Podcasts about My Master

Believing leads to belongingActs 2:47 (NKJV) - And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.Ephesians 1:22–23 (MSG) - He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center ofall this, Christ rules the church. 23 The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world isperipheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fillseverything with his presence.If you believe…you will seeJohn 3:3–7 (NLT) - Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see theKingdom of God.” 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spirituallife. 7 So don't be surprised when I say, ‘You mustJohn 20:26–29 (MSG) - Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas waswith them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” 27Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your handand stick it in my side. Don't be unbelieving. Believe.” 28 Thomas said, “My Master! My God!” 29 Jesussaid, “So, you believe because you've seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store forthose who believe without seeing.”

Isaiah 49:13-16 (MESSAGE)  Heavens, raise the roof! Earth, wake the dead!      Mountains, send up cheers!   God has comforted his people.      He has tenderly nursed his beaten-up, beaten-down people.  But Zion said, “I don't get it. God has left me.      My Master has forgotten I even exist.”  “Can a mother forget the infant at her breast,      walk away from the baby she bore?   But even if mothers forget,      I'd never forget you—never.   Look, I've written your names on the backs of my hands.      The walls you're rebuilding are never out of my sight.   Your builders are faster than your wreckers.      The demolition crews are gone for good.   This passage compares the love God has for us with the Love of a mother and her infant. There's little, if anything on earth, that compares to a mother and her intimate love for the baby she nurses. But this passage goes deeper and explains that the imperfect mother will fail at perfect love in some way or another. But not God, not ever. Maybe, this Christmas season, you might feel forgotten or overlooked. Or perhaps you know someone who you suspect might feel that way.   Can you picture right now your name written on the back of the hand of the God of the universe? He says that His Love for you will never fail and promises that the walls you are rebuilding are never out of his sight. Your builders are faster than your wreckers; the demolition crews are gone for good.    Because of our Father's love for us — sending his Son whose birth we celebrate— it says those things that work against us are slower than the one that builds in us. The demolition crews, the false love that this world represents, are gone for good because of the perfect Love born in   Bethlehem, from heaven above is here. This Love that says— I'd never forget you—never.   Lets pray: God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. Love incarnate. Help us walk in that Love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for his coming again. Thank   You for Your unfailing, sacrificial and redeeming Love for me. Immanuel, God with us. 

My name is Anna, and I recently did a slip-up that's got my Black Master upset and angry.My Master's name is Terrence, and he has trained me and my husband, Harold, into becoming loyal slaves under his Black-Ownership stable of couples. I once used to be a shy, ordinary-minded housewife. But ever since Harold and I connected with Master Terrence, he has molded me into the status of a hotwife. He has taught me the necessary decorum and heriachy when it comes to being submissive towards him, and other black people.But recently, I fucked up. Master Terrence is coming to straighten things out by punishing me for my momentary lapse. It's something I'm not looking for to enjoying, but have no choice.I'm on my elbows and knees, awaiting Master Terrence's punishment in my bedroom.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shango-s-zone--3005964/support.

“The unsearchable riches of Christ.” — Ephesians 3:8 My Master has riches beyond the count of arithmetic, the measurement of reason, the dream of imagination, or the eloquence of words. They are unsearchable! You may look, and study, and weigh, but Jesus is a greater Saviour than you think Him to be when your thoughts […]

In today's heart-to-heart we have a Special Guest - Fitz Koehler with us, Fitz is sharing what it is like to Own Your ShadowCatch the heart to heart, on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/Zfb5vrt-Ap4Follow as long as we chat about tangible actions to own life now.​In today's episode, we chat about:Being known as "noisy and bossy," what is it like to own your shadow, and the uphill battle from hitting rock bottom in her cancer journey. Throughout the podcast, we will go over:pioneers vs backend peopleimpacting strangersmaking fitness understandable, attainable and fun!!your obligation to yourself and you are going to want to catch Fitz' perspective on Meals, Movement, Mindset, and her relationship with Money!!What an amazing episode, with so much to unpack!!A few words from Fitz, Her bio, in her own wordsWelcome to Fitzness.com! I'm excited to connect with you and help you tack at least ten quality years on to your life. A little about me before we get to work. I've been teaching fitness since I was 15, and am even more in love with doing so now than I was then. I started teaching in traditional fitness centers and switched to teaching via mass media by the time I was 20. Reaching millions via TV, radio, books, magazines, online, and speaking engagements became my purpose and passion. MASS IMPACT IN HEALTH is my laser focus. My Master's Degree in Exercise and Sport Sciences from the University of Florida opened many doors for me as a legitimate expert in the field.https://www.fitzness.com/Fitz, thanks so much for joining us! ~Sonya, xoAre you striving to achieve clarity and confidence in your life?Find yourself frustrated from dealing with emotional eating, low energy, and under pressure to eliminate financial stress.Are you committed to accomplishing the promises you make to yourself and find that you are finally tired of living with the excuses and want help tackling it?It's time to take your life from unbearable to unstoppable, as you journey toward accomplishment, success, happiness, and health.Let's chat, book your discovery call here. https://linktr.ee/sonyajanisseDesign your Life, your way Accountability CoachNLP, HWL, PTSAccountability Coach ~ I help you keep your promises to yourself.Taking your life from unbearable to unstoppable. xoAuthor, Podcaster, Certified Coachhttps://linktr.ee/sonyajanissehttps://www.freshapproachfitness.com#podcaster #asksonya #keepyourpromises #awareness #beingpresent #juststart #afreshapproach #focus #Whycantitbeboth #validation #essentiallyyou

Isaiah 49:13-16 (MESSAGE)  Heavens, raise the roof! Earth, wake the dead!      Mountains, send up cheers!   God has comforted his people.      He has tenderly nursed his beaten-up, beaten-down people.  But Zion said, “I don't get it. God has left me.      My Master has forgotten I even exist.”  “Can a mother forget the infant at her breast,      walk away from the baby she bore?   But even if mothers forget,      I'd never forget you—never.   Look, I've written your names on the backs of my hands.      The walls you're rebuilding are never out of my sight.   Your builders are faster than your wreckers.      The demolition crews are gone for good.  This passage compares the love God has for us with the Love of a mother and her infant. There's little, if anything on earth, that compares to a mother and her intimate love for the baby she nurses. But this passage goes deeper and explains that the imperfect mother will fail at perfect love in some way or another. But not God, not ever. Maybe, this Christmas season, you might feel forgotten or overlooked. Or perhaps you know someone who you suspect might feel that way.   Can you picture right now your name written on the back of the hand of the God of the universe? He says that His Love for you will never fail and promises that the walls you are rebuilding are never out of his sight. Your builders are faster than your wreckers; the demolition crews are gone for good.   Because of our Father's love for us — sending his Son whose birth we celebrate— it says those things that work against us are slower than the one that builds in us. The demolition crews, the false love that this world represents, are gone for good because of the perfect Love born in   Bethlehem, from heaven above is here. This Love that says— I'd never forget you—never.  Lets pray: God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. Love incarnate. Help us walk in that Love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for his coming again. Thank You for Your unfailing, sacrificial and redeeming Love for me. Immanuel, God with us.

Creating a Restful Way of Living :: [Ep. 176]Does the thought of summer winding down and the school year rapidly approaching leave you feeling stressed? Or maybe you are already in the crazy cycle of busy and experiencing the overwhelming feelings of burnout and longing for rest but don't even know where to start to get things on the right track?! A couple weeks ago, we talked about burnout and seeking TRUE rest. (If you missed those episodes, go check them out! Start at Episode 171 https://www.vowstokeep.com/podcast/episode/79ae99ba/burnout-are-you-getting-the-rest-you-need-ep-171) So often, many of us seek rest in the wrong things that can never provide the rest we long for. Which is why this episode is one you don't want to miss. We will be talking about Creating a Restful Way of Living.With summer coming to an end and busy schedules picking up, this episode will come in handy in teaching you how to intentionally create a sustainable, life-giving, restful way of living in the midst of all the busy. Don't miss it! P.S. Once you have listened to today's podcast, come back here to pray this prayer!My Savior, thank you for the cross and for giving me eternal rest! I lay the burdens of my sins at your feet (name specific sin and ask for forgiveness, thanking your Savior for His rest). My Master, this is YOUR day. Thank you for asking me to come under Your yoke, so I can learn to rest in my heart and soul as I work next to you. Show me right now where You are plowing. Open my eyes to the needs around me. My Teacher, thank you for being humble and gentle with me. Help me learn from You today how to handle this situation (be specific). Show me Your way of doing things and help me to rest in Your love so I can live a life of love poured out. AMEN!P.S.S. Check out a couple of our corresponding Blog posts about Creating a Restful Way of Living in your heart and marriage!https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/god-s-rest-or-my-work-making-a-choice-to-let-go-and-trust-godhttps://www.vowstokeep.com/post/a-marriage-at-rest-appetizers-and-dessertSupport the showFor more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FBApple Podcast listener? Leave review HERE.

As Christians, with a biblical worldview, it's important to remember that our “purpose” never changes!  Our roles and responsibilities may change, but our purpose NEVER changes!And what is our purpose? (Matthew 22:37-39)   Love God and Love others as we would want to be loved.  Matthew 24:45-48   “Who then is the faithful and wise servant that the Master has set over the house? Blessed is the servant that the Master finds doing what He is supposed to do when He returns. Truly that servant will be rewarded. But if that servant says; My Master is delayed, therefore I will mistreat others and live a sinful life, when the Master returns unexpectantly, He will cut them into pieces and put them with the hypocrites in that place of weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Things to glean from this parable:This is serious business!He, Jesus, IS coming back!Be prepared!Simple. Authentic. Jesus. prairiebible.org

PreludeWelcome & News of the ChurchCall to WorshipOpening Hymn - (#67) "Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine"Message for Children & YouthPraise SongsConfession, Assurance, and Gloria PatriChoral AnthemSermon - "A Little While" (John 16:16–20) - by Amy Hemseri-SabalaHymn of Response - (#56) "God Will Take Care of You" (verses 1–3)OffertoryPrayer of ThanksgivingDoxologyPastoral PrayerClosing Hymn - (#402) "O Jesus, I Have Promised"BenedictionPostludeBlessed Assurance, Jesus is MineBlessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. [CHORUS]:This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. Perfect submission, perfect delight, Vision of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels descending bring from aboveEchoes of mercy, whispers of love. [CHORUS]Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest; Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love. [CHORUS]God Will Take Care of YouBe not dismayed whe'er betide, God will take care of you; Beneath His wings of live abide, God will take care of you. CHORUS: God will take care of you, Through every day, o'er all the way; He will take care of you, God will take care of you. Through day of toil when your heart doth fail, God will take care of you; When dangers fierce you path assail, God will take care of you. [CHORUS]All you may need He will provide, God will take care of you; Nothing you ask will be denied, God will take care of you. [CHORUS]No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you; Lean, weary one, upon His breast, God will take care of you. [CHORUS]O Jesus, I Have PromisedO Jesus, I have promised To serve The to the end; Be Thou forever near me, My Master and my Friend; I shall not fear the battle If Thou art by my side, Nor wander from the pathway If Thou wilt be my Guide. O let me feel Thee near me, The world is ever near; I see the sights that dazzle, The tempting sounds I hear; My foes are ever near me, Around me and within; But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer, And shield my soul from sin. O Jesus, Thou hast promised To all who follow Thee That where Thou art in glory There shall Thy servant be; And, Jesus, I have promised To serve Thee to the end; O give me grace to follow My Master and my Friend Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and researcher Demi Pietchell joins me to unpack the vortex of intrigue that is the world and mind of Elon Musk - including recent dramas involving Twitter and Substack. In her view, 'Musk is not trying to “free the public square.” He's potentially attempting to control it because there are other goals he has that would require him to have control over it in order to best proceed. Balancing this with “public opinion” is secondary. Capturing messenging properties is a mere fraction of the end goal, but it's the one that gets the most press because it's the one which overtly affects the most people in the present...He literally bought the public square and took it private. He can do whatever he wants with it. But it's really just a $44B tiny piece of the puzzle. What happens when we look at these plans in tandem? I'll give you a hint: I suggest that you look at the many companies Elon Musk owns and see them not as separate startups and acquisions but as the interlocking pieces of one interconnected, overarching goal. My Master's degree was in interactive telecommunications, so when I see the properties he has amassed, my mind sees an obvious trail of connected dots among them which creates a slippery slope that I couldn't possibly ignore while standing in my integrity. For instance, if you're seeing this clearly, you might have some understandable reservations about a future which may include a social credit based Twitter platform integration connected to Starlink constellations via Neuralink, which could hypothetically control your nervous system to render you immobile or trigger your self-driving car not to start or to drive itself over a cliff if your social credit score drops too low. This is one of many potential dystopian nightmare scenarios which honestly might be more dangerous than Facebook/Meta/F8, Instagram, Tiktok, and Google Lambda combined.' Don't miss Demi's insights here on a subject affecting us all. Full episode available at Truthiversity.com Special Guest: Demi Pietchell.

ਸੋਰਠਿ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥ Sorath Mehalaa 5 || Sorath 5th Guru. ਗਈ ਬਹੋੜੁ ਬੰਦੀ ਛੋੜੁ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੁ ਦੁਖਦਾਰੀ ॥ Gee Behorr Bandhee Shhorr Nirankaar Dhukhadhaaree || The Formless Lord is the Restorer of what is gone, the Liberator from captivity and the Destroyer. ਕਰਮੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਾ ਧਰਮੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਾ ਲੋਭੀ ਮਾਇਆਧਾਰੀ ॥ Karam N Jaanaa Dhharam N Jaanaa Lobhee Maaeiaadhhaaree || I know not good deeds, I know not Lord's devotion and I am greedy and the lover of wealth. ਨਾਮੁ ਪਰਿਓ ਭਗਤੁ ਗੋਵਿੰਦ ਕਾ ਇਹ ਰਾਖਹੁ ਪੈਜ ਤੁਮਾਰੀ ॥੧॥ Naam Pariou Bhagath Govindh Kaa Eih Raakhahu Paij Thumaaree ||1|| As I go by the Name of the Lord's saint. My Master, save this honour of Thine. ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਨਿਮਾਣਿਆ ਤੂ ਮਾਣੁ ॥ Har Jeeo Nimaaniaa Thoo Maan || O reverend Lord, of the unhonoured, Thou art the honour. ਨਿਚੀਜਿਆ ਚੀਜ ਕਰੇ ਮੇਰਾ ਗੋਵਿੰਦੁ ਤੇਰੀ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕਉ ਕੁਰਬਾਣੁ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ Nicheejiaa Cheej Karae Maeraa Govindh Thaeree Kudharath Ko Kurabaan || Rehaao || The worthless ones, my World-Lord, makes worthy. I am a sacrifice unto Thy Omnipotence. Pause. ਜੈਸਾ ਬਾਲਕੁ ਭਾਇ ਸੁਭਾਈ ਲਖ ਅਪਰਾਧ ਕਮਾਵੈ ॥ Jaisaa Baalak Bhaae Subhaaee Lakh Aparaadhh Kamaavai || As a child, out of love and disposition commits lacs of faults, ਕਰਿ ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਝਿੜਕੇ ਬਹੁ ਭਾਤੀ ਬਹੁੜਿ ਪਿਤਾ ਗਲਿ ਲਾਵੈ ॥ Kar Oupadhaes Jhirrakae Bahu Bhaathee Bahurr Pithaa Gal Laavai || and though his father instructs and reprimands him in many ways, yet ultimately he hugs him to his bosom. ਪਿਛਲੇ ਅਉਗੁਣ ਬਖਸਿ ਲਏ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਆਗੈ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਪਾਵੈ ॥੨॥ Pishhalae Aougun Bakhas Leae Prabh Aagai Maarag Paavai ||2|| So pardon Thou my past misdeeds, O Lord, and put me onto Thy way for the future. ਹਰਿ ਅੰਤਰਜਾਮੀ ਸਭ ਬਿਧਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਤਾ ਕਿਸੁ ਪਹਿ ਆਖਿ ਸੁਣਾਈਐ ॥ Har Antharajaamee Sabh Bidhh Jaanai Thaa Kis Pehi Aakh Sunaaeeai || God, the Reader of heart, fully knows all the state of my mind, then, whom else am I to go to tell? ਕਹਣੈ ਕਥਨਿ ਨ ਭੀਜੈ ਗੋਬਿੰਦੁ ਹਰਿ ਭਾਵੈ ਪੈਜ ਰਖਾਈਐ ॥ Kehanai Kathhan N Bheejai Gobindh Har Bhaavai Paij Rakhaaeeai || The Lord Master is pleased not with mere utterance of words, If it pleaseth Him, He preserveth man's honour. ਅਵਰ ਓਟ ਮੈ ਸਗਲੀ ਦੇਖੀ ਇਕ ਤੇਰੀ ਓਟ ਰਹਾਈਐ ॥੩॥ Avar Outt Mai Sagalee Dhaekhee Eik Thaeree Outt Rehaaeeai ||3|| O Lord all other shelters have I seen, Thine alone remains for me. ਹੋਇ ਦਇਆਲੁ ਕਿਰਪਾਲੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ਆਪੇ ਸੁਣੈ ਬੇਨੰਤੀ ॥ Hoe Dhaeiaal Kirapaal Prabh Thaakur Aapae Sunai Baenanthee || Becoming kind and compassionate, the Lord Master Himself hears my supplication. ਪੂਰਾ ਸਤਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਵੈ ਸਭ ਚੂਕੈ ਮਨ ਕੀ ਚਿੰਤੀ ॥ Pooraa Sathagur Mael Milaavai Sabh Chookai Man Kee Chinthee || He unites me in the union of the Perfect. True Guru and my mind's cares are all dispelled. ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਵਖਦੁ ਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੁਖਿ ਵਸੰਤੀ ॥੪॥੧੨॥੬੨॥ Har Har Naam Avakhadh Mukh Paaeiaa Jan Naanak Sukh Vasanthee ||4||12||62|| The Lord God has put the cure-all of His Name into my mouth and slave Nanak, now, abides in peace. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/transform-your-life/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/transform-your-life/support

John 20:19-31 19-20 Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side.20-21 The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were awestruck. Jesus repeated his greeting: “Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you.”22-23 Then he took a deep breath and breathed into them. “Receive the Holy Spirit,” he said. “If you forgive someone's sins, they're gone for good. If you don't forgive sins, what are you going to do with them?”24-25 But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We saw the Master.”But he said, “Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won't believe it.”26 Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.”27 Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don't be unbelieving. Believe.”28 Thomas said, “My Master! My God!”29 Jesus said, “So, you believe because you've seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.”30-31 Jesus provided far more God-revealing signs than are written down in this book. These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it.

