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As tensions and conflicts in the outer world continue to escalate, fears and anxieties intensify inside each of us. Increasing polarization leaves us deeply uncertain about the future as well as increasingly disoriented and further divided against each other. While the poles of a polarity appear to be irreconcilable opposites, they can also be seen as parts of a hidden unity waiting to be found. The true aim of oppositions is the revelation of a "hidden third" that not only relieves tension, but also renews the spirit of life. Thus, the unity missing in the outer world must be sought within ourselves. Michael Meade tells an ancient myth from Iran which depicts how the medicine we are looking for is to be found inside us. In this old understanding, the secret aim of the tension of opposites is not simply to divide and destroy, but to awaken a deeper sense of wisdom and imagination that can reconnect us to the process of ongoing creation. Creativity is the only outcome of conflict that can satisfy the soul. Thank you for listening to and supporting Living Myth. You can further support this podcast by becoming a member of Living Myth Premium. Members receive bonus episodes each month, access to the full archives of over 750 episodes and a 30% discount on all events, courses and book and audio titles. Learn more and join this community of listeners at patreon.com/livingmyth Along with these free weekly podcasts, you can now read free weekly essays and long form posts by Michael Meade on Substack. Learn more and subscribe at michaeljmeade.substack.com If you enjoy this podcast, we appreciate you leaving a review wherever you listen and sharing it with your friends. On behalf of Michael Meade and the whole Mosaic staff, we wish you well and thank you for your support of our work.
Share a commentSmoke rolls over the mountain, lightning splits the sky, and a trumpet blast grows louder until it feels impossible to ignore. That's the scene at Mount Sinai and it's also the doorway into a question that hits home fast: what does it really look like to meet with God, not casually, but with reverence that changes us?We walk through Exodus 19 to see why the Sinai summit happens in the first place. God starts with a review of grace, carrying His people like an eagle, then calls for a real response of obedience and faithfulness within the Mosaic covenant. Along the way we unpack what it means to belong to God instead of treating Him like someone who exists to serve our plans. The covenant language reveals identity and purpose: God's treasured possession, a kingdom of priests who represent Him and intercede for others, and a holy nation set apart for His name.From there we get very practical about “summit meetings” with God today: choosing a quiet place, coming with a prepared mind, and cultivating a teachable heart that doesn't just hear Scripture but listens and obeys. We also name the common blockers that keep Bible study inconsistent motivation, priority, technique, and apathy and connect it to daily battles with temptation, including how Jesus answered temptation with Deuteronomy. We end by holding two truths together: God is approachable through Jesus Christ, and God is still holy enough to produce awe and trembling.Subscribe for more Bible teaching, share this with someone who needs a reset in their walk with God, and leave a review to help more people find the show. What would you change this week to make time for a real summit meeting with God?Learn more about twenty-five years of global impact, and reserve tickets to our gala. https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/25 Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show
Episode 4186 │ July 20, 2026 Iran built a strategy to outlast any empire. The average American is doing the same — not with missiles, but with a food truck and a refusal to quit. WHAT THIS EPISODE COVERS Scott Kesterson opens Monday by naming the duality the week demands: empires are spending trillions on a war with Iran they structurally cannot win, and the surveillance state is tightening around every transaction and conversation — while in food trucks, home kitchens, and parking lot pickups across America, ordinary people are building something the machine cannot algorithm, bomb, or buy. The analytical center of the episode is Iran's Mosaic Defense Strategy — 28 autonomous provinces engineered over 20-30 years to survive a decapitation strike without a unified command signal, which is why the Ayatollah's declaration that Trump's MOU is worthless is the only statement that actually matters, and why no ceasefire negotiated with anyone below the Ayatollah has structural validity — alongside the Andrew Tate arrest in Miami, which Scott reads not as a deep state attack on a MAGA ally but as a distraction from the 33 million child abuse images being downloaded globally and the absence of any unified institutional response to trafficking at scale. The episode closes with the ground truth Scott has been finding on YouTube: food trucks, home kitchen entrepreneurs, a New York reviewer saving small restaurants one visit at a time — a decentralized, apolitical, cross-cultural movement of people making things with their hands and their hearts, living out life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness beneath the noise, and proving that the thing the elites cannot take from you is the stubborn refusal to quit. KEY QUESTIONS ADDRESSED What is Iran's Mosaic Defense Strategy — and why does its architecture of 28 autonomous provinces operating without a unified command signal mean that no MOU, no ceasefire, and no deal negotiated with anyone other than the Ayatollah has any structural validity regardless of what the administration claims? What is the difference between arresting two high-profile influencers and actually dismantling the global child sex trafficking network — and why does Scott argue that the Tate arrest, however warranted, is functioning as a distraction from 33 million abuse images being downloaded and the institutional silence of the church on the front lines where it matters most? What do Iranian provinces engineered to outlast any empire and a food truck operator in a parking lot have in common — and why does Scott argue that the decentralized, apolitical movement of ordinary Americans building things with their hands and their hearts is the same endurance strategy, just without the missiles? ABOUT BARDSFM BardsFM is a daily independent podcast covering faith, liberty, history, and information warfare. Hosted by Scott Kesterson — combat veteran, documentary filmmaker, and rancher. Over 4,100 episodes and 50 million lifetime downloads. New episodes every weekday. bards.fm This episode was researched and produced under the Spatial Terra Intelligence Methodology (STIM v5) — the analytical framework built by Scott Kesterson — with AI-assisted research synthesis at a 70/30 human/AI authorship ratio, fully disclosed. All analysis, conclusions, and editorial judgments are those of Scott Kesterson. BardsFM's faith archive includes hundreds of episodes on prayer, scripture, and walking the Way of Christ — available free in the full episode catalog. AFFILIATE LINKS Bards Nation Health Store: www.bardsnationhealth.com MYPillow promo code: BARDS >> Go to https://www.mypillow.com/bards and use the promo code BARDS or... Call 1-800-975-2939. EMPShield protect your vehicles and home. Promo code BARDS: Click here Treadlite Broadforks...best garden tool EVER. Promo code BARDS26: TreadliteBroadforks.com EnviroKlenz Air Purification, promo code BARDS to save 10%: www.enviroklenz.com Morning Intro Music Provided by Brian Kahanek: www.briankahanek.com Founders Bible 20% discount code: BARDS >>> TheFoundersBible.com Windblown Media 20% Discount with promo code BARDS: windblownmedia.com White Oak Pastures Grassfed Meats, Get $20 off any order $150 or more. Promo Code BARDS: www.whiteoakpastures.com/BARDS Mission Darkness Faraday Bags and RF Shielding. Promo code BARDS: Click here DONATIONS: If you wish to support this podcast directly you can donate here... DONATE: Click here MAILING ADDRESS: Xpedition Cafe, LLC Attn. Scott Kesterson 591 E Central Ave, #740 Sutherlin, OR 97479
The main message of this section is that the old Mosaic covenant is obsolete and that we live in the New Covenant, which is so much better. But here's the reality: for some reason, we as Christians, have a strong tendency to revert to the old covenant, back to the law. Why? Why do we do that if the New Covenant is so much better? How can we recognize this tendency and instead, live fully in the New Covenant? Hebrews 8:6-13
From the Sermon Series entitled "Creating The Mosaic" Pt ESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This sermon focused on "God's Covenant Faithfulness," tracing the story of Israel and the Jewish people from biblical times to AD 135. The discussion explored five foundational biblical covenants—creation, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and the New Covenant—highlighting how each one reveals aspects of God's character and advances His redemptive plan, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. A key theme that emerged was humanity's repeated failure and God's unwavering commitment to His promises. The conversation noted that even during times of judgment and exile, such as the destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish diaspora, God's covenants remained secure, discipline was not rejection, and restoration was always part of His plan. The sermon concluded by emphasizing that the survival and future restoration of the Jewish people serve as a testament to God's enduring faithfulness. Believers were encouraged to place their confidence not in human efforts, but in God's promises, which remain irrevocable and sure.
