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“Sudden Victories - Part 4: A Father's Day Message" Matthew 1:18-21 ESV Matthew 1:24-25 ESV James 1:19-20 ESV Matthew 2:13-23 ESV _____ All music used during this service is reproduction-licensed through the following CCLI Licenses: CCLI Copyright License # 227222 CCLI Streaming Plus License # 22513837 Instrumental Worship By: William Augusto "Soaking in His Presence" www.williamaugusto.com
“Sudden Victories - Part 3" 2 Chronicles 32:1-8 NIV Isaiah 37:1-4 NIV Isaiah 37:6-7 NIV 2 Chronicles 32:9-19 NIV 2 Chronicles 32:20 NIV Isaiah 37:14-20 NIV 2 Chronicles 32:21-22 NIV James 1:12 NIV According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: 4735 stéphanos – a wreath (garland) awarded to a victor in the ancient athletic games (like the Greek Olympics); the crown of victory Romans 8:35-37 NIV _____ All music performed during this service is reproduction-licensed through the following CCLI Licenses: CCLI Copyright License # 227222 CCLI Streaming Plus License # 22513837 Instrumental Worship By: William Augusto "Soaking in His Presence" www.williamaugusto.com Pre-roll Music By: Hector Gabriel "In The Open" (Instrumental Version) Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
“Sudden Victories - Part 2" 2 Chronicles 20:1-4 NIV ** It is often said that life is a battlefield. When war shows up with overwhelming force in your life, what are you prepared to do — with God? ** Jehoshaphat’s prayer: 2 Chronicles 20:5-12 NIV 2 Chronicles 20:13-17 NIV Psalms 133:1 NIV 2 Chronicles 20:18-19 NIV Psalms 100:1-2 NIV 2 Chronicles 20:20 NIV Hebrews 11:1, 6 NIV 2 Chronicles 20:21 -28 NIV Hebrews 12:28-29 NIV 2 Chronicles 20:29-30 NIV Philippians 1:27-28 NIV _____ All music used during this service is reproduction-licensed through the following CCLI Licenses: CCLI Copyright License # 227222 CCLI Streaming Plus License # 22513837 Instrumental Worship Provided By: William Augusto "Soaking in His Presence" www.williamaugusto.com
“Sudden Victories - Part 1” Acts 12:1-17 ESV Philippians 4:6-7 ESV Hebrews 1:14 ESV Ephesians 6:11 ESV Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV Philippians 1:19-21 ESV _____ All music used during this service is reproduction-licensed through the following CCLI Licenses: CCLI Copyright License # 227222 CCLI Streaming Plus License # 22513837 Instrumental Worship Provided By: William Augusto "Soaking in His Presence" www.williamaugusto.com
“Sudden Victories” Acts 12:1-17 ESV Philippians 4:6-7 ESV Hebrews 1:14 ESV Ephesians 6:11 ESV Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV Philippians 1:19-21 ESV _____ All music used during this service is reproduction-licensed through the following CCLI Licenses: CCLI Copyright License # 227222 CCLI Streaming Plus License # 22513837 Instrumental Worship Provided By: William Augusto "Soaking in His Presence" www.williamaugusto.com
"Fire Up in the Holy Spirit" Missionary Mark Bruner is sharing the Word with us this morning! I. Pursue the Anointing of the Spirit 1. Isaiah 10:27 2. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 3. Romans 12:11-13 “fervent in spirit” means in Greek (zeontes) =verb, literally to burn, as in WHITE HOT 4. Rev. 3:16 5. Acts 1:5, 8, 14-15. Acts 2:1-4 6. Romans 8:4-8 II. Pursue Peace and HOLINESS 7. Hebrews 12:12-15 8. James 3:16-18 III. Pursue Vision of God, for your life, your family, your church, and your community. 9. Habakkuk 2:1-4 10. Proverbs 29:18 IV. Attend to personal formation IN CHRIST! Be intentional about daily time in God’s presence! (Practice the Presence of the Holy Spirit!) Surround yourself with people intently pursuing Jesus!! Galatians 5:18-19 I Corinthians 8:1-3 I Corinthians 4:18-20 ----- All music used during this service is reproduction-licensed through the following CCLI Licenses: CCLI Copyright License # 227222 CCLI Streaming Plus License # 22513837 Instrumental Worship Provided By: William Augusto "Soaking in His Presence" www.williamaugusto.com
“Truth Must Reign in the Church: The Parable Of The Ten Virgins” Matthew 24:44-46 ESV Matthew 25:1-13 ESV Matthew 7:21-23 ESV Isaiah 55:1, 6-7 NIV All music used during this service is reproduction-licensed through the following CCLI Licenses: CCLI Copyright License # 227222 CCLI Streaming Plus License # 22513837 Instrumental Worship Provided By: William Augusto "Soaking in His Presence" www.williamaugusto.com
“Truth Must Reign in the Church: The Parable Of The Ten Virgins” Matthew 24:44-46 ESV Matthew 25:1-13 ESV Matthew 7:21-23 ESV Isaiah 55:1, 6-7 NIV All music used during this service is reproduction-licensed through the following CCLI Licenses: CCLI Copyright License # 227222 CCLI Streaming Plus License # 22513837 Instrumental Worship Provided By: William Augusto "Soaking in His Presence" www.williamaugusto.com