ਗਉੜੀ੨ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥ Gauri 5th Guru. ਮੋਹਨ ਤੇਰੇ ਉਚੇ ਮੰਦਰ ਮਹਲ ਅਪਾਰਾ ॥ O Sweet-heart, lofty are Thine buildings and unsurpassed Thy mansions. ਮੋਹਨ ਤੇਰੇ ਸੋਹਨਿ ਦੁਆਰ ਜੀਉ ਸੰਤ ਧਰਮਸਾਲਾ ॥ My Enticer, beauteous are Thine gates. They are the places of worship for the Saints. ਧਰਮਸਾਲ ਅਪਾਰ ਦੈਆਰ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਸਦਾ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਗਾਵਹੇ ॥ In Thy temple, the Saints, ever, sing the praises of the Infinite and Merciful Lord. ਜਹ ਸਾਧ ਸੰਤ ਇਕਤ੍ਰ ਹੋਵਹਿ ਤਹਾ ਤੁਝਹਿ ਧਿਆਵਹੇ ॥ Where the Saints and holy men assemble, there, they meditate on Thee. ਕਰਿ ਦਇਆ ਮਇਆ ਦਇਆਲ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਹੋਹੁ ਦੀਨ ਕਿ੍ਰਪਾਰਾ ॥ Show compassion and kindness, O Merciful Lord, and by king to the meek. ਬਿਨਵੰਤਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਦਰਸ ਪਿਆਸੇ ਮਿਲਿ ਦਰਸਨ ਸੁਖੁ ਸਾਰਾ ॥੧॥ Supplicates Nanak, I am thirsting for a sight of Thee. By obtaining a view of Thine I receive all the happiness. ਮੋਹਨ ਤੇਰੇ ਬਚਨ ਅਨੂਪ ਚਾਲ ਨਿਰਾਲੀ ॥ O Mohan, beyond-praise is Thy speech, and singular is Thine department. ਮੋਹਨ ਤੂੰ ਮਾਨਹਿ ਏਕੁ ਜੀ ਅਵਰ ਸਭ ਰਾਲੀ ॥ O Mohan, thou believes in One. All else is as dust to Thee. ਮਾਨਹਿ ਤ ਏਕੁ ਅਲੇਖੁ ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ਜਿਨਹਿ ਸਭ ਕਲ ਧਾਰੀਆ ॥ Thou adorest the One incomputable Lord, who, through His Omnipotence is giving support to all the universe. ਤੁਧੁ ਬਚਨਿ ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਵਸਿ ਕੀਆ ਆਦਿ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਬਨਵਾਰੀਆ ॥ By Guru's instruction, thou hast captured the heart of Creator, the Primal Being. ਤੂੰ ਆਪਿ ਚਲਿਆ ਆਪਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਆਪਿ ਸਭ ਕਲ ਧਾਰੀਆ ॥ My Master, Thyself Thou movest Thyself standest still, and Thyself art supporting the entire structure. ਬਿਨਵੰਤਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਪੈਜ ਰਾਖਹੁ ਸਭ ਸੇਵਕ ਸਰਨਿ ਤੁਮਾਰੀਆ ॥੨॥ Pray Nanak, preserve mine honour. All Thy slaves seek Thine sanctuary. ਮੋਹਨ ਤੁਧੁ ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਧਿਆਵੈ ਦਰਸ ਧਿਆਨਾ ॥ O Enchanter, the congregation of Saints meditates on Thee and thinks of seeing Thy sight. ਮੋਹਨ ਜਮੁ ਨੇੜਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਤੁਧੁ ਜਪਹਿ ਨਿਦਾਨਾ ॥ Death's Myrmidon draws not near him, who at the last moment thinks of Thee, O Fascinator. ਜਮਕਾਲੁ ਤਿਨ ਕਉ ਲਗੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਜੋ ਇਕ ਮਨਿ ਧਿਆਵਹੇ ॥ Death's Courier touches him not, who with single mind meditates on the Lord. ਮਨਿ ਬਚਨਿ ਕਰਮਿ ਜਿ ਤੁਧੁ ਅਰਾਧਹਿ ਸੇ ਸਭੇ ਫਲ ਪਾਵਹੇ ॥ He, who in thought, word and deed remembers Thee, O Master, obtains all the fruits. ਮਲ ਮੂਤ ਮੂੜ ਜਿ ਮੁਗਧ ਹੋਤੇ ਸਿ ਦੇਖਿ ਦਰਸੁ ਸੁਗਿਆਨਾ ॥ Thy, who are filthy like ordure, and urine, silly and stupid, become good divines on seeing Thine sight. ਬਿਨਵੰਤਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਜੁ ਨਿਹਚਲੁ ਪੂਰਨ ਪੁਰਖ ਭਗਵਾਨਾ ॥੩॥ Prays Nanak, O my Omnipresent Lord God, ever-stable is Thy sovereignty. ਮੋਹਨ ਤੂੰ ਸੁਫਲੁ ਫਲਿਆ ਸਣੁ ਪਰਵਾਰੇ ॥ O Mohan, Thou hast profitable fruition with Thy family. ਮੋਹਨ ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਮੀਤ ਭਾਈ ਕੁਟੰਬ ਸਭਿ ਤਾਰੇ ॥ O Mohan, thine sons, friends, brothers and kith and kin all Thou hast saved. ਤਾਰਿਆ ਜਹਾਨੁ ਲਹਿਆ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ਜਿਨੀ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ Thou hast also saved those men, who having a view of Thee, have shed their ego. ਜਿਨੀ ਤੁਧਨੋ ਧੰਨੁ ਕਹਿਆ ਤਿਨ ਜਮੁ ਨੇੜਿ ਨ ਆਇਆ ॥ Death's Courier draws not near them who call Thee "Auspicious". ਬੇਅੰਤ ਗੁਣ ਤੇਰੇ ਕਥੇ ਨ ਜਾਹੀ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪੁਰਖ ਮੁਰਾਰੇ ॥ Infinite are Thine excellences. They cannot be described, O True Guru, the Lord-God. ਬਿਨਵੰਤਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਟੇਕ ਰਾਖੀ ਜਿਤੁ ਲਗਿ ਤਰਿਆ ਸੰਸਾਰੇ ॥੪॥੨॥ Supplicated Nanak, Thou keepest that prop, by clinging to which the world, is saved. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/transform-your-life/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/transform-your-life/support

BURNOUT:  Creating a Restful Way of Living :: [Ep. 149]Feeling burned out? Not sure if you can go on much longer like this but not sure how to change the status quo? Yeah, David and I have been there ourselves, even just this week. The past several weeks, we have been talking all about burnout and rest. In part 3 of this series, we recalibrated our thinking about the 7 different kinds of rest we are told we all need - looking at each one in light of God's Word. Understanding IF these kinds of "rest" are valid and how they fit into Christ's invitation to rest is crucial (if you missed that episode, go back and take a listen! Episode 148).This week is the final episode discussing burnout, so let's get started and jump right in today, learning that God offers us TRUE REST when we let HIM not only be our Savior but also our Master and our Teacher.P.S. Once you have listened to today's podcast, come back here to pray this prayer!My Savior, thank you for the cross and for giving me eternal rest! I lay the burdens of my sins at your feet (name specific sin and ask for forgiveness, thanking your Savior for His rest). My Master, this is YOUR day. Thank you for asking me to come under Your yoke, so I can learn to rest in my heart and soul as I work next to you. Show me right now where You are plowing. Open my eyes to the needs around me. My Teacher, thank you for being humble and gentle with me. Help me learn from You today how to handle this situation (be specific). Show me Your way of doing things and help me to rest in Your love so I can live a life of love poured out. AMEN!Support the showFor more marriage encouragement, visit: V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FBSupport our show!Apple Podcast listener? Leave review HERE.

From Town Council Member Michael Heidingsfelder (mheidingsfelder@kiawahisland.org): Our family first visited Kiawah Island in 1999 and instantly fell in love with its nature, beach, and relaxing setting. We purchased our home in 2004 and moved here full-time in 2015. We love this island, as do our children, who come here as often as they can.My Master's education in Engineering and Business Administration prepared me well for my roles as COO and CEO with large private and public cooperations in the consulting, automotive, and instrumentation industries. Building companies from the ground up and enhancing the professionalism of organizations to be best prepared for the challenges in their businesses, improving customer satisfaction and leading them to financial stability have been at the core of my career. These always global business responsibilities have taken me frequently to many countries and cultures worldwide. But whenever I passed the first gate, I was home.Several years ago, I started to engage in matters important to this island. First with ongoing service to the Lowcountry Foodbank and then as a member of the TOKI Noise Ordinance Workgroup. Earlier this year, I was appointed to the TOKI Planning Commission. This involvement made me realize that we as a joint community – with all stakeholders from residents and property owners to TOKI and KICA, the ARB, the Partners, and the Resort – need to develop a thoughtful and comprehensive vision for the future of our island. Foremost, to answer the remaining questions: How do we as a community want to be recognized 10+ years from now? What do we not want to look like in a few years?We have seen positive development in the past. Still, today we are facing challenges triggered by both man and nature: There is an increasing concern in the community about over-development, rising traffic, the impact of a changing environment and rising sea levels, not always transparent decisionmaking processes, a gap in communication about important matters to the community and – unfortunately – sometimes a lack of civil cooperation among certain stakeholders. I believe that our joint community wants a meaningful and transparent resolution of these challenges without harming our neighborhoods and the island envisioned as a perfect synergy between nature and modern life.I promise to the community that I will do my best to help preserve, protect and enhance life on Kiawah and foster collaboration between the community and our governance.

See Dr. Kyle's info below!JOIN THE SOULFUL HUMAN PATREON for BONUS deep dives, community and other extras!NICOLE & The Soulful HumanThe Soulful Human was created by Nicole as a way to share stories on important and relevant topics to our world today, to give an opportunity for those to share their own journeys but also for those listening to connect and see they are not alone in the struggles and joys they face on their own journeys. It is a place of connection and community. More will be coming with opportunities to be in the business and organization directory, to sponsor/advertise and to share YOUR story on upcoming topic. You can support the show by subscribing and giving a review as well as visiting the etsy shop. This is to cover expenses and eventually to use a portion of the profits to donate to some great causes such as The Trevor Project, Everytown for Gun Safety, The Loveland Foundation, Girls Inc and Planned Parenthood along with more.https://www.etsy.com/shop/thesoulfulhumanDr. Kyle Standiford, licensed clinical psychologist, specializing in adolescent and young adult psychology. I am primarily psychodynamically oriented, but use a variety of modalities and methods of interventions in my work. I've worked with survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking, juvenile sex offenders, gang member rehabilitation programs, substance addiction clinics, doing intensive in-home therapy, group therapy, individual, and family therapy in Miami, LA, and the Washington DC area. My Master's dissertation was on the effects of progressive vs traditional gender role promoting stories on teen dating habits, and my Doctoral thesis was on the development and maintenance of addictive-style gaming habits in MMORPG players. Outside of my psychology work I'm an avid lacrosse player, video gamer, gym rat, and tabletop board game player.Find him on IG sharing great information related to what we discuss on the pod! @psy.kyle.ogistFollow Nicole and The Soulful Humanhttps://www.instagram.com/thesoulfulhumanpod/TT: @thesoulfulhumanhttps://www.instagram.com/nicoleoneilphotography/

Isaiah 49:13-16 (MESSAGE) Heavens, raise the roof! Earth, wake the dead! Mountains, send up cheers! God has comforted his people. He has tenderly nursed his beaten-up, beaten-down people. But Zion said, “I don't get it. God has left me. My Master has forgotten I even exist.” “Can a mother forget the infant at her breast, walk away from the baby she bore? But even if mothers forget, I'd never forget you—never. Look, I've written your names on the backs of my hands. The walls you're rebuilding are never out of my sight. Your builders are faster than your wreckers. The demolition crews are gone for good. This passage compares the love God has for us with the Love of a mother and her infant. There's little, if anything on earth, that compares to a mother and her intimate love for the baby she nurses. But this passage goes deeper and explains that the imperfect mother will fail at perfect love in some way or another. But not God, not ever. Maybe, this Christmas season, you might feel forgotten or overlooked. Or perhaps you know someone who you suspect might feel that way. Can you picture right now your name written on the back of the hand of the God of the universe? He says that His Love for you will never fail and promises that the walls you are rebuilding are never out of his sight. Your builders are faster than your wreckers; the demolition crews are gone for good. Because of our Father's love for us — sending his Son whose birth we celebrate— it says those things that work against us are slower than the one that builds in us. The demolition crews, the false love that this world represents, are gone for good because of the perfect Love born in Bethlehem, from heaven above is here. This Love that says— I'd never forget you—never. Lets pray: God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. Love incarnate. Help us walk in that Love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for his coming again. Thank You for Your unfailing, sacrificial and redeeming Love for me. Immanuel, God with us.

Romans 14:1-13 My Master

Romans 14:1-13 My Master

Title: Alas, My Master! How Shall We Do? Speaker: Dr. H. T. Spence Event: Wednesday Evening Sermon Date: September 14, 2022 Summary: A brief devotion presenting the need of faith in order to see God's provision of protection in the day in which we live. Scripture: 2 Kings 6:8–17 Length:

My Master's advisor used to tell me that I would be great in a technical job within the marine science and conservation field and he was right as at the time I worked in a very technical part of the field as a marine technician and a newly graduated GIS Analyst. But I always pictured myself as someone who was in charge of either a research program or a non-profit organization that helped forward marine conservation through science. It wasn't until I was 15 years into my career that I realized I could do something that I was really good at: speaking to people about my field. Opportunities opened up for me once I started to execute speaking to people about marine science and conservation.   In this episode, I am going to help you with ways that you can use your strengths to apply to marine science and conservation.   Sign up to find out about the audio Ocean Conservation Careers members group: https://bit.ly/38ak7Z8   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc 

Thursday, 7 July 2022   The place in the Scripture which he read was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth. Acts 8:32   It was seen that the Ethiopian eunuch did not understand what he was reading, and he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. Now, Luke's next words begin with, “The place in the Scripture which he read was this.”   The verb is imperfect and should read, “The place in the Scripture which he was reading was this.” The word translated as “place” is only found here in the Bible, perioché. It signifies the contents of a passage. Today, we might say, “the chapter of Isaiah,” or something similar. This allows us to know the section, portion, or particular area that is specifically set apart in one way or another. With Philip next to him, the reading from Isaiah in the particular section is cited –   “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth.”   This section is Isaiah 53. The exact verses are 7 and 8. The words of this verse in Acts are from the Greek translation of Isaiah 53:7. Everything in the chapter was clearly understood to be a reference to the coming Messiah. Only after Christ came and fulfilled the words so perfectly did the leaders of Israel decide to obscure or change the intent from this messianic understanding.   As for the content, the words, “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter,” signify willing compliance and even innocence as if it is the right thing to do. In essence, “This is where My Master is leading Me, and so I will not question His direction.”   The next words, “And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,” indicate the calm nature of the lamb. It will not resist the master's manipulation of its body as its hair is cut away. Likewise, Christ did not resist as He was mocked, beaten, scourged, and crucified. He willingly submitted Himself to those appointed over Him and to the will of the Father who had sent Him.   And the words, “So He opened not His mouth,” highlight His submission even more. Not only did He not struggle against the physical attacks that He suffered, but He silently endured those things as well, even when false accusations had been leveled against Him. As it says, for example, in Matthew 27 –   “Then Pilate said to Him, ‘Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?' 14 But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.” Matthew 27:13, 14   In all ways, He perfectly fulfilled the prophecy that anticipated His actions.   Life application: For the most part, Isaiah 53 is wholly unknown to the Jewish people. It is not read in the synagogue, and it is quickly dismissed as a metaphor for Israel if someone questions its meaning. However, almost all Jews know that the basis for their national identity goes back to the Old Testament Scriptures, even if they don't have an idea of what they say. And most Jewish people know that these Scriptures go back to antiquity.       Further, there are certain names in Scripture that are well known and recognized, such as Moses, David, and Isaiah. Because this is true, using the words of Isaiah without identifying who wrote them is actually a good way of evangelizing Jews. If you ask a Jew, “Can I read you something and you tell me who it is talking about?”, most people will say, “Sure.” We all love to prove how smart we are.   And so, if you read Isaiah 52:12-53:13 out loud to a Jew, almost always they will say, “That is speaking about Jesus.” It would be the exception to not hear this reply. Almost all Jews know the record of what Jesus did.   After asking them who is being described, and after hearing their reply as “Jesus,” only then would you identify who has written it, meaning Isaiah. This will cause an immediate disconnect in their previous understanding of what is going on. They know Isaiah is from their own Scriptures. They know that Isaiah predates the coming of Jesus, and they know that the words they have heard describe Jesus. With this now facing them, a wall has been broken down. From there, a more complete description of Jesus can be given and a more perfect explanation of how He fulfills all of Scripture can be presented.   Be sure to use this means of evangelism if the opportunity comes up. Jews need Jesus just as do all other people. Take advantage of what God has presented in Scripture to bring them to an understanding and appreciation of who He is and what His gospel message means.   Lord God, help us to competently and carefully present Your word to those who need to hear it. May we be ready at all times to share it with others. You have carefully provided all we need to bring people to a proper understanding of what Jesus means to them and to their relationship with You. So, help us to use it! To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

