0t Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Old Testament Bible Study Podcast. Come Follow Me Podcast for Primary Aged Kids at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This week we are learning all about Esther!“Thou Art Come … for Such a Time as This”Are you looking for a scripture study church podcast? You are listening to Come Follow Me Kids! A Come Follow Me Podcast For Kids. This is specifically a Primary Podcast or Primary Scripture Study Poscast that studies Come Follow Me. Welcome to Come Follow Me Kids! We are a scripture study podcast that accompanies the Come Follow Me Manual by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We play games, sing songs, and tell stories to go along with the scriptures. This year we are specifically studying the Old Testament. We sometimes use audio clips from the Friend Magazine and other church sources, however we are not officially sponsored by the church in any way. If your children would like a free baptism shout out or to be guests on this podcast, email us at comefollowmekidspodcast@gmail.com. If you like this podcast, please leave us a review. Thank you! “Thou Art Come … for Such a Time as This”EstherMany events in the book of Esther might seem like luck or coincidence. How else do you explain how an orphaned Jewish girl became the queen of Persia at just the right time to save her people from slaughter? What are the chances that Esther's cousin Mordecai would happen to overhear a plot to assassinate the king? Were these coincidences, or were they part of a divine plan? Elder Ronald A. Rasband noted: “What may appear to be a random chance is, in fact, overseen by a loving Father in Heaven. … The Lord is in the small details of our lives” (“By Divine Design,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 56). We might not always recognize the Lord's influence in these “small details.” But we learn from Esther's experience that He can guide our path and prepare us “for such a time” (Esther 4:14) when we can be instruments in His hands to fulfill His purposes.

Today we are continuing in our series - Esther with Part 5: From Silence to Strategy. Join us in the conversation. This is the audio podcast.

God's name is never mentioned in Esther, but His fingerprints are all over every unexpected twist and turn. Join us as we discover how God works to bring about an amazing story of courage, justice, purpose and hope through quiet coincidences, not obvious miracles. Esther's story reflects our own: we may not always see God's hand, but we can trust His heart. Often, God's plan to transform the world is not through spectacular displays of power, but by invisibly working behind the scenes and using ordinary people like Esther and Mordecai. Like them, we need to personally love those God has put in front of us. Like an artist who can make beauty from discarded things, God's plan is to use us. That doesn't seem like a great plan, but it is! Let Him use you in His story of salvation and hope. Passage: Esther 1:1-2:18 Speaker: Bob Kadlecik

At our Testimony & Thanksgiving Service, Pastor Femi Paul, launched us into a new season with a powerful prophetic message titled "Remembered by God!" Drawing from Esther 6 and the story of Mordecai, we were reminded that although his act of loyalty had gone unnoticed by men, heaven had not forgotten. At the appointed time, the king asked, "What honour and reward has been given to Mordecai?" revealing that God's timing is never late. Building on Isaiah 49:15–16, He assured us that while people may forget us, God never does. Our names are engraved on the palms of His hands, and every promise concerning our lives remains continually before Him. The message continued through the life of Joseph, who was forgotten by the chief cupbearer for two full years until the day God orchestrated his remembrance. What others had delayed, God accelerated. The cupbearer suddenly remembered what he had failed to do, Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and in a single day his story changed forever. PFP declared that this same God still remembers His people, bringing long-awaited promises to pass at the appointed time. The prophetic charge for the month was clear: this is the season to be remembered, rewarded, and called forth into God's prepared purpose. Confession: Lord, thank You because You never forget Your children. Though others may overlook or delay me, I rest in the confidence that my times are in Your hands. In this appointed season, remember me for good, reward every labour of love, and bring me into every opportunity You have prepared for me. I declare that my season of remembrance has come, and my life is changing for the best. In Jesus' name, Amen.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes(00:00) A brief overview of these chapters.(07:23) King Ahasuerus seeks a new queen and Esther is put forth by her uncle Mordecai. He compels Esther to not reveal her Jewish heritage to the king. She is chosen as the new queen.(14:42) The villainous Haman arranges to get the king to sign a decree to kill all the Jews in the kingdom.(16:28) Xerxes is depicted as an unwitting king, as are other kings in the Bible.(19:07) Esther is determined to approach the king for his help, even at the risk of her life. Mordecai tells Esther that she is born for this time and in this kingdom to save her people. The Jews fast to be saved from Haman's decree.(25:17) Esther tells the king her true identity as a Jew and also Haman's evil plot to destroy them. Haman is hanged on his own gallows by order of the king.(27:12) Mordecai is honored, Queen Esther gets the house of Haman, and a decree is made to preserve the Jews.(28:38) The Jews have rest from their enemies. The house of Haman is destroyed as collective punishment for his crimes. The Feast of Purim is instituted to commemorate their deliverance.(32:44) Mordecai, the Jew, stands next to the king in power and might. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 383 | Esther, Come Follow Me 2026 (August 3-9) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

God's timing is sovereign and perfect, even when it does not align with our hurried human expectations. Through biblical examples like Mordecai and the wisdom of Solomon, the text encourages believers to embrace waiting seasons as vital times of preparation, character building, and protection. The article concludes by urging readers to resist the temptation to force their own outcomes, instead choosing to persevere in faithful obedience and relinquish control to God's ultimate plan.

God's timing is sovereign and perfect, even when it does not align with our hurried human expectations. Through biblical examples like Mordecai and the wisdom of Solomon, the text encourages believers to embrace waiting seasons as vital times of preparation, character building, and protection. The article concludes by urging readers to resist the temptation to force their own outcomes, instead choosing to persevere in faithful obedience and relinquish control to God's ultimate plan.

God's timing is sovereign and perfect, even when it does not align with our hurried human expectations. Through biblical examples like Mordecai and the wisdom of Solomon, the text encourages believers to embrace waiting seasons as vital times of preparation, character building, and protection. The article concludes by urging readers to resist the temptation to force their own outcomes, instead choosing to persevere in faithful obedience and relinquish control to God's ultimate plan.

God's timing is sovereign and perfect, even when it does not align with our hurried human expectations. Through biblical examples like Mordecai and the wisdom of Solomon, the text encourages believers to embrace waiting seasons as vital times of preparation, character building, and protection. The article concludes by urging readers to resist the temptation to force their own outcomes, instead choosing to persevere in faithful obedience and relinquish control to God's ultimate plan.