This week, Rabbi Ari Lamm joins Mosaic's editor Jonathan Silver to discuss the biblical idea of election or chosenness. Rabbi Lamm has argued that Genesis itself is a long sequence of choosing and rejection—Adam over the animals, Abel over Cain, Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau—and that the Bible never once tells us why. We learn how God assesses a life after the fact; we are never shown the reasoning behind the choice itself. One midrash even imagines Abraham chosen by lottery. Rabbi Lamm suggests that this silence is deliberate: chosenness is a mystery, an acknowledgment of the limitations of human understanding. Naturally, the subject of chosenness has long been discussed within the Jewish tradition, and Rabbi Lamm focuses on the debate between Judah Halevi and Moses Maimonides about whether divine election is earned or something carried through inheritance. With this in mind, the conversation turns to the theological puzzle facing 17th-century English Christians: should Israel in Scripture be understood as the church or as the actual, literal, Jewish people? And once some concluded it meant the latter, an old theological problem became a new and productive one. Rabbi Menasseh ben Israel, the great Amsterdam sage at the center of that story, offered European thinkers a way to hold Jewish particularity and universal natural law together rather than against each other, and in doing so shaped the political thought of a nation. The conversation expands on themes Rabbi Lamm explored in his 2025 Sapir essay, "The Rebirth of Chosenness." This episode of The Tikvah Podcast is generously sponsored by Celine and Kenneth Weiss in memory of their parents. If you are interested in sponsoring an episode of The Tikvah Podcast, we invite you to join the Tikvah Ideas Circle. Visit tikvah.org/circle to learn more and join.
In both 2024 and 2025, Jake Watt, head brewer at Trap Door in Washougal, Washington, took home gold medals in the GABF fresh hop category for his beer, Fresher Than Fresh. Interestingly, the recipes for each of those beers was quite different—and the recipe for the 2026 edition that he'll submit this year will see more changes as well. Fresh-hopped beers are a moving target, ephemeral in nature, and making the best possible beers today means using all the things—unkilned cones harvested that morning, Cryo Fresh pellets, flowable hop products, and even a touch of Riwaka here and there. In this episode, Watt shares insights into the iterative changes and evolving ingredients in Trap Door's medal-winning fresh-hopped beer. Along the way, he touches on: unlocking the best Mosaic character with Krush and Riwaka using deep-cut Cascade with additional thiol character flavor stability in fresh-hopped beers when hot-side hopping taking advantage of fresh-hop season to gain access to specific lots from certain growers focusing on Oregon-grown hops for fresh-hopped beers due to earlier pick windows mechanically chopping fresh cones controlling dilution and pH rise in fresh-hopped beers layering in character with fresh-frozen hop pellets sneaking smaller amounts of Cryo Fresh into beers not labeled as fresh hops And more. This episode is brought to you by: G&D Chillers G&D's new Elite 290 Micro-series is built for brewers who care about sustainability and performance. It runs on a natural refrigerant with near-zero global warming potential (GWP), has a compact footprint, and features variable-speed fans for efficiency. We've chilled beer for more than 3,000 breweries across North America, and with 24/7 support and remote monitoring, your cold side stays dialed in—day or night. Get the details on natural-refrigerant technology at gdchillers.com/podcast. Berkeley Yeast At the World Beer Cup this year: Gold for West Coast IPA; Gold for Session IPA; Bronze, Silver, and Gold for New Zealand IPA; Bronze, Silver, and Gold for Classic IPA. All these beers were fermented with one yeast: FRESH™ Chico, Berkeley's low-diacetyl ale yeast.There's something you need to know: Diacetyl is not just a pass or a fail. Yes, at high levels, it's tragically bad. But even at low levels, it masks the good flavors. So if you want hop notes to pop, you need diacetyl to be ultra-low. These brewers trust Berkel ey Yeast for an ultra-clean fermentation because on the finals table, every little detail matters. And now FRESH™ Chico is available in dried bricks for as low as $88 at berkeleyyeast.com. PakTech This episode is sponsored by PakTech—delivering craft-beer multipacking you can trust. Our handles are made from 100 percent recycled plastic and are fully recyclable, helping breweries close the loop and advance the circular economy. With a minimalist design, durable functionality you can rely on, and custom color matching, our carriers help brands stand out while staying sustainable. Trusted by craft brewers nationwide, we offer a smarter, sustainable way to carry your beer. To learn more, visit paktech-opi.com. Indie Hops Oregon hop country is heaven to world-class lager varieties, and Indie Hops is proud to have introduced Oregon's newest lager hop, Lórien, in 2022. Lórien is in a growing list of beers that have found their way to the podium and—more importantly—into the hearts of lager lovers across the country. Discover Indie Hops Lórien. (Side effects may include rampant festivity, sales bumps, and exceeded expectations.) Indie Hops—Life is Short. Let's Make It Flavorful. Midea 50/50 Flex This podcast is sponsored by the Midea 50/50 flex—the industry's first dual-compartment three-way convertible freezer. The 50/50 Flex is designed to flex with your life. It can convert to all fridge, all freezer, or half and half with just the touch of a button. Plus, with reversible doors and adjustable storage compartments, you can stay organized no matter your food-storage needs. The 50/50 Flex is also designed to maintain a stable temperature even in non-climate-controlled spaces. So it's perfect for your garage, man cave, or wherever you need a little more space. Maybe use all 20 cubic feet as a beer fridge! Check out Midea.com/us/ for more information on how to take your beer storage to the next level. Briess Malting Briess Malting has been supplying craft brewers with the highest quality base and specialty malts since the early 1980s. As Briess celebrates their 150th Anniversary this year, they are proud to remain a fifth-generation, family-owned company. They love to support the creativity and passion in craft brewing that results in amazing beers. All Briess malts are made in America, so you can count on a reliable supply chain. Barley is sourced from 300 growers in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming and Montana. Plus, technical support is available through their Center of Malting Excellence. With 150 years of malting expertise, check out why so many craft brewers trust Briess for their specialty malt at BrewingWithBriess.com. Wyeast Laboratories This episode is brought to you by Wyeast Laboratories. If you've brewed with our 1056 American Ale, you've brewed with the strain that helped build craft beer from the ground up. Four decades later, it's still one of the most-used strains in the country, delivering the same quality and consistency. As legendary liquid-yeast providers, we celebrated our 40th anniversary alongside America's 250th on the 4th of July, and as part of the celebration, we're offering 10 percent off every order of 1056 American Ale scheduled by July 31 and shipped by August 30. Already have an order in that window? Don't worry, your discount will be automatically applied. Here's to 40 years of living culture and best-in-craft liquid yeast. Check out the anniversary at wyeastlab.com.
From the Sermon Series entitled "Creating The Mosaic" Pt DSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In a key move for fertilizer tariffs, the Senate Finance Committee advanced five of the president's nominees to the International Trade Commission for confirmation.
From the Sermon Series entitled "Creating The Mosaic" Pt CSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This episode begins with a fairy tale in which a wondrous tree grows in a palace garden at the center of a realm. The tree at the center produces golden fruit; but each night a golden apple mysteriously vanishes. The culprit turns out to be a golden bird that drops a shining feather before also disappearing. The rest of the tale involves searching for various elements that represent the golden self within us that is the natural inheritance of the human psyche. In the story, the connection to the golden bird appears as light as a feather. Yet, if we do not pick up the feather of our own lives, we can miss our calling and fall out of the story of our own soul. What was once as light as a feather can become a heavy psychic load, leaving us stuck in depression, in self-rejection or feeling lost. Yet again, the idea of an inner alchemy depends upon the potential for human transformation, which is symbolized by turning the lead in our lives into gold. Thank you for listening to and supporting Living Myth. You can further support this podcast by becoming a member of Living Myth Premium. Members receive bonus episodes each month, access to the full archives of over 750 episodes and a 30% discount on all events, courses and book and audio titles. Learn more and join this community of listeners at patreon.com/livingmyth Along with these free weekly podcasts, you can now read free weekly essays and long form posts by Michael Meade on Substack. Learn more and subscribe at michaeljmeade.substack.com If you enjoy this podcast, we appreciate you leaving a review wherever you listen and sharing it with your friends. On behalf of Michael Meade and the whole Mosaic staff, we wish you well and thank you for your support of our work.