CHECKING IN 1. Share something you are thankful for. 2. Did you try using the pattern for prayer we talked about last week? What did you experience? KEY VERSE “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7–8 (NIV) DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Has there been a time when you had to pray persistently for something? Talk about your experience. What did you learn about God in the process?  “The prayer of a man or woman of the Word is energized by the power of God and is a great force capable of extraordinary deeds.” What does this tell you about the relationship between Scripture and prayer?  In the Lord's Prayer, our requests come before our confession. What do you think Jesus is teaching us by putting the prayer in this order?  Confession is a part of prayer. Just as we need daily bread, we also need daily forgiveness. And the Bible promises that, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NIV). How does this promise impact your confidence in coming to God in prayer?  PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE When you talk to God, it's not the words but the intent that counts. God is not looking for eloquence. He just wants honesty. Pray from your heart. This week, continue practicing the way Jesus taught us to pray. Think of the name by which the Lord will be most glorified in answering your prayer.Do you need him to be your Healer, your Provider, your Counselor or Comforter? Call on him by name, present your request, then surrender yourself to his sovereignty.  Begin with praise and surrender by saying something like this: “My Father, let your name be glorified in my life . . . or My King, let your name be glorified in this challenge . . . or My Master, let your name be glorified in this decision that I'm about to make. My Provider, my Savior, my Guide, my Deliverer, let your name be glorified in whatever it is I'm facing.”  Then present your petitions to God. Pour your heart out to God and let him know what you need.  Finish your prayer with surrender and praise by saying something like, “Having said all of that, Lord, I want your will to be done more than anything else because I want to live my life for your glory.”  PRAYER DIRECTION If anybody shared any persistent prayers out of the first discussion question, take time as a group to pray for those together. DIVING DEEPER Dive deeper this week by watching Doable Discipleship: Episode 70, Buddy Owens and the Practice of Fasting. This series was created for Saddleback Church's small group curriculum series. For more great Bible studies and small group curriculum, visit pastors.comAnd for more great podcasts, visit Lumivoz.com

CHECKING IN 1. Share something you are thankful for. 2. Your group is now halfway through this study. What is one thing that has stuck with you so far? KEY VERSE “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” Matthew 6:9–13 (KJV) DISCUSSION QUESTIONS This week's discussion questions center on the seven relationships seen in the Lord's Prayer. For each statement, discuss what you hear, think, and feel. 1. “You are my father. I am your child. I trust your love.” 2. “You are my king. I am your subject. I trust your authority.” 3. “You are my master. I am your servant. I trust your wisdom.” 4. “You are my provider. I am your dependent. I trust your faithfulness.”5. “You are my savior. I am a sinner. I trust your mercy.”6. “You are my guide. I am a pilgrim. I trust your direction.” 7. “You are my deliverer. I am a captive. I trust you to set me free.” PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE This week, practice praying the way Jesus taught us to pray. Think of the name by which the Lord will be most glorified in answering your prayer. Do you need him to be your Healer, your Provider, your Counselor or Comforter? Call on him by name, present your request, then surrender yourself to his sovereignty.  Begin with praise and surrender by saying something like this: “My Father, let your name be glorified in my life . . . or My King, let your name be glorified in this challenge . . . or My Master, let your name be glorified in this decision that I'm about to make. My Provider, my Savior, my Guide, my Deliverer, let your name be glorified in whatever it is I'm facing.”  Then present your petitions to God. Pour your heart out to God and let him know what you need.  Finally, finish your prayer with surrender and praise by saying, “Having said all of that, Lord, I want your will to be done more than anything else because I want my life to be lived for your glory.”  PRAYER DIRECTION Begin PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE right now with your group. (See above.) Share your prayer requests. By what name will the Lord be most glorified in answering your prayer today? Call on him by name, present your requests, then surrender yourself to his sovereignty. DIVING DEEPER Dive deeper this week by watching Buddy Owens' message, How to Pray When You Haven't Got a Prayer. This series was created for Saddleback Church's small group curriculum series. For more great Bible studies and small group curriculum, visit pastors.comAnd for more great podcasts, visit Lumivoz.com

Dylan Neal of THIEF & I have a conversation about how he coped with 2020/2021, his 1st brews, being Sober, the soundtrack to his youth, his 1st shows, "The 16 Deaths of My Master", being a solo artist, Blasphemous lyrical content & how he has been filling the void. Throughout our conversation, Dylan enjoyed a Cafe Latte from a local Korean bakery while I enjoyed Grindcore Coffee Co. 's x Cryptopsy 's "None So Vile" Maximum Caffeinated Coffee. This is a Heavy Montreal presents Vox&Hops episode! Heavy Montreal is Montreal's premier metal promoter. They host one of North America's best Metal Festivals & present countless amazing events during the rest of the year. I am truly honored & extremely excited to have them involved in the podcast. Vox&Hops' Sober February 2022 is sponsored by Pitch Black North, the Satanic Tea Company. They make the most sinful, ethically sourced, expertly crafted small batch Specialty Tea and Coffee. I am a huge fan of them & if you use the Promo Code: VOXHOPS15 at checkout you will receive 15% OFF of your entire purchase. Make sure to check out Vox&Hops' Brewtal Awakenings Playlist which has been curated by the Metal Architect Jerry Monk himself on either Spotify or Apple Music. This playlist is packed with all the freshest, sickest & most extreme albums each week!!! Photo Credit: Davy Greenberg  Episode Links: Website: https://www.voxandhops.com/ Join The Vox&Hops Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/hpu9F1 THIEF: https://thief-official.bandcamp.com/album/the-16-deaths-of-my-master Grindcore Coffee: https://grindcorecoffeeco.com/ Pitch Black North: http://www.pitchblacknorth.com/ Heavy Montreal: https://www.heavymontreal.com/ Vox&Hops Brewtal Awakenings Playlist: Apple: https://music.apple.com/ca/playlist/vox-hops-brewtal-awakenings-2022/pl.u-DdANrk6u0Jq5Rrl?ls Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0z0jmXVQJ06tZGLy3KSOza?si=ef1f3e6967ba4e87 Sound Talent Media: https://soundtalentmedia.com/ Vox&Hops Metal Podcast Merchandise: https://www.indiemerchstore.com/collections/vendors?q=Vox%26Hops

And we're back. And we enter Hell. The Dickinsons are creepy. Sue does her best Marlene Dietrich. Henry kills a man. And Emily, in the midst of this, loses everything and finds real hope at the bottom of the darkest depths. My Life had stood - a Loaded Gun - In Corners - till a Day The Owner passed - identified - And carried Me away - And now We roam in Sovreign Woods - And now We hunt the Doe - And every time I speak for Him The Mountains straight reply - And do I smile, such cordial light Opon the Valley glow - It is as a Vesuvian face Had let it's pleasure through - And when at Night - Our good Day done - I guard My Master's Head - 'Tis better than the Eider Duck's Deep Pillow - to have shared - To foe of His - I'm deadly foe - None stir the second time - On whom I lay a Yellow Eye - Or an emphatic Thumb - Though I than He - may longer live He longer must - than I - For I have but the power to kill, Without - the power to die -

The Complete Jewish Version of the Bible provides excellent plain English clarity for Hosea 2.16-17. Adonai (the Lord) offers us a term of endearment… Ishi (my husband). It's a relational word inviting closeness and communion with someone you trust. Ishi is pure love and acceptance. It is the whisper of lovers and the proud announcement of a woman who knows deeply and believes fully in her man. Nothing's held back. There are no secrets between Ishi and the object of his love. Above all else, Ishi means friendship. Pure, lasting, fully devoted, intimate, and mutual friendship. Ba'ali, on the other hand, is a legal term meaning “my master.” It implies ownership and effectively reduces its subject to slavery. Besides being the name of the fertility god Baal, the word was used by ancient Hebrews to show respect for a husband. It would be like a princess calling her prince “My Lord,” or Beaver's mom referring to her husband as “Mr. Cleaver,” or my wife and kids calling me “Sir” (perish the thought!). “On that day,” says Adonai “you will call me Ishi [My Husband]; you will no longer call me Ba‘ali [My Master]. For I will remove the names of the ba‘alim from her mouth; they will never again be mentioned by name,” (Hosea 2:16-17 (18-19) CJB).

Isaiah 49:13-16 (MESSAGE) Heavens, raise the roof! Earth, wake the dead! Mountains, send up cheers! God has comforted his people. He has tenderly nursed his beaten-up, beaten-down people. But Zion said, “I don't get it. God has left me. My Master has forgotten I even exist.” “Can a mother forget the infant at her breast, walk away from the baby she bore? But even if mothers forget, I'd never forget you—never. Look, I've written your names on the backs of my hands. The walls you're rebuilding are never out of my sight. Your builders are faster than your wreckers. The demolition crews are gone for good. This passage compares the love God has for us with the Love of a mother and her infant. There's little, if anything on earth, that compares to a mother and her intimate love for the baby she nurses. But this passage goes deeper and explains that the imperfect mother will fail at perfect love in some way or another. But not God, not ever. Maybe, this Christmas season, you might feel forgotten or overlooked. Or perhaps you know someone who you suspect might feel that way. Can you picture right now your name written on the back of the hand of the God of the universe? He says that His Love for you will never fail and promises that the walls you are rebuilding are never out of his sight. Your builders are faster than your wreckers; the demolition crews are gone for good. Because of our Father's love for us — sending his Son whose birth we celebrate— it says those things that work against us are slower than the one that builds in us. The demolition crews, the false love that this world represents, are gone for good because of the perfect Love born in Bethlehem, from heaven above is here. This Love that says— I'd never forget you—never. Lets pray: God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. Love incarnate. Help us walk in that Love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for his coming again. Thank You for Your unfailing, sacrificial and redeeming Love for me. Immanuel, God with us.

Photo:  Turncoats Satrire on clergymen who changed denominational allegiance according to political  convenience with an etching showing the interior of a tailor's shop. On the left, a clergyman tries on a gown asking his tailor, "Can't you make this [High Church] Gown into a [Low Church] Cloak upon Ocasion"; the tailor replies, "Yes Sr. I can very easily". In the centre, a tailor holds out a measuring tape to another clergyman, saying "Sr. let me take ye length of your Conscience"; the clergyman replies, "Let ye Gown be lin'd with a Cloak to turn at pleasure" indicating a cloak lying on the floor in front of him. Behind, a man enters through a door, saying "My Masters Customers are Viccars of Bray". To right, three men sit sewing on a tailors' board, one saying, "We need not fear Cowcumber time", another, "My Master can please Trimmers", and the third, "I'll go to St Mary Overs and pray for the Doctor[Sacheverell]"; in front of these tailors lie a pair of shears, a ball of thread, a tailor's goose (smoothing iron) and a bodkin; on the wall behind hang a coat and a cloak @Batchelorshow 7/12: #CrossfireHurricaneDiary: American media names Cambridge Professor Stefan Halper as the source of the allegations, May 18, 2018.  Svetlana Lokhova @TheRealSLokhova. #FriendsofHistoryDebatingSociety https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/was-there-really-spy-inside-trump-campaign-president-says-n875516 https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/svetlana-lokhova-im-a-mum-under-siege-not-mata-hari-bkggndttq

2 Kings 6:1-7 ESV Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See, the place where we dwell under your charge is too small for us. 2 Let us go to the Jordan and each of us get there a log, and let us make a place for us to dwell there.” And he answered, “Go.” 3 Then one of them said, “Be pleased to go with your servants.” And he answered, “I will go.” 4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 But as one was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, “Alas, my master! It was borrowed.” 6 Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float. 7 And he said, “Take it up.” So he reached out his hand and took it. ----- At sinabi ng mga anak ng mga propeta kay Eliseo, “Tingnan mo, ang lugar na aming tinitirhan sa pangangasiwa mo ay napakaliit para sa amin. 2 Papuntahin mo kami sa Jordan, at kukuha roon ang bawat isa sa amin ng troso at hayaan mong gumawa kami roon ng isang lugar na aming matitirahan.” Siya'y sumagot, “Sige.” 3 At sinabi ng isa sa kanila, “Maaari bang ikalugod mo na sumama ka sa iyong mga lingkod?” At siya'y sumagot, “Ako'y sasama.” 4 Kaya't siya'y sumama sa kanila. Nang sila'y dumating sa Jordan, sila'y nagsiputol ng mga punungkahoy. 5 Ngunit samantalang ang isa'y pumuputol ng troso, ang talim ng palakol ay nalaglag sa tubig; at siya'y sumigaw, “Naku, panginoon ko! Iyon ay hiram lamang.” 6 Sinabi ng tao ng Diyos, “Saan iyon bumagsak?” Nang ituro sa kanya ang lugar, pumutol siya ng isang patpat, at inihagis doon, at pinalutang ang bakal. 7 At kanyang sinabi, “Kunin mo.” Kaya't kanyang iniabot iyon ng kanyang kamay at kinuha iyon. ALAS, MY MASTER! IT WAS BORROWED. The sons of the prophets had realized the need to build additional rooms for them. Among them, one was certainly commendable for not making the absence of axe not to involve in the work. They proposed to Elisha to allow them to cut timbers for such a project. Like them, we can plan but unless God allows us to execute our plan, we should not go ahead.[see Prov 16:3] We should not go ahead of God. As Elisha granted their request, he should have remained. But one servant pleaded him to go with them. At the hindsight, it was good that Elisha was there because the lost axehead was recovered. Let's invoke God's presence in every endeavor we do. It is presumptuousness that we can do something without His presence and power, isn't it? Let's learn from Moses, who said, “And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.”[Ex 33:15] Could we thrive without God? Apart from Christ we are nothing.[John 15:5] Had the servant stayed home, the loss should not happened. But, he accomplished nothing, too. We must be realistic. There is always a risk in serving God. Losses or set backs may happen. Just like the storm that. happened, when the disciples crossed the lake of Galilee, our crisis do come even we obey God's will. The good thing is Jesus was with them to calm the storm. Likewise, Elisha was with the servant to float and recover the iron axe head. Indeed, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”[Psa 46:1] Moreover, the loss from our hands of something we borrowed is more worrying, isn't it? Our lives together with our time, talents and treasures belong to the Lord. We must consecrate our all for His glory.[1 Cor 10:31] Then, it's not worrying when we are spent for Him and His glory. Rather, it is satisfying. [Phil 1:20-21] ------------------------- Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

PreludeWelcome & News of the ChurchCall to WorshipOpening Hymn - (#466) "What a Friend We Have in Jesus"Children's Message, presented by Keri ScrogginsConfession, Assurance, and Gloria Patri, led by Rev. Sharon YagerlenerPraise SongsSermon - "Character Matters" (Esther 4:1-3, 12-16) - by Rev. Jason GrifficeHymn of Response - (#495) "It Is Well with My Soul"Offertory - "Chariot's Comin'!" (arr. Don Besig) - by Sam Allen and Brian CichDoxologyPastoral Prayer, led by Rev. Sharon YagerlenerSending Hymn - (#402) "O Jesus, I Have Promised"BenedictionPostludeWhat a Friend We Have in JesusWhat a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer. Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged—Take it to the Lord in prayer! Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness—Take it to the Lord in prayer! Are we weak and heaven-laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge—Take it to the Lord in prayer! Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer! In His arms He'll take and shield thee—Thou wilt find a solace there. It Is Well with My SoulWhen peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll— Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is will with my soul. CHORUS: It is well (it is well)With my soul (with my soul)It is well, it is well with my soul.My sin—O the joy of this glorious thought—My sin, not in par, but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more: Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul. [CHORUS]And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll: The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, "Even so"—it is well with my soul. [CHORUS]O Jesus, I Have PromisedO Jesus, I have promised To serve The to the end; Be Thou forever near me, My Master and my Friend; I shall not fear the battle If Thou art by my side, Nor wander from the pathway If Thou wilt be my Guide. O let me feel Thee near me, The world is ever near; I see the sights that dazzle, The tempting sounds I hear; My foes are ever near me, Around me and within; But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer, And shield my soul from sin. O Jesus, Thou hast promised To all who follow Thee That where Thou art in glory There shall Thy servant be; And, Jesus, I have promised To serve Thee to the end; O give me grace to follow My Master and my Friend See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“The unsearchable riches of Christ.” — Ephesians 3:8 My Master has riches beyond the count of arithmetic, the measurement of reason, the dream of imagination, or the eloquence of words. They are unsearchable! You may look, and study, and weigh, but Jesus is a greater Saviour than you think Him to be when your thoughts […]

In this episode you will learn: 1. How to connect to our attractiveness 2. Childhood, identity, and stories, now what? 3. How to connect to your body and feel safe “After a deeply transformational experience in my early college days, I woke up from a loving yet sheltered upbringing into deep questions of path and purpose. I have since actively pursued my own personal growth, in spirit and in body exploring, learning and sharing a deep caring interest in women's sexual and romantic satisfaction and joy. My Master's degree in Integral Psychology focused on women's romantic and sensual expression and explored the power we as women have through the lens of relationships. I trained as a therapist and led numerous women's groups devoted to female pleasure, relationship, and life before meeting Erwan, with whom I began teaching almost 20 years ago. Together we have opened our personal path of discovery, learning and sharing our most intimate realizations and practices so that others may partake in the gems we have discovered.” Free Love Life Consultation: Text 415 308 9580 Click https://erwandavon.com/consult/