What was Vashti's “no” protecting and what does it teach us about the difference between patriarchal order and patriarchy? Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner explores the book of Esther, unpacking divine timing, covenant-based leadership, and how a father's example shapes the way his daughters come to know God.YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/tvR7kyKdIkQALL EPISODES/SHOW NOTESfollowHIM website: https://www.followHIM.co FREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBook WEEKLY NEWSLETTERhttps://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletter SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE0:00 - Part 1 - Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner3:40 Welcome Dr. Gardner5:51 Women of Covenant Leadership nonprofit9:07 Come, Follow Me Manual10:58 The Amsterdam Airport story13:41 Tender mercies aren't random14:50 Faith is trust in the Lord's timing16:47 Why we record sacred experiences19:02 The king's feast and Vashti's refusal21:33 Adam and Eve and the pattern24:12 Defining patriarchal order vs. patriarchy27:19 Vashti refuses to be objectified29:28 “She showed moxie”31:38 Every man in his own home33:56 D&C 121 applies to women, too34:41 Dad: “That's my wife”38:23 The king remembers Vashti40:57 Confidence, virtue, and charity42:51 Why prophets speak differently to men and women44:34 Lead the world, don't be led by it46:49 What presiding really means49:46 Barb and Dustin's marriage52:33 Mordecai adopts Esther55:07 Adoption and birthright57:30 Esther becomes queen1:00:01 Daughters should listen to their fathers1:03:43 Fathers, daughters, and the nature of God1:06:17 Boundaries are love1:07:20 The trampoline date story1:10:50 The blind girl on the train1:12:52 End of Part 1 - Dr. Barbara Morgan GardnerThanks to the followHIM team:Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish TranscriptsAmelia Kabwika: Portuguese TranscriptsHeather Barlow: Communications DirectorSydney Smith: Social Media, Graphic Design "Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com

Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner continues exploring pride versus humility, divine timing in the king's sleepless night, and Esther's courage, drawing modern parallels to covenant identity.YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/epA6XqZ9EsUALL EPISODES/SHOW NOTESfollowHIM website: https://www.followHIM.coNOW AVAILABLE INSpanish:  ⁨ @followHIMespañol French:  ⁨ @followHIMFrançais Portuguese:  ⁨ @followHIMPortuguês  FREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBook WEEKLY NEWSLETTERhttps://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletter SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE0:00  Part 2 - Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner2:52 Haman's promotion and Mordecai's refusal to bow5:59 The decree to destroy the Jews9:26 Mordecai's sackcloth and public mourning13:14 Esther learns the full weight of the decree17:43 President Nelson: A modern-day Mordecai19:55 Lorenzo Snow: deliverance prepared beforehand22:29 Sacrifice and faith24:57 Esther calls for 3-day fast28:24 Esther's spiritual gifts31:22 President Benson warns against pride34:46 The king's restless night38:40 Haman's public humiliation42:34 The king believes Esther46:40 Esther as type of Jesus Christ49:12 Esther crowns Mordecai51:39 Joy replaces mourning55:25 Be Esthers57:49 Covenant Keeper, not marital status58:42 End of Part 2 – Dr. Barbara Morgan GardnerThanks to the followHIM team:Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish TranscriptsAmelia Kabwika: Portuguese TranscriptsHeather Barlow: Communications DirectorSydney Smith: Social Media, Graphic Design "Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com

Let's hop into the Tardis and take you back to a simpler time. Hold up your sporks and prepare to ship Sherlock with the Onceler. Do you remember when Johnny Depp was basically just Jack Sparrow in every damn movie? Let us remind you with Mortdecai[2015]. Depp plays the titular lord Mordecai. He's English and he has a bad mustache. That's a whole recurring joke they drive into the ground faster than a Robin Reliant strapped to a rocket. He has a wife, Gweneth Paltrow, and a rival in Ewan Mcgregor who's horny for her. He's deep in tax dept to the state and takes a job to help locate … Continue reading "Popcorn Pulse 268: The Johnny Bucket"

Chapter 4 begins with a specific incident of the confusion from chapter 3: the response of Mordecai. Mordecai responds with the standard way of communicating grief.

In this episode of Don't Miss This, Dave Butler and Grace Freeman study the book of Esther, one of the Bible's most remarkable stories of courage, faith, and redemption. Although God's name is never mentioned in the book, His hand can be seen on every page as He quietly prepares people and circumstances to bring about deliverance. Esther reminds us that even when the Lord seems absent, He is still writing a story of hope. As Queen Vashti, Mordecai, and Esther each make courageous choices, the discussion explores how God often works through ordinary people who are willing to trust Him. From unexpected opportunities to faithful friendships and timely acts of courage, every moment reveals that the Lord is present in ways we may only recognize when we look back. The story invites us to reflect on where we have already seen God's hand in our own lives. The episode also highlights Mordecai's famous reminder that Esther may have come "for such a time as this," encouraging us to trust that God has been preparing us long before we realize what lies ahead. Rather than calling only a few people to great acts of service, the Lord invites each of us to participate in quiet rescues, strengthening and lifting those He has placed in our path. Above all, the story of Esther points to Jesus Christ, whose redeeming power turns mourning into joy and fear into hope. Just as the decree of death was reversed and became a day of celebration, the gospel promises that every sorrow can one day be transformed. Because of Christ, our story is never finished on its hardest day. The Lord is still at work, leading us toward the good day He has prepared. Chapters: 00:00 Welcoming new and returning viewers 06:14 Uniqueness of the Book of Esther 09:39 Queen Vashti's defiance and beauty 11:38 Vashti's Humiliation and Rescue Story 14:00 Introducing Esther and Mordecai 20:06 Esther's influence and learning from Mordecai 21:14 Reflecting on life with faith 25:28 Finding God in Mom's Support 28:14 Community reactions to shocking news 32:13 Esther's Urgent Call to Action 33:43 Esther's pivotal moment of action 37:44 Valuing every individual's role 42:15 Relationship and career crossroads 46:17 Esther's courageous approach to the king 48:48 Haman's parade for Mordecai 50:52 Mordecai's Surprising Turn of Fate 54:19 Finding hope in tough times 57:27 Social media and goodbye Sign up for the Don't Miss This newsletter at www.dontmissthisstudy.com #dontmissthis #comefollowme NEWSLETTER LINK: The Don't Miss This video, the prayer poster, and tip-ins for kids, teens, couples and individuals can all be found in this week's newsletter. Sign-up link in bio if you haven't had a chance yet!! www.dontmissthisstudy.com Instagram: @dontmissthisstudy Podcast: Don't Miss This Study Facebook: Don't Miss This Study Follow Grace Instagram @thisweeksgrace Follow David Instagram: @mrdavebutler Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrdavebutler/ Subscribe to the Don't Miss This App https://www.dontmissthisstudy.com/app

In today's episode, we unpack the hidden spiritual war behind the Book of Esther. Drawing from the Apocrypha, we explore Mordecai's prophetic vision of two great dragons locked in combat—representing the spiritual and physical fight between Mordecai and Haman. Meanwhile, through the power of fasting and prayer, Queen Esther risks everything to rescue her people from total destruction, securing a victory that has been celebrated throughout history.