If you want to listen to the full episode (XYBM 160) from this clip, search for the title: "Ep. 160: Why Black Men Keep Surviving Instead of Thriving with Dr. Alfiee" — it was released on July 6, 2026.In XYBM 160, we sit down with Dr. Alfiee, researcher, author, and nonprofit leader behind the Aakoma Project — one of the most comprehensive mental health research organizations focused on youth and young adults of color in the country. With over 30 years in the field, Dr. Alfie challenges the stereotypes baked into mainstream mental health research, breaks down what the data actually says about Black men across socioeconomic lines, and delivers a masterclass on the difference between surviving and thriving. She introduces the Mosaic of Me identity framework from her book Rise and Thrive, gets real about compensation, self-worth, and what it means to know your value as a Black man, and shares her own personal history with depression — twice — including the story of public humiliation that followed her for eight years and the mindfulness practice that finally helped her heal.Tune in on all podcast streaming platforms, including YouTube.Leave a 5-star review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ if you found value in this episode or a previous episode!BOOK US FOR SPEAKING + BRAND DEALS:————————————Explore our diverse collaboration opportunities as the leading and fastest-growing Black men's mental health platform on social media. Let's create something dope for your brand/company.Take the first step by filling out the form on our website: https://www.expressyourselfblackman.com/speaking-brand-dealsSAFE HAVEN:————————————Safe Haven is a holistic healing platform built for Black men by Black men. In Safe Haven, you will be connected with a Black mental health professional, so you can finally heal from the things you find it difficult to talk about AND you will receive support from like-minded Black men that are all on their healing journey, so you don't have to heal alone.Join Safe Haven Now: https://www.expressyourselfblackman.com/safe-haven SUPPORT THE PLATFORM: ————————————Safe Haven: https://www.expressyourselfblackman.com/safe-havenMonthly Donation: https://buy.stripe.com/eVa5o0fhw1q3guYaEE Merchandise: https://shop.expressyourselfblackman.com FOLLOW US:————————————TikTok: @expressyourselfblackman (https://www.tiktok.com/@expressyourselfblackman) Instagram:Host: @expressyourselfblackman(https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfblackman)Guest: @dralfiee (https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee)YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ExpressYourselfBlackManFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/expressyourselfblackman
A bonus episode of the All About Beer podcast that goes deep on innovation in the beer space. Visit AllAboutBeer.com for more podcasts, to read original articles, and to get info on upcoming events.Click here to support independent journalism covering the beer industry.This Episode is Sponsored by:John I. HaasWhen every pound of hops matters, brewers need products that work harder in the brewhouse. LupoMAX® was engineered to deliver concentrated lupulin, intense aroma expression, and reduced process loss, helping breweries improve yields while maintaining true-to-type hop character. Available in standout varieties like Citra®, Mosaic®, Krush®, and more, LupoMAX gives brewers a smarter path to bold flavor and operational efficiency. Talk with your Haas Sales Representative or visit lupohops.com for details.SennosSennos just changed the fermentation intelligence game—again. Their new Intelligent Fusion Module packs five high-precision sensors—pH, pressure, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity—into a single compact module. One tank port and complete fermentation visibility. And, it's built to evolve. New sensing capabilities will be added over time, so your SennosM3 gets smarter as brewing science advances. Stop patching together multiple devices. Invest in an intelligence platform built for what's next. Visit sennos.comStomp StickersIf you've been loyal to your current printer for years, we get it. Switching feels risky. That's why StompStickers.com keeps it simple: low minimums for an easy test run, fast print times so you're never stuck waiting, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every order. Thousands of brewers have already trusted them for over 30 years, and now you can try them for less. Head to StompStickers.com and use code TRY15 for 15% off your order.OllieYou're paying too much to process your invoices. Look, it's not your fault. It's just because you're not using Pay Smart yet.Most breweries are stuck with platforms designed for general small businesses, not the craft industry. That's why Pay Smart was built. It's the new payments solution that is fully integrated into leading brewery software like Ekos and Ollie. That means less time chasing payments, fewer workarounds, and more money saved. Want to see how much you can save?Head over to save.withPaySmart.com to learn more and claim an incredible launch offer.All About BeerAt All About Beer, we're honored to share the stories that define the beer community, and we couldn't do it without the generous support of our underwriting sponsors. Their commitment helps sustain independent beer journalism, allowing us to highlight the people, places, and passion behind every pint. Their partnership ensures these stories continue to inspire, connect, and celebrate the craft we all love. Join our underwriters today and help make an impact on independent journalism covering the beer industry.Host: Don Tse and Em SauterGuests: Doug Veliky, Megan Parisi, Kelly McKnightSponsors: Sennos, Ollie, John I. Haas, Stomp Stickers Tags: InnovationPhoto: by John Holl
The IPA will NEVER DIE, and neither will this series of blind tasting podcasts if we can successfully find more beers that fit our criteria. Thankfully, listeners Benji & Suzanne went to California and brought back some all-West Coast, long-made IPAs to deepen our ongoing quest to find the country's best, and our scoresheets are showing high numbers on this one. We also discuss the deep thoughts of great philosophers (like a toddler in a shopping cart); Craig might've had a Mosaic breakthrough; and we share our overall Top 35 lists of every IPA we've drank through this series - and boy do we feel silly about some of the names at the bottom. IPAs Reviewed Blindly North Park Brewery - Hop-Fu! Societe Brewing Co. - The Pupil Ballast Point Brewing - Sculpin Elysian Brewing - Space Dust Highland Park Brewery - Hello, LA
From the Sermon Series entitled "Creating The Mosaic" Pt BSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you want to listen to the full episode (XYBM 160) from this clip, search for the title: "Ep. 160: Why Black Men Keep Surviving Instead of Thriving with Dr. Alfiee" — it was released on July 6, 2026.In XYBM 160, we sit down with Dr. Alfiee, researcher, author, and nonprofit leader behind the Aakoma Project — one of the most comprehensive mental health research organizations focused on youth and young adults of color in the country. With over 30 years in the field, Dr. Alfie challenges the stereotypes baked into mainstream mental health research, breaks down what the data actually says about Black men across socioeconomic lines, and delivers a masterclass on the difference between surviving and thriving. She introduces the Mosaic of Me identity framework from her book Rise and Thrive, gets real about compensation, self-worth, and what it means to know your value as a Black man, and shares her own personal history with depression — twice — including the story of public humiliation that followed her for eight years and the mindfulness practice that finally helped her heal.Tune in on all podcast streaming platforms, including YouTube.Leave a 5-star review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ if you found value in this episode or a previous episode!BOOK US FOR SPEAKING + BRAND DEALS:————————————Explore our diverse collaboration opportunities as the leading and fastest-growing Black men's mental health platform on social media. Let's create something dope for your brand/company.Take the first step by filling out the form on our website: https://www.expressyourselfblackman.com/speaking-brand-dealsSAFE HAVEN:————————————Safe Haven is a holistic healing platform built for Black men by Black men. In Safe Haven, you will be connected with a Black mental health professional, so you can finally heal from the things you find it difficult to talk about AND you will receive support from like-minded Black men that are all on their healing journey, so you don't have to heal alone.Join Safe Haven Now: https://www.expressyourselfblackman.com/safe-haven SUPPORT THE PLATFORM: ————————————Safe Haven: https://www.expressyourselfblackman.com/safe-havenMonthly Donation: https://buy.stripe.com/eVa5o0fhw1q3guYaEE Merchandise: https://shop.expressyourselfblackman.com FOLLOW US:————————————TikTok: @expressyourselfblackman (https://www.tiktok.com/@expressyourselfblackman) Instagram:Host: @expressyourselfblackman(https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfblackman)Guest: @dralfiee (https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee)YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ExpressYourselfBlackManFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/expressyourselfblackman
From the Sermon Series entitled "Creating The Mosaic" Pt ASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you want to listen to the full episode (XYBM 160) from this clip, search for the title: "Ep. 160: Why Black Men Keep Surviving Instead of Thriving with Dr. Alfiee" — it was released on July 6, 2026.In XYBM 160, we sit down with Dr. Alfiee, researcher, author, and nonprofit leader behind the Aakoma Project — one of the most comprehensive mental health research organizations focused on youth and young adults of color in the country. With over 30 years in the field, Dr. Alfie challenges the stereotypes baked into mainstream mental health research, breaks down what the data actually says about Black men across socioeconomic lines, and delivers a masterclass on the difference between surviving and thriving. She introduces the Mosaic of Me identity framework from her book Rise and Thrive, gets real about compensation, self-worth, and what it means to know your value as a Black man, and shares her own personal history with depression — twice — including the story of public humiliation that followed her for eight years and the mindfulness practice that finally helped her heal.Tune in on all podcast streaming platforms, including YouTube.Leave a 5-star review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ if you found value in this episode or a previous episode!BOOK US FOR SPEAKING + BRAND DEALS:————————————Explore our diverse collaboration opportunities as the leading and fastest-growing Black men's mental health platform on social media. Let's create something dope for your brand/company.Take the first step by filling out the form on our website: https://www.expressyourselfblackman.com/speaking-brand-dealsSAFE HAVEN:————————————Safe Haven is a holistic healing platform built for Black men by Black men. In Safe Haven, you will be connected with a Black mental health professional, so you can finally heal from the things you find it difficult to talk about AND you will receive support from like-minded Black men that are all on their healing journey, so you don't have to heal alone.Join Safe Haven Now: https://www.expressyourselfblackman.com/safe-haven SUPPORT THE PLATFORM: ————————————Safe Haven: https://www.expressyourselfblackman.com/safe-havenMonthly Donation: https://buy.stripe.com/eVa5o0fhw1q3guYaEE Merchandise: https://shop.expressyourselfblackman.com FOLLOW US:————————————TikTok: @expressyourselfblackman (https://www.tiktok.com/@expressyourselfblackman) Instagram:Host: @expressyourselfblackman(https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfblackman)Guest: @dralfiee (https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee)YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ExpressYourselfBlackManFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/expressyourselfblackman
Freddy WilliamsJuly 12, 2026As we conclude our Held Together series, we look at Colossians 4:2–6 and Paul's final encouragement to the church. Because Jesus holds all things together, we can live from our identity in Christ instead of striving to earn God's approval.In this message from our Held Together series, we explore:What it means to live from your identity in ChristWhy there is no condemnation for those who belong to JesusHow prayer helps us recognize God's work in our everyday livesWhat it looks like to faithfully represent Jesus wherever we goThe voices of shame, fear, and striving are loud, but the voice of Jesus is louder. When we take hold of what Christ has already taken hold of for us, we discover the freedom to live with confidence, purpose, and hope.