Photo: On turncoats: 'Satrire on clergymen who changed denominational allegiance according to political  convenience with an etching showing the interior of a tailor's shop. On the left, a clergyman tries on a gown asking his tailor, "Can't you make this [High Church] Gown into a [Low Church] Cloak upon Ocasion"; the tailor replies, "Yes Sr. I can very easily". In the centre, a tailor holds out a measuring tape to another clergyman, saying "Sr. let me take ye length of your Conscience"; the clergyman replies, "Let ye Gown be lin'd with a Cloak to turn at pleasure" indicating a cloak lying on the floor in front of him. Behind, a man enters through a door, saying "My Masters Customers are Viccars of Bray". To right, three men sit sewing on a tailors' board, one saying, "We need not fear Cowcumber time", another, "My Master can please Trimmers", and the third, "I'll go to St Mary Overs and pray for the Doctor [Sacheverell]"; in front of these tailors lie a pair of shears, a ball of thread, a tailor's goose (smoothing iron) and a bodkin; on the wall behind hang a coat and a cloak.  Engraved title, inscriptions, and verses in three columns in which mention is made of two "turncoat" clerics, Samuel Palmer and Charles Leslie. (London: c.1709).'CBS Eye on the World with John BatchelorCBS Audio Network@BatchelorshowJ. H. Gelernter #Unbound. The complete, twenty-minute interview. May 3, 2021. Hold Fast: A Novel Hardcover – May 4, 2021, by J. H. Gelernter  https://www.amazon.com/Hold-Fast-J-H-Gelernter/dp/0393867048 It's 1803. The Napoleonic Wars are raging, Britain is on her heels, and His Majesty's Secret Service has just lost its best agent, Thomas Grey. Deeply depressed by his wife's untimely death, Grey resigns from the service and accepts an offer to join a lumber firm in Boston. But when a sea battle with a privateer forces the ship carrying him west to make port in neutral Portugal, Grey is approached with a counteroffer: become a wealthy man by selling out Britain's spy network to France. The French take Grey for a disgruntled ex–naval officer, blithely unaware that Grey had lost his wife to an unlucky shot from a French cannon. Now, after many years serving King and Country, Grey seizes the opportunity to fight a covert war of his own. He travels to Paris, and―playing the part of the invaluable turncoat the French believe him to be―proceeds to infiltrate the highest levels of Napoleon's government. If he can outwit his handlers, outmatch his French counterparts, and outrun Napoleon's secret police, Grey may just avenge his wife's death and turn the tide of war in England's favor. Bursting with action and intrigue, Hold Fast sends readers headlong into an unrelenting spy thriller

    “IF I WANTED TO BOAST, I WOULD BE NO FOOL IN DOING SO, BECAUSE I WOULD BE TELLING THE TRUTH. BUT I WON’T DO IT, BECAUSE I DON’T WANT ANYONE TO GIVE ME CREDIT BEYOND WHAT THEY CAN SEE IN MY LIFE OR HEAR IN MY MESSAGE, EVEN THOUGH I HAVE RECEIVED SUCH WONDERFUL REVELATIONS FROM GOD. SO TO KEEP ME FROM BECOMING PROUD, I WAS GIVEN A THORN IN MY FLESH, A MESSENGER FROM SATAN TO TORMENT ME AND KEEP ME FROM BECOMING PROUD. THREE DIFFERENT TIMES I BEGGED THE LORD TO TAKE IT AWAY. EACH TIME HE SAID, ‘MY GRACE IS ALL YOU NEED. MY POWER WORKS BEST IN WEAKNESS.’ SO NOW I AM GLAD TO BOAST ABOUT MY WEAKNESSES, SO THAT THE POWER OF CHRIST CAN WORK THROUGH ME. THAT’S WHY I TAKE PLEASURE IN MY WEAKNESSES, AND IN THE INSULTS, HARDSHIPS, PERSECUTIONS, AND TROUBLES THAT I SUFFER FOR CHRIST. FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM MADE STRONG” 2 CORINTHIANS 12:6-10   I CAN WORK WITH THAT   “…BECAUSE OF MIDIAN, THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL MADE FOR THEMSELVES HIDEOUTS IN THE MOUNTAINS—CAVES AND FORTS. WHEN ISRAEL PLANTED ITS CROPS, MIDIAN AND AMALEK, THE EASTERNERS, WOULD INVADE THEM, CAMP IN THEIR FIELDS, AND DESTROY THEIR CROPS ALL THE WAY DOWN TO GAZA. THEY LEFT NOTHING FOR THEM TO LIVE ON, NEITHER SHEEP NOR OX NOR DONKEY. BRINGING THEIR CATTLE AND TENTS, THEY CAME IN AND TOOK OVER, LIKE AN INVASION OF LOCUSTS. AND THEIR CAMELS—PAST COUNTING! THEY MARCHED IN AND DEVASTATED THE COUNTRY. THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL, REDUCED TO GRINDING POVERTY BY MIDIAN, CRIED OUT TO GOD FOR HELP.”   “ONE DAY THE ANGEL OF GOD CAME AND SAT DOWN UNDER THE OAK IN OPHRAH THAT BELONGED TO JOASH THE ABIEZRITE, WHOSE SON GIDEON WAS THRESHING WHEAT IN THE WINEPRESS, OUT OF SIGHT OF THE MIDIANITES. THE ANGEL OF GOD APPEARED TO HIM AND SAID, “ GOD IS WITH YOU, O MIGHTY WARRIOR!”GIDEON REPLIED, “WITH ME, MY MASTER?...”   DOUBT   “IF GOD IS WITH US, WHY HAS ALL THIS HAPPENED TO US? WHERE ARE ALL THE MIRACLE-WONDERS OUR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS TOLD US ABOUT, TELLING US, ‘DIDN’T GOD DELIVER US FROM EGYPT?’ THE FACT IS, GOD HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH US—HE HAS TURNED US OVER TO MIDIAN.”” JUDGES     ANGER   “THEN THE LORD TURNED TO HIM AND SAID, ‘GO WITH THE STRENGTH YOU HAVE, AND RESCUE ISRAEL FROM THE MIDIANITES. I AM SENDING YOU!’” – JUDGES 6:14 NLT     AUTHENTICITY IS AN EXPRESSWAY TO THE PRESENCE OF GOD   “THE LORD IS CLOSE TO ALL WHO CALL ON HIM, YES, TO ALL WHO CALL ON HIM IN TRUTH” PSALMS 145:18 NLT   “GIDEON SAID TO HIM, ‘ME, MY MASTER? HOW AND WITH WHAT COULD I EVER SAVE ISRAEL? LOOK AT ME. MY CLAN’S THE WEAKEST IN MANASSEH AND IM THE RUNT OF THE LITTER.” “GOD SAID TO HIM, ‘I’LL BE WITH YOU. BELIEVE ME, YOU’LL DEFEAT MIDIAN AS ONE MAN.” JUDGES 6:16 MSG JUDGES 6:15 MSG   DO NOT BE AFRAID OR DISCOURAGED, FOR THE LORD WILL PERSONALLY GO AHEAD OF YOU. HE WILL BE WITH YOU; HE WILL NEITHER FAIL YOU NOR ABANDON YOU.” DEUTERONOMY “GOD SAID TO GIDEON, “YOU HAVE TOO LARGE AN ARMY WITH YOU…” JUDGES 7:2 MSG   “…MY POWER WORKS BEST IN WEAKNESS…” 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9   GOD CAN’T BLESS WHO YOU PRETEND TO BE   “THEN HE SAID TO THEM, “YOU LIKE TO APPEAR RIGHTEOUS IN PUBLIC, BUT GOD KNOWS YOUR HEARTS. WHAT THIS WORLD HONORS IS DETESTABLE IN THE SIGHT OF GOD.”   BE HONEST WITH WHERE YOU’RE AT   “BEHOLD, YOU DELIGHT IN TRUTH IN THE INWARD BEING…” PSALM 51:6 ESV   SURRENDER IT TO GOD   “…“GOD OPPOSES THE PROUD BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” SO HUMBLE YOURSELVES UNDER THE MIGHTY POWER OF GOD, AND AT THE RIGHT TIME HE WILL LIFT YOU UP IN HONOR. GIVE ALL YOUR WORRIES AND CARES TO GOD, FOR HE CARES ABOUT YOU.”     KNOW WHO YOU ARE THROUGH HIM   THE ANGEL OF GOD APPEARED TO HIM AND SAID, “ GOD IS WITH YOU, O MIGHTY WARRIOR!   “WE HAVE BECOME HIS POETRY, A RE-CREATED PEOPLE THAT WILL FULFILL THE DESTINY HE HAS GIVEN EACH OF US, FOR WE ARE JOINED TO JESUS, THE ANOINTED ONE. EVEN BEFORE WE WERE BORN, GOD PLANNED IN ADVANCE OUR DESTINY AND THE GOOD WORKS WE WOULD DO TO FULFILL IT!”     CLAIM YOUR VICTORY     “FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD IS THE ONE WHO GOES WITH YOU TO FIGHT FOR YOU AGAINST YOUR ENEMIES TO GIVE YOU VICTORY.’”

Meet Jude Warne www.judewarne.com ROCK BIOGRAPHER MUSIC COLUMNIST FILM/BOOK/ALBUM/LIVE REVIEWER ARTIST INTERVIEWER FICTION WRITER Here's a little background story Jude writes about herself: "I was born and raised in Manhattan, amidst two parents who were (and still are) rock ‘n’ rollers, so I believe very strongly in the power and importance of rock ‘n’ roll. I believe in the power and importance of high-quality music and art criticism, especially that of Lester Bangs (whose writing reads and sounds like rock ‘n’ roll) and Greil Marcus (whose writing always manages to connect rock to everything else in the history of humankind, as he does in Mystery Train). "I have written numerous reviews for The Vinyl District, Film International, Live for Live Music, The Observer, No Depression, Journal of Popular Music and Society, CMUSE, Film Matters, and Senses of Cinema. I was also the music columnist at Red Paint Hill Journal from 2015 until 2017. I earned my BA (Cinema Studies '11) and MA (Humanities and Social Thought '15) from New York University.  My Master's Thesis, "Let the Broken Hearts Stand," explored and examined the disappointed American characters in Sherwood Anderson's Winesburg, Ohio and Bruce Springsteen's Darkness on the Edge of Town.   "My original teen fiction series Crushing (six-volume episodic) was released in 2017 through Epic Press. "My authorized biography of classic rock band America entitled America, the Band - an Authorized Biography was released in May 2020, in conjunction with the band’s 50th anniversary." Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell, and Dan Peek arrived on 1970s American radio with a sound that echoed disenchanted hearts of young people everywhere. The three American boys named their band after a country they’d watched and dreamt of from their London childhood Air Force base homes. What was this country? This new band? Classic and timeless, America embodied the dreams of a nation desperate to emerge from the desert and finally give their horse a name. Celebrating the band’s fiftieth anniversary, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell share stories of growing up, growing together, and growing older. Journalist Jude Warne weaves original interviews with Beckley, Bunnell, and many others into a dynamic cultural history of America, the band, and America, the nation. Reliving hits like “Ventura Highway,” “Tin Man,” and of course, “A Horse with No Name” from their 19 studio albums and incomparable live recordings, this book offers readers a new appreciation of what makes some music unforgettable and timeless. As America’s music stays in rhythm with the heartbeats of its millions of fans, new fans feel the draw of a familiar emotion. They’ve felt it before in their hearts and thanks to America, they can now hear it, share it, and sing along. Order here: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538120958/America-the-Band-An-Authorized-Biography (Rowman & Littlefield) https://www.amazon.com/America-Band-Authorized-Jude-Warne/dp/153812095X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=AMERICA%20BAND&qid=1573524814&rnid=2941120011&s=books&sr=1-1 (Amazon.com) Also mentioned in this interview: “Caught in the Spotlight: The Band’s Performance Anxiety in Stage Fright" - Chapter in Rags and Bones: a Multidisciplinary Exploration of The Band (in press) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L9AY1RS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_3Po8Fb2JREBBT (Mystery Train: Images of America in Rock 'n' Roll Music) by Grell Marcus All work is copyright by the respective performers, songwriters, and publishers. Music and short lyric quotations have been used under "Fair Use" guidelines for educational purposes, commenting, and critiques.

Every week we publish blogs written by a fantastic group of regular contributors, and special guests from across the world. Researchers at all stages of their careers, working across all areas of science. Discussing their lives, their research and general careers topics. Their blogs are a fantastic source of information, advice and top-tips and we know from the feedback we receive, that they’re also great at helping you to know you’re not alone in the difficulties you face. Every blog is narrated by the author, so our Programme Director Adam Smith has taken a look back over this year’s blogs and collated a five-part podcast special. Today Adam introduces blogs from himself, Dr Clarissa Giebel, Morgan Daniel and Dr Emily Oliver. Covering: • Should you do a Masters • Taking research outside its bubble • My Master’s degree so far • Ethics committee, an insight into the other side You can find out more about our bloggers, and their work on our website. There you will also find the originals of these blogs, and more much more. Register on our website to receive our Friday bulletin, and never miss a blog in 2021. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk _____________________________________________________________________ Like what you hear? Please review, like, and share our podcast - and don't forget to subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode. This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Research UK and Alzheimer's Society, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Podcasting as a form that is utilised by students in educational contexts has, of course, been an important strand of the medium's development and a key focus of academic analysis. Recently, there are increasing examples of MA and PhD students utilising podcasting as a form of practice-led research. Our own partnership with Jerry Padfield and his PhD casting is a key example of that. But on this episode Dario talks to another student podcaster Olivia Trono, whose project My Master's Thesis: It's a podcast (about Podcasts) completed at Ryerson University is a benchmark example of this 'genre' of podcasts. Dario talks to Olivia about the origin of the project, the ideas she had around investing the show with the academic rigour required of a Masters thesis, how she came up audio cues for quotations and referencing, her own performance and use of her voice, using a playful tone in a academic context and of course, her thought on podcast studies and the future of medium. // LINKS // Olivia on Twitter Dario On Twitter Listen to the Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Or wherever you get your podcasts. Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/newauralcultures/message --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/newauralcultures/message

(Chinese) Naropa meditated according to his Master’s instruction. He saw inner visions, but he was not attached to them. He had the experience of instant liberation and exclaimed : “When I rely on my Master, it is same as relying on a ship. My Master is like a pearl, a Mani bead that makes me feel secure and able to be liberated. By practicing this method, one can obtain complete happiness.” Naropa followed his Master and walked to a pond full of leech. His Master said, “If I had a real good ...

"My Master would like something in leather" Style Over Substance with Scarlett and Mim is a podcast between two friends talking about our experiences working inside the fashion industry and our observations from outside the fashion industry. Sometimes serious- always a good laugh. Contact us for business and content suggestions: Email: styleoversubstancep@gmail.com Insta: www.instagram.com/styleoversubstancepod Twitter: @PodcastStyle Youtube: Style Over Substance Podcast Personal socials: Mim's website: www.theelixirart.com Mim's Insta: www.instagram.com/theelixirart Mim's Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/theelixirart/ Mim's Email: theelixirartblog@gmail.com

October 9, 2020 It’s a choice to live in controlled chaos. I’ll never find myself on the cover of a magazine. Controlled chaos means being so far out there that all things looked upon as being normal runs out of air to breathe. It’s the only way you can calm the mind body and soul during yet another hurricane/tropical storm. Here comes Delta! As the Gulf prepares those of us on the inside of the nation emotionally embrace. And that’s what this podcast episode is about. While the men and women of the weather channel world drive up our anxiety levels with their sensationalism, the mental task is to call out the truer message. They’re hyping it up for their advertisers! They’re getting exactly what they need. It’s you and me to click onto their popup ads or watch them on TV. Our need to know is making people money. Anchors and weather people are crafted into a working machine to not inform but to drive people to making a buying decision. Look at all those car commercials! If something does go wrong you’re being programmed to know where to go. It’s who we’ve become in everything we are. I’ve spent the past six months studying the behavior of CNN.com Foxnews.com and even the BBC. The headlines change but the story remains. And none of the stories are the same on any of the pages. I’d love to see myself without social media. But that’s not going to happen. We’re addicted. Nobody knows where a hurricane is going to land and how it’s going to perform as it skates across the nation. A little puff of wind can send the tropical storm in a completely different direction. What do we get from it? Another reason to hate 2020. All of that energy wasted on something blown completely out of proportion. Making the right decision can’t be written two days out. If you live in the southeast then you should always be prepared with candles, batteries, flashlights, food, gas and the knowledge of what to do if something goes boom in the middle of the night. We go through this every year without the weather people forking out their verbal performances. Being present in your place of Now is the best place to grow. My Master in martial arts would always ask, “Is there something in your ability right now that can change what’s taking place. If the answer is no. Then move on.” I laugh out loud when coming across a story about how China and Russia are reaching through the internet to control our actions and decisions. It’s not them. It’s the news and weather people. They’re more powerful than a southern preacher. In all things you do everything you do is moved by what they share. Be aware of your emotions by being equal with love and peace. More importantly locate forgiveness. Always be ready to embrace and do everything you can to not write the story before the event takes place. Wasted energy is lost energy.

October 9, 2020 It’s a choice to live in controlled chaos. I’ll never find myself on the cover of a magazine. Controlled chaos means being so far out there that all things looked upon as being normal runs out of air to breathe. It’s the only way you can calm the mind body and soul during yet another hurricane/tropical storm. Here comes Delta! As the Gulf prepares those of us on the inside of the nation emotionally embrace. And that’s what this podcast episode is about. While the men and women of the weather channel world drive up our anxiety levels with their sensationalism, the mental task is to call out the truer message. They’re hyping it up for their advertisers! They’re getting exactly what they need. It’s you and me to click onto their popup ads or watch them on TV. Our need to know is making people money. Anchors and weather people are crafted into a working machine to not inform but to drive people to making a buying decision. Look at all those car commercials! If something does go wrong you’re being programmed to know where to go. It’s who we’ve become in everything we are. I’ve spent the past six months studying the behavior of CNN.com Foxnews.com and even the BBC. The headlines change but the story remains. And none of the stories are the same on any of the pages. I’d love to see myself without social media. But that’s not going to happen. We’re addicted. Nobody knows where a hurricane is going to land and how it’s going to perform as it skates across the nation. A little puff of wind can send the tropical storm in a completely different direction. What do we get from it? Another reason to hate 2020. All of that energy wasted on something blown completely out of proportion. Making the right decision can’t be written two days out. If you live in the southeast then you should always be prepared with candles, batteries, flashlights, food, gas and the knowledge of what to do if something goes boom in the middle of the night. We go through this every year without the weather people forking out their verbal performances. Being present in your place of Now is the best place to grow. My Master in martial arts would always ask, “Is there something in your ability right now that can change what’s taking place. If the answer is no. Then move on.” I laugh out loud when coming across a story about how China and Russia are reaching through the internet to control our actions and decisions. It’s not them. It’s the news and weather people. They’re more powerful than a southern preacher. In all things you do everything you do is moved by what they share. Be aware of your emotions by being equal with love and peace. More importantly locate forgiveness. Always be ready to embrace and do everything you can to not write the story before the event takes place. Wasted energy is lost energy.