In episode 32 of Recsperts, I'm joined by my colleague Sasha Fedintsev, Staff Applied Scientist at Wolt (DoorDash), working across personalization and ads, to unpack the realities of building large-scale recommender systems in food, grocery, and retail delivery. Together, we discuss the specifics of personalization in the delivery domain, and the models and ideas that power Wolt's recommender system across 30+ markets - where theory quickly meets messy, high-stakes practice.We explore what makes this domain fundamentally different from traditional e-commerce: strong locality constraints, real-time context, and a heavy skew toward repurchasing behavior. Sasha explains how these factors break many textbook approaches - like standard collaborative filtering - and require creative adaptations such as clustering strategies and multi-stage ranking systems optimized for latency, all while respecting locality constraints.We also discuss the evolution of recommendation approaches over time - from classical collaborative filtering with ALS, to Neural Collaborative Filtering with BPR, and ultimately to transformer-based models for user sequence modeling and next-purchase prediction powering today's venue ranking systems.We also touch on practical challenges such as evaluation in real-world systems, including A/B testing pitfalls and biases in logged data, as well as the complexity introduced by multi-surface experiences like discovery pages, vertical lists, and search. Beyond venues, we discuss why item-level recommendation is an order of magnitude harder - due to scale, context dependence, and availability constraints - and what this implies for future system design.Throughout the episode, Sasha provides a candid view on the evolving role of a Staff Applied Scientist - bridging research and production, setting scientific standards, and driving cross-team impact.Enjoy this enriching episode of RECSPERTS – Recommender Systems Experts.Don't forget to follow the podcast and please leave a review.(00:00) - Introduction (05:10) - About Sasha Fedintsev (15:26) - The Role of a Staff Applied Scientist (25:50) - Challenges and Specifics of the Delivery Industry (47:24) - Ranking and Recommendation Problems at Wolt (51:31) - NCF with BPR for Wolt's First DNN Recommendation Model (01:16:43) - User Sequence Transformers for Next Purchase Prediction (01:26:51) - Explore vs. Exploit or New vs. Recurring Purchases (01:31:29) - Ads Personalization at Wolt (01:36:16) - Further Challenges in RecSys (01:37:58) - A Final Note on Radical Longevity (01:46:30) - Closing Remarks Links from the Episode:Alexander "Sasha" Fedintsev on LinkedInAlexander on XWoltAlexander Fedintsev at Wolt Tech Talks: Restaurant discovery with Wolt: Deep Neural Networks to power recommendationsH3 Geospatial Indexing SystemRecommenders RepositoryTanja Reilly: The Staff Engineer's PathWill Larson: Staff Engineer: Leadership beyond the management trackCoupon collector's problemAlexander Fedintsev (2026): Longevity Bottlenecks: Part I — DementiaPapers:Rendle et al. (2009): BPR: Bayesian personalized ranking from implicit feedbackHe et al. (2017): Neural Collaborative FilteringDacrema et al. (2019): Are we really making much progress? A worrying analysis of recent neural recommendation approachesRendle et al (2020): Neural Collaborative Filtering vs. Matrix Factorization RevisitedHu et al. (2008): Collaborative Filtering for Implicit Feedback DatasetsGrbovic et al. (2015): E-commerce in Your Inbox: Product Recommendations at ScaleQuadrana et al. (2018): Sequence-Aware Recommender SystemsSu et al. (2024): Long-Term Value of Exploration: Measurements, Findings and AlgorithmsTran et al. (2024): Transformers Meet ACT-R: Repeat-Aware and Sequential Listening Session RecommendationLichtenberg et al. (2024): Ranking Across Different Content Types: The Robust Beauty of Multinomial BlendingGeneral Links:Follow me on LinkedInFollow me on XSend me your comments, questions and suggestions to marcel.kurovski@gmail.comRecsperts Website
ACTA's Veronica Bryant welcomes David Rohrbacher, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professor of Classics at the New College of Florida. NCF made headlines after they skyrocketed from an "F" grade to a "B+" rating in ACTA's What Will They Learn? Project (WWTL), becoming this year's "most improved school." WWTL assigns letter grades based on the rigor of the core curriculum at over 1,100 American colleges and universities. This improvement was thanks to a total overhaul of their general education program in 2024. Professor Rohrbacher discusses how that change came about and the innovative academic reforms that engage NCF students in substantive, serious coursework.