This is a bonus episode of Brewer to Brewer recorded during the 2026 Craft Brewers Conference. Listen as Lee Lord of Narragansett interviews Charlie Cummings of Remnant Brewing. Visit AllAboutBeer.com for more podcasts, to read original articles, and to get info on upcoming events.Click here to support independent journalism covering the beer industry.This Episode is Sponsored by:John I. HaasWhen every pound of hops matters, brewers need products that work harder in the brewhouse. LupoMAX® was engineered to deliver concentrated lupulin, intense aroma expression, and reduced process loss, helping breweries improve yields while maintaining true-to-type hop character. Available in standout varieties like Citra®, Mosaic®, Krush®, and more, LupoMAX gives brewers a smarter path to bold flavor and operational efficiency. Talk with your Haas Sales Representative or visit lupohops.com for details.SennosSennos just changed the fermentation intelligence game—again. Their new Intelligent Fusion Module packs five high-precision sensors—pH, pressure, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity—into a single compact module. One tank port and complete fermentation visibility. And, it's built to evolve. New sensing capabilities will be added over time, so your SennosM3 gets smarter as brewing science advances. Stop patching together multiple devices. Invest in an intelligence platform built for what's next. Visit sennos.comStomp StickersIf you've been loyal to your current printer for years, we get it. Switching feels risky. That's why StompStickers.com keeps it simple: low minimums for an easy test run, fast print times so you're never stuck waiting, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every order. Thousands of brewers have already trusted them for over 30 years, and now you can try them for less. Head to StompStickers.com and use code TRY15 for 15% off your order.OllieYou're paying too much to process your invoices. Look, it's not your fault. It's just because you're not using Pay Smart yet.Most breweries are stuck with platforms designed for general small businesses, not the craft industry. That's why Pay Smart was built. It's the new payments solution that is fully integrated into leading brewery software like Ekos and Ollie. That means less time chasing payments, fewer workarounds, and more money saved. Want to see how much you can save?Head over to save.withPaySmart.com to learn more and claim an incredible launch offer.All About BeerAt All About Beer, we're honored to share the stories that define the beer community, and we couldn't do it without the generous support of our underwriting sponsors. Their commitment helps sustain independent beer journalism, allowing us to highlight the people, places, and passion behind every pint. Their partnership ensures these stories continue to inspire, connect, and celebrate the craft we all love. Join our underwriters today and help make an impact on independent journalism covering the beer industry.Host: Lee LordGuest: Charlie CummingsSponsor: Ollie, Stomp Stickers, Keg Logistics, RahrBSGTags: Brewing, Books, BusinessPhoto Credit: John HollThe following music was used for this media project:Music: Hip Hop Intro 06 by TaigaSoundProdFree download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9533-hip-hop-intro-06License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-licenseArtist website: https://linktr.ee/taigasoundprod ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
7/12/2026 Hebrews 8:7-13 What Is the New Covenant? Intro: Covenant means Promise. God makes promises and He of course keeps all of His promises. God made a Covenant with the people of the earth. The Noahic Covenant…that God would never flood the earth again. God made four covenants with His people Israel. These are all everlasting covenants. The Abrahamic Covenant---The land. The Mosaic Covenant—the law. The Davidic Covenant—A king and a kingdom. The Mosaic or the old Covenant is a system of works in order to please God. It points to the lamb of God Jesus Christ who fulfilled the works required by the Old Covenant. Hebrews focuses on the Mosaic Covenant—or as they call it the first Covenant…..the law of works. It's basically the Old Testament and the New Testament. Testament is a promise. Last will and Testament. Hebrews compares the Old and the New Covenants. What is the New Covenant?
Welcome to Day 2901 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. Day 2901 – Theology Thursday – Covenants and Culture: Yahweh's Strategic Transformation of the Ancient Near East Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2901 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2901 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website theologyinfive.com. Today's lesson is titled Covenants and Culture: Yahweh's Strategic Transformation of the Ancient Near East. In the rich tapestry of the Ancient Near East (ANE), where gods and mortals interacted through elaborate rituals and binding treaties, the biblical narratives introduce a revolutionary shift. Yahweh's covenants with humanity did not merely reinforce cultural expectations; they transformed them. Unlike the deities of neighboring civilizations who mirrored and legitimized the social structures of their devotees, Yahweh entered the cultural space of His people to reshape it from within. This interplay of divine command and cultural resonance reveals both Yahweh's absolute sovereignty and His desire for transformative relationship. The first segment is: Cultural Resonance and Divine Directives Yahweh's covenantal style mirrors the suzerainty treaties common across the ANE. In these treaties, a powerful suzerain king would bind a vassal king to loyalty through an agreement filled with stipulations, blessings for obedience, and curses for rebellion. These treaty forms were widely recognized and respected in the ANE, providing a familiar and effective template for divine-human interaction. By employing these forms, Yahweh ensured that His commands were both intelligible and impactful within Israel's cultural framework. Yet the familiarity was only skin-deep. Yahweh was not adopting ANE forms to affirm the prevailing norms but to subvert and transform them. In doing so, He made divine truth both accessible and disruptive, anchored in the known but pointing toward a radically different vision of justice, holiness, and relationship. The second segment is: Theological and Ethical Reforms While the form of Yahweh's covenants may have paralleled existing treaty structures, the content was often a complete departure from ANE norms. Israel's covenantal law demanded exclusive loyalty to a single God, an idea entirely foreign to the religious pluralism of surrounding nations. Ethical obligations in Israel's law focused heavily on protecting the vulnerable, including the widow, the orphan, the stranger, and the poor. Debt release, sabbath rest for slaves and animals, and strict prohibitions against bribery or partiality in justice went far beyond the ethical norms of contemporary legal codes. In many ANE cultures, laws primarily served to protect property and consolidate the power of elites. Yahweh's laws, by contrast, reflected a concern for righteousness, mercy, and communal holiness. This ethical dimension of the covenant was not a footnote; it was central. The Israelites were not merely subjects under divine rule; they were to be a holy nation, a kingdom of priests mediating divine truth to the world. The third segment is: Balancing Divine Sovereignty and Relatability Yahweh's use of treaty forms was both strategic and pastoral. It asserted His authority as the true King of Israel while also presenting Him as a God who speaks to His people in forms they understand. Yahweh was not a distant deity demanding obedience from afar. He was present in history, entering into a covenant, revealing Himself through relational promises, and anchoring His identity in concrete acts of deliverance. This duality, sovereign yet accessible, transcendent yet involved, marks a distinctive feature of Israel's theology. The covenant relationship was not mechanical obedience to divine fiat but a personal, binding commitment from both sides. Yahweh pledged Himself to His people, and in return, they were called to fidelity, justice, and worship. The fourth segment is: Educational and Pedagogical Approaches The choice to use familiar cultural forms also had an educational function. Rather than discarding everything the Israelites knew, Yahweh worked within their existing frameworks to guide them toward deeper truths. This pedagogical method allowed spiritual and moral growth over time, acknowledging that transformation, both personal and societal, is a process. Like a master teacher, Yahweh started where His people were and led them forward. Each covenantal renewal deepened the understanding of divine character and the demands of holiness. Over centuries, the people of Israel would come to grasp more fully what it meant to be the people of God, called out from the nations not merely for privilege but for purpose. The fifth segment is: What Happens When the Covenant Is Broken? A key distinction between Yahweh's covenants and typical ANE treaties lies in what happens when the human side fails. In a standard suzerainty treaty, a vassal's failure to uphold the terms could annul the agreement and provoke swift retribution. But with Yahweh, the breaking of the covenant never canceled His overarching plan. Some covenants, like the one made with Abraham, are unilateral and unconditional. Yahweh alone passed through the sacrificial pieces, taking full responsibility for its fulfillment regardless of human faithfulness. Even when Israel sinned, the covenant endured because it was grounded in God's promise, not human performance. Others, like the Mosaic covenant, were conditional. Israel's disobedience brought consequences such as plagues, exile, and the destruction of the temple, but not abandonment. Through the prophets, Yahweh issued covenant lawsuits, calling Israel back to repentance. Even in judgment, the goal was always restoration. Ultimately, the New Covenant promised in Jeremiah 31 was Yahweh's response to repeated human failure. This covenant, fulfilled in Christ, was not a replacement or abolishment of the earlier covenants but their proper fulfillment, bringing them to their intended purpose. It is rooted in the same divine commitment now written on the heart rather than stone. Through Jesus, the faithful Israelite, Yahweh bound Himself again to His people, securing the covenant by grace rather than law. Fulfillment does