September 3, 2020 I’d love to see the research of how the total impact of Covid-19 and all other bad headlines are having on the human need to want to remember things. So many of us are losing things in plain sight. We’ve grow accustom to setting things aside. To one day get back to. To put it in places where you know you’ll remember but when you get there it’s hidden in plain sight. On this podcast episode we’re putting focus on more than physical objects. Hidden in plain site includes our personal thoughts, our futures, dreams and whatever else we should be putting focus on but can’t seem to locate the proper strings to run the puppet show. Our hearts can feel the presence of something in need but it’s our eyes that can’t seem to lock in on the shape of the expected. I write about this because it feels safe. For most of us it’s difficult to take aim at the tougher questions so we set them aside believing a much stronger day is the requirement. And when you get there. The thoughts are hidden in plain sight. It’s like playing a game of Invisible Tag. You’re getting warmer. Now cold. Hotter. Hotter. Nope now cold. The imaginations that which we all hold is flooded with attempts to remember only to bring up other things that should’ve been covered long before this moment. There’s a 31% increase in American divorces since March 2020. Those struggling the most are the newlyweds. Research shows they’ve not endured enough experience with life’s everyday challenges to withstand the pressure of the expectations put upon them by governments and science. Hidden in plain sight can easily be compared to the verbal battle grounds where a simple indifference has uncovered everything on the planet gone wrong without ever locating a solution for what brought you to the negative source of energy. Being consumed by an object we can’t see is a moment that can’t be controlled. My Master in Martial Arts would sit with me asking, “If you could control it. What would be your outcome? How much energy are you putting into gripping the right answer? How will you know if its right? If you have no way of accessing true control. Move forward.” In the seconds I penned that thought out in my daily writing. A sense of control appeared on the one time blank page. Somehow we've entered the Fall of 2020 leaving no footprints in the sand. As if to being carried. Lifted above something much bigger than happily ever after. Led across an open field of experiences that words still can't explain. Yet there's emotion. Not always the type you'd like to put on display. The struggle to play it forward. So we have agreed to be carried. To trust in the keeper of the steps not always perfectly balanced. But we hold in our grip more than a robe of belief. It's the willingness to be present in an age where all things have changed. Do all you can not to become hidden in plain sight.

September 3, 2020 I’d love to see the research of how the total impact of Covid-19 and all other bad headlines are having on the human need to want to remember things. So many of us are losing things in plain sight. We’ve grow accustom to setting things aside. To one day get back to. To put it in places where you know you’ll remember but when you get there it’s hidden in plain sight. On this podcast episode we’re putting focus on more than physical objects. Hidden in plain site includes our personal thoughts, our futures, dreams and whatever else we should be putting focus on but can’t seem to locate the proper strings to run the puppet show. Our hearts can feel the presence of something in need but it’s our eyes that can’t seem to lock in on the shape of the expected. I write about this because it feels safe. For most of us it’s difficult to take aim at the tougher questions so we set them aside believing a much stronger day is the requirement. And when you get there. The thoughts are hidden in plain sight. It’s like playing a game of Invisible Tag. You’re getting warmer. Now cold. Hotter. Hotter. Nope now cold. The imaginations that which we all hold is flooded with attempts to remember only to bring up other things that should’ve been covered long before this moment. There’s a 31% increase in American divorces since March 2020. Those struggling the most are the newlyweds. Research shows they’ve not endured enough experience with life’s everyday challenges to withstand the pressure of the expectations put upon them by governments and science. Hidden in plain sight can easily be compared to the verbal battle grounds where a simple indifference has uncovered everything on the planet gone wrong without ever locating a solution for what brought you to the negative source of energy. Being consumed by an object we can’t see is a moment that can’t be controlled. My Master in Martial Arts would sit with me asking, “If you could control it. What would be your outcome? How much energy are you putting into gripping the right answer? How will you know if its right? If you have no way of accessing true control. Move forward.” In the seconds I penned that thought out in my daily writing. A sense of control appeared on the one time blank page. Somehow we've entered the Fall of 2020 leaving no footprints in the sand. As if to being carried. Lifted above something much bigger than happily ever after. Led across an open field of experiences that words still can't explain. Yet there's emotion. Not always the type you'd like to put on display. The struggle to play it forward. So we have agreed to be carried. To trust in the keeper of the steps not always perfectly balanced. But we hold in our grip more than a robe of belief. It's the willingness to be present in an age where all things have changed. Do all you can not to become hidden in plain sight.

August 31, 2020 We can’t keep September 2020 from entering our road race. Over the past week we couldn’t stop the hurricanes from pounding our American shores. The message seems to be pretty clear that we can’t stop large groups of people from mingling during a pandemic. Learning how to embrace we can’t control. That’s the subject of this podcast episode. As a 3rd Degree Black Belt one of the most important lessons I’ve learned on this way moving forward is to be aware of what can and can’t be controlled and sway away from those that will totally take out your energy. Mindfully being aware of the existence of how something might play out is allowed to move in the direction of choice. During these uncertain times our imaginations and hearts are trying to write a story that doesn’t exist. My Master would ask me, “Do you have the ability to control it?” If my reply was, “No.” He’d quickly intercept the conversation with, “Move on.” Let me say it again. Mindfully being aware of the existence of how something might play out is allowed to move in the direction of choice. And in giving it permission to materialize our decision is to continue to break or use the shattered pieces to formulate some sort of new stage or rock. I’m going to step across a huge line right now. It may upset you and could honestly create a disconnection this moment forward. My entire life. All the way back to being a punk kid who felt church was the only answer in life. All I’ve ever heard about was Moses telling the people to drop their False Idols and Gods. That portrait of him coming off that mountain has haunted me the entire way. It’s made me completely aware of how easy it is to find something in a have nothing world. I tend to ask God a lot of questions. The Dude doesn’t speak to me but my imagination is given new ways to process. I’ve always been worried about people locating a False Idol. During these Covid challenges where it’s beginning to feel like we’re losing a lot more than gaining. My hearts been racing, “Oh my God this is one of those moments!” Then I began to write in my daily journals, “In 2020 there aren’t people seeking a False Idol. We’ve had them since the beginning. The world of music, sports, movies, comic books, religion and business leaders that can turn two pennies into a billion dollars. The False Idols have always been here! But when the world stopped in March of 2020 as did the Idols. Gone! The majority of them still gone. People are struggling today to relocate their False Idols.” One look at the headlines and you’ll feel the total impact of how our inner core of thoughts are evolving into a new state of something so incredibly invisible and yet we know it’s right there in front of us. What is your stand? Not where are you standing in physical form. What is your stand? What’s driving you? What’s keeping you focused and out of tune at the same time? What will it take to bring you forward without having to invest in your shadow? What is your stand? How does your rush and push in the new everyday world get fed? Mindfully being aware of the existence of how something might play out is allowed to move in the direction of choice. Is that the right decision? Your heart speaks to you on every path that mysteriously drops into place. Do you go with the flow or generate a source of energy that some might see as retrieving an old Idol? Where do you stand? If I don’t ask these questions. You won’t either. Be a leader. Not a false hope.

August 31, 2020 We can’t keep September 2020 from entering our road race. Over the past week we couldn’t stop the hurricanes from pounding our American shores. The message seems to be pretty clear that we can’t stop large groups of people from mingling during a pandemic. Learning how to embrace we can’t control. That’s the subject of this podcast episode. As a 3rd Degree Black Belt one of the most important lessons I’ve learned on this way moving forward is to be aware of what can and can’t be controlled and sway away from those that will totally take out your energy. Mindfully being aware of the existence of how something might play out is allowed to move in the direction of choice. During these uncertain times our imaginations and hearts are trying to write a story that doesn’t exist. My Master would ask me, “Do you have the ability to control it?” If my reply was, “No.” He’d quickly intercept the conversation with, “Move on.” Let me say it again. Mindfully being aware of the existence of how something might play out is allowed to move in the direction of choice. And in giving it permission to materialize our decision is to continue to break or use the shattered pieces to formulate some sort of new stage or rock. I’m going to step across a huge line right now. It may upset you and could honestly create a disconnection this moment forward. My entire life. All the way back to being a punk kid who felt church was the only answer in life. All I’ve ever heard about was Moses telling the people to drop their False Idols and Gods. That portrait of him coming off that mountain has haunted me the entire way. It’s made me completely aware of how easy it is to find something in a have nothing world. I tend to ask God a lot of questions. The Dude doesn’t speak to me but my imagination is given new ways to process. I’ve always been worried about people locating a False Idol. During these Covid challenges where it’s beginning to feel like we’re losing a lot more than gaining. My hearts been racing, “Oh my God this is one of those moments!” Then I began to write in my daily journals, “In 2020 there aren’t people seeking a False Idol. We’ve had them since the beginning. The world of music, sports, movies, comic books, religion and business leaders that can turn two pennies into a billion dollars. The False Idols have always been here! But when the world stopped in March of 2020 as did the Idols. Gone! The majority of them still gone. People are struggling today to relocate their False Idols.” One look at the headlines and you’ll feel the total impact of how our inner core of thoughts are evolving into a new state of something so incredibly invisible and yet we know it’s right there in front of us. What is your stand? Not where are you standing in physical form. What is your stand? What’s driving you? What’s keeping you focused and out of tune at the same time? What will it take to bring you forward without having to invest in your shadow? What is your stand? How does your rush and push in the new everyday world get fed? Mindfully being aware of the existence of how something might play out is allowed to move in the direction of choice. Is that the right decision? Your heart speaks to you on every path that mysteriously drops into place. Do you go with the flow or generate a source of energy that some might see as retrieving an old Idol? Where do you stand? If I don’t ask these questions. You won’t either. Be a leader. Not a false hope.

My Master is greater than your Master. Do people even care anymore?

“The unsearchable riches of Christ.”-Ephesians 3:8 My Master has riches beyond the count of arithmetic, the measurement of reason, the dream of imagination, or the eloquence of words. They are unsearchable! You may look, and study, and weigh, but Jesus is a greater Saviour than you think him to be when your thoughts are at […] The post Charles Spurgeon’s “Morning and Evening” – August 22, Evening appeared first on Theology Mix.

“The unsearchable riches of Christ.” — Ephesians 3:8 My Master has riches beyond the count of arithmetic, the measurement of reason, the dream of imagination, or the eloquence of words. They are unsearchable! You may look, and study, and weigh, but Jesus is a greater Saviour than you think Him to be when your thoughts […]

ALLADIN AND THE MAGIC LAMP Once upon a time in China, there was a boy named Aladdin who lived with his mother. They were very poor. One day, a rich stranger came to their house looking for Aladdin. ‘I am a merchant,' he told Aladdin's mother. ‘I have come all the way from Arabia. I want to take your boy with me for a little work, but I will give him so much gold for this service that you will not be poor anymore.' Aladdin's mother agreed because they really needed the money. However, she did not know that the man who said he was a merchant was actually a wicked sorcerer. Aladdin packed his things and left with the merchant. They travelled for many hours, finally the false merchant stopped. Aladdin was surprised, as it was a lonely spot and there was nothing or no one anywhere to be seen. The merchant took out some coloured powder from his pocket. Then he threw it at the ground and smoke billowed all around. As the smoke cleared away, Aladdin saw a big opening in the ground, like a cave. The sorcerer asked Aladdin to go inside the cave. ‘You will see lots gold inside, more than you will ever see in your life. Take as much as you want. Inside the cave, you will also see an old lamp. Just get it out for me. That's all I want.' Aladdin became suspicious, as anyone would, but remembering his poor mother, he entered the cave. Inside, he saw the cave was filled with gold. He filled up his pockets with it, stuffing in as much as he could. When he could take no more gold, he looked for the lamp and found it. It was old and dirty. He took the lamp and called out to the merchant to help him out. ‘Give me the lamp first,' the merchant said. Aladdin was afraid that if he gave the lamp to the merchant, he would leave him there. So, he said ‘Please pull me out first.' The merchant got angry and took out some more powder from his pocket. He threw it at the cave and the opening was shut, a huge rock blocking the way. Aladdin was scared. He waited inside and shouted, hoping that someone would come and help, many hours passed and no one came. As Aladdin was sitting alone, he started cleaning the lamp. Suddenly, a strange fog filled up the room and a voice said, ‘My Master, I am the genie of this lamp. What is your wish?' The genie looked like a huge man, and very strange. Aladdin was afraid of him. But the genie assured him that he would do as Aladdin asked him. ‘Take me to my home' he said. The next instant, Aladdin was home and with his mother. They hugged each other and Aladdin told her all about his adventure. Aladdin called the genie again and he appeared, but now they were not afraid of him. He asked the genie for a palace and soon they were living inside a beautiful palace instead of the old hut where Aladdin had lived all his life. People got to know about this rich young man, Aladdin, he became more famous. He married a princess, the daughter of the Sultan, and they were very happy. The wicked sorcerer, too, heard all about Aladdin. He came to Aladdin's palace pretending to be an old man who exchanged old lamps for new. Aladdin had not told the princess about the magic lamp. She got it to give the magician. As soon as he saw the lamp he recognized it, and grabbing it, ran away. He summoned the genie and he was now the new master. ‘Shift away Aladdin's palace far away from here to the desert' he said. When Aladdin returned home he could not find his palace or his princess and mother. He was very worried, but then realized it must be the work of the evil sorcerer who wanted to take revenge. Aladdin thought hard and remembered that he had a ring that the magician had given him and that it could still help him. He rubbed the ring and another genie appeared. ‘Take me to wherever my princess is,' he commanded the genie.

