Podcasts about My God

After Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters nearly destroyed his small North Carolina town in 2024, a pastor noticed an inspiring pattern. As he struggled to answer the persistent question, “What do you need?” donations kept showing up exactly when he needed them. Phone chargers? Out of the blue, a man drove up with a generator, creating a charging station at the church. Drinking water? Suddenly, pallets of water bottles arrived. Coincidence? The Bible points us to God, not mere happenstance. “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). The promise might seem empty to a town nearly demolished by a thirty-foot wall of raging water. But Paul, who was in prison when he offered this encouragement, was no stranger to hardship. Paul was writing to the church in Philippi to thank them for badly needed financial gifts. Except for them, he’d been neglected (v. 15). But God used them to meet his needs. So, His words shined a bright light on God who provided the “riches of His glory” found in Christ Jesus our Savior, in whom we have “every spiritual blessing” (Ephesians 1:3). Joy, peace, truth, salvation are among the needs He richly provides. In kindness as well, He’ll provide a drink of water too, if that’s what we need. What a loving, generous God.

In How to Lament, we walk through Psalm 22 and learn a biblical pattern for bringing pain to God. This message shows that lament is not unbelief, but honest faith that turns to God quickly, complains honestly, asks boldly, and ultimately trusts God's victory. Starting with the cry, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”, this sermon explores how Scripture gives language for grief, abandonment, and suffering without hiding the pain. Psalm 22 shows us that even in anguish, we can keep speaking to God, remember who He is, and ask Him to act with confidence and hope. This episode traces four practical movements of lament: turn to God quickly, complain honestly, ask boldly, and trust God's victory. If you are walking through sorrow, confusion, spiritual dryness, or deep distress, this message offers a biblical way to pray through pain without losing hope. Scripture: Psalm 22:1–2, 6–7, 16–17, 11, 19–21, 21–22, 27.

Rawrr! Prayer is good, right? But what happens when someone makes it against the law to pray?!?! Find out in this great episode!Prayer is talking to GodDaniel would continuously talk to God through prayer. Even when he was threatened to be thrown into the lion's den, Daniel would continue to pray to God.Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.– Colossians 4:2Daniel 2, Daniel 6Daniel and the Lion's DenDaniel was a very good, faithful man, who always obeyed God. He would pray to God consistently, three times a day. Daniel had a very close relationship to God due to how often he would talk to God through prayer and because of his unshakable faith. God also gave Daniel an incredible gift—Daniel was able to interpret dreams. This gift led Daniel to successfully interpreted King Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The king then gave Daniel a high up position in the kingdom and gave him many gifts. Because Daniel was so smart, other wise men in the kingdom were very jealous. Their jealousy led them to convince King Darius to make a new law—that the people were only allowed to pray to the king. If people chose not to obey this law, they would be thrown in the lion's den. These jealous men knew that Daniel would never obey this law since he would pray to God several times a day.Daniel continued to pray in his room, even when he had heard about this new law. After the jealous men saw him do this, they told King Darius. This made King very upset because he cared for Daniel and tried to get him out of trouble, but knew there was no way around it. Before throwing him in the den, King Darius told Daniel “Your God, to whom you are so loyal, is going to get you out of this.” The next morning, King Darius went to check on Daniel and heard Daniel say “My God sent his angel to shut the lion's mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have wronged you, Your majesty.” Daniel had not been harmed! They both knew that Daniel was protected because he had completely trusted God and had faith in Him. Daniel had a great amount of love for the Lord. Daniel also had a deep and personal connection to God because he would intentionally talk to God all the time through prayer. Regardless of the situation he was facing, he would make time to pray. Sometimes, we can get so caught up in our daily routine, that we neglect to prioritize our quiet time with God. But the truth is, God wants to hear from us—He wants us to talk to Him because of His love for each and every one of us.I can talk to God. Questions to think about:1. Why did Daniel continue to pray, even when he knew his life would be threatened?2. Why did Daniel have such a close relationship with God?3. How can I remember to talk to God on a daily basis?

AUG 23 | Who Is This King? | Mark 15:21-39 ...A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!” In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can't save himself! Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he's calling Elijah.” Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said. With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

AUG 23 | Who Is This King? | Mark 15:21-39 ...A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!” In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can't save himself! Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he's calling Elijah.” Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said. With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

AUG 23 | Who Is This King? | Mark 15:21-39 ...A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!” In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can't save himself! Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he's calling Elijah.” Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said. With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

AUG 23 | Who Is This King? | Mark 15:21-39 ...A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!” In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can't save himself! Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he's calling Elijah.” Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said. With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

Stress can affect every area of life, from finances and work to family and relationships. But when pressure builds, where do we turn first? In “Staying Strong, Not Stressed,” Cindi McMenamin explains why taking our stress to God before placing emotional expectations on the people around us can strengthen both our faith and our relationships. God already knows every thought, frustration, and word before we express it, making Him the perfect place to bring our burdens first. Cindi shares three practical habits for navigating stressful seasons: tell God first, trust His promises, and thank Him constantly. While these practices may not immediately change our circumstances, they can change how we respond to them and help us become a source of encouragement rather than additional stress for those around us. Highlights Why stress can unintentionally create tension in our closest relationships How taking our frustrations to God first can provide stability and perspective Why we shouldn't expect our spouse, children, or friends to carry the full weight of our emotional needs The Three T's for handling stress: Tell God First, Trust God's Promises, and Thank God Constantly How Scripture provides encouragement when facing financial, relational, work, or health-related stress Why gratitude can change our attitude even when circumstances remain difficult How depending on God can help us become better encouragers to others Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Staying Strong, Not Stressed By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading:Even before there is a word on my tongue,Behold, Lord, You know it all (Psalm 139:4 NASB). Stress—whether it’s physical, emotional, relational, or financial—can take its toll on any of us. But how do we handle stress so we don’t push others away from us? I used to find myself reaching out to my husband or my young adult daughter to get the relief, encouragement, or support I needed to get through stressful times. I would provide explanations for my stressed-out behavior and seek their understanding. But I’ve learned through the years that having such expectations of others can backfire. You and I can push our marriages over the edge if we let our spouses know they are not meeting our emotional needs or expectations at a time when they might be dealing with multiple frustrations as well. We can also damage our relationships with our children—regardless of their ages—when we expect them to be there for us, emotionally, when they might not feel equipped to do what it is we are expecting of them, or respond in a way that will meet our emotional needs. There have been many times in the past several years that I’ve had to make a conscious decision not to lay my expectations on my husband or daughter when I’ve felt particularly stressed, regardless of the source. And as I began to take my troubles and stressful times to God first, I found that I was not only more able and stable to deal with whatever came my way, but I could help others in my family through whatever they were going through, as well. David sang in Psalm 139:4 that God knows everything we are going to say, even before there is a word on our tongues. He knows our thoughts before we think them, our words before we say them, and our actions before we carry them out. Certainly, a God like that is the One we should be going to first when we begin to feel stressed. Intersecting Faith & Life: Today, when stress starts rearing its ugly head in my life, I practice these “Three T’s” on a daily basis to stay strong during difficult times: Tell God First—Sometimes you and I need to vent or just talk aloud about what we’re feeling. But our frustrations can come across as accusations or complaints if we’re not careful. And since it is natural for others who love and care about us to try to find a solution to fix our stressful situation, when we just wanted someone to listen, it’s better to go to God with the venting first. Sure, God already knows what we’re going to say, according to Psalm 139:4. But by telling God first all that is on our hearts and minds, He can be the “buffer.” Trust God’s Promises—The Bible is full of God’s promises about His provision and protection. So, when we become troubled about finances, or a work deadline, or health issues, we can find comfort just by remembering some of God’s encouraging words to His people. In Philippians 4:19, Paul says, “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” And Romans 8:28 tells us, “we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Keep stress sidelined by banking on the promises in the Bible and taking God at His Word. Thank God Constantly—No matter what the situation, there’s always something to be thankful for. One of my friends was discouraged that her husband’s new job didn’t pay as well as his previous one. But some income was better than none. Another friend complained about her teenager’s disinterest in school and his unwillingness to "apply himself,” yet he was still very interested in his church's youth group. We can become people of praise with a contagious positive attitude when we obey God’s command in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “give thanks in all circumstances.” A thankful spouse, parent, or friend is pleasant to be around. When you and I practice these three T’s—telling God first, trusting His promises, and thanking Him constantly—our circumstances might not change immediately. But by depending on God—and not solely on others—we can not only alleviate the stress in our lives, but we can become encouragers who model to others how to handle stress in their lives as well. Further Reading:Psalm 62:5-8 To grow more dependent on God, and improve your relationships, see Cindi’s book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Gary Michuta of Hands-On Apologetics joins the Son Rise Morning Show to explore the remarkable Messianic prophecies found in Psalm 22. From Jesus' cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” to the piercing of His hands and feet, the casting of lots for His garments, and the mocking of the suffering king, Psalm 22 provides a striking portrait of Christ’s Passion centuries before the Crucifixion. Gary also explains the fascinating Hebrew debate over “they pierced my hands and my feet,” the poetic structure of the psalm, and how Jesus' words from the Cross would have called the entire psalm to mind for those who heard them. He discusses these and many other Old Testament prophecies in his book Messiah: Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled in Christ.Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When life hits you with grief, disorientation, or feeling utterly forsaken by God, prose often falls short. The Book of Psalms gives us a sacred language to pour out our hearts—whether we are crying out "Help!", singing "Thanks!", or standing in awe of "Wow!" Summary: In this inspiring study of Psalms 1–48, we step out of historical analysis and into the sanctuary of the heart. Often called the "Preface of Jesus Christ," the Psalter offers a timeless collection of prayers, hymns, and prophecies that directly mirror the Savior's life, death, and resurrection. Music as a Lowest and Highest Gear: We explore how David's music soothed Saul's troubled soul and why singing the "song of the heart" is recognized by the Lord as a form of pure prayer. Tree Planted by the Waters vs. Chaff: We analyze Psalm 1, contrasting the deep-rooted disciple who meditates on God's law day and night with the wind-blown "chaff" of ungrounded philosophies. Psalms of Disorientation: We look at David's raw, unfiltered prayers during his lowest moments—such as fleeing from his son Absalom in Psalm 3—and discover how to hold onto hope when family relationships fracture. The Crucifixion Blueprint: We step into the agonizing Messianic prophecies of Psalms 21 and 22, discovering why Jesus uttered the opening line of Psalm 22 ("My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?") while hanging on the cross. The Good Shepherd & The Temple Gate: We savor the poetic imagery of Psalm 23 and the temple entrance requirements of Psalm 24 ("clean hands and a pure heart"). Be Still and Know: We conclude with the quiet sanctuary of Psalms 46–48, learning how to slow down, disconnect from constant distractions, and find Zion in our daily lives. Call-to-Action: The monk John Cassian counseled his brothers to recite the Psalms not as the words of David, but as "your very own prayer." Which verse in Psalms 1–48 felt like it was written specifically for your heart today? Let's share our favorite lines in the comments below. To keep your spiritual foundation deep and "Unshaken," please like, subscribe, and share this video! Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction to the Psalms 15:46 Instructional Psalm (1) 22:38 History & Prophecy, David & Absalom (2-3) 33:47 Pondering, Prayer, Penitence, & Precaution (4-7) 45:38 Psalms of Praise (8-9) 53:00 Trouble & Trust (10-14) 1:11:27 Worthiness, Loyalty, Sincerity, & Thanksgiving (15-18) 1:31:05 Creation, Law, & Victory (19-20) 1:35:47 Messianic Psalms, Gethsemane & Calvary (21-22) 1:56:31 The Lord Is My Shepherd (23) 2:05:44 The House of the Lord & Humble Petitions (24-25) 2:14:53 Temple Worthiness & Readiness (26-27) 2:32:42 Plea, Praise, & Prayer (28-30) 2:37:41 Deliverance for Christ & through Christ (31) 2:44:32 Confession, Hiding, & Hope (32-34) 2:55:53 False Witnesses & Wickedness (35-37) 3:04:30 Forgiveness, Relief, & Thanksgiving (38-40) 3:16:40 Breaking Bread & Thirsting after Water (41-45) 3:30:59 Songs of Zion (46-48) 3:38:42 Conclusion

MORNING WORSHIP Matthew 6:9-34; Lord's Day 9 My God and My Father I. The Idea of God's Fatherhood II. The Reality of Our Sonship III. The Comfort of His Care Scripture: Matthew 6:9-34

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-decf69baa0d7626367721f44357a615e{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-decf69baa0d7626367721f44357a615e .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-decf69baa0d7626367721f44357a615e .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 03 – August 14Psalm 18:1-30 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – August 14 Psalm 18:1-30 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/03-0814db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible Psalm 18 Psalm 18 Unfailing Kindness to David And to His Descendant Forever (2 Samuel 22) Heading For the choir director. By David, the servant of the Lord, who spoke the words of this song to the Lord on the day when the Lord had delivered him from the grasp of all his enemies, even from the grasp of Saul. Praise to the Rock of Salvation 1 Then he said: I love you, O Lord, my strength. 2 The Lord is my rocky cliff, my stronghold, and my deliverer. My God is my rock. I take refuge in him. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my high fortress. 3 I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. Deliverance From Death 4 The ropes of death entangled me. Floodwaters of destruction [1] rolled over me. 5 The ropes of the grave wrapped around me. The traps of death threatened me. 6 In my distress I called to the Lord. To my God I cried out. He heard my voice from his temple. My cry came before him. It reached his ears. The Greatness of the Deliverance 7 Then the earth shook and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains [2] trembled. They shook because the Lord was angry. 8 Smoke rose from his nostrils, and fire from his mouth devoured. Coals were set on fire by it. 9 Then he tore open the heavens and came down. A dark cloud was under his feet. 10 He rode upon a cherub, [3] and he flew. He soared on the wings of the wind. 11 He made the darkness around him his hiding place. Dark rain clouds [4] surrounded him like a canopy. 12 Emerging from the brightness in front of him     his clouds passed by with hail and coals of fire. 13 Then the Lord thundered in the heavens. The Most High raised his voice with hail and coals of fire. [5] 14 Then he shot his arrows and scattered the enemy. He shot great lightning bolts and routed them. 15 Then the sources of water [6] were revealed, and the foundations of the world were uncovered     by your rebuke, O Lord,     by the breath of wind from your nostrils. 16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me. He drew me out of deep waters. 17 Because they were too strong for me, he rescued me from my powerful enemy, from those who hate me. 18 They confronted me on the day of my disaster, but the Lord supported me. 19 Then he brought me out into a wide-open space. He rescued me because he delighted in me. David's Uprightness as a Basis for God's Judgment 20 The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness. According to the cleanness of my hands he has repaid me, 21 for I have kept the ways of the Lord. I have not done evil and departed from my God. 22 So all his just decrees remain before me, and I have not turned his statutes away from me. 23 I have been blameless with him. I have kept myself from guilt. 24 The Lord has repaid me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight. God's Uprightness as a Basis for His Judgment 25 To the merciful you reveal yourself as merciful. To the blameless person you reveal yourself as blameless. 26 To the pure you reveal yourself as pure, but to the crooked you reveal yourself as crafty. 27 For you save humble people, but you bring low the eyes of the arrogant. 28 Yes, you light my lamp, O Lord. My God turns my darkness to light. 29 For with you I can charge against a battalion, and with my God I can jump over a wall. God Equips David for Victory 30 This God—his way is blameless. The speech of the Lord is pure. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. Footnotes Psalm 18:4 Hebrew floodwaters of belial. Belial means worthless or unrestrained. It later became a name for Satan. Psalm 18:7 See 2 Samuel 22:8, which reads foundations of the heavens. Psalm 18:10 The cherubim are the powerful angels who serve as God's honor guard. Psalm 18:11 Literally darkness of waters, clouds of a cloudy sky Psalm 18:13 The Greek text does not include hail and coals of fire in this verse. It may be an accidental repetition from the preceding verse. The parallel in 2 Samuel 22:14 does not have this repetition. Psalm 18:15 Sources of the sea is the reading in the parallel text in 2 Samuel 22:16. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