Dungeon Crawler Carl casting is heating up—but is Seth Green the right Mordecai?Seth Green has thrown his hat into the ring for the role of Mordecai in Peacock's upcoming live-action Dungeon Crawler Carl series. While he knows producer Seth MacFarlane, Green says he doesn't want to rely on that connection—he wants fans to push for it instead.Could he be the right fit for Carl and Donut's ever-changing mentor, or should someone else take the role? We also react to a packed week in pop culture, including RoboCop's return on Prime Video, Nolan's The Odyssey dominating theaters, Avengers: Doomsday's big trailer drop, DC's horror take on Clayface, and more in Views or Snooze.Who would you cast as Carl, Donut, and Mordecai? Let us know in the comments.Subscribe to Radio Labyrinth Podcast for weekly pop culture talk.Keep It Canon.Watch the show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AhScsE4c4bETickets for Tim's Sketch Comedy Live Show:https://ovationstheater.vbotickets.com/event/My_Dead_Cat_Rhonda/197473Support Radio Labyrinth on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/timandrews▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀Hosts: Tim Andrews, Jeff Leiboff, Dustin Lollar and Lizzie Bruce JonesAudio Podcast & YouTube Video Edited by Dustin Lollar ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀✨ Support Our Social Media & Merch:  https://linktr.ee/RadioLabyrinth

Learn from Mordecai's watchful care of Esther how we too can pray for our children.To read the original post, visit https://www.theapollosproject.com/a-sentry-keeping-watch-in-prayer/

Today we are continuing in our series - Esther with Part 4: Activism and Providence. Join us in the conversation. This is the audio podacst.

Today we are continuing in our series - Esther with Part 4: Activism and Providence. Join us in the conversation. This is the audio podacst.

A shallow friend manages your comfort; a godly mentor helps secure your destiny.

What if the thing holding you back isn't fear of failure — it's fear of moving in the wrong direction? In this message, Pastor Chad tackles one of the most common struggles believers face: the paralysis of "what if I misunderstand God?" The answer isn't more certainty. It's realizing you were never asked to move first.In this episode:Why wisdom finds a way while fear finds an excuseThe difference between foolish recklessness and faith-filled riskHow the pillar of cloud in Exodus 13 redefines what it means to follow GodWhy the Ark went into the Jordan first — and what that means for your next stepRecognizing the difference between a resting season and a trying seasonHow God prepared Egypt for Joseph, positioned Mordecai for Esther, and commanded a widow before Elijah ever arrivedKey Scripture: "The Lord your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf, just as He did for you in Egypt before your eyes." — Deuteronomy 1:30 (NAS95)The greatest risk isn't making the wrong move. It's refusing to make the next one. Wherever God is moving, He's already there — your job is simply to follow.

Victory isn't always the finish line. Sometimes it's the beginning of your greatest battle. In Joshua 24, after crossing the Jordan, watching Jericho fall, and conquering the Promised Land, Joshua gathers Israel one last time, not to prepare them for another war, but to challenge their hearts. Because the greatest fight isn't always the one in front of you; it's the one within you. In this message, we explore how faith slowly drifts through small compromises, why wholehearted devotion matters, how your faith impacts your family and the next generation, and why today's obedience is preparing you for tomorrow's calling. Through the lives of Joshua, Esther, and Mordecai, discover that God isn't just preparing you for victory, He's forging you into someone who can remain faithful long after the battle is over.

In chapter 2, we are introduced to Mordecai and Esther. As the story continues, we see that despite the sin and brokenness everywhere, God remains faithful to His people.

Today we are continuing in our series - Esther with Part 3: Tell Me About Your Family. Join us in the conversation. This is the audio podcast.

Today we are continuing in our series - Esther with Part 3: Tell Me About Your Family. Join us in the conversation. This is the audio podcast.