Today's meditation and retelling comes from Luke 5:4-10, John 21:3-8. I guess I just didn’t know what to do with myself. Too much had happened—both the worst and the best. My Master’s horrific death, my own failure to stand by Him in His hour of need, and then—He rose again! He returned to us. He was the Messiah. We had been witness to the event that all of the Law and the Prophets, all of human history had been pointing to.    Now what?    The only clue Jesus gave to us of what to do next was to go into Galilee, and He would meet us there. He wasn’t with us all the time now, not since He rose again. Things were different, though He never told us what He was doing when He was not with us.    I felt like my brain was always spinning since then, never arriving at its destination. I wanted something familiar, something I could do with my hands that would anchor me in the present. I was a fisherman by trade, though I hadn’t actually fished commercially in the last three and a half years since Jesus came into my life. We were here in Galilee now, but Jesus gave us no other specifics. We didn’t know when or where He would meet us, beyond somewhere in Galilee.     “I’m going fishing,” I announced to James, John, Nathaniel, Thomas, Matthew, and Bartholomew who were with me. It was nighttime, but we always used to fish at night. That was when it was coolest.    I was surprised at the suddenness of their reply: “We are going with you,” they all agreed. Evidently I wasn’t the only one who longed for some occupation to pass the time.     As we prepared our nets and set out to the Sea of Galilee, I couldn’t help remembering the last time I had done this very thing. James and John were my partners then, and the three of us had fished all night in the Lake of Gennesaret, and caught nothing. We were exhausted, and washing our nets until the next time when a great multitude suddenly converged upon the shore. They all seemed to be centered upon one man, a young rabbi. I had never seen him before, but as soon as I saw him—his purposeful stride, the authority with which he carried himself—I couldn’t look away. I forgot all about my nets. I thought at the time that the crowds must all have seen what I saw, and that was why they followed him.    But then I noticed that the man was looking at me, too. He strode right up to me, and gestured at one of our two boats on shore.   “Will you put out a bit from the land with me? You see how the crowd presses all around me.”    “Yes!” I stammered, forgetting my fatigue. I rushed to obey, dragging my half-cleaned nets behind me and stuffing them into the boat. James and John remained on shore with the crowd, but did not leave. They too seemed to have forgotten their exhaustion in their eagerness to see whatever it was that the crowd expected to see.     It was just Jesus and me in the boat on the lake that day. He sat down and began to teach the crowds from the boat. I sat behind him, and with his every word, my soul burned within me. It was a sensation I had never experienced before, but I have many times since: that sense that I was hearing truth spoken in mysteries, falling from the lips of a man of exceeding greatness. I was a Jew, and I had always worshipped Jehovah in theory. But never before had I been stirred in such a way that worship was wrung from me as the only possible response, like water from a cloth.    When the rabbi dismissed the crowds, and they reluctantly began to disperse, it was already in the heat of the day. He looked at me and said, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”    It was such an unexpected thing to say that I balked for a minute. Why? I wondered. What did that have to do with anything?    “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing,” I began, but then caught myself. I did not wish to argue with this man, of all people. If he wanted me to let down my net, I’d do it out of respect, even though it would mean extra work for me. “Nevertheless, at Your word I will let down the net,” I told him. I paddled a little way back out to the lake, though not to the deepest part. I had several nets, but I let down only the one—this was only a gesture, after all. I knew there were no fish to be had in the lake today—   “What is this?” I cried out in shock, as the net grew taut in my hands. I thought at first I had snagged it on something, but that could not be; the lake was much too deep. I managed to tug just enough for the shiny slippery silver bodies to break the surface of the water, wriggling and writhing all over each other. I gasped, and felt rather than heard the ripping of the rope down below the surface.   “James! John!” I shouted back to shore, and just glanced up to see that they were still there, awaiting my return. They had apparently seen enough of what was going on, and both of them jumped into the other boat and paddled out to where we were, along with two of our other partners.    “Steady, steady!” called John, as he held the side of his boat against ours. He threw a rope across to climb into my boat, so that he could help me pull in the catch. It was all I could do to hold on to the edges of my net, but I certainly could not haul it onto the boat by myself. Finally I glanced at Jesus. He stood watching us, and I could swear he was silently laughing, his eyes crinkled with amusement. I glanced back down at the water. Before my very eyes, more fish jostled each other to swim into my net! I looked back at Jesus. Now he was laughing outright.    “Ready, heave!” John cried to me, recalling my attention to the ever growing problem at hand. “The net is breaking!”    “I know, that’s why I signaled you!” I returned. It was all we could do to lift the top of the catch out of the water and just let the fish spill onto the bottom of our boat in a great pile; I knew yet more had managed to escape underneath where the nets had ripped. Meanwhile, James and our other partners had taken the hint and let down their nets—plural this time—and were even now drawing their enormous catch on board.      “We’re sinking!” John gasped to me as the fish continued to spill into the boat.    “So are we!” James cried back from the other boat beside us.    John and I watched as fish we hadn’t even caught in our nets jumped out of the water and into our boat. Our jaws dropped. I turned to Jesus, who had tears in his eyes now, he was laughing so hard.    I released my end of the net entirely, and sank to my knees before Jesus’ feet as best I could, amid all the fish. “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” I gasped.    Jesus still grinned, but his expression softened as he looked down at me. I had the impression that he was pleased I had understood that this was his doing, even though it could not have been more obvious. “   “Do not be afraid,” he said to me. “From now on you will catch men.”    When we got back to shore that day, salvaging our boats and some of our nets with the most enormous catch of fish we’d ever had before or since, James, John and I left everything and followed Jesus. We’d never looked back.   Three and a half years later, so much had changed that I scarcely remembered the man I was then. Tonight, as that first night before Jesus showed up, we had caught not a single fish. I watched as the sunrise streaked pink and red across the sky, and gritted my teeth against the ache in my chest.    I missed him.    He had risen, but He wasn’t here with us now. Everything had changed. He had risen, but now what? Where did we go from here? What did the rest of our lives look like? He had risen, but I had still denied Him when He needed me most.    “Children!” called a voice from the shore. We all turned to see a stranger, hands cupped around his mouth to amplify the sound. “Have you any food?”    “Children?” Bartholomew muttered. “That fellow can’t be any older than we are.”    James answered for all of us. “No! We’ve fished all night but caught nothing.”    The stranger shouted back, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.”    We all blinked at this strange instruction. Nathaniel grumbled, “As if that would make any difference.” Yet my heart burned within me. I didn’t consciously think of it at the time, but it was the same sensation I had had when on the road to Emmaus with Cleopas and the stranger. The same I had as I listened to Jesus preach that first time.    “Do it,” James, John and I all said at once. We exchanged a look with one another and took over the net. That was when I realized that they, too, were remembering the same thing I was.   It was as if we were right back there, three and a half years ago: the moment we slipped the net on the right side of the boat, the rope grew taut, and fish fought each other to swim in.    “Heave!” John cried, and we tried—but there were too many. We could not even lift the nets back into the boat between the three of us. John’s face split into a wide grin as he turned to look on the shore. The stranger had set a fire on the beach and was tending to it.   “It is the Lord!” he cried.    Of course it was—I had known this already. But at John’s declaration, I couldn’t wait even to get the boat back to shore. I had removed my outer garment as we worked, so now I put it on again and jumped into the sea, swimming to Him as fast as my arms and legs could carry me.    Behind me, the other disciples steered the ship to shore, dragging the net in the water behind them. I reached the land only moments before they did, for we had not been far out to sea.    The stranger looked up, first at me, and then at the others, then at me again. I fell to my knees before Him, amazed once again that He looked so different now, though His features had not changed.    “Lord,” I managed, dripping from head to toe.    He smiled back at me, and I saw that He already had fish and bread cooking over the coals. He glanced over my shoulder, and I followed His eyes to the other disciples, who were now attempting to drag the catch of fish from the water to the shore.    “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught,” Jesus said.    I took the Lord’s hint and ran to help. Remarkably, this time the net was not broken. When we laid the fish out on the sand, Bartholomew, the quickest of us with numbers, informed us that we had caught one hundred and fifty three.    “Come and eat breakfast,” Jesus called to us.   We took six of the fish, one for each of us plus the fish Jesus had already prepared. We cleaned and roasted them over the fire Jesus had set, largely in silence. I saw all of the other disciples sneaking surreptitious glances at Jesus as if to assure themselves that He was the Lord. He endured this patiently and without comment. When the fish had cooked, He took the bread, blessed and broke it, and did the same with the fish. We ate in silence as well: a silence that was not so much awkward as it was thick, at least for me. I so desperately wanted to make things right.    When we finished breakfast, Jesus turned to me. “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?”    A lump sprang to my throat. The word He used for love wasagape. Do I agape—perfectly, selflessly love—Him more than anything else, as I had once so boldly declared? More than anything I wanted to proclaim that I did, but my actions belied this. “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” But I used the word phileoin place ofagape. The word meant familial affection. Far less lofty than agape.    Jesus’ eyes bore into mine. “Feed my lambs,” He replied. Silence fell again. I tried to swallow down the lump in my throat. Jesus said again, “Simon, son of Jonah, do youagapeme?”    I felt the other disciples shift around us uncomfortably, but I did not care that they were witnesses. This was between me and the Lord. I had to compose myself before I managed to answer again, “Yes, Lord, you know that Iphileoyou.”    “Tend my sheep,” Jesus replied. Another stretch of silence. Then He ventured once more, “Simon, son of Jonah, do youphileome?”    I bit my lip to keep the tears at bay. I flashed back to the night of His trial, to my three denials that I even knew the man who was dearest to me in the world. He asked me three times to affirm Him now, to erase those denials. But He’d downgraded the word love now fromagapetophileo, the word I insisted upon using. The Lord knew how badly I wanted to use the wordagape—the word that meant I would do anything for Him, even die for Him, as He had for me. But I had made that declaration once before, and broken it hours later. I knew better now. I knew my own weakness.   “Lord, you know all things,” I whispered. “You know that Iphileoyou.”    Jesus did not speak for such a long moment that I finally looked up and met His eyes. He gazed at me so tenderly, like a father to his newborn child. No wonder He had called us children. “Feed my sheep,” He said. “Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.”    I swallowed, understanding what He meant. I would indeed die for Him one day. Had He given me such a prophecy at any other time, it would have seemed almost like a curse. But right now, it was the purest blessing He could have pronounced. He was telling me I would get another chance, and the next time, I would pass the test: the very thing I wanted most in the world. Briefly, I let the Lord's pure love, His agape, His acceptance wash over me, to cleanse and restore me.    No sooner did I bask in this, though, it was marred by a stab of jealousy as I glanced at John, sitting very close to Jesus. I’d always been just a bit jealous of John’s closeness to the Lord. I think we all had. Before I could stop myself, I pointed at John and said, “But Lord, what about this man?”    Jesus raised his eyebrows at me, and John looked taken aback. I immediately regretted that I’d said it out loud.    “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?” was Jesus’ gentle rebuke. “Youfollow me.”    I bowed my head, and turned to look at the enormous catch of fish strewn on shore. He had performed the same miracle when I first met Him, and now again at the end—for I knew this was the end. His remaining time on earth was very short. The first time He had said, “From now on, you will catch men,” and I had left everything to follow Him. Now, after His resurrection, when all of us wondered what our purpose could possibly be, this side of the cross—His answer was the same.    Tend my sheep. Feed my lambs. Go and catch men.    I had fished all night with all my worldly equipment and skill and partners, and caught nothing. Yet everything changed when I went whereHedirected, and fished whereHe commanded, with the powerHeprovided. I could not fail.     

Part A) In Search of the Master. Section 1) Meeting Swami Rama, My Gurudev, My Master. Chapter 10. Frequent Visits to Rishikesh ( Second Half)

Part A) In Search of the Master. Section 1) Meeting Swami Rama - My Gurudev, My Master. Chapter 9. Return to Malaysia

[Quran Chapter 7] 189. It is He who created you from a single person, and made from it its mate, that he may find comfort with her. Then, when he has covered her, she conceives a light load, and she carries it around. But when she has grown heavy, they pray to Allah their Lord, "if You give us a good child, we will be among the thankful." 190. But when He has given them a good child, they attribute partners to Him in what He has given them. Allah is exalted above what they associate. 191. Do they idolize those who create nothing, and are themselves created? 192. And can neither help them, nor help their own selves? 193. And if you invite them to guidance, they will not follow you. It is the same for you, whether you invite them, or remain silent. 194. Those you call upon besides Allah are servants like you. So call upon them, and let them answer you, if you are truthful. 195. Do they have feet with which they walk? Or do they have hands with which they strike? Or do they have eyes with which they see? Or do they have ears with which they hear? Say, "Call upon your partners, then plot against me, and do not wait." 196. "My Master is Allah, He Who sent down the Book, and He takes care of the righteous." 197. Those you call upon besides Him cannot help you, nor can they help themselves. 198. And if you call them to guidance, they will not hear. And you see them looking at you, yet they do not see. 199. Be tolerant, and command decency, and avoid the ignorant. 200. And when a suggestion from Satan assails you, take refuge with Allah. He is Hearing and Knowing. 201. Those who are righteous—when an impulse from Satan strikes them, they remind themselves, and immediately see clearly. 202. But their brethren lead them relentlessly into error, and they never stop short. 203. If you do not produce a miracle for them, they say, "Why don't you improvise one." Say, "I only follow what is inspired to me from my Lord." These are insights from your Lord, and guidance, and mercy, for a people who believe. 204. When the Quran is recited, listen to it, and pay attention, so that you may experience mercy. 205. And remember your Lord within yourself, humbly and fearfully, and quietly, in the morning and the evening, and do not be of the neglectful. 206. Those who are in the presence of your Lord are not too proud to worship Him. They recite His praises, and to Him they bow down. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mochzamroni/support

Cheating isn’t a new phenomenon. By the time you’ve reached university, it’s likely you’ve been told what is considered cheating and what isn’t. Writing the answers to your exam on your arm-that’s cheating. Looking over classmate’s shoulder to see their answers- cheating. And of course- paying someone to take an exam or write a paper for you- that’s obviously cheating. Right?On this episode, We speak with Amanda White, Senior Lecturer in accounting at the UTS Business School, about her solution- the Academic Integrity Board Game.Further Reading:Kane Murdoch- UNSW academic integrityPhillip Dawson writes on legislating out contract cheating on the Deakin University blog.The structure of Amanda’s board game, was framed on Donald Cressey’s 1979 Fraud Triangle Theory.More information on Amanda White's work can be found at the UTS Business School or follow her on Twitter Music: Mahlert, Farrell Wooten, Brendon Moeller, ValanteAdditional Material: ABC News coverage of Operation Varsity Blues, CNN News comparison of Melania Trump v. Michelle Obama speeches and cejordi84 for FX via FreesoundSpecial thanks to Ben Robinson for additional production support.

## AnthroAlert## Episode 37: Traditional FoodwaysOriginally aired 23 February 2018 on bullsradio.orgGuest Jacquelyn Heuer discusses the topic of her master's research.> I am currently in my first year here at the University of South Florida, where I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Applied Medical Anthropology and a MPH in Public Health Education. I received my B.A. in Anthropology from Grand Valley State University with a minor in German in 2014. I hold a M.A. from New Mexico State University in Anthropology with graduate minors in Native American Studies and Food Studies, in addition to a Graduate Certificate in Public Health. During my time at New Mexico State University, I worked in the Office of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer, where I utilized my anthropological skillset to help assess and promote new inventions and technologies that were being produced in the university setting. Meanwhile, my research for my Master’s thesis sought to examine the multi-generational perceptions that influence the views that American Indians have of traditional foodways. In order to do this, I worked with culinary students and professional chefs to document their viewpoints on food sovereignty and authenticity in indigenous cuisine. In addition, I also worked for a non-profit organization in New Mexico, La Semilla Food Center, where I helped the organization promote and evaluate their mobile market, which was in its pilot year.> Whether we realize it or not, food is intrinsic to our daily lives, shaping our worldviews while nourishing our bodies. Food, or more specifically, the selection and preparation of it, embodies our cultures and beliefs. My Master’s thesis research at New Mexico State University explored the ways in which American Indian culinary students and professional chefs perceived traditional foodways, and in turn, how these multi-generational perceptions influenced their use of these foods in their kitchens. This research allowed me to explore the complexities surrounding traditional foodways, from the continuing colonization of American Indians to the emergence of haute indigenous cuisine in the culinary world.## Podcast link## Video link## Album art photo credit:Oliver Thompsonhttps://flic.kr/p/9zVPYBCC License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/## Intro music credit:Awel by stefsaxhttp://ccmixter.org/files/stefsax/7785http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) by spinningmerkabahttp://ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/33345https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/There's A Better WAY ! by Loveshadowhttp://ccmixter.org/files/Loveshadow/34402https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/"Jungle Tracking" by pingnewshttp://ccmixter.org/files/pingnews/13481https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this short podcast Moojibaba relates the story of the book of Job and talks of the wisdom of Solomon. "Sometimes you may find that you have nothing at all but that may turn out to be something very, very powerful for you." 5 November 2017 Music: "The Love for My Master" — Piano by Omkara

Romans 9-10 The post Sermon Series: Romans – The Message of Salvation ~ Jesus is My Master appeared first on Arthur Mennonite Church.

This week on Must Have Seen TV, Brett talks to Brandon Beck about the "I Dream of Jeannie" episode "My Master, The Great Caruso." Larry Hagman's a hottie! Jeannie had a radio hit in Texas! Imagine Major Healey as an action star! Be sure to listen to the end of the episode for info on next week's sitcom. Please rate and review the show in iTunes, and you can follow the podcast on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr at @MustHaveSeenTV. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Jesus Saves Ministry 1007 W Arlington Blvd Greenville NC 27834 www.tjsm.org  E-Mail: gojesusnow@aol.com TEL. 252-214-0799 TJSM By phone: 1-213-992-4339 Pastor, Apostle Lonnie Stocks Isaiah 9:6-7 (KJV) 6  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.   

My Master, I Appeal To You My Weakness – Omar Suleiman ICNA Convention – Baltimore, MD May 23, 2015

Beginning to Pray: "The Last Retreat - Day 12 " - “God has said: “Be holy, for I am holy.” 31. This is Christ's work in every soul of good185 will and it is the work that His immense love, His “exceeding love,” 186 is eager to do in me. He wants to be my peace so that nothing can distract me or draw me out of “the invincible fortress of holy recolletion.” 187 It is there that He will give me “access to the Father” and will keep me as still and as peaceful in His presence as if my soul were already in eternity. 188 It is by the Blood of His Cross that He will make peace in my little heaven, so that it may truly be the repose of the Three. He will fill me with Himself; He will bury me with Him; He will make me live again with Him, by His life: “Mihi vivere Christus est!” 189 And if I fall at every moment, 190 in a wholly confident faith I will be helped up by Him. I know that He will forgive me, that He will cancel out everything with a jealous care, and even more, He will “despoil” me, He will “free” 191 me from all my miseries, from everything that is an obstacle to the divine action. “He will lead away all my powers,” 192 making them His captives, triumphing over them in Himself. Then I will have wholly passed into Him and can say: “I no longer live. My Master lives in me!” 193 And I will be “holy, pure, without reproach” in the Father's eyes. The post BTP-LR17 The “Last Retreat” Day 12 St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

From "Last Retreat Day 10 pt 2" found in The Complete Works vol 1: 26. “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” “God,” says St. Dionysius, “is the great solitary.” 153 My Master asks me to imitate this perfection, to pay Him homage by being a great solitary. The divine Being lives in an eternal, immense solitude. He never leaves it, though concerning Himself with the needs of His creatures, for He never leaves Himself; and this solitude is nothing else than His divinity. So that nothing may draw me out of this beautiful silence within, I must always maintain the same dispositions, the same solitude, the same withdrawal, the same stripping of self! If my desires, my fears, my joys or my sorrows, if all the movements proceeding from these “four passions” 154 are not perfectly directed to God, I will not be solitary: there will be noise within me. There must be peace, “sleep of the powers,” 155 the unity of being. “Listen, my daughter, lend your ear, forget your people and your father's house, and the King will become enamoured of your beauty.” 156 It seems to me that this call is an invitation to silence: listen . . . lend your ear. . . . But to listen we must forget “our father's house,” that is, everything that pertains to the natural life, this life to which the Apostle refers when he says: “If you live according to the flesh, you will die.” 157 To forget “your people” is more difficult, I think, for this people is everything which is, so to speak, part of us: our feelings, our memories, our impressions, etc., the self, in a word! We must forget it, abandon it, and when the soul has made this break, when it is free from all that, the King is enamored of its beauty. For beauty is unity, at least it is the unity of God! The post BTP-LR14 The “Last Retreat” Day 10 pt. 2 St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Hosea 2: 14 “Therefore, behold, I will allure her, Will bring her into the wilderness, And speak comfort to her. 15 I will give her her vineyards from there, And the Valley of Achor as a door of hope; She shall sing there, As in the days of her youth, As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt. 16 “And it shall be, in that day,” Says the Lord, “That you will call Me ‘My Husband,’ And no longer call Me ‘My Master,’ 17 For I will take from her mouth the names of the Baals, And they shall be remembered by their name no more. 18 In that day I will make a covenant for them With the beasts of the field, With the birds of the air, And with the creeping things of the ground. Bow and sword of battle I will shatter from the earth, To make them lie down safely. 19 “I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, In lovingkindness and mercy;

Hosea 2: 14 “Therefore, behold, I will allure her, Will bring her into the wilderness, And speak comfort to her. 15 I will give her her vineyards from there, And the Valley of Achor as a door of hope; She shall sing there, As in the days of her youth, As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt. 16 “And it shall be, in that day,” Says the Lord, “That you will call Me ‘My Husband,’ And no longer call Me ‘My Master,’ 17 For I will take from her mouth the names of the Baals, And they shall be remembered by their name no more. 18 In that day I will make a covenant for them With the beasts of the field, With the birds of the air, And with the creeping things of the ground. Bow and sword of battle I will shatter from the earth, To make them lie down safely. 19 “I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, In lovingkindness and mercy;