Patrick Larkin, Partner & Practice Leader, Cerity Partners Three years after launching his independent RIA, Patrick Larkin merged with Cerity Partners—but not because that was the original plan. He explains how ownership changed the way he viewed enterprise value, optionality, and the future of his business. In Summary Going independent is often viewed as the destination. Patrick Larkin discovered it was just the beginning. Louis sits down with Patrick, Partner and Practice Leader at Cerity Partners and former founder of Oak Hill Wealth Advisors, to discuss an unconventional journey: leaving Wells Fargo to build an independent RIA, then choosing to merge that business just three years later. Rather than following a predetermined exit strategy, Patrick shares how ownership fundamentally changed the way he thought about enterprise value. A conversation with a prospective acquirer revealed that buyers weren't interested in purchasing a book of business—they were looking for a business. That realization reshaped how he invested, hired, delegated, and ultimately positioned his firm for the future. The conversation from our Build Grow & Transact series also offers a candid look at life after a merger, from evaluating cultural fit and partnership to balancing autonomy with the resources of a larger organization. More broadly, it illustrates how ownership creates optionality—and why the most valuable decision an advisor makes may not be the one they originally envisioned. The Storyline After spending nearly 15 years building a successful practice at AG Edwards, Wachovia, and Wells Fargo, Patrick Larkin launched Oak Hill Wealth Advisors in 2022 with a simple objective: build a business on his own terms. Like many advisors, he expected independence to be the final destination for a long time. But then there was the realization that ownership changes more than economics; it changes perspective. And it became the beginning of an entirely different way of thinking. As acquisition inquiries arrived sooner than expected, Patrick realized something that fundamentally changed his strategy. Sophisticated buyers weren't evaluating his client relationships as a book of business; they were evaluating Oak Hill as an enterprise. That insight shifted his priorities from maximizing short-term profitability to building a business that could thrive beyond its founder. Just three years after launching, Patrick chose to merge with Cerity Partners—not because he was looking for an exit, but because he believed it strengthened the future for his clients, his team, and his family. Louis and Patrick explore what led to that decision, how ownership increased the value of his business almost immediately, why he compares independence to an IPO, and what advisors should consider if they hope to create options for the future—even if they don't yet know what that future looks like. Topics Covered Building enterprise value versus maximizing annual income Creating optionality through ownership Leaving Wells Fargo to launch an independent RIA Why buyers value businesses more than books of business Evaluating strategic partners and acquisition opportunities The economics of independence and business valuation Life after merging with Cerity Partners Balancing autonomy with enterprise-scale resources Leadership, succession, and building beyond the founder Long-term ownership and partnership models > Download a transcript of this episode… Listen and Learn Highlights for Advisors Why did Patrick decide to leave Wells Fargo? (11:07) Patrick explains why growing frustrations around control, firm priorities, and the ability to build his business eventually outweighed the comfort of staying put. How did going independent immediately change the value of his business? (21:42) Patrick introduces one of the episode's biggest ideas: why launching Oak Hill felt like taking a company public and how ownership increased the firm's value almost overnight. Why did Patrick sell only three years after becoming independent? (20:03) An unexpected conversation with a prospective acquirer completely changed how he viewed enterprise value and accelerated his long-term thinking. What separates a business from a book of business? (21:42) Patrick discusses why recruiting advisors, delegating client relationships, and investing beyond himself made Oak Hill more attractive to strategic buyers. Why Cerity Partners? (26:48) Rather than focusing on valuation, Cerity emphasized culture, partnership, and long-term alignment—qualities Patrick says ultimately mattered most. What is life actually like after a merger? (37:57) Patrick offers an unusually candid perspective on autonomy, leadership, and why he says he hasn't second-guessed the decision once. Key Takeaways Ownership creates opportunities that often aren't visible until after independence. Enterprise value is built by creating a business that can thrive beyond its founder. The first acquisition conversation can be valuable even if no transaction occurs. Cultural alignment may ultimately matter more than valuation when selecting a long-term partner. Independence doesn't eliminate future options—it expands them. Strategic transactions can strengthen outcomes for clients, employees, and owners simultaneously. The goal isn't simply to own a business; it's to create choices for what comes next. https://youtu.be/f7FGLGjBbyo Quotable Moments “The day Oak Hill launched felt like the business had gone public.” “Potential acquirers weren't interested in buying a book. They were interested in buying a business.” “Ownership isn't simply about control. It's about creating optionality.” “The fear of leaving is almost always worse than the actual experience of leaving.” FAQs Why did Patrick Larkin merge with Cerity Partners only three years after launching his RIA? Patrick explains that independence changed how he viewed enterprise value. After learning what sophisticated buyers were actually looking for, he intentionally built Oak Hill as a business rather than simply managing for annual profitability. Why does Patrick compare independence to an IPO? Because ownership immediately transformed the economic value of his practice. Rather than participating in an internal succession model, he owned an independent enterprise that carried substantially greater market value. What changed after Patrick became independent? Beyond gaining control, he began making decisions through the lens of enterprise value—investing in advisors, systems, and infrastructure that would make the business less dependent on him personally. What made Cerity Partners stand out? Patrick cites the firm's culture, partnership model, meritocracy, long-term vision, and ability to combine local autonomy with enterprise-level capabilities. Is this episode only relevant for advisors considering selling? No. The broader lesson is that ownership creates flexibility. Whether an advisor ultimately remains independent or joins another organization, understanding how enterprise value is created can influence decisions from day one. What is the biggest lesson Patrick hopes advisors take away? That independence isn't simply about leaving a firm. It's about creating the ability to choose what comes next on your own terms. Patrick explains that independence changed how he viewed enterprise value. After learning what sophisticated buyers were actually looking for, he intentionally built Oak Hill as a business rather than simply managing for annual profitability. Because ownership immediately transformed the economic value of his practice. Rather than participating in an internal succession model, he owned an independent enterprise that carried substantially greater market value. Beyond gaining control, he began making decisions through the lens of enterprise value—investing in advisors, systems, and infrastructure that would make the business less dependent on him personally. Patrick cites the firm's culture, partnership model, meritocracy, long-term vision, and ability to combine local autonomy with enterprise-level capabilities. No. The broader lesson is that ownership creates flexibility. Whether an advisor ultimately remains independent or joins another organization, understanding how enterprise value is created can influence decisions from day one. That independence isn't simply about leaving a firm. It's about creating the ability to choose what comes next on your own terms. Related Resources From Start-Up to $31B Behemoth RIA: The Catalysts Behind the Growth of Mega-Firm Cerity Partners Ownership Matters: What Advisors Need to Know When Evaluating Firms Top Tips for Setting Your Business Up for Success Years Before a Move Patrick LarkinPartner and Practice Leader Patrick is a Partner and Practice Leader in the Lansdowne, VA office. He is a member of the Lansdowne Practice, where he works closely with families, foundations, and non-profits to help them define and achieve their financial goals with clarity and confidence. With a deep specialization in retirement income distribution planning and complex risk and wealth management strategies, Patrick is known for helping clients simplify complicated financial decisions, reduce uncertainty, and build sustainable, long-term plans. His approach emphasizes fiduciary responsibility, transparency, and personalized guidance — ensuring clients always feel informed and empowered. Prior to joining Cerity Partners, Patrick was the founding member of Oak Hill Wealth Advisors, where he built a highly respected independent advisory practice that earned the trust of families, professionals, and mission-driven organizations across the region. His leadership was instrumental in shaping a client-first culture that continues today. Patrick's work is rooted in a passion for long-term relationships — guiding clients not just through markets, but through life's milestones such as retirement, business transitions, philanthropic planning, and wealth transfer across generations. He takes pride in being both a strategic advisor and a steady partner to the people he serves. Patrick lives in Bluemont, VA, with his wife Angela, their two children, Paige and Sean, and their Golden Retrievers, Huckleberry and Genoa. Outside of the office, Patrick and his family enjoy an active lifestyle — whether it's hiking and backpacking on the Appalachian Trail, biking the Great Allegheny Passage, or sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. These experiences reflect his belief in balance, resilience, and enjoying the journey — values he also brings to his work with clients. NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. View the transcript of this episode… Build, Grow & Transact: From Breakaway to Transaction in 3 Years A conversation with Louis Diamond and Patrick Larkin, Partner & Practice Leader at Cerity Partners.      Louis Diamond: Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast series for financial advisors. Today’s episode is Build, Grow & Transact: From Breakaway to Transaction in 3 Years. It’s a conversation with Patrick Larkin, Partner and Practice Leader at Cerity Partners. I’m Louis Diamond, and this is The Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors. Mindy Diamond: At Diamond Consultants, we help elite advisors identify the right environment for their businesses to thrive, whether that’s at a wirehouse, boutique, or independent firm. With nearly three decades of experience, we’ve guided thousands of advisors and represented more than a quarter of a trillion dollars in assets transitioned. And each year, one in four advisors managing a billion dollars or more who change firms are our clients. Our process is education-driven and based on building relationships, starting as your strategic partner well before you’re even thinking of a move. To schedule a confidential conversation, call us at 908-879-1002. Wondering why advisors change firms and where they’re headed? Are transition deals going up or down? Those very questions and more inspired us to create our annual Advisor Transition Report. It’s the award-winning, data-driven resource designed for advisors that connects the dots between the motivations around movement and the firm’s appetite for top talent. Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to make smart decisions. Download your copy at diamond-consultants.com/transitionreport. Louis Diamond: Ownership as a way of creating opportunities you can’t always predict. That’s exactly why we created our Build, Grow, and Transact series. Independence isn’t the end of the story. It’s often the beginning of thinking differently about enterprise value, optionality, and what comes next. Today’s guest is Patrick Larkin, Partner and Practice Leader at Cerity Partners, and formerly the founder of Oak Hill Wealth Advisors. Patrick spent nearly 15 years building a successful practice at A.G. Edwards, Wachovia, and eventually Wells Fargo before launching his own independent firm in 2022. Just three years later, he merged that firm into Cerity. At first glance, that timeline might seem surprisingly short, but as you’ll hear, the merger wasn’t a change in direction. It was the result of seeing his business differently once he owned it. Yet, it’s this perspective that really brings that thought home. Patrick said the day Oak Hill launched felt like the business had gone public because overnight, what had been viewed as a book of business became an enterprise with substantially greater value, some four to five times the value of what it was worth at Wells. And that realization changed the way he invested, the way he hired, and ultimately the way he thought about the future. Pat and I also talk about something advisors don’t often discuss candidly, what life actually looks like after a merger. How much control do you give up? What changes day to day? How do you know whether you’re joining a partner or simply selling a business? Whether your long-term plan is to remain independent forever or eventually join a larger organization, Patrick’s experience is a reminder that ownership isn’t simply about control. It’s about creating optionality and putting yourself in a position where the next decision is yours to make. So let’s get to it. Patrick, thanks for coming on our show today. Patrick Larkin: Oh, my pleasure. Nice to meet you, Louis. Louis Diamond: You too. So let’s start off basically how we start every interview. Tell us about yourself, your background, and how you found your way into our industry in the first place. Patrick Larkin: Yeah, thank you for asking. I knew I always wanted to be a financial advisor. That part really wasn’t in question, but upon graduating college and being a 22-year-old, I knew that it was probably not practical to walk in and start advising people my parents’ age with their life savings. Probably wasn’t going to be a recipe for success. So I took a quick tour through the pharmaceutical industry first, which ended up being unexpectedly valuable. My employers there pushed me to think like an entrepreneur and within our territories. And honestly, that mindset never left me. It shaped how I built everything that came after. Eventually, an opportunity presented itself in Loudoun County, Virginia in Northern Virginia, and I became an FA trainee with A.G. Edwards, absolutely fantastic firm to start my career. Now, what drew me to this career was pretty simple. I felt like it was one of the professions that we had an opportunity to do so much good for others while simultaneously also doing well for yourself, and those two things aren’t in conflict. I also really loved the idea that in this profession there was no hiding. You don’t get paid to show up. You get paid for what you actually do. And perhaps for me, what was most important, I loved the weight of responsibility. I loved earning people’s trust. I loved the idea of deserving, being deserving of their trust, and being a steward of what they’ve worked a lifetime to build. I never took that lightly, and I still don’t. Louis Diamond: That’s amazing. Yeah, I mean, the number of people I’ve heard, you talked so fondly about A.G. Edwards and there’s a bunch of other firms that have since been absorbed or emerged that are like the regional firms of old. So not surprised to hear you loved it. A.G. Edwards, obviously, became Wells Fargo Advisors or was acquired or merged with Wells Fargo. So I know you’re at Wells and A.G. Edwards until 2022. So give us a quick version. How’d you build your practice from the pharma world into being in FA? Patrick Larkin: Yeah, so as I started with A.G. Edwards, I came in at really just the perfect time. It was towards the end of the financial crisis. And I built the business the old-fashioned way with a lot of cold calling and eventually did some dinner seminars, which I can tell you is a very expensive way to learn how to speak in front of a room. But I made some progress, and I was also in a great office, small enough that some of the advisors there would hand off some of the smaller accounts that they weren’t interested in working with, and got an opportunity to get a lot of reps in working with real life clients and individuals. I knew early on I didn’t have enough talent to win on talent alone, so I made up for it and compensated for that with really hard work. The real turning point came for me when A.G. Edwards was first acquired by Wachovia Securities, and that was about five years into my career. And at that point, my branch manager, who was eyeing retirement, asked me to step in as her partner, and that changed everything. We eventually moved over to a Wachovia Securities office, another really great local office in Loudoun County, Virginia. And from that office, I worked on and became a CIMA, a CFP, worked with the clients, built a business through referrals. And I found at that point in my career when I would go to a meeting with Wachovia, eventually Wells Fargo, as a young 30-year-old, I would look around the room often and realize that I was the youngest person in the room. The funny thing was 10 years later, I would go into that same room and I’d look around and I still was the youngest guy in that room. And those demographics in our industry, and when I came into our industry, ultimately led that office that I worked in with Wells Fargo Advisors, I eventually was the recipient and party to five different succession plans- Louis Diamond: Wow. Patrick Larkin: … at Wells Fargo Advisors. I hoped that I had built a reputation as somebody that these other advisors would entrust with their clients. And over that time period, really, I would say professionally, one of my accomplishments I’m most proud of is all five of those retired advisors that I used to work with, who had an opportunity to see me work with clients, all became clients of mine, I still continue to work with. And it’s professionally just one of the greatest honors that I’ve ever had. Louis Diamond: I mean, that’s a large number of advisors you helped sunset, but I would agree it’s the ultimate proof of concept that they not only trusted you with their clients and their life’s work, but now also with their family’s wealth. So I like that, kind of the full life cycle there. So I’m curious, though, you stayed at Wells through a really turbulent time through the fake bank scandal. There’s a lot of attrition. I mean, obviously, they’re still a powerhouse to this day, but what kept you at Wells for as long as it did before you left in 2022? Patrick Larkin: You described it as a turbulent time. Pretty turbulent might be an understatement. Even before Wells, the transition to Wells, Wachovia Bank had been the first company that we transitioned to from A.G. Edwards. And we, of course, went through the financial crisis during that time period and handholding our clients and helping them get through that time period and dealing with concerns that we shouldn’t really have to be prepared with. “Is my money safe? It’s not what’s happening to the market, but is my money safe in your institution?” But once things stabilized, I found real purpose in partnering with some of the retiring advisors and opportunities that came up. It was a really wonderful climate and atmosphere in our local office. It was really a family-like atmosphere, and I still had a lot to learn. And all those advisors that I partnered with, I’ve joked I’ve never had an original idea in my entire life. I stole all my good ideas from them. And some of them were really ahead of their time, and I learned, adopted, and built my own philosophies by working closely with them. Ultimately, by the time I left Wells Fargo, I was finishing up the fifth sunset program and had only made my way halfway through the sunset before the opportunity presented itself to create my own practice. Louis Diamond: So I’m curious, when did you first seriously start thinking about leaving and what really tipped the scales for you? What was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back? Patrick Larkin: Yeah, it really was a number of small items and ultimately one big one. But for a long time, I’d been content, but as I tried to grow the business beyond what I could do individually, I felt like I kept running into walls. There were it felt like limitations on how I could build out my team and structure the practice the way I envisioned it. Additionally, there were some new policies that also started to bother me. One of them was the platform advisory fee, which in my eyes was less about client transparency and more about replacing a declining revenue source on the firm’s balance sheet. And after dealing with clients and helping them through the bank scandal at the firm, I was concerned that this would come back and hurt me and the relationships that I had with my clients. Incidentally, I just recently onboarded a new client that transferred to us. And for them, looking at their statement, identifying this platform advisory fee- Louis Diamond: Oh boy. Patrick Larkin: … was the last straw for them before they moved about 15 million of assets to us. Also, I thought I would be I would be a better allocator of resources than Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo retained about half of the revenue that I earned for the business. They seemed to think that the best allocation of that money was additional middle management. Whereas, I thought investment in technology, investment in additional personnel, and an investment in marketing were best places to continue to build out my vision. The final straw, and really a thing that crystallized everything for me was when I read a book in 2021 called The Infinite Game, a book written by Simon Sinek. Chapter eight, the title is Ethical Fading. And it uses the Wells Fargo bank scandal as a case study in what happens when a firm loses its moral compass. I read the chapter and thought, “There it is, I have to do something.” That was really the final push I needed. I mentioned earlier I was very fortunate to start my career with a company called A.G. Edwards, a regional brokerage firm. And while I was at A.G. Edwards, there was a research report that came out on A.G. Edwards as a company. And I’m going to paraphrase a little bit on what was said in that report, but ultimately there was a line in there, and it was a criticism, but I took it as a huge positive as being an employee there. The line said, “While management does not necessarily say it, we believe the client is put ahead of the shareholder.” And that was something I was very proud of. And I just, upon reflecting on it, felt confident those were words that I never was going to see go to print about Wells Fargo. Louis Diamond: So you left Wells in 2022 and founded Oak Hill Wealth Partners in Lansdowne, Virginia. Walk us through that decision. Why go independent rather than going to another firm? Patrick Larkin: I really thought moving to another firm, the things that I had grown frustrated with at Wells Fargo Advisors, I would also find at another wirehouse firm. I was ready, and honestly, the simple answer is I thought I could do better. And I wanted control after having what I felt like was very little control. I had grown frustrated with others making important decisions, and I wanted an opportunity to grab the reins and make decisions on my own. I believe at that time, the future of wealth management was going to be built around fiduciary advice, and I didn’t want to watch that from the sidelines anymore. I was watching what was happening in the industry. And as we were trying to hire new advisors, reaching out to college graduates who were studying CFP programs, identified that they were more inclined to want to start employment with an RIA than a wirehouse. What made the timing work really well was Wells Fargo had actually introduced a program to help advisors in the private client group spin off and establish their own RIAs. Now, whenever I tell this to another advisor, particularly ones that are wirehouses, they can’t understand it. And quite frankly, I don’t understand why they helped us do it, but we were about the 30th practice that they helped us through this process and they provided real support. They hired consultants, made vendor recommendations, even referrals to financing so I could pay off my last succession plan before I left. The only really upside for Wells Fargo was that the ask was that we continue to use First Clearing as the custodian. And one of the downsides for me was I was going to leave all of my deferred comp behind with Wells Fargo. Now, all clients had to do to join me was sign a positive consent. And on May 9th, 2020, we turned on our computers in our new office and our clients were already there. That same day, we launched and started a relationship with Charles Schwab. And it was so exciting to be able to start shopping for what I thought was the best FinTech, really feeling like I was stuck with proprietary tools that Wells Fargo advisors had offered. I felt like I was a kid in a candy store. And if there was a cool tool that I identified that would help us serve our clients better, I was all in and I was buying it. I really feel that some of the technology that Oak Hill eventually bought into and some of the tools we’re using now are going to take years and years before they eventually trickle down to where the wirehouses are, if ever. Louis Diamond: Interesting. So it was really it was for the most part an internal move from one- Patrick Larkin: It was- Louis Diamond: … channel to the other. Patrick Larkin: … it was an internal move, but there was no requirement to stay at First Clearing. As a fiduciary, they couldn’t make those demands. And again, they helped us with the financing, which is really unusual that they helped us secure a loan so I could pay off the last retiring advisor. It’s really unusual that a bank will loan money where there is no business at the time, but because of previous experience that financial institution had working with Wells, they helped us facilitate the transaction. And the program is still in place at Wells Fargo, which is absolutely amazing to me after the experience that I’ve just had myself. Louis Diamond: Yeah, it’s interesting. I mean, does it cannibalize a more profitable revenue source? Sure. But if the alternative was all the assets go to Schwab or Fidelity, to me, honestly, it’s smart. I think they played the long game by not being adversarial on it. Patrick Larkin: I think they played a long game and they took the philosophy, and I think they use it as a recruiting tool that if you love them, set them free. And that’s exactly what they did. Louis Diamond: So for the rest of the episode, I want to talk about your eventual, and not that long period of time, transaction or decision to merge Oak Hill with Cerity Partners. This is our Build, Grow, Transact subseries. And I was really struck by your story because you were three years or so into running Oak Hill, and then your merger with Cerity Partners, an amazing RIA closed. That’s a fairly short runway. Usually when I see folks go independent for the first time, it’s 10, 15, 20 years, maybe never, that they decide to merge or sell. I’m curious to understand your thinking about the transaction. Were you looking to do something? Or was it just like right place, right time and the opportunity presented itself? Patrick Larkin: I had started Oak Hill with the intent of eventually down the road, much closer to retirement, looking for a partner. The opportunity and what I learned early on helped change that idea and philosophy, and I adapted and made modifications to take advantage of it. Louis Diamond: Interesting. So you weren’t necessarily planning on selling or merging the business, it just kind of circumstances happened the way they did? Patrick Larkin: Yeah. When we started Oak Hill Wealth Advisors, it was a really pretty short period of time before we started getting calls from larger national RIAs about potential acquisition, much sooner than I expected. Early on, I just brushed them off, but about a year in, I took one of those calls and it really just opened my eyes up. I realized for the first time this small firm, this little practice actually had some real value, way more than I’d given it credit for. That first call, that first exploration didn’t go anywhere. It wasn’t a good fit. But what it gave me was a much clearer picture of what the serious acquirers were actually looking for. And that changed decisions I made at Oak Hill going forward. I really at that point stopped trying to optimize for near-term profit and really thought of my business as a business and started building towards enterprise value, sometimes at the cost of short-term income. And that turned out to be exactly the right call. Louis Diamond: That’s such an interesting perspective. Let’s double-click into that concept. So it sounds almost counterintuitive that if you kind of had this light bulb moment that like, “Okay, maybe I want to transact my business sooner than I initially thought.” I think most people would say, “Let’s become lean and mean. Let’s become as profitable as possible so my EBITDA’s higher.” But you took the different approach. What were the decisions you did to invest more in enterprise value rather than current cash flow? Patrick Larkin: A true business is one that doesn’t need me to be here every day to operate. And when we left Wells Fargo Advisors, it was myself and one other advisor that created Oak Hill Wealth Advisors. I was responsible for about 95% of the assets and revenue. And one of the more significant investments we made is in additional advisors. I recruited three new advisors, all CFPs, to join Oak Hill Wealth Advisors. Whereas, before I had been largely managing all the relationships myself. For someone that kind of grew up in the regional wirehouse space, it’s pretty counterintuitive to start moving relationships away from you onto other advisors. You’re trained and built to create a moat around your relationships, and realized that the potential acquirers are not interested, at least the ones I was interested in, weren’t interested in buying a book. They were interested in buying a business. And that just meant every decision we made going forward was not profit-driven, but how can I increase the value of the business? So after that first call, I knew I probably would be looking to move forward with a transaction sooner as opposed to the end of retirement. That information that I got on that first call helped me realize that when Oak Hill Wealth Advisors opened its doors on May 9th, 2022, we