“Truth Must Reign in the Church: Seven Woes To The Scribes And Pharisees” Matthew 23:1-3 ESV Luke 11:27-28 ESV Matthew 23:13, 15-35 ESV All music used during this service is reproduction-licensed through the following CCLI Licenses: CCLI Copyright License # 227222 CCLI Streaming Plus License # 22513837 Instrumental Worship Provided By: William Augusto "Soaking in His Presence" www.williamaugusto.com
“Truth Must Reign in the Church: Seven Woes To The Scribes And Pharisees” Matthew 23:1-3 ESV Luke 11:27-28 ESV Matthew 23:13, 15-35 ESV All music used during this service is reproduction-licensed through the following CCLI Licenses: CCLI Copyright License # 227222 CCLI Streaming Plus License # 22513837 Instrumental Worship Provided By: William Augusto "Soaking in His Presence" www.williamaugusto.com
“Truth Must Reign in the Church: Parable of the Wedding Feast” Matthew 22:1-10 ESV What is a parable? The word "parable" comes from the Greek word "parabolē," which means "comparison" or "illustration." More specifically, a comparison of earthly with heavenly things. The parables told by Jesus are earthly stories with heavenly meanings. Matthew 22:11-14 ESV Isaiah 61:10-11 ESV Point To Ponder #1: We cannot take part in the Kingdom of God on our own terms. We must be willing to surrender, repent, and change in humble obedience to God. John 6:25-27 ESV Point to Ponder #2: Do not seek satisfaction from earthly food that spoils. Seek it in the food (God’s Word of Truth) that endures to eternal life. All music used during this service is reproduction-licensed through the following CCLI Licenses: CCLI Copyright License # 227222 CCLI Streaming Plus License # 22513837 Instrumental Worship Provided By: William Augusto "Soaking in His Presence" www.williamaugusto.com
“Truth Must Reign in the Church: Parable of the Wedding Feast” Matthew 22:1-10 ESV What is a parable? The word "parable" comes from the Greek word "parabolē," which means "comparison" or "illustration." More specifically, a comparison of earthly with heavenly things. The parables told by Jesus are earthly stories with heavenly meanings. Matthew 22:11-14 ESV Isaiah 61:10-11 ESV Point To Ponder #1: We cannot take part in the Kingdom of God on our own terms. We must be willing to surrender, repent, and change in humble obedience to God. John 6:25-27 ESV Point to Ponder #2: Do not seek satisfaction from earthly food that spoils. Seek it in the food (God’s Word of Truth) that endures to eternal life. All music used during this service is reproduction-licensed through the following CCLI Licenses: CCLI Copyright License # 227222 CCLI Streaming Plus License # 22513837 Instrumental Worship Provided By: William Augusto "Soaking in His Presence" www.williamaugusto.com
“Parable of the Wedding Feast” Matthew 22:1-10 ESV What is a parable? The word "parable" comes from the Greek word "parabolē," which means "comparison" or "illustration." More specifically, a comparison of earthly with heavenly things. The parables told by Jesus are earthly stories with heavenly meanings. Matthew 22:11-14 ESV Isaiah 61:10-11 ESV Point To Ponder #1: We cannot take part in the Kingdom of God on our own terms. We must be willing to surrender, repent, and change in humble obedience to God. John 6:25-27 ESV Point to Ponder #2: Do not seek satisfaction from earthly food that spoils. Seek it in the food (God’s Word of Truth) that endures to eternal life.
“Truth Must Reign in the Church: Jesus Confronts Hypocrisy” Hypocrisy According to the Holman Bible Dictionary, hypocrisy means: Pretense to being what one really is not, especially the pretense of being a better person than one really is. Point To Ponder #1: Hypocrisy in the church must be confronted and exposed by God’s Truth. Matthew 21:23-32 NIV Point To Ponder #2: No matter how bad your life of sin has been, if you sincerely repent and place your faith in Jesus Christ, you will be made righteous. Point To Ponder #3: Character matters more than reputation. Quote: “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." — John Wooden Matthew 21:33-46 NIV Point To Ponder #4: God entrusts His vineyard to anyone willing to produce His fruit. Proverbs 15:31-33 NIV Colossians 1:9-14 NIV All music used during this service is reproduction-licensed through the following CCLI Licenses: CCLI Copyright License # 227222 CCLI Streaming Plus License # 22513837 Instrumental Worship Provided By: William Augusto "Soaking in His Presence" www.williamaugusto.com
“Truth Must Reign in the Church: Jesus Confronts Hypocrisy” Hypocrisy According to the Holman Bible Dictionary, hypocrisy means: Pretense to being what one really is not, especially the pretense of being a better person than one really is. Point To Ponder #1: Hypocrisy in the church must be confronted and exposed by God’s Truth. Matthew 21:23-32 NIV Point To Ponder #2: No matter how bad your life of sin has been, if you sincerely repent and place your faith in Jesus Christ, you will be made righteous. Point To Ponder #3: Character matters more than reputation. Quote: “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." — John Wooden Matthew 21:33-46 NIV Point To Ponder #4: God entrusts His vineyard to anyone willing to produce His fruit. Proverbs 15:31-33 NIV Colossians 1:9-14 NIV All music used during this service is reproduction-licensed through the following CCLI Licenses: CCLI Copyright License # 227222 CCLI Streaming Plus License # 22513837 Instrumental Worship Provided By: William Augusto "Soaking in His Presence" www.williamaugusto.com
“Jesus Confronts Hypocrisy” Hypocrisy According to the Holman Bible Dictionary, hypocrisy means: Pretense to being what one really is not, especially the pretense of being a better person than one really is. Point To Ponder #1: Hypocrisy in the church must be confronted and exposed by God’s Truth. Matthew 21:23-32 NIV Point To Ponder #2: No matter how bad your life of sin has been, if you sincerely repent and place your faith in Jesus Christ, you will be made righteous. Point To Ponder #3: Character matters more than reputation. Quote: “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." — John Wooden Matthew 21:33-46 NIV Point To Ponder #4: God entrusts His vineyard to anyone willing to produce His fruit. Proverbs 15:31-33 NIV Colossians 1:9-14 NIV