not cancel what came before. Instead, it completes the trajectory set in motion by Yahweh's earlier promises, preserving their integrity while transforming their expression through the work of the Messiah. The pattern is clear: human betrayal may break fellowship, but it never breaks Yahweh's ultimate purpose. His covenants are not destroyed by sin; they are fulfilled through mercy. The sixth segment is: Yahweh Swears by Himself: The Unshakable Foundation of the Covenant In the Ancient Near East, oaths were sworn by invoking a higher authority, typically a god who would enforce the agreement. But Yahweh, being the Most High, has no higher name to invoke. Instead, He swears by Himself. This marks His covenants as utterly unique and unchangeable, grounded not in human performance but in His own divine character. When Yahweh makes the covenant with Abraham, Genesis 22 verse sixteen records Him saying: “By Myself I have sworn, declares the Lord.” This moment follows Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac. Yahweh's oath confirms that His promises regarding offspring, land, and blessing to the nations are irrevocable. Hebrews 6 verses thirteen through eighteen reflects on this, stating that because God could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, so that by two unchangeable things—His promise and His oath—we might have strong encouragement. This is not just poetic language. It means the entire covenant rests on Yahweh's own nature, which cannot lie, change, or fail. This is why Paul in Romans 11, verse twenty-nine, says: “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Even when Israel breaks the covenant, Yahweh's sworn word remains in effect. He disciplines, exiles, and refines, but He does not abandon what He has sworn. The New Covenant, too, is grounded in this same self-binding faithfulness. Christ is the guarantor, not because of human righteousness, but because He is the embodiment of Yahweh's unbreakable oath. The seventh segment is: The Land Covenant and the Cosmic Contrast The covenant for the land stands as a unique expression of Yahweh's commitment to Abraham and his descendants. In Genesis 15 and 17, Yahweh promises
Oli Banks of Stigbergets Bryggeri interviews Marie Kusa of Omnipollo's Church.Visit AllAboutBeer.com for more podcasts, to read original articles, and to get info on upcoming events.Click here to support independent journalism covering the beer industry.This Episode is Sponsored by:SennosWhat if the secret to a better batch of beer started before fermentation ever began? By understanding the way water chemistry impacts the sensory quality of finished beer, and by analyzing fermentation and other data, brewers can control sensory aspects of their product like never before. Sennos put together a free eBook that breaks down water chemistry fundamentals every brewer should know — no fluff, just the fundamentals. Download Water Chemistry for Brewers at sennos.comBerkeley YeastOur Tropics yeast is based on a London Ale strain, but we added a new gene to its genome that codes for a unique thiol-releasing enzyme. The enzyme converts the precursors in barley to free thiols that smell and taste like passionfruit and grapefruit. It's super clean. No off-flavors like burnt rubber or other sulfurous notes. Just tropical aromatics. You don't have to do anything unusual either, like mash hopping. Just pitch dry Tropics and supercharge your hazy IPA.Malteurop Malting CompanyMalteurop Malting Company (MMC) is based in North America—specializing in growing and producing quality malts for the craft beer and distilling industries. With local farms and Malthouses spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, MMC's commitment to excellence is fully ingrained into every batch it produces, ensuring breweries and distilleries of any size can create the finest beverages on the planet. Visit www.malteuropmaltingco.com to learn how MMC can support your malting needs. Contact MMC at customersuccess@malteurop.com or (844) 546-MALT (6258) for questions or to place your order.John I. HaasWhen every pound of hops matters, brewers need products that work harder in the brewhouse. LupoMAX® was engineered to deliver concentrated lupulin, intense aroma expression, and reduced process loss, helping breweries improve yields while maintaining true-to-type hop character. Available in standout varieties like Citra®, Mosaic®, Krush®, and more, LupoMAX gives brewers a smarter path to bold flavor and operational efficiency. Talk with your Haas Sales Representative or visit lupohops.com for details.Host: Oli BanksGuest: Marie KusaSponsor: Sennos, Berkeley Yeast, John I. Haas, MalteuropTopics: Brewing, collaboration, dive bars, hopsPhoto Credits: Oli Banks and Marie KusaThe following music was used for this media project:Music: Hip Hop Intro 06 by TaigaSoundProdFree download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9533-hip-hop-intro-06License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-licenseArtist website: https://linktr.ee/taigasoundprod ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
In this episode, Michael Meade talks about the various ways we can find and connect with our creative muse. He brings surprising insights into practical ways of being creative and the good news that everyone, artists and non-artists alike, has a muse. Creativity is a force larger than ourselves that wants to flow through us, be expressed by us and be given to the community around us. Meade shares myths and rituals that show how creativity is present and in abundance during the dark times of trouble and despair. Times of chaos and dissolution can also birth creativity that leads us to the next phase of life or of the world, in the never-ending dance of chaos and ongoing creation and creativity. This episode is edited from an interview on a Jung Platform Summit on creativity. Thank you for listening to and supporting Living Myth. You can further support this podcast by becoming a member of Living Myth Premium. Members receive bonus episodes each month, access to the full archives of over 750 episodes and a 30% discount on all events, courses and book and audio titles. Learn more and join this community of listeners at: patreon.com/livingmyth Along with these free weekly podcasts, you can now read free weekly essays and long form posts by Michael Meade on Substack. Learn more and subscribe at: michaeljmeade.substack.com If you enjoy this podcast, we appreciate you leaving a review wherever you listen and sharing it with your friends. On behalf of Michael Meade and the whole Mosaic staff, we wish you well and thank you for your support of our work.
A conversation with Nick Smith of South Africa's Soul Barrel Brewing. Visit AllAboutBeer.com for more podcasts, to read original articles, and to get info on upcoming events.Click here to support independent journalism covering the beer industry.This Episode is Sponsored by:John I. HaasWhen every pound of hops matters, brewers need products that work harder in the brewhouse. LupoMAX® was engineered to deliver concentrated lupulin, intense aroma expression, and reduced process loss, helping breweries improve yields while maintaining true-to-type hop character. Available in standout varieties like Citra®, Mosaic®, Krush®, and more, LupoMAX gives brewers a smarter path to bold flavor and operational efficiency. Talk with your Haas Sales Representative or visit lupohops.com for details.All About BeerAt All About Beer, we're honored to share the stories that define the beer community, and we couldn't do it without the generous support of our underwriting sponsors. Their commitment helps sustain independent beer journalism, allowing us to highlight the people, places, and passion behind every pint. Their partnership ensures these stories continue to inspire, connect, and celebrate the craft we all love. Join our underwriters today and help make an impact on independent journalism covering the beer industry.Host: John HollGuests: Nick SmithSponsors: John I. Haas, All About BeerTags: South Africa, Wine, Beer, Tradition, InnovationPhoto: By John Holl
Send us Fan MailGod tells Abram, “I will,” four times and it changes the direction of human history. We slow down in Genesis 12:2–3 and let those promises land with their full weight: nationhood for a 75-year-old man with a barren wife, divine favor that God himself sustains, a great name that lasts beyond cultures and centuries, and a universal blessing that reaches “all the families of the earth.”We also get honest about why this matters for everyday faith. God's covenant grace is never just a private gift. We talk about being chosen by sovereign grace, not merit, and why God's pattern is to bless people so they become a conduit of blessing to others. Then we hold Genesis 12 next to Genesis 11 at Babel, where people try to make a name for themselves, and we ask what modern self-exaltation looks like when it sneaks into spiritual life.Finally, we tackle the question many listeners carry: do God's promises to Abraham apply to ethnic Jews today, to Christians by faith, or in some sense to both? We distinguish the unconditional Abrahamic covenant from the conditional Mosaic covenant, then walk through key New Testament passages often raised in the debate, including Galatians 3 and Romans 9–11, with an emphasis on God's faithfulness and humility where Christians disagree.If you want a clear, Bible-centered guide to the Abrahamic covenant, God's redemptive plan, and how Jesus fulfills the promise to bless the nations, press play. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway or your question for a future devotion.Support the showhttps://www.jacksonfamilyministry.comhttps://bobslone.com/home/podcast-production/
Christians aren't lawless, but the law we live under isn't the Mosaic law, it's the law of Christ. In this study of Galatians 6:1-5, Dr. John explores what it means to gently restore a brother or sister caught in sin, why self-watchfulness matters as much as concern for others, and what it looks like to bear one another's burdens. It's a picture of love that moves us from self-focus to genuine care for others.No Compromise: The book of Galatians was written because the gospel was under attack — and it still is today. From false teachers in ancient Galatia to the distortions we encounter in our own time, the battle over the heart of the Christian faith has never stopped. Join Dr. John for this four-part series as he works through one of Scripture's most urgent letters, asking what the true gospel is, where it comes from, and why getting it right changes everything.