effectively had an IPO. I had great familiarity with how the succession plans at Wells Fargo Advisors worked. And on that day that we opened our practice, the value of my business jumped to be four to five times the value of it in a succession plan at Wells Fargo Advisors. Now, I knew going forward that I was going to be able to increase revenue. I was going to be able to increase EBITDA. I was going to potentially have some benefits from a market tailwind. I knew the multiples of EBITDA that the firms use may fluctuate, but the biggest change by far occurred leaving the wirehouse and having the value of my business grow four to fivefold in that same day. So what I really focused on was making sure that I was going to, when I was ready to start looking again after I had worked on improving the practice, really was going to look for a firm that was going to be a good cultural fit for both my clients, my team, and myself. Louis Diamond: That’s such a cool perspective. I’ve never heard anyone say that the day we launched your independent business was like an IPO. But honestly, it’s so true. You’re planting a flag in the ground that like, “Here is real value. This is value that we’ve created that we own rather than it being a book of business and a W-2 paycheck.” And it’s a fascinating perspective. Patrick Larkin: Yep. It really is amazing that the value changed that much on one day and the future value changes. Looking at the equity that I owned in Oak Hill Wealth Advisors, it made sense to consider is there a better way to take some risk off the table for myself and my family and diversify some of the equity that I had in Oak Hill Wealth Advisors with a larger enterprise? Louis Diamond: It makes complete sense. Obviously, everyone would sign up for 4 to 5X increase in value. Patrick Larkin: Sure. Louis Diamond: That’s not the reason most people go independent, but it’s important to know. And also, what I really liked about what you shared is I think a really valuable learning for anyone is those calls come in, whether it’s from annoying people like me or from an acquirer, from a firm, they’re not all noise. You took it as an opportunity to learn. Even though that first person who called wasn’t the right fit, it crystallized something in your mind and it let you make proactive decisions that ultimately paid off in spades when it came time to sign the dotted line for your transaction with Cerity. So I think it’s brilliant. And it’s very big picture, big-business-owner-type stuff that I think a lot of people will just filter out because it’s annoying and I’m young, I’m not looking to sell, but that was the journey. Patrick Larkin: Yeah, that first call changed my opinion about timing of when to move forward with a partnership. Originally, I thought this would be something at the end of retirement. The timing of doing so sooner seemed a lot more appealing after having that conversation and realizing what we had actually built. Louis Diamond: Amazing. So ultimately you decided to merge with Cerity Partners. We’ve had Kurt Miscinski from Cerity Partners on the show. They’re a real heavyweight within the RIA world. Most recently, they were valued at $8 billion in a recap, and it’s a very impressive firm. What specifically drew you to Cerity versus other potential buyers? Like you said, you got a lot of calls. Patrick Larkin: After that first call, I just got to work and focused on continuing to take care of our clients, building a team, adding new advisors, being a mentor to those advisors. But at the same time, we were being approached fairly regularly by that point. And I had a pretty good system for quickly deciding whether something was worth a second look, and most weren’t. But about a year ago, one of the national RIAs caught my attention and I started having conversations with them. And once I had progressed with them, I though, “You know what? If I’m giving this consideration, I really need to cast a wider net.” So I reached out to other RIAs that I had looked at and admired and been keeping an eye on. And ultimately, my longtime business coach, Barbara Kay, suggested I talk with Cerity Partners, a company that one of her other clients had just recently joined. And from the very first call, I could tell something was different. And I talked to many different companies. Cerity Partners, and an individual I spoke with, Geoff Newman, they weren’t leading with valuation formulas or deal structure. They were asking questions about my clients, my team, and how I actually ran the practice. They had a very defined process for identifying partners who were genuinely compatible, not just advisors with books that were transferable. And that distinction mattered greatly to me. They also offered really, in my opinion, the right balance of support and still having some autonomy. And their aspiration to deliver consistent standard of care to clients, whether they be in California or Virginia, so that those individuals get the same quality of experience, resonated with how I was already running things within my practice. That combination of support and autonomy, I really liked the idea of continuing to have oversight over my local practice, over our practice, which included the budget, salaries, and bonuses. It more than anybody else felt like a partnership and not a buyout. And I really appreciate it during that first call, Cerity was the only company that talked about a hundred-year plan. It was amazing to me to hear what their thoughts were. Most of the other firms I spoke with talked about valuations. And very quickly in the process, I found myself on a Zoom call with a Patagonia fleece vest-wearing private equity rep walking me through a valuation. And it was efficient, but it was not a cultural fit for me. And the infrastructure behind us and the combination of autonomy is really harder to find than most people think. As I progressed with Cerity, I remember early on in the process thinking to myself, “My God, I hope they want me, I hope they want me,” because I could tell I’m a very process-driven person They had a process with the way they brought me on board. And ultimately, we had a due diligence trip set up to go to one of their larger offices where I met with one of their leaders, Claire O’Keefe, part of their practice development, and had an opportunity to meet with different leaders within the firm and really get my arms wrapped around the potential that they had. Just the quality of the people I encountered through the whole process just kept reinforcing the decision. And by the time we got to the finish line, it didn’t feel like a transaction. It felt like I was joining something that I was excited to be part of. So just a little bit more about what attracted me to Cerity, their culture is just phenomenal. Cerity Partners uses the word “meritocracy” and they actually mean it. Ownership and influence here track your contribution, not your tenure or how well you play the politics. I just attended my first partner meeting in April, and without exaggeration, it was the most extraordinary professional meeting I’ve attended in my 25-year career. During the meeting, there was open debate about the direction of the firm, and every voice in the room carried weight. You could feel the culture. And that type of culture is built over years. You can’t fake it. Everyone in the room it felt like was rowing in the same direction. And by the time the meeting was over, I was so excited to get back to my team and tell them about what I had just witnessed, I wasn’t looking for the exit. I was looking for the brick wall to run through. I was so excited. And every once in a while I wonder having spent so much time in the wirehouse spaces, the bar just set really low for me when I talked to some of my other colleagues that have been independent for a long time. But it was just an absolutely amazing experience. And I do want to just add, one of the last really important things to me about Cerity Partners is I’ve been very fortunate with my career and in this profession. And part of my goal over the rest of my career is to have a legacy. And my legacy currently exists with the families I’ve advised and the team that I’ve built and have served and led. But Cerity Partners is helping me achieve even a greater legacy in our industry with our shared long-term goals. During my first meeting, they talked about their hundred-year vision of being a worldwide employee-owned professional services firm. And currently, and this is very exciting, the employees are the largest shareholder of the firm. No one else I talked to talked about their long-term goals like this, and it’s a vision I believe in. I want to contribute to help to see it accomplished. And one day when I do retire, I want to look back and see how I contribute it to a company that I believe is going to change the direction of professional wealth management. Louis Diamond: Wow. Patrick Larkin: My partnership with Cerity Partners is going to make that a reality. It’s just an amazing place. Yeah, very happy. Louis Diamond: Honestly, you can’t fake that type of enthusiasm. It sounds like- Patrick Larkin: It’s not- Louis Diamond: … you entered into a transaction, which is it’s like jumping into the deep end. How do you sort through what’s the sales process versus what’s real? How much of this is actually going to translate to my life? But hearing you not that long after the transaction, you still feel that and it’s very cool. In the press release I read, you cited estate planning, private markets access, and cross-border planning as key reasons for the merger. Can you talk about what it was about those? Maybe- Patrick Larkin: Yeah. Louis Diamond: … anything else that was missed? Patrick Larkin: Yeah. Louis Diamond: And were those not things that you felt like you could have delivered yourself as a standalone? Patrick Larkin: I thought that they were going to help me be able to be more effective in delivering those, but they weren’t the complete picture. The capabilities that we cited in the release were genuine gaps I wanted to fill and have available for clients and be able to prospect and go after new additional clients. But being fully honest, there were also deeper drivers. One was my team. Sometimes we get emotional about this. Being someone who’s trusted is really important to me, and that’s something I hold in high priority. There are people that followed me out of Wells Fargo to join me. One of my client associates had delayed her retirement so that she could join me and help us launch for the first three months. One of my other client associates has been with me close to 15 years. These are people that trusted me to do the right thing and to make sure that I wasn’t walking them off the plank. Being able to join Cerity Partners and give them a future that didn’t hinge entirely on my personal longevity was a huge relief. And Cerity Partners is an ownership culture. I’m so happy to say today that every single individual on my team in our practice in Lansdowne is now either an equity owner in Cerity Partners or very shortly will be an equity- Louis Diamond: So cool. Patrick Larkin: … equity owner. So they have a stake as well in what they’re building. It matters. My youngest client associate noticed how much it costs to send to FedEx. And he goes, “Now that I’m an owner, maybe we should rethink about sending regular mail.” Another driver was my family. And I’ve always had the philosophy of trying to prioritize and clients first, team and colleagues, and then my family. And I’ve always made decisions that if I put those others before myself, eventually I’ll be taken care of. And going through this transaction, it was so generous to my family and provided such security. There was a little bit of guilt that, “Am I doing this for all the right reasons?” But being able to secure my family’s future, converting equity in a three-year-old RIA into a stake of a $8 billion-plus valuation with institutional backing, that was a meaningful moment and I’d be less than honest if I glossed over that. I also really wanted to be part of something larger than myself. And the opportunity to help build a legacy in this business with Cerity Partners really gives me the platform to do that. Louis Diamond: Very cool. I can tell that you’re genuine, not just because of the way you sound, the way you’re speaking, but in the very beginning of the episode, you talked about the reason you got into this business was because you thought it gave you the dual purpose of being able to help people, but also being able to enrich yourself or your family. So this answer, it comes full circle. You’re able to accomplish all these goals, which made it the right decision. And I think, look, I say to advisors all the time, “You’re allowed to be greedy, you’re allowed to be selfish as long as the clients are still in the front of your mind as the most important thing.” There’s nothing wrong with doing better for clients, building a legacy in your case, but also reaping the rewards of all your hard work and labor and also all the risks that you’ve taken over your career. I got to ask you, though, from being an employee of Wells, where you were running your team, for the most part, you can run the business within their guardrails the way you want, to then running an RIA, which is really like you’re fully in control of everything, to now being a partner, but you’re not the one who has the name on the door anymore. Patrick Larkin: Right, right. Louis Diamond: Well, how do you think about the giving up control and full ownership of your practice versus owning a very small amount of a much larger entity? Patrick Larkin: There was such continuity. Oak Hill Wealth Advisors and Cerity Partners were so philosophically aligned that I genuinely never felt like I was giving up anything that I wasn’t glad to let go. My wife joined the business shortly before I left Wells Fargo Advisors. And still to this day, on my drive home from work, I call her up and say, “You’re not going to believe this.” And it’s all a positive, good thing. So Cerity has struck the perfect balance of that autonomy and support combination that I was looking for. So I still have control and a say over the way our practice is managed. Very shortly after the merger, my supervisor came down and met me for the first time, and we went out together after the day had ended. And early in the conversation I said to him, “What can I do to make your life easier?” And he said, “Pat, what can I do to make your life easier?” And that set the tone that still exists to this day. I almost cried when he said that because that was so different than what I had experienced up to that point. So the collaboration, the way we work together, it’s just absolutely amazing. And not once for a single moment have I second-guessed my decision. And it’s really weird because I’ve now been part of this organization for nearly nine months, and there just has not been one thing that’s occurred where I said, “That’s a disappointment.” It’s just been absolutely amazing every single day. Louis Diamond: Very cool. To me, there’s different arcs of when you want to ask people the question of, “Hey, any regrets?” And usually you don’t want to ask them too soon because they’re still going through the transition and integration and growing pains. And you don’t want to ask them too far in the future because you forget about what was life before. To be this short of a duration into this new partnership and to have these feelings, that’s absolutely pretty special. I got two more questions for you, Pat, if you don’t mind. Patrick Larkin: Sure. Louis Diamond: First one, economically, to me, one of the hardest things for really any advisor to really grapple with or to fully comprehend or make their own is, “I own 100% of the equity in my business. I get to decide when I want to sell in the future. My business is growing 10% per year. I wait to sell until 10 years from now, my business is going to be much bigger and I get to keep all the cash flow. I get to make all the decisions.” That compared to the path that you took, which was take cash off the table, which everyone understands, to, “Now, I own a much smaller piece of a much larger pie.” How would you talk to someone about the financial trade-off between a hundred percent ownership in their business, full control, full discretion over everything, versus becoming a minority equity partner in a larger entity? Patrick Larkin: You have to look at the valuation of my business, again, the day that we opened our doors as Oak Hill Wealth Advisors. There was such a massive jump in the value of the business. There was not going to be an opportunity for an appreciation at that level. So then, you have to compare what the growth rate is of Oak Hill Wealth Advisors versus a Cerity Partners. And I’m not embarrassed to say that Cerity Partners is and has been growing at a much faster rate of return. The value of the equity that I have retained in Cerity Partners, my ownership stake, I fully expect by the time I transact that business as I get closer to retirement, that’s going to be worth many times more than whatever opportunity I would have had at Wells Fargo with the valuation they would have provided me. Nevermind, very important, the tax consequences of a structure like this is all the retiring advisors that I worked with were taxed at their highest marginal rate. I owned a business and we were taxed at long-term capital gains rates. A significant difference in savings in what as the owner we actually realize. So yeah, I feel very comfortable with the ownership that I have and the control and continued opportunity with the meritocracy culture to increase my share of ownership in the company. Louis Diamond: Okay, and let’s do one more question here. I’ll pick it back up. So Pat, I think it’s a really cool perspective. It’s almost do your homework, and if you find the right horse and the right jockey that can run faster than you can on your own, that the equity value will compound and grow and appreciate in a faster, more efficient way than what you’re doing on your own, which makes complete sense. It’s the ultimate trade-off. And again, it’s like jumping into the deep end. On the one hand, Oak Hill was all you, right? You control the growth, for better or worse, for the good days, the bad days, the good years, the bad years, versus now your growth is diversified amongst hundreds of partners across M&A, across different lead flow channels, et cetera. It makes complete sense. But honestly, if I were an advisor, I don’t know how I would think about it. I think it’s all just fact-and-circumstance-based on where I am in my life and who the firm is and what I’m trying to accomplish. But it’s such a cool perspective because usually the playbook that we see, which is why we did this series, is go independent and there’s a long pause until there is a realization of all the value that’s been created. So seeing you do this in a much quicker timeframe, it seems like it was the absolutely right decision. To me, it just is another path, another way that an advisor or a firm is able to think about their future. Any final advice or parting words for someone who is sitting right where you were in 2021 or 2022 thinking about making the leap? And we’ll say a transition in general, or really anything you want to share to wrap our episode here. Patrick Larkin: Thank you for having me, and this is a great question. Happy to give a thoughtful answer to it. Before I’d left Wells Fargo Advisors through the program and started Oak Hill Wealth Advisors, I had an opportunity to go through a due diligence process and make sure that this was going to be a right move for me. There was no carrot out there that was obvious. I learned after that first conversation that I had built a practice that had some value to it. I was leaving behind the security of something I knew, leaving behind a significant amount in deferred compensation, and I wanted to make sure I was making the right decision. And through that due diligence process, talked to about five other firms that had recently left Wells Fargo to join this RIA program. I asked them a lot of different questions about what their experience was. And at every point during those conversations, they all said the same thing at different points. And it sounded like this. They said, “I’m working harder than I ever have before, but I wish I had done this sooner.” So my advice to those people, do it. I know that sounds simple, but I mean it. The fear of leaving is almost always worse than the actual experience of leaving. And I understand the inertia of not leaving and the real apprehension of what was on the other side. But what I found was a version of this profession I genuinely didn’t know was possible. One where I could do things the right way on my terms for the people I care most about serving. And not every path is going to look like mine. Some advisors should go fully independent and stay there, and that can be an incredible life. But when it comes time to look for a partner, quite frankly, if Cerity Partners is not on your shortlist, you’re making a significant mistake. And I say that not to sell anything, but because I’ve lived the comparison firsthand and there’s simply nothing else like it. Louis Diamond: So Pat, it’s been really fun, but I don’t think we’ve had anyone on the eight years or so we’ve been doing this show that’s gone through this type of arc or journey that you have. One of my big takeaways or sticking points that this episode brought for me is by going independent and taking control over your future, you created complete optionality for yourself to do exactly what you wanted to do with your business, even if that was different than what you initially planned. So in your case, it was selling within three years of going independent, but by taking action, being proactive, playing some offense, you made the opportunity happen on your terms and your timeline. So this has been fun in so many different ways. I loved your comment about how when you went independent, it’s basically like the day of your IPO, the four-to-five-times increase in value versus an internal succession deal, and even just the way to think about getting equity in a larger entity versus running your own plays only. So thank you so much for doing this. This has been fun. Mindy Diamond: As a financial advisor, you hold yourself to the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and credibility. You are successful because you take your professional responsibility seriously and are dedicated to your clients. But are you living your best business life? Are your goals aligned with your firm’s or could a better option exist? Should I Stay or Should I Go? Is a book written with you in mind? It’s a self-guided journey that walks you through the key steps that we take with our advisor clients. This strategic thought process and roadmap to professional self-discovery is designed to help you ask the right questions and think critically and objectively, whether you’re considering change or not. Learn how to get your copy at diamond-consultants.com/thebook.   Build, Grow & Transact: From Breakaway to Transaction in 3 Years A conversation with Louis Diamond and Patrick Larkin, Partner & Practice Leader at Cerity Partners.      Louis Diamond: Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast series for financial advisors. Today’s episode is Build, Grow & Transact: From Breakaway to Transaction in 3 Years. It’s a conversation with Patrick Larkin, Partner and Practice Leader at Cerity Partners. I’m Louis Diamond, and this is The Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors. Mindy Diamond: At Diamond Consultants, we help elite advisors identify the right environment for their businesses to thrive, whether that’s at a wirehouse, boutique, or independent firm. With nearly three decades of experience, we’ve guided thousands of advisors and represented more than a quarter of a trillion dollars in assets transitioned. And each year, one in four advisors managing a billion dollars or more who change firms are our clients. Our process is education-driven and based on building relationships, starting as your strategic partner well before you’re even thinking of a move. To schedule a confidential conversation, call us at 908-879-1002. Wondering why advisors change firms and where they’re headed? Are transition deals going up or down? Those very questions and more inspired us to create our annual Advisor Transition Report. It’s the award-winning, data-driven resource designed for advisors that connects the dots between the motivations around movement and the firm’s appetite for top talent. Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to make smart decisions. Download your copy at diamond-consultants.com/transitionreport. Louis Diamond: Ownership as a way of creating opportunities you can’t always predict. That’s exactly why we created our Build, Grow, and Transact series. Independence isn’t the end of the story. It’s often the beginning of thinking differently about enterprise value, optionality, and what comes next. Today’s guest is Patrick Larkin, Partner and Practice Leader at Cerity Partners, and formerly the founder of Oak Hill Wealth Advisors. Patrick spent nearly 15 years building a successful practice at A.G. Edwards, Wachovia, and eventually Wells Fargo before launching his own independent firm in 2022. Just three years later, he merged that firm into Cerity. At first glance, that timeline might seem surprisingly short, but as you’ll hear, the merger wasn’t a change in direction. It was the result of seeing his business differently once he owned it. Yet, it’s this perspective that really brings that thought home. Patrick said the day Oak Hill launched felt like the business had gone public because overnight, what had been viewed as a book of business became an enterprise with substantially greater value, some four to five times the value of what it was worth at Wells. And that realization changed the way he invested, the way he hired, and ultimately the way he thought about the future. Pat and I also talk about something advisors don’t often discuss candidly, what life actually looks like after a merger. How much control do you give up? What changes day to day? How do you know whether you’re joining a partner or simply selling a business? Whether your long-term plan is to remain independent forever or eventually join a larger organization, Patrick’s experience is a reminder that ownership isn’t simply about control. It’s about creating optionality and putting yourself in a position where the next decision is yours to make. So let’s get to it. Patrick, thanks for coming on our show today. Patrick Larkin: Oh, my pleasure. Nice to meet you, Louis. Louis Diamond: You too. So let’s start off basically how we start every interview. Tell us about yourself, your background, and how you found your way into our industry in the first place. Patrick Larkin: Yeah, thank you for asking. I knew I always wanted to be a financial advisor. That part really wasn’t in question, but upon graduating college and being a 22-year-old, I knew that it was probably not practical to walk in and start advising people my parents’ age with their life savings. Probably wasn’t going to be a recipe for success. So I took a quick tour through the pharmaceutical industry first, which ended up being unexpectedly valuable. My employers there pushed me to think like an entrepreneur and within our territories. And honestly, that mindset never left me. It shaped how I built everything that came after. Eventually, an opportunity presented itself in Loudoun County, Virginia in Northern Virginia, and I became an FA trainee with A.G. Edwards, absolutely fantastic firm to start my career. Now, what drew me to this career was pretty simple. I felt like it was one of the professions that we had an opportunity to do so much good for others while simultaneously also doing well for yourself, and those two things aren’t in conflict. I also really loved the idea that in this profession there was no hiding. You don’t get paid to show up. You get paid for what you actually do. And perhaps for me, what was most important, I loved the weight of responsibility. I loved earning people’s trust. I loved the idea of deserving, being deserving of their trust, and being a steward of what they’ve worked a lifetime to build. I never took that lightly, and I still don’t. Louis Diamond: That’s amazing. Yeah, I mean, the number of people I’ve heard, you talked so fondly about A.G. Edwards and there’s a bunch of other firms that have since been absorbed or emerged that are like the regional firms of old. So not surprised to hear you loved it. A.G. Edwards, obviously, became Wells Fargo Advisors or was acquired or merged with Wells Fargo. So I know you’re at Wells and A.G. Edwards until 2022. So give us a quick version. How’d you build your practice from the pharma world into being in FA? Patrick Larkin: Yeah, so as I started with A.G. Edwards, I came in at really just the perfect time. It was towards the end of the financial crisis. And I built the business the old-fashioned way with a lot of cold calling and eventually did some dinner seminars, which I can tell you is a very expensive way to learn how to speak in front of a room. But I made some progress, and I was also in a great office, small enough that some of the advisors there would hand off some of the smaller accounts that they weren’t interested in working with, and got an opportunity to get a lot of reps in working with real life clients and individuals. I knew early on I didn’t have enough talent to win on talent alone, so I made up for it and compensated for that with really hard work. The real turning point came for me when A.G. Edwards was first acquired by Wachovia Securities, and that was about five years into my career. And at that point, my branch manager, who was eyeing retirement, asked me to step in as her partner, and that changed everything. We eventually moved over to a Wachovia Securities office, another really great local office in Loudoun County, Virginia. And from that office, I worked on and became a CIMA, a CFP, worked with the clients, built a business through referrals. And I found at that point in my career when I would go to a meeting with Wachovia, eventually Wells Fargo, as a young 30-year-old, I would look around the room often and realize that I was the youngest person in the room. The funny thing was 10 years later, I would go into that same room and I’d look around and I still was the youngest guy in that room. And those demographics in our industry, and when I came into our industry, ultimately led that office that I worked in with Wells Fargo Advisors, I eventually was the recipient and party to five different succession plans- Louis Diamond: Wow. Patrick Larkin: … at Wells Fargo Advisors. I hoped that I had built a reputation as somebody that these other advisors would entrust with their clients. And over that time period, really, I would say professionally, one of my accomplishments I’m most proud of is all five of those retired advisors that I used to work with, who had an opportunity to see me work with clients, all became clients of mine, I still continue to work with. And it’s professionally just one of the greatest honors that I’ve ever had. Louis Diamond: I mean, that’s a large number of advisors you helped sunset, but I would agree it’s the ultimate p