Missionary/Pastor Ben Elliot is sharing the Word with us today! "With Christ? It’s Way Better!" Luke 24:13-21 Phil 3:13-14 I. With Christ it’s way better. Luke 24:22-37, 36-40 II. Walking with Jesus is way better. Luke 24:29-32, 49 III. What was coming would be even better. John 16:5-7 IV. Go after Him because you know it’s better with Him! Luke 24:41-43, 50-53
Missionary/Pastor Ben Elliot is sharing the Word with us today! "With Christ? It’s Way Better!" Luke 24:13-21 Phil 3:13-14 I. With Christ it’s way better. Luke 24:22-37, 36-40 II. Walking with Jesus is way better. Luke 24:29-32, 49 III. What was coming would be even better. John 16:5-7 IV. Go after Him because you know it’s better with Him! Luke 24:41-43, 50-53
“What Must I DO to Inherit Eternal Life?” Mark 10:17-31 ESV Points To Ponder No. 1: No amount of wealth or success can satisfy your soul like Jesus can. Points To Ponder No. 2: Good is a subjective term influenced by a person’s values. I believe Jesus’ point is the only standard of good that matters is what God calls good. Points To Ponder No. 3: Eternal life cannot be earned through self effort. It is a gift from God freely given by grace through faith. He went away sad because he had great possessions. In other words, he treasured his wealth more than his relationship with God. Points To Ponder No. 4: Jesus loved him and wanted him to have the eternal life he desired. So he told him how to attain it. 1 John 4:9-10 ESV Points To Ponder No. 5: Jesus loved him and wanted him to have the eternal life he desired. But the rich young ruler rejected the gift of eternal life because he refused to let go of his first love (earthly treasure) to obtain it. John 3:16-17 ESV
“What Must I DO to Inherit Eternal Life?” Mark 10:17-31 ESV Points To Ponder No. 1: No amount of wealth or success can satisfy your soul like Jesus can. Points To Ponder No. 2: Good is a subjective term influenced by a person’s values. I believe Jesus’ point is the only standard of good that matters is what God calls good. Points To Ponder No. 3: Eternal life cannot be earned through self effort. It is a gift from God freely given by grace through faith. He went away sad because he had great possessions. In other words, he treasured his wealth more than his relationship with God. Points To Ponder No. 4: Jesus loved him and wanted him to have the eternal life he desired. So he told him how to attain it. 1 John 4:9-10 ESV Points To Ponder No. 5: Jesus loved him and wanted him to have the eternal life he desired. But the rich young ruler rejected the gift of eternal life because he refused to let go of his first love (earthly treasure) to obtain it. John 3:16-17 ESV
The LACNETS Podcast - Top 10 FAQs with neuroendocrine tumor (NET) experts
In this episode, surgical oncologist Dr. Seth Concors of Emory's Winship Cancer Institute discusses the role of the surgical oncologist within the multidisciplinary care team for neuroendocrine cancer. We explore what surgical oncologists do, why NET-specific experience matters, how surgical decisions are made, and what patients can expect during a surgical consultation. The conversation highlights coordination across care teams, common patient concerns, and the importance of informed decision-making and second opinions, offering practical guidance for patients and caregivers navigating surgical care in neuroendocrine cancer.TOP TEN QUESTIONS Understanding the Surgeon's Role1. What is a surgical oncologist, and what kind of training does that involve? How is a surgical oncologist similar to—or different from—other types of surgeons? Patients may hear the term “HPB surgeon.” What does that mean, and how can a patient tell if their surgeon is an HPB surgeon? 2. When a patient is looking for a surgeon, how can they find someone who is the “right fit” for them? How can patients know whether a surgeon has experience with the specific operation they may need—such as a Whipple procedure, liver surgery, or lung surgery? How important is it for a surgeon to be familiar with neuroendocrine tumors specifically?3. What should patients expect at their first appointment with a surgical oncologist? What key information are you usually trying to communicate during that first visit? What questions do you encourage patients and caregivers to ask their surgeon?4. How often should patients expect to see their surgical oncologist, and at what points in their care?Surgical Decision-Making5. How do you determine whether someone is a surgical candidate? What is the typical goal of surgery for neuroendocrine tumors?6. If someone is not a surgical candidate initially, does that mean surgery is off the table forever? Are there treatments that can help make surgery possible in the future? How many NET surgeries can someone safely have over their lifetime? Can major surgeries—such as extensive liver resections—affect eligibility for future treatment options?Multidisciplinary and Coordinated Care7. How do surgical oncologists work within a multidisciplinary care team for NET patients? How do you collaborate with providers at different institutions, such as a local oncologist working with a NET specialty center?8. What is your perspective on second opinions, specifically for neuroendocrine cancer?9. Many patients worry about carcinoid crisis during surgery. How do you address and manage those concerns?Preparing for Surgery10. Patients often ask how they can best prepare—physically and emotionally—for surgery. What guidance do you typically offer?BONUS: What research is currently being done involving neuroendocrine surgery?ABOUT THE SPEAKERSeth Concors, MD, is an academic surgical oncologist at Emory University and the Winship Cancer Institute, where he serves as Associate Program Director for both the General Surgery Residency and the Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship, and Director of the Surgical Oncology Research Fellowship. He leads Emory's Peritoneal Surface Malignancy and Neuroendocrine Tumor surgical programs, with clinical and research interests focused on gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors, cytoreductive surgery/HIPEC, and survivorship outcomes. Dr. Concors is actively involved in national surgical societies, including SSO, SSAT, NANETS, ACS, and ECOG-ACRIN, and his work emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, prospective outcomes research, and surgical education. He is committed to advancing patient-centered cancer care while mentoring the next generatioFor more information, visit NCF.net.