Welcome back!Thanks for reading StrongFaith.co! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Episode 232-Praying Battlefield prayers00:00:06Hey, welcome back to the Remnant Rising podcast. I'm really glad that you're here today. The Lord wants to do something great in your life.00:00:14He wants to just drop something good into you. And I want to kind of talk along this lines of what he's trying to press into my heart right at the moment. And I'll just start with this context.00:00:29It's been really, really hard lately to have anything that seems to come easily. Whether it be prayer times, times in scripture, times in worship, this podcast, all of it has been really hard. Nothing has worked out right, even down to the technology.00:00:53It's just like everywhere you turn, there is an issue and a problem. And I really feel like there's several things happening that the enemy is trying to wear down the people of God. He's trying to wear down the people of God.00:01:10And you need to know that. You need to know there is a constant attack and onslaught right now to wear you down, to get you to a point where, well, you're not going to give up, you're going to love Jesus and all of those things, don't misunderstand, but the fervency of your spirit is being attacked. And it seems like with each passing moment and every passing day, that maybe you're getting further and further away from what the Lord is seeking to do in your life.00:01:44You're under attack, all right? He's trying to wear you down little by little. Friend, you have to not give in to that.00:01:53You have to not give in to that. I know here's what he's trying to speak to me. Here's what the Lord's trying to push into my heart right now. And I felt like I needed to share this with you here on this podcast, because God has00:02:06a remnant that he is raising up. You're already rising. God is bringing John the Baptist out of the wilderness, voices in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord.00:02:16Revival is not only here, but it's coming. Jesus is coming. And these are the reasons the enemy is fighting us.00:02:26And so with that in mind, I know for me, my prayer time has been really attacked lately. Just so attacked. It seems like there's no time and it seems like the level of exhaustion has just been on the rise exponentially.00:02:42Can you relate to that, anybody? And as a planner and as one who loves to plan times in the presence of the Lord, it's been really hard and difficult to not seem or feel like I've had that place, that space, that time. It's just unfettered and unhindered and you just take it in the presence of the Lord. But it seems like from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep at night,00:03:10there's a constant barrage of things, of people, of activities. And I know the easy solution is to say, well, set it aside. Listen, friend, you can't always set it aside.00:03:25Some of these things are must, must happen types of things. And I'm praying, Lord, I just want to be in your presence. Lord, just help me.00:03:36And all of a sudden he brings this verse to my mind. It's in Romans 12, 12. And I want to say the King James Version is the way this reads.00:03:45He said continuing instant in prayer, instant. New King James says continuing steadfastly in prayer. I like the way it reads when he says continuing instant in prayer, because there are some times when you're in the heat of the battle and on the battlefield that you don't have just unfettered moment after moment after moment to pray and just simply to be alone with nothing going on.00:04:18You're in a battle. How would a soldier in a battle have this unfettered time? Well, the answer is in the heat of the battle, they wouldn't. And if you're in the heat of a battle right now, then what you've got to do is you've got to continue instant in prayer, instant in prayer, whether you're in season or out00:04:41of season. Sometimes it feels like the time we have is in season and it's just easier, it makes more sense, things work out, everything flows better. But when you're on the cusp of a of a giant breakthrough, as I believe many people in the remnant are right now, you're on the cusp of a giant breakthrough, the Lord is about to pour out his spirit, move with power. Conan, I've seen that I'm most sure that he's about to do what you've longed and prayed00:05:20for and what he's promised. In the middle of that, you are in a battle for the very soul of who you are, the enemy senses the timing, he senses it all, and he unleashes the forces of hell against you. And and we know that he's been defeated already and all of that stuff.00:05:38We get that. But there's this wearing down of the saints. There's this attack on your time.00:05:42There's this attack on your prayer life. There's this attack on your time in God's word and in the presence of the Lord. You're on the battlefield. Can I just interject this continue instant in prayer, continue steadfastly in prayer in the middle of the battlefield, at your workplace, in the marketplace, at the grocery store, in the line, online, at the doctor's office for your visit, at the school, wherever00:06:21you find yourself. Don't be afraid to pray right there. The secret place is not just a specific time and place.00:06:34The secret place is wherever you make it. Wow. Come again.00:06:40Oh, I see. I feel you, Jesus. The secret place is wherever you make it to be, wherever you choose to spend that time00:06:49with the Lord. That's your secret place, that place. I'm reminded of when I was a really young believer, I was saved when I was 14 years old, so I'm still in school, was in high school.00:07:05And I remember taking my Bible with me. I would set it up on the right front corner of my desk and as class would go on, I would sense the presence of the Lord. And I've always kind of been a feeler like that, sensing the presence of the Lord, sensing the voice of the Lord, I wouldn't trade anything for it.00:07:23I love it. I want to encourage it more and more. I want to grow it, develop it. But there will be times when I would realize all I have to do to go to the secret place00:07:34is just close my eyes just for a moment and pray in my heart to Jesus. Nobody around me knows anything that's taken place. Nobody around me knows anything that's going on.00:07:45But I'm literally having a moment with the Lord in that moment. And I'm going to tell you the truth of the secret place just began to be a reality in my life that at any time, at any time I could just begin to seek his face, at any time I could just begin to pour out my heart to him. And friend, that is the heart and essence of a battlefield prayer, a battlefield prayer that says in the meanwhile, the enemy is staring at me, while the enemy is shooting his darts, while the enemy is throwing his spear, while the enemy is attacking me with his words and his onslaught, I'm literally going to just bow down in prayer.00:08:24I'm going to close my eyes. I'm going to pray in the spirit, even I'm going to be unashamed, bold, no matter where I'm at, to just pray. Moteke, say, but in the Holy Spirit and understand that the Lord Jesus is there. And that for planners and preparers and for people who just really love to soak in the00:08:49presence of the Lord, it can be difficult because it feels like you're rushed. How many people know life rushes at us, right? But also we need we need to understand deeply the heart of the father, that he loves you and he wants you to have a life of prayer, not just a moment of prayer.00:09:11And I think God is trying to press this into me and asking me to deliver it to you. And I believe even in my church at some point, because the essence of the battle right now has shifted and we're on the battlefield, we're about to receive the promises of God and the good things of God. And you can't fall right now because the enemy is trying to steal your time.00:09:37You have to learn what it means to live a life of prayer on the battlefield. In the midst of the trial, in the midst of the problem, in the midst of the pain, in the midst of the misunderstanding and what you don't know how to fix, you've got to learn how to be a battlefield remnant warrior that is raising up in this hour to proclaim the glory of the Lord and the goodness of God in the land of the living right where you are at. Remember what the Bible said?00:10:04He sets a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Let me say that again, friend, hear what that says. He sets a table, a table before me in the presence of my enemies, a table that is spread with the good things of God, a table that is spread with the blessing of God, the presence of God, the feast of his love pouring into us, the oil of the Holy Spirit. Most often we want to have those times just between us and the Lord, but00:10:39the reality is the enemy is is seems to always be there. Well, guess what? I'm going to let him set a table before me in the presence of my enemy. I'm going to knock the devil's teeth out as he watches me give glory, praise and honor to the name of Jesus and soak in the hot oil of the Holy Spirit, even while the devil throws his darts at me, knowing that the shield of my faith is going to00:11:08quench every fiery dart of the wicked friend. Now is the time for continuing instant in prayer. Now is the time for battlefield prayers. It's the time to launch out and hold on with all that you have because the God of00:11:24the universe is moving powerfully and about to keep his promises to you. I just feel that prophetic function in my heart. And so at the closing of this short episode, I want to take a moment and I want to just pray with you and for you and just believe together with you for the good things of God to come to pass in your life.00:11:50So take a moment right now and pray with me. OK, would you do that? Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray, God, for every listener.00:12:03Lord, I pray that you would empower them with the might of your Holy Spirit. I pray, Jesus, that your presence would overwhelm and overshadow them, even in the midst of their trouble or pain and on the battlefield. Lord, you're raising up a remnant, you're raising up a people, Elijah's John the Baptist's, Esther's, Nehemiah's, Mordecai's.00:12:30Lord, you're raising them up. Jesus, you're about to fulfill your powerful and precious word to them. Don't let them give up, don't let them quit, empower and strengthen them. With might in their inner man through your Holy Spirit, set a table before them in00:12:46the very presence of their enemy and let their cup overflow. Jesus, I thank you. We love you.00:12:55We give you praise for you alone are worthy in Jesus name. Amen. Friend, one final thing I want to ask a favor of you.00:13:07Would you share this episode if you're not already subscribed? Would you subscribe? Would you post it on your social media? My heart is deeply moved to reach the remnant of God's people and be a part of00:13:21what God is doing in this hour in raising up the remnant that is part of my call. And so I would so appreciate your share or subscribe. Have a blessed and wonderful day in Jesus name.Thanks for reading StrongFaith.co! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.strongfaith.co