Hosea 2: 14 “Therefore, behold, I will allure her, Will bring her into the wilderness, And speak comfort to her. 15 I will give her her vineyards from there, And the Valley of Achor as a door of hope; She shall sing there, As in the days of her youth, As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt. 16 “And it shall be, in that day,” Says the Lord, “That you will call Me ‘My Husband,’ And no longer call Me ‘My Master,’ 17 For I will take from her mouth the names of the Baals, And they shall be remembered by their name no more. 18 In that day I will make a covenant for them With the beasts of the field, With the birds of the air, And with the creeping things of the ground. Bow and sword of battle I will shatter from the earth, To make them lie down safely. 19 “I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, In lovingkindness and mercy;

Introduction Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of going out in the neighborhood here, sharing the gospel, as we were preparing for Summer Sizzle. We were talking to a group of young men in their teen years, 14, 15, 16 years old, just sitting there, hard to get them to focus on what we were saying. Quite honestly, it was hard to get them to take us seriously. They were shooting looks at each other, making little smiles, talking on their cellphones or checking for text messages or whatever while we were talking to them. All of that until I said, "You know, I really would just like 20 minutes of your time. I'd like 10 minutes to go with you to hell, and then 10 minutes up in heaven, then I'd like to come back here and share the gospel with you. I think you'd give me full attention then." That got their attention, I think. We talked a little bit longer after that. This morning, I feel the weight of the gospel ministry, the weight of preaching. I have for the last handful of days. It seems to me that one of the responsibilities of a pastor, of a preacher of the gospel, of an evangelist, is to make these eternal issues, the future issues of heaven and hell vivid and real through words and through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. I need to make it come alive, make it real so that people can be wise and do what they need to do now while there's still time to prepare for death. That's what I want to do today, but it eludes me. It's beyond what I can do. I also have been asking the last couple of days, what demeanor should I have as a man standing here in front of you preaching about hell? What should my face look like? What should my tone of voice be like? My yearning was that it would be genuine, it wouldn't be an act, I wouldn't have to be acting in front of you, but that I would be genuinely caught up with these things and be able to tell you the truth. I'd like to ask that you pray for me while I preach because these things, I think are important. It's important that when you hear about hell, when you hear about an issue like this, and I think you have to be honest, you don't hear about very often, not to this level, that you hear it properly. I want it preached to you properly for the glory of God, and that's my desire. We're coming to The Sheep and the Goats now for a second week, we're going to have one more week next week, in which I talk about mercy ministry based on The Sheep and the Goats. As we come for a second week to The Sheep and the Goats, we're coming to a concentrated look on the doctrine of hell. We've already had several sermons in which we have unfolded in detail some aspects of the doctrine of heaven. It would be well worth doing in parallel with this, but I'm not doing that today, but just focusing on hell. Christ did not stop at talking about the glorious and joys and rewards of heaven but warned many times about the doctrine of hell. In Matthew 24 and 25, we've come against it again and again, but I haven't really stopped and focused on it like I'm going to do this morning. I'm going to concentrate on this one verse, verse 41, in the message this morning. "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." At the end of Matthew 25, also this statement, "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." This issue of hell has been hanging over us for some time in the Gospel of Matthew in Chapters 24 and 25 as Christ got the apostles there on the Mount of Olives and through them, the church and the world, ready for His Second Coming and for Judgment Day. The Timing of the Second Coming & Judgment is Unknown If you go back to Matthew 24:30, talking about the Second Coming of Christ, "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn." Why are they going to mourn? Because Jesus is bringing judgment back with Him. It's a time of judgment. He likens it to the days of Noah, "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage right up to the day Noah entered the ark, and they had no idea what would happen until the flood came in and swept them all away." That's how it's going to be at the coming of the Son of Man. Christ likens the Second Coming to the circumstances of the flood at the time of Noah. The flood was a devastating act of judgment around the world. So also, in the parable at the end of Matthew 24 of the faithful and unfaithful steward that the master put in charge of the house where Jesus focuses on the case of the wicked steward who says, "My Master's staying away a long time," and then he begins to beat his fellow servants and eat and drink with drunkards. "His master's going to come at a time he's not aware of, an hour he's not expecting. And he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Then in the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, we get just a touch of it, but in the larger New Testament context, we know exactly what Jesus means when the five foolish virgins come late and are pounding on the door and they want to enter in, they want to be led in, and he won't let them in. And he says, "I never knew you. I don't know you." He doesn't open the door for them. Then in the parable of the talents, in verse 30, concerning that one that hid the talent in the ground, the judgment on him is this, "Throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." We've seen this again and again in Matthew 24 and 25. To be fully faithful then to Jesus is to embrace everything He teaches, not just some of what He teaches. To be fully faithful to Jesus is to emphasize what He emphasizes, to the degree to which He emphasizes it, and therefore, we can't pick and choose. We have to understand this doctrine of hell. Two years ago, some members of our staff and I went to Ridgecrest for a conference, and we were just stunned, convicted, moved by a sermon by Don Whitney, entitled, “Hell is Real.” He began with these words, "Those who are not church-goers believe that men who preach from the Bible are always preaching about hell. Those who are church goers but who are not Southern Baptists typically believe that Southern Baptist preach frequently about hell. However, regardless of your denominational background, can you remember the last time you heard an entire sermon about hell? More and more evangelicals are now moving toward an inclusive position on how people get to heaven. That is, that the gates of heaven are opening wider to people of other faiths and that hell is less of a threat than previously preached for Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and others. For professing Christians who are not evangelicals, the consensus is fast becoming that in the end no one or almost no one will go to hell." Recently, R.C. Sproul said, talking about the doctrine of justification by faith that was uncovered and emphasized by Luther at the Reformation, "Justification is God's righteous declaration that sinners are not guilty in His sight and will not go to hell." That's what justification is. But R.C. Sproul was saying, "The prevailing doctrine of justification today is not justification by faith alone." It's not even justification by good works or a combination of faith and works. The prevailing notion of justification in Western churches today is justification by death. It is assumed that all one has to do to be received into the everlasting arms of God is to die. There is no hell, or if there is, God would never send anyone but the worst people to hell, and therefore, as long as you're not a Hitler or a serial killer or a terrorist or something, you're definitely not going to go to hell. In January of 1996, the Church of England and its American counterpart, the Episcopal church, officially rejected the traditional view of hell and embraced what is known as annihilationism: The view that those who aren't allowed into heaven will be annihilated, they will cease to exist after death. They said that the orthodox view of hell implies that God is, "A sadistic monster who consigned millions to eternal torment." In October of 2007, on the front of USA Today, the question was, "Is there a Hell? and 48%, or almost half of American adults said “No, there is no hell.” So, this morning, we have to focus on what Jesus taught about this and understand the prevailing currents and eddies of our evangelical culture, of the wider Christian culture, and of American culture. Now, what do we mean by hell? What does the Bible teach about this doctrine? Wayne Grudem put it this way, "Hell is a place of eternal conscious torment or punishment for the wicked by God." Eternal conscious torment as a punishment by God. Jonathan Edwards, in probably the single most famous sermon in history, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” warned his hearers at the end with these words. "O sinner, consider the fearful danger that you are in. It is a great furnace of wrath, a wide and bottomless pit, full of the fire of wrath, that you are held over in the hand of that God, whose wrath is provoked and incensed as much against you, as against many of the damned who are already in hell. You hang by a slender thread with the flames of divine wrath flashing about it, and that thread every minute is ready to be singed and burned apart. And you have no interest in any mediator, you have nothing to lay hold of to save yourself, nothing to keep off the flames of wrath, nothing of your own, nothing that you ever have done, nothing that you can do, to induce God to spare you for one moment more." Hell: Annihilation vs. Eternal Torment I said that that was one of the most famous sermons in history, because it seems that a lot of English literature classes ask, "Have you read that sermon?" It's fascinating to me that they'd want you to read those kinds of things. In that message, Edwards was struggling, it seems, with language to describe Revelation 19:15, “Christ treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God." Edwards said this, "The words are exceeding terrible. If it had only been the wrath of God, the words would have implied that which is infinitely dreadful, but it is the fierceness and wrath of God. The fierceness of Jehovah. O how dreadful must that be. Who can utter or conceive what such expressions carry in them?" John Piper, a pastor in Minneapolis, was commenting on the fact that so many high school students read “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”, and in some way minimize its language and some way critique it or despise its message as echoes from a puritanical era that thankfully, we are now out of it last. You never need to go there again. But John Piper asked a deeper question, "Why did Edwards wrestle with that kind of language?" Piper says, "What high school student is ever asked to come to grips with what really is an issue here?" If the Bible is true, and if it says that someday Christ will tread his enemies like a winepress with an anger that is fierce and almighty, and if you are a pastor charged with applying Biblical truth to your people so that they will flee the wrath to come, then what would your language be? What would you say to make people feel the reality of texts like these? Edwards labored over language and over images and metaphors because he was so stunned and awed at the realities that he saw in the Bible. Did you hear that one line in the quote I have just read, "Who can utter or conceive what such expressions carry in them?" Edwards believed that it was impossible to exaggerate the horror of the reality of hell. High school teachers then would do well to ask their students the really probing question, "Why is it that Jonathan Edwards struggled to find images for wrath and hell that shock and frighten, while contemporary preachers try to find abstractions and circumlocutions that move away from concrete, touchable Biblical pictures of unquenchable fire and undying worms and wailing, and gnashing of teeth?" If our students were posed with that simple, historical question, my guess is that some of the brighter ones would answer, "Because Jonathan Edwards really believed in hell, and most preachers today don't." I understand that there is a natural human repugnance to this topic. Mark Twain said this really strange thing, at least he read the New Testament, we'll give him that. But he said, "It is believed by everyone that when God was in heaven in the Old Testament era, he was stern, hard, resentful, jealous and cruel, but that when he came down to earth as Jesus, he became the opposite, sweet, gentle merciful, forgiving. But Jesus was a thousand billion times crueler than ever he was in the Old Testament.” Meek and gentle? By and by, we will examine that popular sarcasm by the light of the hell that he invented." Twain went on to say, "The invention of hell is the prodigious crime of the Bible." Charles Darwin, in his autobiography wrote of his spiritual slide from acceptance of general Christian doctrine to complete unbelief. "The key step," he said, “was his rejection of the doctrine of hell." He said, "I can hardly see how anyone ought to wish Christianity to be true. For if so, the plain language of the text seems to show that the men who do not believe, and this would include my father, brother, and almost all my best friends will be everlastingly punished. And this is a damnable doctrine." So, searching around for some other way to think of the universe, I think led him toward natural selection, toward evolution. Clark Pinnock, a Canadian theologian who is drifted far from his evangelical roots, said, "I was led to question the traditional belief in everlasting conscious torment because of moral revulsion and broader theological considerations, not first of all on scriptural grounds." Did you hear that? "It wasn't the Bible that led me away from the doctrine of hell, it was just that I was personally morally revulsed from it and didn't like the doctrine." Back to Pinnock, "It just does not make any sense to say that a God of love will torture people forever for sins done in the context of a finite life. It's time for evangelicals to come out and say that the biblical and morally appropriate doctrine of hell is annihilation, not everlasting torment." John Stott shocked many of his evangelical friends by supporting this view, annihilationism. He said, "Emotionally, I find the concept of eternal conscious torment intolerable, and I do not understand how people can live with it without either cauterizing their feelings or cracking under the strain. But our emotions are a fluctuating, unreliable guide to truth." Thank God he said that. “Emotions must not be exalted to the place of supreme authority in determining it. My question must be and is not what does my heart tell me, but what does God's word say?" And then he went on a, I think, empty quest to try to redefine some words so that hell wasn't eternal. But at least he was trying to do it biblically. Now, Matthew 24 and 25, and some more evidence I'm going to give you in just a minute, shows very plainly and clearly that Christ warned us about hell again and again. Dorothy Sayers said, "There seems to be a kind of conspiracy, especially among middle-aged writers of vaguely liberal tendency to forget, or to conceal, where the doctrine of hell comes from. One finds frequent references to the, ‘Cruel and abominable medieval doctrine of hell,’ or ‘The childish and grotesque medieval imagery of physical fire and worms.’ But the case is quite otherwise. Let us face the facts. The doctrine of hell is not medieval, it is Christ's. It is not a device of medieval priestcraft for frightening people into giving money to the church, it is Christ's deliberate judgment on sin. The imagery of the undying worm and the unquenchable fire derives, not from medieval superstition, but originally from the Prophet Isaiah, and it was Christ who emphatically used it. One cannot get rid of it without tearing the New Testament to tatters. We cannot repudiate hell without altogether repudiating Christ.” It is a biblical fact that Jesus Christ taught far more about hell than any other figure in the Bible ever did. Most of the clear imagery we have about hell comes from Jesus. I want to give you a partial listing of some of the verses in which Jesus refers to hell and you get a sense of it. This is just a partial listing, this is not just something He mentioned once in a while, He mentioned it again and again and again. In the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew Chapter 5:22, "Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool' will be in danger of the fire of hell." Matthew 8:11-12, "But I say to you that many will come from the east and the west and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, but the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matthew 10:28, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell." In the parable of the wheat and the tares, Matthew 13, "The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom everything that causes sin and all those who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." In that same chapter, at the end of the parable of the good fish and the bad fish and the dragnet, Jesus said, "This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." The parable of the wedding banquet. The king comes in and finds a man there who's not wearing the proper wedding clothes. He said, "Friend, how did you get in here without wedding clothes?" The man is speechless. The king told the attendants, "Tie him hand and foot and throw him outside into the darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen." Jesus in His sevenfold woe to the Scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23 said, "You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?" In Mark Chapter 9:43-49, He said, "If your hand causes you to sin, then cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot cause you to sin, then cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, then pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. Everyone will be salted with fire." Luke 13:23-28, "Someone asked him, 'Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?'" He said to them, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to, and once the owner of the house gets up and closes that door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.' But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.' Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, you taught in our streets.' But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers! There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out.’” Then very pointedly, in the rich man and Lazarus account in Luke 16, the rich man is thrown into hell, and it says, "In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side so he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue because I am in agony in this fire.'" That's just some of Jesus's teachings on hell. It is very plain and clear that Dorothy Sayers is right, Jesus taught this doctrine. Friends, He came into the world, He took on a human body to deliver us from hell. Isn't it appropriate that God, the Father would assign to Him the job of teaching us about it? I don't think a Sunday goes by without me looking at that wood cross up there in that latticework and thinking about it. This morning, more pointedly than usual. When we're singing, "Jesus, Thank You," that's what was in my mind. Jesus taught us about hell. It's not some scheme originated by hellfire and brimstone preachers to get more money or to manipulate people, it is something Jesus taught, because it's real. What I want to do is draw out aspects of the doctrine of hell from one verse in the text. Look at Verse 41, and I'm going to go phrase by phrase, and leaning on these other verses, teach you what Jesus teaches us about hell based on this one verse. "Then He will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'" That's the verse I want to focus on. First of all, let's understand who's speaking, it's Jesus, who has returned in heavenly glory, He's seated on the throne of judgment, He's judging the whole human race, everybody's gathered in front of Him. They're all there. He has already divided the entire human race into two categories, not seven, not 12, whatever many categories there are now, there's going to be two on that day, sheep, goats. Those on his right, the sheep are already blessed with the blessings of heaven. We talked about that in the last message. But then the King, the one seated on the throne, the one of authority to judge because He is the Son of Man, Jesus is going to say to those on his left, these words. Look at the first phrase, "Depart from me." Depart from me. The goats, the lost people, the wicked, the sinners, they will be driven from Jesus's presence. He doesn't want to spend eternity with them. He doesn't want to be with them. They are His Creation, He created them, but He doesn't know them, and they don't know Him. So, He says, "Depart from me." They're going to be driven from His presence. It is a command given to them. They don't have an option in this matter. He wants them away. "Depart from me. Go away from me, I never knew you." This, I believe, is the worst punishment of all, being away from God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, being out of the presence of God. It's spoken of as outer or black as darkness because I think God is light. I think there'll literally be no light there, but God is light, and so you're away from the presence of God. It's commanded by the King, "Depart from Me. Go away from me." But no one is going to be able to obey that command. The goats will not move. They can't because they will not willingly throw themselves into hell. They will not willingly walk or gladly walk as some lost people think, like Mark Twain said, "Go to heaven for the climate and hell for the company." Nobody is going to make the choice to go to hell when hell is clearly revealed with your own eyes of what it's like. The King will dispatch his angels with these kinds of commands, "Bind him hand and foot and throw him outside." The verb is consistently “thrown out” or “cast out”, this kind of thing. There's no choice in the matter. The goats will not be able to argue back or run or hide, or any of that. Angels are sent and they will bind them hand and foot and throw them outside into the darkness. One thing we have to understand when he says, "Depart from me," we should not imagine that the power of God is not in hell. Hell is powered by the Word of God. You need to understand that there's no place in the universe that isn't God's. Hell is God's hell. It bothers me when evangelicals make stupid statements such as “God doesn't send anyone to hell. People go there of their own free choice, and God merely ratifies the decision they've made their whole lives.” That's complete bunk. This seems to me like God is sending people to hell. I tell you, not a single one of the goats would willingly choose to go there on that day. It's a terrifying place. They're cast there, and the power of God is there, sustaining their existence and their torments. It's biblical doctrine. But God is not there to bless, and so He says, "Depart from me, you who are cursed." What is that phrase or that word “cursed” mean? Understand it with its biblical tandem, bless, blessings and curses. Someone who is blessed is first and foremost in a right relationship with God and God with them. They're in a reconciled relationship. God loves them, they love God, they're in a right relationship with God. Out of that right relationship, God wants to give them good things, and his power is motivated toward those blessed people to bless them and give them good things. That's what it means to be blessed. To be cursed is the exact opposite. There is no good relationship. He doesn't know them, they don't know him, they're not in any good, reconciled relationship, and then God's power is unleashed toward their destruction, not to do them good, but to do them harm. That's what a curse is, and Jesus says, "Depart from me, you who are cursed." Hell, then is the ultimate curse from Almighty God. Then He says, "Into the eternal fire." First of all, look at the word “into.” This is going to be a judgment that will surround or in which someone is immersed, therefore in the Book of Revelation, we have this language of the lake of fire. It's like plunging down into the wrath of God, into eternal fire. It's not near you, it's not by you, it's not around you, you're in it. It's full immersion, a lake of fire. It's never-ending. Look at Verse 46, the annihilationists don't have any good explanation for Verse 46. Stott does what he can with it, but he can't change the language there. It's very plain. There's a parallelism. "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." How can it be that we're counting on when we've been there 10,000 years bright, shining as a sun, there's no less days to sing God's praise than when we first begun. Timeless, eternal, it never ends. That's heaven, right? Well, so also must be hell, friends. It's eternal, it never ends, and it's an eternal fire. I thought a lot about that word, even this morning as I was praying and thinking about this. Again, and again, the image of fire is used. Jesus speaks of Gehenna, which was a fire pit right outside of Jerusalem where the garbage was burned that had a sordid, wicked history. Isaiah 30:33 says, "The wrath of God sets it ablaze." It's a place where wicked kings like Ahab and Manasseh burned their children to Molech and it became a symbol of hell. Jesus uses it in that passage I quoted earlier in Matthew 5:22, “It's better for you to lose one part of your body than to go into Gehenna, which is this burning place.” It's always fire, friends. Fire. It's not multiple metaphors or images, it's the same thing over and over. It's always fire, a blazing fiery furnace. That kind of thing. Recently, we were doing some American history, and we were talking about September 11th when those planes crashed into the Twin Towers. I hadn't thought a lot about it in the days and weeks that preceded that, but when I put on the YouTube video and watched the plane crash in there, I started to cry, I couldn't help myself, it was just very poignant to me. I have three very powerful images in my mind from that day. One of them is when the second plane crashed into the other tower, because we were watching the news at the time and it happened, and I remember the CNN people or whatever, didn't notice, and they kept on talking about whatever topic they were discussing, and it's like we knew before they did what was going on. Then you could hear the change, and something had happened with the second tower. That's one image. The second image I have is when the towers actually collapsed, how they just seemed to get sucked to the ground, how they seemed to melt and fall like a house of cards and fall so quickly. But those two actually are small compared to the third memory, that of people who threw themselves off the high floors to escape the fire. It's estimated that 200 people did that that day. 200 people threw themselves from a thousand feet off the ground. Most of them were in the North Tower because the plane hit a little bit lower, and it was mostly the smoke that made them go, it wasn't the fire, or they would have been burned immediately. But the fire was coming their way and they knew it, there was no escape, and they were up there, and they had to make what they thought was a better choice, and they chose rather to die by falling and, I mean, there's no chance, they reached 150 miles an hour and they were just immediately killed upon impact, they knew they would be. But imagine it's about 1,000 degrees centigrade, smoke billowing up, and they have a choice, you see. You see the choice, and what was the choice? Stay there with the fire or throw themselves out the window. And they chose to throw themselves. With hell, there's no choice, there's no escape. There's no death, it’s an eternal death. This is the image that Jesus has given us. I was thinking, "Do I even share that?" It's too painful. But then I thought about the words at the beginning of my sermon, isn't that my job? This isn't a pleasant topic, it’s a painful one. Flee the wrath to come, friends. Flee it now. This isn't mythical. This is real. Jesus said again and again and again, it’s an eternal fire. You may ask about this word “eternal.” "Where is the justice of God?" you may say. Clark Pinnock said, "How can it be that we get an eternal punishment for things done in finite space and time?" The punishment doesn't seem to fit the crime. Even God gave us eye for eye and tooth for tooth so that there wouldn't be an escalation of punishments. “You took out my eye, I'm going to kill you.” No, we're going to go even; if there's a tooth then a tooth. So, we, with our developed sense of justice, we sit in judgment on God on this issue of hell and say it is unjust for God to do that. Let's just stop and talk about our capacity for justice compared to God's. As I've said before, it's like a flickering candle compared to the raging inferno of the sun. God is far more committed to justice than you are. Do you understand that? He killed his Son out of justice. That's how committed God is to justice. Secondly, does that punishment fit the crime? What is the crime? There is lust and there is anger and pride and selfishness and stealing and all kinds of things, and all kinds of horizontal things we do to each other, but David in Psalm 51 said, "Against You and You only have I sinned." All sin is coming short of the infinite value of the glory of God, and that is an infinite sin, and it deserves an infinite punishment. It's the only thing my mind can do with it. That's why hell is eternal, because God's glory is of infinite value. The final phrase is, "Prepared for the devil and his angels." Do not believe the mythology that the devil thrives in hell or loves it, or is comfortable there, or that's his home address. He's not there yet. It's prepared for the devil and his angels. They're not there yet. The devil's angels are demons. They dread the wrath to come, they dread the justice of God that's going to come on them. Why would we human beings share in the punishment made for the devil and his angels? Because we shared in their rebellion against God. We joined Satan in his rebellion against God, in Genesis Chapter 3, when Adam and Eve ate from the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, we joined Satan at that point. We are born sinners, we joined Satan, we became children of the devil, as Jesus called someone of his enemies, "You are a child of your father, the devil,” and we deserve his punishment. Do you know that there is no gospel release for Satan? There's no message of salvation for him or for the demons. They have no possibility of escape, but we human beings do because God became a man in Jesus. Isn't that the good news that that we actually have a way out, we have an escape, Satan doesn't. But if we don't take that way out, we will share the devil's judgment. That's what it means, “prepared for the devil and his angels.” What will that torment be like? There will be a physical side to it, and there will be a psychological or mental side to it. The wailing and gnashing of teeth or weeping and gnashing of teeth, the gnashing of teeth, I think of in terms of physical pain. The wicked are going to be raised out of their graves, they will receive some kind of body and that body will be sustained forever in hell, so there's a physical torment aspect, but there's also a mental and psychological aspect, and I think a lot of it has to do with memories. Remember in Luke 16, when Abraham was speaking down to the rich man who's in torment and he said, "Son, remember, remember, remember that when you were in your life, you had all your good things and Lazarus, he had nothing. He's a poor man at your gate, you wouldn't give him anything. Remember that. Remember." We're going to remember. They will remember. We remember in heaven, but lost people remember in hell. What are they going to remember? They'll remember the sins that brought them there. I think more than anything, they're going to remember times just like this one, where they hear the gospel plainly, and they didn't repent and believe. What would they give to be delivered out of hell for just one more hour with another chance to hear the Gospel again at that point, what would they give? All the rich man wanted was somebody to wet his tongue with a little water. What brings us there, sins of commission — actual acts of adultery and murder and theft and selfishness, but also sins of omission. "Depart from me, you who are cursed into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry, and you gave me nothing to eat." It's all omission and in Matthew 25, it's all omission, what you didn't do. Application What applications can we take from this doctrine. First, I said at the beginning, it's just my dread. I've tried to visualize what it's like that I am likely speaking to people who are going to end up in hell right now. I don't know how many, I don't know who you are, I don't know your names, I don't know your faces, I don't know for a fact that what I said is even necessarily true. But Jesus gave us a sense of the percentages, didn't he? Many enter through that broad road to hell, but only a few find that narrow gate. I know this is a concentrated assembly of the people of God here. You've come together for worship, and so the percentages are different here, but is it impossible that there is some nominal Christian listening to me, somebody who just thinks they're saved, but they're really not? Somebody who's on the road to destruction, they're self-deceived. I'm just asking you to consider the seriousness of this doctrine and flee to Christ. He shed his blood on the cross for sinners like you and me. This is the good news of the gospel. This is the good news that Jesus will receive you even now. Forget your pride, forget your reputation, forget what's happened up till now, just say, "Am I saved or not? Have I trusted in Christ or not? Am I ready to face judgment or not?" And flee to Christ. Second, if you've already done that, you're saved, you've been saved for years. You know you're saved. You see the fruit of God in your life. You are by the power of the Holy Spirit, putting to death the misdeeds of the body. There's good fruit in your life, you have the testimony, the indwelling spirit that you are a child of God. Romans 8:1 says, “therefore for you, no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." You're not going to go to hell. The more we meditate on this incredible doctrine, the more grateful we're going to be to God for our precious salvation. Thank you, God for saving me. The paradox here is that this doctrine actually has tremendous power to make you happy for the rest of your life, it really does. We deserve hell, we're getting heaven. So, let me say this tenderly, stop complaining about your bodily aches and pains. God has delivered you from eternal hell, eternal torment and hell. I'm not saying don't tell the doctor what hurts, definitely tell your spouse as much as you want, and they'll tell you right back but stop complaining about your bodily aches and pains. Stop complaining about your temporary financial setbacks, God has delivered you from eternal loss. Thank him in the midst of your struggle financially, thank him for your salvation. Stop complaining about your feelings of loneliness or isolation or desolation. God has delivered you from ultimate expression of that, the darkness where they're weeping and gnashing of teeth. You're free from that, you're going to be welcomed into eternal habitations with blessed people. You'll be there forever. I don't minimize feelings of loneliness that widows, or widowers or other people may be feeling, the church is the answer to that, find them and dissolve that loneliness with good fellowship, but until that happens, praise God anyway, because you're delivered from loneliness. Let this make you happy. Remember Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. Remember Scrooge after the visit of the third ghost, the ghost of Christmas yet to come, who consigns him to hell. Then he wakes up in his bed there. What is he feeling at that moment? Incredible relief and unbelievable joy. He just starts jumping around in his night shirt, he goes crazy with joy, and then he just starts spending money hand over fist. He can't spend it fast enough on the poor and needy, and all of that, dear friends without a single mention of Jesus. We should do better than Dickens, don't you think? We have been delivered from hell by Jesus, and we should be giving him thanks. We should be thankful people, and we should worship Christ for his incalculable courage. Stott said, "We can't bear this doctrine day after day after day, unless we become callous or start to deny it." I think God hides the full weight of this from us so we can live our lives. I think to some degree, he did that to Jesus. Jesus knew he was going to die on the cross, he knew he was going to stand in the wrath of God, but what would that really be like while Jesus was flesh and blood. God didn't fully press that on to him until Gethsemane. In Mark's Gospel, it says that Jesus was amazed and fell to the ground, and then, "Great droplets of blood were coming as sweat from his face." Like the capillaries inside, were just bursting. You can't live like that. Then God the father asked Jesus a very important question, "Will you do it anyway, even though this is what it's going to be like?" There the second Adam, reversed the bad decision of the first Adam, and said, "I'll do it. Not my will but yours will be done." The single greatest act of courage in history, praise him for it. Worship Jesus for that. For drinking your cup to the bottom. There's no wrath left for you, no wrath because Jesus stood under your wrath for you. It's a motive also to personal holiness. Hell is God's response to sin. He hates sin that much, so you ought to hate it that much. If your right eye causes you to sin, then gouge it out and throw it away. If your right hand cause you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It's better for you to lose a part of your body than for your whole body to be destroyed in hell. When does Jesus say that? Jesus said, “You've heard that it was said, ‘You shall not lust or to commit adultery’, but anyone who lusts at a woman has committed adultery within his heart. If anything is causing you to sin, get rid of it out of your life." The meditation on hell is a strong inducement to personal holiness for Christians. Finally sorrow for the lost resulting in zeal in evangelism and prayer follows. Both Jesus and Paul wept over this doctrine. Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Paul said, "I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart for the Jews who are lost.” We should grieve over lost people, and we should pray for them. Paul said in Romans, "My prayer for the Israelites is that they may be saved." Understanding the incredible immensity of this doctrine of hell and that most people around us are on the road to destruction should motivate us to greater faithfulness in evangelism and missions. Hudson Taylor was speaking at a missionary convention, I believe it was in Canada, maybe in England. He had been on the mission field in China for a while, came back, and he was rather shocked by the low level of intensity of missionary zeal among the people that were attending this missionary conference. He told a true story from his own experience there in China. While traveling by boat, one day Taylor entered into conversation with a Chinese man who had once visited England, and while he lived there, he went by the name of Peter. Hudson Taylor shared the Gospel thoroughly with this man, the man was moved, he was interested, but he didn't make a commitment to Christ, he couldn't do that at that point. Later on, that same boat trip, in a mood of great depression, this Chinese man jumped overboard and sank. In agonize suspense Hudson Taylor looked around for assistance and saw really close by some Chinese fishermen with a dragnet furnace with some hooks, "Come." He shouted to those fishermen. "Drag over this spot, a man just sunk here, he's drowning right now." Chinese fishermen answer with no emotion at all, "It's not convenient." "Don't talk of convenience, a man is drowning." "We're busy fishing, we cannot come,” they responded. Taylor begged them and offered to pay them for their time. They asked, "How much?" He offered them an equivalent amount of about $5. They said it wasn't enough and kept fishing. He cried out one more time. He said, "I'll give you everything I have." "How much is that?" "About $14." They agreed to come. Within a minute or so, they were able to get the individual up out of the water, but he was already dead. To Hudson Taylor, the incident was profoundly sad and pathetic, almost as a parable. He said those fishermen were in some way guilty of the death of that man because they had the means to save him but didn't do anything about it. But he said to this missionary convention, “Before you start judging those Chinese fishermen, let's pause, let someone greater than Nathan stand in front of us and point the finger at us and say, 'You are the man, you've had the resources to save people and you haven't done it because it wasn't convenient.'" I don't know if it's ever going to be convenient to witness. The Lord is glorified when we are courageous, the Lord is glorified when we love, but this doctrine of hell is part of God's motivation to missionaries and evangelists, to teach us to be faithful to share the gospel. Let's be bold. Let's see things from an eternal perspective. It's not going to be long, friends. We'll be standing before Jesus, and He will welcome us into his presence. Meanwhile, there are around us people who are enroute to hell who can be rescued by the gospel if we share with them.