In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Jessica Westerduin talks with Amanda Vottis, an architectural designer at Mosaic Architects with over 12 years of experience in K-12 educational design. Amanda shares her winding path into school architecture, her philosophy of "radically student-centered" design, and a deep dive into the multi-year Saratoga Springs School District project — a "legacy" renovation initiative built on an educational plan shaped by community input, teacher feedback, and student voice. The conversation explores how thoughtful design (learning stairs, breakout spaces, informal student areas) can transform how kids feel about school, and why understanding student behavior and needs matters more than just filling classroom walls. Takeaways: Design starts with people, not walls. Instead of asking "what does this classroom need," Amanda asks "what do your students need to be successful" — shifting conversations from storage and outlets to real student experience. Community alignment sustains long-term projects. Saratoga Springs' educational plan, built through summits, surveys, and teacher/student input, has guided nearly a decade of phased renovations back to a shared vision. Dream big before scaling back. Exposing districts to ambitious ideas (like learning stairs and dedicated informal spaces) helps them aim higher instead of defaulting to "practical" but uninspired designs. Every student learns differently — design should reflect that. Just as teachers and coaches adapt to different learning styles, school spaces need variety to support how each student thrives. Ownership and pride change student behavior. When students feel a space belongs to them, they take care of it and use it — evidenced by the pride shown in Saratoga's new fitness center and cafeteria. About Amanda Vottis: Amanda is an Architectural Designer and Accredited Learning Environment Planner with Mosaic Associates Architects. With over a decade of experience, Amanda specializes in designing innovative learning environments for K-12 public schools, colleges, and universities in New York. Collaborating with clients from initial project conception through completion of construction, Amanda enjoys helping clients design projects that align with their unique educational goals and community needs. Amanda volunteers for the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) New York Chapter Board, serving as past President, and co-captain for Mosaic's CANstruction team. Episode 338 of the Better Learning Podcast For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website
In XYBM 160, we sit down with Dr. Alfiee, researcher, author, and nonprofit leader behind the Aakoma Project — one of the most comprehensive mental health research organizations focused on youth and young adults of color in the country. With over 30 years in the field, Dr. Alfie challenges the stereotypes baked into mainstream mental health research, breaks down what the data actually says about Black men across socioeconomic lines, and delivers a masterclass on the difference between surviving and thriving. She introduces the Mosaic of Me identity framework from her book Rise and Thrive, gets real about compensation, self-worth, and what it means to know your value as a Black man, and shares her own personal history with depression — twice — including the story of public humiliation that followed her for eight years and the mindfulness practice that finally helped her heal.Tune in on all podcast streaming platforms, including YouTube.Leave a 5-star review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ if you found value in this episode or a previous episode!BOOK US FOR SPEAKING + BRAND DEALS:————————————Explore our diverse collaboration opportunities as the leading and fastest-growing Black men's mental health platform on social media. Let's create something dope for your brand/company.Take the first step by filling out the form on our website: https://www.expressyourselfblackman.com/speaking-brand-dealsSAFE HAVEN:————————————Safe Haven is a holistic healing platform built for Black men by Black men. In Safe Haven, you will be connected with a Black mental health professional, so you can finally heal from the things you find it difficult to talk about AND you will receive support from like-minded Black men that are all on their healing journey, so you don't have to heal alone.Join Safe Haven Now: https://www.expressyourselfblackman.com/safe-haven SUPPORT THE PLATFORM: ————————————Safe Haven: https://www.expressyourselfblackman.com/safe-havenMonthly Donation: https://buy.stripe.com/eVa5o0fhw1q3guYaEE Merchandise: https://shop.expressyourselfblackman.com FOLLOW US:————————————TikTok: @expressyourselfblackman (https://www.tiktok.com/@expressyourselfblackman) Instagram:Host: @expressyourselfblackman(https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfblackman)Guest: @dralfiee (https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee)YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ExpressYourselfBlackManFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/expressyourselfblackman
July 5, 2026David ComstockIn Colossians 3:1–17, Paul reminds us that Jesus didn't simply forgive our sins—He made new life possible. Because Christ has defeated sin, death, and the powers of darkness, every believer is invited to live from a new identity marked by hope, freedom, and transformation.In this message from our Held Together series, we explore:What it means to live the resurrected life every dayWhy remembering our identity in Christ changes everythingHow to reject the old patterns that keep us spiritually stuckHow the Holy Spirit empowers us to live with peace, purpose, and hopeLike a flower waiting beneath dry desert soil, God has placed new life within us through Jesus. No matter what you've carried or where you've been, the gospel invites you to leave the old kingdom behind and experience the freedom of life with Christ.
Every year, a jigsaw puzzle. But this year, the pieces gelled. On this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael returns to the corporate headquarters of the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival in Woodstock (as always, delighting Dennis Lynch by calling it that) for her annual walk through the summer concert series at Orkney Springs. And Dennis has assembled a genuinely wide-ranging 2026 lineup — Little River Band, The Four Tops, Diamond Rio, a 250th-anniversary big-band night with the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, Al Jardine of the Beach Boys with Brian Wilson's band, the Bacon Brothers, and Hotel California to close out Labor Day weekend. Dennis walks Janet through each show, the low-ticket alerts (Little River Band has fewer than 100 pavilion tickets left), why the venue is genuinely 5-10 degrees cooler than the valley below, what you can and can't bring (blankets yes, tents no, pets no, food yes), and the audience zones on the lawn ("we have what we call high chairs — that's where we put the babies"). Then the conversation turns to something new: the Community Art Collaborative is bringing a mosaic project into the festival this summer. On four select concert nights (Little River Band, Diamond Rio, Bacon Brothers, and Hotel California — with more possible if demand builds), concertgoers will help assemble a permanent glass mosaic that will travel between Woodstock and Orkney Springs. Plus: the Bacon Brothers' local hero nomination form, the Hot Strings and Cool Breezes free workshop, package deals with Shrine Mont, the "pick six" ticket discount, and a firm warning about third-party ticket resellers. Buy your tickets at musicfest.org — and only musicfest.org. 2026 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT A GLANCE FRIDAY, JULY 17 — LITTLE RIVER BAND Australian rock legends, 30+ million records sold. Six years of top-10 hits.