“Be on your guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” — 1 Corinthians 16:13 What does it look like to have a faith that can stand when life gets difficult? In this episode of Everyday Joy, Ash and Jacquie unpack 1 Corinthians 16:13 and explore what it means to actively build a faith that is strong, courageous, and grounded in God. Together, they discuss why following Jesus isn’t about simply hoping life works out—it’s about intentionally guarding your heart, staying close to God, and choosing to stand firm even when circumstances feel overwhelming. Ash shares vulnerably about walking through a challenging season and the reminder that carried her through: “My God is good, and He’s good all the time.” They unpack how courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the decision to keep trusting God even when fear is present. They also explore how faith is strengthened through hardship, why we can’t just let life happen to us, and how daily practices like reading God’s Word, prayer, and pursuing a deeper relationship with Jesus prepare us for whatever comes our way. If you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, uncertain about the future, or wondering how to keep your faith strong through difficult seasons, this episode is a reminder that God is your foundation—and He will give you the courage and strength to keep standing. Because a faith built on Jesus isn’t shaken by the storm. It stands firm through it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jesus asks, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”—a question that reveals the weight of what Christ endured as he took our sin upon himself, while also showing us that following Jesus means yielding our lives to God rather than pursuing comfort and control.   We should expect suffering, not because suffering is the goal, but because the good works God prepares for us often require us to let go of our own strength, expectations, and attempts to generate life for ourselves. So we yield to him, trusting that whatever must die in us will ultimately give way to life in Christ.