Live recordings - in fact, specifically, live albums - came up in a recent post on Song, by Toad and the idea of doing a podcast composed entirely of live recordings really appealed to me because there are so many great ones.  That said, on the post in question there arose a debate, one voice expressing my deepest hatreds of the genre, and another being perhaps over-generous in the other direction.  Frankly, I despise the vast majority of live albums.  Mostly they are shit recordings of songs we already know, released for the sole reason of fleecing fans whose devotion has already been established, and whose wallets can clearly be plundered for a few more empty sheckles.  Despite that, of course, there are some truly stunning live recordings.  In fact, I'd argue that some of the most memorable, legendary recordings of all  time are in fact live ones.  Bob Dylan live at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester in 1966.  Bruce Springsteen pretty much any time in the seventies.  Basically, for all live recordings are mostly rip-off bollocks, there are some truly phenomenal live albums, ones which open your eyes to the artist, ones which fill in that artist's musical upbringing, and some which are just genuinely amazingly wonderful recordings in their own right.  Therefore we bring to you the Livecast.  Enjoy, Toadlings... Toadcast #57 - Production Values 01. Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band - 10th Avenue Freeze Out (04.09) 02. Andrew Bird - Why (11.47) 03. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds - Papa Won't Leave You Henry (16.22) 04. The Moulettes - Country Joy Song (25.29) 05. Colin Meloy - Blues Run the Game (32.49) 06. Quasar Wut-Wut - The Partisan (35.45) 07. Jeff Mangum - Two Headed Boy (43.04) 08. Tom Waits - Diamonds on My Windshield (54.37) 09. Billy Bragg - Days Like These (DC Remix) (56.46) 10. Ben Folds Five - Satan is My Master (60.15) 11. Bob Dylan - Like a Rolling Stone (64.16)Song, by Toad

  NOTE: This was also cross posted in the otakugeneration LJ community. Shownotes :: (show 007) :: (website) :: (podcast feed) :: (direct download) :: (direct iTunes link) With our guest Jeff Heller, recorded live on July 26th, 2005. Jeff Heller talks to about what inspires him as a artist not just an AMV creator. Listen in on the conversation with this After Effects wizard Otaku News Microsoft earth deletes Apple HQ Shuttle Discovery finally launches Early 21st Century phaser (J-Music Release) :: Ayumi Hamasaki A â?? My Story concert DVD (J-Music Release) :: Do As Infinity singles collection and DVD (J-Music Release) :: Ami Suzuki ::: Firefly TV-Boxset Contest Winner!!! ::: Okay so we have a winner!!! "Extra Cargo" by Paul Polen Check out the other entries, on our OtakuGen Moblog. The deal was... for people to take a picture of Bo and Luke Duke (John Schneider and Tom Wopat) from the classic TV Series (Dukes of Hazzard), and then photoshop them into a picture from the FireFly TV Series. The OtakuGeneration cast picked their favorite, and the winner has won a Firefly TV-Series Boxset. ::: Skype Voicemail ::: You can now leave us voicemail using Skype, at: otakugeneration or call: (610) 628.3154 Promos Hit Test Podcast The Overnightscape Bubba Bohacks Fun Barn podcast MyMac Podcast Mondays Podcast Apocalypse Dowell show Weekly Reviews (anime) :: Buzzer Beater (anime) :: He is My Master (manga) :: Zombie Powder (manga) :: Trigun (anime) :: Hikaru No Go (anime) :: I My Me! Strawberry Eggs Gadget Reviews (with Tech Guru Todd) Samsung i730 Archos GMini 402 Motorola Q SmartPhone Finger Nose Hair Trimmer Why the Japanese are so crazy? with Robin Feedback is welcome, if you wish to contact us, or have promos you'd like us to play during our podcast, you can email us at: otaku.generation@gmail.com For Podcast promos or MP3 Feedback, email us, at: otaku.generation@gmail.com With the exact subject: MP3 PROMOTION :: (for podcast promos) MP3 FEEDBACK :: (for audio feedback) In the body of the message, put: Your Name Your Podcast Your website Brief copy about your podcast for us to read Join us next with our guest: Kwoon.com; Kung-Fu and comedy! Check thenm out next week, and in the meantime, check out their website: Kwoon.com If you like what we're doing... please express it by voting for us on www.PodcastAlley.com, www.PodcastPickle.com, www.PodcastDirectory.com, www.PodcastCharts.com, and/or www.DigitalPodcast.com. Thanks for the support, and the people who have been voting for us! You rock! =D

In this video Pastor Jeremy presents a Master Challengefor this coming year. Are you up for it?14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 1 Corinthians 14-15 ESVWho is MY Master? What is HIS Mission?