Saturday, 4 July 2026 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.” Matthew 21:11 “The ‘also crowds', they said, ‘This, He is the prophet, Jesus, the ‘from Nazareth, the Galilee'.'” (CG) In the previous verse, when Jesus had come into Jerusalem, the people asked who He was. In response, “The ‘also crowds', they said, ‘This, He is the Prophet, Jesus.'” This response can be taken in a couple of ways. The first is that they are claiming Jesus is the fulfillment of Moses' words – “And the Lord said to me: ‘What they have spoken is good. 18 I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. 19 And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him.'” Deuteronomy 18:17-19 This was understood to be a particular prophet who would come in the future, not merely one of a line of prophets. In fact, in John's gospel, that this is a particular individual is made perfectly clear – “Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?' 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.' 21 And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?' He said, ‘I am not.' ‘Are you the Prophet?' And he answered, ‘No.'” John 1:19-21 The other option is that the words “the Prophet” refer to one of the many prophets who had arisen since the time of Moses, such as Samuel, Gad, Daniel, Jeremiah, etc. Thus, the people would be speaking in general terms. Based on His being hailed as the Messiah with the quoting of Psalm 118, the former option seems likely, but it is debatable. Along with being noted as the Prophet, it next says, “the ‘from Nazareth, the Galilee'.” Jesus (Yeshua) was a common name at the time. To ensure He was identified more fully, the area where He was raised and performed so many miracles is affixed to His identity. The stories of great miracles being performed in the area of the Galilee would have permeated the collective conscience of the people. Life application: To this day, it is debated who Jesus is. Islam has Him in a list of prophets leading to Muhammad. They deny His deity, and they deny that He was killed or crucified. Instead, they teach that He was raised bodily to heaven, protecting Him from death. Mormons teach that Jesus was a man who became a god. Liberal churches teach that Jesus was a good teacher, but shy away from anything about Him that is confrontational or causes them to admit that their sinful lives will be judged by Him. They have so watered down the message of Jesus that every perversion imaginable is supposedly considered acceptable to Jesus, calling their vile teaching “loving” and “non-judgmental.” An overwhelming number of messianic churches, along with groups like the Hebrew Roots Movement, teach that Jesus came to restore and “renew” the Mosaic covenant, thus requiring His people to continue observing the Law of Moses. Jehovah's Witnesses teach that Jesus was the archangel, Michael. He was crucified for sin and then was raised as a “mighty spirit being.” They deny a literal physical resurrection of the Man who is God incarnate. These are but a few of the skewed and heretical ideas put forth concerning who Jesus is. But getting the “who” of Jesus right is the most important thing any human can do. So important is this issue that CS Lewis, in his book Mere Christianity, used a “poached egg” analogy, illustrating the absurdity of people's thoughts concerning Jesus. He notes that a man claiming to be God while being merely human would be a lunatic or the Devil of hell, not a teacher. He compared the delusion of claiming divinity to the insanity of a man who believes he is a poached egg. Either Jesus is the Lord God, or He is not. To deny His deity, if He is God, cannot be overcome in the process of salvation. The Lord alone is without sin, and the Lord alone deserves the glory for what He has accomplished. If He is the Lord God, it is our duty and responsibility to honor Him as such. Be careful to consider who Jesus is. Get this point right, believe that God has done what He has done through Jesus, and be saved. This is important. Lord God, may we be strong in our convictions concerning Jesus and what He has done for us. And may we stand firmly on the good news when talking to others. There is no other Savior, no other access to heaven's glory, and no other King of the Universe than the Lord God who has come in the Person of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Is the Mosaic law still relevant today? Should our faith be based on what we do to be holy? Rabbi Schneider shares that Jesus came to free us from the law. Look for the prophetic principles of the law and the spiritual application, but do not use it as a way to stand before God righteously. The law was given to hold the Abrahamic Covenant in place until the fulfillment, Jesus, came. The law was meant to prepare us for Jesus and hold Israel together until He arrived. Studying Galatians, we learn that we have been freed by Jesus to become the sons and daughters of God. Abraham is the father of all believers according to unconditional promise of God the Father. **** BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER - https://djj.show/YTAPartner **** DONATE - https://djj.show/YTADonate **** TEACHING NOTES - https://djj.show/kgi Visit our website at DiscoveringTheJewishJesus.com
In this episode, Michael Meade tells an old story about a man whose dreams call for him to go on a long, challenging journey to find a hidden treasure of gold. The story suggests that the treasure we desire most hides where we would never choose to go on our own. Bringing a dream to life requires that we truly change and that can awaken our deepest fears and strongest resistance. Symbolically, gold represents all that is noble, valuable and unique in each soul. On the other hand, lead is an inert metal that represents all that is base, dense and resistant in life. Meaningful change involves transforming areas of our lives that have become stuck and undermining so as to release innate gifts and talents that have been held back or denied. The psychological and spiritual process of changing lead into gold is part of the alchemy of the soul. In neglected or rejected areas of our lives buried spiritual ideas and feelings wait to be unearthed, creative instincts wait to be stirred, and greater capacities of love seek to be embraced. They are all part of the living gold of the self and the inner alchemy of the soul. Some redemption occurs each time we become conscious of the contents of our souls, as creative expression and increased vitality transform our individual lives as well as the world. Thank you for listening to and supporting Living Myth. You can further support this podcast by becoming a member of Living Myth Premium. Members receive bonus episodes each month, access to the full archives of over 750 episodes and a 30% discount on all events, courses and book and audio titles. Learn more and join this community of listeners at: patreon.com/livingmyth Along with these free weekly podcasts, you can now read free weekly essays and long form posts by Michael Meade on Substack. Learn more and subscribe at: michaeljmeade.substack.com If you enjoy this podcast, we appreciate you leaving a review wherever you listen and sharing it with your friends. On behalf of Michael Meade and the whole Mosaic staff, we wish you well and thank you for your support of our work.
We're so glad you're here! Mosaic is a global community of faith committed to inspiring and empowering people to live a life of passion and purpose.
If no one could keep the Mosaic covenant, why did God make it? How do we learn to trust God? Rabbi Schneider shares in this episode of Discovering the Jewish Jesus that God wanted to prepare man to receive a savior. Because of our sinful nature, it is impossible to keep the Law. Learn today how the three biblical covenants compare, what they mean to you, and how traditions of men interfere with God's plan. **** BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER - https://djj.show/YTAPartner **** DONATE - https://djj.show/YTADonate **** TEACHING NOTES - https://djj.show/qdo TITLE: Set Free From Sin and Death (The Relationship Between the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants) Visit our website at DiscoveringTheJewishJesus.com
June 28, 2026David ComstockIn Colossians 2, Paul reminds believers to stay rooted in Christ rather than being distracted by empty philosophies, religious performance, or counterfeit promises. This passage reveals that God's design is good and that Jesus alone provides the security and freedom our hearts are searching for.In this message from our Held Together series, we explore:* Why the things we trust often aren't strong enough to hold our lives* How God's design leads us toward flourishing instead of fear* Why Jesus is greater than every counterfeit source of hope and security* What it looks like to build a life that is truly held together in ChristWe all build our lives on something. When our foundation can't bear the weight, anxiety and striving follow. Discover how trusting Jesus brings the peace, purpose, and wholeness we were created to experience.
Full Text of Readings The Saint of the day is Saints Peter and Paul Saints Peter and Paul's Story Peter (d. 64?) Saint Mark ends the first half of his Gospel with a triumphant climax. He has recorded doubt, misunderstanding, and the opposition of many to Jesus. Now Peter makes his great confession of faith: “You are the Messiah” (Mark 8:29b). It was one of the many glorious moments in Peter's life, beginning with the day he was called from his nets along the Sea of Galilee to become a fisher of men for Jesus. The New Testament clearly shows Peter as the leader of the apostles, chosen by Jesus to have a special relationship with him. With James and John he was privileged to witness the Transfiguration, the raising of a dead child to life, and the agony in Gethsemane. His mother-in-law was cured by Jesus. He was sent with John to prepare for the last Passover before Jesus' death. His name is first on every list of apostles. And to Peter only did Jesus say, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:17b-19). But the Gospels prove their own trustworthiness by the unflattering details they include about Peter. He clearly had no public relations person. It is a great comfort for ordinary mortals to know that Peter also has his human weakness, even in the presence of Jesus. He generously gave up all things, yet he can ask in childish self-regard, “What are we going to get for all this?” (see Matthew 19:27). He receives the full force of Christ's anger when he objects to the idea of a suffering Messiah: “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do” (Matthew 16:23b). Peter is willing to accept Jesus' doctrine of forgiveness, but suggests a limit of seven times. He walks on the water in faith, but sinks in doubt. He refuses to let Jesus wash his feet, then wants his whole body cleansed. He swears at the Last Supper that he will never deny Jesus, and then swears to a servant maid that he has never known the man. He loyally resists the first attempt to arrest Jesus by cutting off Malchus' ear, but in the end he runs away with the others. In the depth of his sorrow, Jesus looks on him and forgives him, and he goes out and sheds bitter tears. The Risen Jesus told Peter to feed his lambs and his sheep (John 21:15-17). Paul (d. 64?) If the most well-known preacher today suddenly began preaching that the United States should adopt Marxism and not rely on the Constitution, the angry reaction would help us understand Paul's life when he started preaching that Christ alone can save us. He had been the most pharisaic of Pharisees, the most legalistic of Mosaic lawyers. Now he suddenly appears to other Jews as a heretical welcomer of Gentiles, a traitor and apostate. Paul's central conviction was simple and absolute: Only God can save humanity. No human effort—even the most scrupulous observance of law—can create a human good which we can bring to God as reparation for sin and payment for grace. To be saved from itself, from sin, from the devil, and from death, humanity must open itself completely to the saving power of Jesus. Paul never lost his love for his Jewish family, though he carried on a lifelong debate with them about the uselessness of the Law without Christ. He reminded the Gentiles that they were grafted on the parent stock of the Jews, who were still God's chosen people, the children of the promise. Reflection We would probably go to confession to Peter sooner than to any of the other apostles. He is perhaps a more striking example of the simple fact of holiness. Jesus says to us as he said, in effect, to Peter: “It is not you who have chosen me, but I who have chosen you. Peter, it is not human wisdom that makes it possible for you to believe, but my Father's revelation. I, not you, build my Church.” Paul's experience of the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus was the driving force that made him one of the most zealous, dynamic, and courageous ambassadors of Christ the Church has ever had. But persecution, humiliation, and weakness became his day-by-day carrying of the cross, material for further transformation. The dying Christ was in him; the living Christ was his life.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
Friday, July 10th and Saturday, July 11th a dynamic and inclusive event will be taking place at Loft 28 in downtown Aurora! The Fashion Mosaic returns this year for another showcase of fashion, culture and art in downtown Aurora. Today we are joined by Breyona Smith, founder of Breyona, The Stylist LLC and Phillip Schinkoeth (PJ), owner of Clothshorse. We'll be talking about community collaboration, fashion and art this morning. Got questions? Send us an email to: goodmorningaurorail@gmail.comHave a great rest of the day! Good Morning Aurora will return with more news, weather and the very best of Aurora. Subscribe to the show on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/GoodMorningAuroraPodcastThe second largest city's first daily news podcast is here. Tune in 5 days a week, Monday thru Friday from 9:00 to 9:30 am. Make sure to like and subscribe to stay updated on all things Aurora.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodmorningaurorailSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dVweK5Zc4uPVQQ0Fp1vEP...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../good-morning.../id1513229463Anchor: https://anchor.fm/goodmorningaurora#cityofaurorail #fyp #morningnews #reels #fashion #podcast
Where do we begin when we don't know what to do?