Today I'm speaking with Mordecai Kurz, Joan Kenney Professor of Economics Emeritus at Stanford University. We are discussing his latest book, Private Power and Democracy's Decline: How to Make Capitalism Support Democracy (MIT Press, 2026). After its high-water mark several decades ago, democracy's status continues to slide globally. Capitalism and democracy, which once seemed to complement each other, now appear at odds. Free-market policies and monopolistic technologies have enriched many while driving inequalities that harm workers. Many have opined on how to fix the political and economic problems of our day, from an embrace of radical libertarian policy to socialist ownership of the means of production. Mordecai Kurz's extensive study of capitalism and democracy charts a path for balancing economic and political freedom. Since the days of Adam Smith, technology has changed rapidly, necessitating new formulations that take into account the private power centers that exercise control much like monarchies did in the Age of Enlightenment. Despite the imbalance, capitalism still remains a driver of technological progress and innovation. How can we make both capitalism and democracy work for the good of everyone? I'm happy today to get the chance to speak with such an illustrious scholar and to learn a bit more about how to understand this defining puzzle of our age. Caleb Zakarin is CEO and Publisher of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Today I'm speaking with Mordecai Kurz, Joan Kenney Professor of Economics Emeritus at Stanford University. We are discussing his latest book, Private Power and Democracy's Decline: How to Make Capitalism Support Democracy (MIT Press, 2026). After its high-water mark several decades ago, democracy's status continues to slide globally. Capitalism and democracy, which once seemed to complement each other, now appear at odds. Free-market policies and monopolistic technologies have enriched many while driving inequalities that harm workers. Many have opined on how to fix the political and economic problems of our day, from an embrace of radical libertarian policy to socialist ownership of the means of production. Mordecai Kurz's extensive study of capitalism and democracy charts a path for balancing economic and political freedom. Since the days of Adam Smith, technology has changed rapidly, necessitating new formulations that take into account the private power centers that exercise control much like monarchies did in the Age of Enlightenment. Despite the imbalance, capitalism still remains a driver of technological progress and innovation. How can we make both capitalism and democracy work for the good of everyone? I'm happy today to get the chance to speak with such an illustrious scholar and to learn a bit more about how to understand this defining puzzle of our age. Caleb Zakarin is CEO and Publisher of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/intellectual-history

Today I'm speaking with Mordecai Kurz, Joan Kenney Professor of Economics Emeritus at Stanford University. We are discussing his latest book, Private Power and Democracy's Decline: How to Make Capitalism Support Democracy (MIT Press, 2026). After its high-water mark several decades ago, democracy's status continues to slide globally. Capitalism and democracy, which once seemed to complement each other, now appear at odds. Free-market policies and monopolistic technologies have enriched many while driving inequalities that harm workers. Many have opined on how to fix the political and economic problems of our day, from an embrace of radical libertarian policy to socialist ownership of the means of production. Mordecai Kurz's extensive study of capitalism and democracy charts a path for balancing economic and political freedom. Since the days of Adam Smith, technology has changed rapidly, necessitating new formulations that take into account the private power centers that exercise control much like monarchies did in the Age of Enlightenment. Despite the imbalance, capitalism still remains a driver of technological progress and innovation. How can we make both capitalism and democracy work for the good of everyone? I'm happy today to get the chance to speak with such an illustrious scholar and to learn a bit more about how to understand this defining puzzle of our age. Caleb Zakarin is CEO and Publisher of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/israel-studies

Today I'm speaking with Mordecai Kurz, Joan Kenney Professor of Economics Emeritus at Stanford University. We are discussing his latest book, Private Power and Democracy's Decline: How to Make Capitalism Support Democracy (MIT Press, 2026). After its high-water mark several decades ago, democracy's status continues to slide globally. Capitalism and democracy, which once seemed to complement each other, now appear at odds. Free-market policies and monopolistic technologies have enriched many while driving inequalities that harm workers. Many have opined on how to fix the political and economic problems of our day, from an embrace of radical libertarian policy to socialist ownership of the means of production. Mordecai Kurz's extensive study of capitalism and democracy charts a path for balancing economic and political freedom. Since the days of Adam Smith, technology has changed rapidly, necessitating new formulations that take into account the private power centers that exercise control much like monarchies did in the Age of Enlightenment. Despite the imbalance, capitalism still remains a driver of technological progress and innovation. How can we make both capitalism and democracy work for the good of everyone? I'm happy today to get the chance to speak with such an illustrious scholar and to learn a bit more about how to understand this defining puzzle of our age. Caleb Zakarin is CEO and Publisher of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/economics

Today I'm speaking with Mordecai Kurz, Joan Kenney Professor of Economics Emeritus at Stanford University. We are discussing his latest book, Private Power and Democracy's Decline: How to Make Capitalism Support Democracy (MIT Press, 2026). After its high-water mark several decades ago, democracy's status continues to slide globally. Capitalism and democracy, which once seemed to complement each other, now appear at odds. Free-market policies and monopolistic technologies have enriched many while driving inequalities that harm workers. Many have opined on how to fix the political and economic problems of our day, from an embrace of radical libertarian policy to socialist ownership of the means of production. Mordecai Kurz's extensive study of capitalism and democracy charts a path for balancing economic and political freedom. Since the days of Adam Smith, technology has changed rapidly, necessitating new formulations that take into account the private power centers that exercise control much like monarchies did in the Age of Enlightenment. Despite the imbalance, capitalism still remains a driver of technological progress and innovation. How can we make both capitalism and democracy work for the good of everyone? I'm happy today to get the chance to speak with such an illustrious scholar and to learn a bit more about how to understand this defining puzzle of our age. Caleb Zakarin is CEO and Publisher of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/politics-and-polemics