"On The Road To The Cross: The Lord’s Passover Supper” Luke 22:1-23 ESV Exodus 12:1, 3 ESV Exodus 12:5-7 ESV Exodus 12:11-14 ESV Hebrews 10:5-7 ESV
"On The Road To The Cross: The Lord’s Passover Supper” Luke 22:1-23 ESV Exodus 12:1, 3 ESV Exodus 12:5-7 ESV Exodus 12:11-14 ESV Hebrews 10:5-7 ESV
"On The Road To The Cross: Jesus’ Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem” Matthew 21:1-22 ESV Luke 19:41-44 ESV Mark 11:25 ESV
"On The Road To The Cross: Jesus’ Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem” Matthew 21:1-22 ESV Luke 19:41-44 ESV Mark 11:25 ESV
"Understanding The Ministry Of The Holy Spirit: How To Receive Gifts From Holy Spirit” PURSUE LOVE 1 Corinthians 14:1 ESV 1 Corinthians 13:4-10 ESV EARNESTLY DESIRE SPIRITUAL GIFTS 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 ESV STRIVE TO EXCEL IN BUILDING UP THE CHURCH 1 Corinthians 14:9-12 ESV 1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV SEEK TO CULTIVATE SENSITIVITY TO THE HOLY SPIRIT -Invest Time In The Relationship -Ask God For A Heart That Seeks To Please The Heart Of God -Pray / Talk To Holy Spirit Every Day -Pray In The Spirit -Pursue Holiness -Determine To Obey God’s Will LAYING ON OF HANDS BY ELDERS (for importation of specific gifting) 1 Timothy 4:14 ESV 2 Timothy 1:6 ESV
"Understanding The Ministry Of The Holy Spirit: How To Receive Gifts From Holy Spirit” PURSUE LOVE 1 Corinthians 14:1 ESV 1 Corinthians 13:4-10 ESV EARNESTLY DESIRE SPIRITUAL GIFTS 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 ESV STRIVE TO EXCEL IN BUILDING UP THE CHURCH 1 Corinthians 14:9-12 ESV 1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV SEEK TO CULTIVATE SENSITIVITY TO THE HOLY SPIRIT -Invest Time In The Relationship -Ask God For A Heart That Seeks To Please The Heart Of God -Pray / Talk To Holy Spirit Every Day -Pray In The Spirit -Pursue Holiness -Determine To Obey God’s Will LAYING ON OF HANDS BY ELDERS (for importation of specific gifting) 1 Timothy 4:14 ESV 2 Timothy 1:6 ESV
"Understanding The Ministry Of The Holy Spirit: Gifts Of The Holy Spirit” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 ESV 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 ESV John 3:8 ESV 1 Timothy 4:14 ESV 1 Peter 4:10-11 ESV
"Understanding The Ministry Of The Holy Spirit: Gifts Of The Holy Spirit” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 ESV 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 ESV John 3:8 ESV 1 Timothy 4:14 ESV 1 Peter 4:10-11 ESV
"Understanding The Ministry Of The Holy Spirit: Promise Fulfilled” Matthew 3:11 ESV John 16:7-8 ESV Luke 24:46-49 ESV Acts 2:1-4 ESV Acts 2:32-36 ESV
"Understanding The Ministry Of The Holy Spirit: Promise Fulfilled” Matthew 3:11 ESV John 16:7-8 ESV Luke 24:46-49 ESV Acts 2:1-4 ESV Acts 2:32-36 ESV
“Lord, Open Our Eyes To See” 2 Kings 6:8-23 NIV Hebrews 11:1, 6 ESV Proverbs 15:33 NIV Acts 9:31 ESV Philippians 4:6-7 ESV 3 Truths Drawn From 2 Kings 6:8-23: 1) God is sovereign over our circumstances… 2) The salvation of the Lord covers those who fear and trust God… 3) No enemy can prevent God’s purpose and plan for you if you walk in the fear of the Lord….