When students begin to study international politics, they meet some very old and well-established schools of thought. These approaches disagree about a fundamental question: what is the most important kind of information to acquire? One school of thought recommends studying power: who holds the weapons, and who fears whom. From that, the thinking goes, you'll be able to map the hierarchies and relationships that tell you everything essential that you need to know. Another recommends studying the cultures and dominant ideas that constitute the spirit of a given regime—to try to understand the way a nation will behave based on what it loves, what it honors, and how it understands itself. Of course, ideally you would want to understand both. This week, I'm bringing together two of the most sophisticated, interesting analysts of the Middle East to discuss how they approach the region. When Michael Doran looks at the Middle East, he focuses relative power. Doing so gives him the ability to separate the signal from the noise. The vitality of theological disputes and national cultures is constrained by the ability of the state to deploy force, whether in Iran, Egypt, Turkey, or Saudi Arabia. When Hussein Aboubakr Mansour looks at the Middle East, by contrast, he sees a set of ideologies whose provenance he traces back to European philosophy. How do these two angles of vision relate to one another, and what does each offer? And what do they reflect back to us about America and the West? Michael Doran is a senior fellow and director of the Center for Peace and Security in the Middle East at the Hudson Institute, and host, together with Gadi Taub, of the podcast Israel Update, which is cosponsored by Hudson and Tablet. Hussein Aboubakr Mansour is a fellow at JINSA's Gemunder Center, a columnist at Mosaic, and the author of the Abrahamic Metacritique on Substack. This conversation was recorded live in front of an audience of elite undergraduates, participating in this year's Beren Summer Fellowship, where this week, Michael Doran and Hussein Aboubakr Mansour have been resident faculty members. This episode of The Tikvah Podcast is generously sponsored by Vicki Phillips in memory of Phyllis Bordorf. If you are interested in sponsoring an episode of The Tikvah Podcast, we invite you to join the Tikvah Ideas Circle. Visit tikvah.org/circle to learn more and join.
This episode begins with the idea that each person has a unique story that seeks to unfold from within their soul. If a person is lucky or adventurous or devoted, they will typically find a path that aligns with their inside story. If they follow that path far enough, they will come to a place where there are no footsteps and the only way forward involves what is called the pathless path. Taking up the notion of a pathless path, Michael Meade follows the trail that leads to an array of dynamic energies that include various kinds of vision quests, the nature of being a wounded healer and variations of shamanic initiations. Eventually, the pathless path leads to the ancient idea of the Outsider, which turns out to be the archetypal image for people who become capable of receiving direct messages from the otherworld of great imagination and inspired spirit. The surprising trail of the pathless path eventually reveals that the knowledge, wisdom and healing energies missing in modern life can only enter the world through those who connect to the archetype of the outsider. Thank you for listening to and supporting Living Myth. You can further support this podcast by becoming a member of Living Myth Premium. Members receive bonus episodes each month, access to the full archives of over 750 episodes and a 30% discount on all events, courses and book and audio titles. Learn more and join this community of listeners at: patreon.com/livingmyth Along with these free weekly podcasts, you can now read free weekly essays and long form posts by Michael Meade on Substack. Learn more and subscribe at: michaeljmeade.substack.com If you enjoy this podcast, we appreciate you leaving a review wherever you listen and sharing it with your friends. On behalf of Michael Meade and the whole Mosaic staff, we wish you well and thank you for your support of our work.
Andy Crouch interviews Dan Kenary, the co-founder of Harpoon Brewery, on the company's 40th Anniversary. Visit AllAboutBeer.com for more podcasts, to read original articles, and to get info on upcoming events.Click here to support independent journalism covering the beer industry.This Episode is Sponsored by:John I. HaasWhen every pound of hops matters, brewers need products that work harder in the brewhouse. LupoMAX® was engineered to deliver concentrated lupulin, intense aroma expression, and reduced process loss, helping breweries improve yields while maintaining true-to-type hop character. Available in standout varieties like Citra®, Mosaic®, Krush®, and more, LupoMAX gives brewers a smarter path to bold flavor and operational efficiency. Talk with your Haas Sales Representative or visit lupohops.com for details.Berkeley YeastOur Tropics yeast is based on a London Ale strain, but we added a new gene to its genome that codes for a unique thiol-releasing enzyme. The enzyme converts the precursors in barley to free thiols that smell and taste like passionfruit and grapefruit. It's super clean. No off-flavors like burnt rubber or other sulfurous notes. Just tropical aromatics. You don't have to do anything unusual either, like mash hopping. Just pitch dry Tropics and supercharge your hazy IPA.All About BeerAt All About Beer, we're honored to share the stories that define the beer community, and we couldn't do it without the generous support of our underwriting sponsors. Their commitment helps sustain independent beer journalism, allowing us to highlight the people, places, and passion behind every pint. Their partnership ensures these stories continue to inspire, connect, and celebrate the craft we all love. Join our underwriters today and help make an impact on independent journalism covering the beer industry.Host: Andy CrouchGuests: Dan KenarySponsors: John I. Haas, Berkeley Yeast, All About BeerTags: Boston, History, Soccer IPAPhoto: By John Holl
We're so glad you're here! Mosaic is a global community of faith committed to inspiring and empowering people to live a life of passion and purpose.
We're so glad you're here! Mosaic is a global community of faith committed to inspiring and empowering people to live a life of passion and purpose.
"Regardless of the conditions of the outside world, we are each here to transform our own lives from the inside and become a full expression of our unique soul." So says Michael Meade when he talks about one of his favorite stories, The Tiger's Whisker. This episode of Living Myth includes a full telling of the famous tale of a woman who must face a living tiger in order to cure what ails her soul. What begins as a small village tale opens up to become the endless territory of the human heart that harbors an old sage, a fierce tiger and the need to find a cure for alienation and the lack of love. Ancient stories depict how each person born carries a precise medicine in their soul. In order to find and activate the inner medicine we need to face and even embrace our inner wounds. Genius is said to hide behind the wound and accepting our early life traumas opens the path to finding our greatest gifts. Our psychic wounds secretly connect us to the transcendent function in the soul, so that what wounds us also initiates and transforms us. In that sense, the inner wound can be seen as a womb. In going through the wound, we become reborn as an initiate on the path of healing. In a world troubled with collective anxiety and growing fears, it is helpful to know that on a path with heart, fear is the guide and what you truly love is the cure. Thank you for listening to and supporting Living Myth. You can hear Michael Meade live by joining his free online event "Kairos Time" on Thursday, June 18. Register and learn more at: mosaicvoices.org/events You can further support this podcast by becoming a member of Living Myth Premium. Members receive bonus episodes each month, access to the full archives of over 750 episodes and a 30% discount on all events, courses and book and audio titles. Learn more and join this community of listeners at: patreon.com/livingmyth Along with these free weekly podcasts, you can now read free weekly essays and long form posts by Michael Meade on Substack. Learn more and subscribe at: michaeljmeade.substack.com If you enjoy this podcast, we appreciate you leaving a review wherever you listen and sharing it with your friends. On behalf of Michael Meade and the whole Mosaic staff, we wish you well and thank you for your support of our work.