Today I'm speaking with Mordecai Kurz, Joan Kenney Professor of Economics Emeritus at Stanford University. We are discussing his latest book, Private Power and Democracy's Decline: How to Make Capitalism Support Democracy (MIT Press, 2026). After its high-water mark several decades ago, democracy's status continues to slide globally. Capitalism and democracy, which once seemed to complement each other, now appear at odds. Free-market policies and monopolistic technologies have enriched many while driving inequalities that harm workers. Many have opined on how to fix the political and economic problems of our day, from an embrace of radical libertarian policy to socialist ownership of the means of production. Mordecai Kurz's extensive study of capitalism and democracy charts a path for balancing economic and political freedom. Since the days of Adam Smith, technology has changed rapidly, necessitating new formulations that take into account the private power centers that exercise control much like monarchies did in the Age of Enlightenment. Despite the imbalance, capitalism still remains a driver of technological progress and innovation. How can we make both capitalism and democracy work for the good of everyone? I'm happy today to get the chance to speak with such an illustrious scholar and to learn a bit more about how to understand this defining puzzle of our age. Caleb Zakarin is CEO and Publisher of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/law

Today I'm speaking with Mordecai Kurz, Joan Kenney Professor of Economics Emeritus at Stanford University. We are discussing his latest book, Private Power and Democracy's Decline: How to Make Capitalism Support Democracy (MIT Press, 2026). After its high-water mark several decades ago, democracy's status continues to slide globally. Capitalism and democracy, which once seemed to complement each other, now appear at odds. Free-market policies and monopolistic technologies have enriched many while driving inequalities that harm workers. Many have opined on how to fix the political and economic problems of our day, from an embrace of radical libertarian policy to socialist ownership of the means of production. Mordecai Kurz's extensive study of capitalism and democracy charts a path for balancing economic and political freedom. Since the days of Adam Smith, technology has changed rapidly, necessitating new formulations that take into account the private power centers that exercise control much like monarchies did in the Age of Enlightenment. Despite the imbalance, capitalism still remains a driver of technological progress and innovation. How can we make both capitalism and democracy work for the good of everyone? I'm happy today to get the chance to speak with such an illustrious scholar and to learn a bit more about how to understand this defining puzzle of our age. Caleb Zakarin is CEO and Publisher of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I'm speaking with Mordecai Kurz, Joan Kenney Professor of Economics Emeritus at Stanford University. We are discussing his latest book, Private Power and Democracy's Decline: How to Make Capitalism Support Democracy (MIT Press, 2026). After its high-water mark several decades ago, democracy's status continues to slide globally. Capitalism and democracy, which once seemed to complement each other, now appear at odds. Free-market policies and monopolistic technologies have enriched many while driving inequalities that harm workers. Many have opined on how to fix the political and economic problems of our day, from an embrace of radical libertarian policy to socialist ownership of the means of production. Mordecai Kurz's extensive study of capitalism and democracy charts a path for balancing economic and political freedom. Since the days of Adam Smith, technology has changed rapidly, necessitating new formulations that take into account the private power centers that exercise control much like monarchies did in the Age of Enlightenment. Despite the imbalance, capitalism still remains a driver of technological progress and innovation. How can we make both capitalism and democracy work for the good of everyone? I'm happy today to get the chance to speak with such an illustrious scholar and to learn a bit more about how to understand this defining puzzle of our age. Caleb Zakarin is CEO and Publisher of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I'm speaking with Mordecai Kurz, Joan Kenney Professor of Economics Emeritus at Stanford University. We are discussing his latest book, Private Power and Democracy's Decline: How to Make Capitalism Support Democracy (MIT Press, 2026). After its high-water mark several decades ago, democracy's status continues to slide globally. Capitalism and democracy, which once seemed to complement each other, now appear at odds. Free-market policies and monopolistic technologies have enriched many while driving inequalities that harm workers. Many have opined on how to fix the political and economic problems of our day, from an embrace of radical libertarian policy to socialist ownership of the means of production. Mordecai Kurz's extensive study of capitalism and democracy charts a path for balancing economic and political freedom. Since the days of Adam Smith, technology has changed rapidly, necessitating new formulations that take into account the private power centers that exercise control much like monarchies did in the Age of Enlightenment. Despite the imbalance, capitalism still remains a driver of technological progress and innovation. How can we make both capitalism and democracy work for the good of everyone? I'm happy today to get the chance to speak with such an illustrious scholar and to learn a bit more about how to understand this defining puzzle of our age. Caleb Zakarin is CEO and Publisher of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/book-of-the-day

Send us Fan MailCivilization doesn't fade out. It collapses at 2 AM. Anything with a roof becomes a death trap, and the only “safe” option is a doorway into a world dungeon run by aliens who package human survival as binge-worthy reality TV. We're unpacking Dungeon Crawler Carl (Book 1, Floors 1 and 2) and why it lands as both laugh-out-loud comedy and genuinely unsettling post-apocalyptic sci-fi.We talk through Carl's impossible starting conditions, the tutorial vibes that feel like a video game you can't pause, and the moment the series fully clicks: Princess Donut becomes sentient and instantly starts working the crowd like a born celebrity. From there, we dig into the AI's achievement system, the creepy humor, and the way the book turns “loot and levels” into a weaponized incentive structure. If you've been looking for a LitRPG recommendation or wondering whether the Dungeon Crawler Carl audiobook is worth it, we also get into what Jeff Hays brings to the narration and why the fandom treats it like the definitive version.The conversation gets real when we debate moral survival choices, including Frank and Maggie and the “kill or be killed” paranoia that the dungeon actively encourages. We also sit with the Hoarder scene and what it says about exploitation, audience complicity, and why Carl's anger feels like the beginning of a rebellion. Finally, we geek out over Carl's strategy and game-exploit thinking, plus standout supporting characters like Mordecai, Zev, and Odette.If you're enjoying the show, subscribe, share this with a friend who loves dystopian fiction and game mechanics, and leave us a five-star review so more crawlers can find us.Twitter handles:Project Geekology: https://twitter.com/pgeekologyAnthony's Twitter: https://twitter.com/odysseyswowDakota's Twitter: https://twitter.com/geekritique_dakInstagram:https://instagram.com/projectgeekology?igshid=1v0sits7ipq9yYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@projectgeekologyGeekritique (Dakota):https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBwciIqOoHwIx_uXtYTSEbASupport the show