Hosts Shelly and June Volk conclude their detailed study on Psalm 22, highlighting the shift from Messiah's suffering on the cross to His victorious resurrection and ultimate reign over all nations. Exploring New Testament fulfillments and Old Covenant roots, the Volks discuss how Yeshua’s sacrifice invites both Jew and Gentile into God's kingdom. They encourage believers to maintain an eternal perspective, embrace the cross, and pray for revelation (epignosis) and spiritual restoration across the earth. Key Takeaways: Enduring for the Joy Ahead: As detailed in Hebrews 12:2, Yeshua endured the suffering of the cross for the joy set before Him, yielding resurrection power to all who trust in Him. Transformative Knowledge (Epignosis): The revelation knowledge referenced in Ephesians 1:17–18 goes beyond head knowledge—it is a life-transforming reality granted through the Holy Spirit. Global Redemption: Psalm 22:27–28 foretells that all nations (goyim) will turn (shuv / repent) and worship the Lord, pointing to a restored earth under His kingdom rule. Prayers for Israel & the Nations: The church age invites Gentiles into spiritual fellowship while calling believers to pray for Israel's eyes to be opened to their Messiah. It Is Finished: The closing declaration of Psalm 22—that "He has performed it"—foreshadows Yeshua’s final words on the cross: "It is finished." Scripture & Bible Passages Referenced: Psalm 22:1–31 – Prophetic psalm describing the crucifixion, global worship, and final victory of the Messiah. Luke 24:44 – All things written in the Law, Prophets, and Psalms concerning Messiah must be fulfilled. Ephesians 1:16–18 – Prayer for a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge (epignosis) of Him. Matthew 27:46 – Jesus cries out on the cross, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" Hebrews 12:2 – Jesus endured the cross, despising the shame, for the joy set before Him. John 3:16–17 – For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. Acts 15:19–20 – Instructions from the Council of Jerusalem regarding Gentile believers. Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cross is not merely the place where Jesus died, it is the center of God's redemptive story and the greatest demonstration of His love. Through Psalm 22, written a thousand years before Christ's crucifixion, we see a prophetic picture of Jesus becoming the Sin-Bearer as He cried, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" In that moment, Jesus experienced the abandonment our sin deserved so that we could receive the acceptance, forgiveness, and righteousness we could never earn. The wonder of the cross is that Christ took our judgment upon Himself, making a way for every broken, guilty, and repentant person to come boldly to the Father by grace alone.

My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me Mark 15:33-41 Rev. Dan Whang

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Sunday morning, the 9th of August, 2026, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We start in the Book of Colossians 4:2, in the New Testament, (Amplified Version): “Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.” The second scripture is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:17: “pray without ceasing,…” We pray in the morning, we pray in the evening, we pray during the day, we pray at work, we pray during our social lives. We need to pray more, my dear friends. Many of us are struggling at the moment with our faith because we do not pray to Jesus. We do not pray to our Heavenly Father. We do not pray in the Holy Spirit. I can hear somebody saying, “Aah, but I don't have the time. You know time is money.” Oh folks, the very best investment you and I will ever make when we come back to the Lord at the end of our lives is prayer. That is all we can offer Him, nothing else. Often they couldn't find the Master. Why? Because He was up in the mountain praying to His Father. “Lord, where have You been? The people are waiting for You.” “I have been getting a message from My God.” We need to pray without ceasing. There is no time to waste. Pray for your children, pray for your parents, pray for your loved ones, pray for your country, pray for your people. There is power in prayer. Smith Wigglesworth said, “I never pray for longer than half an hour”, and he said, “I never let half an hour go by without praying!” Oh folks, we need to pray. I was asked a year ago to go to one of the most dangerous places in the continent of Africa. Yes, I am talking about the Cape Flats, a place where there were gang wars taking place, and men were being slaughtered. When I arrived in the stadium, the first thing I asked them was, “Where are the prayer warriors? Where are the intercessors?” “Oh no, they are in a room over there.” I said, “I want to go and see them.”You know, people told me before I left, “Don't go there!” Folks, I want to tell you something now, my life was transformed. When I walked into that room and these intercessors were praying, they were weeping, they were travailing like a woman giving birth to a child. There was such a warmth, such an intensity, such a vibe, such an excitement. They laid hands on me, they started to pray over me. I tell you what - my life was transformed in that moment. I went out and I preached my heart out. I got off that platform. They said to me, “Don't go down to the men.” I went down there. They loved me with such an intensity (one man nearly broke my neck!) Hanging on, the power of prayer! I want you to start to pray more and talk less. Jesus bless you. Have a wonderful day.Goodbye.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/03-0808db.mp3 Listen to Bible reading Through My Bible Yr 03 – August 08 Hosea 9 – 10 Days of Retribution Are Near Hosea 9 1 Do not rejoice, Israel, with excessive celebration like the nations, because you act promiscuously against your God.     You love the wages you can earn as a prostitute at every threshing floor for grain. 2 The threshing floor and winepress will not feed them,     and the new wine will fail for them. 3 They will not remain in the Lord's land.     Ephraim will return to Egypt,     and they will eat unclean food in Assyria. 4 They will not pour out drink offerings of wine to the Lord.     Their sacrifices will not be pleasing to him.     For them, their bread will become like the bread eaten by mourners.     Everyone who eats it will be unclean.     This bread will only serve their own appetite.     It will not enter the House of the Lord. 5 What will you do on the day of the appointed festivals     and on the feast days of the Lord? 6 Know this! Even if they flee from destruction,     Egypt will gather them up.     Memphis will bury them.     Thistles will overgrow their silver treasures.     Thorns will grow inside their tents. 7 The days of reckoning have come.     The days of retribution have come.     Israel should know this! Israel Rejects the Prophets     The prophet is treated like a fool,     and the man of the Spirit is called crazy,     because your guilt is enormous,     and because your hostility is so great. 8 A prophet is to be a watchman over Ephraim for my God,     but a fowler's snare is laid for him on all of Ephraim's paths,     and he encounters hostility in the house of his God. [1] 9 They have become extremely corrupt,     as they were in the days of Gibeah.     God will remember their guilt.     He will punish them for their sins. Fertility Worship Brings No Fertility 10 I regarded Israel like grapes found in the wilderness.     I regarded your forefathers like the first ripe fruit on a fig tree in its first season,     but they went to Baal Peor, and they devoted themselves to a shameful thing,     and they became as disgusting as the thing they loved. 11 Ephraim's glory will fly away like a bird—     no birth, no pregnancy, no conception! 12 Even if they bring up their children,     I will deprive them of each one.     Yes, woe to them when I depart from them! 13 I have seen Ephraim planted in a pleasant place like Tyre,     but Ephraim will bring its children out to the executioner. 14 Give to them, Lord—but what will you give?     Give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts. 15 Because of all their evil in Gilgal,     I hated them there.     Because of their evil deeds,     I will drive them out of my house!     I will love them no more.     All their officials are rebels. 16 Ephraim has been struck down.     Their root has dried up.     They will bear no fruit.     Even if they give birth,     I will put their precious offspring to death. 17 My God will reject them, because they have not obeyed him.     They will be wanderers among the nations. Hosea 10 1 Israel was a spreading [2] vine. He produced fruit for himself.     The more fruit he produced, the more altars he made.     The richer the land became, the richer he made his sacred memorial stones. 2 Their hearts are insincere, [3]     so now they will suffer for their guilt.     The Lord will break down their altars     and destroy their sacred memorial stones. Kings Cannot Save You 3 Certainly now they will say, “We have no king     because we did not fear the Lord,     but what could such a king do for us anyway?” 4 They speak empty words.     With empty oaths, they make agreements.     That is why disputes sprout like poisonous weeds in the furrows of a field. 5 The inhabitants of Samaria will be terrified because of the calf [4] of Beth Aven.     Yes, its people will mourn over it,     and its idolatrous priests will cry out over it,     over its lost glory, because it has gone into exile. 6 It will be carried to Assyria as tribute to the Great King. [5]     Ephraim will be gripped with shame,     and Israel will be ashamed of its own idol. [6] 7 Samaria, like her king, will be carried off     like a twig on the surface of the water. 8 The high places of Aven, the sin of Israel, will become unusable.     Thorns and thistles will grow on their altars.     They will say to the mountains, “Cover us!”     and to the hills, “Fall on us!” Learn the Lesson of Gibeah 9 Israel, you have sinned ever since the days of Gibeah,     where the evildoers took their stand.     The war against the evildoers caught up with them at Gibeah, did it not? 10 When I see fit, I will discipline them. [7]     Peoples will be gathered against them         to bind them for their double guilt. [8] 11 Ephraim is a trained heifer that loves to thresh.     I will put a yoke on her beautiful neck. [9]     I will harness Ephraim.     Judah will plow.     Jacob will break up the ground. 12 Sow righteousness for yourselves,     and reap mercy.     Break up your fallow ground.     It is time to seek the Lord,     until he comes and rains righteousness on you. 13 You have plowed wickedness.     You have reaped injustice.     You have eaten the fruit of your lies,     because you trusted in your own way,     in the large number of your strong warriors. 14 Therefore the roar of battle will rise against your people,     and all your fortresses will be destroyed,     as Shalman [10] devastated Beth Arbel on the day of battle.     Mothers were dashed to the ground with their children. 15 This is what will be done to you, Bethel,     because of your great wickedness.     At dawn the king of Israel will be completely destroyed. Footnotes Hosea 9:8 This verse is difficult. Hosea 10:1 The Hebrew word may have a negative connotation like invasive. Hosea 10:2 Or divided Hosea 10:5 Variant calves Hosea 10:6 The text of the last word of the line is uncertain. Hosea 10:6 Or plan. The meaning of the last word is uncertain. Hosea 10:10 The text of the line is uncertain. Hosea 10:10 Or two crimes. The text of the line is uncertain. Hosea 10:11 The text of the line is uncertain. Hosea 10:14 The king of Assyria The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/03-0807db.mp3 Listen to Bible reading Through My Bible Yr 03 – August 07 Hosea 5:15 – 8:14 Hosea 5 15 I will go. I will return to my place     until they admit their guilt and seek my face.     In their distress they will earnestly seek me. Israel's Need to Return to the Lord 15 Come, let us return to the Lord. For he has torn us to pieces,     but he will heal us.     He has struck us,     but he will bandage our wounds. 2 After two days he will revive us.     On the third day he will raise us up,     so that we may live in his presence. 3 Let us acknowledge the Lord.     Let us pursue knowledge of the Lord.     As surely as the sun rises,     the Lord will appear.     He will come to us like a heavy rain,     like the spring rain that waters the earth. God's Grief Over Israel's Impenitence 4 What am I going to do with you, Ephraim?     What am I going to do with you, Judah?     For your faithfulness [1] is like a morning mist,     like early dew that disappears. 5 That is why I cut them to pieces by means of the prophets.     I killed them with the words of my mouth.     The judgments against you go forth like the light. 6 For I desire mercy, [2] and not sacrifice,     and the knowledge of God, rather than burnt offerings. 7 Like Adam, [3] they have broken the covenant.     They acted treacherously against me there. 8 Gilead is a city of evildoers,     stained with bloody footprints. 9 As gangs of robbers wait to ambush a man,     so do bands of priests.     They commit murder on the road to Shechem.     They have committed shameful crimes. 10 In the house of Israel I have seen a horrible thing.     Ephraim practices sexual immorality there.     Israel defiles itself. 11 Judah, also for you, a harvest has been appointed,     when I restore the fortunes of my people. [4] Israel's Corruption 7 Whenever I want to heal Israel, the guilt of Ephraim is uncovered,     and the evil deeds of Samaria are exposed,     because they deal dishonestly.     Thieves come inside,     and bandits raid outside. 2 In their hearts Ephraim does not realize that I remember all their wickedness.     Now their deeds are all around them.     They are in front of my face. 3 The people of Ephraim make the king glad with their wickedness.     They make their officials happy with their lies. 4 They are all adulterers,     burning like an oven.     The baker does not need to stoke the fire     from the time the dough is kneaded until it is leavened. 5 On the day [5] of our [6] king, the officials became sick from the intoxicating wine.     He reaches out his hand to the blasphemers. 6 Indeed, their hearts are like an oven.     They approach him, while plotting against him.     Their anger sleeps all night,     but in the morning it burns like a blazing fire. 7 They are all hot as an oven.     They devour their rulers.     All their kings have fallen.     Not one of them calls on me. 8 Ephraim mixes itself with the nations.     Ephraim is a flatbread not turned over. 9 Strangers have devoured his strength,     but he does not realize it.     There are gray hairs on his head,     but he does not realize it. 10 The arrogance of Israel testifies against him,     yet they have not returned to the Lord their God,     and they have not sought him, despite all this. Israel's Instability 11 Ephraim is like a gullible dove, without sense.     They call to Egypt.     Then they appeal to Assyria. 12 When they go out, I will spread my net over them.     I will bring them down like birds from the sky.     I will discipline them, on the basis of the report about their assembly. [7] 13 Woe to them,     because they have strayed from me!     Destruction comes upon them,     because they have rebelled against me!     I want to redeem them,     but they speak lies against me. 14 They do not cry out to me with their hearts,     but they howl on their beds.     They gather together [8] for grain and new wine.     They turn away from me. 15 Though I trained and strengthened their arms,     they plot evil against me. 16 They return, but not upward. [9]     They are like an unreliable bow.     Their officials will fall by the sword because of their angry tongues.     Because of this, they will be ridiculed in the land of Egypt. The Lord's Anger Burns Against Israel 8 Raise a ram's horn to your lips! A vulture is circling over [10] the Lord's house,     because they have broken my covenant     and rebelled against my law. 2 Israel cries out to me,     “My God, we acknowledge [11] you!” 3 But, in fact, Israel has rejected what is good.     An enemy will pursue him. 4 They set up kings, but not with my approval.     They installed officials, but I did not choose [12] them.     From their silver and their gold they made idols for themselves,     so they will be cut off. 5 I reject [13] your calf idol, Samaria!     My anger burns against these people!     How long will they be incapable of innocence? 6 That thing sitting there is from Israel!     A craftsman made it, so it is not God.     Certainly that calf of Samaria will be smashed to pieces! 7 Because they sow the wind,     they will reap the whirlwind.     The standing grain forms no heads,     so it will yield no flour.     Even if it would yield flour, foreigners would swallow it up. 8 Israel is swallowed up.     Now among the nations they are like a pot no one wants. 9 For they have gone up to Assyria, like a wild donkey all by itself.     Ephraim has hired lovers. 10 Even though they hire lovers among the nations,     I will now gather them together.     They will begin to suffer in a little while,     because of oppression by a king with many officials. 11 Ephraim has multiplied his altars for sin offerings,     but for him they became altars for sinning. 12 Though I wrote many teachings from my law for them,     they regarded them as strange. 13 They offer sacrifices to me just to get the meat. [14]     They sacrifice flesh and eat it,     but the Lord is not pleased with them.     Now he will remember their guilt     and punish their sins.     They will return to Egypt. 14 Israel has forgotten its Maker and built palaces. [15]     Judah has multiplied its fortified cities,     but I will send fire on its cities,     which will devour its citadels. Footnotes Hosea 6:4 Or mercy Hosea 6:6 Or faithfulness Hosea 6:7 Or at Adam. We are aware of no act of covenant breaking at the city of Adam. Hosea 6:11 Or though I would rather restore my people from captivity. Some translations join this line with verse 7:1. Hosea 7:5 The birthday or the coronation day Hosea 7:5 The Targum reads their. Hosea 7:12 Or I will discipline them when I hear them flocking together. The meaning of the line is uncertain. Hosea 7:14 Or they cut themselves, a reference to heathen religious practices Hosea 7:16 Or not for the better. The translation above is literal. Many translations suggest the emendations return to the Most High or turn to Baal. Hosea 8:1 Or an eagle is about to swoop down on Hosea 8:2 Or know Hosea 8:4 Literally know Hosea 8:5 The Hebrew text reads he rejects. Ancient versions read reject! Sudden shifts of person are not unusual in Hosea. Hosea 8:13 The meaning of this line is uncertain. Hosea 8:14 Or temples The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved.

https://square.link/u/UHRU92rp - Donate HereToday's reading takes us to Hosea 8, where Israel's broken covenant brings the warning that punishment is coming. They still used spiritual language and cried, “My God, we know you,” but their profession was loud while their obedience was absent. They had rejected God's law, replaced His authority, and redesigned religion to suit their own desires.Hosea 8 reminds us that empty religion cannot save and manufactured idols cannot replace the God who made us. Israel sowed the wind and reaped the whirlwind because they multiplied altars while forgetting their Maker. So today, read Hosea 8 and let it warn your heart: do not settle for words without obedience, religion without surrender, or worship that sounds spiritual but has forgotten God.