“Understanding The Ministry Of The Holy Spirit: Lord, Open Our Eyes To See” 2 Kings 6:8-23 NIV Hebrews 11:1, 6 ESV Proverbs 15:33 NIV Acts 9:31 ESV Philippians 4:6-7 ESV 3 Truths Drawn From 2 Kings 6:8-23: 1) God is sovereign over our circumstances… 2) The salvation of the Lord covers those who fear and trust God… 3) No enemy can prevent God’s purpose and plan for you if you walk in the fear of the Lord….
“Understanding The Ministry Of The Holy Spirit: Lord, Open Our Eyes To See” 2 Kings 6:8-23 NIV Hebrews 11:1, 6 ESV Proverbs 15:33 NIV Acts 9:31 ESV Philippians 4:6-7 ESV 3 Truths Drawn From 2 Kings 6:8-23: 1) God is sovereign over our circumstances… 2) The salvation of the Lord covers those who fear and trust God… 3) No enemy can prevent God’s purpose and plan for you if you walk in the fear of the Lord….
"Understanding The Ministry Of The Holy Spirit: Holy Spirit Clothes Us With Power" Scriptures in today's message: Luke 24:45-49 ESV Acts 10:17-20 ESV Acts 10:34-48 ESV Matthew 28:18-20 ESV
"Understanding The Ministry Of The Holy Spirit: Holy Spirit Clothes Us With Power" Scriptures in today's message: Luke 24:45-49 ESV Acts 10:17-20 ESV Acts 10:34-48 ESV Matthew 28:18-20 ESV
The word translated “Helper” (ESV) comes from the Greek word “parakletos”, which means “one called alongside to help”. John 16:7-8 ESV John 14:15-17 ESV John 14:25-26 ESV John 16:12-15 ESV Romans 8:26 ESV John 15:26 ESV Hebrews 10:12-16 ESV Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
"Understanding The Ministry Of The Holy Spirit" The word translated “Helper” (ESV) comes from the Greek word “parakletos”, which means “one called alongside to help”. John 16:7-8 ESV John 14:15-17 ESV John 14:25-26 ESV John 16:12-15 ESV Romans 8:26 ESV John 15:26 ESV Hebrews 10:12-16 ESV Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
The LACNETS Podcast - Top 10 FAQs with neuroendocrine tumor (NET) experts
ABOUT THIS EPISODEWho is a genetic counselor, and who should see one? How do they fit into the neuroendocrine cancer care team? In this episode, Samantha Greenberg, PhD, MS, MPH, CGC, Director of the UT Southwestern Genetic Counseling Program, demystifies genetic counseling and testing for NET patients and their families. She explains what to expect before, during, and after a consultation—and how results can impact care, family members, and future planning.TOP TEN QUESTIONSRole & Training1. What is a genetic counselor? What training is required? What's your role in the care team? Genetic Counseling & NETs2. How are genetic counselors involved in NET care? 3. Who should get genetic testing? Do all NET patients need it?What if more than one family member has NET? Do you also see family members without a diagnosis?4. How does one's age play a role?Testing Basics5. Genetic vs. genomic vs. NGS—what are these terms?How do patients know they're getting the right test?6. Walk us through a genetic counseling consultation—before, during, after.Results & Implications7. What if the results are positive? How do you guide patients and families?What if the results are negative or inconclusive? How accurate are tests?8. What is a “variant of unknown significance”?9. Can environment or toxins cause hereditary mutations?Practical Guidance10. How can patients find the right genetic counselor? Do they need to be someone who specializes in neuroendocrine cancer?ABOUT THE SPEAKERSamantha Greenberg, PhD, MS, MPH, CGCPronouns: she/her seriesDirector, UT Southwestern Genetic Counseling ProgramAssistant ProfessorSchool of Health ProfessionsSamantha Greenberg is the founding program director of the UT Southwestern Genetic Counseling Training Program. She received her Master of Science degree in genetic counseling and public health from the University of Michigan after teaching middle school science with Teach For America in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She recently completed her Ph.D. at the University of Utah. As a cancer genetic counselor, Greenberg has provided clinical care across a variety of indications and facilitated the development of multidisciplinary teams and genetics clinics for patients with prostate cancer, von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, and paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma. She is the co-director of the paraganglioma program at UT Southwestern, which recently received a Center of Excellence designation from Pheo Para Alliance. Her passion for raising awareness on the genetics of neuroendocrine tumors stems from working with patients and a curiosity for how to optimize identification of patients with hereditary risk.For more information, visit NCF.net/podcast/52For more information, visit NCF.net.