This powerful message invites us to see our lives as a divine journey, drawing a beautiful parallel between the animated story of Moana and the biblical account of Esther. Both heroines found themselves in positions where they could save their people, but the path was fraught with danger and uncertainty. Esther risked her life by approaching King Xerxes uninvited to expose Haman's plot against the Jews, while Moana braved treacherous seas and monsters to restore life to her island. The connection is striking: we too are on a journey where God has positioned us for such a time as this. The message challenges a common misconception in the church that if we don't fulfill our calling, God's plan will fail. Instead, we learn from Mordecai's words to Esther that if we remain silent, deliverance will arise from another place. God will accomplish His purposes, but we have the incredible privilege of participating in His work. The danger in our journey isn't physical monsters or evil plots, but the spiritual obstacles we face in our workplaces, homes, and communities. Yet when we step out in faith, we experience God's provision and presence in unprecedented ways. We're given practical starting points: give thanks in all circumstances, pursue holiness, do good, act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. As we embrace these foundational callings, God reveals the specific journey He has for each of us. If you want help in starting this journey, please don't hesitate to reach out! If you want to talk to someone about going deeper in your faith or starting to walk with Jesus on a daily basis, please reach out to us at office@graceva.com

  Sermon Notes: FASTING AND PRAYERS GENERATE POWER FOR A CHANGE OF STORY Preacher: Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Okronipa Main Scripture: Luke 4:14 Supporting Scriptures: Luke 4:1, Esther 3, Esther 4, Isaiah 54:17 Core Theme: Activating divine empowerment through fasting and prayer to break spiritual resistance, neutralize demonic decrees, and legally enforce a supernatural change of story. 1. Introduction: The Spiritual Imperative of Fasting Fasting is About Power: Fasting is not merely about staying away from food; it is a critical spiritual exercise. When believers engage in fasting and prayer, they are actively drawing near to God to generate dynamic spiritual power. The Pattern of Jesus: Scripture records that Jesus, being full of the Holy Ghost, went into the wilderness. After fasting, He returned in the power of the Spirit. The Power Flow: Power must flow when we fast. Every major patriarch, prophet, and apostle in scripture utilized fasting as a baseline lifestyle to trigger breakthroughs and historical shifts. 2. The Blueprint of Dominion: Executive Control Genesis 1:26 "...let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." Created to Rule: God's primary purpose for humanity is dominion. Dominion is a legal term representing authority, executive power, and political appointment. The Ultimate Mandate: Man was structurally programmed to take charge, subdue the earth, and enforce God's sovereign will in this material realm. The Loss of Dominion: When a believer's life is consistently subject to patterns of loss, tragedy, or situations they do not desire, it is a sign that their dominion has been compromised and something else is illegally controlling their environment. 3. The Prophetic Case Study: Overturning a Sealed Decree The Irreversible Law: In the book of Esther, Haman utilized demonic manipulations, magicians, and astrologers to cast lots (Pur) for twelve months to select a specific day to completely annihilate the Jewish people. This decree was legally signed and sealed with the king's signet ring, making it completely irreversible by human laws. The Spiritual Counter-Attack: Recognizing that the crisis was rooted in spiritual dimensions, Queen Esther did not rely on her physical beauty or her executive position in the palace. She commanded Mordecai and all the Jews in Shushan to fast and pray for three days—neither eating nor drinking—and committed to doing the same with her maids. The Structural Shift: On the third day, after the fast concluded, Esther put on her royal robes and stood before the king. The fast had completely altered the spiritual climate. Before she could even state her request, the king granted her favor, promising her up to half of the kingdom, which ultimately led to the complete destruction of Haman and the preservation of the Jews. 4. The Six Supernatural Realities Activated by Fasting When believers engage in strategic fasting, they activate precise spiritual tools to enforce dominion over real-world situations: I. The Weapon of Prophetic Proclamations (Incantations) Fasting clarifies your spiritual senses, allowing your tongue to issue powerful, decree-level words. Continuous speaking in tongues is the believer's legal form of divine incantations. While dark forces use early morning incantations to try to control natural elements, believers must rise up in prayer to dynamically program their days and command their environments. II. The Deployment of Material Tokens and Signs God Works Through Elements: God frequently commands the use of physical tokens—such as anointing oil, communion, or specific symbolic acts—to anchor and express invisible spiritual power. The Axe-Head Floating (2 Kings 4): Elisha cut a physical piece of wood and threw it into the water where a borrowed iron axe-head had sunk, causing the heavy metal to instantly float to the top. The Altar Testimony: Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Okronipa shared a testimony of a family member whose kidneys were failing and was completely unconscious in the hospital. A prophetic token was deployed where his name was written down and legally laid upon the church altar. This intercepted the sickness, and subsequent clinical scans showed his kidneys were fully and completely restored. The Power of Anointing Oil (Ororo): The Pastor referenced the raw testimonies that follow the use of anointing oil (Ororo in Yoruba). A sister who was dealing with persistent medical anomalies applied blessed oil every day for months, completely curing her body and causing financial doors to swing wide open. III. The Activation of Covenant Practices (Tithing/Giving) Giving and tithing are not simple financial transactions; they are high-level covenant activations. In places like Nigeria, even secular entities understand the spiritual force of sacrifice. Sacrificial giving releases an unstoppable voice in the spirit realm that forces resources to flow to you. IV. The Release of Prophetic Healing Wine (Communion) The Communion is a literal proclamation of life. A sister who suffered from severe, un-diagnosable asthma for years took blessed communion wine during a fast, and the condition completely vanished. When administered to her daughters, it unlocked a continuous stream of academic excellence, causing them to consistently rank first in their classes. V. The Enforcement of Territorral Ground-Sanctification Physical land can be prophetically won or cleared. In a battle over real estate contested by land guards, the Pastor prophetically sprinkled blessed sand and poured water over the landscape. This act legally locked down the territory, and despite multiple subsequent attempts by intruders, they were structurally blocked from interfering with the property. VI. The Destruction of Weaponized Demonic Schemes Scripture: Isaiah 54:17 Demonic structures can be custom-made and weaponized directly against your DNA, your business, or your health. However, the Bible guarantees that “no weapon fashioned against you shall prosper.” Fasting and prayer systematically disassemble these custom demonic operations and completely destroy their capacity to function. 5. Practical Execution & Commissioning To break negative patterns and command a permanent change of story, every believer must aggressively employ these spiritual tools: Audit Your Life's Patterns: If you notice a consistent trend of losing resources, losing health, or experiencing repeated disruptions, do not treat it as a natural phase. Write down the specific area of resistance and explicitly target it during this fast. Engage in Relentless Invocations: Use the nights of this fast to loudly stream tongues over your life, your home, and your family. Speak fine, powerful words into the atmosphere to drown out any illegal demonic voice. Deploy Your Prophetic Media and Tokens: Responsibly utilize the communion, blessed oil, and prophetic parameters given. Do not stop after a few days; be completely committed to the protocol. When mixed with faith, these tokens will force your story to completely change and bring your absolute dominion to pass!