Hosts Shelly and June Volk continue their deep dive into Psalm 22, highlighting how King David's words prophetically detailed the Messiah's crucifixion 1,000 years in advance. The Volks examine key New Covenant cross-references such as Luke 24:44, Ephesians 1:17–18, Matthew 27, and Luke 23, exploring the practical power of epignosis—a life-transforming, experiential knowledge of God. They reflect on the Messiah's endurance, His unbroken fellowship with the Father amidst intense suffering, and how believers are called to participate in the fellowship of His sufferings. Key Takeaways: Experiential Knowledge (Epignosis): The knowledge referenced in Ephesians 1:17 is not merely intellectual; epignosis requires active participation that yields personal, life-transforming spiritual revelation. Prophetic Fulfillment in the Gospels: Messiah’s experience on the cross directly fulfilled Psalm 22, from His cry of "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" to the specific sneering, head-wagging, and abuse recorded in Matthew 27 and Luke 23. Unbroken Unity: Despite the agony of taking on human sin, Messiah maintained continuous personal communion with the Father, repeatedly crying out "My God." Fellowship of Suffering: When believers face unjust trial or abuse while doing good, they enter into the fellowship of Christ's sufferings, supported by the assurance of eternal reward. Remembering Past Deliverance: Recalling how God delivered earlier generations provides foundational strength, hope, and trust during current trials. Scripture & Bible Passages Referenced: Psalm 22:1–31 – Prophetic psalm outlining Messiah's trial, suffering, historical deliverances, and eventual global victory. Luke 24:44 – Jesus affirms that all things written in the Law, Prophets, and Psalms concerning Him must be fulfilled. Ephesians 1:16–18 – Prayer asking for the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the deep knowledge (epignosis) of God. Matthew 27:39, 46 – Fulfillment of Psalm 22 through the mocking of onlookers and Jesus’ cry from the cross. Luke 23:35 – Account of rulers and onlookers sneering at Messiah, challenging Him to save Himself. Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Shelly and June Volk open a prophetic study on Psalm 22, examining how King David’s words foretold the crucifixion of Messiah a thousand years in advance. The Volks highlight key New Testament connections, including Luke 24:44 and Ephesians 1:17–18, explaining how true revelation knowledge (epignosis) transforms a believer's relationship with God. They explore Messiah's agony on the cross, the dual nature of Christ as Son of God and Son of Man, and the enduring spiritual unity between the Father and the Son through suffering. Key Takeaways: Prophetic Alignment: Psalm 22 offers an exact descriptive forecast of Messiah's suffering on the cross long before crucifixion was practiced in Israel. Transformative Knowledge (Epignosis): Based on Ephesians 1:17–18, true knowledge of God is not merely intellectual, but an active, life-changing spiritual revelation. Fulfillment of Old Testament Scriptures: As stated in Luke 24:44, Messiah came to fulfill everything written concerning Him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms. Son of God and Son of Man: Yeshua walked as the second Adam to take on human sin and become a curse for humanity, enabling believers to inherit God's righteousness. Unbroken Fellowship: Despite crying out in anguish ("My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"), Messiah maintained personal, trusting communion with God throughout His trial. Scripture & Bible Passages Referenced: Psalm 22:1–31 – Prophetic psalm detailing Messiah's crucifixion, prayers, endurance, and eternal victory. Luke 24:44 – Confirmation that all things written in the Law, Prophets, and Psalms must be fulfilled. Ephesians 1:16–18 – Prayer for a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge (epignosis) of Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 – Messiah made sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Isaiah 53:10 – It pleased the Lord to bruise Him, making His soul an offering for sin. 1 Peter 3:18 – Messiah suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, to bring us to God. Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opening Summary COL Chels Chae, USA (Ret.), served nearly 30 years in the Army, from West Point graduate, infantry officer and 75th Ranger Regiment veteran to commander of the Wolfhound Battalion at Schofield Barracks. He finished his career as Chief of Staff for Joint Task Force Homeland Defense and Deputy Chief of Staff for U.S. Army Pacific. For 13 of those years, he and his wife, Christine, walked through their son's mental health crisis, a season no military school prepared him for. In this episode, Chae talks with host Josh Jackson about the difference between competence and dependence, why his prayers once sounded like mission briefings, and how a solitary drive to a hospital in Pasadena, Calif., reshaped the way he talks to God. If you've been trained to project strength while privately carrying something you can't fix, this conversation offers a hard-won picture of God's providence—usually visible only in the rearview mirror. Chae is the author of the devotional One Life Under God: Back to Faith—A Daily Roadmarch. More information at his author site. Questions answered and themes covered in this interview include: How do you find your identity in Christ after retiring from the military? Start by separating who you are from what you've done. Rank, position, and assignment all change; identity in Christ doesn't. Twenty years ago, Chae says, he would have answered the identity question with "I'm an Army officer, I'm a Ranger, airborne." Today he answers first as a follower of Jesus Christ, then as Christine's husband and a father—and everything else, he says, is simply something he has done. That reordering came shortly after retirement, when he realized someone else was sitting in his office, someone else was commanding his units, and life just kept moving. He describes God asking him a direct question in that season: "Who are you now?" Titles were never meant to define him. They were window dressing. Why do my prayers feel like a mission briefing? Because military training teaches you to arrive with the problem already solved—and that habit follows you into prayer. Chae's prayers, by his own account, followed the briefing format: explain the problem, present the proposed solution, ask God to bless the plan. He wasn't intentionally excluding God; he simply assumed he already understood what needed to happen. The danger of leadership, he says, is believing that a careful enough plan and enough hard work can solve almost anything. Eventually a season arrived where no rank, no leadership training, no planning process, and no amount of grit produced an answer. He now calls that one of the greatest gifts God gave him, because it taught him the difference between competence and dependence—and mature Christian leadership, he argues, requires both. How do I trust God when I can't fix my child's problem? You trust God's character instead of your own ability to solve it. Chae and Christine walked a 13-year journey with a son in a mental health crisis, initially diagnosed as a lifelong condition. From the outside, the family looked fine—promotions, a strong marriage, active in church. Inside, he faced something none of his skills touched: gathering information, developing courses of action, deciding, leading. He kept asking God to change the circumstances and heal his son; looking back, he believes God was changing him instead, exposing where he trusted his own ability over God's authority and sovereignty. Faith, as he defines it, isn't confidence in what you hold in your hands—it's confidence that God remains good whether you understand his plan or not. What held them together was finding a private place and praying out loud together. How do you pray when you're angry at God? Pray honestly, without a mask—anger, tears, and unanswered questions included. Chae's most formative prayer wasn't composed or reverent. He was alone in a car, driving to the hospital where his son was, yelling and weeping, asking God why an innocent child at the very start of his life had to go through this. In the silence afterward, he sensed God's answer: "Now you know how you should pray to me." He anchors this in Psalm 22, which he says gives him permission to be honest with God without pretense or protocol. If David (and later Jesus) could say "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1), nothing needs hiding from a God who already sees the heart. The same season changed what he asks for—less "fix this, Lord," more "what do you want to teach me today?" How do you know God's will for your future as a Christian? Stop trying to figure out God's plan for 10 years from now and start walking faithfully with him today. God is the only one who lives on what Chae calls "the far side of the future"—he already knows tomorrow, and the lamp you're holding only lights the ground directly in front of you. Chae tells the story of a young manager who had decided he'd change jobs in a year; Chae asked whether every decision between now and then would be colored by that plan. A week later the man dropped it and committed to being faithful to his team—"Don't worry, God's got you." Chae's own summary of Jesus is blunt: don't worry about tomorrow, seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33-34). Give today the effort God assigned you, and be able to say you were loyal to it. Why can't I see God's plan while I'm going through it? You usually don't see it in the moment—you see it looking back. Chae puts it this way: nothing in the windshield helped him figure out what the future held for his sons or his family. But in the rearview mirror he sees all of it—God's faithfulness, goodness, and purpose he couldn't have identified while he was living it. He describes being embarrassed, in hindsight, by how much energy he spent on the horrifying feeling of not knowing what came next, only to look back and say, "Oh. Okay. Now I see." His own immigration story reads the same way: born in London, back to Korea, then to New York and Chicago at 12 as his father chased a better education for the family. He didn't recognize God's providence at the time. He sees it now. Asked what he'll say first in heaven, his answer is one word—aha—because that's where he'll finally see all of it. Editor's note: In this episode, the passage about going into your room and closing the door to pray is cited as Matthew 5. The correct reference is Matthew 6:6, part of Jesus' teaching on prayer in the Sermon on the Mount.

What do you do when everything you built is taken from you in a single storm? Almost no one thinks that question will ever land on them personally, and then one day it does. Pastor Brian preached this message to a congregation whose city had just been devastated by an EF3 tornado, and the answer he gave is one every person is going to need at some point.In this sermon, Pastor Brian opens with a hard truth. On July 27, 2026, an EF3 tornado over a mile wide touched down for more than twenty minutes and tore through the neighborhoods of Appleton, Menasha, and Neenah. Miraculously, no one was killed. But the loss will take generations to rebuild. And in a moment like that, everyone around you starts watching to see how you respond. Not because you asked for the spotlight, but because the world is quietly asking a question in every disaster. How do Christians handle storms?Pastor Brian says the answer is that Christians are different. Not weird. Different. Christians still grieve. Jesus himself grieved the death of Lazarus in John 11, even though he was minutes away from raising him. Grief is not weakness. It is honesty. But the way a Christian grieves is otherworldly, because our identity is anchored in a King whose kingdom is not of this world.Then Pastor Brian walks through two storms in Scripture that reframe everything. In Luke 8, Jesus calms the storm on the Sea of Galilee, and the disciples' response is not relief but fear, because they realize they had no idea who was in the boat with them. And in Matthew 27, at noon on the day Jesus was crucified, the sky went dark and Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1). He names what the cross actually is. It is the storm that defines Christians. You and I were asleep in a sinking boat we did not even know we were in, and Jesus went into the water for us. We may not get every "why" answered on this side of glory. But we know the why of Jesus. His why was you.That is why Christians are different about home (we build houses, not homes, because only Jesus is home), different about neighbors (we can be generous because we gave up everything to Christ already), and different in storms (we do not have all the answers, but we have the God who understands the tears).Eight people gave their lives to Christ in the seven days after this tornado through Samaritan's Purse and community ministry. The house may fall. The eternal work never does.If you have been through a storm you cannot explain, or you are watching one right now, this teaching is for you.#AllianceChurch #SundaySermon #BibleTeaching #JesusSaves #ChristianFaith #ChurchOnline #WisconsinChurch #FaithThatMoves #HopeInJesus #SermonSeries #faith #jesus #god #christianity #christian #tornado #storm #hope #grief #church #gospel #wisconsin

What do you do when everything you built is taken from you in a single storm? Almost no one thinks that question will ever land on them personally, and then one day it does. Pastor Brian preached this message to a congregation whose city had just been devastated by an EF3 tornado, and the answer he gave is one every person is going to need at some point.In this sermon, Pastor Brian opens with a hard truth. On July 27, 2026, an EF3 tornado over a mile wide touched down for more than twenty minutes and tore through the neighborhoods of Appleton, Menasha, and Neenah. Miraculously, no one was killed. But the loss will take generations to rebuild. And in a moment like that, everyone around you starts watching to see how you respond. Not because you asked for the spotlight, but because the world is quietly asking a question in every disaster. How do Christians handle storms?Pastor Brian says the answer is that Christians are different. Not weird. Different. Christians still grieve. Jesus himself grieved the death of Lazarus in John 11, even though he was minutes away from raising him. Grief is not weakness. It is honesty. But the way a Christian grieves is otherworldly, because our identity is anchored in a King whose kingdom is not of this world.Then Pastor Brian walks through two storms in Scripture that reframe everything. In Luke 8, Jesus calms the storm on the Sea of Galilee, and the disciples' response is not relief but fear, because they realize they had no idea who was in the boat with them. And in Matthew 27, at noon on the day Jesus was crucified, the sky went dark and Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1). He names what the cross actually is. It is the storm that defines Christians. You and I were asleep in a sinking boat we did not even know we were in, and Jesus went into the water for us. We may not get every "why" answered on this side of glory. But we know the why of Jesus. His why was you.That is why Christians are different about home (we build houses, not homes, because only Jesus is home), different about neighbors (we can be generous because we gave up everything to Christ already), and different in storms (we do not have all the answers, but we have the God who understands the tears).Eight people gave their lives to Christ in the seven days after this tornado through Samaritan's Purse and community ministry. The house may fall. The eternal work never does.If you have been through a storm you cannot explain, or you are watching one right now, this teaching is for you.#AllianceChurch #SundaySermon #BibleTeaching #JesusSaves #ChristianFaith #ChurchOnline #WisconsinChurch #FaithThatMoves #HopeInJesus #SermonSeries #faith #jesus #god #christianity #christian #tornado #storm #hope #grief #church #gospel #wisconsin

Song List:1- Praise Him! Praise Him!2- The Lily of the Valley3- Nearer, My God, to Thee4- Living By Faith5- God Leads Us Along - Bro. Daniel TidwellMessage: Bro. Daniel TidwellScripture: 1 Corinthians 3:1-13Invitation- Wherever He Leads I'll Go August 2, 2026 (Night Service) Liberty Hill

I first want toexpress my heartfelt thanks to each of you who prayed for our mission teamduring our trip to Guatemala this past week. I can honestly say that yourprayers were answered in wonderful ways. The trip could not have gone better.Ournational ministry partners were absolutely tremendous. Their servant spirit,faithful labor, and loving assistance blessed us every day. They repeatedlytold us that they, too, had been encouraged by our coming. . So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for praying. Youhad a real part in everything God accomplished. I hope to share more about thetrip in the days ahead. Nowlet's return to our study in Philippians chapter 4. Last week, before we left,we looked at verse 18 where Paul wrote, "But I have all, and abound: Iam full..." The generous gift from the Philippian believers had methis present needs. Paul described their offering as "an odor of a sweetsmell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God." Their gift was notmerely money given to a missionary. It was an act of worship offered to GodHimself. Thatbrings us to one of the most familiar promises in all of Scripture. Verse 19says, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches inglory by Christ Jesus." This verse has been quoted thousands of times,but sadly it is often quoted apart from its context. Notice first that thispromise begins with two wonderful words: "My God." Paul is notspeaking merely about God in a general sense. He is speaking about the God whomhe knew personally, trusted completely, and had depended upon throughout everycircumstance of life. This was the God who had met Paul's needs in prison, onmissionary journeys, through persecution, hunger, shipwrecks, and countlesshardships. Paulcould confidently say, "My God shall supply." Notice also thatPaul does not simply say God can supply our needs. He says God shall supply.This is a promise based on God's faithfulness, not our circumstances. But wemust remember who this promise was originally given to. Paul is speaking tobelievers who had sacrificially given to support the work of God. They hadinvested in the Gospel. They had shared in Paul's ministry. They had met hisneeds when few others had done so. In a sense, Paul is saying, "You havetaken care of God's servant. Now God will take care of you." Thatsame principle is found throughout Scripture. Jesus said in Luke 6:38, "Give,and it shall be given unto you." And in 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and9, Paul teaches that God blesses generous believers so they may continue toabound in every good work. Notice something else. Paul does not promise thatGod will supply all our greeds. He promises to supply all our needs. Ourheavenly Father knows the difference. Sometimes what we think we need is reallyonly something we desire. But God, in His infinite wisdom, always knows exactlywhat is best for His children. He never fails to provide what is necessary toaccomplish His will in our lives. ThenPaul tells us the measure of God's provision: "According to His richesin glory by Christ Jesus." He does not give out of His riches, asthough handing us a small portion. He gives according to His riches. Theresources of heaven are unlimited because our God is unlimited. Every blessingwe receive ultimately comes through one source—Jesus Christ. Every spiritualblessing, every answered prayer, every provision of grace, every daily need issupplied through our Savior. AsI reflect on our mission trip this past week, I am reminded again that Godtruly does supply every need. He supplied the people. He supplied the strength.He supplied the protection. He supplied the opportunities. He supplied theresources. Once again, He proved Himself faithful. And dear friend, He is justas faithful today in your life. If you belong to Him, you can trust Him. Walkwith Him. Serve Him. Be generous toward His work. Then leave your needs in Hiscapable hands.

Why Have You Forsaken Me?To the choirmaster: according to The Doe of the Dawn. A Psalm of David.22 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?    Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,    and by night, but I find no rest.3 Yet you are holy,    enthroned on the praises[a] of Israel.4 In you our fathers trusted;    they trusted, and you delivered them.5 To you they cried and were rescued;    in you they trusted and were not put to shame.6 But I am a worm and not a man,    scorned by mankind and despised by the people.7 All who see me mock me;    they make mouths at me; they wag their heads;8 “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him;    let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb;    you made me trust you at my mother's breasts.10 On you was I cast from my birth,    and from my mother's womb you have been my God.11 Be not far from me,    for trouble is near,    and there is none to help.12 Many bulls encompass me;    strong bulls of Bashan surround me;13 they open wide their mouths at me,    like a ravening and roaring lion.14 I am poured out like water,    and all my bones are out of joint;my heart is like wax;    it is melted within my breast;15 my strength is dried up like a potsherd,    and my tongue sticks to my jaws;    you lay me in the dust of death.16 For dogs encompass me;    a company of evildoers encircles me;they have pierced my hands and feet[b]—17 I can count all my bones—they stare and gloat over me;18 they divide my garments among them,    and for my clothing they cast lots.19 But you, O Lord, do not be far off!    O you my help, come quickly to my aid!20 Deliver my soul from the sword,    my precious life from the power of the dog!21     Save me from the mouth of the lion!You have rescued[c] me from the horns of the wild oxen!22 I will tell of your name to my brothers;    in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:23 You who fear the Lord, praise him!    All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him,    and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!24 For he has not despised or abhorred    the affliction of the afflicted,and he has not hidden his face from him,    but has heard, when he cried to him.25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation;    my vows I will perform before those who fear him.26 The afflicted[d] shall eat and be satisfied;    those who seek him shall praise the Lord!    May your hearts live forever!27 All the ends of the earth shall remember    and turn to the Lord,and all the families of the nations    shall worship before you.28 For kingship belongs to the Lord,    and he rules over the nations.29 All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship;    before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,    even the one who could not keep himself alive.30 Posterity shall serve him;    it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation;31 they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn,    that he has done it.+++For more information about this group, please visit their website at reformationboise.com. Every weekday at 3:30 am and 7:30 am you can listen to The Gospel for Life on KSPD 94.5 FM and 790 AM Boise's Solid Talk in the Treasure Valley,  Idaho, USA.If you have a question, comment, or even a topic suggestion for the Pastors, you can email them.  If you enjoy The Gospel for Life, please give us a rating and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. That helps us a lot!Phone: (208) 991-3526E-mail: thegospelforlifeidaho@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://www.790kspd.com/gospel-for-life/to donate on line https://www.reformationboise.com/donate

"My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions." — Daniel 6:22If you've been facing workplace opposition, waiting on a long-overdue breakthrough, or wondering when your "suddenly" moment will arrive, this message is for you.Drawing from Daniel Chapter 6, Coach Crystal shares how staying loyal to God—rather than title, position, or money—activates divine rescue and unexpected blessings in your life and career.In this message:Community Testimony: A powerful reminder to include God in every area of your career and life.The "Suddenly" Moments: Expecting God to move in non-typical, surprising ways.Lessons from Daniel 6: Remaining a prayer warrior when facing workplace pressure or opposition.Corporate & Career Prayer: Standing firm as a Kingdom citizen at work.☕ Join Us Live Every Monday!Start your week with faith and strategy every Monday morning at 7:30 AM EST for the Career Prosperity Prayer Call.