"Walking With God: Trust In His Steadfast Love (khesed)" According to The Bible Project, the Hebrew word for steadfast love (“khesed”) combines the ideas of unconditional love, generosity, and enduring commitment. Psalm 136:1-3 ESV Luke 22:39-46 ESV What can we learn from Jesus in this moment? 1.) The intimacy with God the Father 2.) His raw honesty 3.) His humble surrender Romans 8:35, 37-39 ESV
Walking With God: Trust In His Steadfast Love (khesed) According to The Bible Project, the Hebrew word for steadfast love (“khesed”) combines the ideas of unconditional love, generosity, and enduring commitment. Psalm 136:1-3 ESV Luke 22:39-46 ESV What can we learn from Jesus in this moment? 1.) The intimacy with God the Father 2.) His raw honesty 3.) His humble surrender Romans 8:35, 37-39 ESV
“Walking With God: Through Life’s Trials” Scriptures in Today's Message: 1 Corinthians 1:9 ESV Daniel 3:14-30 ESV Isaiah 43:1-7 ESV
“Walking With God Through Life’s Trials” Scriptures in Today's Message: 1 Corinthians 1:9 ESV Daniel 3:14-30 ESV Isaiah 43:1-7 ESV
"Walking With God: What Does It Mean?" Scriptures in Today's Message: Genesis 5:21-24 ESV Genesis 6:9 ESV Micah 6:6-8 ESV Colossians 2:6 ESV 1 John 1:5-7 ESV Galatians 5:16 ESV
"Walking With God: What Does It Mean?" Scriptures in Today's Message: Genesis 5:21-24 ESV Genesis 6:9 ESV Micah 6:6-8 ESV Colossians 2:6 ESV 1 John 1:5-7 ESV Galatians 5:16 ESV
“The God Of New Beginnings” Scriptures in Today's Message: Isaiah 43:14-21 ESV Luke 4:18-19 ESV Hebrews 11:1-2 ESV Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV Matthew 11:28-30 ESV Romans 15:13 ESV Reflection Questions: God has a plan for you in 2026. Do you have a plan for God? How can you demonstrate trusting in God, not leaning on your own understanding, and acknowledging Him in all your ways concerning the decisions you will be making in 2026?
We're deep into December, and the window for smart year-end tax planning is closing quickly. Taxes may not be at the top of your Christmas wish list, but they are an important reminder of God's provision—and an opportunity to honor Him through wise stewardship.As Scripture reminds us, “The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). That includes the resources He's entrusted to us. Thoughtful planning isn't about avoiding responsibility—it's about managing God's gifts with intention and gratitude.Today, we sat down with Kevin Cross, a seasoned CPA who has helped countless families navigate taxes with clarity and confidence. As we approach December 31 and look ahead to 2026, here are some of the most important moves to consider.Rethinking Charitable Giving at Year-EndCharitable giving is always close to the hearts of our listeners, and year-end is an especially strategic time to consider it.Recent changes to the tax code—including a higher standard deduction and an expanded SALT (state and local tax) deduction—mean many households may now benefit from itemizing again. If that's you, making charitable contributions before December 31 could provide meaningful tax benefits.But even if your standard deduction is still too high to itemize, there's another strategy worth considering: bundling your giving. Instead of spreading donations evenly each year, you might combine two years' worth of giving into one year. That can push you over the itemization threshold and maximize the tax benefit—while still supporting the ministries and causes you care about.Why a Donor-Advised Fund Is a Powerful ToolIf you don't yet know precisely where you want to give, a donor-advised fund (DAF) can be an incredibly flexible option. We often call it a charitable checking account. You receive the tax deduction when you contribute to the fund, then take your time prayerfully distributing gifts to qualified charities.Kevin likes to say it's “the most fun fund you'll ever have”—because it encourages generosity while allowing your resources to be invested and potentially grow before they're given.For those who want to ensure their giving supports gospel-centered ministries, I recommend opening a donor-advised fund through the National Christian Foundation (NCF). It's a wonderful way to align generosity with faith-based impact. You can learn more at FaithFi.com/NCF.A New Opportunity for Children and Grandchildren (Starting in 2026)One of the most talked-about developments Kevin highlighted is a new child tax savings account (Trump Account), set to begin in 2026. While no action can be taken until then, it's worth knowing what to expect.Under this provision, eligible children may receive a government-funded seed contribution, and families can contribute up to $5,000 per year. Even more interesting: businesses may be able to contribute up to $2,500 tax-free under the right circumstances—while still receiving a deduction.What makes this especially notable for generous families is that donor-advised funds may be used to contribute to these accounts, creating new ways to bless the next generation while maintaining a strong commitment to charitable giving. Proper planning and paperwork will be essential, but this is an opportunity many families will want to explore.Qualified Charitable Distributions: A Missed Opportunity for ManyOne of the most underutilized tax strategies Kevin sees involves Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)—and it always surprises me how many people don't know about them.If you're 70½ or older, you can give directly from your IRA to a qualified charity and exclude that distribution from taxable income. Once you reach the age for required minimum distributions (RMDs), this becomes even more powerful. Instead of taking the distribution, paying taxes, and then giving what's left, you can give directly—often satisfying your RMD without increasing your tax bill.And this isn't limited to small amounts. You can give up to $100,000 per year through QCDs. It's one of the most effective charitable strategies available, especially for retirees who want to give generously while managing their tax burden wisely.Stewardship with PurposeTaxes can feel complex, frustrating, or even discouraging—but they don't have to be. When we view them through the lens of stewardship, they become another opportunity to align our financial decisions with God's purposes.Kevin Cross brings both expertise and encouragement to this conversation, reminding us that wise planning isn't about fear—it's about faithfulness. If you'd like to learn more about Kevin and his work, you can visit KevinCrossCPA.com.As we close out the year, our prayer is that your financial decisions reflect gratitude for what God has provided—and confidence that He will continue to lead you as you steward it well.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have about $135,000 in my 401(k), and my home is worth around $100,000. Would it be advisable to cash out my 401(k) to pay off my house?I was recently told about a fixed-rate annuity offering a 22% bonus immediately. Does that sound like a good opportunity, or is it too good to be true?My mother-in-law, who's still living, deeded my husband five and a half acres out of a 13-acre property. We're considering selling that portion to his sister and want to understand the tax implications—what tax rate applies, whether there's an inheritance tax, and how that works.Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)National Christian Foundation (NCF)Kevin Cross, CPAWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