What type of planets orbit black holes? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Negin Farsad sit down with Mordecai-Mark Mac Low to crack open the mysteries of galaxy collisions, dark matter, and the massive planetary systems around black holes.  NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:  https://startalkmedia.com/show/bug-splat-galaxies-with-mordecai-mark-mac-low/ Thanks to our Patrons Alex, Sadashiv Nayak, Raviteja K, Lian Zhalka, Thomas Davis, Alex Yumashev, Charles Koehl, Matthew Maldonado, Aleksandre Khatiskatsi, Grig Coker, Matthew Ardebili, Japeth Mitchell, Gaaary, Ian Patton, Casey Steelspine, Veninator, Hannu Latvakoski, Santiago Aguirre, Jonathan Caples, Ryan Wetmore, Dan Lepping, Chris, Frank Betz, William Massar, Jason Durden, Jenny Patton, LiveAlive42, Kesh Iyer, scott ezell, Jesse Jensen, Javier E. Gonzalez, rk89, Courteney Kawalek, James Martin, seth forever, Why So Serious, Jared Kennington, andrew bash, David Pillado, Jennie Hrobak, Mariana, Robbie Rogers, Michael Huckey, Anthony Torres, Luke Gilliam, David Hasenauer, Libby Higgins, Willie Lo, Mike B, and Rhagor for supporting us this week. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of StarTalk Radio ad-free and a whole week early.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You prayed. Something happened. Then you wondered if that was really God... or coincidence... or just in your head. It's the same question Esther forces us to ask. And refuses to answer.It's the one book in the Bible that never mentions God. No miracles, no prayers, no voice from heaven — just a hidden queen, a cousin named Mordecai climbing a pagan empire, a genocide plotted with a roll of the dice, and a rescue messy enough that by the end the people of God start to look uncomfortably like the villain they defeated. In this final message of our Esther series, we sit in the discomfort of a victory that doesn't feel clean and a festival named after random chance, and we ask the question running underneath the whole book: How do you learn to see God when, by every appearance, He isn't there? Part of "(Un)Hiding Your Face," our series in the book of Esther. Scripture: Esther 8–10. New Story Church | Phoenixville, PADownload the group discussion guide here.

This message introduces the book of Esther by highlighting its central theme: the providence of God. His sovereign hand is evident in every event, quietly guiding history to accomplish His purposes and protect His people. The sermon reviews Israel's covenant with God, their rebellion, exile in Babylon, and God's faithfulness in keeping His promises of both judgment and restoration. We meet the key characters—Esther, Mordecai, King Ahasuerus, and Haman—and begin to see how God will use ordinary people and extraordinary circumstances to fulfill His perfect plan. 

June 21, 2026 | Pastor Ben Mandrell finishes our series in Esther by talking about the great reversal of outcomes in Esther 9. The Jews were supposed to be destroyed, but through the intervention of Esther and Mordecai, their salvation was at hand. Even when times are difficult, never forget that God is at work and He can perform miracles you cannot fathom.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

Esther 2:15 NKJV - Now when the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his daughter, to go in to the king, she requested nothing but what Hegai the king's eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her

In this episode, Douglas Wilson discusses the feminization of institutions and argues that the presence of women inevitably transforms male spaces. He then continues his survey of New Testament sins with quarreling—a public sin Christians often mistake for righteousness—and closes with a review of Yoram Hazoni's God and Politics in Esther. For more from Doug, subscribe to Canon+: https://canonplus.com/  

Before we resume our One Another Study, I wanted to take a look at an issue that really can deeply affect how we treat one another - our tendency to want to PLEASE people.It is natural to want people to like us.But people-pleasing and the need for other people's constant approval can quickly become an idol.From our series in Esther, we see Haman grow enraged when one man, Mordecai, will not bow to him. The rest of the kingdom bows, but that's just not good enough for Haman.And that's how it is with approval addiction. So many people can love us - but once one person does not, our entire sense of self begins to crumble!We take a hard look at our unhealthy need to be liked, as well as so many other things, today on Rinse and Repeat!(RAR2026EP25)

Esther 10 At times, the struggles and agonies of the day distort our perception of God and blur our vision of the future. That's why hope is woven throughout Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. In just three verses, Esther 10 offers a glimpse of Mordecai's blessing over Persia, giving us a foretaste of God's glorious blessings to come. Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he guides us through this powerful reminder that God will triumph in the end. Let this message renew your clarity and strengthen your hope in the bright future God has prepared for you.

Esther 10 At times, the struggles and agonies of the day distort our perception of God and blur our vision of the future. That's why hope is woven throughout Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. In just three verses, Esther 10 offers a glimpse of Mordecai's blessing over Persia, giving us a foretaste of God's glorious blessings to come. Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he guides us through this powerful reminder that God will triumph in the end. Let this message renew your clarity and strengthen your hope in the bright future God has prepared for you.

Do you feel like all is lost or that God doesn't see your struggles? Esther 6 teaches us that God is always present, even when hope seems distant. At a crucial moment, God gave King Ahasuerus a restless night, setting in motion a chain of events that humbled proud Haman and elevated humble Mordecai. Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he mines gems of truth in this powerful chapter, reminding us that God's timing is perfect and His care never fails. Find renewed hope and trust in God's faithful hand.

Esther 6 Do you feel like all is lost or that God doesn't see your struggles? Esther 6 teaches us that God is always present, even when hope seems distant. At a crucial moment, God gave King Ahasuerus a restless night, setting in motion a chain of events that humbled proud Haman and elevated humble Mordecai. Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he mines gems of truth in this powerful chapter, reminding us that God's timing is perfect and His care never fails. Find renewed hope and trust in God's faithful hand.