July 29, 2026 | Lesson 7: Angels: Guard and ProtectNEW! Watch us ONLINE! Click here!SHOW NOTES: From the first chapters of Genesis to the book of Acts, Scripture shows us angels standing watch—guarding sacred ground, encamping around God's people, shutting the mouths of lions, and even opening prison doors. This isn't a side theme in the Bible. It's woven throughout Scripture.· After Adam and Eve are removed from the Garden, God places cherubim with flaming swords at the entrance to guard the way to the tree of life (Genesis 3:24).· A familiar Bible story is Daniel in the lions' den. After spending the night with the lions, Daniel tells the king, "My God sent His angel, and He shut the mouths of the lions" (Daniel 6:22). · The prophet Elisha and his servant were surrounded by the Aramean army. Elisha asks God to open the servant's eyes—the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire (2 Kings 6:17).· In Acts 12, Peter is imprisoned for a second time, chained between two guards — and an angel appears. His chains fall off, and the angel leads him right past the guards and through the gates, which open by themselves.For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.Psalm 91:11Head to Heart:Remember — Daniel wasn't kept out of the lions' den. Peter was freed, but James was not. Protection in Scripture doesn't always look like avoiding hardship altogether; sometimes it looks like God's presence sustaining us during it.Is there a trial you've been praying only for God to remove, when maybe He's asking you to trust His presence within it? What would it look like to shift that prayer from "get me out" to "meet me here"? SONG: Angels - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koGOTl48DcY&list=RDkoGOTl48DcY&start_radio=1

My God is still the same 7-26-26 by New Beginnings Church

When you're hungry, who feeds you? God fed Elijah in a special way. “My God will meet all your needs.” PHILIPPIANS 4:19, NIV. God loves us and gives us everything we need.

When you're hungry, who feeds you? God fed Elijah in a special way. “My God will meet all your needs.” PHILIPPIANS 4:19, NIV. God loves us and gives us everything we need.

Have you ever wondered where God is in the middle of suffering, loss, or unanswered prayers? In today's Christian daily devotion, Pastor Balla explores Psalm 74:1–3 (ESV) and the faithful prayer of lament offered by God's people after the destruction of the sanctuary. This Christ-centered Lutheran devotion shows that God welcomes our honest questions and hears the cries of His children. Most importantly, this passage points us to Jesus Christ, who cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” as He bore our sin on the cross and rose again to secure our salvation. If you enjoy daily Bible devotions, verse-by-verse Scripture study, LCMS theology, Law and Gospel preaching, ESV Bible teaching, and Christ-centered encouragement, subscribe and join us as we grow in God's Word and rest in His unfailing promises.Support this ministry:☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalphWebsite:buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalphPlease like, subscribe, share this devotion, and leave a comment to help others hear the hope of the Gospel.#DailyDevotion #Psalm74 #ChristianEncouragement #LCMS #BibleStudyHashtags

Sometimes it seems the Bible gives us conflicting guidance. For example, in Philippians 4:4 the Apostle Paul exhorts us to rejoice in the Lord always, and in case we didn't hear him the first time, he repeats, again I say rejoice. Christ-followers should be rejoicing people. That would seem to say we should always be positive, have smiles on our faces, and never feel sad. But then in Romans, the same Apostle Paul tells us to weep with those who weep. King David in the Psalms repeatedly poured out his rawest grief and deepest questions to God. Over half of the Psalms are called Psalms of lament. Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion (Psalm 77:7-9)? That doesn't sound much like rejoicing in the Lord always. In fact, it is a lament—a prayer of pain, a raw, honest expression of grief and sorrow. Think of how Jesus lamented in the Garden of Gethsemane when he confessed My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. And on the cross, he cried out with a loud voice, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? And there's an entire book in the Old Testament called Lamentations! Even a brief survey of Scripture confirms those who follow Christ will have times of lament in their lives. Somehow, we've often overlooked that biblical practice so many Christians feel guilty when they lament. But honest lament is not only permitted, it is encouraged in God's Word. Could it be you need to learn to lament? Please understand I'm not talking about throwing a pity party every time your feelings are hurt! But feeling sorrow and pain and hurt when life throws unexpected bad news or difficult dark days our way should lead us to honest and candid prayers of lament. The Bible gives us some guidance on expressing our laments—laments which lead to acceptance or deliverance or guidance and eventually to joy, whatever your need may be.

Rely on God. “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:19 (KJV)

35 Let your loins be girt, and lamps burning in your hands.Sint lumbi vestri praecincti, et lucernae ardentes in manibus vestris, 36 And you yourselves like to men who wait for their lord, when he shall return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open to him immediately.et vos similes hominibus exspectantibus dominum suum quando revertatur a nuptiis : ut, cum venerit et pulsaverit, confestim aperiant ei. 37 Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh, shall find watching. Amen I say to you, that he will gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and passing will minister unto them.Beati servi illi quos, cum venerit dominus, invenerit vigilantes : amen dico vobis, quod praecinget se, et faciet illos discumbere, et transiens ministrabit illis. 38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.Et si venerit in secunda vigilia, et si in tertia vigilia venerit, et ita invenerit, beati sunt servi illi. 39 But this know ye, that if the householder did know at what hour the thief would come, he would surely watch, and would not suffer his house to be broken open.Hoc autem scitote, quoniam si sciret paterfamilias, qua hora fur veniret, vigilaret utique, et non sineret perfodi domum suam. 40 Be you then also ready: for at what hour you think not, the Son of man will come.Et vos estote parati : quia qua hora non putatis, Filius hominis veniet.St Henry, Duke of Bavaria and Emperor of Germany, used his power to extend the kingdom of God. By agreement with his spouse, he preserved virginity in marriage. He died A.D. 1024.Music: Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All! Adoremus Hymnal.

What do you do when you feel completely forsaken?In this reflection on Psalm 22, John Ortberg explores one of the most haunting prayers in all of Scripture:"My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?"These are not only the words of the psalmist—they are the words Jesus prayed from the cross.John explores the unique pain of abandonment, the difference between explanation and healing, and the remarkable hope hidden in one tiny word that many of us overlook:"My."This episode explores:- Psalm 22 and the experience of forsakenness- Why abandonment wounds so deeply- Jesus' cry from the cross- The man with the withered hand- The difference between explanation and healing- The hope found in belonging to God even in our darkest momentsScriptures:- Psalm 22- Matthew 27- Mark 15- Mark 3- Isaiah 53#Psalm22 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #Jesus #Cross #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Hope #Suffering

Song List:1- Send The Light2- I Love to Tell the Story3- Be a Light For Jesus4- His Love Lights the WayMessage: Bro. Daniel TidwellScripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1-10, 2 Corinthians 4:1-10Invitation- Nearer, My God, to Thee July 12, 2026 Liberty Hill

Welcome to The Daily. Read more about our mission to teach every verse of the bible in what we call Project23. Grab your Hosea Scripture Journal. Our text today is Hosea 9:17: My God will reject them because they have not listened to him; they shall be wanderers among the nations. — Hosea 9:17 There is a line you don't want to cross with God—the moment when He stops pursuing. Hosea says it plainly: "My God will reject them… they shall be wanderers." This is not God losing power. This is God honoring His word. They would not listen. They would not return. They would not respond. So eventually, God lets them go. And the result is not the freedom they thought they wanted. It's wandering. Aimlessness. A life without direction. That's what a life without God actually feels like. It's slow disorientation. You keep moving, but in every direction. You keep searching, but nothing satisfies. Because when God is removed, so is your map. His truth is your compass. His Word is what shows you the path, brings you back to it, and keeps you on it. And yet, this is how many people live today. They search for answers in legacy media, social media, shifting ideologies, and ever-changing modern spiritual trends. But none of it leads home. Over time, resistance becomes identity. You push God away long enough that the distance feels normal. Then one day, you realize—you got what you wanted. A life without Him. But here's the truth most people don't see until it's too late: That's not the life you actually wanted. So listen carefully. If you can still feel conviction… He's still calling. If you can still sense distance… He's still drawing. If this warning hits you… He's not done with you. You have not gone too far. That is the Spirit whispering to you. But don't wait. Turn now. Because the same God who judges wandering hearts is the God who sent His Son to bring them home. This is why Jesus came. To find the wanderer. To carry the lost. You don't have to keep wandering. You can come home—right now. If that's you, pray this with me: God, I see that I've been drifting from you. I've gone my own way, resisted your voice, and trusted myself instead of you. I confess my sin and ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus died for me and rose again to give me new life. Today, I turn back to you. Lead me, restore me, and make me new. I don't want to wander anymore—I want to walk with you. Amen. If you prayed this with me, let me know in the comments below by writing: "I chose Jesus." Because I want to pray for you today. DO THIS: Stop and respond to God right now. Don't delay it. Talk to Him honestly about where you've been resisting Him and take one step back toward Him today. ASK THIS: Where have I been ignoring God's voice? What would it look like for me to return fully? Am I drifting—or turning? PRAY THIS: God, I see that I've been drifting from you. I've gone my own way, resisted your voice, and trusted myself instead of you. I confess my sin and ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus died for me and rose again to give me new life. Today, I turn back to you. Lead me, restore me, and make me new. I don't want to wander anymore—I want to walk with you. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Softly And Tenderly "

Presented by Lauren Stibgen Sometimes God seems far away. Many women I speak with have said this very thing from time to time. Despite their prayers, reading the Bible, and going to church, God seemed distant. They feel like there are no answers coming in their distress, and some have even thrown in the towel with long time prayers. This isn't what God has planned for us. I like to remind myself about God's view on time when I feel like he hasn't answered me in a while. To the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day (2 Peter 3:8). In the context of my view on time, it may not feel like very long to God at all! It's likely that David ran from Saul between four and thirteen years. I am sure David's laments to God were very difficult at times. Like, “Hello, Lord? It's your anointed King David. What are we doing? How long?” I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of my foes (Psalm 6:6-7). Not only was David weary, but he was also worn down to the point of tears! God saw every one of these tears David shed. He sees yours too. And David wasn't shy about crying out to God! My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night but I find no rest (Psalm 22:1-2). Ultimately, God was with David every step of the way—even when David felt alone, chased, weary, and deep in sorrow. God wants to hear from you. Lament to God about your weariness, tears, and unanswered prayers. Lament to God when he feels distant and like he isn't answering you. Have you been in a season like this with work? Our adversary may look different than David's, but it could come in the form of being out of work for an extended period, waiting for a promotion, or feeling like you have an adversary at work challenging your every move. Jesus has promised we will have trouble in this world (John 16:33) but also gives us the hope that he has overcome the world! Turn to the Lord in lament today. Be honest. He wants to hear from you.

“Tell me I pray thee wherein thy great strength lieth.” — Judges 16:6 Where lies the secret strength of faith? It lies in the food it feeds on; for faith studies what the promise is — an emanation of divine grace, an overflowing of the great heart of God; and faith says, “My God could […]

Morning lessons: Psalms 22; Ruth 4; 1 Corinthians 9.  My God, my God, why have you forsaken me, and are so far from my cry, and from the words of my complaint?

The Church of Philadelphia: The Church That Jesus Had No Rebuke For • Friday Service Website: www.pastortodd.org To Give and Support: www.toddcoconato.com/give Revelation 3:7 (NKJV) “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.”'” Revelation 3:7-8 (NKJV) “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens. “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” Revelation 3:8 (NKJV) “For you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” Revelation 3:8 (NKJV) “For you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” Revelation 3:8 (NKJV) “For you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” Revelation 3:9 (NKJV) “Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie, indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.” Revelation 3:10 (NKJV) “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” Revelation 3:11 (NKJV) “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” Revelation 3:12-13 (NKJV) “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” '

Welcome to Concert Friday on the Solemnity of St. Thomas the Apostle"Doubting Thomas" by Nickel CreekWhat will be left when I've drawn my last breathBesides the folks I've met and the folks who know me?Will I discover a soul-saving loveOr just the dirt above and below me?I'm a doubting ThomasI took a promiseBut I do not feel safeOh me of little faithSometimes I pray for a slap in the faceThen I beg to be spared 'cause I'm a cowardIf there's a master of death, I bet he's holding his breathAs I show the blind and tell the deaf about his powerI'm a doubting ThomasI can't keep my promises'Cause I don't know what's safeOh me of little faithCan I be used to help others find truthWhen I'm scared I'll find proof that it's a lie?Can I be led down a trail dropping bread crumbsTo prove I'm not ready to die?Please give me time to decipher the signsPlease forgive me for time that I've wastedI'm a doubting ThomasI'll take your promiseThough I know nothing's safeOh me of little faithOh me of little faith"Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All" by The Vigil Project (feat. John Finch)Jesus, my Lord, my God, my allHow can I love Thee as I ought?And, how revere this wondrous giftSo far surpassing hope or thought?Sweet Sacrament, we Thee adoreO, make us love Thee more and moreO, make us love Thee more and moreHad I but Mary's sinless heartTo love Thee with, my dearest KingO with what bursts of fervent praiseThy goodness, Jesus, would I singSweet Sacrament, we Thee adoreO, make us love Thee more and moreO, make us love Thee more and moreSound, sound His praises higher still,And come, ye angels, to our aid,'Tis God, 'tis God, the very GodWhose power both man and angels madeSweet Sacrament, we Thee adoreO, make us love Thee more and moreO, make us love Thee more and moreSweet Sacrament, we Thee adoreO, make us love Thee more and moreO, make us love Thee more and moreSweet Sacrament, we Thee adoreO, make us love Thee more and moreO, make us love Thee more and more

Full Text of Readings Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle Lectionary: 593 The Saint of the day is Saint Thomas Saint Thomas' Story Poor Saint Thomas! He made one remark and has been branded as “Doubting Thomas” ever since. But if he doubted, he also believed. He made what is certainly the most explicit statement of faith in the New Testament: “My Lord and My God!” and, in so expressing his faith, gave Christians a prayer that will be said till the end of time. He also occasioned a compliment from Jesus to all later Christians: “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” (John 20:29). Saint Thomas should be equally well-known for his courage. Perhaps what he said was impetuous—since he ran, like the rest, at the showdown—but he can scarcely have been insincere when he expressed his willingness to die with Jesus. The occasion was when Jesus proposed to go to Bethany after Lazarus had died. Since Bethany was near Jerusalem, this meant walking into the very midst of his enemies and to almost certain death. Realizing this, Thomas said to the other apostles, “Let us also go to die with him” (John 11:16b). Reflection Saint Thomas shares the lot of Peter the impetuous, James and John, the “sons of thunder,” Philip and his foolish request to see the Father—indeed all the apostles in their weakness and lack of understanding. We must not exaggerate these facts, however, for Christ did not pick worthless men. But their human weakness again points up the fact that holiness is a gift of God, not a human creation; it is given to ordinary men and women with weaknesses; it is God who gradually transforms the weaknesses into the image of Christ, the courageous, trusting, and loving one.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