New tax laws are on the horizon—and they could significantly influence the way you give. The recently passed One Big, Beautiful Bill Act (often shortened to the OBBBA) introduces several changes that affect charitable givers today and in the years to come. To help unpack these shifts, we sat down with Bruce McKee, attorney and Senior Vice President of Complex Gifts at the National Christian Foundation (NCF).What the OBBBA Actually DoesDespite its cheerful name, the OBBBA carries serious implications for donors. Bruce explains that the bill makes permanent many provisions that were originally scheduled to expire at the end of 2025 under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Key extensions include:Higher standard deductionsHigher estate tax exclusionsNew deduction floors for charitable giftsA new limit on itemized deductionsExtended business deductionsUpdated rules for university endowment taxesThese changes will affect different givers differently, but nearly everyone will feel the impact of the new standard deduction.The Standard Deduction Gets Bigger—AgainThis update alone affects roughly 90% of taxpayers.The OBBBA permanently extends the increased standard deduction and even boosts it for the 2025 tax year:Individuals: $15,750Married couples filing jointly: $31,500Because the standard deduction is now higher, fewer people will itemize. And when giving is lumped under the standard deduction, charitable gifts are no longer deductible.But there's a powerful workaround.If you want to maximize your tax benefits while maintaining your giving rhythms, “bunching” can help. Bunching means:Grouping several years' worth of charitable gifts into a single tax yearItemizing in that year, instead of taking the standard deductionUsing a donor-advised fund (DAF)—such as an NCF Giving Fund—to distribute gifts gradually over future yearsA giving fund works like a charitable checking account—a powerful tool for strategic, tax-efficient generosity. Bunching is especially impactful when paired with gifts of appreciated assets.New Charitable Deduction Floors Coming in 2026Beginning in 2026, charitable deductions will include a “floor”—a small portion of giving that won't be deductible at all.For IndividualsOnly the amount of charitable giving above 0.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) will be deductible. Here's an example:AGI = $200,0000.5% floor = $1,000Whether you give $20,000 or $40,000, the first $1,000 is not deductible.For CorporationsA similar rule applies, but the floor is 1% of taxable income.Why This MattersThis floor means that givers with large AGIs—especially in high-income years—should consider giving earlier, before 2026 arrives. Strategic timing will matter more than ever.Even high-capacity donors who itemize may benefit from bunching in alternating years.New Limits on Itemized DeductionsThe OBBBA also introduces a “haircut” affecting all itemized deductions—not just charitable ones.Because the highest tax bracket (37%) is now permanent, itemized deductions typically reduce income taxed at that rate. But beginning in 2026:Deductions in the highest bracket will be valued at 35 cents per dollar, not 37.It's a relatively small shift, but it slightly increases tax liability and adds another layer of planning complexity. Once again, Bruce recommends intentionally reviewing giving strategies before the 2025 year closes.Estate and Gift Tax Exclusions: Higher and More StableThe OBBBA also stabilizes estate planning by raising the estate and gift tax exemption to:$15 million per individual$30 million for married couplesThese thresholds—once set to sunset back to near half—are now permanent (as permanent as tax law can be). This gives families greater clarity as they plan inheritances and consider charitable tools like trusts or family foundations.When people settle their estate planning, it often helps them focus their hearts on where God is calling them to give—what Ron Blue usually describes as “giving while you're living so you're knowing where it's going.”Good News for Non-Itemizers: The Above-the-Line Charitable Deduction ReturnsBeginning soon, non-itemizers will be able to deduct modest charitable amounts:$1,000 for individuals$2,000 for married couples filing jointlyThis applies to cash gifts made to churches and public charities. It's a welcome incentive for households that rely on the standard deduction.Navigating Change with WisdomThe tax landscape may shift, but God's call to generosity never does. Thoughtful planning ensures you can give joyfully, efficiently, and impactfully.If you want to steward God's resources with greater intentionality, a Giving Fund through the National Christian Foundation can help you:Maximize tax benefitsSimplify your givingSupport ministries you loveInvest funds for future generosityYou can open one in just a few minutes at FaithFi.com/NCF.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My husband and I are turning 68 and need to move from our two-story home into a one-story house. We're considering new construction, but we'd either need a small mortgage or withdraw $50–60,000 from our 401(k). Our income is stable—he gets $3,000 from Social Security, and I make about $2,000. We manage fine month to month. Which option makes more sense?I'm 73, single, living on Social Security with excellent credit and no debt besides a small monthly charge card. I'm looking into either a HELOC or another home-equity option so I can access some of my home's value to help others before I pass away. What's the best way to proceed?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)The National Christian Foundation (NCF) Movement MortgageWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.