“Honor your mind, body, and soul.” In this episode, Nick speaks with Melissa Coloton about her journey from farm life to corporate sales. They talk about high-pressure anxiety and burnout, as well as insights on self-awareness, purpose, and holistic well-being. What to listen for: Honoring yourself means recognizing and responding to your emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental needs. Self-awareness helps us catch patterns and make better decisions over time. Understanding that our mind, body, and soul are connected helps us to see life holistically and from various perspectives External influences and pressures can sometimes become ingrained in who we believe ourselves to be. “Support systems are vital for growth.” Growth is not entirely a solo mission; having the right support system can make a huge difference. Surrounding ourselves with the right people and right environments for us to thrive can take time to separate from the past, but it is always well worth the effort. Support systems can provide new perspectives and help you navigate challenges without burning yourself out. “We really focused on reconnecting with myself. It wasn’t like “you must stop having anxiety”. It was like “when you have anxiety, this is the connection point you have to have with yourself.” Managing anxiety is not about eliminating it, but about learning to navigate it. Self-awareness and self-connection are crucial for managing anxiety and other challenges. By focusing on connection and self-awareness, you can develop coping strategies that work for you. Embracing your emotions and experiences can help you build a stronger sense of self and increase your emotional intelligence. About Melissa Coloton Melissa is a Certified Life Coach and Sales Expert who helps businesses, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs create what she calls aligned success, where purpose, profit, and a fulfilling life all work together. With nearly 20 years of sales leadership experience spanning quota-carrying sales roles, strategy, and executive leadership, she has driven over $1 billion in new business and led high-performing teams to record-breaking growth, particularly in the life sciences sector. After facing burnout and health challenges at the height of her career, Melissa transitioned to a more sustainable model of success and now serves as a trusted strategic partner to people navigating growth, leadership pressure, and pivotal decisions. She is the creator of The Honor You Method, a framework that blends mindset, emotional capacity, and execution strategy to support high-level performance without sacrificing well-being, and the host of The Honor You Podcast, where she explores building success that truly feels as good as it looks. https://melissacoloton.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-coloton-coach/ https://www.instagram.com/melissa_coloton/ Resources: Check out other episodes about anxiety and burnout: Balancing Law And Spirit: Boundaries, Burnout, And Personal Growth With Cindy Rendon How To Handle And Successfully Navigate Career Burnout Easily Reduce Anxiety By Going Calm, Present And Connected Are you looking for ways to better manage your daily mindset, live a happier, more fulfilled life, and pursue the depths of your soul on your path to self-mastery? Schedule a free clarity session with Nick to see if mentoring is a good fit for you.Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Check out Nick's website for more information: https://nickmcgowan.com/ Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Check out Nick's website for more information: https://nickmcgowan.com/ Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Listen to other episodes here: https://themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com/ Watch Clips and highlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show” Click Here To View The Episode Transcript Nick McGowan (00:01.462)Hello and welcome to the Mindset and Self Mastery Show. I’m your host, Nick McGowan. Today on the show we have Melissa Coloton. Melissa, how you doing today? Melissa Coloton (00:11.678)I’m good, Nick. How are you? Nick McGowan (00:13.442)I’m good. I’m good. I’m glad you’re here. we were just shooting the breeze talking about things podcasting and life and all of that. So I want to kind of continue the conversation, but why don’t you get us started? Tell us what you do for a living and what’s one thing most people don’t know about you that’s maybe a little odd or bizarre. Melissa Coloton (00:15.767)Me too. Melissa Coloton (00:30.584)Sure. So what I do for a living is I’m a certified life coach and sales expert and I combine those two things by helping people find success that really means something to them by putting purpose and profit together because one without the other will always make you kinda want more out of life. So I try to not be Pollyanna about purpose without profit and I try not to be too focused on profit because, you know, then if we get too into the weeds about that, then that’s all that matters to us and we forget what our purpose is. So that’s what I do. And I spent about twenty years in corporate sales. So that’s my background and always wanted to be a life coach since my late twenties. So finally, finally, finally started doing the thing and combined those two very bizarre things and put them together. So actually they’re not bizarre things on their own, but putting them together is a little bit odd. Nick McGowan (01:18.776)Mm-hmm. Melissa Coloton (01:23.96)And something that people would find odd about me, which I don’t know if it’s too odd, but I do think people are surprised when I say this, is I’m I’m in my blood, I’m a farm girl. So I grew up on a farm, my dad was a farmer, his dad was a farmer. So and I think people are surprised about that because, you know, I’ve spent a lot of time in corporate. So being very corporate y and wearing the jackets and all the things. And so when I say like I grew up basically in the middle of a field and ate dirt for for the most of my childhood, people are like, wow, surprising. So yep. I I I would say that I present this, you know, very polished person, but I really do enjoy, you know, a good old backwood bonfire and grew up partying in fields. So yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Nick McGowan (02:16.556)Nice. I I I like how you slowly kind of got into that and you were like, Yeah, we party a lot in fields. Like that was how it is. Whole lot. Melissa Coloton (02:22.552)And we partied a lot. Like we had to party on state land because well there was nowhere really to go, right? Like we there was nowhere to go. So we just would all get together in State Land fields. That’s what we did. Yeah. Nick McGowan (02:31.715)Yeah. Nick McGowan (02:37.87)Yeah. That’s cool. I mean, we all have I think we all have situations growing up that some people were a little bit more partiers. I’m trying to be real mindful of how I put this. Some people like partied hard in their like high school years and others didn’t. And then they partied too hard in their early 20s when it was legal to go drink or whatever, and then they got out of it. Some like just never get out of it and like belly up to the bar at 65 years old and it’s the same bar they’ve been bellying up to. but I think there are there’s some like. Melissa Coloton (02:53.068)Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Nick McGowan (03:10.606)Crazy moments that you can think back to, I’m sure. There definitely are for me that have to do with some of those parties that I can look back at now and go, holy shit. Like I saw how life could have changed drastically. And also I saw how I learned to kind of manage things in a sense. Like, how do you manage a whole group of 40 people around a bonfire out in the middle of nowhere? Or like the cops are coming. How do you let everybody know? Or whatever that looks like. Melissa Coloton (03:22.56)Mm. Melissa Coloton (03:39.754)Right. Yeah. Nick McGowan (03:41.4)But I I can appreciate coming from basically somewhere that’s not corporate at all, and then ending up in corporate. Cause I’ve seen that with people that I’ve worked with at times that were some of the best workers I’d ever worked with, and some of the almost like hard nosed people I’ve ever worked with. And I think that came from their background of being on their farm. Like you had chores that most city kids didn’t have and like tough things that you had to figure out and what do we do? So I’m sure that Melissa Coloton (04:03.776)Yeah. Nick McGowan (04:11.138)Did that help you, you think, when you got into not only corporate but sales? Melissa Coloton (04:15.306)Yeah. Yeah. I think it did a few things. Honestly, it definitely helped my work ethic. You know, I summers off were not a thing for me. I literally would hay it is what we called it, is basically get all the hay ready for the winter. And I remember me and my cousin, she was only a year older than me. We would fight about who would get the front of the wagon and who would get the back of the wagon. Because if you’re the back, you had to start throwing when eventually you’d had start throwing the bales of hay to the front for the person to put it on the elevator and go up and dump it into the hay mill. And we would fight about that like literally like one of us would try to like try to get to the back and or try to get to the front so they didn’t have to be the one throwing bales of hay. So I definitely feel like it helped my work ethic plus like seeing my dad work like that. You know, my dad he he had to do chores before he went to school when he was in high school. Nick McGowan (04:54.83)Mm-hmm. Nick McGowan (05:08.898)Mm-hmm. Melissa Coloton (05:08.94)You know, he would have to do chores and then he’d have to go do sports or whatever he did and come home and do more chores. So my dad, it wasn’t like he got that like childhood most people think of when they think of childhood. My my dad was worked with his dad. That’s what he did. And they found a way to make it fun. So I think that also helped me was like you can’t take yourself too seriously in an environment like that because shit hits the fan a lot. And if you lose your mind every time the shit hits the fan on a farm, like Nick McGowan (05:31.96)Yeah. Melissa Coloton (05:37.584)you’ll just go nuts. So I have a lot of stories from my my my dad and his aunt about how they grew up and and my grandfather and how crazy that all was. And they just have a lot of laughs about it because I really do think like you would go nuts. So I think that really helped my my work ethic in a really big way. I also feel like it it removed a lot of entitlement. And I’m not I’m not saying I don’t have any entitlement ’cause I think we all do to some degree. But I think it removed a lot of entitlement because Nick McGowan (06:00.814)Mm. Melissa Coloton (06:07.146)I didn’t really come into this world with all this money or like I wasn’t handed anything in my life. Like everything I did, I had to work really hard for. And so when you’re in sales, that serves you very well because you can then make things out of nothing. You know, I even in my sales career, I would get these territories and I’d be like, What the fuck? Like and and I’m like, and at first I was pissed about it, right? Like, why can’t I just get a main account or something like that? But I’m glad I didn’t. Because I learned the art of making something out of nothing, making money where there was no money ig in existence yet. Like I always say, like in sales, especially like the sales the sales professionals that are like, I want an ac I want an active account or I want to tear the territory that’s already bloomed. I’m like, you should actually not want that for especially your first couple go go rounds, because you will learn a skill set that nobody will ever take from you and nobody will ever actually teach you. You will not. You will not learn that in a book, you will not learn that in a podcast. You you have to just do it. And so, yeah, I see I think growing up on a farm helped me with those two things in a in a really big way. Nick McGowan (07:06.689)Yeah. Nick McGowan (07:15.896)My God, I could imagine that you were in a much better spot to be able to handle really tough situations or like calculations of moves, but also probably you experienced different things that other people didn’t, like trying to think from like the opposite perspective. Like I mainly grew up in a city or like right outside of a city. and I’ve always been around a lot of people. So being in a corporate environment, like all the chaos, all the people talking, like you know, those meetings where it’s like. Melissa Coloton (07:21.368)Mm-hmm. Melissa Coloton (07:39.608)Mm-hmm. Nick McGowan (07:45.77)One person should really be running it, but they’ve lost it. It’s off the rails at this point. Like everybody’s just jabbering about whatever the fucking thing is. And how do you pull that back? How do you not? Like, what’s your level of it? When does it not matter what your level is? And go, yo, you know, that sort of thing or whatever. but I I think that there’s stuff that we as people can really try to find the easiest way through. Like we’re seeing a lot of it with AI now. Everybody’s trying to write books and they’re trying to do all these things. Melissa Coloton (08:09.24)Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Nick McGowan (08:13.25)Because they just need to create and they need to do all this. When in all reality, what they’re really doing is saying, well, I have to make money. And I’m told that I have to do more. So I have to do more to make the money, but I don’t have enough time to do it. And I don’t really know what the fuck’s going on. And in sales without AI, we’ve experienced that stuff where you’re like, there’s a lot going on. There’s a lot of moving parts and pieces. And I don’t have enough in my pipeline. And but that’s just a small piece from a salesperson. And we all experience stuff like that. But you ended up getting to the point where you’ve done a lot, you work through, and yeah, you can look back now and go, I was really appreciative of having that. You weren’t then, because you typically aren’t, where you’re like, Are you fucking kidding me? Nobody’s here. This is nonsense. But when you learn and you work through it, you can see the silver lining of it. But that’s not always the case with getting burned out. So talk to us about not only the journey of like looking back at that and going, I can see where I’m starting to burn and where I was starting to smolder. Melissa Coloton (08:54.22)Yeah. Right. Melissa Coloton (09:03.734)Right. Melissa Coloton (09:11.032)Mm. Nick McGowan (09:12.642)But then also what that journey looked like. You shared a bit of that even before we started, of like taking it kind of category by category of our I’m gonna work through this, like the mind, body, soul, et cetera. So what did that look like for you? Melissa Coloton (09:23.649)Yeah. Yeah, you know, hindsight is wildly twenty twenty, right? so honestly, when it when when I would say my burn burning out or burnt outness started showing its ugly head, I I truly blamed it on life situations, how hard I had worked, like that kind of stuff. Cause at the time I also had a a friend that was dying of cancer. So it was life combined with work. And even up until I would say, even just recently, honestly, like I would say like literally probably within the last six to twelve months, this has come to me a little bit clearer. And that is it wasn’t necessarily how much I was working. Right. It it wasn’t necessarily even the work I was doing. It was the lens in which I was seeing it all. And that was being very performative, n really afraid to fail. Like really, really afraid to fail. And I say this with a huge grain of salt because I love my parents, but they my parents were very young when they had me. Sh my mom was 18 when she had me. She was 16 when she had my brother. And so they were like kids raising kids. And so I think my mom put on this suit of like My children are not gonna have the life that I had. They are gonna have a different life in me, which served me very, very, very well. Also, it created a monster in me that was like, you have to succeed, period. Like no matter what, you have to succeed and you cannot fail. And I and I often had these experiences with my mom where I’d like, I remember this one time I got a C in French. Like, French, like who fucking cares? Nick McGowan (11:19.835)Melissa Coloton (11:21.184)I’m not gonna move to Paris. Like, we’re okay. And she like just lost her shit on me. Like, just like, what the fuck are you? Like, she didn’t swear, but basically she was like, What the fuck are you doing? Like, if you can’t get better grades than this, you’re not gonna go to she always held sports over my head because I loved playing sports. So that was always one where she could really get me and to do whatever she wanted me to do. Cause I’d be like, my god, I need to go to sports. and so as I got older and I started working in these really Nick McGowan (11:27.405)Mm. Nick McGowan (11:35.864)Yeah. Nick McGowan (11:41.102)Mm-hmm. Melissa Coloton (11:50.251)immense pressure cookers. I mean, Nick, there were my biggest opportunity I ever had was over a hundred million dollars. And that was just in service fees. So together it was actually probably more like a $200 million deal. So I would get in these pressure situations and instead of being like, I got this, I’d be like, this has to come together. Like, and and it was more of like a lens I saw my work through than it was the actual work I was doing. Nick McGowan (12:01.41)Yeah. Nick McGowan (12:12.622)Yeah. Melissa Coloton (12:19.946)So I started getting these weird bursts of anxiety at very odd times, which is why I kind of shoved it aside. Cause it wasn’t like I would be in the middle of a meeting and be like, my God, I’m about to have a panic attack. It would be more like weirder times, like specifically when I was driving. Like when I would drive, I would get really anxious. And I was just like, that’s weird. And I just kept putting it off, kept putting it off, kept putting it off, kept putting it off. And then one day I couldn’t. Yeah. It was just I was driving on the way to work and Nick McGowan (12:31.874)Mm-hmm. Nick McGowan (12:43.758)Mm-hmm. Nick McGowan (12:47.661)Yeah. Melissa Coloton (12:49.954)complete meltdown. Like pulled off the highway, tried to get back on, pulled off the highway, tried to get back on. I couldn’t do it. Thank God at the time I was working for my boss was my friend. So I was able to call her and say, I don’t know the fuck’s wrong with me, but I cannot come to work today. And I was supposed to like, my team was coming into town. I was supposed to be leading meetings and all this stuff. She’s like, don’t worry about it. Go home. Get some rest. And I thought it would be a blip on the radar. I was like, I’d be fine tomorrow. Right. And I figured I could probably Nick McGowan (13:07.214)You can Nick McGowan (13:11.51)Mm. Nick McGowan (13:17.624)Yeah. Tomorrow, yeah. Melissa Coloton (13:19.768)Keep keep pushing it aside. I woke up the next day and had just anxiety, like just major chronic anxiety. Couldn’t drive, I couldn’t even drive a quarter. I don’t exaggerate this. And when it’s funny when people when I’ve told people this story afterwards, like people who know me really well, they’re like, they literally think I’m lying. And I’m like, no, I don’t think you understand. Like I could not get in my car and drive a quarter mile down the road without being like, I gotta, I gotta go home. I gotta go back home. So Nick McGowan (13:39.768)Mm. Melissa Coloton (13:48.077)That led to work with a a practitioner near where I live and he’s a life coach and an acupuncturist. And so I’ve I’ve been seeing him ever since that day, which has been, I think the summer will be eight years now. And yeah, and and we really focused on reconnection to myself. And when I did get it’s like he didn’t he wasn’t like you must stop having anxiety. It wasn’t it wasn’t like that. It was like when you have anxiety, this is Nick McGowan (14:02.478)Nice. Nick McGowan (14:12.76)Yeah. Melissa Coloton (14:17.356)the connecting point you have to have with yourself because I didn’t, right? It was like, it was very much like a keep it moving. And anything I felt in my body or anything that I anything that I felt anywhere, it was like, no, I ain’t got time for this shit. And I even remember going into his office being like, the fuck, like this I I just don’t have time for this. Like I I leg legitimately remember thinking that. Like and then I remember sitting in his office for the first time, him telling me that I don’t have a relationship with myself. Nick McGowan (14:24.685)Mm-hmm. Nick McGowan (14:37.375)Mm. Melissa Coloton (14:46.678)And I’m like, excuse me. Like I I just thought I was one of the most authentic people and all this stuff. So it took some took some work to even understand what was really going on with myself. And so that led to a lot of connection with self, a lot of soul work, what’s really in my heart. When I do have anxiety, what does that mean? What do I need to console? How do I need to function in that experience? And actually welcoming anxiety, because I believe that like when you have these feelings. It’s your soul being like, Hey, I need some attention here. Like, what about me? And so I was just playing the game of like, I don’t care about you. I’m gonna keep it moving. So that was a lot of our work in the beginning. And then when that got really, really solid, I was like, but actually there’s mind, body, and soul here. And so now I’m really in a big era of f fo focusing. a lot on my mind because I can really see now because I meditate a lot more now and I can really see the thoughts that I I come up with on a fairly regular basis. And I can see the through line and I can see the thread. And then I can take that and command my mind to think a different thought. And then it becomes a belief and then I’m just at a better place, generally speaking. So yeah, and then the body is just kind of more the obvious one I would say, you know, I’m very keen on taking care of my body and Nick McGowan (16:01.069)Mm-hmm. Melissa Coloton (16:09.514)not drinking like god awful amount of caffeine just to get through the day and stay focused and like you know like because that’s what I was doing for a while there. so I hope that kind of paints a picture of what I experienced. It was not pretty and there was a lot to it and there were very dark days. I remember I never thought this before and I only actually told one person this when it was happening. And not even my husband, I told my best friend I was like if in if I Nick McGowan (16:13.43)Ha ha ha. Melissa Coloton (16:40.17)If I’m gonna feel like this for the rest of my life, like I actually don’t think I wanna live like this. And and it wasn’t necessarily a a true like thought of you know what, but it was the start of one for sure. Cause I was like, I don’t wanna live like this. Like, this isn’t living. That’s how terrible I felt on a regular basis. So, you know, I definitely went on anti-anxiety medication. I was told I had major depressive disorder. When they said that to me, I was like, Nick McGowan (16:43.928)Yeah. Melissa Coloton (17:07.296)What did you just say to me? Like it was still like, what the fuck are you talking? What what are any of you people talking about? So it really took me a while to not be in denial. And then when I wasn’t and it was finally like a okay, I will okay, yeah, I get this. Like this is where I’m at and this is what I’m gonna have as I have to deal with this. So yeah, I’m really thankful for my practitioner and all my friends and all my family and everybody I worked with was amazing at the time, thank God. Nick McGowan (17:08.632)Mm. Melissa Coloton (17:37.541)my my boss didn’t tell anybody, you know, like people didn’t really know that I was that I was in that state of being when I was at work and I still was able to to get through, but it took a while and then I finally came off anti anxiety medicine and went back on them one time and that was at the height of my executive and and again I I kinda got to that place of I hope nobody figures out I’m an idiot or you know, I have to be perfect or Nick McGowan (17:37.901)Mm-hmm. Melissa Coloton (18:06.038)You know, what if I don’t meet my target? Like there’s just a again, it was in that pressure cooker moment. And I was just like, I’m gonna like move all these things aside and pretend they’re not there. So I kind of did a solid two rounds of that. The second round wasn’t nearly as bad as the first because I had the tools, but there was definitely elements of that s that same initial experience again. It just wasn’t as bad as the first time because I think I had tools, but it eventually got me to the place where I was like. Okay, something for real needs to give. Like this is not sustainable for me. This is not what I’m supposed to be doing. I think the second round I was a little bit more in that thought process of like, I’ve tried to make this work in corporate. I’m just forcing it at this point. So Nick McGowan (18:39.638)Mm. Nick McGowan (18:52.984)I think that’s critical. Like we, as people, can look at things that we’re told to do. Like you need to go to college, you need to go to school, you need to get married, you need to have kids, you need this, you need that, blah, blah, blah. And those things change with every generation. Like even our parents that were like, You’re gonna have a better life than I did. So I’m gonna do things. And it’s like everything you’re gonna do, you’re still gonna fuck up your kid somehow, because you’re gonna say something weird or something’s gonna happen, they’re gonna interpret it weird or whatever. They’re just different human. Melissa Coloton (19:05.005)Yeah. Melissa Coloton (19:16.512)Yeah. Yeah. Nick McGowan (19:20.312)But we take all these things and we think we have to be a certain way, especially from a from a corporate perspective, not even corporate, from somebody who works in larger organizations with a team of people and a lot of people counting on you from different departments, not just from sales, but production needs things from you. They need you to bring in sales, like all the different stuff that goes along with it, where we can get so stuck thinking it’s all on me, it’s all this, it’s all whatever it is. And that’s Melissa Coloton (19:34.221)Yeah. Melissa Coloton (19:39.948)Yeah. Nick McGowan (19:48.568)typically never ever the actual problem. I find that there’s a lot of times where it’s a misalignment problem where we’re not aligned with what we’re doing, but we don’t want to fucking have that conversation with ourselves to be able to do that. Biggest thing that you pointed out was you did work and then you did more work and then you did more work after that. And now you’re still doing a lot of work. So big moral of the story is keep doing the work because those things will start to clear up. Like the spot you’re in Melissa Coloton (20:01.4)Correct. Right. Melissa Coloton (20:10.68)Hundred percent. Yeah. Nick McGowan (20:17.666)With whatever you’re at, just like the people that are listening that are like, well, I’m in a spot right now with either my company or the company I work for. And really in the back of their minds, they’re like, what the fuck? How do I change? What, what do I even where where do I start? What what happens? Like, what’s the first thing I look at? It I think about it like you know, those junk drawers or even a junky closet that everybody has. Like if you really want to clean that thing out, you have to take everything out. And then you have to audit it. Melissa Coloton (20:44.202)Mm-hmm. Yep. Nick McGowan (20:46.018)And that’s such a fucking project. And no one wants to do it with their junctur, let alone themselves. But they get to the point where they’re like, I can’t not. I have to because I can’t anymore. I don’t want to be here. Wait, if I don’t want to be here, what else does that look like? And then things start to crumble a bit. I think the big thing that you’re saying with doing the work is that there’s consistent work that needs to happen, but then there’s also clarity that comes with that that opens up other doors. Melissa Coloton (20:48.332)Yeah. No. Right. Right. Nick McGowan (21:13.442)Like I see things at times where it’s like I open one door and there’s forty more. And I open another door and there’s four thousand more. And I’m like, fuck, should I turn around? Cause there were less doors this way. Like, what what’s going on here? It’s because of that self awareness. yeah. Yeah. And you’re like, where do I pull that thing from? Melissa Coloton (21:22.408)Yeah. It’s like Jenga, right? Call this one out. What’s about to happen? Nick McGowan (21:31.534)And that that’s a really good point. I think a lot of people live in a Django-like state and they don’t really know it. And anything could crack them. I think it’s on us to be able to be self-aware enough to see like, hey, there’s something there. But it can still like it even gets the best of all of us, no matter how much work we’ve done. It’s how quickly you can kind of snap back in a sense and go, you know, I see what I did there for future next problem. Let’s do something a little different. So looking back at that stuff, because here we are in a podcast where this is easy to talk about. But this is also, I think about it as like a lab sort of situation where we go, cool. If we do the work now, by the time you get in that situation, even if you think back and go, those two fucking people were talking about this thing, I remember this. Here’s what they said. Like that’s the point of like, how do we do work now? So that when we’re in that spot, we go, you know what, I’ve been here before. Let me do something a little differently, or at least catch where we’re off. And what I mean by that is like mindset wise. Melissa Coloton (22:14.496)Yeah. Right. Melissa Coloton (22:26.848)Mm. Mm-hmm. Nick McGowan (22:29.772)I’ve been in situations where my mindset was, I’m going to not fuck this up. I’m going to do the best situation I can. I’m going to do whatever I can, like I’ve learned some things, and I think too hard about it. I’m too mindset with it because I’m so dead set on just like seeing the thing through instead of understanding context and the situation. And I had something years ago where I literally reacted to my partner at the time. She said something and I reacted and like felt my Melissa Coloton (22:42.22)Mm-hmm. Nick McGowan (22:58.786)being split where I was like, yo, dude, don’t you say another fucking word. And I could literally hear myself go, shut up and get the fuck out of the house. And I was like, and one more thing. And it was like, motherfucker. Because like it’s already out there and you can’t do anything. But even that level of self-awareness to go, shit. All right, I did that. So what do I do differently this time? The work has to keep adding up. So now that you’re able to look back at that stuff and say, look, I’ve done a lot of this work. I keep doing work for somebody who’s in Melissa Coloton (23:00.288)Mm. Mm. Melissa Coloton (23:08.93)Yeah. no. Nick McGowan (23:28.128)a a spot either in their own business or something that where they’re managing like you did where you’re like there’s this and there’s that. I don’t want people to find out that I don’t really know what the fuck’s going on. Like what what sort of things did you figure out that worked for you because your energy that would align with them and might be in a similar spot where, hey, I need to do this sort of thing from a mechanism standpoint of like breathing or standing out of my energy or whatever to then get to the point where I can actually do something about my mind. So like what did that look like for you? Melissa Coloton (23:49.676)Mm-hmm. Melissa Coloton (23:56.417)Yeah. Yeah. Well, not to be too prescriptive, but the way I describe my, I guess, set of tools, if you will, is is honoring yourself. And that’s a really big perspective I have now in POV of looking at situations and life as a whole. And that just means, you know, recognizing, respecting, and responding to your emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental needs the best you can. Right. And just Nick McGowan (24:09.324)Mm. Mm-hmm. Melissa Coloton (24:24.888)external circumstances or societal norms or, you know, anything that might pull you away from really truly hearing all those things about yourself and knowing what it is you really want. And too many people, especially now, because we’re getting super influenced by mega externals. Like before it was probably just our parents and maybe our school and maybe our friends. And now it’s The whole world is influencing you in a really big way. And may and maybe T V. Like we had what, a couple of channels, right? And commercials, sure, whatever. But like I know, I think I kinda am though. I kinda am. You know, I’m I’m definitely of the age where you had to sprint to the bathroom or get some new snacks before the the commercial was over. My brother would be like, It’s pretty Nick McGowan (24:51.181)Mm-hmm. Nick McGowan (24:55.916)We’re not that old. Calm down. We had to get up and actually hit the switch and like the rabbit ears. Nick McGowan (25:10.434)yeah. Same, I get that. Well before TiVo. Yeah. Melissa Coloton (25:18.22)But but yeah, I think there’s just, you know, there’s a lot of influence. And so how do you understand what you truly want, what you truly need? How do you recognize that? How do you respect it? And I say respect because, you know, a lot of people do the mindset work where they’re like, Shut up, mind. Well, that’s not respectful to your mind, right? Like, why are you treating a major part of who you are disrespectfully? Not saying I never do it, but that’s not the way to go. Like, that’s not going to leverage. your mind, your body, and your soul to get what you want out of life and perform at a really high level if that’s what you want and whatever you’re doing. Cause when I say perform at a high level, I don’t mean like you’re some CEO or something. I mean this can be parenting. This can be being a friend. This can be, you know, picking up a new hobby and just enjoying it. And so that’s my POV on it all. And I really I’ve really thought a lot about this ’cause I wanted to try to containerize what I experienced so other people might use it as a tool. And there’s a lot more layers to that. When I say honor yourself, there’s a lot of layers to that because there’s a lot of layers to your mind and your body and your soul and your emotions and how to deal with all of that. but that’s a that’s effectively the way I look at it. And, you know, a lot of people spend their time focusing on, you know, what’s my purpose? What’s my purpose? And within the honor you thought process, my my definition of that is fulfilling your soul’s desires. And that can mean You want to start baking cakes because that’s fun to you. And that can mean also that maybe you ha wanna have start a family. That can also mean you wanna be in marketing, right? So so many people are focused on purpose with regard to thinking one thing and one thing only in life. And it’s like no wonder we’re driving ourselves bonkers with this, right? So I think if I were to offer anything to your listeners, I would say that. start thinking about what does honoring yourself mean to you specifically and know that purpose is not just one thing. It’s fulfilling your soul’s desire. So your job in life is to figure out what does your soul actually want at any given point and having like giving yourself the permission to make make changes around that if that if that is appropriate for you at the time. And knowing that when you are having anxiety or stress symptoms is what I like to call them too is when there’s when you’re experiencing things. Melissa Coloton (27:40.065)It’s not to be ignored. It’s actu it’s actually to be recognized, respected, and responded to in an appropriate way so that you don’t find yourself waking up one day and be like, How did I get here? And you know, I call it the ants marching syndrome or like, you know, going down the river syndrome, right? You just jump on a raft and you get told what to do to your point earlier. You get told go to college, get married, have children, stay for retirement, retire and die. Like gross. Yeah. Like what are we even doing? Nick McGowan (28:06.316)No thanks. Melissa Coloton (28:09.344)And a lot of people are going check, check, check, check, check. And then they get to a point where they’re like, What am I actually doing right now? Like I’m not very happy. So then, of course, what ends up happening is everybody starts reaching externally and trying to figure out where the happiness is for them. And that looks better on some people than others. You know, it’s like some people get really fucked up trying to do that because they’ll reach for drugs or alcohol or a whole like plethora of things that don’t serve them. So Nick McGowan (28:37.25)Hmm. Yeah. Melissa Coloton (28:38.508)Yeah, it’s a really long-winded way, but that’s that’s my POV now because I didn’t do any of those things before. I just I I was on the river of life and it was working really well for me because I was making good money. I had you know, just kept going up in the in the ladder, right? That’s what I’m supposed to do. And then before you know it, I was not happy. I had tons of stress symptoms, and I did that twice. The first time being a lot worse than the second time because the first time I didn’t have any of these tools. At least the second time it was like, shoot, here I am again, completely dishonoring myself, doing things that are not what I desire. And I’m just doing it for the money effectively, or to kind of show I could do it or prove a point or not fuck up. Like it wasn’t it wasn’t out of pure joy, I’ll tell you that. So Nick McGowan (29:25.464)Mm-hmm. Nick McGowan (29:30.956)Yeah. Most things that we do aren’t out of pure joy because we feel we have to do certain things, etc. I think you brought up a really good point. I’m glad you bring this up. In fact, I appreciate when anybody brings up the word purpose because we can all look at purpose differently. It’s wild to me when people think that there’s one purpose. Like this is the one thing you’re here to do. And I’ve I’ve learned that that’s not the case, that it’s more so contextual based on the time, where we’re at, like. Melissa Coloton (29:34.837)Yeah. Melissa Coloton (29:51.808)Worst. Nick McGowan (29:59.458)You and I have podcasts 40 years ago. If we were born in the 50s or 60s, we wouldn’t have had a podcast because it didn’t, it wasn’t a thing at that point, but it would have shown up differently. So us being able to take how we show up in the world, what our flavor is, and what we bring to just being authentically us is the most important component of that. But it’s hard for us to get through those layers at times. Melissa Coloton (30:08.585)Right. Right. Melissa Coloton (30:22.519)Mm. Nick McGowan (30:25.996)Like everything that you’re saying, it’s like there’s a deeper foundational layer to it. Even of like, well, I’m doing this because I want to look better, or I’m doing this because I want to do that. Like there’s a level of self awareness to that. And also, what the fuck? Why? Why, why are you doing in that sort of way? And what are you trying to get out of it? I I’ve I get really worried for some people at times when they get stuck in those loops, because you’ve seen stuff like when you’re a Melissa Coloton (30:39.423)Ha ha ha. Melissa Coloton (30:44.802)Mm-hmm. Nick McGowan (30:53.142)And I don’t wanna say ahead or above or anything. You’re just at a different level of your own journey where you can look and go, man, I see you’re gonna drive directly into a wall. I wanna help you. But if you don’t want any help, then fucking at least put your buckle on, like, just see, please, like, please don’t die. but I do think it’s important for us to understand what our purpose looks like through the work that we do. So think about what you’ve done in sales. You’ve learned a lot from sales. Melissa Coloton (31:03.231)Yeah. Melissa Coloton (31:07.479)Right. Melissa Coloton (31:10.838)Right. Mm. Melissa Coloton (31:16.29)Mm-hmm. Nick McGowan (31:22.798)You learned a lot from the farms, learned a lot from what your parents did, what they didn’t do, all these things. And that all ties into work that you do now. But you needed to go through and experience all those things so you can go, hold on, time out. I need to look at this differently. What do I do? How do I get past this, et cetera? And how do I actually do this work? If you were just to tell somebody, hey, you need to do these 400 things that I did, your list was probably 40 times that. But like that, even that list, they’d be like, no, hell no. I don’t want any parts of that. Do you think I can just throw it into Claude and Claude will fix it for me? Or you think I can have AI do a thing for me or whatever? Because there’s a deeper foundational layer to that of us all trying to do more instead of understanding there’s systems at play that are telling us we’re not enough instead of going, well, what am I here for? What do I actually need to do on this planet? So for the people that are on their own path towards self-mastery, what advice do you give them to show up and be them on this planet? Melissa Coloton (32:10.53)Right. Right. Melissa Coloton (32:19.498)Yeah. I I would say don’t outsource. I know you really triggered me when you just said that. Cause so many Yeah, really like it really is like people and but you know, and I would say that anyway, probably because we we even if right before AI, even before AI, we’re outsourcing to the external. We’re really outsourcing to what are people gonna think and Nick McGowan (32:26.798)I didn’t mean to set you up for that one. Melissa Coloton (32:47.998)what if I do this or what if I don’t do that? And some of some people external, you know, look for the external to fix their emotions instead of just feeling them, right? Or trying to cover them up. So there’s it’s the you know, it’s the tale of of time, right? It’s just like something we’ve always done and we probably will always continue to do. And it’s just getting in a different context now. So I would say like, you know, don’t don’t outsource your Nick McGowan (32:55.501)Mm-hmm. Melissa Coloton (33:15.818)life and don’t outsource help having something external help you figure out what it is that you love and what it is that you enjoy. And I always say emotions, your excuse me, your soul speaks in emotions. And if we can really not just intellectualize that, but truly understand that, then we’ll start paying attention a lot more. Like, boy, that made me feel real shitty when that person talked to me that way. Okay, what’s that about? Nick McGowan (33:40.034)Mm-hmm. Melissa Coloton (33:43.051)Is it really cause the person that talked to me that shitty or is it because like I’m grew up with my mom talking to like that and it just triggers the fuck out of me because it might trigger me, but not you, right? Or like there’s been times where I’ve come home and told my husband, like, Can you believe blah blah blah? And he’s like, not really seeing and like Nick McGowan (34:00.82)Yeah, I can’t no. Yeah. Melissa Coloton (34:02.942)You better agree with me. So I I really think that an ability to not outsource things in your life that are so important, which are the things that matter, which are your purpose essentially. Like not to be cliche or too esoteric about it, but pay attention to where you’re at, you know, pay attention to your thoughts. I mean meditate. I like Nick McGowan (34:18.284)Mm-hmm. Melissa Coloton (34:30.752)On my podcast not long ago, I like literally yelled at people. I was just like, If if you’re too busy to meditate, like the fuck are you even talking about? Like if you sit in a line to pick your kids up for twenty, thirty minutes, like close your eyes for a second and just like focus and see what see what you’re like, watch your thoughts, see what happens. You know, like people are just so busy. There’s like, I can’t have I can’t find time for that. No, you actually can’t sit with yourself for more than 10 minutes without picking up your phone or like watching a TV. Like Nick McGowan (34:56.034)Mm-hmm. Melissa Coloton (34:58.232)Pay attention to that. Like that means something. So yeah, I mean I I just think we’re widely outsourcing and w it’s getting probably worse before it’s getting better, unfortunately. but I just think it’s a different version of it now than it probably was however many hundreds of years ago. So, yeah, I would say don’t outsource and you know, on the tail end of that I would say like don’t sit in your shit and then complain about it being stinky either. Right? There’s a time and a place to to to mourn things or to be upset about things or to f really feel things and and experience them one hundred percent from an emotional standpoint. But it’s gotta go through the cycle. We can’t get stuck in part of the cycle, right? I always I always talk about like things are very cyclical as as it relates to nature. And if you get stuck in winter, you get stuck in spring. You like you just can’t do that. You have to keep it moving and let it go through this whole cycle. And yeah, don’t complain if You’re sitting in your shit constantly and and you’re c you’re like saying, why does it stink all the time? It’s like, Well, because you just sit there and you’re shit Nick McGowan (36:01.198)Look at it. Yeah. I think it’s a good point too to point out that it you shouldn’t outsource everything. We actually need to do more of our own work on our own to figure out what parts of it and all. And also that doesn’t take away from reaching out to other people or specifically having practitioners or different modalities that you go through to be able to help you with those things because we can’t just mindset our way through it. Melissa Coloton (36:12.917)Yeah. Melissa Coloton (36:25.217)Yeah. Nick McGowan (36:27.65)We can’t just think about those things and we can’t say like it’s going to be okay. There are different times you have to do work. As you know, you do that work. But being able to take from that to say that those things that we keep coming up against that keep rubbing us a weird way or making us feel some sort of way, that’s the crux moment where I think it can be easiest to just go, well, that sucks. I don’t like the thing. And then the run away instead of being like, this keeps coming back. So what do I do with it? Melissa Coloton (36:28.064)Right. Melissa Coloton (36:35.362)Mm-hmm. Yeah. Melissa Coloton (36:47.436)Mm-hmm. Melissa Coloton (36:51.778)Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Right. Nick McGowan (36:55.96)Because then that’s really the start. Like you may have to talk to somebody. You may just have to sit by yourself for a few minutes to go, well, what the fuck? What is the thing? But you’re still going to need to go through that process to do it. and it helps us uncover what our purpose is through that to go, I don’t want to do this. I want to do more of that. And really when I wake up, I really want to do these things. But I’m in this spot now. So how the fuck do I get there? Melissa Coloton (37:02.636)Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Nick McGowan (37:18.744)Great, that’s the next part of your journey instead of being like, well, that shit sucks and stinks. And everybody, welcome. I’m Linus. You know, like it doesn’t make sense. Melissa Coloton (37:27.158)Yeah. And I mean, I’m certified life coach, so one hundred percent I I think people need to get the support. And I would say even in that scenario, right, you can’t get addicted to getting everything you need. You know, if that if you are talking to someone and they’re not giving you tools to slowly but surely like, you know, when I first started seeing my life coach and acupunctures, it was every week. Nick McGowan (37:41.88)Yeah. Melissa Coloton (37:53.933)Then it went down to every two weeks and then it went down to every month. And now it’s mostly monthly, but I ca you know, I can definitely skip months now. Whereas before it was like, God, right? So one hundred percent and that’s kind of what I mean by like sitting in your own shit too. Like if if you’re stuck somewhere and you just can’t find your way out of that, I mean, there was literally no way I was gonna get out of my situation with anxiety by myself. I mean, right, like I even I Nick McGowan (38:20.216)Mm-hmm. Melissa Coloton (38:22.38)Went to a doctor, had medication, tried to see a counselor. She was awful, no offense, but she was. So I finally landed where I landed with my life coach and acupuncturist. I wouldn’t have been able to do that solely by myself. And he didn’t tell me what to do every second of every day. He taught me how to live with myself and connect with myself. And I took that very seriously. And for a while I intellectualized it because I think we all do that, right? I’m a very like, I get it. I get it. Nick McGowan (38:49.698)You have to. Melissa Coloton (38:52.332)But then there’s gotta be, there’s gotta be a component of embodying it and actually really truly doing that that work and not just being like, I get it. Cause what ends up happening is like you’ll be okay, I get it, I get it. And then the slightest little change in the breeze will knock you over. And now you’re just right back to where you were, right? So that’s where I was for a good while. I’m like, I get it, I get it, I got this. Like I can do this, ’cause that’s how I’ve been my whole life, right? Like, tell me I’ll do something, I’ll fucking do it. You only gotta tell me once. Nick McGowan (38:56.962)Mm. Nick McGowan (39:11.544)Yeah. Melissa Coloton (39:22.096)And and and but then when with that situation I did that and then like the slightest little thing would happen and I’d be kind of right back to square one, you know, it’s like monopolies like or whatever one of those board games where you have to go all the way back to the beginning all the time. So so after a while it was like, wait, this is what I’ve been doing my whole life is intellectualizing it and not actually truly connecting with my soul. So one hundred percent agree with you. There Nick McGowan (39:37.208)Yeah. Melissa Coloton (39:49.931)that’s why people exist is to help each other in my mind, you know, in some way, shape or form. And so find that good practitioner that you can trust and won’t just let you, you know, wallow in your own shit and just have you keep coming back every week with no changes. You know, if that’s the case, then there’s probably a different practitioner for you. Nick McGowan (40:10.529)That’s yeah, that’s a friend at that point. Like you should stop paying them and just hang out with them if that’s what you want to do. but you’re you’re right, it’s it’s all on us. and being open to those resources, I think is really the driver of what I think about. Like going, all right, well, I’m aware of this thing. What the fuck’s near me, what’s around me? And then actually going through the layers of how do I talk to that person or what do I do? Blah, blah, blah. But being able to ask those from the initial question of what’s going on inside is going to help you. so I appreciate you getting into that, especially getting into purpose work. That’s Melissa Coloton (40:13.432)Right. Melissa Coloton (40:22.555)yeah. Melissa Coloton (40:36.76)Mm-hmm. Nick McGowan (40:40.172)Always important on the show. So thank you so much for being with us today. Before I let you go, where can people find you and where can they connect? Melissa Coloton (40:41.496)Mm-hmm. Melissa Coloton (40:48.128)Yeah, the best the best place is my website, which is just melissacoloton.com. I also host a podcast myself called the Honor You Podcast. I love it when people go check that out, of course. Those are probably two the two of the best places, and that’ll direct you to all the socials and all that fun stuff. Yeah. Awesome. Nick McGowan (41:05.23)Cool. And I’ll have all that stuff in the show notes. Again, thank you so much for being on the call today. Melissa Coloton (41:10.018)Thanks for having me, Nick. It was a great conversation. https://youtu.be/gp_zfh3dOHQ

What if you've been reading the Old Testament your whole life and missed the most important name on every page? Dr. Don Parry opens the Hebrew Bible with a scholar's precision and a testimony revealing how Elisha's miracles, his very name, and 6,800 attestations of Jehovah converge into one stunning, Christ-centered portrait of a God who never stops showing up.SHOW NOTES/TRANSCRIPTSEnglish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT228ENFrench: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT228FRGerman: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT228DEPortuguese: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT228PTSpanish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT228ESYOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/s7MPgm2gLooFREE 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. Don Parry5:27 Bio 8:01 Elisha's name “My God is salvation”15:41 The prophetic mantle: Elijah to Elisha19:58 Elisha as a type of Jesus Christ and chariots of fire24:48 Chariot mysticism, temples, returning to God's presence30:36 Restoration-era chariot visions–Joseph Smith and angels36:04 Old Testament metaphors in Restoration scripture40:04 Elisha heals the waters at Jericho46:09 The mocking young men and she-bears55:06 Don't mock the Lord's anointed1:00:10 Jehoshaphat, Moab, and seeking God through a prophet1:04:23 Music invites revelation, and Elisha calls for a minstrel1:09:29 Water miracle without rain1:10:45 End of Part 1 - Dr. Don ParryThanks 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